Science and Society

SSO 102.1: Comics and Medicine

Prof. Lisa Diedrich, Department of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies | View Bio

Day/Time: Wednesday | 4:00pm to 5:20pm

Meeting Pattern: 1 hr 20 mins per week for 10 weeks (January 22, 2018 to April 6, 2018)

Location: SSO Center room 103

Course #: 55320

In recent years, comics and graphic narratives have become a popular and innovative form for telling auto/biographical stories in a medium that artfully combines words and images. Our course will focus on one exciting sub-field of the form known as graphic medicine, which explores the conjuncture between comics and clinical medicine. We will discuss how comics and graphic narratives have become important resources for communicating a range of ethical and clinical issues related to the experience illness, and how this hybrid verbal/visual form helps medical practitioners, patients, families, and caregivers creatively reimagine the boundaries of “health,” “illness,” “life,” and “death.”

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the SSO Undergraduate College

1 credit, Letter Grading

 

SSO 102.2: Finding Balance in Work and Life

Prof. Christine Veloso, Department of Technology and Society

Day/Time: Wednesday | 4:00pm to 4:53pm

Meeting Pattern: 53 mins per week for 14 weeks (January 22, 2018 to May 4, 2018)

Location: SSO Center, Room 121

Course #: 55324

As a student do you find yourself struggling to find that perfect combination of life and work? Does this struggle result in your feeling overwhelmed, stressed and dissatisfied with many aspects of your experiences? If so, then this course may be one resource to help you help yourself. The course’s focus will be on stress and coping and it will incorporate self exploration, practicing of hands-on techniques and the development of skill sets to empower you to combat your sources of stress.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the SSO Undergraduate College

1 credit, Letter Grading

 

SSO 102.3: Drugs for our Future

Prof. Paul Fisher, Department of Pharmacological Sciences | View Bio

Day/Time: Friday | 12:00pm to 12:53pm

Meeting Pattern: 53 mins per week for 14 weeks (January 22, 2018 to May 4, 2018)

Location: SSO Center, Room 121

Course #: 55325

This course is intended as an introduction to the study of pharmacology and how it impacts society, how existing drugs were identified, how new drugs are identified and developed for the market now, and how this may change in the future. During the first four (4) sessions, Professor Fisher will lead discussions on career choices in biomedicine, basic principles of modern pharmacology, the US drug approval process including the impact of pharmaceutical company sponsored research, and the impact of genetics/human genome sequencing on drug identification and development for the individual (pharmacogenomics). Through student-led discussions, we will then consider several specific pharmaceutical agents, how they were identified, characterized and in many cases modified.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the SSO Undergraduate College

1 credit, Letter Grading

 

SSO 102.4: Drugs for our Future

Prof. Paul Fisher, Department of Pharmacological Sciences | View Bio

Day/Time: Friday | 1:00pm to 1:53pm

Meeting Pattern: 53 mins per week for 14 weeks (January 22, 2018 to May 4, 2018)

Location: SSO Center, Room 121

Course #: 55326

This course is intended as an introduction to the study of pharmacology and how it impacts society, how existing drugs were identified, how new drugs are identified and developed for the market now, and how this may change in the future. During the first four (4) sessions, Professor Fisher will lead discussions on career choices in biomedicine, basic principles of modern pharmacology, the US drug approval process including the impact of pharmaceutical company sponsored research, and the impact of genetics/human genome sequencing on drug identification and development for the individual (pharmacogenomics). Through student-led discussions, we will then consider several specific pharmaceutical agents, how they were identified, characterized and in many cases modified.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the SSO Undergraduate College

1 credit, Letter Grading

 

SSO 102.5: Where Science and Politics Collide

Prof. David Black, Department of School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences | View Bio

Day/Time: Friday | 2:30pm to 3:50pm

Meeting Pattern: 1 hr 20 mins per week for 10 weeks (January 22, 2018 to April 6, 2018)

