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Neuroscience Studies |
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NEUR 244 - Cognitive Neuroscience
Cognitive neuroscience is a relatively recent discipline that combines cognitive science and cognitive psychology with biology and neuroscience to investigate how the brain enables the myriad of complex functions we know as the mind. This course will explore basic concepts and contemporary topics in the field, focusing in particular on the methods used in cognitive nueroscience research. Through lecture and lab sessions, students will learn to read and interpret primary source material, design and implement cognitive neuroscience studies, and present research in verbal and written forms. Overall, students will gain an appreciation for the amazing intricacy of the brain-mind relationship, as well as a sense of how this relationship may be understood eventually using cognitive neuroscience techniques. Group A course. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or NEUR 180 . Offered yearly. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100 or PSYC 180 or NEUR 180. (4 Credits)
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NEUR 246 - Exploring Sensation/Perception
An examination of the processes of sensation and perception. While the course features a strong emphasis on neurophysiology of sensation, classical approaches to the study of perception will also figure prominently. Particular emphasis will be placed on vision and somatosensation, including pain processes. Lecture and weekly 3.5 hour investigatory laboratory. Prerequisites: PSYC 100 or PSYC 180 and permission of the instructor. Offered occasionally. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100 or PSYC 180 or NEUR 180, and permission of instructor. (4 Credits)
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NEUR 248 - Behavioral Neuroscience
An examination of the role of the nervous system in the control of behavior. While the course features a systems approach to the investigation of sensory and perceptual mechanisms, molecular and cellular components of the nervous system will also be discussed in the context of course topics. Particular emphasis is given to the nature of learning, memory, and motor processes, motivation, emotion, homeostasis, cognition, and human neuropsychology. The laboratory will be used for a variety of instructor-demonstrative and student participatory research and laboratory activities. Prerequisites: PSYC 180 or BIOL 163 or BIOL 205 or BIOL 367 , or permission of instructor. Spring semester. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 180 or BIOL 163 or 205 or 367, or permission of instructor. (4 Credits)
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NEUR 300 - Directed Research
Students are involved and guided in conducting research within specific content areas approved by the supervising faculty. Research may be conducted individually or in small groups depending on the content area. Research groups meet regularly for presentation of background material, discussions of common readings, and reports on project status. Directed research is typically taken in the junior year and is open only to declared majors. Students will be assigned to sections by the supervising faculty. Prerequisites: NEUR 180 and permission of instructor. Every semester. Prerequisite(s): NEUR 180 and permission of instructor. (4 Credits)
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NEUR 362 - Philosophy of Mind
Materialism, rather than solving the problem of mind, consciousness and intentionality, has spawned numerous philosophical perplexities. This course will examine a variety of philosophical problems associated with contemporary models of the mind (mind/body dualism; mind/brain identity theories; behaviorism; functionalism and artificial intelligence; eliminative naturalism and folk psychology; biological naturalism). The course will also look at contemporary philosophical accounts of personhood and personal identity, particularly narrative accounts of the self. Readings will typically include Paul and Patricia Churchland, Antonio Damasio, Daniel Dennett, Owen Flanagan, Derek Parfit, Marya Schechtman, John Searle and Kathleen Wilkes. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Alternate years. Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor. (4 Credits)
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NEUR 385 - Mind Reading: Understanding Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Cross-Listed as PSYC 385.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive technique used to provide indirect measures of neural activity in healthy (and unhealthy) humans. Although the technique has been readily available to researchers for only about 20 years, its popularity and use has grown tremendously in the last 10, and we now see it influencing aspects of culture and society not traditionally based in biomedical research (i.e. law, politics, economics). This course will cover the mechanics of fMRI, evaluate its strengths and weaknesses, and explore recent applications that have received wide and sometimes controversial media coverage. By the end of the course, students will understand essential components of the fMRI technique and be informed consumers of primary and secondary source reports involving brain imaging. Prequisites: PSYC 100 or PSYC 180 ; PSYC 201 ; and either PSYC 244 or PSYC 248 . Course cross-listed as PSYC 385 . Spring semester. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100 or PSYC 180 or NEUR 180; PSYC 201; and either PSYC 244 or 248. (4 Credits)
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NEUR 484 - Intro Artificial Intelligence Cross-Listed as COMP 484.
