Core Course Descriptions

A table of all of the required PGSS core courses is shown below. To obtain information about any one of the nine core courses, simply click on the "cell" in which the course is listed, or - alternatively - scroll down through this document to find the information that you are looking for. For convenience, the core courses have been divided into two categories: Here are the nine PGSS core courses:

Primary Core Courses
C1Molecular BiologyC2Inorganic Chemistry
C3Computer ScienceC4Discrete Mathematics
C5Concepts of Modern Physics
Other Core Courses
C6Computer Tools For Modern Research
C7Education GuidanceC8Leadership Workshop
C9Lectures and Tours

PGSS Primary Core Courses

C1 MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Instructor: Amy Kennedy

This core course has been designed to explore four current research areas in molecular biology:

The course will include introductory lectures in the above areas, problem sets, films, videos, molecular modeling demonstrations, a class project and guest lecturers who are researchers in the above areas.

In the first two sections, we will review the molecular structure and function of nucleic acids and proteins. We will examine some of the details on how DNA is replicated, transcribed and translated into protein molecules. This section will also include methods for manipulation of DNA and analysis of the cloned products. In the section on molecular regulation we will study how gene expression is controlled and how biomolecules function in regulatory cascades. In the molecular applications section, we will discuss some recent uses of molecular technology in relation to understanding biological processes in normal and diseased states.

Biological Sciences Lecture Schedule

Unit 1: Exploring Molecular Structure
1. Introduction to Molecular Biology
2. Film "The Genetic Gamble"
3. Nucleic Acid Structure
4. Protein Structure

Unit 2: Exploring Molecular Function
5. DNA Replication and Repair
6. Transcription
7. Translation
8. Gene Product Function
9. Recombinant DNA
10. Analysis of Cloned Genes
11. Methods to Study Gene Function

Unit 3: Exploring Molecular Regulation
12. Regulation - Prokaryotes
13. Regulation - Eukaryotes
14. Signal Transduction Cascades

Unit 4: Exploring Molecular Applications
15. Molecular Basis of Human Disease
16. Class Project: "In Search of a Cure"
17. Evaluation

Here are some Web sites related to Molecular Biology and Genetics:

C2 INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Instructor: Mark Farrell

This course will introduce the student to the fascinating world of transition metal chemistry. The course begins with a review of modern atomic theory and examines in depth a variety of models for bonding. The student will learn about d orbital hybridization and the factors which stabilize coordination compounds. The course concludes with a brief look at how spectroscopy can be used to confirm the structure of a compound.

Inorganic Chemistry Lecture Schedule

Introduction to Modern Atomic Theory
1. Wave-particle Duality.
2. Bohr atom.
3. Introduction to Quantum Mechanics.
4. Fundamentals of Atomic Orbitals.

Theories of Molecular Geometry
1. VSEPR theory.
2. Valence Bond approach.
3. Molecular Orbital (M.O.) theory.

Bonding in Transition Metal Compounds
1. d orbital hybridization.
2. Basics of Ionic Bonding.
3. Stability of Ions.

Coordination Compounds
1. Synthesis and reactions.
2. Spectroscopy and structure.

Here are some Web sites related to Inorganic Chemistry:

C3 COMPUTER SCIENCE
Instructor: Wes Huang

There is more to Computer Science than simply programming. Computers are very powerful tools which are increasingly being used in all aspects of our lives. Computer Science is the study of how we can efficiently and systematically apply the power of computers towards solving problems.

In this course, I would like to cover some of the fundamental topics of computer science while examining how we can apply these ideas towards solving problems. Although this is not a programming class, there will be some programming assignments using C. No prior programming experience is expected, but previous experience certainly can't hurt.

Here's a list of some topics we may cover:

Applications may be drawn from physical simulation, robotics, computational geometry, artificial intelligence, compression, game playing, cryptography, and scheduling.

Here are some Web sites related to topics covered in the CS Core Course:

C4 DISCRETE MATHEMATICS
Instructor: Douglas Ensley

While calculus is a foundation of mathematics, science and engineering, there is a second area, discrete mathematics, which is coming into equal partnership in this foundational role. Its subject matter is not so much new as it is newly organized and newly recognized for its importance and applicability. Most prominent among the areas forcing these changes is computer science.

