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DIVISION OF NATURAL SCIENCES
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Biology |
Chemistry
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Mathematics
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The
Natural Sciences
faculty have agreed that a
student desiring to list "Natural Sciences" as a Area of
Concentration should have a diverse enough background to be
reasonably called a natural scientist and, at the same time, should
have attained some level of mastery in one of the following
disciplines: biology, chemistry, mathematics or physics.
These goals are normally achieved by meeting the following
requirements:
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Satisfactory completion of at least 8
courses with the Division of Natural Sciences. These courses
are to be distributed among at least three disciplines. The
minimum that must be done in each is the successful completion of
all the introductory sequence in that discipline.
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A minimum of two semester courses beyond
the introductory sequence in one discipline. The faculty will
entertain requests for exceptions to these specific requirements as
long as work of sufficient breadth and depth has been done in the
division.
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At least one Independent Study Project in
the Natural Sciences.
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A senior thesis in some area of the natural
sciences, sponsored by a faculty member of the Natural Sciences
Division.
Representative senior theses for a Natural Sciences
concentration:
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A Language
Independent Text Editor
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Ribulose-1,5-Biphosphate Carboxylase/Oxygenase
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Hermit Crab
Attraction to Gastropod Predation Sites
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Simulated
Annealing from Random Graphs
BIOLOGY
Faculty:
Alfred
Beulig, Jr.,
Amy
Clore,
Leo S. Demski,
Sandra L. Gilchrist,
Margaret D. Lowman,
Elzie McCord, Jr.,
William J. Tiffany, III (visiting 2005-06, 2006-07),
Katherine M. Walstrom
A concentration in Biology begins
with course work in General Biology. Critical thinking and writing
skills are a part of all undertakings in this concentration. A
well-rounded biologist will build on basic concepts with study in
core areas: ecology, cell and developmental biology, organismal
biology and genetics. Course offering supplemented by tutorials
allow students to accomplish this. In the current curriculum, for
example, Methods in Field Ecology, Plant-Insect Interactions, and
Coral Reef Ecology allow study of ecological principles beyond
General Biology. Cell and developmental biology begins with a
foundation course (with lab) in cell biology. Advanced courses such
as Plant Developmental Biology, lab tutorials, internships, and
seminars give the student an opportunity to shape interests.
Organismal biology is represented in several course offerings,
including Organismic Biology, Botany, Fish Biology, Invertebrate
Zoology, Plant Physiology, and Entomology. Genetics (with lab)
introduced the field that can be explored at advanced levels through
work in biochemistry and through seminars focused on various levels
of genetics from molecular to organismal, as well as through
tutorials and internships.
Course work in
biology should include three semesters of laboratory experiences
beyond General Biology; two Independent Study Projects, a senior
thesis in Biology, and a successful baccalaureate exam complete the
expectations for a biology Area of Concentration. The curriculum is
flexible to accommodate needs and interests. The sub-disciplines
offered regularly by faculty include marine biology, neurobiology
and environmental studies. Each assumes completion of general
biology and the incorporation in an individual's curriculum of the
core areas of study.
Marine Biology
includes Coral Reef Ecology, Invertebrate Zoology, Fish Biology,
Methods of Field Ecology, Animal Behavior, Aquatic Botany/Marine
Plants, study at a marine field station, and selected tutorials.
Students interested in this area typically work with faculty in
educational activities at the Pritzker Marine Biology Research
Center located at the Bayfront.
Neurobiology
has two options: Option 1 - Neurobiology, Brain Behavior and
Evolution, and Vertebrate Neuroanatomy with at least two of the labs
associated with these courses; Option 2 - two of the above courses
with labs and one of the Social Sciences offerings in neurobiology.
Environmental
Studies. Many biology
students also focus their work in Environmental Studies. Courses
include Communities and Ecosystems, Conservation Biology - Rain
Forest Case Studies, Conservation Biology - Global Perspectives,
Plant Ecology - Introductory, Plant Ecology - Advanced, The Role of
Women in Natural History, Coral Reef Ecology, Methods in Field
Ecology, Tutorials and Senior Thesis Conferences. Students are
encouraged to meet with Dr. Lowman, Professor of Biology and
Director of Environmental Initiatives.
