Science Courses

This course provides students with the scientific principles, concepts and methodologies to understand interrelationships of the natural world, identify and analyze environmental problems, evaluate their relative risks and examine alternative solutions. In addition to the topics considered in Environmental Science 5065, this course covers such topics as the earth’s geologic history and atmospheric dynamics. The course requires laboratory and field research, as well as off-campus field trips on weekdays and weekends. Students learn to observe environmental systems critically and to develop and conduct well-designed experiments. This course prepares students for the Advanced Placement Examination. Read more

This course surveys the field of astronomy from its beginnings in ancient civilizations to current theories about the origin and fate of the universe. Starting with the observational data that led to our current understanding of the solar system and the place of the earth in that system, students move their focus outward to explore the rest of the universe. Major topics will include: the nature of our sun and fellow planets; the structure and evolution of stars; stellar explosions and black holes; the attributes of the Milky Way and other galaxies; and recent theories in cosmology, especially the Big Bang, dark matter and energy, the future of the universe, and astrobiology. Read more

So that students better understand the continuity and interaction of living organisms, this laboratory-oriented course presents the structure and function of the unifying processes of life. Major topics include cellular processes, genetics, molecular biology (including DNA laboratory studies), evolution and ecology, as well as plant, and animal and human physiology. The course also emphasizes environmental and health issues.
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This introductory course for students who have completed a full year of chemistry covers many of the same topics as Biology 5015, but emphasizes the biochemical bases of organic processes in greater depth and detail. Major topics include cellular processes, genetics, molecular biology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology and evolution. Read more

This laboratory course studies the structure and function of the human body, specifically the mechanics and development of the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, excretory, nervous, reproductive and hormonal systems. The course maintains an emphasis on current research and new breakthroughs. Read more

The concepts and issues of modern evolutionary biology are discussed in this course, from historical roots in the early naturalists to Darwinism and its modern manifestations. Current scholarly challenges to traditional theories involving the process of evolution are considered, including punctuated equilibrium of Eldredge and Gould, cladistics, new interpretations of mass extinction and intriguing new views of human evolution. Brief surveys of major phyla of organisms emphasize adaptations and the evolutionary histories of the groups. Laboratory studies include classifications, fossils, collections, comparative anatomy and morphology and comparative studies of protein structure using gel electrophoresis. Read more

This rigorous course studies the profound implications of recent advances in genetics. Topics studied include the discovery, structure and function of DNA; Mendelian and non-Mendelian patterns of inheritance, with an emphasis on significant genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome and Tay-Sachs disease; the genetics of the immune system, and related disorders such as autoimmunity and AIDS. The course considers methods of detecting genetic defects, methods of genetic engineering, and the ethical implications of both. Laboratory work includes DNA isolation, bacterial transformation and analysis of programmed cell death. Read more

This laboratory course studies the major groups of microorganisms, particularly soil bacteria and fungi. The course deepens the students’ understanding of cellular structure/function relationships, and of good sterile techniques. Read more

Winter term focuses on the molecular structure and function of proteins and their regulation of metabolic pathways. Laboratory experiments in paper and column chromatography, electrophoresis and enzyme kinetics reinforce these concepts. Spring term emphasizes DNA, protein synthesis, recombinant DNA and genetic engineering. The laboratory experiments focus on recombinant techniques for the isolation of plasmids, insertion of genes and the transformation of the host cell. This course introduces college level work to those students who plan to major in biology or pre-med. Read more

Students in this introductory class gain an understanding of basic chemical methods and principles through demonstrations and laboratory investigations. Topics include the structure of the atom, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, gas laws, equilibrium, acids and bases, buffers and oxidation/reduction. Read more

Through their own laboratory investigations as well as class demonstrations, students come to an understanding of the methods and principles of modern chemical theory. Topics are treated analytically and quantitatively, and include electronic structure of the atom, periodicity of elements, chemical bonding, molecular structure, gas laws and kinetic theory, equilibrium, acids and bases, oxidation-reduction and electrochemistry. This course is designed for students with good aptitude and proven achievement in both science and mathematics. Read more

This course continues the study of chemical principles and theory at an advanced level consistent with that of a college freshman offering. The fall term covers gas laws; atomic, electronic and molecular structure; and stoichiometry of reactions. The winter term includes solution chemistry, acids and bases, as well as reaction kinetics. The spring term includes to spontaneity, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry and some organic chemistry. Laboratory experiments support the concepts studied in class, and help develop proficiency with basic analytical laboratory techniques. This course prepares students for the Advanced Placement Examination. Read more

This interdisciplinary course covers a broad range of topics, including ecology and ecosystems, human population growth, energy and water resources, land management, biodiversity, global climate change, recycling, pollution and solid waste management, environmental ethics, economics and sustainable living. Students participate in laboratory- and field-research projects, and must attend some off-campus field trips on weekdays and weekends. Read more

A student who has completed the two-year laboratory science requirement may undertake an Independent Study Project in Science. Projects may involve either in-depth research of previously encountered topics or an independent study of material not presently offered. The student must arrange for a project adviser from within the department, submit a written proposal, and obtain approval from the project adviser, academic adviser, department head and dean of faculty for any independent study project. Read more

This course challenges students to read critically and think independently to better understand current issues in science and technology. The course focuses on developing a scientific world-view by using problem-solving skills to analyze and interpret modern scientific concepts. Students improve their experimental design and data analysis skills through a variety of lab- and problem-based projects. Topics covered include geological processes, thermodynamics, energy resource use, electricity, dynamics and kinematics, astronomy, atomic structure and chemical processes. Read more

This course presents a qualitative understanding of physics at work in everyday life. Through experimentation and discussion, students explore straight-line kinematics, Newton’s laws, energy, waves, the nature of light, electricity and magnetism. This course emphasizes experimentation, laboratory skills and graphical analysis. Read more

Through laboratory investigations coupled with classroom derivations and demonstrations, students in this course learn to solve complex problems of motion, and to analyze and apply the work-energy theorem. Major topics include electrostatics, electric circuits, motors and generators; wave mechanics for sound, light and electromagnetic radiation; and the theory of relativity. The course stresses problem solving with graphical analysis, vector methods and scientific notation, and is appropriate for students with good aptitude and proven achievement in both science and mathematics. Read more

This course permits the student to consider more deeply the topics introduced in Physics I Advanced and to investigate more challenging problems, many with calculus applications. The first half of the course deals primarily with the kinematics and dynamics of linear and circular motion. The second half deals with electricity and magnetism. This course prepares students for the Advanced Placement Examination. Read more