Location: SSO Center, Room 103

Course #: 55327

While science and politics are very different subjects, we live in world where the two are frequently intertwined in a manner that has become increasingly contentious. We will discuss a variety of topics where science and politics are running into one another, and usually not in a good way! By the end of this semester you will hopefully have a better understanding of the science behind politically-charged issues.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the SSO Undergraduate College

1 credit, Letter Grading

 

SSO 102.6: Welcome to the Anthropocene

Prof. Fred Walter, Department of Physics and Astronomy | View Bio

Day/Time: Tuesday | 10:00am to 11:20am

Meeting Pattern: 1 hr 20 mins per week for 10 weeks (January 22, 2018 to April 6, 2018)

Location: SSO Center room 103

Course #: 55328

The Anthropocene is that time during which humans have made a lasting impact on the Earth. Since the discovery of agriculture, we humans have been running a largely uncontrolled experiment that involves the future of humanity and perhaps the future inhabitability of Earth. We shall examine the results of this on-going experiment, and discuss possible consequences for the future of humanity.

 

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the SSO Undergraduate College

1 credit, Letter Grading

 

SSO 102.7: Scientific Ethics and Society

Prof. Stella Tsirka, Department of Pharmacological Sciences | View Bio

Day/Time: Wednesday | 5:30pm to 6:50pm

Meeting Pattern: 1 hr 20 mins per week for 10 weeks (January 22, 2018 to April 6, 2018)

Location: SSO Center, Room 103

Course #: 55329

The course will explore how the public explore and understand scientific work, the challenges in performing science, and the awareness that scientists need to have as they do their investigations. Standards of conduct will be explored, the aims of research (knowledge, truth, and avoidance of error) will be discussed. The advantages and challenges of collaborative work, objectivity and biases, social responsibility and decision making will be addressed.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the SSO Undergraduate College

1 credit, Letter Grading

 

SSO 102.8: Anesthesiology – My World and Welcome to it!

Prof. Stephen Vitkun, Department of Anesthesiology | View Bio

Day/Time: Tuesday | 1:00pm to 2:20pm

Meeting Pattern: 1 hr 20 mins per week for 10 weeks (January 22, 2018 to April 6, 2018)

Location: HSC, Room 133B

Course #: 55330

This course will help students to understand and use the necessary tools to have a competitive application to graduate education whether it be Medical School, Graduate School, Law School or other type of graduate program. The classes will focus on the details of building a resume (CV), a personal statement and the interview process. It will also include a session on learning styles which may be helpful to students who have an increased work load as they transition from high school to college studies. There will also be a session devoted more specifically to health care careers but much of the material will also relate to non-health care related graduate or other programs.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the SSO Undergraduate College

1 credit, Letter Grading

Notes: This course will take place in the Health Sciences Center (HSC), on the east side of campus.  Exact room location will be determined closer to the semester start.

 

SSO 102.9: Emerging Infectious Diseases

Prof. Sangeet Honey, Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology

Day/Time: Thursday | 2:30pm to 3:50pm

Meeting Pattern: 1 hr 20 mins per week for 10 weeks (January 22, 2018 to April 6, 2018)

Location: Life Sciences, Room 58

Course #: 55331

Microorganisms are omnipresent. Human beings live in a delicate balance with microbes. In this seminar course, we will discuss a number of factors, including international travel, economic development, and human behavior that can perturb this balance and contribute to the emergence and re-emergence of several infectious diseases.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the SSO Undergraduate College

1 credit, Letter Grading

 

SSO 102.10: Do vaccines cause Autism?

