This course is a general study of microorganisms and their activities, including form and structure; biochemical processes of growth, metabolism, and energy storage; distribution in nature and relationships to other organisms; cycles of matter; beneficial and detrimental effects on humans; and physical and chemical effects microorganisms make in their environment.

This seminar explores the science behind pressing issues facing our oceans, such as coastal eutrophication, ocean acidification and overfishing. Professors from the Five College Coastal and Marine Sciences (FCCMS) certificate program, representing different science disciplines, will engage with students in this discussion-based course. Students will gain a greater understanding of the scientific approaches being used to investigate ocean ecosystem health. They will also learn to analyze scientific literature and engage constructively in scholarly discussions.

This course explores the tremendous diversity of the plant kingdom, emphasizing the local flora. Evolutionary relationships are discussed on the basis of comparisons of reproductive biology, morphology, anatomy, cell structure, and molecular biology.

Art and music are a part of all human cultures. Is there something about the human brain that drives us to paint and sing? We will examine how the brain simultaneously processes different aspects of visual and auditory stimuli, ask how this processing may affect the way we do art and music, and explore where these phenomena may occur in the brain. As we engage in discussion and hands-on activities, we will discover the commonalities between the arts and the sciences including practice, experimentation, exploration, innovation, and creativity.