The Byrne Seminars

Sciences

Other Areas: Humanities • Social Sciences

Endocrine Health and Diseases
Dipak K. Sarkar (Animal Sciences)

What are the health consequences of alcohol consumption? What is the relationship between stress, sleep disturbance and alcohol abuse? This seminar will explore these questions, and more, as students learn about various research approaches currently being used in Rutgers’ labs to understand how stress and alcohol consumption affect endocrine health and cause various diseases. Readings and discussions will focus on identifying the physiological mechanisms involved in various endocrine diseases.

section 10, index 32505

Visual and Auditory Illusions: Royal Path to Brain Research
Thomas V. Papathomas (Assoc. Director, Laboratory of Vision Research; Biomedical Engineering)

The black-and-white picture could either be a vase or two profiles facing each other. Which is it? It depends on many factors that we will study in the course. This seminar presents an interdisciplinary approach to brain research using visual and auditory illusions. First, we'll examine how the brain organizes information that we gather by sight and sound, using psychophysical methods and brain imaging. We'll use illusions in vision and audition to test the hypothesis that perception is not an automatic data-driven ("bottom-up") process, but is subject to cognitive schema-driven ("top-down") influences. Examples will include the "ever-ascending pitch illusion," the "hollow mask illusion," striking 3-D art pieces ("reverspectives") that appear to move as one moves in front of them, as well as some of the instructor's own illusions.

section 48, index 35947

Modern Plagues
Philip Furmanski (Exec. VP for Academic Affairs; Cell Biology & Neuroscience)

This seminar will explore the continued emergence of new and devastating diseases that plague humankind. Using the AIDS epidemic as the major example, the seminar will explore the origins and recognition of the disease, the scientific identification of its cause and modes of transmission, the status of the development of treatments and preventive measures, and society’s reactions to AIDS and its victims.

section 19, index 30916

Germs You Can’t Live With – Germs You Can’t Live Without
Charles E. Martin (Cell Biology and Neuroscience)

This seminar explores the history and biology of some major and deadly viral and bacterial pathogens, from the 1918 influenza pandemic to the emergence of new respiratory viruses such as the highly pathogenic avian flu. We will also examine some of the "commensal" microbes that live in our bodies that are beneficial to us. Students will learn some of the basic biological and medical principles about how viruses, bacteria and other microbes infect and interact with humans and how investigators study current problems associated with them.

section 40, index 30935

Atmospheric Brown Clouds: The ABCs of Global Air Pollution
Monica A. Mazurek (Civil and Environmental Engineering)

What is happening to the chemical composition of the Earth’s atmosphere? Remote sensing by satellites and by NASA space shuttle astronauts has shown the presence of atmospheric haze layers or "atmospheric brown clouds" (ABCs) which are persistent both spatially and temporally above megacities around the globe. Green house gases and particulate carbon emissions from human activity have increased—and this increase is documented through field research and by air monitoring networks. In this course, we will discuss the sources, composition, and effects of ABCs in the Earth’s atmosphere, along with strategies for easing the problem.

section 59, index 36049

What is Life?
Paul Falkowski (Earth and Planetary Sciences, Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences)

There are two fundamental, unanswered questions in science: "Where did we come from?" and "Are we alone?" In this seminar, we’ll explore various ways humans strive to understand the birth of the universe and the origins of life. We will read religious accounts of our origins, including Genesis from the Bible; history of science materials on the origin of Earth and life on our planet; a scientific paper about life on other planets, and a modern sci-fi classic about intelligent life in outer space. Through comparison and discussion of religious, historical, and fictional sources, students will get a good grasp on the real nature of science and its particular approach to the most basic questions in biology.

section 02, index 35915

Food Fright: How Will 9 Billion People Be Fed?
Robert M. Goodman (Exec. Dean SEBS; Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources)

