Science and Mathematics Program

This course will explore how astronomers have been able to discover Earth’s place in the universe, and the structure of the local galaxy and universe. Within this exploration, astronomers have also discovered thousands of other planets, and have begun to map the deepest extents of time and space. From the discovery of distant galaxies and signatures of the origins of the universe, we also have begun to unravel the mysteries of the Big Bang, the formation of the first stars and galaxies, and how the earth arose from billions of years of cosmic evolution. The course will explore the search for exoplanets and the early universe with a mix of in-class exercises, analysis of space-based datasets and observations with telescopes and instruments. The class will also explore how we have mapped the universe over the centuries - with a multicultural approach - and will examine the limits of our knowledge of the universe on the very largest and smallest scales. 

This course is an introduction to environmental issues – the interactions of humanity and industrial civilization with the natural environment of Earth. The course draws on scientific, technological, and social perspectives to examine current and future environmental challenges, including the impacts of human actions on natural ecosystems, natural resources, pollution, and climate change.

Everyone knows someone who has been impacted by cancer. By merely surviving, our bodies are primed with the capacity to develop this disease. This course will explore the ‘war on cancer’ in the context of human history, cell biology, and dramatic storytelling. Laboratory exercises will explore the biological basis of this disease. Not open to students who are enrolled in or who have taken and passed IBC 200 with at least a grade of C- or P.

The human body is an amazing product of 3.5 billion years of evolution. From our cells to our organ systems, our bodies are beautifully designed to thrive on planet Earth. In this course, we will explore the structure and function of various human organ systems including the circulatory system, respiratory system, digestive system, reproductive system, and portions of the endocrine system (kidneys and adrenal glands). Along the way, we will discuss challenges faced by each of these organ systems in this modern age that can result in disease such as air pollution, endocrine disrupting chemicals, overuse of antibiotics, chronic stress, and a highly-processed industrial diet. Students will perform various hands-on laboratory activities that will reinforce how their bodies function and how they can live a healthy life. Not open to students who are enrolled in or who have taken and passed BIO 303 with at least a grade of C- or P.

This course focuses on the following marine habitats: fouling communities, rocky intertidal, deep sea, coral reefs, and open oceans.  You will learn the abiotic factors that define each habitat (e.g. light, temperature, nutrients), which species live in each habitat, and how these species interact with each other and with humans.  The coral reef and open ocean habitats in particular are under threat from global warming, overfishing, and pollution.  We will learn about these challenges, as well as solutions.  

Have you ever wondered about DNA and how slight alterations to the genetic code have produced the amazing variety of life forms that inhabit our planet? This class will explore exciting topics in both genetics and evolutionary biology, some of which include: the genetics of cancer, reproduction and inheritance, epigenetics, GMOs, DNA forensics, antibiotic resistance, evolution of the “fat gene,” and how to build evolutionary trees. Students will explore these topics through lectures, case study work, and hands-on laboratory exercises. Not open to students who are enrolled in or who have taken and passed IBC 200 with at least a grade of C- or P.

This course explores the anatomical form and function of representatives from major animal phyla. Students will first learn about evolutionary processes that have generated the tremendous variety of form and function present in the animal kingdom. They will then learn about different lines of evidence that support the theory of common descent and examine how major lineages within the animal kingdom were created from key morphological innovations. Students will then take a tour of the major animal phyla. Students will explore these topics through lectures and hands-on laboratory activities that include live animal observations, dissections, field trips, and case studies. Not open to students who are enrolled in or who have taken and passed BIO 306 with at least a grade of C- or P.

This course offers a fundamental introduction to evolutionary biology, patterns of diversity, and ecology. We will discuss evolutionary processes such as natural selection and genetic drift and explore how those processes can lead to genetic diversity within species as well as the creation of new species. We will also explore the form and function of various phyla from the tree of life and discuss how they interact within communities and ecosystems.  

Chemistry asks what is matter made of and how does it interact? A basic understanding of chemistry is a prerequisite for good citizenship in our changing and technological society. This course introduces modern chemical concepts and processes in the context of their impact on health, the environment, and technology. Through inquiry-based learning, you will develop critical thinking skills and data-driven decision making toward the understanding of matter. This course has a moderate laboratory component and is appropriate for students not intending to continue in fields requiring foundational chemistry knowledge. Not open to students who are enrolled in or who have taken and passed CHEM 150 with at least a grade of C- or P.

Just twenty chemical elements are essential for human nutrition. We will focus on the atomic composition and structure of these elements; consider how some of these elements combine to make larger compounds and macronutrients (molecular structure and bonding); explore how their structures affect their solubility and acidity/basicity and examine the reactions (oxidation and hydrolysis) that micro- and macro-nutrients undergo to producing energy for the human body. Team-based learning and laboratory exercises will emphasize critical thinking and real-world applications of chemistry to nutrition. This course is appropriate for students not intending to continue in fields requiring foundational chemistry. Not open to students who are enrolled in or who have taken and passed CHEM 150 with at least a grade of C- or P.

What is color? Is color an intrinsic property of an object? Why is that your black screen turns colorful when it is on? In this course, we will investigate intriguing questions about colors through the lens of chemistry and physics. Using project-based and inquiry-based approaches, different mechanisms of having a color will be introduced, discussed, and analyzed, such as absorption, reflection, and emission. The mechanisms can then be used to explain and predict a wide range of color phenomena, such as green leaves, blue skies, red paints, orange carrots, and all the colors of the screen you are looking at. At the end of the semester, students will participate in collaborative projects to learn the science of color by doing it.

