Courses
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Interdisciplinary Science
BIOL-100/0, Introduction to Biology
BIOL-100 is a five-hour course that includes significant time in the laboratory. This course is for Juniors. BIOL-100 is theme-based and focused on major biological topics. Studying a core text will be supplemented with other readings, writing assignments, and data analysis and interpretation. Students will learn a variety of study skills and will have an introduction to library research tools. Laboratory experiments and fieldwork are designed to acquaint students with fundamental biological principles and to build skills in the methods and techniques used to elucidate those principles.
BIOL-410, Global Ecological Issues
BIOL-410 is a five-hour course with time each week spent either in the laboratory or in the field. Open to Uppers and Seniors who have completed a yearlong science course. Not open to students who have taken Environmental Science 500 or a 500-level biology course. The United Nations Millennium Ecosystem Assessment analyzed the consequences of ecosystem change for conservation and human well-being, and states that humans have changed global ecosystems more rapidly and extensively than at any comparable period of time in human history. BIOL-410 will explore the challenge that our society has of reversing the degradation of ecosystems while meeting demands for their services. Students in this course will undertake laboratory studies involving the quality of air, fresh water, soils, energy consumption and productivity, wastewater treatment, and biodiversity. The major goal of the course is to stimulate and reinforce student environmental interest and responsibility.
BIOL-420, Animal Behavior
BIOL-420 is a five-hour course including time each week either in the laboratory or in the field. Open to Uppers and Seniors who have had one year of laboratory science, the course is designed to familiarize the student with the basic principles of animal behavior. The topics that receive the greatest emphasis are territoriality, aggression, mating strategies, courtship, parental behavior, migration, dominance, and the evolution of behavior patterns. Throughout the course, an effort is made to relate the behavior of animals to the behavior of humans. A project or a research paper will be required.
BIOL-421, Ornithology
BIOL-421 is a five-hour course including time each week either in the laboratory or in the field. Open to Uppers and Seniors who have completed a yearlong science course. No other group of chordates has captured the human imagination like birds. In the United States alone, approximately 30 million homes have installed birdfeeders, and the sale of feeders, seed, binoculars, and bird guides has become a multibillion dollar business. The goal of this course is to provide an in-depth look into the world of birds by studying the behavior, anatomy, physiology, and natural history of these feathered vertebrates. The Andover area is rich in habitat diversity and corresponding bird species. A portion of the course will be dedicated to learning the identity (both visually and acoustically) of a segment of this local population. Labs will include numerous field trips and the study of the natural history of birds, using bird mounts, nesting boxes, feathers, and films.
BIOL-450, Microbiology
Four class periods. Open to Uppers and Seniors who have had one year of laboratory science. From AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria to strep throat and the common cold, bacteria, parasites, and viruses affect our quality of life and are major obstacles to world development.This course will examine public health threats posed by selected microorganisms. We will study the biology and epidemiology of these microorganisms, learn how to keep ourselves healthy, and develop an awareness of personal and global public health issues.
BIOL-540/0, Topics in Advanced Biology
A yearlong commitment. BIOL-540 is a six-hour course. This college-level course treats the topics covered in an introductory biology course in greater depth and places greater emphasis on biochemistry and molecular biology. Laboratory work is an integral part of the course. Time is also set aside in the fall to learn about Andover ecology, in the winter to study the major diseases of the world, and in the spring to discuss important global issues. The syllabus for this course is appropriate preparation for the College Board Subject Test and although the course is not specific preparation for the AP exam in biology, students who do well in this course are prepared for that exam. This course is open to Uppers and Seniors. (Students who received a final grade of 5 or 6 in CHEM-300 or a grade of 4 or higher in CHEM-550 or 580 should take BIOL-560, 570, and 580 instead.) This course may require more than the standard four to five hours of homework per week. Prerequisite: One yearlong course in chemistry. Lowers and students who received a final grade of 3 or below in chemistry should enroll in a physics course upper year and BIOL-540 seniors year.
