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2006 Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics
Course Descriptions
The University of North Carolina Wilmington
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.
Forensic Anthropology
This course introduces students to
the role of the forensic anthropologist in the forensic sciences.
Classroom-based instruction topics include basic osteology,
procedures for the search and recovery of human remains,
establishing the identity profile of unknown remains (sex, age,
stature, ancestry), trauma analyses, and time since death
estimations. Hands-on experience entails a taphonomy research
project on decomposition rates and patterns where students will
collect data from mock death scenes, record observations, and take
digital photographs. Computer-based research from Internet sites and
professional journal articles on decomposition enhances the hands-on
project and classroom instruction by enabling students to learn
about specific taphonomic processes in order to compare and contrast
results from various forensic contexts. Ultimately, the students
will write reports and present results orally using MS PowerPoint.
Instructors: Dr. Midori Albert, Mr. Ed Terzian.
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. Electronic data
acquisition and computer analysis of physics experiments will also
be incorporated. 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, (as well as
computer-controlled instrumentation such as oscilloscopes, sound
frequency analyzers, and digital multi-meters) 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
Coastal Geology
DeLoach Hall - Room 116
Ethan Boller, Sarah Gillam, Brennon Harrison,
Rebecca Ladd, Katherine Lewis, Kendall Lipsey,
Jeanette Paige, Monica Palmeira, Andrew Pierce, Hersh Shah, Katherine
Wadsworth, Leeanna Wallace
Forensic Anthropology
Social & Behavioral Sciences - Room 102
Ivy Brisbin, Caroline Bryan, Mary Hughes,
Tabitha Hunt, Steven Norton, Imran Rauf,
Malissa Sampson, Reeva Sawhney, Amber Stogner, Amanda Wainwright, Edina
Wang
Mathematical Modeling with Probability and Statistics
Bear Hall - Room 164
Haoyu Chen, Amber Fickes, Malcolm Frazier, Thomas Kirkland, Savannah
Larimore, Paul Maynard,
Richard Mitchell, Daniel Ramirez, John Robinson, Blaine Stancill, Daniel Trinh
Molecular Genetics of Marine Organisms
Dobo Hall - Room 104
William Canuette, Roger Crowe, Martin Davis,
Kaitlyn Elkins, Morgan Ellington, Clayton Frazier,
Nikhol Garbacik, Stefani Garbacik, Joseph Gildner, Steven Lunsford, Bobbie
Saleeby, Sakshi Sethi
Extracurricular Activities
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.
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Wal-Mart Trips: our “Super
Store” should provide everything you need or forgot to bring.
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Bowling:
Cardinal Lanes is the setting for this evening of strikes and
spares. Cost for bowling for 2 hours, including shoes with a pizza/drink
snack, is $6. Check out the
lanes at
http://www.bowlcardinal.com
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SVSM Yearbook:
Students from each of the academic classes get together and
create an on-line yearbook for the 2006 Summer Ventures Program. Web
sites for classes, pods, and all activities will be created. All SVSM
students will receive a copy of the yearbook on CD after SVSM is over.
View
the SVSM 2005 yearbook here.
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Mall Trip:
Westfield Shoppingtown Independence includes over 100 specialty stores
along with Sears, JC Penney, Dillard’s, and Belk. A Food Court will
tempt your palate. See it all at:
http://www.westfield.com/independence/
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Beach Trips:
You will head to Wrightsville Beach for an afternoon or
evening of summer fun. BYO towel, radio, sunscreen, chair, boogie or skim
board.
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Karaoke:
Choose your favorite tune to perform (individually or in
groups) from an offering of over 2000 songs. The highlight of the evening
is each pod’s performance as a large group - led by your RA.
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SVSM Talent Show:
Are you ready to strut your stuff …. Show off your talent, either
individually or in a group. It’s time to star in “Wilmington Idol” - SVSM
style.
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Latin/Swing Dance Night:
Are you ready to really learn something new? This most
exciting activity has returned by popular demand. Dr. Lugo and assistants
will instruct you on basic steps and off you go.
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Mayfaire Town Center:
The newest dining and shopping experience to open in Wilmington. Check
out the offerings at:
http://mayfaire.commercialpropertiesgroup.com/shopping.html
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Wilmington Hammerheads Soccer Match:
Enjoy our city’s entry in the USL Second Division in a contest against the
Richmond Kickers. Cost will be $5.
http://www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com/
- Ice Skating:
Wilmington’s newest attraction - Over 2 hours of fun. Skates included in
the $7 fee.
http://www.wilmingtonice.com
- Center for Marine Science:
We will take a tour of this exceptional
facility.
http://www.uncwil.edu/cmsr/
- Weekly Pod Activities:
A great time for you, your RA, and
pod-mates to enjoy time together taking in some of Wilmington’s other
offerings – or just hanging out – your pod will decide. They may include
movies, roller skating, shopping, eating out, or whatever.
Daily Activities Calendar
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