Darwin's View of Life
Patricia Princehouse
This course will address scientific and historical issues pertaining to how Darwin developed his theory of descent with modification, and his proposed mechanism of natural selection. We will also explore how the neo-Darwinian synthesis of the 20th century corrected and extended the theory to provide an increasingly more adequate explanatory paradigm that augments the unity of science. We will pay particular attention to models of speciation and the mathematical theory of population genetics. Students will also address the social, political and ethical dimensions of scientific theories, using as a case study, how Darwin's writing changed the dynamics of discourse relating to "racial" and cultural diversity.
A University Circle institution will provide the venue for a public exhibit of students' original research projects for the seminar. Student dyads will choose an original letter written by Darwin (contained in the collection of the Dietrich Museum in the Allen Memorial Library) and will develop two projects based on that historical document: 1) an original research paper written in scholarly style, 2) a museum display with documents and artifacts as well as exposition of the scientific concepts involved, written for the general public. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History has agreed to house these exhibits.
How Enginnered Devices Work
Maurice Adams
Engineered devices typically lend themselves to insightful description and explanation without involving all the detailed engineering science and mathematics that go into their development. The main agenda of this course is a series of six “how things work” modules, covering (1) Automotive Components & Systems, (2) Airplanes and Flight Mechanics, (3) Power Generation, (4) Manufacturing Machinery and Processes, (5) Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, and (6) Rockets, Satellites and Orbital Mechanics. An on-campus laboratory demonstration or near-campus facility tour associated with each of these topical modules is included. This course also incorporates case-study based open forum discussions on professional ethics. Selected engineering fundamental principles including: energy concepts, forces and structures, materials of construction, electrical circuits, and fluids will be incorporated into the modules. Professional ethics will be addressed as part of the course. Students will apply the knowledge they have gained about how engineered devices work through written and oral presentations addressing a variety of issues. For example: How do these devices provide advantages and/or disadvantages to modern society? How do modern materials impact our daily lives? Is space travel important to humanity?
Gods, Monsters or Innocents
Cather Simpson
Students are exposed to the workings of scientists and science through the development of some of the major and fundamental ideas that shape our current understanding, including the atomic theory, the origin of life, and classical and quantum mechanics. We also explore the question of whether science is self-correcting through an examination of failed hypotheses, the secret science of alchemy, and scientific misconduct. Finally, we examine the picture of science and scientists in contemporary popular culture, as heroes, fiends and aliens. Scientific literacy skills are built by discussing current newspaper and magazine articles. Critical reading/viewing and analysis of scientific, historical, literary, popular culture, and current events material is emphasized. Students need standard high-school level science and mathematics as preparation.
Land and Life
Beverly Saylor
This course investigates the physical processes that shape the Earth’s environments and how these environments have influenced, and been influenced by, human history. A principle focus will be the evolution of the Americas since the end of the last ice age. We will apply what we learn to the history of cultural development and to debate environmental issues facing us today.
From DNA Sturcture to Social Structure
Nathan Berger
This seminar will examine the social impact and implications of the DNA double helix. The year 2003 marks the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the DNA double helix and its unique base pairing structure used for recognition and transmission of information. This discovery explained the fundamental mechanisms involved in heredity and evolution, and fostered the development of molecular biology as a powerful scientific tool leading to a virtual explosion of genetic research. Included in this explosion was the sequencing of the entire human genome, and the rapid expansion of the biotechnology industry.
Although no scientific knowledge is a prerequisite for this course, the class will explore the structure of DNA to gain a basic understanding of how DNA has and can be used in a variety of social settings. A few examples of topics for exploration include: forensic sciences; paternity, ancestral and lineage determination; generation of designer genes, embryos and stem cells; and crop & livestock enhancement. Since many of these topics are the subject of ongoing social and political debate and policy development, it is important that all educated individuals have a basic understanding of DNA structure, how it has already impacted so many social structures, and possibilities for the future.
Forensic Sciences
James Simmelink
Forensic sciences provide a unique opportunity to apply basic science knowledge to help solve medicolegal problems. Expert input can be invaluable in improving the lives of the living along with providing crucial information for identification of the deceased, as well as cause, mechanism, and manner of death. This seminar will allow students to interview forensic scientists that relate to their careers and interests, for example, forensic pathology, trace evidence, DNA, toxicology, anthropology, radiology, and odontology. They will then be responsible for giving oral and written reports to the seminar class. Dr. Simmelink has over 25 years experience in forensic odontology and has arranged facility tours and expert interviews with staff from the Cuyahoga County Coroner’s Office in University Circle.
Nanoworlds
David Smith
Nanotechnology describes the manipulation of the world of materials and products at the molecular scale in order to achieve enhanced performance not normally possible by traditional fabrication or processing. Nanotechnology has and will increasingly revolutionize almost everything we use, from electronics to construction materials to medical diagnostics. Nanotechnology is also a new paradigm of thinking about how we create things, by thinking of structure all the way down to the finest possible scale of building block . This seminar explores various issues related to nanotechnology as well as the impact of these new technologies on society and culture.
Geological Evolution of Humans
Robert Walter
Our current understanding of how early humans evolved is the result of fossil discoveries made in a wide variety of geological settings – from cave breccias to rift basin sediments – primarily on the African and Eurasian continents. Though varied, each setting yields a discernable geological story that helps unravel the temporal, environmental and ecological conditions in which early humans lived. An understanding of these conditions is essential for reconstructing the tempo and mode of evolutionary change. This course highlights the interdisciplinary nature of human origins research, and the critical role that geology plays in telling this story. The course will establish the historical context for human origins research through a literature survey that covers the past three hundred years, including articles by Hutton, deBuffon, Cuvier, Darwin and Lyell, among many others. Essays and discussions will be drawn from these readings. The student will gain new insights into how evolution works through the geological lens of natural history.
|
