Course no. NSCI 162
Title Cosmology
Professor Peter Skiff
Schedule Tue Th 3:30 pm-5:00 pm Hegeman 102
Distrib. A/E
CRN 93357

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, and quantum foam will be evolved, 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.



Course no. NSCI 205
Title Intro to Environmental Science
Professor Carolyn Miller
Schedule Mon Wed 1:20 pm-3:20 pm Olin 202

Lab: Th 1:20 pm-5:00 pm Hegeman 308

Distrib. E/G/Q
CRN 93358

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.



Course no. NSCI 222
Title Physical Science before Newton
Professor Peter Skiff
Schedule Tue Th 1:20 pm-2:50 pm Hegeman 102
Distrib. A/E
CRN 93359

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.



Course no. NSCI 235
Title Energy and Entropy
Professor Hilton Weiss
Schedule Mon Wed 1:30 pm-3:30 pm Olin 107
Distrib. E/G/Q
CRN 93360

An introduction to the concepts of energy and entropy and their implications in the physical and biological sciences. A semi-quantitative consideration of those factors which govern energy conversion and utilization, and which predict the feasability of physical, chemical, and biological changes.