FACULTY & STUDENT RESOURCES
Environmental Courses
Freshman Seminars
*Freshman Seminar 21q. Nature and Imposters: Mimicry and Camouflage in Nature 8762
M.R. 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. Note: Open to Freshmen only. Enrollment: Limited to 12.
*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? Note: Open to Freshmen only. Enrollment: Limited to 12.
*Freshman Seminar 21x. Galaxies and the Universe 4075
J.P. Huchra Fall TBA
Explores the basic observations that lend support to the current cosmological model, the inflationary hot Big Bang, and we shall discuss the recent observations that indicate that the Universe might even be speeding up. Topics covered include the internal structure and dynamics of galaxies, cosmological models, the determination of the cosmic distance scale, observations of large-scale structure in the universe, quasars, galaxy formation, and the age, size, and fate of the universe. Note: Open to Freshmen only. Enrollment: Limited to 12.
*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. Note: Open to Freshmen only. Enrollment: Limited to 12.
*Freshman Seminar 22l. Climate Change - (New Course) 7180
P.J. Huybers, E. Tziperman Spring TBA
Prerequisite: Students should have a background in high-school physics and calculus.
A critical discussion of some of the more intriguing and relevant aspects of the Earthís climate. What will the Earthís temperature be in 100 years? What will the sea-level be? How accurate are our best estimates? Are tropical cyclones intensifying? What is the fate of Greenlandís ice? Provides a focused introduction to some aspects of climate change. Course materials will include readings, presentations, group discussion, and the exploration of simple mathematical models of the climate. Note: Open to Freshmen only. Enrollment: Limited to 12.
*Freshman Seminar 25p. Neurotoxicology: Biological Effects of Environmental Poisons 1838
S. A. Counter (Medical School) 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? Note: Open to Freshmen only. Enrollment: Limited to 12.
*Freshman Seminar 25v. Avian Influenza: Emerging Infectious Disease 4807
T. Lee (Public Health), M. Essex (Public Health) Spring TBA
Even though the number of people infected by avian flu is still small, the high mortality rate observed has raised the prospect that millions of people may die if avian flu ever became a global pandemic. Explores how avian influenza viruses gain their ability to infect different hosts and investigates the strategies needed to deal with an avian flu pandemic. Readings will include texts and journal literature. Note: Open to Freshmen only. Enrollment: Limited to 14.
*Freshman Seminar 40l. Theories of Globalization and Development 3705
T. Ponniah Fall TBA
This course gives students the opportunity to discuss theories from economics, political science, sociology, anthropology, geography, as well as the popular literature emerging from civil society and social movements. We will look at the theoretical sources that underpin various debates, such as free trade versus fair trade, technological revolution versus ecological risk, modernity versus post-modernity, and anti-globalization versus global justice. Ultimately the course will help students develop their own interdisciplinary understanding of globalization. Note: Open to Freshmen only. Enrollment: Limited to 12.
*Freshman Seminar 40o. Science and Culture in the Pleasure Zone - (New Course) 1135
N. Tuross Fall TBA
Landuse, modification of landscape, and environmental degradation are topics of current interest and concern. This seminar will focus on similar concerns from a different time. The making of Boston from the perspective of landfill, environmental change and the response of the population to alteration in the land will be explored from both historical and scientific perspectives. The Arnold Arboretum will serve as both a backdrop and focus of our studies. Note: Some meetings will be held at the Arboretum and will require earlier departure to begin on time. Open to Freshmen only. Enrollment: Limited to 12.
*Freshman Seminar 44g. Public Policy Approaches to Global Climate Change 1032
R.N. 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? Note: Open to Freshmen only. Enrollment: Limited to 12.
*Freshman Seminar 47k. Fixing or Faking Nature?: Environmental Restoration and the Future of Venice, Vegas, Iraq, and New Orleans 6260
R. France (Design School) Spring TBA
Reviews theoretical debates concerning environmental restoration and considers why it is the most intellectually challenging of all forms of contemporary environmental management. Explores practical examples of local restoration projects (such as Walden Pond) and then examines the ongoing restoration efforts in famous locations around the world such as the lagoon of Venice, the marshlands of southern Iraq, the bayous of Louisiana, and the wetlands of Las Vegas. Note: Open to Freshmen only. Enrollment: Limited to 12.
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