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SCHOOL FOR NEW LEARNING	2007-2008

The Scientific World Category

BODY SCAN: PRACTICAL ANATOMY AND YOUR PERSONAL ENVIRONMENT.

We are confronted daily with a barrage of physical challenges to our body – particularly, our musculoskeletal system. This we experience as pain and altered or loss of function: headaches, backaches, muscle spasms, pinched nerves, etc. When assessing the physical ramifications of stress and strain, and understanding of basic anatomy in the context of our environmental issues (ie., work, exercise) and the process of aging, is the key to making positive choices and changes. In this course, students will utilize a text/workbook, clinical case histories, presentation of a research topic, and class discussions.

CHEMICALS IN THE ENVIRONMENT

This course explores the role of man-made chemicals in the environment by providing a basic understanding of chemistry and an opportunity to evaluate current environmental issues in the community and in the media. Major emphasis will be on the benefits, costs, risks and hazards associated with common man-made chemicals. Demonstrations, readings and reports will stimulate the discussion.

RISE OF THE MAMMALS.

The modern world is dominated by mammals. Mammals have evolved, adapted and currently thrive in habitats as diverse as the oceans, lakes, rivers, tropical and temperate forests, mountain regions, caves, deserts, grasslands, the Artic tundra and polar regions. How did mammals become so diverse on the planet? Why did they remain small and relatively insignificant for the two-thirds of their extraordinary 200 million year history on earth? Where and when did modern mammal groups originate? In this course, we will explore the extensive fossil record of mammals in order to gain insights to these and other questions concerning the history of this critically important animal group. Through discussions, readings, lectures, labs, examination of fossil specimens, original inquiry, analysis of museum exhibits, and application of scientific reasoning, students will be introduced to the fossil record of mammals and its critical role in establishing patterns of mammalian evolution and historical biogeography.

DATABASE DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION FOR SMALL BUSINESS APPLICATIONS.

This course will teach non-computer literate persons to be able to translate a business problem into a conceptual database design, and further to convert the design into a database application using Microsoft Access. By the end of the course, the student should be able to apply knowledge to the following: (1) describing basic database concepts and using common database terminologies; (2) designing databases using appropriate designing notations; (3) translating a schema into a database application in Access; (4) conducting simple user-interface design; and (5) designing small business-based applications.

EXPLORING PHYSICS: FROM NEWTON TO EINSTEIN.

This course traces the evolution of scientific thought to learn how and why physicists like Copernicus, Galileo, Newton, and Einstein were able to go “where no man has ever gone before.” Understanding the basic laws of physics is a necessary ingredient in modern life, no just to possess scientific knowledge but to make intelligent political and economic decisions. Students will explore the development of physics from Egypt and Greece to black holes and quarks through discussions, demonstrations and lectures.