NATURAL SCIENCE

CRN 10403

Distribution

E/G
Course No. NSCI 102
Title Biology of Infectious Diseases
Professor John Ferguson
Schedule Mon Th 3:00 pm - 4:20 pm HEG 106

LAB: Wed 1:30 pm - 4:10 pm ROSE 306

This course, intended for the nonscience major, investigates several human infectious diseases in detail, using actual case studies where possible. Bacterial, viral, fungal, protozoan, and metazoan disease agents will be covered. Students are expected to read each case before class and be prepared to discuss the manifestations, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of the case. Most case studies come from the nontechnical literature and serve as paradigms of scientific methodology as applied to the diagnosis and rational treatment of human disease. Amplification of the physiological bases of disease is provided through lectures and additional reading.

CRN 10404

Distribution

E/G
Course No. NSCI 152 Q Course
Title Chaos: Finding the Hidden Order
Professor Robert Cutler
Schedule Tu Th 3:00 pm - 4:20 pm HEG 102
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 10405

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 10095

Distribution

E/G
Course No. NSCI 182 Q Course
Title Acoustics, Physics, and Music
Professor Matthew Deady
Schedule Wed 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm HEG 102

LAB A: Fri 11:30 am - 12:50 pm ROSE 108

LAB B: Fri 1:30 pm - 2:50 pm ROSE 108

LAB C: Fri 3:00 pm - 4:20 pm ROSE 108

This laboratory course gives an introduction to the phenomena of acoustics, particularly aspects that are important in the production and perception of music. The physics of sound is covered in depth, and characteristics of acoustic and electronic instruments are discussed. Mathematical and laboratory techniques are introduced as needed. No specific science or mathematics background beyond algebra is assumed.

CRN 10406

Distribution

E
Course No. NSCI 202
Title Field Studies in Natural History
Professor William Maple
Schedule Tu Fri 9:00 am - 12:30 pm HEG 308
This course is designed to acquaint the interested nonscience student with the plants and animals that make the Bard campus their home, including trees and shrubs in their winter condition; foliage, animals, and animal tracks, and wildflower abundance and bird migrations in the spring. Although the course includes some lab work on preserved specimens, especially during severe weather, most class meetings are field trips. Participants must have clothing appropriate to the weather and terrain: good walking shoes or boots, warm clothing, and rain gear. Some Saturday field trips and early morning meetings may be required. Limited to ten students.