Subdisciplines
such as genetics and entomology are designed individually, depending
on specific areas of interest and academic goals. Students choosing
one of the subdisciplines will undertake one or two ISP's in the
subdiscipline and a senior thesis. Students fulfilling requirements
for concentrations such as gender studies may be able to arrange
with faculty to focus projects or tutorials on gender topics.
Courses such as Women in Science and the Role of Women in Natural
History may also be of interest.
Biology
students should also complete the basic courses in physics, calculus
and chemistry, and be able to use the computer as a research and
presentation tool. Statistics and the command of a modern language
other than English make important contributions to a biologist's
education.
Representative senior theses in biology:
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Minilivestock: A Study in Insect Rearing and the Determination of
Protein Contents of Two Insects
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Canavan Disease: A Clinical, Biochemical, and Genetic Perspective
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Preliminary Electrophysiology of Tecto-telenchephalo-tectal
pathway in Lagodon rhomboides
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Cytoarchitecture of the Telencephalon of a Cichlid Fish:
Cichlasoma cyanoguttatum
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The Effect of Cortisol Administration on Learning and Memory in
the Pinfish, Lagodon rhomboides
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Dot Spot and PCR Techniques Detect Tomato Mottle Geminivirus in
Developing Tissue Following Localized Inoculations in Tomato
Plants
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Social
Behavior of Coenobita clypeatus
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The Effects of Stress on Physiology and Cognition
CHEMISTRY
Faculty:
Paul H.
Scudder,
Suzanne E.
Sherman,
Aimee Tomlinson (visiting 2006-07),
Katherine
M. Walstrom
The chemistry program at New College encourages and develops
independence, scientific judgment, and a high level of performance.
From the beginning, students work closely with faculty in a
non-competitive environment, learning the skills and techniques
necessary for scientific work. Tutorials, Independent Study
Projects, and the senior thesis provide opportunities for intensive
study on specific topics and original laboratory research.
Laboratories are well equipped for organic, inorganic, and physical
chemistry projects as well as for biochemistry and molecular
biology. Students also have access to research grade instruments in
laboratory courses and research projects. Research facilities
include a 60 MHz and a 250 MHz NMR spectrometer, a Silicon Graphics
workstation; several FTIR and UV-visible spectrophotometers, a
fluorimeter, an ellipsometer, high-pressure liquid chromatographs,
an inert atmosphere glove box, electrochemical equipment, a GC-MS, a
real-time PCR machine, and a digital imaging system.
Courses offered in the core program in chemistry include General
Chemistry I and II, Organic Chemistry - Structure and Reactivity I
and II, Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry I and II, and
Biochemistry I. General, Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry
are each accompanied by separate laboratory courses. Other courses
offered include Chemistry and Society, Environmental Chemistry,
Advanced Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry II, Biochemistry
Laboratory, and Bioinorganic Chemistry. Recent tutorials have been
conducted in Structure Elucidation, Chemical Applications of Group
Theory, Surface Chemistry, Photochemistry, Polymer chemistry, Main
Group Inorganic Chemistry, and Molecular Biology. Many opportunities
are available for laboratory research tutorials.
A concentration in chemistry begins with a two-semester (Fall and
Spring) General Chemistry sequence, along with General Chemistry
Laboratory during Spring Semester. During the second year, students
take two semesters of Organic Chemistry - Structure and Reactivity,
along with the Chemistry Inquiry Laboratory in the fall and Organic
Laboratory in the spring.
For students with little experience in the natural sciences,
Chemistry and Society presents chemistry within the context of
society and the environment. Chemistry and Society and General
Chemistry I satisfy the Liberal Arts Curriculum requirement.
An Area of Concentration in chemistry normally includes the General
and Organic Chemistry sequences; Physical Chemistry I and II (with
lab); Inorganic Chemistry (with lab); Biochemistry I; one additional
advanced chemistry course; one Independent Study Project in
chemistry; and a senior thesis. Calculus I, II, and III and Physics
I and II (with lab) are also required. Students typically complete
other advanced courses or tutorials in chemistry, biology, physics,
mathematics, or languages, and often do a second ISP in chemistry.
Joint and double areas of concentration may be accomplished by
arrangement with the chemistry faculty.
