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Your search for courses · tagged with SDSC XDept Elective · returned 18 results
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ARCN 246 Archaeological Methods & Lab 6 credits
As a field that is truly interdisciplinary, archaeology uses a wide range of methods to study the past. This course provides a hands-on introduction to the entire archaeological process through classroom, field, and laboratory components. Students will participate in background research concerning local places of historical or archaeological interest; landscape surveying and mapping in GIS; excavation; the recording, analysis, and interpretation of artifacts; and the publication of results. This course involves real archaeological fieldwork, and students will have an opportunity to contribute to the history of the local community while learning archaeological methods applicable all over the world.
Sophomore priority
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BIOL 338 Genomics and Bioinformatics 6 credits
The advent of next-generation sequencing technology has revolutionized biology, enabling transformative breakthroughs in fields ranging from agriculture to conservation to medicine. In this course, students will gain experience with the computational and bioinformatics tools needed to analyze “big data,” including sequence searching and alignment, assembly, gene calling and annotation. Students will learn to ask and answer their own scientific questions using sequence data, and to critically assess the conclusions of other genomics and bioinformatics studies. No prior computer programming experience is required. Associated laboratory will focus on wet lab methods for DNA/RNA extraction and preparation as well as computational analysis.
Requires concurrent registration in Biology 339
- Fall 2024
- LS, Science with Lab QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): BIOL 125 – Genes, Evolution, and Development & Lab with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam AND BIOL 126 – Energy Glow in Biological Systems & Lab with a grade of C- or better AND either BIOL 240 – Genetics or BIOL 321 – Ecosystem Ecology or BIOL 350 – Evolution with a grade of C- or better.
- BIOL 339
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BIOL 352 Population Ecology 6 credits
An investigation of the properties of populations and communities. Topics include population growth and regulation, life tables, interspecific and intraspecific competition, predation, parasitism, mutualism, the nature of communities, and biogeography. Expected preparation: previous experience with calculus is necessary, but no specific course is required. Statistics 120 or equivalent exposure to statistical analysis is recommended.
Requires concurrent registration in BIOL 353.
Recommended course: Statistics 120 or equivalent exposure to statistical analysis
- Spring 2025
- QRE, Quantitative Reasoning LS, Science with Lab
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Student has completed the following courses: BIOL 125 – Genes, Evolution, and Development & Lab with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam AND BIOL 126 – Energy Glow in Biological Systems & Lab with a grade of C- or better or equivalents.
- BIOL 353
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CHEM 348 Introduction to Computational Chemistry 6 credits
This class will introduce students to computational chemistry with a focus on simulations in chemistry and biology. This course will include hands-on experience in running classical molecular dynamics and quantum chemistry programs, an introduction to methods to simulate large systems, and demonstrations of the use of more sophisticated software to simulate chemical and biological processes. It will also include a survey of the current literature in this area, as well as lecture time in which the background necessary to appreciate this growing area of chemistry will be provided.
Requires concurrent registration in CHEM 349
- Spring 2025
- No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed all of the following course(s): CHEM 343 – Chemical Thermodynamics, CHEM 344 – Quantum Chemistry with grade greater than or equal to C-
- CHEM 349
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ECON 285 Computational Economics 6 credits
This course is an introduction to the use of computational methods for the analysis of economic models. After becoming familiar with the programming environment, we will explore the application of computational methods to constrained optimization, econometric estimation, and calibrating, solving, and simulating static and dynamic economic models.
Previous elective courses involving mathematical modeling in economics recommended.
- Fall 2024
- QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): ECON 110 – Principles of Macroeconomics with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 on the Macroeconomics AP exam AND ECON 111 – Principles of Microeconomics with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 on the Microeconomics AP exam OR has received a score of 6 or better on the Economics IB exam.
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ECON 329 Econometrics 6 credits
This course is an introduction to the statistical methods used by economists to test hypotheses and to study and quantify economic relationships. The course emphasizes both econometric theory and practical application through analysis of economic data sets using statistical software. Prior experience with R is strongly encouraged. Topics include two-variable and multiple regression, interval estimation and hypothesis testing, discrete and continuous structural change, parameter restrictions, model construction, experimental design, issues of functional specification, model overfitting and underfitting, heteroscedasticity, autocorrelation, and multicollinearity.