An introduction to the basic principles and techniques of artificial intelligence. Topics will include specific AI techniques, a range of application areas, and connections between AI and other areas of study (i.e., philosophy, psychology). Techniques may include heuristic search, automated reasoning, machine learning, deliberative planning and behavior-based agent control. Application areas include robotics, games, knowledge representation, logic, perception, and natural language processing. Prerequisites: one of COMP 120 , COMP 121 , or COMP 123 , and NEUR 180 ; or consent of instructor. Alternate fall semesters. Cross-listed as COMP 484 . Prerequisite(s): one of COMP 120, 121, or 123, and NEUR 180; or consent of instructor. (4 Credits)
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NEUR 488 - Senior Seminar
This two-semester seminar provides an integrative view of neuroscience through study and discussion of current works arising from major sub-areas of the field. The seminar will generally follow a three-week cycle throughout the year. In the first week, students will read and discuss papers by an outside researcher from a discipline related to the program. In the second week, students will attend a talk given by that researcher. In the third week, students will critically discuss the research presented and consider how that work relates to work in other areas of neuroscience as well as their particular area of emphasis. Students will be expected to present to the group the research they themselves did in the research experience component of the major. Open to seniors; students must register for the course in both the fall and spring semesters. (2 Credits)
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Philosophy |
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PHIL 1 - PHIL transfer course
(6 Credits)
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PHIL 115 - Introduction to Philosophy
An introduction to philosophy through topics found in classical philosophical writings, such as the nature of truth and knowledge, mind and body, freedom and determinism, right and wrong, and the existence of God. Course content varies from instructor to instructor. Specific course descriptions will be available in the department prior to registration. Every semester. (4 Credits)
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PHIL 119 - Critical Thinking
This course introduces and explores the main principles and methods of Critical Thinking: distinguishing between good and bad arguments; identifying common fallacies; developing strong and persuasive arguments; the difference between deductive and inductive reasoning; constructing logical proofs; the nature of scientific, moral, and legal reasoning; evaluating polls and statistical hypotheses; understanding probability; deciding how to act under uncertainty. Students will apply these principles and methods to numerous academic and ‘everday’ contexts, including journals, the print press, blogs, political rhetoric, advertising and documentaries. We will regularly reflect upon more broadly philosophical matters related to Critical Thinking - such as the nature of truth and objectivity and the distinction between science and pseudo-science - and examine a number of intriguing philosophical paradoxes. Students will improve their skills in writing clear and compelling argumentative papers and critically analyzing the writings of others. Course work includes reading, class discussion, regular homework assignments, quizzes, and short argumentative essays. Every year. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites. (4 Credits)
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PHIL 120 - Introduction to Symbolic Logic
An introduction to formal methods for evaluating deductive arguments. Topics include formal fallacies, decision procedures, translation of arguments to argument forms, and natural deduction proofs in propositional and predicate logic. Every year. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites. (4 Credits)
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PHIL 125 - Ethics
An alternative introduction to philosophy (the other being PHIL 115 - Problems of Philosophy) that concentrates on normative philosophical concepts and issues, such as the nature of value, duty, right and wrong, the good life, human rights, social justice, and applications to selected problems of personal and social behavior. Topics may include liberty and its legal limitations, civil disobedience, abortion, affirmative action, capital punishment, terrorism and the morality of war, animal rights and environmental ethics. Every semester. (4 Credits)
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PHIL 194 - Topics Course
Varies by semester. Consult the department or class schedule for current listing. (4 Credits)
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PHIL 227 - Bioethics
Bioethics deals with a variety of ethical issues arising in the context of medical care and biomedical research. These issues include informed consent, euthanasia, reproductive rights, confidentiality, and the distribution of health care resources. The course uses ethical theory to shed light on issues in medicine, and issues in medicine to illuminate ethical theory. Alternate years. Prerequisite(s): PHIL 125 or permission of instructor. (4 Credits)
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PHIL 229 - Environmental Ethics Cross-Listed as ENVI 229
