2010-11 Undergraduate Index A-Z
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Biochemistry [clear]
| Title | Offering | Standing | Credits | Credits | When | F | W | S | Su | Description | Preparatory | Faculty | Days of Week | Multiple Standings | Start Quarters |
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Forensics and Criminal Behavior
Rebecca Sunderman, Andrew Brabban and Toska Olson biochemistry biology chemistry communications mathematics sociology |
Program | FR - SOFreshmen - Sophomore | 16 | 16 | Day | FFall | WWinter | SSpring | Why is crime such a central focus in modern American society? How is a crime scene analyzed? How are crimes solved? How can we prevent violent crime and murder? This program will integrate sociological and forensic science perspectives to investigate crime and societal responses to it. We will explore how social and cultural factors including race, class and gender are associated with crime and criminal behavior. In addition, we will consider theories of criminology and deviant behavior, and will explore how social scientists can help identify offenders through criminal profiling and forensic psychology. Through our forensics investigations, we will examine subjects including biology, chemistry, geology, odontology, osteology, pathology and physics. We will study evidentiary techniques for crime scene analysis, such as the examination of fingerprints, DNA, blood spatter, fibers, glass fractures and fragments, hairs, ballistics, teeth, bones and body remains. This program will utilize hands-on laboratory and field approaches to the scientific methods used in crime scene investigation. Students will learn to apply analytical, quantitative and qualitative skills to collect and interpret evidence. Students can expect seminars, labs, lectures, guest speakers and workshops along with both individual and group project work. | criminalistics, criminology, education, forensic science, science, and sociology. | Rebecca Sunderman Andrew Brabban Toska Olson | Freshmen FR Sophomore SO | Fall | ||
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Foundations of Health Science
Kevin Francis, Michael Paros and Paula Schofield biochemistry biology chemistry health history philosophy of science Signature Required: Winter Spring |
Program | FR - SRFreshmen - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | FFall | WWinter | SSpring | This program takes an integrated and thematic approach to the health sciences, exploring introductory concepts in biology and chemistry with a focus on health, medicine and disease. It is designed for students contemplating work in a healthcare field who want to learn about how the body functions on a macroscopic, microscopic and molecular level, as well as students interested in public health or public policy who want a solid foundation in biology and chemistry. It is also suitable for students who seek an opportunity to study rigorous science as part of a liberal arts education. Our organizational framework is a systematic examination of diseases that have a large impact on global health, based on the World Health Organization's list of the top ten causes of death. We will study cancer, maternal health and perinatal conditions in fall quarter; infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and influenza in winter quarter; and cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes and depression in spring quarter. Within this framework, students will explore basic chemical and biological concepts, as well as the role of the pharmaceutical industry in society and the role of the FDA in clinical drug testing. Students will also explore ethical, historical and public policy questions raised by each disease. Class activities will include significant laboratory and instrumentation work, lectures, workshops, seminars, group projects, textbook assignments and case studies. This program will develop critical scientific reasoning and quantitative skills. Communication skills, both written and oral, will also be emphasized. Students will work on their techniques of argumentative and scientific writing through essays, lab notebooks and reports, and participation in a writing workshop. Students will gain the hands-on skills that are essential for working in the health sciences. There will also be opportunities to carry out lab-based projects in spring quarter. This program will link students with clinics, hospitals, government public health departments or other health-related organizations for volunteer service. During fall quarter, students will select and research the work of a local agency. They will then design a part-time internship that allows them to contribute to the work of this organization throughout winter quarter. Completion of this program will give students many of the prerequisites they need for careers in the allied health fields and public health, as well as preparation for further upper division study in biology and chemistry. | biology, bioethics, chemistry, education, epidemiology, genetics, health sciences, history of medicine, immunology, medicine, nutrition, physiology and anatomy, and public health. | Kevin Francis Michael Paros Paula Schofield | Freshmen FR Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | ||
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Molecule to Organism
Benjamin Simon, Lydia McKinstry and Maria Bastaki biochemistry biology chemistry Signature Required: Winter Spring |
Program | SO - SRSophomore - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | FFall | WWinter | SSpring | This yearlong program develops and interrelates concepts in advanced laboratory-based science, thus providing a foundation for students who plan to continue studies in chemistry, biology (field or laboratory), and/or medicine. Students will carry out upper-division work in biochemistry, microbiology, cellular and molecular biology, and organic chemistry. Students who remain enrolled in the entire program for all three quarters can earn up to 48 credits of upper-division science. The program examines the subject matter through the central idea of the interrelatedness of structure and function, integrating two themes; one at the level and the other at the level. In the theme, we start with cellular biology and microbiology and proceed to the whole organism. We examine structure/function relationships at each level of increasing complexity. In the theme, we examine the nature of organic compounds and organic reactions, and carry this theme into biochemistry and the fundamental chemical reactions of living systems. As the year progresses, the two themes continually merge through studies of cellular and molecular processes in biological systems. Program activities include lecture, laboratory and collaborative problem-solving workshops. Each area of study will contain a significant laboratory component emphasizing bench skills and instrumentation. Students will be expected to write papers and maintain laboratory notebooks. All laboratory work, and approximately half of the non-lecture time will be spent working in collaborative groups. Group work will also include reading scientific literature and discussion of topics of current or historical significance in science. This is an intensive science program; the subjects are complex, and the sophisticated understanding we expect to develop will require students to work for many hours each week, both in and out of class. | biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, dentistry, medicine, microbiology, naturopathy, optometry, organic chemistry, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. | Benjamin Simon Lydia McKinstry Maria Bastaki | Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | ||
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Undergraduate Research in Scientific Inquiry with J. Neitzel
James Neitzel Signature Required: Fall Winter Spring |
Research | SO - SRSophomore - Senior | V | V | Day | FFall | WWinter | SSpring | Rigorous quantitative and qualitative research is an important component of academic learning in Scientific Inquiry. This independent learning opportunity allows advanced students to delve into real-world research with faculty who are currently engaged in specific projects. Students typically begin by working in apprenticeship with faculty or laboratory staff and gradually take on more independent projects within the context of the specific research program as they gain experience. Students can develop vital skills in research design, data acquisition and interpretation, written and oral communication, collaboration, and critical thinking that are valuable for students pursuing a graduate degree or entering the job market. (biochemistry) uses methods from organic and analytical chemistry to study biologically interesting molecules. A major focus of his current work is on fatty acids; in particular, finding spectroscopic and chromatographic methods to identify fatty acids in complex mixtures and to detect changes that occur in fats during processing or storage. This has relevance both for foods as well as in biodiesel production. The other major area of interest is in plant natural products, such as salicylates. Work is in process screening local plants for the presence of these molecules, which are important plant defense signals. Work is also supported in determining the nutritional value of indigenous plants. Students with a background and interest in organic, analytical, or biochemistry could contribute to this work. | biochemistry, alternative energy, health sciences. | James Neitzel | Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Fall |