An introduction to basic computer science concepts with a focus on Python programming to manipulate images and sounds. Laboratory assignments will provide the main programming opportunities with Python, images, and sounds, while lectures will cover topics such as the origins of computing, computer architecture, artificial intelligence, and robotics.

A seminar series consisting of meetings on alternate weeks to discuss articles from the current chemical literature. The readings will prepare students for attendance at lectures on the chosen topics in the remaining weeks. The lectures are given primarily by visiting speakers, but they may include department faculty. Students will serve as discussion leaders, and each student will write a paper on a presentation of her choice.

This course provides an overview of the fundamental principles of physical chemistry with an emphasis on their application to the study of biological molecules and processes. Topics will include quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics and thermodynamics. Discussion of applications will relate commonly used experimental techniques -- such as spectroscopy and calorimetry -- to the fundamental principles on which they are based. In addition, students will gain experience and confidence in the use of mathematical models to describe biochemical systems.

An introduction to the study of molecules of high molecular weights with emphasis on synthetic rather than naturally occurring polymers. Topics include polymerization, structures, molecular weight determination, molecular weight distribution, chain configurations, rubber elasticity, and thermodynamics and statistical mechanics of polymer solutions.

This course is an in-depth examination of DNA and RNA structures and how these structures support their respective functions during replication, transcription, and translation of the genetic material. Emphasis is on the detailed mechanisms associated with each step of gene expression. Discussions incorporate many recent advances brought about by recombinant DNA technology.