Emerging in the 1970s, the field of environmental ethics began by sparking a rich line of philosophical inquiry largely focused on the moral status of the natural world and the non-human entities within it. What reasons do we have to give moral consideration to the environment? And what do we mean when we say we have a moral duty toward the environment? Do we have moral duties to individuals within a species, or to species themselves, or to ecosystems, or to…? This course will invite you to reflect on key philosophical works that engage these and related questions. You will also have the opportunity to think about significant emerging topics in environmental ethics. Depending on the semester, these may include the debate over the ethics of wilderness preservation; the challengesof expanding environmental ethics to address issues of global climate change and resource sustainability; environmental rights; and environmental justice. (4 Credits)
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PHIL 230 - Ancient/Medieval Philosophies
A study of major philosophers of ancient Greece, Rome and the medieval period, including the Pre-Socratics, Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus, the Stoics, Augustine, Anselm, and Aquinas. Every year. (4 Credits)
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PHIL 231 - Modern Philosophy
A study of the 17th and 18th century philosophers, including the Empiricists, Rationalists, and Kant. The course considers issues regarding skepticism, justification, freedom of the will, personal identity, perception and the existence of God. Every year. (4 Credits)
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PHIL 235 - Existentialist Metaphysics
“All living is one’s own living, feeling oneself live, knowing oneself to be existing, where knowing does not imply intellectual knowledge or any special wisdom but is that surprising presence which one’s life has for every one of us” (Jose Ortega y Gasset). For those thinkers whose work is associated with the philosophical tradition of existentialism, the understanding of human existence represents a singular gateway to the understanding of being, the general object of the study of metaphysics. But just what does it mean to exist? In this course, we will reflectively consider responses to this and other questions that play a key role within existentialist metaphysics. Typically, readings will be drawn from works by philosophers such as Martin Heidegger, Karl Jaspers, Jean-Paul Sartre, Maurice Merleau-Ponty, and Jose Ortega y Gassett. While there is no prerequisite for this course, some familiarity with the history of European philosophy would be helpful. Offered every year. (4 Credits)
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PHIL 236 - Indian Philosophies Cross-Listed as ASIA 236
An introductory study of some of the great philosophers and philosophical problems of the Indian philosophical tradition focusing on Buddhist and Hindu philosophical debate from the time of the Buddha to around 1000 CE. Topics will include the role of philosophy in the Indian intellectual and religious tradition; Indian logic; the relationship between philosophy and practice (yoga, meditation); what counts as knowledge (pramana theory); ultimate truth versus conventional truth; Buddhist/Hindu debate on the nature of persons, rebirth and karma; competing theories of reality (momentariness, emptiness, non-dualism, realism) and methodologies of cross-cultural philosophy. Students will learn the basic Sanskrit terminology of Indian philosophy and will work with primary source material in translation. Every year. (4 Credits)
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PHIL 238 - Philosophy of Religion
Philosophical analysis of problems in religion and theology such as arguments for the existence of God and the nature of religious knowledge. The Philosophy of Religion seeks an understanding of religion by raising philosophical questions about its underlying assumptions and implications. When we believe something it is because we think it is true and because we think we have good evidence to support our belief. In the case of religious beliefs, however, we are immediately faced with questions concerning the nature of such beliefs. What claims do they make? What would count as good evidence for a religious belief? What is the nature of religious truth? In this course we will examine the nature of religious beliefs and the ways in which philosophers in different traditions have justified or argued against such beliefs. Perhaps in response to the increasing challenge to religion from the natural sciences, twentieth century philosophers have questioned the traditional philosophical approach to religion. Some philosophers, Wittgenstein for example, question traditional interpretations of religious language and re-examine the relationship between faith and reason. Can religious life be practiced without a theology or with skepticism or agnosticism regarding theological questions? Other topics covered in the course include the attempt to introduce intelligent design into public schools as part of the science curriculum; religious pluralism; the belief in life after death; and feminist critiques of religious language. Alternate years. (4 Credits)
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PHIL 250 - Philosophy of Human Rights
