Low-Intermed. Riding
Teaches students to improve control of the horse on the flat and may introduce low jumps. Focus on the rider includes developing a stable position, strength, and balance. For riders capable of controlling a horse at the walk, trot, and beginning canter.
Squash
Squash is a course that reviews all of the basic shots, techniques, and strategies for the game of squash. This course is appropriate for students with or without experience in squash or other racquet sports.
Invasion Ecology
Invasive species have become a common focus for land managers and gardeners around the world because some invasive species have decimated local biodiversity. What can we learn about these species, their interactions with local communities, and the dynamics of invasions that will help us manage diversity in a changing world? We will discuss the science and politics behind invasive species and explore the secrets of their success their impacts. This course will include a whole class project or group research projects based on current issues in the literature or local invasive species.
Outsmarting Pathogens
Smallpox, a disfiguring infection called "one of the most devastating diseases known to humanity" by the World Health Organization, was eradicated from the planet through immunization. Polio paralyzed 350,000 children a year until immunization reduced infection by 99%. Why have we succeeded in immunizing against these pathogens but not HIV or the common cold? Students in this seminar will discuss primary literature in immunology, microbiology, and epidemiology to learn how vaccines outsmart pathogens.
Microbiology
We share planet Earth with an unimaginable number of "invisible" microbial life forms. In this course we will explore the structure, metabolism, genetics, and ecology of microbes, most prominently bacteria. Other microbes, including archaea, eukaryotic microbes, and viruses will also be considered. Whenever possible, the relationship between microbes and humans will be highlighted. Other goals will be for students to become comfortable with scientific primary literature and to hone their communication skills through discussions and written assignments.
Human Physiology
A course on the function of human organ systems, at both the cellular and whole tissue level. We will study the mechanisms that regulate a variety of organ systems and learn how these mechanisms respond to the changing needs of the individual. We will discuss how we used animal models to determine the normal function of these systems, practice the math used to model their function, and analyze how the activities of these systems are integrated.