BIOLOGY 131,
FALL 2006
Instructor: Dr.
Office: KS 313
Office
Hours: TR
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
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
28 Presentations (3rd Group Project)
30 Review & Wrap-Up
Dec. 5 LAST DAY OF LECTURE
7 Reading Day
FINAL EXAM: SATURDAY.,
DECEMBER 9,