Although human rights play an obviously important international role, philosophers have found human rights puzzling and difficult to justify. What does it mean to say a person has a moral right or a human right? What is the relationship between human rights stated in international convenants and human rights that are said to be morally binding? Aside from questions about the nature of human rights, the course will consider possible justifications for human rights, both legal and moral, as well as arguments that ther are no human rights. The course will take up the issue of whether it is possible to adopt human rights while respecting the diversity of human cultures, religions, and moral views. Alternate years. (4 Credits)
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PHIL 251 - Human Rights and Healthcare
Human rights and healthcare are intimately connected. Human rights are used both to protect human subjects in biomedical research and to support claims for adedquate healthcare. The use of human rights to protect human research subjects raises issues of informed consent, privacy, and individual autonomy. The use of human rights to secure healthcare resources raises issues about what level of healthcare ought to be supported and what constitutes a just distribution of healthcare resources. The course also explores recent work on the way in which human rights and public health combine in the quest to secure overall wellbeing. In general the course views public health through the framework of human rights. Alternate years. (4 Credits)
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PHIL 283 - Darwin/Nietzsche/Freud Cross-Listed as GERM 327
We all have values; but what are they based on? Perhaps no two thinkers have asked this question as persistently and approached it with such intrepid originality as Friedrich Nietzsche and Sigmund Freud. Writing in an age when religious belief had lost credence as a foundation for ethics, Nietzsche and Freud confronted the groundlessness of value systems while recognizing the impossibility of living without them. Both were reacting to Darwin’s discovery of natural selection, which dispelled nature’s divine aura and inaugurated what Nietzsche would call the “death of God.” The course explores the challenges to value judgments in the wake of Darwin and attempted solutions to them, centering on the four domains of ethics, subjectivity, aesthetics, and cultural value. Readings will include excerpts from Darwin’s The Origin of Species; Nietzsche’s The Genealogy of Morals, The Gay Science, and the texts posthumously published as The Will to Power; Freud’s Totem and Taboo, Civilization and Its Discontents, and Beyond the Pleasure Principle; as well as other works. Alternate years. (4 Credits)
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PHIL 294 - Topics Course
Varies by semester. Consult the department or class schedule for current listing. (4 Credits)
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PHIL 301 - Philosophy of Law
An analysis of fundamental legal concepts and the problems of justifying various legal practices. Topics may include the relationship between law and morality, the distinction between the criminal and civil law, theories of constitutional and statutory interpretation, and the appropriate role of the judiciary. Alternate years. Prerequisite(s): PHIL 125 (Ethics or permission of instructor.) (4 Credits)
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PHIL 360 - Philosophy of Science
Are quarks “real”? Does science lead to objective knowledge? Is there really a scientific method? How do we distinguish between creation “science” and evolution; or astrology and astronomy? These questions are asked in philosophy of science, which studies the fundamental processes, principles, and presuppositions of the natural sciences. The social and historical contexts of the sciences are also considered. Topics include: science vs. pseudoscience, scientific explanation, scientific revolutions, the philosophy of space and time, the theory of evolution, theories of confirmation, objectivity in science, and realism vs. relativism. Alternate years. Prerequisite(s): PHIL 120 , PHIL 115 , or permission of the instructor. (4 Credits)
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PHIL 362 - Philosophy of Mind
Materialism, rather than solving the problem of mind, consciousness and intentionality, has spawned numerous philosophical perplexities. This course will examine a variety of philosophical problems associated with contemporary models of the mind (mind/body dualism; mind/brain identity theories; behaviorism; functionalism and artificial intelligence; eliminative naturalism and folk psychology; biological naturalism). The course will also look at contemporary philosophical accounts of personhood and personal identity, particularly narrative accounts of the self. Readings will typically include Paul and Patricia Churchland, Antonio Damasio, Daniel Dennett, Owen Flanagan, Derek Parfit, Marya Schechtman, John Searle and Kathleen Wilkes. Prerequisite(s): PHIL 115 or PHIL 231 , or permission of instructor. (4 Credits)
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PHIL 364 - Philosophy of Language Cross-Listed as
What is language and what is it for? What makes a series of sounds into a meaningful sentence? What makes a sentence true? Why is language always changing? This course will introduce students to ways in which twentieth century philosophers have attempted to provide answers to such questions. Since the philosophy of language has been so crucial to contemporary philosophy, this course also serves as an introduction to philosophical thought from the beginning of twentieth century to the present. Topics will range from more technical problems (theories of meaning, reference and truth; synonymy and analyticity; universals and natural kinds; private languages) to broader issues examining the relationship between language and culture (language games; radical interpretation; social change). Readings typically include writings by Ludwig Wittgenstein, W.V. Quine, John Searle, Donald Davidson, Richard Rorty, Michel Foucault, and bell hooks. Alternate years. Prerequisite(s): PHIL 231 , or permission of instructor. (4 Credits)
