 |
|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2005 Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics
Course Descriptions
Basic Concepts in Vertebrate Histology This course will focus on major topics in microscopic anatomy of vertebrates. In addition to receiving lectures and laboratory sessions reviewing the basic microscopic features of the tissues, students will receive instruction in preparation of slides for study. This will involve learning the techniques of fixation, embedding, sectioning, and staining the specimens. Based on individual laboratory experiences and interests, each student will choose an appropriate tissue or organ from an adult mouse or a chick embryo, create a series of microscope slides for observation and study, utilize digital photomicroscopy and enhancement techniques to document findings, and prepare a descriptive anatomy presentation. Instructors: Dr. Timothy Ballard, Mr. Ed Terzian. Coastal Geology Students in this course will conduct geological and sedimentological field studies along the beaches, islands, lagoons, channels, and tidal creeks in New Hanover County. Measurement and analysis of physical and chemical characteristics of coastal environments will be combined with field and laboratory studies of the materials and geologic and environmental processes that produce the unique environment of the Atlantic coastline in the southeastern United States. Students will observe and discuss processes characteristic of barrier islands and inshore waters, while learning pertinent techniques such as air photo/map interpretation, surveying, profiling, sediment and water sample collection and analysis techniques, biological collecting techniques, and statistical analyses. Students will have latitude to create projects that fit their interests. Instructors: Dr. Michael Smith, Mr. Steve Clark. Mathematical Modeling with Probability and Statistics This course will be an introduction to some topics from probability and statistics motivated by applications to mathematical modeling in science and engineering as well as the management and social sciences. Specific topics shall include basic concepts of probability, descriptive and inferential statistics as well as an introduction to mathematical model building. Using microcomputers, digitizers, and available mathematical software, students will have the opportunity to apply probability and statistics to the development of a mathematical model of a real world process. Instructors: Dr. Ken Gurganus, Mr. Gary Cavender. Molecular Genetics of Marine Organisms This course will introduce the basics of molecular genetics and gene expression analysis. Methods of gene discovery will be explored both at the lab bench and at the computer. Students will obtain novel data about the sequence and expression of specific genes in organisms collected from the marine environment. They will learn to use bioinformatics tools to explore the public databases, align DNA and protein sequences, and design PCR primers. They will extract genomic DNA as well as RNA, which will be reverse transcribed to make cDNA. They will perform PCR to amplify fragments of specific genes of interest. Depending on the research projects chosen, some students may clone and sequence DNA, while others evaluate gene expression patterns in different tissues or life cycle stages, while others make use of a library of cloned blue crab genes. The goal will be to understand how molecular data is collected and how it can be utilized to make inferences about gene function. Instructors: Dr. Thomas Shafer, Ms. Rebecca Mayo.
Course
Assignments and Room Locations Basic Concepts in Vertebrate
Histology Coastal Geology
Mathematical Modeling with
Probability and Statistics Molecular Genetics of Marine
Organisms Center for Marine Science Research
Along with your academic endeavors at SVSM, the staff has set up some fun and, hopefully relaxing, evening and weekend activities. The variety of offerings will appeal to the person who wants “to chill”, enjoy some sports, or take in some of the exciting flavor of Wilmington.
|
|||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
||||||
|
Science and Mathematics
Education Center |
Phone: 910-962-3168 Fax: 910-962-4000 Email: SMEC@uncw.edu |
||||||||
