APSC 150W - Freshman Seminar

Applied Pseudoscience. Hinders.
This course offers a brief introduction to the scientific method, and then explores systematically a variety of paranormal phenomena (UFOs, ESP, Bermuda Triangle, etc.). It will help students to distinguish between legitimate scientific discoveries and the bogus claims of tricksters and fools.

Astrophotography. Vold.
This course will focus on identifying suitable night sky objects for amateurs to photograph through small telescopes, hands-on software post-processing of astronomical Images, and on the type of scientific information obtainable by such methods using professional equipment, and specific effects used to enhance the artistic aspects of astro-photos. Math at the level of high school trigonometry is useful for this course.

Recycling Technology. Kelley.
While most agree that recycling is desirable, implementation continues to face growing issues. Using a nearby city as a case study, this course investigates technology, economics, and policy issues and the students work as a team with city staff to develop and present an improved recycling plan, each class member being responsible for specific areas.

The Shape of Things. Manos.
This course is an introduction to material science that will appeal to science majors and to students who do not plan to become scientists or engineers. Students will read extensively about forms and structures which occur most frequently in natural and man-made objects seeking the reasons for common patterns that occur. Topics from outside the usual materials science and engineering mainstream, including materials used in art, architecture or biological systems will be encouraged.