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PHIL 365 - Philosophy of Mathematics Cross-Listed as
Why does 2 + 2 equal four? Can a diagram prove a mathematical truth? Is mathematics a social construction or do mathematical facts exist independently of our knowing them? Philosophy of mathematics considers these sorts of questions in an effort to understand the logical and philosophical foundations of mathematics. Topics include mathematical truth, mathematical reality, and mathematical justifications (knowledge). Typically we focus on the history of mathematics of the past 200 years, highlighting the way philosophical debates arise in mathematics itself and shape its future. Alternate years. Prerequisite(s): PHIL 120 , MATH 136 , or permission of the instructor. (4 Credits)
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PHIL 367 - 20th C Continental Philosophy
Close reading, reflection, and analysis of a work or works associated with a major figure or movement within the tradition of twentieth-century Continental philosophy. Offered alternate years. Prerequisite(s): one course in the history of philosophy or permission of instructor. (4 Credits)
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PHIL 369 - Advanced Symbolic Logic Cross-Listed as
A second course in symbolic logic which extends the methods of logic. A main purpose of this course is to study logic itself-to prove things about the system of logic learned in the introductory course. This course is thus largely logic about logic. Topics include second order logic and basic set theory; soundness, consistency and completeness of first order logic; incompleteness of arithmetic; Turing computability; modal logic; and intuitionistic logic. Alternate years. Prerequisite(s): PHIL 120 , MATH 135 , or permission of instructor. (4 Credits)
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PHIL 394 - Topics Course
Varies by semester. Consult the department or class schedule for current listing. (4 Credits)
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PHIL 488 - Seminar: Topics
A study of some movement, philosopher or problem in the tradition of Western philosophy. Primarily for juniors or seniors majoring, or doing significant work, in philosophy. Offered on an occasional basis. Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor. (4 Credits)
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PHIL 489 - Senior Seminar
A capstone experience in philosophy for senior majors and others with sufficient background. Recent topics have included: realism vs. anti-realism, pragmatism, normativity, and Wittengenstein. The topics are usually addressed from various points of view and may involve several members of the department in some of the instruction. One aim of the course is for participants to get an overview of their major field by examining the fruitfulness of various ways of doing philosophy. It is also an opportunity for seniors to present for discussion their senior papers, written for this or for some other course. Every fall. Prerequisite(s): Philosophy major and senior status, or permission of instructor. (4 Credits)
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PHIL 494 - Topics Course
Varies by semester. Consult the department or class schedule for current listing. (4 Credits)
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Physical Education |
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PE 1 - Swimming I
(1 Credits)
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PE 2 - Tennis I
(1 Credits)
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PE 3 - Beginning Social Dance
(1 Credits)
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PE 4 - Karate I
(1 Credits)
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PE 5 - Fencing I
(0 Credits)
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PE 6 - Yoga I
(1 Credits)
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PE 7 - Personal Health and Wellness
(1 Credits)
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PE 8 - Step Aerobics
(1 Credits)
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PE 9 - Conditioning
(1 Credits)
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PE 10 - Racquetball I
(1 Credits)
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PE 11 - Swimming II
(1 Credits)
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PE 12 - Tennis II
(1 Credits)
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PE 13 - Intermediate Social Dance
(1 Credits)
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PE 14 - Karate II
(1 Credits)
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PE 15 - Fencing II
(0 Credits)
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PE 16 - Yoga II
(1 Credits)
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PE 18 - Pilates
(1 Credits)
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PE 19 - Conditioning II
(1 Credits)
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PE 20 - Weight Training
(1 Credits)
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PE 21 - Swim for Fitness
(1 Credits)
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PE 22 - Badminton