Food and nutritional security is fundamental to the future of human civilization. World population is projected to reach nine billion—up from just over six billion today—by 2050. All of this increase will occur in today’s less developed countries, where today over 800 million children suffer from malnutrition and two billion people live on less than two dollars per day. In this seminar, you will tackle this challenge, something for which no one yet has an answer. You will prepare by reading, classroom debate, and discussion with experts; but in the end, it will become your task to make a set of recommendations to the Secretary General of the United Nations. You will write a short ‘white paper’ and discuss it in class before sending it on to Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations.

section 03, index 32498

The Ecology of the Jersey Shore
Julie Lockwood (Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources)

This seminar will introduce you to basic principles in ecology through an in-depth exploration of Atlantic coast shorelines, particularly the New Jersey shore. You’ll learn the basic principles needed for understanding the natural history of the Jersey Shore: continental drift, past sea-level change, winter ice, barrier islands, tides and waves, food webs, reproduction, competition, facilitation, and succession. Field trips will explore two major ecosystems that make up the Jersey shore: the Tuckerton salt marshes (including a visit to the Rutgers Marine Field Station) and the soft sediment beaches, tidal flats, and barrier dunes of Island Beach State Park. The goal of the course is to foster your intellectual curiosity about the species that live on the Jersey Shore and to introduce you to current research ideas on how to conserve and sustainably use these species.

section 06, index 32501

The Environment and YOUR Health: Global Health Issues in the 21st Century
Mark Gregory Robson (Dean, Agricultural and Urban Programs; Entomology)

The world uses over five billion tons of pesticides every year, and twenty percent of these chemicals are used in the U.S., largely for agriculture. What are the consequences of pesticide exposure for human health and the overall health our planet? In this seminar, we’ll discuss global environmental health issues, in particular those dealing with problems such as water and air pollution, food production and food safety, infectious diseases and occupational diseases. Professor Robson will share his work at the National Institutes of Health - Fogarty Center in Thailand—a developing country where pesticide use increases eight percent every year. Case studies and current research will be used as illustrations.

section 08, index 32503

Will Geoengineering Solve the Problem of Global Warming?
Alan Robock (Environmental Sciences)

Is there a technological solution to global warming? Prominent atmospheric scientists have proposed that geoengineering (creating an artificial cloud in the upper atmosphere to reflect sunlight) might reduce global warming enough to buy society time to find a more permanent fix. In this course we’ll look at the science of global warming and consider geoengineering schemes as well as the consequences they might have, both positive and negative, on society and global warming. For example, besides depleting the ozone layer, geoengineering has the potential to produce political conflict. What if Russia wanted the climate a couple of degrees warmer and India wanted it a couple of degrees cooler? What if geoengineering reduced the amount of rain of Asian summer monsoons (needed to grow crops), and thus reduced the food supply for billions of people? Do the benefits of geoengineering outweigh the risks? We will also discuss mitigation—using energy more efficiently and using green sources of energy—as an alternative solution to the global warming problem.

section 07, index 32502

What Does Biology Have to Do with Global Warming?
Lily Young (Environmental Sciences)

Recent reports on global warming have drawn attention to the almost certain conclusion that human activity is the cause of rapidly increasing levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Lost in the haze is the fact that most of the greenhouse gases are produced and consumed by living organisms. These gases include carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. This seminar will explore the role of living organisms on the production and consumption of these problem gases, and consider how the balance of these two processes are critical to the balance of our global climate.

section 11, index 35948

Evolution and the Argument from Design
Jody Hey (Genetics)

Living organisms are complex and have the appearance of having been designed, and this leads to the common idea that life was designed by a creator (the Argument from Design). In contrast, Darwin’s theory of evolution offers an alternative mechanism (natural selection). In the United States the Argument from Design has most recently appeared as part of an idea called Intelligent Design. This seminar will explore basic ideas on the nature of science, and of the sources of conflict between evolution and religion, as they have emerged in the debate between Evolution and Intelligent Design.

section 27, index 30924

Blue Gold: Water Issues in a Water-Deprived World
Terry R. McGuire (Genetics)

