BIOL-UH 3130 Biophysics

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Biophysics uses the laws of physics and their associated mathematical principles to gain an understanding of living systems, primarily by examining forces and interactions among molecules found in cells. This course begins with a thorough review of cells, with a special emphasis on eukaryotes and their different compartments. This is followed by an investigation of the structures and functions of biological macromolecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids. Students gain a deep understanding of information flow in cells via detailed biophysical analysis of replication and gene expression. Ultimately, the principles of biophysics are applied to disease states with an eye toward rational design of therapeutics.

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BIOL-UH 3150 Directed Study

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This course is intended for students who are highly motivated and seek the opportunity to work in field or laboratory research with a faculty sponsor from the NYUAD Program in Biology. Students with the necessary background in course work and who, in the opinion of a faculty sponsor, possess intellectual independence and ability may register for this course. The student must approach a faculty member in his or her field of interest to obtain sponsorship. Typically, this course is only open to students with a minimum overall GPA of 3.3 and a minimum major GPA of 3.5, and registration requires permission of the sponsoring faculty member. Forms for Directed Study in Biology are available from the Office of the Dean of Science.

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BIOL-UH 4001 Capstone Project in Biology

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The senior Capstone Experience in biology requires students to engage in a long-term, mentored learning experience that cumulates in a piece of original research and/or scientific theory. The specific project is developed during their junior year as part of the Capstone Seminar. During the Capstone Project, the proposed work will come to fruition in the form of a research paper along the lines of those in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, USA. Students also participate in a capstone research symposium during which they present their work orally.

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CDAD-UH 1008EQ Seven Wonders of the Invisible World

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“In the year of 1657 I discovered very small living creatures in rain water.” This quote is attributed to Anton van Leeuwenhoek, a Dutch merchant whose skillful use of glass lenses allowed him to peer into a world of microorganisms that would otherwise be invisible to the naked eye. His careful observations gave way to advances in microscopy that have allowed scientists to observe detailed structures of plants, viruses invading cells, intricate crystal lattices, and the seemingly chaotic motion of small particles. In this course, microscopy is explored, first by examining the fundamental optical systems used to magnify objects, and eventually by using sophisticated microscopes to make observations. We explore seven wonders of the invisible world— natural animate and inanimate phenomena that include micro-animals, plant and animal cells, bacteria and viruses, fungi, proteins and naturally occurring crystals.

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SCIEN-UH 1103 Foundations of Science 1 (Lab)

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Foundations of Science 1: Energy and Matter provides a comprehensive introduction to these two fundamental concepts that are so famously unified in the equality E=mc2. Following an introduction to the physical sciences, the course focuses on velocity, acceleration, forces, and energy, while simultaneously introducing students to atoms and molecules. Chemical reactions are examined, and the energy changes associated with them are investigated via a thorough analysis of the three laws of thermodynamics. Laboratory exercises focus on the guiding principles of the scientific method and an introduction to experimental design, and scientific presentation, including technical writing. Weekly discussion sections are designed to hone proficiency at solving problems in a collaborative, team environment.

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SCIEN-UH 1303 LEC Foundations of Science 3: Systems in Flux (Biology)

Foundations of Science 3: Systems in Flux focuses on changes in systems in the physical and living worlds. Capacitors, current, and basic circuits are explored with an eye toward understanding their applications to chemical reactions and the behavior of living cells. The rates and directions of chemical reactions are explored as chemical kinetics and chemical equilibrium are investigated with a special focus on acid-base chemistry. These fundamental physical and chemical principles are used to describe basic cellular monomers and polymers including DNA, RNA, and protein, and the sequence of events that leads to information flow and its regulation in the cell nucleus. They are also applied to macroscopic systems found in the biosphere. Laboratory exercises focus on classic scientific experiments that are designed to sharpen basic laboratory skills. Focused disciplinary tutorials in biology, chemistry, and physics provide an opportunity for in-depth analysis and discussion of classic papers, enhanced understanding of fundamental concepts, and development of practical skill sets. Weekly discussion sections are designed to hone proficiency at solving problems in a collaborative, team environment.