Living systems will be studied on the molecular, cellular, and organismal level. Topics that will be covered include the scientific method, cell structure and function, evolutionary biology, Mendelian genetics and plant and animal physiology. The lab component will reinforce concepts and ideas explored in lectures, readings and workshops. This course is an excellent biology preparation for students interested in taking Molecule to Organism or for future work in environmental science.

This course is comparable to over one half-year of general chemistry, and is geared towards preparing students for subsequent work in organic chemistry, environmental chemistry, biochemistry and biology. Emphasis will be placed on topics relevant to those areas, including atomic theory, bonding, stoichiometry, kinetics, thermodynamics and acid/base chemistry. Theory discussed in lecture will be reinforced through problem-based workshops and labs.

Each summer, students go to places with interesting physical environments. If you would like to add an educational component to your travels, including the Northwest, we can design a contract that will increase your awareness of that locality. The focus can be on any combination of geology, physical geography, hydrology, weather and climate and how the physical environment affects human history. Credit is variable, and can be lower division, upper division or graduate level. This course also provides opportunities for K-12 teachers to earn credits towards an earth science endorsement.

This class is an introduction to both Euclidean and Non-Euclidean geometry suitable for teachers or others interested in gaining a deeper understanding of mathematics, mathematical proof and the historical and conceptual evolution of geometrical ideas. We will concentrate on problem solving and development of mathematical skills with the goal of understanding the major conceptual developments in the history of geometry. Class activities will be primarily reading, problem solving and discussion, with lectures as needed.

This course introduces the student to the theoretical and applied aspects of geographic information systems. The course focuses on understanding concepts behind the development of GIS, as well as carrying out labs and an independent project in ARCGIS. Generally, projects are in natural resource areas, although other areas are open to research. To facilitate retention of techniques, the course meets every day for the first two weeks of the first summer session from 5-9 pm.

What is “voice” in writing, and to what extent is it a function of grammatical choices? What strategies help people become more confident, competent writers of Standard English? What helps people develop their writing “voice”? Those questions are central to this class. We will study a range of approaches to voice and to teaching and learning grammar; we will analyze our writing (including our feelings about grammar), and we will ponder this paradox: For decades, research on teaching writing has shown that direct instruction in grammar doesn’t improve students’ writing. What then do we do?

Use hands-on practice to learn to write successful grants! In this course, you will prepare a grant for a nonprofit organization, getting feedback on each section as it is developed. In interactive sessions, we will focus on planning, research, evaluation, budgeting and how to write in a clear and compelling manner. A list of organizations seeking grantwriting assistance will be provided, or you may contact faculty in advance of the first class to suggest a project.