By 2025 the UN expects that more than half of the world population will lack sufficient water to cover basic needs. These severe shortages may lead to war. On the other hand it may require peaceful cooperation to solve a looming problem. Global water issues are reflected in USA and New Jersey water issues. The availability of sufficient fresh, clean, and safe water is taken for granted by many citizens of the United States. However, all water systems are under stress.
In this course we will explore some issues in the science, politics, and economics of water from both a historical and current perspective.

section 42, index 30936

"Should I Sell My Shore House?": Global Warming and Sea-Level Rise
Ken Miller (Geological Sciences)

Is global warming real? Using current research, textbooks, articles and fieldwork, students will explore and discuss the uncertainties surrounding the issue of global warming. The seminar will address the causes of global sea-level changes, the processes that control the position of the beach, and the effects of sea-level rise on the New Jersey coastline. Students will also examine how ordinary citizens can evaluate controversies, both real and contrived, in science. Course involves field trips to the shore.

section 44, index 32623

What Do Seizures Mean? Epilepsy and Healing Across Cultures
Peter Guarnaccia (Human Ecology)

In this seminar, we will learn about the different meanings of seizures and epilepsy from a global perspective. We will read a graphic novel about a family in France trying to cope with the epilepsy of their son. We’ll look at differing understandings of epilepsy, from a Hmong family to medical doctors in California. We’ll learn about the relationship between seizures and becoming a healer among the Navajo. Epilepsy will be a focus for our exploration of the meanings of serious illness across cultures.

section 04, index 32499

Oceanography: Oceans of Opportunity in Research and Careers
Peter A. Rona (Marine Science)

Oceanography is a multi-disciplinary science with amazing opportunities for education, research, and fieldwork. This seminar will introduce students to the field and the many programs available at Rutgers, which has one of the top ten schools for oceanography. A tour of Rutgers Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences will give students a chance to meet researchers and to see experiments in action. They will view the award winning IMAX film, Volcanoes of the Deep Sea, about Rutgers’ exploration of hot springs and their ecosystems in the deep ocean. Students will attend lectures and interact with faculty and graduate students to learn about educational, research and career opportunities in oceanography.

section 09, index 32504

Lasers and Fiber Optics in Medicine and Surgery
James Harrington (Materials Science and Engineering)

Many modern surgical techniques involve the use of lasers for least-invasive procedures which are inherently less painful and heal faster. Laser light is now being used for many applications in dermatology including skin resurfacing and tattoo removal. Laser energy is also delivered by fiber optics inside the body of surgical operations such as heart surgery and tumor removal. Discussions in this seminar will focus on the use of lasers and fiber optics for surgery, diagnostic techniques, and in veterinary medicine. There will be a lab tour showing the delivery of laser radiation through special fiber optics.

section 23, index 30920

Alternative Energy
Lisa C. Klein (Materials Science and Engineering)

Batteries, fuel cells, and alternative energy devices will be the focus of this seminar. Students will learn what is needed to improve current technology and what is required to make new technologies practical in the area of energy generation. The seminar will focus on energy storage in devices such as batteries and energy conversion in devices such as solar cells. Other activities will include meeting researchers actively involved in materials research in energy related fields, and visiting the laboratories of the Energy Research Storage Group.

section 36, index 30932

Waves: Sound, Water, Light, Math
Michael Beals (Vice Dean SAS Undergraduate Education; Mathematics)

"Wave" is a term with which we are familiar in many different contexts – why the common language; what are the common features? How do we measure them? Are there simple building blocks that can be used to describe them? Can we understand their interactions, and predict their behavior? We will consider some of the fundamental examples, both classical and modern, of wave interactions. Only a familiarity with high school calculus will be assumed.

section 03, index 35913

DNA Variation in Evolution, Ancestry, and Disease
Abram Gabriel (Molecular Biology and Biochemistry)