Representative senior theses in Chemistry:
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Synthesis and Characterization of Three Monoaza-9-Crown-3
Derivatives
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Polymer-Surfactant Interactions in Polyelectrolyte Multilayers
Subcloning, Purification, and Partial Characterization of Malate
Dehydrogenase from C. elegans
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Identification and Kinetic Studies of the Reaction between Mg(O3SCF3)2
and Acetol: A Model for the First Step in the Catalytic
Pathway of RuBisCo
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SIC:Silicon Chemist: Fuzzy System to Postulate Organic
Mechanisms
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Kinetics of LBL Assembled NLO-Active Amphiphiles from Dynamic
Surface Force Measurements
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The Synthesis and Characterization of
[Mn(1,4,7-Triazacyclononane-1-Acetate) (H2O]PF6•CH3OH as
a Model for the Active Site of Manganese Superoxide Dismutase
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Photoluminescence Studies of PPV-based Multilayers
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Application of Dynamic Force Measurements to Study Reformation
Kinetics of Lipid Bilayer Assemblies at the Solid-Liquid
Interface
Biochemistry.
Students interested in the interface between chemistry and biology
may choose a concentration in biochemistry. Requirements include
the General and Organic Chemistry sequences; Biochemistry I and II
(with one semester of lab); one semester of Physical Chemistry with
lab; Cell Biology with lab; Genetics with lab; Calculus I, II, and
III and Physics I and II with lab. Students must also complete a
chemistry or biochemistry ISP and a biochemistry thesis. The thesis
prospectus must be signed by two chemists and one biologist.
Representative senior theses in Biochemistry:
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Analysis of the ATPase activity of C. elegans RNA
helicase A
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Purification and kinetic characterization of C. elegans
malate dehydrogenase
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The relevance of a conserved ATPase domain to the overall
function of Caenorhabditis elegans RNA Helicase A
MATHEMATICS (Please also visit the Mathematics Homepage)
Faculty:
Karsten Henckell,
Leon Kaganovskiy,
Patrick T. McDonald,
David T. Mullins,
Eirini Poimenidou,
Necmettin Yildirim
The
mathematics Area of Concentration at New College is both challenging
and exciting. The governing principles of New College's educational
policy are reflected in the mathematics program which emphasizes
freedom of choice for the individual student and allows each
individual to direct his or her own education. Well before
graduating, majors are able to work on advanced material often found
in graduate school offerings.
The core
program for students electing a major in mathematics includes three
semesters of calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, two
semesters of modern abstract algebra, two semesters of real
analysis, and complex analysis. In addition, students are encouraged
to take courses in topology, discrete mathematics, graph theory, and
number theory as well as computer science and other sciences.
Finally, students are applauded for forays into other liberal arts
courses in the humanities and social sciences.
There is a
great deal of flexibility involving course work for advanced
students. An essential element of the mathematics program is
participation in the Math Seminar, a longstanding New College
tradition. Math Seminar, offered every semester, provides a forum
for math majors as well as non-majors to present a talk on a
mathematically-related topic to an audience of students and the math
faculty. One of the most important roles of the Math Seminar has
been to build a sense of community in the program in addition to
honing students' communication skills. Students majoring in
mathematics are encouraged to participate in summer research
programs.
For students
interested in a joint concentration in mathematics, the minimum
requirements are courses in Calculus I and II; Differential
Equations or Calculus III; Linear Algebra, two semester taken from
Abstract Algebra I and II and/or Real Analysis I and II and at least
one Math Seminar.
Computer
Science. A limited
number of courses is offered in this subdiscipline to enable
interest students to study computer science and to apply computers
in many areas of study. The introductory courses are: Great
Ideas in Computer Science, Introduction to Artificial Intelligence,
and Discrete Mathematics. All these courses satisfy the "liberal
arts curriculum requirement." They are broad-based and open to all
students. None of these courses teaches computer programming and
programming experience is not necessary for taking these classes.
Advanced Courses: Theory of Computation and Data Structures and
Algorithms. Typically students would need at least Discrete
Mathematics for the Theory of Computation course, and programming
experience in some imperative high-level language (e.g. C, C++,
Pascal, or Java) for Data Structures and Algorithms.
