NASC 199 001 Chemistry of Life (4 credit lab science)
From artificial limbs to wearable health technologies, our ability to improve the health of humans stems from a thorough understanding of biological molecules and how they interact to form functional systems. Beginning at the atomic level, this course introduces students to the basic structure and function of biologically important molecules. Students will examine how the bonding and structure of a molecule dictates its interaction with its surrounding environment, with a particular focus on human systems. Students will evaluate the ideas of systems thinking and material balances by examining material fluxes and metabolic reactions within the human body. Finally, students will relate these fundamental chemical concepts to innovative products and processes in the fields of biomaterials and biotechnology using examples of early-stage and established products. As a supplement to the formal class meetings, the course involves hands on laboratory-based scientific research. During the first part of the lab section, students will be trained in state of the art techniques for conducting modern day research. In the second portion of the lab, students will design their own experiments, collect data, and present their findings in a formal scientific presentation.
NASE 398 001 Industrial Ecology
Industrial ecology examines the relationships between the production of material goods and the effect this process has on humans and the environment. The course systematically examines the practices of extraction, processing, production, distribution, and consumer use of goods by quantifying material and energy flows through every step of the cradle-to-grave process. Students will examine readings, case-studies, and models to assess and develop an understanding of the complex balance between the earth’s natural resources and satisfying human wants and needs. The course strives to emphasize that the solutions to global ecological sustainability lie not in the abandonment of technology but in the embracement and proliferation of it. Specific topics covered in the course may include a survey of environmental concerns, aspects of risk assessment, life cycle assessment, survey of relevant economic policies and sustainability practices, and examination of coupled industrial solutions through industrial symbiosis.
NASE 399 001 Nanotechnology & Society
The term “nanotechnology”, while well known, is not well understood. Nanoscale materials, which are typically tens of thousands of times smaller than the width of a single human hair, possess very unique electronic, chemical, and mechanical properties that make them ideal candidates for revolutionary technologies. This course introduces students to the principles, applications, and societal implications of nanotechnology. Students will characterize the types of nanotechnologies and the strategies for fabricating and characterizing nanoscale materials. In addition, students will generate and characterize simple nanomaterials in a research laboratory. Students will also evaluate the current applications of nanotechnologies in electronics, healthcare, consumer products, and the environment. Finally, students will evaluate the risks, ethical concerns, business implications, and regulatory issues of nanotechnology.
PS 301 H01 Behavioral Health: Natural Disaster Zones.
This undergraduate course will explore the behavioral health issues, proactive preparedness measures, intervention strategies and the associated implications for governing agencies, business, actuarial and insurance industry. The course will introduce the unique behavioral trauma characteristics for children, adolescents, adults and the elderly. Concepts from social psychology will be applied to understanding community psychological identity disruption.
PS 399 001 Nonverbal Behavior & Judging Others
How do we communicate nonverbally and how do we use nonverbal information to form impressions and make judgments of others? This course is designed to introduce students to the basics of nonverbal behavior and how they influence our interpersonal interactions. The course will introduce students to research on various nonverbal cues, including gesture, touch, gaze, appearance, and facial and vocal cues. In addition, making judgments of others based on their nonverbal behaviors is a ubiquitous part of our interpersonal interactions. The second half of the course will explore how we perceive others, with a particular emphasis on first impressions and the role of gender and culture in these perceptions. We will also dispel common myths about nonverbal behavior in deception detection. Throughout the course, examples and activities will focus on the application of nonverbal behavior in healthcare and business settings