- Fall 2024, Winter 2025
- QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry
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Student must have completed any of the following course(s): ECON 110 – Principles of Macroeconomics or received a score of 5 or better on the Macroeconomics AP exam AND ECON 111 – Principles of Microeconomics or received a score of 5 or better on the Microeconomics AP exam OR received a score of 6 or better on the Economics IB exam. AND MATH 101 – Calculus with Problem Solving or MATH 111 – Introduction to Calculus or greater or received a a score of 4 or better on the Calculus AB AP exam or received a score of 4 or better on the Calculus BC AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Mathematics IB exam AND either STAT 120 – Introduction to Statistics or STAT 250 – Introduction to Statistical Inference with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 4 or better on the Statistics AP exam or equivalents.
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ENTS 120 Introduction to Geospatial Analysis & Lab 6 credits
Spatial data analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, global positioning, and related technologies are increasingly important for understanding and analyzing a wide range of biophysical, social, and economic phenomena. This course serves as an overview and introduction to the concepts, algorithms, issues, and methods in describing, analyzing, and modeling geospatial data over a range of application areas.
- Spring 2025
- QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry
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HIST 231 Mapping the World Before Mercator 6 credits
This course will explore early maps primarily in medieval and early modern Europe. After an introduction to the rhetoric of maps and world cartography, we will examine the functions and forms of medieval European and Islamic maps and then look closely at the continuities and transformations in map-making during the period of European exploration. The focus of the course will be on understanding each map within its own cultural context and how maps can be used to answer historical questions. We will work closely with the maps in Gould Library Special Collections to expand campus awareness of the collection.
Extra time is required for a one-time map show in the library which we will schedule at the beginning of term.
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MUSC 204 Theory II: Musical Structures 6 credits
An investigation into the nature of musical sounds and the way they are combined to form rhythms, melodies, harmonies, and form. Topics include the nature of musical pitch, the structure of musical scales and their influence on melody, what gives rise to a sense of tonality, the complexity of rhythmic patterns, and the architecture of musical form. Student work includes building a musical instrument, programming a drum machine, writing computer code to create harmonies and timbres, and an extended music analysis project using empirical methods. Prerequisite: MUSC 101 or permission of instructor as assessed by a diagnostic exam administered at the start of the term.
Prerequisite: Music 101, or permission of the instructor as assessed by a diagnostic exam administered at the start of the term
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MUSC 227 Perception and Cognition of Music 6 credits
Covers basic issues in auditory perception and cognition with an emphasis on the perception of musical pitch, including sensory discrimination, categorical perception, roughness and dissonance, absolute pitch, and auditory streaming. Other topics to be covered include the processing of language and music, and emotional responses to music. A grade of C- or better must be earned in both Music 227 and 228 to satisfy the LS requirement.
A grade of C- or better must be earned in both MUSC 227 & 228 to staisfy the LS requirement.
- Spring 2025
- LS, Science with Lab QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): One MUSC 100, 200 or 300 Level Course not including Lesson or Ensemble courses OR one PSYC 100, 200, 300 Level Course with a grade of C- or better.
- MUSC 228
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MUSC 228 Perception and Cognition of Music Lab 2 credits
An introduction to the methods of experimental and observational research in music perception and cognition. Student teams will replicate/extend classic experiments in music perception, which will involve reviewing historical and current literature, creating stimuli, running experimental trials, performing statistical analyses of data, and giving a poster presentation of their results.
A grade of C- or better must be earned in both MUSC 227 & 228 to satisfy the LS requirement.
- Spring 2025
- LS, Science with Lab QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
- MUSC 227
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PHIL 213 Ethics 6 credits
How should we live? This is the fundamental question for the study of ethics. This course looks at classic and contemporary answers to the fundamental question from Socrates to Kant to modern day thinkers. Along the way, we consider slightly (but only slightly) more tractable questions such as: What reason is there to be moral? Is there such a thing as moral knowledge (and if so, how do we get it)? What are the fundamental principles of right and wrong (if there are any at all)? Is morality objective?
