Graduate Science Courses
Graduate level science courses offered by I-STEM
BIO 558 Biology and Human Behavior
An exploration of biological theories of human evolution, properties, and behavior.
We build an understanding of evolution of complex organisms by natural selection,
followed by the emergence of humans as a uniquely complex species. Scientific hypothesis
formation and testing using the extensive multidisciplinary empirical record of the
1.8 million years of human history is developed throughout. Implications of human
evolutionary biology for contemporary social and sexual behavior are also investigated.
CEB 554 Current Topics in Immunology
This is a comprehensive course in Immunology designed to be taught to secondary school
teachers and it will address the new living environment curriculum standards for Immunology.
The proposed course will combine lectures in Immunology with practical laboratory
exercises. Laboratory activities will be provided that can be modified for secondary
school education. Emphasis will be made on recent developments in Immunology and
the essential role of the immune system in protection from infections and cancer.
Concepts to be covered include how the immune system distinguishes self from non-self,
how it handles various pathogens and why it sometimes fails.
CSM 546 Topics in Biotechnology
An introduction to the field of biotechnology. The course will survey the history
of the development of genetic engineering, methodologies used in biotechnology, applications
of biotechnology in medicine, agriculture and manufacturing, and the implications
of these technologies for society. Intended for the students in the MAT Science and
MALS programs. This course has an associated fee. Please see here for more information.
CSM 547 Topics in Genetics
A survey of genetics organized around a particular topic, including gene regulation,
developmental genetics, cancer genetics, epigenetics with emphasis on areas with emerging
new insight. The methodology used to study these areas will also be explored. Intended
for students in the MAT Biology and PhD Science Education programs.
CSM 548 Current Topics in Microbiology
A survey of microbiology with an emphasis on microbial ecology, the role of microbes
in the biosphere and the methodology used to explore these areas. The course is organized
around two resources available online: Unseen Life on Earth: An Introduction to Microbiology,
which was produced by The American Society for Microbiology (http://www.learner.org/resources/series121.html) and the New York State core curriculum for The Living Environment (http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/mst/sci/ls.html) . Intended for the students in the MAT Science and MALS programs. This course
has an associated fee. Please see here for more information.
CSM 551 Polymerase Chain Reaction: Theory and Practice
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has become an indispensable tool in biology.
PCR has revolutionized our approach to medical diagnostics, basic research, and forensic
applications. This laboratory and lecture course is designed to teach a solid theoretical
and practical framework for PCR, including primer and application protocol design,
trouble-shooting, and interpretation of results.
CSM 557 Forensic Science
Forensic science is focused upon the application of scientific methods and techniques
to crime and law. In this course, scientific methods specifically relevant to crime
detection and analysis will be presented. Emphasis is placed upon understanding the
science behind the techniques used in evaluating physical evidence. Science MAT students
or permission of the instructor.
CSM 600 History and Philosophy of Science Education
An in-depth analysis of the history of science education will promote better insights
for where we currently stand as a nation in science education, and what direction
we are heading. The focus of the course will be on how various educators, learning
theories, progressive movements, and organizations have molded science education in
the United States.
CSM 610 Nature and Practice of Science
An overview of the nature and practice of science through the analysis of current
issues in science. Through the extensive use of case studies, students will address
questions such as: What is science? What distinguishes science from other ways of
knowing? What standards of evidence and scientific explanations, processes, and conventions
are used in science? What philosophical, social, ethical, and historical perspectives
are important in understanding science?
CSM 620 Science Teacher Education
Introduction to the historical, philosophical and pedagogical issues surrounding science
teacher education. Introduction to the nature of the research that has been conducted
on teacher education in the past and current trends.
CSM 630 Science Education Research Seminar
Introduction to the major theoretical frameworks and paradigms in societal issues
(gender, culture, and diversity). Students will be required to critique research
papers in the field and will conduct a literature review in their general thesis area
CSM 650 Introduction to Measurement and Assessment in Science Education
Introduction to Measurement and Assessment in Science Education. 3 Credits. Introduction
to core standards, concepts, and empirical methods in educational measurement and
assessment; introduction to the development, use, and evaluation of measurement instruments
in science education.