Great Ideas in Science II: Origins (Spring 2008) Syllabus - Prof. Donald G. Luttermoser, Papers of Physics

Download Great Ideas in Science II: Origins (Spring 2008) Syllabus - Prof. Donald G. Luttermoser and more Papers Physics in PDF only on Docsity! PHYS-2028-001: Great Ideas in Science II Syllabus — Spring 2008 Course ID: PHYS-2028-001 Lecture Times: T R 12:45 p.m. – 2:05 p.m. Lecture Location: Yoakley Hall, Room 109 Lecturer: Dr. Donald Luttermoser Office Hours: W 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. (280 Brown Hall, 439-7064) R 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. (280 Brown Hall) Textbook: No Official Textbook is Required (Reading assignments will announced in class) Course Theme: ORIGINS (Part 2) Course Outline Days Topics Lecturer January 15 Introduction Dr. Don Luttermoser January 17 Cosmos Video Dr. Don Luttermoser January 22 History of Chemistry Dr. Don Luttermoser January 24 Chemical Origins of Life & Prebiotic Chemistry Dr. Jeff Wardeska January 29, 31 Student Projects — February 5 Natural Selection, Evolution & Major Transitions Dr. Rebecca Pyles February 7 Phylogenetics (Assignment: Phylogeny Problem & Propose Theme for Paper, Due: March 11th) Dr. Rebecca Pyles February 12 Origins Video Dr. Don Luttermoser February 14 Origin of Life Dr. Rebecca Pyles February 19 Origins of Structure & Adaptation Dr. Rebecca Pyles February 21 Origins of Species Dr. Rebecca Pyles February 26, 28 Evolution of New Functions and Genes Dr. Frosty Levy March 4, 6 Spring Break, No Class — March 11, 13 Speciation from an Experimental Viewpoint Dr. Frosty Levy March 18, 20 Material vs. Functional Definitions of Gene Dr. David Harker March 25, 27 Student Projects — April 1, 3 Guest Lectures from the Basler Chair Dr. Ivars Peterson April 8, 10 The Demise of Civilizations Dr. Don Luttermoser April 15, 17 Are We Alone? – The Drake Equation Dr. Don Luttermoser April 22, 24 Student Projects — For other university information, please consult the ETSU supplemental syllabus attachment at: http://www.etsu.edu/reg/syllabus.htm The web page for this course can be found at: http://www.etsu.edu/physics/lutter/courses/phys2028/index08.htm Page 1 PHYS-2028-001 Syllabus Page 2 Overview Great Ideas in Science (GIS) is the second semester of a one-year honors course. GIS endeavors to introduce the student to the interdisciplinary side of science. Every year the “theme” of the course changes and for this 2007/2008 academic year, the theme of this course will be about origins. This topic is very broad since it can encompass a variety of different sciences, hence this is a good theme to show interdisciplinary science. Of course, one of the most important questions concerning origins is where did we (i.e., humanity) come from? As the first step in answering that question, we studied philosophy, mathematics, physics, and astronomy in the study of our origins during the Fall 2007 semester. In this Spring 2008 semester, we will focus on chemistry, biology and health sciences in the study of origins. In addition to this, we will talk about endings through a study of the causes of the demise of species and civilizations. Finally, at the conclusion of this semester, we will use what was learned in this two-semester sequence of courses to address the question are we alone in the Universe? Student Projects Besides the opening day Introduction, you will note there are four main areas of learning on the Course Schedule indicated by the “boxed” topics. Each main area will have separate Lecturers that will cover the material in that area. Each “area” will have some sort of Student Projects that will be assigned and your course grade will be determined by your performance in these projects. What the class does for these projects will be announced near the beginning of each main area of study. Student Projects can include class debates, oral and/or written reports, or whatever other cool things we can think of to do. Even though there will be other professors leading some of the “main area” lectures/discussions, Dr. Luttermoser will be in charge of assigning grades for a student’s performance in each project. Note that there will be no exams given in this class. I also do not believe in “extra credit.” Extra credit work is the same as “credit” work in this class. As honors students you will be expected to perform at levels above the standard undergraduate student. The Course Web Page As the semester progresses, I will be adding links for the lectures you will be attending on the Course Web Page listed on the first page of this syllabus. I will also post descriptions of what each Student Project will entail once the class decides on a Project. Other useful links will also be posted on this Web Page as well.