Foundations of Living Systems
An Introduction to the Research Experience
2009 Research Teams & Projects
So, you want to be a scientist, eh? Welcome to the home of Foundations of Living Systems (FLS), Biology 199, at SAU. FLS is the first of a multiple semester sequence that serves as the introduction and foundation for all of your future studies in Biology. The course is appropriate for a wide range of students including students interested in majoring in Biology and intending to pursue either employment or graduate study in Biology (our Department's graduates have gone on to work in research, industry and education). Students seeking a career in a Biology-related profession such as those in the medical field (our graduates have entered medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, veterinary medicine, and almost every other medical area one can name), or students with other professional interests requiring a knowledge of modern Biology (for example, students hoping to practice law in an area such as environmental law, or students concerned with bioethical issues brought about by reproductive technologies) are also in the right place. And of course, anyone with a serious interest in learning the basics of modern biological science is welcome.
The first semester of this course is concerned with some of the most fundamental principles in Biology. We begin with a study of basic evolutionary theory which under girds all of Biology. In the semester's first half, we then consider basic biological chemistry, basic biochemical processes, and both cellular structure and functioning. In the second half of the semester, we examine heredity both from classical and modern molecular vantage points.
The laboratory is devoted to facilitating your development as a scientist. In our research lab, you will have the opportunity to design your own study at our local research facility at Nahant Marsh as part of our Learning Community, The Art of Science. In addition to myself, you will be working with Professors Paul Koch (Statistics), Sarah Vordtriede and Shannon Mackey (Biology) and Reference Librarian Barb Kuttler.
Students considering FLS should have a strong high school background both in math and science. You should have completed successfully at least three years of high school Mathematics as well as courses in Biology and Chemistry. If you're unsure of your preparation for FLS, please Email or call me (333.6369) to discuss your situation. To apply for admission to The Art of Science, please complete the web application and submit it at your earliest convenience.
A few field biologists (FLS class of '08) tied up in their work
The mere
formulation of a problem is far more essential
than its solution, which may be merely a matter of mathematical or
experimental skills.
To raise new questions, new possibilities, to regard
old problems from a new angle
requires creative imagination
and marks real advances in science.
~ Albert Einstein