Graph theory and combinatorics, once exotic electives in the curriculum, are now requirements in many programs. Indeed, there are those who would start mathematics degree programs with a study of discrete mathematics rather than the traditional calculus. We will consider topics drawn from elementary combinatorics and graph theory, with applications to probability and game theory.

Some of the topics which we will examine are:

Notes will be provided.

Here are some Web sites related to Discrete Mathematics:

C5 CONCEPTS OF MODERN PHYSICS
Instructor: Richard Holman

Much of modern physics concerns itself with regimes quite beyond classical human experience. Special relativity takes us near the speed of light, while general relativity takes us to the limit of strong gravitational forces. Particle physics deals with the very small while cosmology shows us the largest possible vistas of our universe.

In recent years, it has been possible to relate all these fields together in a way that has already revolutionized our thinking about the universe. In this course, we will learn the basics of each of these fields and then try to put them together to try to understand physics at the cutting edge.

The course will cover special and general relativity, basics of particle physics and the particle physics/cosmology interface.

Here are some Web sites related to Modern Physics:

Other PGSS Core Courses

C6 COMPUTER TOOLS FOR MODERN RESEARCH
Instructor: Kirk Yenerall

For the budding scientist of the 1990s, having some knowledge of how to utilize the resources available on the Internet (and other computer networks) is imperative. Accordingly, the first two sessions of the three-part Computer Skills Workshop are designed to acquaint students with some of the major Internet tools used by academicians and researchers today. Session One will focus on electronic mail, bulletin boards, and on remote login (or telnet ). The second session will explore other useful Net facilities such as Gopher and Veronica, and will emphasize one of the fastest growing Internet services, the World Wide Web. The third and final workshop session will focus on software packages, such as PowerPoint, that can be used to visually enhance scholarly presentations. It will also highlight software tools that researchers can employ to rapidly and accurately format articles for scientific journals.

Here are some Web sites related to the Computer Tools Workshop:

C7 EDUCATION GUIDANCE
Instructor: Michael Steidel

Sessions on "Getting into the College of Your Choice," will be presented by the professional Admissions staff of Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). It will not be aimed at CMU in particular, but rather to colleges within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and to the more popular out-of-state schools which emphasize science and technology.

C8 LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP
Instructors: Delorese Ambrose, Lise Levy

Session 1: Managing Differences
Students will explore the ways in which differences in educational background, culture, personal style and perceptions can be tapped to build high performance teams. They will identify the barriers to managing differences well and learn techniques for reducing such barriers. Each student will be administered a social style test that allows them to acknowledge and value their own and others' style preferences. Using this awareness, they will examine the implications for working together productively and for managing group and individual stress levels.

Session 2: Understanding Group Dynamics
Students will learn about the dynamics of group interaction. They will identify the differences between task centered roles (behaviors that help to get work done); climate centered roles (behaviors that help groups to function in harmony), and self-centered roles (behaviors that inhibit task accomplishment). Through simulations they will discover the positive and negative consequences of group conflict and learn techniques for effective leadership and motivation of group members.

Session 3: What Constitutes a Good Scientist?
A study of some past and present scientists and a discussion of what qualities they possess and how they have influenced their field.

Session 4: What is Leadership?
A discussion of the traits of leaders and how that relates to being a leader in science.

Session 5: How Can I Take a Science Leadership Role?
Development of a Leadership Project Proposal. What is important to me and how
can I make it happen?

Session 6: Leadership Project Development I Identifying needs for the Leadership Project. What are the basic considerations that have to be made for my project to succeed? Who can help me achieve my goals? What resources are needed, etc.?

Session 7: Leadership Project Development II Organizing the Leadership Project. Developing a plan and timeline.

Session 8: Leadership Project Development III Refining the Leadership Project. Special considerations for each project can be addressed during this session.

C9 LECTURES AND TOURS

There will be a number of lectures presented by invited prominent scientists designed to acquaint the student with the most recent developments in science and mathematics. Several tours will be provided to institutions engaged in modern scientific technology.

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