This course is an introduction to general chemistry with an emphasis on developing problem- solving skills for students planning a professional career in science, engineering, and medical fields. We will explore basic concepts of chemistry along with the mathematics required for quantitative problem solving. The topics include elements and compounds, chemical calculations, atomic structure, bonding, stoichiometry, chemical equations, reactions in aqueous solutions, oxidation-reduction, energy and chemical changes, quantum mechanical atom, chemical equilibrium, and acids & bases & buffers. This course can be taken at the same time or before CHEM 150L. Prevents co- or later enrollment in CHEM 112 and CHEM 115.

This interdisciplinary course will focus on the molecular biology of cancer and the underlying chemistry of cell biology. Students will learn how proteins are encoded and the impact of genomic instability on protein structure and function; alterations of normal metabolism in cancer cells; and basic pathways of cell division and death. Complementary chemistry topics include chemical structure and bonding, biological polymerization, thermodynamics, enzyme kinetics, and redox reactions. Laboratory research will use model systems to understand cancer biology. Prevents co- or later enrollment in BIO 115 and BIO 130.

This interdisciplinary course will focus on the molecular biology of cancer and the underlying chemistry of cell biology. Students will learn how proteins are encoded and the impact of genomic instability on protein structure and function; alterations of normal metabolism in cancer cells; and basic pathways of cell division and death. Complementary chemistry topics include chemical structure and bonding, biological polymerization, thermodynamics, enzyme kinetics, and redox reactions. Laboratory research will use model systems to understand cancer biology. Prevents co- or later enrollment in BIO 115 and BIO 130.

Every field of inquiry that deals with data uses methods of descriptive statistics to summarize and describe their data.  Every field of inquiry that deals with data seeks to draw inference beyond the available data.  This course introduces widely-used methods of descriptive statistics and methods of statistical inference through the lens of applied mathematics.  This course is not recommended to students who have taken and passed BIO 205.

An introduction to probability theory with applications to statistics:  basic combinatorics, permutations and combinations, sample space, events, mutual exclusivity, independence, conditional probability, Bayes’ theorem, random variables, distribution, expectation, variability, Chebyshev’s theorem, joint distribution, binomial distribution, normal distribution, Central Limit Theorem, estimation of and confidence intervals for binomial parameter, Bayesian approach to inference.  Further topics may include theory of sampling, covariance, correlation, least squares, regression.  Note: this is not a statistical methods course of the type that may be expected in areas such as health or social sciences, though it provides a good foundation for such courses.

Computer science is the study of problem-solving strategies called algorithms.  In this course, students will develop the essential skills of programming, examine select algorithms and data structures, and learn the broad strokes of the theory of computing, which includes formal languages, Turing machines, and the notions of universality, computability, and intractability regarding computational problems. 

This course is an introduction to the field of network science with an emphasis on the mathematical aspects and properties of networks. A network is an accessible yet powerful structure used to represent and study relationships. In practice, networks model different phenomena arising in fields such as biology, economics, sociology, computer science, and physics. In this class, we’ll look rigorously at the mathematical structure of networks (this field is often referred to as graph theory), while also considering real world models, such as spread of disease, web link analysis, and financial networks. This course has no prerequisites.

Linear algebra is the study of linear equations, matrices, vectors, linear functions, and vector spaces, as well as the theory and applications of linearity. The central ideas in linear algebra are so powerful that their influence seeps into many other branches of mathematics and statistics, the sciences, engineering, and economics. In this course we will develop a mastery of the particular tools of linear algebra, while making a dedicated effort to understand the concepts behind these tools and the relationships between them.

This course is an introduction to multivariable calculus. Topics include vectors in the plane and in space, limits and continuity, partial derivatives, directional derivatives, gradient, tangent planes, multivariable optimization and Lagrange multipliers, multiple integration, vector fields, line integrals, divergence, curl, and the theorems of Green, Gauss and Stokes.

Basic ideas of mathematical modeling; first order differential equations, first order systems, and linearity.  Other topics selected from Second order equations, forcing, nonlinear systems, Laplace transforms, numerical methods.

Through the lens of discrete mathematics, this course will serve as an introduction to formal proof writing techniques and advanced mathematics. Proof writing is the powerful process of demonstrating through formal argument that a statement or claim is correct in mathematical language. Topics covered in this class include combinatorics (methods of counting things), number theory (study of integers and prime numbers), and graph theory (theoretical study of networks), with an emphasis on creative problem solving and learning to read and write rigorous proofs. While no formal prerequisite is required, a previous math class at SUA or high school equivalent is strongly encouraged.

The physics of motion on earth and in the heavens is traced from ancient Greek times through the Dark and Middle Ages, to the Renaissance and Galileo, and to Newton and the Enlightenment. Humanistic, cultural, and historical perspectives are emphasized as is the scientific method/process. Science is shown to be inextricably linked to other human endeavors such as religion, art, politics, music, literature, philosophy, and commerce. High school knowledge of algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and scientific notation would be helpful. Concurrently, we will explore physics after Newton and up to the contemporary frontier of string/brane theory, covering topics such as relativity and quantum mechanics and utilizing modern physics labs.

This heavily mathematical course with no lab requirement examines the changing conceptions of space and time from classical to modern to contemporary physics. Moving from Newtonian reality to Einstein’s relativity to quantum mechanics to current unification theories, we will explore mathematics as a tool to transcend our faulty perceptions and to reveal new phenomenal, though perhaps not narrative, truth.