- Winter 2025
- HI, Humanistic Inquiry WR2 Writing Requirement 2
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PHYS 234 Computer Simulations in Complex Physical Systems 6 credits
The development of techniques to study complex physical systems from a probabilistic and numerical standpoint, focused on cellular automata models. Subject material is applicable to all the sciences and mathematics. Some topics considered are random walks, percolation clusters, avalanches, traffic flow, the spread of forest fires and diseases, and a brief introduction to Bayesian statistics. No computer programming skills are assumed.
- Spring 2025
- LS, Science with Lab QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): PHYS 131 – Newtonian Mechanics & Lab or PHYS 142 – Matter and Interactions and Lab or PHYS 143 – Physical Systems: Mechanics and Relativity and Lab or PHYS 144 – Astrophysical Systems: Mechanics and Relativity and Lab with grade of C- or better.
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POSC 230 Methods of Political Research 6 credits
An introduction to research method, research design, and the analysis of political data. The course is intended to introduce students to the fundamentals of scientific inquiry as they are employed in the discipline. The course will consider the philosophy of scientific research generally, the philosophy of social science research, theory building and theory testing, the components of applied (quantitative and qualitative) research across the major sub-fields of political science, and basic methodological tools. Intended for majors only.
- Fall 2024, Winter 2025, Spring 2025
- QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry WR2 Writing Requirement 2
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): STAT 120 – Introduction to Statistics or STAT 230 – Applied Regression Analysis or STAT 250 – Introduction to Statistical Inference or PSYC 200 – Measurement and Data Analysis or SOAN 239 – Social Statistics with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 4 or better on the Statistics AP exam.
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PSYC 200 Measurement and Data Analysis in Psychology 6 credits
The course considers the role of measurement and data analysis focused on behavioral sciences. Various forms of measurement and standards for the evaluation of measures are explored. Students learn how to summarize, organize, and evaluate data using a variety of techniques that are applicable to research in psychology and other disciplines. Among the analyses discussed and applied are tests of means, various forms of analysis of variance, correlation and regression, planned and post-hoc comparisons, as well as various non-parametric tests. Research design is also explored.
- Winter 2025, Spring 2025
- FSR, Formal or Statistical Reasoning QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): PSYC 110 – Principles of Psychology with a grade of C- OR CGSC/PSYC 232 – Cognitive Processes and CGSC/PSYC 233 – Laboratory Cognitive Processes with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 4 or better on the Psychology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Psychology IB exam.
- PSYC 201
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RELG 121 Introduction to Christianity 6 credits
This course will trace the history of Christianity from its origins in the villages of Palestine, to its emergence as the official religion of the Roman Empire, and through its evolution and expansion as the world’s largest religion. The course will focus on events, persons, and ideas that have had the greatest impact on the history of Christianity, and examine how this tradition has evolved in different ways in response to different needs, cultures, and tensions–political and otherwise–around the world. This is an introductory course. No familiarity with the Bible, Christianity, or the academic study of religion is presupposed.
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RELG 155 Hinduism: An Introduction 6 credits
Hinduism is the world’s third-largest religion (or, as some prefer, “way of life”), with about 1.2 billion followers. It is also one of its oldest, with roots dating back at least 3500 years. “Hinduism,” however, is a loosely defined, even contested term, designating the wide variety of beliefs and practices of the majority of the people of South Asia. This survey course introduces students to this great variety, including social structures (such as the caste system), rituals and scriptures, mythologies and epics, philosophies, life practices, politics, poetry, sex, gender, Bollywood, and—lest we forget—some 330 million gods and goddesses.
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SOAN 240 Methods of Social Research 6 credits
When sociologists and anthropologists conduct their research, how do they know which method to choose? What assumptions guide their decision? What challenges might they encounter? And, even more importantly, what are their ethical obligations? In this course we will answer these questions through examining some popular sociological and anthropological research methods (e.g., interviews, surveys, and participant observation). Specific topics include: developing feasible research questions, selecting an appropriate research method, collecting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, and writing up research findings. By the end of the course, students will be better equipped to design and conduct a research study.
- Spring 2025
- QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry WR2 Writing Requirement 2
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): SOAN 110 – Introduction to Anthropology or SOAN 111 – Introduction to Sociology with a grade of C- or better AND STAT 120 – Introduction to Statistics or STAT 250 – Introduction to Statistical Inference with a grade of C- or better, or received a score of 4 or better on the Statistics AP exam.