2007-08 - Pitzer College

252 SCIENCE
SCIENCE
3. Life in the Universe. Interdisciplinary seminar on origin of life on Earth and
possibility for life elsewhere in the universe. Emphasizes individualized and group
research and learning. Topics include the creation of the universe and cosmology, the
evolution of galaxies and stars, the interstellar medium and the formation of solar
systems, the origin and evolution of life on Earth, and the search for extrasolar planets
and extraterrestrial life and intelligence. No prerequisite. [not offered 2007-08]
6. Archeoastronomy and World Cosmology. A survey of the development of astronomy
and cosmology around the world and the relationship of astronomy to the cultures of
societies ancient and modern. Explores the role of astronomy and cosmology in
organizing society and culture, and in interpreting time and space. Additional topics
include details of the cosmological systems of the ancient Mesoamerican, Greek, and
Chinese civilizations, and a non-mathematical exploration of modern scientific
cosmology. No prerequisite. Spring, B. Penprase.
62. Introduction to Astrophysics. Introduction to astrophysics with emphasis on topics of
interest to students with a strong background in introductory physics. Topics include
astronomical coordinate systems, celestial mechanics, solar physics, stellar structure,
stellar evolution, and cosmology. Prerequisites: Physics 51a,b or equivalent. Offered
jointly with HMC and Pomona. Spring, Staff.
66L. Elementary Astronomy. A survey of modern astronomy, emphasizing the
interrelationships among phenomena. The subject matter includes the solar systems, stars
and stellar systems, galaxies, and cosmology. Enrollment limited. Laboratory fee $30.
Fall/Spring, S. Naftilan, T. Dershem.
101. Observational Astronomy. A course emphasizing techniques of visual,
photographic, and electronic observations of astronomical objects. Discussion of infrared
and radio astronomy, as well as space-based UV and X-ray astronomy. Includes
preparation for and data reductions of observations. Also includes original astronomical
observations using both the Brackett Observatory and the 1-meter telescope at Table
Mountain. Prerequisites: Astronomy 1 or 62, and Physics 51 a,b, or equivalent. Fall, P. Choi.
120. Star Formation and the Interstellar Medium. Theoretical and observational aspects
of star birth and the use of radio and infrared diagnostics. Studies of the interstellar
media and the role of supernovae. Prerequisites: Physics 35, 66, or 118, and Math 111 or
equivalent. Half course. Offered jointly with HMC and Pomona. Spring semester every
other year. Spring, P. Choi.
122. Stellar Structure and Evolution. A rigorous treatment of stellar atmospheres and
radiative transfer. Topics include spectral line formation, stellar energy generation,
evolution on and away from the main sequence, and the internal structures of stars and
other self-gravitating objects. Prerequisites: Physics 35, 66, or 118, and Math 111 or
equivalent. Half course. Offered jointly with HMC and Pomona. [not offered 2007-08]
123. High-Energy Astrophysics. Analysis of the results of new ultraviolet, X-ray, and
gamma-ray observations, and the astrophysical processes that produce high-energy
photons. Topics include active galactic nuclei, black holes, neutron stars, supernova
remnants, and cosmic rays. Half-course. Prerequisites: Physics 101, Astronomy 1 or 62,
and Mathematics 60. Offered jointly with HMC and Joint Sciences. Offered alternate
years. [not offered 2007-08]
253
124. Planetary Astophysics. The physics and chemistry of the planets, their natural
satellites and the small bodies of the solar system. Topics include evolution and dynamics
of planetary atmospheres, planetary interiors, alteration processes on planetary surfaces,
the formation and dynamics of the solar system, evolution of small bodies and extra-solar
systems. Half-course. Prerequisites: Physics 101, Astronomy 1 or 62, and Math 60. Offered
jointly with HMC and Joint Sciences. Offered alternate years. [not offered 2007-08]
Biology
Advisers: J. Armstrong, M. Coleman, N. Copp, G. Edwalds-Gilbert, D. Guthrie, R. Justice,
D. McFarlane, J. Milton, J. E. Morhardt, M. Preest, D. Sadava, Z. Tang, D. Thomson, E. Wiley.
AISS 1AL, 1BL, 2AL, 2BL. Accelerated Integrated Science Sequence. See complete
description above.
39L. Analyses of Human Motor Skills. Neurobiology of motor skills, expertise, and
performance. Noninvasive methods of motion analysis (observation, motion capture,
EEG/EMG, multimodal imaging). Teaching interventions. Laboratory examines
development of basic sporting skills in children, athletes, and those with disabilities. This
course will fulfill the science general education requirement. This course will not count
towards the biology major. Permission of instructor required. Enrollment limited.
Laboratory fee: $50. Fall, J. Milton.
43L. Introductory Biology. This course explores life at the molecular and cellular level as
an introduction to the cellular processes and gene expression patterns that underlie
organismal physiology and evolution through lectures, discussion, and laboratory
exercises. Topics include cell and molecular biology, genetics and biochemistry.
Laboratory fee: $50. Fall/Spring, J. Armstrong, R. Justice, D. Sadava, Z. Tang.
44L. Introductory Biology. Topics discussed in lecture, and demonstrated in laboratory,
include structure, function, and evolution of plant and animal forms, physiology of plant
and animal systems, and the principles of ecology. Required field trips. Laboratory fee:
$50. Spring, D. Guthrie, M. Preest, Staff.
56L. Genetics of Human Disease. The course will examine various aspects of human
heredity and social and ethical implications of the Human Genome Project. Topics
include basic genetic mechanisms, the identification and characterization of “disease
genes”, and the social and political uses of genetic information. Enrollment limited.
Laboratory fee: $30. [not offered 2007-08]
57L. Concepts in Biology. This course is an introduction to college-level biology and
deals with evolution, ecology, inheritance, biotechnology, anatomy, and physiology.
Course work will include lectures, student-lead discussions, and laboratories. Discussions
will cover topics such as the biology and ethics of gene therapy, conservation, science and
the media, and use of animals in research. Laboratory fee: $30. Spring, M. Preest.