BIO131 movies

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BIOLOGY 131, MISSION TO MARS

FALL 2006

 

Instructor:       Dr. William G. Squires

Office:              KS 313

Office Hours:   TR 2:30-3:30 or by appointment

Phone:             372-6048 or 372-6030

E-Mail:             bsquires@tlu.edu

 

Required Text:  Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury, bound notebook (not ring or spiral notebook); Frontiers in Space (free handout) and Entering space by Robert Zubrin.

 

The TLU 2006-2007 catalog describes this course as:

Bio 131. Issues in Biology (3:3:0)

An introductory course in biology without lab.  The class will focus on an important issue in society and biology.  The topic will be determined by the instructor among such topics as genetic technology, evolution, disease, and medicine.  This course is designed for the non-science major.

 

Course Description:  This course discusses historical and cultural aspects of Mars as well as the scientific issues of a Moon/Mars project.  Special emphasis is given to the human physiological and psychological requirements for carrying out a manned Mars mission.

 

Grading:

            Mid-Term Exam                                                       15%

            Comprehensive Final Exam                                       25%

            Notebook (draft assignments, daily notes, etc.)           20%

            3 Group Projects                                                      30%

            Attendance and Participation                                     10%

 

Attendance:  All classes are mandatory.  Role will be taken or a class quiz based on current topics.

As a primary goal, successful students will attain a depth of knowledge in certain areas of biology sufficient to understand its methods, language, content, history and value (thus fulfilling the second of the “Institutional Goals for Graduates” [Texas Lutheran University Bulletin, 2006-2007 edition, page 5]).  In this process, students will be encouraged to think critically and in groups, as well as use appropriate technologies as tools for problem solving and for finding, analyzing and communicating information.

NOTE:  TLU seeks to provide reasonable accommodations for all qualified individuals with disabilities.  If a student requires special arrangements in order to meet the course requirements, it is the student’s responsibility to register with the ADA Coordinator, and to contact the instructor as soon as possible so that necessary accommodations may be made.  Refer to the 2006-2007 University Catalog, pgs. 158-160 for a discussion of this topic.

 

Tentative Schedule:

 Aug.     22        Introduction/Flight Formation

24        Importance of Frontiers/Flight Meeting

29        How to go to Space – Zubrin, Chapters 1, 2, & 3

31        Martian Chronicles #1

Sept.    5          Martian Chronicles #2

            7          Humans in Space

            12        Humans in Space

            14        Humans in Space

            19        Martian Chronicles Presentations (1st Group Project)

            21        Zubrin, Chapters 9 & 10

            26        Spaceplanes and the X-Prize; Moonbase

                        Considerations; Mars Mission

            28        Krost Symposium

Oct.      3          Zubrin, Chapter 4

            5          Zubrin, Chapter 5 & 6

            10        Mid-term Exam            (Notebook Due)

            12-13   MID-SEMESTER RECESS

            17        Zubrin, Chapter 11

            19        Humans in Space

            24        Humans in Space

            26        Humans in Space

Note:  Oct. 30 is Last Day to Withdraw “W” without a grade

            31        Humans in Space

Nov.     2          Humans in Space

7          Building a Low Fidelity 1G Mock Up

(2nd Group Project)

            9          Building a Low Fidelity 1G Mock Up

            14        Building a Low Fidelity 1G Mock Up

16        Rocketry

21        Selecting the Crew

22-24   THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

28        Presentations    (3^rd Group Project)

            30        Review & Wrap-Up    

Dec.     5          LAST DAY OF LECTURE

            7          Reading Day

 

FINAL EXAM:  SATURDAY., DECEMBER 9, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.

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