Prof. Howard Sirotkin, Department of Department of Neuobiology and Behavior | View Bio

Day/Time: Tuesday | 2:30pm to 3:50pm

Meeting Pattern: 1 hr 20 mins per week for 10 weeks (January 22, 2018 to April 6, 2018)

Location: SSO Center, Room 103

Course #: 55332

We are confronted with a never-ending stream of health claims in the popular media that can be difficult to interpret. One that has sparked debate is the assertion of a link between childhood vaccines and autism. In this class, we will focus on methods to evaluate these kinds of claims using Autism as an example, but also exploring other claims as well.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the SSO Undergraduate College

1 credit, Letter Grading

 

SSO 102.11: Environmental Justice: Lead Contamination in Drinking Water of Flint, Michigan

Prof. Jaymie Meliker, Department of Program in Public Health

Day/Time: Monday | 12:00pm to 12:53pm

Meeting Pattern: 53 mins per week for 14 weeks (January 22, 2018 to May 4, 2018)

Location: SSO Center room 103

Course #: 55333

Review the state of US drinking water policy and enforcement with a focus on the recent headline news stories on lead (Pb) contamination in Flint, Michigan. We will also discuss risk-cost-benefit assessment of the Pb, and efforts to remediate the situation. 

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the SSO Undergraduate College

1 credit, Letter Grading

 

SSO 102.12: Myths of Learning and Forgetting

Prof. Marvin O’Neal, Department of Undergraduate Biology | View Bio

Day/Time: Monday | 1:00pm to 2:20pm

Meeting Pattern: 1 hr 20 mins per week for 10 weeks (January 22, 2018 to April 6, 2018)

Location: SSO Center, Room 103

Course #: 55334

What does current research tell us about how a college student’s physiology and behavior influence learning and memory? How do sleep, exercise and stress affect the rate of learning? Does diet impact concentration? What study methods are best for memory retention? You’ve probably received mixed advice regarding these topics from parents, professors, advisors, and friends. In this seminar series, we will discuss the scientific literature and explore our current understanding of the complex behavioral and physiological mechanisms that relate to learning.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the SSO Undergraduate College

1 credit, Letter Grading

 

SSO 102.13: “Science Says What?!”

Prof. Kimberly Bell, Department of TLT Teaching Learning & Technology

Day/Time: Monday | 2:30pm to 3:50pm

Meeting Pattern: 1 hr 20 mins per week for 10 weeks (January 22, 2018 to April 6, 2018)

Location: SSO Center, Room 103

Course #: 55335

This course will focus on how to be an effective science communicator. We will discuss what students perceive science communication to be, and why it is important. Students will: see effective and non-effective examples of science communication, identify biased information sources, get tips and strategies to be an effective communicator for any topic, practice “distilling” scientific information from the media and scientific journals, keep a class science/issues blog, learn strategies for giving effective presentations, and get the opportunity to put it all into practice with a final presentation on a relevant topic of the student’s choosing.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the SSO Undergraduate College

1 credit, Letter Grading

 

SSO 102.14: The Science behind the Science in the News

Prof. Jessica Gurevitch, Department of Ecology and Evolution | View Bio

Day/Time: Wednesday | 12:00pm to 12:53pm

Meeting Pattern: 53 mins per week for 14 weeks (January 22, 2018 to May 4, 2018)

Location: SSO Center room 103

Course #: 55336

Science is in the news all of the time, from ebola to climate change and much more. But what’s accurate? What’s opinion? How can you separate fact from rumor? Is it always a good thing for news stories to report “both sides” of a controversial topic that is based on science? We will be examining current and recent scientific topics, learning how to find out the scientific basis for the stories, and how to read a scientific research paper objectively and critically….and then, how to reach your own informed, educated opinion. We will focus mostly on environmental and biomedical issues (but not exclusively). This should be interesting, fun, and engaging. It will be taught by an active research scientist and news junkie, and Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolution at Stony Brook. 

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the SSO Undergraduate College

1 credit, Letter Grading

 

SSO 102.15: When the rivers run dry

Prof. Kamazima Lwiza, Department of School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences | View Bio

Day/Time: Wednesday | 2:30pm to 3:50pm

Meeting Pattern: 1 hr 20 mins per week for 10 weeks (January 22, 2018 to April 6, 2018)

Location: SSO Center 103

Course #: 55337

Participants in this seminar will explore the science and politics involved in global water crisis by reading Fred Pearce’s book and discuss assigned readings in class. Discussion leaders will use 15–minute powerpoint presentations followed by general discussion. The book, ‘When the rivers run dry’, provides some of the most interesting, nerve-wracking, disappointing, and infuriating stories and statistics on water politics worldwide. The author brings depth to the subject and approaches the issues facing water management (and rather more often the appalling mismanagement) from several angles that make this book a joy to read.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the SSO Undergraduate College