(1 Credits)
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PE 25 - Triathlon Training
(1 Credits)
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PE 26 - Tai Chi Chuan
(1 Credits)
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PE 27 - Cardio Fitness
(1 Credits)
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PE 28 - Pilates II
(1 Credits)
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PE 31 - Scuba Diving
(1 Credits)
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PE 33 - Salsa Dance
(1 Credits)
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PE 40 - Self Defense
(1 Credits)
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PE 41 - Lifeguard Training
(1 Credits)
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PE 43 - Salsa II
(1 Credits)
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PE 50 - Tae Kwon Do
(0 Credits)
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PE 51 - Aqua Aerobics
(1 Credits)
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PE 60 - Sport Spectating
(1 Credits)
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PE 61 - Water Polo
(1 Credits)
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PE 90 - Independent Study
(1 Credits)
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Physics |
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PHYS 111 - Contemporary Concepts
This course is specifically designed for the liberal arts student who desires an essentially non-mathematical, yet wholly faithful, acquaintance with the fundamental concepts of contemporary physics. Topics include special relativity, curved space-time and black holes, the Big Bang universe, light, quantum theory, and elementary particles. These are presented so as to demonstrate the power of “pure thought” and scientific creativity at its best. The underlying assumption of the course is that physics approached as a way of thinking can be vitally relevant and challenging to students of all intellectual persuasions. Three lectures per week in fall and spring. Every semester. (4 Credits)
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PHYS 112 - Cosmos: Perspectives and Reflections
This course seeks to acquaint students with recent advances in cosmology, particle physics, nuclear fusion, semiconductors, and genomics. Most of these topics will be presented by experts from major universities and national laboratories. S/D/NC grading only. Alternate years. (2 Credits)
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PHYS 113 - Modern Astronomy
This course discusses topics of current interest in astronomy and the physical concepts that lead to our understanding of the Universe. There are three main sections: the Solar System, Celestial Light and Stars, and Galaxies and the Universe. Lectures include the formation of the sun and planets, properties of stars and stellar remnants (like black holes and supernovae), characteristics of our Milky Way and other galaxies, and the formation and fate of the Universe. Every year. Prerequisite(s): Basic algebra and trigonometry are recommended. (4 Credits)
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PHYS 120 - Astronomical Techniques
This laboratory course provides active exercises in astronomical measurement techniques, including telescope and other observations of the night sky (as weather permits). The course is ideal for students who desire hands-on observing experience to complement PHYS 113 - Modern Astronomy - Modern Astronomy, or as a background for advanced observing projects. Every year. Prerequisite(s): concurrent or previous registration in PHYS 113 or PHYS 226 . Corequisite(s): concurrent or previous registration in PHYS 113 or PHYS 226 . (2 Credits)
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PHYS 130 - Science of Renewable Energy Cross-Listed as ENVI 130
This is a course on the current status of the most promising alternative and renewable energy options from a primarily scientific and technological perspective. Current methods of electricity generation and transportation energy sources will be briefly reviewed (fossil fuels, nuclear fission, and hydroelectric), including discussion of thier limitations and environmental consequences. The focus of the course will be on understanding the scientific bais of alternative and renewable energy sources, and their promise and technological challenges for wide scale implementation. Biofuels, wind, photovoltaics, concentrated solar power, hydrogen, nuclear fusion, and geothermal will be considered in depth. Three lectures and one two-hour lab per week. (4 Credits)
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PHYS 194 - Topics Course
Varies by semester. Consult the department or class schedule for current listing. (4 Credits)
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PHYS 221 - Introductory Physics I
Mechanics, heat and sound, including laboratory experiments and extensive demonstrations. Daily lectures and help sessions, three two-hour laboratories per week. Students cannot receive credit for both this course and PHYS 226 . Summer Physics Institute only. (4 Credits)
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PHYS 222 - Introductory Physics II
Electricity and magnetism, light and optics, modern physics, including laboratory experiments and extensive demonstrations. Daily lectures and help sessions, three two-hour laboratories per week. Students cannot receive credit for both this course and PHYS 227 . Summer Physics Institute only. (4 Credits)