BIOL-560, Cellular Biology
BIOL-560 is a six-hour course including time each week in the laboratory. Following a brief review of chemical principles, the course examines the major classes of biomolecules and how they are synthesized and degraded in the cell, with emphasis on reactions associated with energy conversion pathways such as respiration and photosynthesis. Enzyme function is considered both in terms of mechanisms of action and with regard to kinetics. The relationship between structure and function at the molecular level is emphasized in studies of molecular genetics and the control of genetic expression. Biotechnology is introduced through the laboratory. Not open to those who have had BIOL-540. This course may require more than the standard four to five hours of homework per week. Prerequisite: Honors in a yearlong course in chemistry.
BIOL-570, Human Anatomy and Physiology
This six-hour course includes an in-depth consideration of some of the major systems of the human body. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between structure and function at the cellular, tissue, organ, and organ system levels. Not open to those who have had BIOL-540. This course may require more than the standard four to five hours of homework per week. Prerequisite: BIOL-560 or permission of the instructor and the department chair.
BIOL-580, Evolution and Ecology
BIOL-580 is a six-hour course with time each week spent in the field or laboratory. Sustainability and change are thecentral themes through which we will consider evolution and ecology. Evolution is a major unifying theme in biology, and the mechanism of natural selection serves as a foundation for examining ecosystems and relationships between populations, including humans. Lab and field work are based on a study of the sanctuary forest. A short library research paper will be required. Not open to those who have had BIOL-540. This course may require more than the standard four to five hours of homework per week. Prerequisite: BIOL-560 and/or 570 or permission of the instructor and the department chair.
BIOL-600, Molecular Biology: Laboratory Research
This is a course in laboratory research in molecular biology. Open to Uppers and Seniors. Permission of the instructor is required. Meets eight class periods (four double periods) a week. Students in this course will learn laboratory techniques for working with DNA and bacteria. Experiments will center on the molecular genetics of microorganisms, including the isolation, cutting, and splicing of DNA by recombinant DNA biotechnologies, and the polymerase chain reaction. After learning a core of methodologies that are used in professional labs, students will apply them to short, focused research projects in biotechnology. Uppers may use this course as a springboard for a science competition project, which would be accomplished at a professional lab during the following summer. Reading articles in scientific journals, as appropriate, is part of a student's research. Students will also be asked to keep a lab journal and to write and present a scientific paper. This course, if failed, may not be made up by examination. Prerequisite: one year of biology and one year of chemistry with grades of 4 or above.
BIOL-610, Molecular Biology: Independent Research
Students wishing to continue work from BIOL-600 may apply directly to the instructor for permission to enroll in BIOL-610. Enrollment is strictly limited and is at the discretion of the instructor and the chair of the Department of Biology. Laboratory schedules will be determined on a case-by-case basis; however, a student must be able to be in the lab for a minimum of eight hours per week at times when the instructor is available for supervision. This course is an advanced course that may require more than the standard nine hours of work per week. Requirements for successful completion of the term are similar to those for BIOL-600. This course, if failed, cannot be made up by examination.
BIOL-610/2, Molecular Biology: Independent Research
BIOL-610/3, Molecular Biology: Independent Research
CHEM-250/0, Introduction to Chemistry
A yearlong commitment. Five class periods per week. An introduction to the chemical view of the material world, including atomic theory, atomic structure, chemical reactions, the nature of solids, liquids, gases, and solutions, general equilibria, acid-base theories, electrochemistry, and aspects of nuclear chemistry. Emphasis is placed on developing problem-solving skills as well as on making connections between chemical principles and everyday life. A college-level text is used, but the pace of this course is adjusted to ensure that students have ample opportunity to ask questions. Laboratory work is an integral part of the course. The syllabus is appropriate preparation for the College Board Subject Test. High honors work adequately prepares a student for CHEM-580. Co-requisite: Registration in MATH-210 or above.
CHEM-300/0, College Chemistry
A yearlong commitment. Five class periods per week. This course is an introduction to the theoretical framework of modern chemistry, including atomic structure, chemical bonding, phase changes, solutions, chemical reactions, thermodynamics, kinetics, general equilibria, acid-base equilibria, electrochemistry, and aspects of inorganic and nuclear chemistry. Emphasis is placed on developing problem-solving skills and understanding the experimental basis of theories. A college-level text is used. Laboratory work is an integral part of the course. The syllabus of this course is appropriate preparation for the College Board Subject Test. Co-requisite: Registration in at least MATH-320 or above. Prerequisite: Grade of 4 or above in the previous mathematics course.
