FACULTY & STUDENT RESOURCES
Environmental Courses
Freshman Seminars
*Biological Impostors: Mimicry and Camouflage in Nature 8762
M. Canfield Spring TBA
Plants and animals imitate one another and their surroundings to escape notice and avoid predators. This seminar explores the evolution of mimicry and camouflage using case studies that reveal the range of visual, behavioral, acoustical, and chemical means by which this deception is accomplished.
*Freshman Seminar 21s. Germs 2067
R. Mitchell Fall TBA
Germs are responsible for the disruption of whole civilizations and for the maintenance of ecological balance on the planet. Explores the importance of germs as causative agents of disease in humans, animals, and plants and emerging diseases. Investigates why epidemics occur and the role of germs in the control of the ecological balance on Earth—how microbes affect the cycling of elements, and climate control. Are there dangers to inserting microbial genes into crops?
*Freshman Seminar 22j. Seeing by Spectroscopy 4039
W. Klemperer Spring TBA
Explores diverse topics and areas of science in which spectroscopy-the observation of energy emitted from a radiant source-plays a leading role. Concentrates on selected topics from chemistry, physics, astronomy, and atmospheric science. Emphasizes spectroscopy as the basis for remote sensing, choosing the grand topic of looking out-astronomical observations and seeing what is in the universe. Participants also will study (Nuclear) Magnetic Resonance Imaging as a model for looking in.
*Freshman Seminar 22x. Bioluminescence 9569
J. Woodland Hastings Fall M 5:00-7:30
Explores bioluminescence through research, literature, specimens,
cultures, and in nature; number of luminous species is relatively small
and the mechanisms responsible for the light they emit are very different.
Its functions may be classed as defense, offense, and communication.
Bioluminescence is also a unique molecular marker for investigating and
understanding different basic physiological processes, both cellular and
organismic--to answer questions ranging from gene expression and its
regulation to enzymology, bioenergetics, physiology, function, ecology,
evolution. Note: Open to Freshmen only. Participants are expected to have a
standard high school background in biology, chemistry, and physics.
*Freshman Seminar 22z. Quantitative Methods in Public Policy Decisions 8839
R. Wilson Fall TBA
The seminar will apply scientifically quantitative methods to understanding
a number of problems of general public concern, and provide insight into the
roles of a scientist in public affairs by understanding diverse problems of the
environment, pollution, and public health. The topics will be selected in the
first two weeks from those that are topical at the time.
*Freshman Seminar 23f. Uncertainty, Probability, and Climate Change (New Course)
A. Dempster Spring TBA
Prerequisite: Familiarity with elementary probability theory at the level of
high school mathematics.
The celebrated IPCC-UN report Climate Change 2007: The Physical
Science Basis has become an important component of the scientific
consensus that human activities are hastening dangerous changes in global
climate. Many uncertainties are referenced using terms like “high confidence”
or “more likely than not”, linked to numerical measures of “chance” or
“probability”. Understanding such terms is developed through weekly
readings and discussion, and preparation of a final paper on a selected aspect
of climate change.
*Freshman Seminar 24n. Child Health in America
J. Palfrey Fall TBA
Reviews history of children’s health care in the United States; explores the
impact of geography, environment, nutrition, clean water, as well as scientific
discoveries of the late 19th and the early 20th centuries and the emergence
of high technology care in middle and late 20th century. Does America
provide children the best possible health care available? Compares United
States epidemiology with that of other developed and developing nations.
Explores how child health delivery is financed.
*Freshman Seminar 25p. Neurotoxicology: Biological Effects of Environmental Poisons 1838
S. Allen Counter Fall TBA
Explores wide range of environmental neurotoxic substances and effects on human and animal populations. Attention to pediatric exposure to neurotoxic agents and associated neurodevelopmental disabilities, as well as neurobehavioral and immunological changes. Examines impact of lead, mercury poisoning, PCBs. Investigates neurophysiology and neurochemistry of a number of other neurotoxins, including nerve gas, tetrodotoxin, saxitoxin, botulinum, and curare. What dangers do we face at home and at work? What can or should be done about these?
*Freshman Seminar 25v. Avian Influenza: Emerging Infectious Disease 4807
T. Lee, M. Essex Spring TBA
Although the number of people infected by avian flu is small, the high
mortality rate suggests that millions may die if it becomes a global pandemic.
Explores the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918, the swine flu scare of 1976,
and current developments and research on the H5N1 influenza virus, with
emphasis on examining how avian influenza viruses gain the ability to
infect different hosts. Source materials include original scientific literature,
government documents, journalistic writings and films.
*Freshman Seminar 31v. The Beasts of Antiquity and Their Natural History (New Course) 8649
K. Coleman, F. Jenkins, Jr. Spring TBA
A study of the animals of the ancient Mediterranean basin, offering parallel
introductions to the classics and to organismal and evolutionary biology.
Animals played a central role in Greco-Roman culture. Their appearance and
behavior, as recorded in ancient literature and art, are tested against 21st century knowledge of their anatomy, physiology, sociobiology and habits.
Includes first-hand study of specimens in the Museum of Comparative
Zoology and coins and artifacts from Harvard’s collection of antiquities.
*Freshman Seminar 44g. Public Policy Approaches to Global Climate Change 1032
R. Cooper Fall TBA
Reviews what is known about greenhouse gas emissionsí possible impact on climate. Explores possible impact of climate change on social and economic conditions over the next century. Investigates possible public policy responses to these developments, including actions both to adapt to and to mitigate climate change. What would be the costs of adaptation? Would an investment in mitigating the changes be worthwhile? Are there possibilities for international cooperation in dealing with the problem?
*Freshman Seminar 44v. Urban Environmental Health (New Course) 3210
J. Levy Spring TBA
In a world where half of the population now lives in urban areas, this
course examines the complex environmental and health implications
of urbanization, considering both beneficial and detrimental effects in
developing and developed countries. Case studies include health and safety
risks from traffic around the world, environmental implications of energy
usage and generation patterns in the United States and China, and health
risks related to substandard drinking water in mega-cities in developing
countries.
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