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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.