A "minor" in
computer science would normally require the above 5 courses (Great
Ideas, Intro AL, Discrete Math, Theory of Computation, Data
Structures and Algorithms) plus demonstrated proficiency in a modern
high-level programming language like C, C++, Pascal, or Java. A
"major" in computer science (area of concentration) can be designed
to fit the needs of the student, and must be negotiated with
Professor Henckell. It would normally include all the requirements
for a "minor", plus other work to be specified; some off campus
study of computer science at a major university is recommended.
Recent theses titles:
- Differential Geometry of Manifolds, the Gauss-Bonnet Theorem,
and Polygonal Approximations
- A Historical and Semi-Markov Approach to Liver Allocation
Modeling
- Stock Option Pricing: From Binomial to Black-Scholes and
(Slightly) Beyond
- Mycroft: An Automated Predicate Logic Theorem Prover
- A New Class of Graphs with a-Labelings
- Modeling Microtubule Dynamics
- On Integer Flows in Cayley Graphs: Excursions in Tutte's
3-edge-coloring Conjecture
- Total Characters of Dihedral Groups
- Optimal Transitional Labelings of Graphs: A Polarization
Approach
- Percolation on a Random Tree
- Designs and Codes in Odd Graphs
- Average Exit Time Moments of Geometric Graphs with Boundary
- Fractional Domination
PHYSICS
Faculty:
Don
Colladay,
George
Ruppeiner,
Mariana Sendova
The physics program is
designed to provide a thorough grounding in the central areas of
physics, as well as flexibility in pursuing individual interest in
depth. It addresses the needs of both majors and non-majors through
courses and tutorials in theoretical, experimental, and
computational physics. Students participating in the physics
program become familiar with the facts and processes of physics and
learn to think analytically. Those whose interest expand beyond the
introductory level will find small classes, intensive work, and
challenging projects. They will also find state of the art
equipment for doing research in the laboratory, including an atomic
force microscope. Joint or double areas of concentration are
possible. For example, a combination of physics and mathematics is
quite common. Some of our graduates go on to work for industry or
government, but most continue their education in graduate school.
Physics Majors. The
student intending an area of concentration in physics will start
with the introductory level and advance through courses up to the
thesis level. A minimum requirement for graduating in physics is:
Introductory Physics (with lab) two semesters, Classical Mechanics,
Electricity and Magnetism, Modern Physics (with lab), Optics,
Quantum Mechanics and Statistical Mechanics.
Additional courses for major
are: Analog Electronics, Computation for Scientists, Lasers and
Nonlinear Optics, Mathematical Methods for Physicists, Advanced
Quantum Mechanics, and Solid State Physics.
In addition, physics students
are required to complete sever co-requisite courses in mathematics,
ranging from Introductory Calculus, including Multivariable
Calculus, to Differential Equations and Linear Algebra. Other
courses in computer sciences and mathematics are recommended.
Finally, at least one Independent Study Project in an advanced area
of physics and a senior thesis in physics is required.
Joint Area of Concentration.
Quite common at New College are areas of concentration combining two
disciplines, with study in each not necessarily sufficient for a
major in either (e.g. Physics/Mathematics). For a joint area of
concentration, we require: Introductory Physics (with labs) 2
semesters, Classical Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, and
Modern Physics (with lab). In addition, we require one more course
contributing to additional depth in one particular area. The thesis
should be related to physics.
Non-majors. The
physics faculty are engaged in educating all students at the
college, and offer as well, courses aimed at a broad student
audience. In addition to the introductory physics sequence, taken
by most science students, the physics faculty periodically offer:
Descriptive Astronomy, The Structure of Nature, Musical Acoustics
and Physics for the Life Sciences. These are directed at all
students at the college.
Sample senior thesis titles:
- Experimental Verification of the Biot-Savart Law to Distances
of 30 Meters
- Geophysics: Classical Resistivity Sounding
- Galaxy Clustering in the Las Campanas Redshift Survey
- Thermodynamic Curvature of the Multicomponent Ideal Gas
- Simulated Annealing for the Traveling Salesman Problem
- An Analysis of the Break Shot in the Game of Pool
Quark
Potential Model of Baryons in a Hyperspherical Basis
A Spin-Dependent Model of High Energy
Elastic Proton-Proton Collisions
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