Natural Sciences
The natural sciences sequences provide a way for students in the humanities and social sciences to satisfy the general education requirements in both the physical sciences and biological sciences. (These requirements can be fulfilled separately, of course.) The sequences Natural Sciences 101-102-103-104-105 and 151-152-153-154-155 follow two distinct themes through five quarters of instruction, such that three are roughly "physical" and two are roughly "biological" in nature. The physical parts of these courses are, in general, less mathematical than Physical Sciences 111-112 and 119-120. Both courses are at similar levels. A third (six quarter) sequence, Natural Sciences 121-122-123-124-125-126, is devoted to Environmental Sciences. It also satisfies all the general education requirements in the physical, biological, and mathematical sciences.
The natural sciences sequences are open only to first- and second-year students and to first-year transfer students, with preference given to first-year students. NOTE: Only the more mathematical physical sciences courses are open to third- and fourth-year students. The courses must be taken in sequence.
Courses
In the following course descriptions, L refers to courses with laboratory.
101-102-103-104-105. Evolution of the Natural World. PQ: Math 102 or 106, or placement into 131 or higher. This sequence satisfies the general education requirements in the physical and biological sciences for humanities and social sciences students. Open only to first- and second-year students and to first-year transfer students, with preference given to first-year students. Must be taken in sequence. This is an integrated five-quarter sequence that emphasizes the evolution of the physical universe and life on earth, and explores the interrelationships between the two.
101. Evolution of the Universe. This course is designed to encourage a sense of awe, appreciation, and understanding of the topics investigated in modern astrophysics, such as the origin of the universe, the formation and evolution of the sun and the earth, the nature of space and time, and the search for other planets and life in the universe. Students also have a chance to experience the predicting, testing, and investigative nature of science. D. Duncan. L: P. Palmer. Autumn.
102. Evolution of the Solar System and the Earth. PQ: NatSci 101. This course examines the physical and chemical origins of planetary systems, the role of meteorite studies in this context, and a comparison of the earth with neighboring planets. It then turns to chemical and physical processes that lead to internal differentiation of the earth. Further topics include the thermal balance at the earth's surface (glaciation and the greenhouse effect), and the role of liquid water in controlling crustal geology and evolution. R. Clayton. Winter. L.
103. Evolution: Chemical to Biochemical. PQ: NatSci 102. This course is an inquiry into the origins of the materials and processes that are characteristic of living things. After locating the major events on an evolutionary time scale, the course examines the evidence related to the spontaneous occurrence of essential components and their self-assembly into systems that satisfy minimum requirements for life. The course ends with consideration of the modes of evolution to higher levels of organization. Discussion section required. K. S. Chiang. Spring. L.
104. Biological Evolution. PQ: NatSci 103. This course is an introduction to evolutionary processes and patterns in present-day organisms and in the fossil record and how they are shaped by biological and physical forces. Topics emphasize evolutionary principles. They include DNA and the genetic code, the genetics of populations, the origins of species, and evolution above the species level. We also discuss major events in the history of life, such as the origin of complex cells, the invasion of land, and mass extinction. D. Jablonski. Autumn. L.
105. Environmental Ecology. PQ: NatSci 104. This course emphasizes basic scientific understanding of ecological and evolutionary principles that relate most closely to the ways humans interact with their environments. Topics include population growth, adaptation, and ecosystem structure and function. We also discuss the regulation and consequences of biodiversity. M. Leibold. Winter.
121-122-123-124-125-126. Environmental Sciences. PQ: Math 102 or 106, or placement into 131 or higher. This sequence satisfies the general education requirements in the physical, biological and mathematical sciences for humanities and social sciences students. Open only to first- and second-year students and to first-year transfer students, with preference given to first-year students. Must be taken in sequence. This six-quarter sequence integrates several basic science disciplines relevant to our understanding of human impact on the natural environment.
121. Atmospheric Chemistry and Air Quality (=EnvStd 121, NatSci 121, PhySci 135). PQ: Math 102 or 106, or consent of instructor. This course considers: (1) the chemical, physical, and radiative processes that determine the composition of the atmosphere, and (2) the effects that increasing global industrialization and agriculturization are having upon the atmosphere. Particular attention is given to stratospheric ozone depletion, the chemistry of the global troposphere, the quality of urban air throughout the world, and the formation of acid precipitation. The extent to which locally-released pollutants affect the atmosphere on a global scale is addressed. J. Abbatt. Autumn. L.
122. The Biosphere (=EnvStd 122, NatSci 122). PQ: NatSci 121. This course examines how life evolved: its chemistry, its use of energy, the structure and function of biological molecules, how genes work, and the organization of cells. This information is applied to an understanding of human impact; for example, on soil, forests, aquatic life, and biodiversity. A. Turkewitz, T. Steck. Winter.
