An introduction to light, optical phenomena, and related devices, including some historical perspective; classical and modern models of light; light and color in nature, and vision; the geometrical optics of lenses, mirrors, and related devices; the physical optics of interference and diffraction; spectroscopy and polarization; color science, lasers, and holography. Without assuming either prior knowledge of physics or heavier mathematics, we will develop models in class and explore them in weekly labs. Prerequisites: high school algebra and trigonometry (certified at registration).

See above.

The course is designed for the non-science major interested in ecology and in contemporary environmental issues. It is intended to introduce the student to quantitative thinking and to the way scientists do business. The course will focus on the following: basic principles of ecology (energy flow, nutrient cycling, organism interactions); hypothesis making and testing; data gathering and analysis; the complexity of environmental problems (political, social, economic, geographical, etc.). The course will be conducted in a lecture-discussion format based on text or essay readings and might include short oral presentations of library, community, laboratory, or field research projects by the participants. There will be weekly lab or field exercises. Requirements in the course will include exams, lab reports, one term paper, and an oral report. Prerequisite: sophomore status or higher; permission of the instructor.

An introduction to the history and philosophy of science. T. S. Kuhn's model of historical progress will be used to examine selected parts of discourses involving pre-Socratic philosophy, mythology, Copernican astronomy, Galileo's trial, and Newton's philosophy. A critique of method will introduce modern historiographic and philosophic controversy, which will continue in the sequel courses, Natural Science 223 and 304. Designed as a core course for studies in history, philosophy, and sociology of science; no prior mathematical or technical expertise will be presumed at this level. Readings include excerpts from the Enuma Elish, the Milesians, Pythagoras, Heraclitus, Plato, Aristotle, Ptolemy, Copernicus, Kepler, Galileo, and Newton. Secondary commentary by Nahm, Butterfield, Kuhn, Munitz, and others. No prior mathematical or technical expertise will be presumed at this level.

An examination of Einstein's life and work, the impact of his work on current world views, and some of the many controversies involved therein, using biography and popular descriptions of the relativity theories, atomic theories, and optical theories. We will compare the advantages of methods of positivism and realism in philosophy and of "internalism" and "externalism" in the history of science. Readings include some primary sources; secondary authors include Clark, Pais, Zukav, Reichenbach, Miller, and Holton. Accessible to students with no prior college-level scientific or mathematical experience.

What is the biology behind human diseases? How are therapies developed? What can we learn from the genomes of microbes and the organisms they infect? How has this knowledge developed in the last century, and what has been its place in society, politics, and culture? In this course we will read and talk about three cases: bacterial diseases, viral diseases (in particular AIDS), and cancer. Each case will be examined from four perspectives: biology, pharmacology, bioinformatics, and history. A van will leave from Bard at 2:30 pm. Dinner will be provided to students by Rockefeller Univ.