NATURAL SCIENCE

CRN	90118	Distribution	E/G
Course No.	NSCI 152 Q Course
Title	Chaos: Finding Hidden Order
Professor	Robert Cutler
Schedule	Tu Th 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm PRE 128 LAB: Mon 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm HDR Annex

Some real world problems are too difficult to be described by the methods of classical science. For example, weather patterns, the stock market, heartbeat instabilities, and even the motion of planets are systems that are too complex to be solved exactly. These systems and others form the basis of a new field of science call chaos theory. Although the exact behavior of these problems cannot in general be determined, patterns that describe some of the behaviors are known. This class will explore the field of chaos theory through weekly lectures and computer work. Students will be expected to follow mathematical derivations.

Prerequisite: Eligibility for Q Course

CRN	90119	Distribution	A/E
Course No.	NSCI 162
Title	Cosmology
Professor	Peter Skiff
Schedule	Tu Th 1:20 pm - 2:50 pm HEG 102

The course will be a descriptive review of the astrophysical theories of the origin and development of the early universe. The "standard model", the so-called "big bang theory" will be examined in detail, with attendant evidence and theories of particles, fields, energy and entropy, and space-time geometry. Current models of supernovae, quasars, black and white holes, dark matter, quantum foam, and recent alternative models of super symmetry and superstrings will be reviewed. Various historical notions of time, space, matter, and cause will frame the discussions. No prior experience in collegiate science is required. This course can be taken for distribution credit in science, but does not meet the requirement for computational or laboratory experience.

CRN	90120	Distribution	E/G
Course No.	NSCI 181 A Q Course
Title	Light and Color
Professor	Burton Brody
Schedule	Tu Th 10:30 am - 12:30 pm ROSE 108

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).

CRN	90121	Distribution	E/G
Course No.	NSCI 181 B Q Course
Title	Light and Color
Professor	Burton Brody
Schedule	Mon Th 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm ROSE 108

See above.

CRN	90122	Distribution	A/E
Course No.	NSCI 222
Title	Physical Science before Newton
Professor	Peter Skiff
Schedule	Tu Th 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm HEG 102

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.

CRN	90372	Distribution	E
Course No.	NSCI 231
Title	Bacteria, Viruses, and Cancer: Perspectives on Human Disease
Professor	Arnold J. Levine, Rockefeller University; Sidney Strickland, Dean and Vice President for Educational Affairs; Elizabeth Hanson, Historian and Course Administrator
Schedule	Mon 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm at Rockefeller Univ.

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 Bard at 2:30 pm. Dinner will be provided to students by Rockefeller Univ. Students interested in enrolling in the course should contact Prof. Deady before Registration Day.