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PHYS 226 - Principles of Physics I
A study of motion, including Newton’s Law of Motion, conservation of energy and momentum, rotational kinematics and dynamics, oscillations, waves in elastic media and thermal properties of matter. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week. Students cannot receive credit for both this course and PHYS 221 . Every semester. Prerequisite(s): Concurrent or previous registration in MATH 135 . Corequisite(s): Concurrent or previous registration in MATH 135 . (4 Credits)
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PHYS 227 - Principles of Physics II
A study of electric charge and currents, electric and magnetic fields, electromagnetic waves, and geometrical and physical optics. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week. Students cannot receive credit for boththis course and PHYS 222 . Every semester. Prerequisite(s): and ( may also be taken concurrently). Corequisite(s): (4 Credits)
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PHYS 237 - Physics II for Life Sciences
An introduction to electric charge and currents, electric and magnetic fields, electromagnetic waves, and geometrical and physical optics, with an emphasis on applications in the biological sciences. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week. Students cannot receive credit for both this course and PHYS 227 . Fall semester. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 226 (4 Credits)
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PHYS 294 - Topics Course
Varies by semester. Consult the department or class schedule for current listing. (4 Credits)
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PHYS 331 - Modern Physics
This course provides an introductory treatment of the exciting foundations of modern microscopic physics, including special relativity, quantum theory, atomic structure, nuclear structure and elementary particles. The primary goal of the course is to build the solid theoretical foundation in microscopic physics necessary for advanced studies in nearly all science disciplines. In addition to the theoretical treatment of the topics there will be laboratory exercises, which recreate the spirit and excitement of the pioneering experiments. Three lectures, one three-hour laboratory per week. Fall semester. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 227 (4 Credits)
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PHYS 334 - Optics
Principles of optics and wave phenomena, including the fundamental properties of light, geometrical optics, polarization, interference and diffraction. Laboratory includes basic optical experiments and an independent project. Recent independent projects have included: holography, fiber-optics communications, microwave optics and telescope building. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Alternate years. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 227 or consent of instructor. (4 Credits)
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PHYS 340 - Digital Electronics
A survey of fundamental ideas and methods used in the design and construction of digital electronic circuits such as computers. Emphasis will be on applying the theoretical aspects of digital design to the actual construction of circuits in the laboratory. Topics to be covered include basic circuit theory, transistor physics, logic families (TTL, CMOS), Boolean logic principles, combinatorial design techniques, sequential logic techniques, memory circuits and timing, and applications to microprocessor and computer design. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Offered alternate spring semesters. Prerequisite(s): MATH 137 and permission of instructor. (4 Credits)
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PHYS 348 - Laboratory Instrumentation
This course is an introduction to laboratory methods that are useful in experimental physics and other laboratory-based disciplines, with an emphasis on computer interfacing techniques. Topics will include basic analog electronics, fundamental instrumentation such as analog-digital converters and digital oscilloscopes, and computer interfacing using LabView. Student will design and construct several significant computer interfacing projects throughout the semester. Since this course provides the foundation for advanced experimental work and research, students should take this course in their sophomore or junior year. Spring semester. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 227 (4 Credits)
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PHYS 394 - Topics Course
Varies by semester. Consult the department or class schedule for current listing. (4 Credits)
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PHYS 440 - Observational Astronomy
This is an advanced course in astronomical instrumentation, focused on optical observational astronomy. We will discuss the various and developing instrumentation used at the large observatories worldwide, and discuss the important contributions and techniques of space-based research. Computational image-processing techniques are used for exercises in CCD imaging and spectroscopy using the Macalester Observatory facilities, as well as for independent research projects. Spring semester. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 113 and PHYS 120 ; or PHYS 113 and a lab-based upper-division natural science course (e.g., PHYS 331 , CHEM 311 ). (4 Credits)
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PHYS 443 - Electromagnetic Theory I: Vacuum
