Advanced Science – Independent Research (Honors)
An intensive, inquiry-based course in which students pursue advanced, independent scientific research on topics of their own design. Students will engage in the full research process, including literature review, experimental or investigative design, data collection and analysis, and the communication of results through research papers, posters, and/or oral presentations. Throughout the course, students will complete multi-step research assignments and may participate in collaborative or mentored research projects. This course is designed to develop advanced skills in scientific thinking, problem-solving, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and the ethical dissemination of scientific knowledge. It is intended for highly motivated students who are considering pursuing STEM research or related fields at the collegiate level.
Prerequisites: Any Chemistry or Biology Applications course at the Honors level. Departmental permission required. Offered at the Honors level only. The level of research will be equivalent to, if not exceed, what is produced during the course of an SDP. Students will not be able to do a science-specific SDP in the term that they enroll in this course.
Biology Applications – Evolutionary Genetics
Evolutionary biology studies how organisms change over time. This course seeks to understand the evolution of life on various scales, ranging from the molecular level to how populations respond to various environmental conditions over time. Included in this course are discussions of how DNA is used to make proteins, how mutations impact the genetic code, how new species evolve, and how various species are related to one another (i.e., phylogenetics). In addition, students are introduced to the laboratory techniques that have driven our understanding of these topics, including DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, PCR, and bacterial transformation. Emphasis on effective communication of experimental design and findings through primary source research, formal reports, and presentations is an integral part of this course.
Prerequisites: Chemistry Foundations and Biology Foundations.
Student Directed Project – SDP
Interests:
Architecture,
Business,
Design,
Engineering,
Film,
Hands On,
Health,
Law,
Literature,
Politics,
Psychology,
Research,
Social Justice,
Social Sciences,
Sports
A Student-Directed Project empowers students to do an in-depth exploration of a topic of interest throughout the term.
The student designs, plans, and leads their research project in collaboration and with the guidance and support of a coach (faculty advisor). It allows students to delve deeper into their passion and to be the designer of their own learning. There is a wide range of Student-Directed Projects; they are multi-disciplinary, non-linear, and most importantly, student-created and led.
That’s what makes them so interesting.
Here are some examples of past projects:
- Creating an architectural model using 3D architectural software
- Through their eyes: Photo and interview series of veterans
- Robosub electromagnetic linear accelerator
- Acoustic pinger for Robosub
- Virtual Reality game for visually-impaired persons
- Creating a concept album
- Dispute: Landlord-tenant board game
- Multimedia journalism: Producing a podcast series
- Perplex: English and Theater Study
- Sensors and fiber optics: Building a fiber optic dress
- Haptic technologies: Force-Feedback Virtual Reality
- Applications of integrals to analytical continuation of functions
Biology Applications – Marine Ecology + Conservation
Ecology studies relationships and interconnections. In this course, students focus on the interdependence of living marine organisms (biotic factors) and their ocean environment (abiotic factors) and how energy flows through Earth’s systems and connects us to all living things. Topics interwoven throughout the course include: biodiversity, food webs, population biology, predation, competition, symbiosis, climate change, and human impacts while closely analyzing coral reefs, kelp forests, sharks, and whales. We use collaborative modeling, experimental design, current research, and field experiences to deepen our understanding of ecological concepts. The class will also engage in a field experience on a whale watch boat to expose students to real-world field based ocean research.
Prerequisites: Chemistry Foundations and Biology Foundations.