CHEM-460, Chemistry of the Environment
Four class periods per week. Open to Uppers and Seniors only. This course is concerned with the effect of chemistry on the earth and the implications of human action on the environment. Current issues - such as global warming, ozone depletion, air and water pollution, chemical waste, and alternative sources of energy - are discussed. Chemical theories and principles are introduced as needed. Prerequisite: One year of biology, chemistry, or physics.
CHEM-550/0, Advanced Placement Chemistry
A yearlong commitment. Six class periods per week, two of which are in the laboratory. This course is not open to students who have taken CHEM-300 or its equivalent and also not open to Juniors, with the exception of those Juniors enrolled in MATH-650. This is a rigorous course that treats the topics addressed in College Chemistry in greater depth and prepares students for the Advanced Placement examination in chemistry. Laboratory work is an integral part of the course. This course may require more than the standard four to five hours per week of homework. The syllabus of this course is appropriate preparation for the College Board Subject Test. A short research paper or advanced laboratory work may be undertaken in lieu of a final exam at the end of the spring term. Prerequisite: Grade of 5 or above in CHEM-250. Students who earn a 4 in Chemistry 250 may take CHEM-550 after taking PHYS-400 or PHYS-550. Students with no previous chemistry who are in MATH-360 or above may enroll in this course. Students with no previous chemistry who are in MATH-350 or below may enroll in this course only with permission from the department chair.
CHEM-580/0, Advanced Chemistry
A yearlong commitment. Six class periods per week. This is a rigorous second-year course that builds on the principles learned in the first year. It prepares students for the Advanced Placement examination and also includes topics beyond the AP syllabus. This course may require more than the standard four to five hours per week of homework. Laboratory work is an integral part of the course. Students will have an opportunity to review current literature on selected topics or select a lab research topic in preparation for a class seminar they will present in lieu of a final exam at the end of the spring term. Prerequiste: Grade of 6 in CHEM-250 or a 5 or above in CHEM-300. Students who earn a 4 in CHEM-300 may take CHEM-580 after taking PHYS-400 or PHYS-550.
CHEM-610, Organic Chemistry
Four class periods per week. This course introduces many of the basic reactions and concepts students will encounter in their future studies of chemistry, bioloyg, or medicine. Rather than covering a large number of reactions, as might happen in a second-year (full year) college organic chemistry course, this course emphasizes an understanding of general principles of reactivity and mechanism. The classroom work is supplemented by demonstrations through which students learn some of the fundamental tools of this highly empirical science. In addition, each student gains detailed knowledge of an area of active research related to organic chemistry. After selecting a topic of interest, each student prepares a paper and a class seminar, using current scientific literature. This course may require more than the standard four to five hours per week of homework. Prerequisite: Completion of either CHEM-550 or 580.
PHYS-270/0, Introduction to Physics
Formerly PHYS-200. A yearlong commitment. Five class periods. An introductory course in the basic concepts of physics that emphasizes student participation. After completion of PHYS-270, students are allowed to take PHYS-400 or PHYS-550 if they meeet the math prerequisite. Students who have completed CHEM-250 with a 4 or higher or have completed CHEM-300 should enroll in PHYS-400. Co-requisite: Registration in Math-210 or higher.
PHYS-395, Classical Mechanics
Formerly PHYS-320. This is the fall term of PHY-400, for students who do not wish to make a yearlong commitment. Students take the same final exam as the PHYS-400 students. A student who finishes PHYS-395 has the option of continuing in the winter and spring terms of PHYS-400. Co-requisite: Registration in at least MATH-330.
PHYS-400/0, College Physics
Formerly PHYS-380. A yearlong commitment. Five class periods. A non-calculus physics course, including a study of classical mechanics, electricity, magnetism, wave motion, light, relativity, and atomic and nuclear physics. Laboratory work is an integral part of the course. The syllabus of this course is appropriate preparation for the College Board Subject Test in physics. This course is for students who have earned a 4 or higher in CHEM-250 or who have completed CHEM-300 or PHYS-270. Co-requisite: Registration in at least MATH-310 or 330 (or permission of the department chair if in MATH-320 in the fall term).
