A study of the biochemical reactions of eukaryotic cellular metabolism and bioenergetics, focusing on enzyme regulation and function, protein structure, nucleic acid structure and function, and selected topics in molecular biology and physiological biochemistry. Prior coursework in cell/molecular biology is recommended. Lecture, three hours; laboratory, three hours.
An introduction to thermodynamics and kinetics. Lecture, three hours; laboratory, three and one-half hours.
An introduction to thermodynamics and kinetics. Lecture, three hours; laboratory, three and one-half hours.
The fourth in a series of experiences designed to strengthen scientific communication skills. Students will observe and engage with a variety of presenters, such as invited speakers, faculty, and peers. Throughout the course, participants will learn skills to assist in the preparation and delivery of a scientific presentation to an audience. Senior majors will deliver a scientific presentation on a topic agreed upon with a faculty mentor.
An exploration of contemporary issues in biochemistry based largely on primary literature. Topics such as the biosynthesis and mode of action of antibiotics, protein engineering, signal transduction, chemical carcinogenesis, and isotope effects in enzyme kinetics will be addressed in detail. Lecture, three hours.
Chinese
An intensive introduction to the fundamentals of the language and culture with emphasis on developing conversational skills such as pronunciation.
Emphasis on developing reading and writing skills in addition to conversational practice. Students will read and discuss materials from Chinese newspapers, magazines, and modern literature. Students will write short essays in simplified Chinese characters.
Classical Studies
Survey of the principal Greek and Roman myths with selected readings in English from ancient and modern sources.
The course focuses on portrayals of Greek and Roman culture in film, with readings from classical and later literature in translation as well as criticism.
This course examines the lives of women in the ancient world and their representation in the literature of Greece and Rome. It explores how the Greeks and Romans constructed both female and male gender and what behavioral and sexual norms they assigned to each. Reading assignments include wide-ranging selections from Greek and Roman poetry (epic, drama, lyric, and elegy) and prose (philosophy, history, and oratory). Subjects addressed include gender stereotypes and ideals, power-relations of gender, the social conditions of women, familial roles, and male and female sexuality.
Community Engaged Learning
A seminar on a topic related to anthropology. This course may be repeated for credit when the topic differs.
A seminar on a topic related to anthropology. This course may be repeated for credit when the topic differs.
An examination of the negative impact of human activity on biological diversity and an exploration of how conservation science can be used to ameliorate that impact. Case studies are used to investigate such issues as deforestation, exotic species invasions, habitat fragmentation, endangered species protection, natural area management, and habitat restoration. Students examine critically the role of science in public policy decision-making as it relates to the protection of biodiversity in the United States. The course involves student-led discussions, guest speakers, field trips and independent research. Laboratory exercises explore the use of field techniques, GIS analysis, and population modeling as problem-solving tools in conservation biology. This course cannot be taken for credit if the student has already received credit for BIOL 209. Laboratory course.
A selection of topics are explored depending on interest. This course may be repeated once for credit when the topic differs.
Through pre-departure meetings, an immersive cross-cultural spring break experience, and post-trip meetings, students will develop a greater understanding of global citizenship, place-based learning, and community engagement and empowerment. The in-country experience will include field trips, close interactions with local populations, organized community engagement opportunities and hands-on work experience. In this section, students will learn about Costa Rican agriculture, with an emphasis on sustainable food systems. Students will also learn about traditional cuisines, issues of regional and international food security, and the impact of industrial agriculture on traditional food systems. This course will require additional costs associated with the spring break outreach trip to Costa Rica.
Singing from the Sacred Harp hymnal represents an old but still rewarding Southern musical practice, suitable for all amateurs willing to sing loudly. In twice-a-week practices, we cover the fundamentals of shape-note singing and learn to sing in parts. Approximately once a month we travel to Alabama to participate in one of the traditional Sacred Harp singings.
This course examines the politics and policy of the criminal justice system, with a focus on the United States. Course goals include understanding the origins and purposes of criminal justice, the system's current implementation, the role of mass incarceration and punitiveness, the role of federalism, and the process and debate around criminal justice reform.
This class examines how death, dying, and grief are ritualized and understood in different cultures. Exploration will also be made of current challenges, personal and societal, related to death such as advance directives (living wills), grief, hospice care, mortuary services, and bodily disposal. Attention will be paid to eco-death and issues of social justice related to death, too. Students will engage in a semester-long community- based project.
Concentrated study in a single area, topic, controversy, movement, or figure in rhetoric. This course may be repeated for credit when the topic differs. Prerequisites will vary by topic.
A seminar on a topic related to Spanish. This course may be repeated for credit when the topic differs.