1 credit, Letter Grading

 

SSO 102.16: When the rivers run dry

Prof. Kamazima Lwiza, Department of School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences | View Bio

Day/Time: Thursday | 8:30am to 9:50am

Meeting Pattern: 1 hr 20 mins per week for 10 weeks (January 22, 2018 to April 6, 2018)

Location: SSO Center, Room 103

Course #: 55338

Participants in this seminar will explore the science and politics involved in global water crisis by reading Fred Pearce’s book and discuss assigned readings in class. Discussion leaders will use 15–minute powerpoint presentations followed by general discussion. The book, ‘When the rivers run dry’, provides some of the most interesting, nerve-wracking, disappointing, and infuriating stories and statistics on water politics worldwide. The author brings depth to the subject and approaches the issues facing water management (and rather more often the appalling mismanagement) from several angles that make this book a joy to read.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the SSO Undergraduate College

1 credit, Letter Grading

 

SSO 102.17: Believing in Science while Believing in God

Prof. Gregory Rushton, Department of Chemistry | View Bio

Day/Time: Tuesday | 10:00am to 11:20am

Meeting Pattern: 1 hr 20 mins per week for 10 weeks (January 22, 2018 to April 6, 2018)

Location: Melville Library, Room N3090

Course #: 55339

Discussions around the compatibility or incompatibility of belief in science as a way of knowing the natural world and belief in God as a way of knowing the meaning, relevance, and purpose of life. Readings will include those from historical figures in science (e.g., Newton, Pascal, Kepler, Faraday, Hawking, Edison, Darwin, Dawkins) who came to different conclusions about the importance of faith for themselves and others.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the SSO Undergraduate College

1 credit, Letter Grading

 

SSO 102.18: An introduction to sleep and sleep disorders

Prof. Russell Rozensky, Department of Polysomnographic Technology Program | View Bio

Day/Time: Thursday | 11:30am to 12:50pm

Meeting Pattern: 1 hr 20 mins per week for 10 weeks (January 22, 2018 to April 6, 2018)

Location: SSO Center room 103

Course #: 55340

This course will introduce students to the field of Sleep Diagnostics and Therapeutics (Polysomnographic Technology) including: classification of sleep disorders, signs and symptoms of sleep disorders, and the various instrumentation used to diagnose and treat sleep disorders. The instructor will present topics relevant to students and explore how sleep deprivation and various sleep disorders can impact an individual’s physical and mental well-being thus making the participants more aware of their need for obtaining good quality and quantity of sleep. Students will not only learn about the field of sleep diagnostics and therapeutics and its potential career aspects, but will also leave them with valuable lifelong lessons regarding the need to protect and maintain proper sleep hygiene.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the SSO Undergraduate College

1 credit, Letter Grading

 

SSO 102.19: Bioengineering in Space

Prof. Mary (Molly) Frame, Department of Biomedical Engineering | View Bio

Day/Time: Tuesday | 2:30pm to 3:50pm

Meeting Pattern: 1 hr 20 mins per week for 10 weeks (January 22, 2018 to April 6, 2018)

Location: SSO Center room 121

Course #: 55341

Discuss aspects of human physiology and adaptation in space. Examine technology required to sustain life at the ISS, and for long term deep space travel. 