123. Global Warming: Understanding the Forecast (=EnvStd 123, GeoSci 134, NatSci 123, PhySci 134). PQ: NatSci 122. This course presents the science behind the forecast of global warming to enable the student to evaluate the likelihood and potential severity of anthropogenic climate change in the coming centuries. It includes an overview of the physics of the greenhouse effect, including comparisons with Venus and Mars; an overview of the carbon cycle in its role as a global thermostat; predictions and reliability of climate model forecasts of the greenhouse world; and an examination of the records of recent and past climates, such as the glacial world and Eocene and Oligocene warm periods. D. Archer. Spring. L.
124. Organisms and Ecosystems in the Environment (=EnvStd 124, NatSci 124). PQ: NatSci 123. This course examines the interactions between organisms and their environments. Topics include reproduction, nutrition, disease, population, habitat structure, and interactions between species. We also discuss the importance of genetic and species diversity in maintaining the health of populations and of ecosystems. J. Bergelson, R. Perlman. Autumn. Not offered 1999-2000; will be offered 2000-2001.
125. Analysis of Environmental Data (=EnvStd 125, NatSci 125). PQ: NatSci 124. This course studies statistical models and methods as applied to scientific issues raised previously in this sequence. Three principal tools are: probability theory as a way to quantify uncertainty, the analysis of observations of natural processes that vary across time, and the application of computer simulations to understanding such processes. One case for study is global warming. M. Stein. Winter. Not offered 1999-2000; will be offered 2000-2001.
126. Environmental Policy (=EnvStd 126, NatSci 126). PQ: NatSci 125. In this course, we apply the knowledge and the methods of science to an exploration and critical analysis of topics in environmental policy, the interface between science and technology, and the relevance of science to social, political, and cultural issues. We explore the meaning of scientific knowledge and the relationship between theory of experiment, models and data. We consider the role of scientific evidence in policy debates and public opinion. We also explore how scientists in organizations and as individuals participate in the development of environmental policies. Case studies include global warming debates, clear air and water regulations, habitat conservation legislation, and nuclear waste policy. C. Covault. Spring. Not offered 1999-2000; will be offered 2000-2001.
151-152-153-154-155. Form and Function in the Natural World. PQ: Math 102 or 106, or placement into 131 or higher. This sequence satisfies the general education requirements in the physical and biological sciences for students in the humanities and social sciences. Open only to first- and second-year students and to first-year transfer students, with preference given to first-year students. Must be taken in sequence. This is an integrated five-quarter sequence that explores the interrelationships between form and function in the natural world. It describes the art, architecture, and aesthetics of atoms and molecules. It then considers the form and function of living cells and the structure and function of multicellular animals. This sequence is on a level similar to that of NatSci 101 to 105.
151. Atomic Physics for Poets. The atomic nature of matter is described in terms of a historical review of the empirical evidence. Experiments on radioactivity and the interaction of matter and radiation are used to clarify the modern view of atomicity. M. Oreglia. Autumn. L.
152. Atoms, Molecules, and Energy. PQ: NatSci 151. Knowledge of chemistry not required. We explore the sequence of concepts that begin with energy and the atomic structure of matter, examine how atoms build molecules, how energy is stored in molecules, and how it is absorbed, emitted and redistributed. We pass up the scale from atoms and molecules to bulk matter and examine how energy as we experience it at that scale is related to energy at the level of atoms. We peer into solids and liquids to see how the constituent atoms and molecules arrange themselves, how they stick together, and how they move. By the end of the course, students understand how the forces between electrons and nuclei determine everything from the color of rubies to the destruction of the ozone layer. L. J. Butler. Winter. L.
153. Atoms, Molecules, and Life. PQ: NatSci 152 or Chem 112. Building on the principles of structure and bonding, we develop the concepts of reactivity in organic molecules. We also examine the functional role that certain molecular species play in nature, and how scientists have learned to control molecular structures and thereby manipulate molecular functions in chemistry and in biology. The application of this knowledge to events in daily life, including the control and treatment of diseases, is discussed. M. Weiss. Spring. L.
154. Living Cells. PQ: NatSci 153. This course considers the basic attributes of living cells, with emphasis on how the structure of macromolecules determines their functional role in cellular processes. Emphasis is also placed on the nature of inquiry and discovery in modern molecular biology and on providing sufficient basic knowledge and vocabulary to enable a nonprofessional to follow and appreciate the reporting in the popular press of future developments and their ramifications. E. Taylor. Autumn.
155. Multicellular Organisms. PQ: NatSci 154. This course provides a description of the relationships between structure and function in a multicellular organism. Examples are chosen that illustrate how the demands of a particular function determine its structure, and how the existence of certain structures in the developmental or evolutionary history of an organism affects its function. Examples are drawn from a variety of animals, including the human organism. L. Straus. Winter. L.