PHYS-440, Astronomy
Four class periods. Astronomy is the scientific study of the origin, structure, and evolution of the universe and the objects in it. Topics may include patterns and motions in the sky, gravity and orbits, telescopes and light, planetary systems, the birth and death of stars, galaxies, the Big Bang, the search for extraterrestrial life, and the fate of the universe. One class period each week will be replaced by a Tuesday evening session in the obervatory. Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in one chemistry or physics course, and registration in at least MATH-340.
PHYS-450, Physical Geology
Formerly PHYS-340. Four class periods. A general introduction to physical geology, to include minerals, rocks, measurement of geologic time by radioactivity and fossils, volcanoes, seismology and earth structure, deformation of strata, faults, and plate tectonics. Some of the periods will be used for laboratory work. Prerequisite: Previous completion of one year of physics or chemistry, and registration in at least MASTH-340.
PHYS-520, Electronics
Formerly PHYS-420. Five class periods. A course in modern solid state electronics that considers passive circuit elements and their combinations, diodes, transistors, and integrated circuits. There will be considerable laboratory work. Prerequisite: Previous completion of or concurrent enrollment in PHYS-380, and completion of MATH-360.
PHYS-550/0, Calculus-Based Physics
A yearlong commitment. Five class periods. Physics 550 prepares students for both Mechanics and Electricity and Magnetism of the C level Advanced Placement examination, and entrance to honors- level programs in physics at the university level. Calculus will be used as required. Open to students who (a) will be enrolled in at least MATH-590 or who have completed MATH-575, (b) do not quality for PHYS-580, and (c) have earned a 4 or higher in their two most recent terms of math. PHYS-380 is also an option for these students. This is a rigorous course that may require more than the standard four to five hours of homework per week.
PHYS-580/4, Calculus-Based Physics
A two-term commitment. Five class periods. This is a rigorous course in mechanics (fall term), and electricity and magnetism (winter term). Calculus will be used as required. This course prepares students for both Mechanics and Electricity and Magnetism of the C level Advanced Placement examination, and entrance to honors-level programs in physics at the university level. This course may require more than the standard four to five hours of homework per week. Prerequisite: A grade of 6 for the year in PHYS-380 or its equivalent, and enrollment in at least Mathematics 590 or its equivalent.
PHYS-600, Relativity and Quantum Mechanics
Four class periods. Relativity and quantum mechanics are two theories that completely revolutionized our thinking about the universe. The course is a survey of the basic ideas underlying these theories. Special mathematical techniques needed for a better understanding of the material are developed in the course. This course may require more than the standard four to five hours of homework per week. Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in PHYS-550 or completion of PHYS-580, and enrollment in at least MATH-590.
PHYS-630, Fluid Mechanics
Four class periods. Students taking this course will learn about fluid statics and dynamics. Dimensional analysis and derivation of Bernoulli and Navier-Stokes equations will provide the methods necessary for solving problems. This course may require more than the standard four to five hours of homework per week. Prerequisite: Completion of MATH-590 and PHYS-550 or 580.
PHYS-650, Physics Seminar
Four class periods. The focus of this course is intermediate mechanics. Topics will vary according to the interests of the instructor and the students. This course may require more than the standard four to five hours of homework per week. Prerequisite: Completion of MATH-590 and of the fall trimester of PHYS-550 or 580.
SCIE-430, Forensic Science
Five class periods per week. Open to Uppers and Seniors only. This course will introduce students to the science of forensics. Students will learn to observe a crime scene and analyze different types of evidence found there. Designed as an interdisciplinary course, aspects of biology (DNA), chemistry (toxicology and chemical analysis) and physics (ballistics) will be discussed. The course will have a significant lab component, which will include developing fingerprints, identification of physical evidence and unknown chemicals, and DNA analysis. Prerequisite: One year of chemistry and either one year of biology or a concurrent enrollment in a year-long biology course.