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the SSO Undergraduate College

1 credit, Letter Grading

 

SSO 102.20: Biology of Monsters

Prof. Amy Lu, Department of Anthropology | View Bio

Day/Time: Monday | 4:00pm to 5:20pm

Meeting Pattern: 1 hr 20 mins per week for 10 weeks (January 22, 2018 to April 6, 2018)

Location: SSO Center room 103

Course #: 55342

This class will take classic examples of “monsters” from science fiction and horror and provide analogies from nature to understand the biological underpinnings of such fantastical creatures. For example, we will use real bloodsuckers found in nature such as mosquitoes or vampire bats to understand the biology of fictional vampires. Similarly, we will examine the biology of deep sea creatures and predatory mimics to understand how fictional mer-people or sirens might behave. The goal of the class is to use a combination of fiction and science to spark interest in the real monsters – the curiosities that already exist in the natural world.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the SSO Undergraduate College

1 credit, Letter Grading

 

SSO 102.21: Natural Disasters in North America

Prof. Mark Chambers, Department of History | View Bio

Day/Time: Monday | 1:00pm to 2:20pm

Meeting Pattern: 1 hr 20 mins per week for 10 weeks (January 22, 2018 to April 6, 2018)

Location: SSO Center, Room 121

Course #: 55343

In this class, we will study the environmental nature of several disasters in U.S. history. We will examine places that have proved disastrous through fire, flood, earthquake, levee failure, and battle – that is, for human-created as well as natural reasons. As a guide, we will read Ted Steinberg’s Acts of God, as well as primary source materials; we will also examine websites and watch a number of films to question and discuss how we remember natural disasters. We will focus on three disasters as case studies: the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811-12, the Mississippi River Flood Zone, and Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Participants in this course should expect to leave with a better historical understanding of key moments that have shaped the environmental and cultural history of the United States, further development of advanced analytic skills involving multiple kinds of sources, and a greater ability to view places of disaster with precision and insight as well as shock and compassion.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the SSO Undergraduate College

1 credit, Letter Grading

 

SSO 102.22: Natural Disasters in North America

Prof. Mark Chambers, Department of History | View Bio

Day/Time: Wednesday | 2:30pm to 3:50pm

Meeting Pattern: 1 hr 20 mins per week for 10 weeks (January 22, 2018 to April 6, 2018)

Location: SBS N107

Course #: 55344

In this class, we will study the environmental nature of several disasters in U.S. history. We will examine places that have proved disastrous through fire, flood, earthquake, levee failure, and battle – that is, for human-created as well as natural reasons. As a guide, we will read Ted Steinberg’s Acts of God, as well as primary source materials; we will also examine websites and watch a number of films to question and discuss how we remember natural disasters. We will focus on three disasters as case studies: the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811-12, the Mississippi River Flood Zone, and Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Participants in this course should expect to leave with a better historical understanding of key moments that have shaped the environmental and cultural history of the United States, further development of advanced analytic skills involving multiple kinds of sources, and a greater ability to view places of disaster with precision and insight as well as shock and compassion.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the SSO Undergraduate College

1 credit, Letter Grading

 

SSO 102.23: The Science and Society Cookbook

Prof. Glenn Lopez, Department of School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences | View Bio

Day/Time: Tuesday | 11:30am to 12:50pm

Meeting Pattern: 1 hr 20 mins per week for 10 weeks (January 22, 2018 to April 6, 2018)

Location: SSO Center, Room 121

Course #: 55345

This class will explore many aspects of food—where ingredients originated and how they migrated; how our ancestors solved the fundamental problem of food storage; why certain foods and meals have particular cultural and social meanings; and our evolving understanding of the role of food in medicine and health. These topics by focusing on meals that have great personal meaning to students in the class. In addition to the short written and oral reports described below, students will read occasional papers and be encouraged to participate in class discussion.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the SSO Undergraduate College

1 credit, Letter Grading

 

SSO 102.24: Translational Approach in Biomedical Research

Prof. Srinivas Pentyala, Department of Anesthesiology | View Bio

Day/Time: Wednesday | 8:30am to 9:50am

Meeting Pattern: 1 hr 20 mins per week for 10 weeks (January 22, 2018 to April 6, 2018)

Location: HSC, Room TBD

Course #: 55346

The tools and therapies for diagnosis and prognosis of diseases and symptoms revolve around three important aspects – diagnostics, devices and drugs. Innovative discoveries and inventions are bringing about a paradigm shift in biomedical research. Innovation can propel a simple finding in basic science to a concept that can be of immense value to society. While applying these novel innovations that came out by studying the basic mechanisms, an offshoot of applied branch emerged. This field which is now widely referred to as Translational Research utilizes basic science findings and translates these findings into novel concepts for the benefit of mankind. The students will be introduced to different aspects of biomedical research topics in this course.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the SSO Undergraduate College

1 credit, Letter Grading

Notes: This class will take place in the Health Sciences Center (HSC), on the east side of campus.  Exact room location will be provided closer to the start of the semester.