This course treats the interactions between electrical charges in free space by developing the concepts of potential, electric and magnetic fields, and electromagnetic induction. Maxwell’s equations are developed and used to derive the properties of plane electromagnetic waves in free space. Special emphasis is placed on boundary value problems and other useful mathematical techniques. Three lectures per week. Fall semester. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 227 and (4 Credits)
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PHYS 444 - Electromagnetic Theory II: Material Media
This course extends the treatment of PHYS 443 to the electromagnetic properties of matter, especially the solid state, and the properties of electromagnetic waves and radiation. The treatment of electromagnetism within the special theory of relativity is also covered. Three lectures per week. Spring semester. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 443 (4 Credits)
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PHYS 460 - Astrophysics
This course covers advanced topics in astrophysics. It includes spectroscopy of stars, the interaction of light and matter in stellar atmospheres and interstellar medium, nucleosynthesis and the interior of stars, the structure of the Milky Way galaxy and the evidence for dark matter, properties and the formation of different types of galaxies, large-scale structure of the Universe, and observational tests of cosmology. Three hours per week. Every year. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 113 and PHYS 331 , or consent of the instructor. (4 Credits)
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PHYS 461 - Mechanics
The fundamental principles of classical mechanics are discussed and applied to problems of contemporary interest. Topics include: charged particle motion in electromagnetic fields, oscillations and resonance, central force motion including the Kepler problem and Rutherford scattering, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of classical dynamics, symmetry and conservation laws, non-inertial reference frames, rigid body dynamics and applications, and an introduction to non-linear dynamics. Three lectures and problem discussions per week. Spring semester. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 227 and (4 Credits)
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PHYS 468 - Statistical Mechanics
This course explores the equilibrium and kinetic properties of many-particle systems such as gases, liquids, and solids. The fundamental notions of entropy, temperature, and the Boltzmann relation are rigorously derived from statistical mechanics, and are used to develop other thermodynamic ideas such as chemical potential and free energy. The theory is applied to classical and quantum systems, including photon gases (black-body radiation), Bose-Einstein condensation, fermion systems such as metals and neutron stars, classical ideal gases, vibrations in solids (phonons), chemical reactions, semiconductors, and transport phenomena. Three lectures per week. Alternate years. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 331 and MATH 237 . (4 Credits)
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PHYS 481 - Quantum Mechanics
The course rigorously covers many fundamental concepts of non-relativistic quantum mechanics, including the Heisenberg uncertainty principle and Pauli exclusion principle, single- and multi-particle stationary states in one, two and three dimensions, and quantized angular momentum and spin. Schrodinger equation solutions for atomic and nuclear systems are studied, using differential equation, matrix and perturbation techniques. Three lectures a week. Fall semester. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 331 and (4 Credits)
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PHYS 488 - Senior Research
Students in the major concentration in physics select a subject for independent investigation and preparation of a senior thesis. Independent reading and experimentation by arrangement. Prerequisites: senior standing and departmental approval of the project prior to registration. Every year. Prerequisite(s): senior standing and departmental approval of the project prior to registration. (4 Credits)
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PHYS 489 - Physics Seminar
(1 Credits)
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PHYS 494 - Topics Course
Varies by semester. Consult the department or class schedule for current listing. (4 Credits)
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POLI 100 - US Politics
An analysis of the major ideas, actors, institutions, and processes that shape the formulation and execution of public policy in the United States. Every semester. Foundations Courses: Courses numbered in the 100s are Foundations courses. These courses are designed principally for beginning political science majors, as well as non-majors seeking an introduction to the discipline’s various sub-fields. The purpose of these courses is threefold: To provide foundational knowledge of the key actors, structures, institutions and/or historical dynamics relevant to the respective sub-fields; to introduce the major theoretical trends, perspectives and debates that have shaped the evolution of the respective sub-fields; and to begin to develop a range of practical competencies (esp. research/writing skills) essential to further scholarly inquiry within the discipline of political science. (4 Credits)
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