Spring Semester Science Courses
SCIENCE 6. Life, the Universe, and Everything: Astronomical Tools for Answering Really Big Questions. Spring. Ms. May. 4 meetings weekly. Block TBA. Open to Class II and III. This course will study the necessary requirements for life beyond Earth, the possibility of extraterrestrials, and the size, scope, and formation of the universe. The tools for these conversations will be those of astronomy, and students will be expected to participate in evening laboratory exercises. Students will study astronomical instruments (telescopes, satellites), astronomical information (electromagnetic waves), and astronomical principles. Students should expect to use their algebra skills at times in this class. They should also expect to do presentations on their knowledge, as well as take tests and quizzes, including a final exam.
SCIENCE 7. Biomedical Ethics. Spring. Mrs. Sheff. 4 meetings weekly. Block A2345. Open to Class I and II. Distributional credit in the Natural Sciences or the Humanities. The twenty-first century promises to be filled with medical and technological advances that not only will enhance the quality of life, but will also generate a myriad of ethical questions and controversies. Our present definitions and qualities of life from beginning to end will be sorely tested and debated. The overlap between science and religion, science and ethics, and science and the legal system will become even more blurry, and it is important as future consumers, patients, and citizens of the world that we be as informed as possible. This course will examine as many of the issues as possible: pre-natal technology, stem-cell research, genetic screening, organ cloning, gene therapy, regenerative medicine, animal and crop experimentation, assisted suicide, hospice, patients’ rights, immortality research, among others. Current readings on a technical level as well as readings regarding legal, ethical, and religious commentaries will be a staple of the course. Research papers and a major project will be the primary forms of student evaluation.
SCIENCE 8. CSI: Middlesex – An Introduction to Forensic Science. Spring. Mr. Bishop. 3 meetings weekly. Block F134G3. Open to Class I and II. Judging by the numerous TV shows about solving mysteries through careful analysis of material clues, forensics is a hot topic. This semester-long course examines the science and laboratory techniques employed during crime scene investigation. This interdisciplinary course will incorporate a basic understanding of the principles of biology, chemistry, physics, geometry, and physiology with a practical use of the scientific method to help simulate criminal events. Topics that may be covered include fingerprinting, DNA analysis, toxicology, serology, blood splatter analysis, and ballistics. Lab activities will accompany each topic. Students will be evaluated by lab reports, examinations, and class participation.