SCIE-440, Humanity in the Post-Genomic Era
Five class periods per week. Open to Uppers and Seniors. This course examines current biological topics that challenge our understanding of humanity. We live in a modern age in which major scientific advances are the norm. Bombarded with stories in the news regarding ethical dilemmas pertaining to biomedical advances or interventions, it is often difficult for us to make sense of competing arguments without having a basic command of the biological and philosophical issues involved. Questions to be addressed include: What is a stem cell? When does a developing human being first experience sensation? Show evidence of cognitive abilities? Acquire moral status? How does our modern, post-genomic understanding of human biology influence our definition of humanity? Historical and current readings will be assigned and lively discussions encouraged. students will be graded through a variety of assessments, including papers, projects, and class participation. Prerequisite: One yearlong course in biology and one yearlong course in chemistry.
SCIE-460, Meteorology
Formerly PHYS-360. Four class periods. Meteorology is the study of the atmospheric environment, or weather. Topics may include the structure of the atmosphere, atmospheric energy transfers, optics and moisture, the formation of dew, fog, clouds and precipitation, pressure, forces and wind, storms, forecasting, and climate change. Prerequisite: Completion of one yearlong chemistry course in addition to either completion of PHYS-320 (or the equivalent) or completion of PHYS-250.
SCIE-470, Human Origins
Five class periods, including weekly field or laboratory work. Open to Uppers and Seniors. Take a look around. Regardless of where you aer, the consequence of three million years of human evolution is evident. This interdisciplinary science course uses insights drawn fron history, art, archaeology, and other disciplines to chart the human journey fron the hominid to the first civilizations that forecast the modern world. Hands-on laboratory exercises emphasize use of the Peabody Museum of Archaeology collections and challenge students to apply ancient techniques to solve daily problems of survival.
SCIE-480, Disease and Medicine in the United States: Pox and Pestilence
Five class periods per week. Open to Uppers and Seniors. See also HIST-SS480. In recent years, historians have begun to understand the impact of disease on the human story and have incorporated it into the more traditional narratives. In common with other parts of the world, the history of the United States has been profoundly influenced by infectious disease. In this course we invite you to come along on a multi-disciplinary journey to explore the impact of disease on the American experience in the 19th and 20th centuries. After exploring the pre-contact situation in the Americas, we will focus on syphilis, smallpox, bacterial sepsis, cholera, yellow fever, malaria, tuberculosis, influenza, polio, HIV/AIDS, and bioterrorism agents such as anthrax. Students will research the role these diseases played in the social, military, and political history of the United States together with the science and medicine that developed in response to them. This is a research seminar and students will use a variety of sources to write a term paper. There is no final examination. A student in this course is elegible for credit in either history or science. A student who wishes to receive history credit should sign up for HIST-SS480; a student who wishes to receive science credit should sign up for SCIE-480.
SCIE-490, The Brain and You: a User's Guide
Five class periods. Open to Uppers and Seniors. See also PSYC-490. The human brain is the most sophisticated biological organ ever evolved on Earth and is the source of all human cognitive functions. Have you ever wondered how yours works? How do you use it to enjoy music, for social relationships, or to experience strong emotions? Have you ever asked yourself whether there are differences between the male and female brains or if the capabilities of the human brain are really unique in the animal kingdom? Join us in this interdisciplinary course as we search for answers to these questions (and more) by examining the evolution and function of the brain and how this applies to understanding the role of the brain in complex human psychology, including the perception, creation, and performance of music, personality, memory, and other higher intellectual activities. A student in this course is elegible for credit in either science or psychology. A student who wishes to receive science credit should sign up for SCIE-490; a student who wishes to receive psychology credit should sign up for PSYC-490.
SCIE-500/0, Environmental Science
A yearlong commitment. Five class periods. The course begins with a study of the components of the biosphere and the fundamental principles that underlie the interdependence of the earth's systems, including energy flow and the recycling of matter. Students will consider renewable and non-renewable resources in the context of population dynamics. Discussions of pollution and environmental quality will lead to the study of global change, both natural and human-induced. As we develop our knowledge, we will critically examine environmental issues presented in the news media. This analysis will lead to discussions on the roles of economic forces, cultural and aesthetic considerations, ethics, and environmental regulations in shaping our biosphere. This course may require more than the standard four to five hours of homework per week. Prerequisite: One yearlong course in biology and one yearlong course in chemistry. Not open to students who have taken BIOL-410.