Have you ever considered having your DNA tested to find out more about your family’s genetic health history, your connections to ancestors, or to search out your ancestral homeland? In this seminar we will cover the basics of DNA and human genetics as a prelude to learning about genomics. Modern genomics has energized the study of DNA variation among humans, and aims to better understand human evolution, human migration throughout history, and the molecular basis of diseases. We’ll examine the claims of commercial genetic ancestry and gene prediction companies, find out what current research says about the genetic basis of diseases, and compare our family histories with what might be revealed by DNA analysis. We’ll discuss eugenics; techniques used to study DNA variation; and learn how new approaches are being applied in medicine, law, anthropology, and genealogy. A principal theme will be the promises, potentials, and limitations of studies of DNA variation.

section 20, index 30917

Control of Gene Expression in Yeast
Andrew Vershon (Waksman Institute of Microbiology; Molecular Biology and Biochemistry)

The control of gene expression is one of the fundamental processes in all organisms, and unregulated gene expression is often the cause for cancer and other diseases. Understanding how gene expression is regulated will help researchers develop mechanisms to combat disease. This course will discuss current research in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae that is being used to understand the process of gene regulation in eukaryotes, such as humans. Students will get first-hand laboratory research experience by performing experiments to isolate and analyze mutants in a protein that regulates transcription in yeast.

section 55, index 35949

Hunger, Biofuels, and Politics
Daniel J. Hoffman (Nutritional Sciences)

The recent emergence of agriculture as a source of bio-fuels has sparked an intense debate over the long-term effects on diet, especially for developing nations. Will an increased demand for corn threaten crop prices, thereby increasing the cost of food, especially where corn is a dietary staple (e.g., in Central and South America)? Will an increased cost of grains and corn threaten food relief to our poorest populations, expanding the incidence of malnutrition? In this seminar we will discuss scientific and related literature surrounding this debate, focusing on factors that influence hunger in the world, current strategies to decrease the prevalence of malnutrition, the global impact of biofuel production, and the politics and economics of food and fuel.

section 05, index 32500

Complementarism: A Biology-Derived Philosophy of the 21st Century
Sungchul Ji (Pharmacology and Toxicology)

Niels Bohr, the early twentieth-century Danish physicist, is famous for his theory of complementarity, that items could have different and seemingly contradictory properties, depending on the way in which they are studied. One example of this is the wave-particle duality: light behaves either as a wave or a stream of particles depending on the experimental framework. This once-revolutionary idea has become standard among physicists. In the 1990s, an extension of Bohr’s idea, called "Complementarism," was promoted by Professor Ji, the instructor of this seminar. Complementarism suggests that the ultimate reality is a complementary union of opposites, and that there exists a transcendental level where these opposites are reconciled and harmonized. This philosophical framework, supported by research on super-coiled DNA and by the mechanics of protein machines, builds conceptual bridges between western science and eastern religions. Students will study several aspects of complementarism, in physics, cell biology, and the human brain.

section 30, index 30926

The Role of Pharmaceuticals in Modern Healthcare
John L. Colaizzi (Pharmacy)

What are drugs and what do they do? What role do they play in modern healthcare? This seminar will explore the current use and importance of pharmaceuticals in America. Several categories of pharmaceuticals will be discussed: chemicals, biologicals, prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, herbals, and nutritionals. Students will: explore the role of the pharmaceutical industry in drug discovery, development, and marketing; analyze the drug approval process; and investigate drug safety tips, the dangers of addiction, and career options in pharmacy.

section 11, index 30908

High-Tech Sustainability: Food for Thought
A. J. Both (Plant Biology and Pathology)

We all need (and love) food. Many of us also enjoy tending to house and garden plants. How is this plant material produced and where does it come from? How can we maintain a safe and year-round supply of food? This course investigates the challenges and opportunities associated with greenhouse production. You will grow plants in a greenhouse, learn about the necessary inputs required for greenhouse production, and work in teams to present a topic for class discussion on issues related to sustainability. In the face of increased transportation costs, food safety concerns, and environmental issues, our interest in year-round production of crops in controlled environments keeps growing!

section 01, index 32497

Personal Genomics: What Does Your DNA Say About Your Past, Present and Future?
Todd P. Michael (Waksman Institute of Microbiology; Plant Biology and Pathology)

This class has been cancelled.