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Applications in Chemistry
Chemistry; L61 FYP 1810
A weekly lecture by a chemistry faculty member, or other scientist from academia or industry, on their current research activities. The goal is to provide students with a sampling of current research activities dealing with fundamental an applied problems in science and society that are being approached from a chemical point of view. Students will see how fundamental chemical principles can be obtained from experiment and theory and used to both better understand and make better the world we live in. Each week a different scientist presents a lecture or offers an additional activity.
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Chemistry and Energy
Chemistry; L61 FYP 183
This seminar is intended for first-year undergraduates to learn about the role that chemistry can play in addressing one of the greatest challenges we face: climate change. Chemistry has played a vital role in providing the energy needs of society, and advances in chemistry can help to develop abundant and economically viable energy technologies that do not have adverse consequences on the environment. Chemistry has long been central to the use of fossil fuel, and there remain opportunities to improve the efficiency of fossil energy resources, thereby contributing to lower carbon dioxide emission per unit of energy generated. Chemistry is critical to the development of renewable energy resources, especially solar energy for the generation of electricity and fuels. Material covered will include the challenges associated with meeting the world's increasing energy needs while reducing the emission of carbon dioxide. This class will cover the role of chemistry in energy technologies, including the storage of energy.
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Contemporary Issues in Psychology
Psychological and Brain Sciences; L61 FYP 102
This seminar enables students to explore several of the ideas and issues in contemporary psychology. Each week a different issue is discussed, and students familiarize themselves with critical aspects of the issue and discuss and critically evaluate the pros and cons of each side.
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Exploring the Planets
Earth and Planetary Sciences; L61 FYP 106A
Each week a different faculty member presents a lecture or laboratory demonstration relating to recent discoveries in geology and the planetary sciences, or about general topics dealing with volcanism, earthquakes, plate tectonics, geological hazards, fossil life, or earth history. Prerequisite: Freshman standing; or sophomore standing with permission of instructor. Credit/No Credit only. Students attend all lectures and write a short summary of each. Priority for enrollment in this course goes to first-year students.
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Introduction to Cutting-Edge Research in Biology
Biology and Biomedical Sciences; L61 FYP 181
A lecture course intended for first-year students that focuses on the practice and culture of biological research. Active researchers describe the biological context of their research, the specific questions they have formulated, the means by which they pursue the answers, and their data and conclusions. The focus is on process: how biologists pursue their profession, what goes on in a research setting. Additional topics of clinical and contemporary interest are often included.
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Molecular Biology of Genetic Disease
Biology and Biomedical Sciences; L61 FYP 1500
This course is for first-year, non-transfer students only. Students gain a fluency in biological language, methods, and reasoning as applied to human health. We study the molecular, cellular, and physiological perspectives for each health-related topic, and examine data and methods that support this knowledge. We emphasize problem-solving and reasoning as it applies to understanding biological processes. The content and problem-solving work are designed to help students prepare for Biology 2960, which is offered each spring semester.
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Neuroscience Futures 1: How Do We Learn About the Brain?
Biology and Biomedical Sciences; L61 FYP 1710
In this seminar course for first-year students, students learn about how neurobiologists conduct and communicate research. We focus our discussion on primary research papers written by neurobiologists. Discussion then focuses on the formulation of scientific questions, evaluation of evidence, and interpreting data within the context of a broader field.
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Research and Conservation in Zoos and Botanical Garden
Biology and Biomedical Sciences; L61 FYP 1811
An introduction to the world of zoos and botanical gardens. Students will learn of the diverse and cutting-edge ways in which scientists and conservationists study the world's biological diversity and work to conserve it. Taking advantage of two world-class institutions a short distance from the Danforth campus, the class will meet every week at an off-campus site (primarily the Saint Louis Zoo and Missouri Botanical Garden, but also several other institutions) to hear lectures from leading authorities at these institutions, as well touring facilities to see first-hand how research is conducted and how these institutions work to preserve endangered species. Students will write three short papers; each paper will be based upon a class lecture and its associated readings.
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The Meaningful Life
General Studies; L61 FYP 225
Who am I? Where am I going? How can I lead a meaningful life? This course creates an opportunity for students to reflect on and engage more deeply with the narratives they share with others and tell themselves. Social media demands that we put our stories out into the world, but how are we shaping our lives by the stories we tell? Students will read and analyze autobiographical literature and online profiles, conduct interviews with family members, and undertake a series of reflective exercises in order to appreciate the ways knowing and owning one's story increases agency.
