Course Subject: Science
Course Subject: Science
Advanced Biology – Molecular Research Techniques (Honors)
This course provides students with an opportunity to learn advanced techniques in molecular biology and their applications in biotechnology. Students delve deeply into advanced topics such as genetic engineering and synthetic biology, with a specific focus on the use of CRISPR technology and the ways in which they can leverage it to explore real-world problems in medicine, agriculture, and more. Students travel each week to the BioBuilder learning lab at Ginkgo Bioworks for an immersive experience in which students learn the skills and tools of molecular research through an ongoing research project. Prerequisites: any Chemistry or Biology Applications course at the Honors level and with departmental permission (Biology Applications: DNA & Genetics highly recommended). Offered at the Honors level only.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
Chemistry Applications – Physical Chemistry
Interests:
Health
This interdisciplinary course explores the physical and chemical properties of matter. Students learn about the challenging fields of thermodynamics, thermal and chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, and buffers. In this course, students gain a thorough understanding of how chemical systems behave and respond to external stress through hands-on laboratory experiences and problem sets. Throughout the course, lab skills and writing are emphasized in order to practice effective scientific communication and inquiry-based design challenges.
Prerequisites: Chemistry Foundations and Biology Foundations.
Chemistry Applications – Biochemistry
Interests:
Health
Biochemistry explores the fascinating intersections of chemistry and biology This course delves into the molecular processes and reactions necessary for life. Students first review the foundations of chemistry while focusing on the importance of carbon as an element on Earth and its role in living things. In this course, students explore a selection of topics ranging from carbon dating, electrolytes and human health, the structure and function of carbohydrates and proteins, and food science, nutrition, and metabolism. Students get the chance to do an independent research project to learn about a personal interest. Honors has an expectation to do deeper level content, more autonomous work and self-learning, and application of mathematics to solve problem sets.
Prerequisites: Chemistry Foundations and Biology Foundations.
Biology Applications – Neuroscience
The most basic function of the brain is to keep you alive. Your 100 billion neurons regulate breathing, heart rate, hunger and sleep cycle. But perhaps what fascinates us the most about the human brain is how it goes beyond these basic functions and generates emotions, perceptions, and thoughts that guide behavior. In this course, we take a deep dive into brain science, exploring everything from the biochemistry of a neuron, to the latest research on psychological disorders such as depression and addiction. Topics in this course include neural anatomy and physiology, synaptic transmission and action potential, neurochemistry, and the impact of substances on the brain. Students have the opportunity to attend the Harvard MEDscience program to participate in the Nervous System patient simulation as part of this course. Prerequisites: Chemistry Foundations and Biology Foundations.Engineering Applications – Robotics
Robots are all around us, in the deepest oceans, tallest volcanoes, and beyond into outer space. This dynamic course delves into the practical and transformative applications of robotics, and is designed to provide students with hands-on experience, technical skills, and a comprehensive understanding of how robotics integrates different engineering fields. Students explore the intersection of engineering and robotics, uncovering the innovative ways in which robotic technologies are applied across different industries. Through a combination of theoretical insights, practical demonstrations, and project-based learning, participants gain the expertise necessary to leverage robotics in solving complex engineering challenges. Do not take this course if you plan to attend NuVu. Prerequisites: Physics Applications: Engineering or departmental permission.Biology Applications – DNA and Genetics
Interests:
Health
DNA is often referred to as the “code of life.” This course seeks to explore what we know about how our bodies interpret and utilize our genetic code and how our understanding has changed in recent years. Included in this course are discussions of the evolving concept of what a gene is, DNA structure, function, and replication, and how DNA is used to shed light on evolutionary relationships among organisms. 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 are an integral part of this course.
Prerequisites: Chemistry Foundations and Biology Foundations.