On-Campus Summer Undergraduate Courses

Is the mind identical to the brain? Is the mind (or brain) a computer? Could a computer reason, have emotions, or be morally responsible? This course examines such questions philosophically and historically. Topics include the history of AI research from 1940s to present; debates in cognitive science related to AI (computationalism, connectionism, and 4E cognition); and AI ethics.

Continuation of AS.030.205 Organic Chemistry I with special emphasis on organic synthesis and related synthetic methods. Students may not simultaneously enroll for AS.030.212 and AS.030.206.

Prerequisite: AS.030.205 (Introductory Organic Chemistry I).

This course provides students with the background necessary for the study of calculus. It begins with a review of the coordinate plane, linear equations, and inequalities, and moves purposefully into the study of functions. Students will explore the nature of graphs and deepen their understanding of polynomial, rational, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions, and will be introduced to complex numbers, parametric equations, and the difference quotient.

Probability and its applications, at the calculus level. Emphasis on techniques of application and on rigorous mathematical demonstration. Probability, combinatorial probability, random variables, distribution functions, important probability distributions, independence, conditional probability, moments, covariance and correlation, limit theorems. Students initiating graduate work in probability or statistics should enroll in EN.553.620 or EN.553.720. Prerequisites: one year of calculus. Corequisites: multivariable calculus and linear algebra.

Students who have received credit for AS.110.106 and/or AS.110.107 taken prior to Fall 2020 should contact the course instructor to determine whether they can receive permission to register for this course.

Prerequisites: AS.110.107 (Calculus II For Biological and Social Science) or AS.110.109 (Calculus II For Physical Sciences & Engineering) or AS.110.113 (Honors Single Variable Calculus). AS.110.201 (Linear Algebra) or AS.110.202 (Calculus III) or AS.110.211 (Honors Multivariable Calculus) OR AS.110.212 (Honors Linear Algebra) must also be taken prior to EN.553.310 or concurrently.

This is an introduction to statistics aimed at students in the life sciences. The course will provide the necessary background in probability with treatment of independence, Bayes theorem, discrete and continuous random variables and their distributions. The statistical topics covered will include sampling and sampling distributions, confidence intervals and hypothesis testing for means, comparison of populations, analysis of variance, linear regression and correlation. Analysis of data will be done using Excel.

Prerequisite: AS.110.106 (Calculus I For Biology and Social Sciences) or AS.110.108 (Calculus I For Physical Sciences and Engineering) or AS.110.113 (Single Multivariable Calculus).

Statistics Sequence restriction: Students who have completed any of these courses may not register: EN.550.230 (Introduction to Biostatistics) OR AS.280.345 (Public Health Biostatistics) OR AS.200.314 (Advanced Statistical Methods) OR EN.550.310 (Probability & Statistics) OR EN.550.311 (Probability and Statistics for the Biological Sciences and Engineering) OR EN.550.420 (Introduction to Probability) OR EN.550.430 (Introduction to Statistics) OR EN.560.348 (Probability & Statistics in Civil Engineering).

This course looks at the evolution of the universe from its origin in a cosmic explosion to emergence of life on Earth and possibly other planets throughout the universe. Topics include big-bang cosmology; origin and evolution of galaxies, stars, planets, life, and intelligence; black holes; quasars; and relativity theory. The material is largely descriptive, based on insights from physics, astronomy, geology, chemistry, biology, and anthropology.

Students will develop a working knowledge of the characteristics that have been identified through research as being important in effective college transitions. Using practical and theoretical objectives, the course will explore the relevance of developmental and positive psychological processes as they apply in academic and social settings and provide theory-based research approaches for thriving in college and beyond. The developmental period of emerging adulthood (ages 18-25) will be discussed with a primary focus on cognitive, moral, and identity development theories. Students also will gain an understanding of what contributes to thriving and how to build the enabling conditions of a life worth living. The developmental theories and central concepts in positive psychology will provide students with a foundation to navigate college academic expectations and equip them with the attitudes, skills, and resources needed to function optimally and excel in college.