 

SSO 102.25: Job Hunting: Preparing for Battle in the Professional Arena

Prof. Rebecca Garcia, Department of Undergraduate Biology | View Bio

Day/Time: Thursday | 4:00pm to 5:20pm

Meeting Pattern: 1 hr 20 mins per week for 10 weeks (January 22, 2018 to April 6, 2018)

Location: SSO Center, Room 103

Course #: 55347

A quick internet search will provide a multitude of websites on how to write a resume or how to prepare for an interview. But how to do you know which recommendations to follow? How can you determine the best advice for your job search? Throughout these ten weeks, we will explore the current research behind topics such as finding job listings, building a CV or resume, and preparing for an interview. We will also discuss the role of social media in the professional world, how to foster a professional network, as well as the various career resources on campus.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the SSO Undergraduate College

1 credit, Letter Grading

 

SSO 102.26: Nature in Our Midst: An Exploration of the Natural World Around Us

Prof. Kathleen-Anna Amella, Department of Program in Writing and Rhetoric

Day/Time: Monday | 10:00am to 10:53am

Meeting Pattern: 53 mins per week for 14 weeks (January 22, 2018 to May 4, 2018)

Location: SSO Center room 103

Course #: 55348

Nature is always in our midst, even on our large, suburban university campus here at Stony Brook. In this course, we will explore strategies for mindful observation of the flora and fauna around us and discuss the importance of making some room in our busy twenty-first century lives to connect with nature. How is time spent in contemplation of the natural world beneficial to our menta, physical, and emotional well-being , and how, in turn, can we, as human beings, pay these benefits forward for the greater good of our environment and the creatures with whom we share our planet?

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the SSO Undergraduate College

1 credit, Letter Grading

 

SSO 102.27: Nature in Our Midst: An Exploration of the Natural World Around Us

Prof. Kathleen-Anna Amella, Department of Program in Writing and Rhetoric

Day/Time: Monday | 11:00am to 11:53am

Meeting Pattern: 53 mins per week for 14 weeks (January 22, 2018 to May 4, 2018)

Location: SSO Center room 103

Course #: 55349

Nature is always in our midst, even on our large, suburban university campus here at Stony Brook. In this course, we will explore strategies for mindful observation of the flora and fauna around us and discuss the importance of making some room in our busy twenty-first century lives to connect with nature. How is time spent in contemplation of the natural world beneficial to our menta, physical, and emotional well-being , and how, in turn, can we, as human beings, pay these benefits forward for the greater good of our environment and the creatures with whom we share our planet?

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the SSO Undergraduate College

1 credit, Letter Grading

 

SSO 102.28: Sustainable Energy

Prof. Mirza Beg, Department of Sustainability Studies

Day/Time: Tuesday | 4:00pm to 5:20pm

Meeting Pattern: 1 hr 20 mins per week for 10 weeks (January 22, 2018 to April 6, 2018)

Location: ESS, Room 137

Course #: 55350

Sustainable energy is about finding clean, renewable sources of energy—sources that renew themselves, rather than sources that can be depleted. This course we will discuss the progress made in the energy transition from fossil fuels to ecologically sustainable and renewable energy- an energy system that serves the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

We will evaluate the technologies that promote sustainable energy including renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectricity, solar energy, wind energy, wave power, geothermal energy, bioenergy, tidal power and also technologies designed to improve energy efficiency. Through case studies different countries policies, costs of transitioning to sustainable energy and market trends will be explored.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the SSO Undergraduate College

1 credit, Letter Grading