Liberal Arts

This course covers the technical and artistic aspects of photography and digital imaging. Topics include camera operation, exposure, composition, and lighting with emphasis on the technical and artistic sides of photography. Through assignments in photographing nature, scenery, people, sports, and existing light and through the study of the styles of many renowned photographers, students will begin to develop their artistic sense and photographic vision. Students will use photo editing software to manipulate and composite images.
**Students must have access to a camera with adjustable apertures and shutter speeds.
The rationale of this course is to teach the students the fundamental elements, technical knowledge, and the creative inspiration to understand and produce images that are interesting, informative, and attractive to a wider range of viewers. Photography is very useful as a visual communication tool in everything from articulating personal stories to illustrating commercial messages and research as well as many other professional and non-professional uses.

For centuries, drawing has been at the core of scientific research and documentation. From botanical studies to anatomical drawing to medical illustrations, the art of drawing is a powerful tool to help us understand and interpret the complex structures of the natural world. In this course, students will gain the technical skills to successfully render compelling biological illustrations ranging from microscopic organisms to plants to the human body. Students will analyze biological subjects and draw from life as a means of strengthening observational skills and representing scientific material through visual language. *Note: This course counts as a Liberal Arts, Fine Arts, or Open Elective but not as a Lab Science Elective.

This course will provide students with opportunities to investigate a broad range of topics across multiple domains of science.  The specific content of this course will vary each semester.  Students will be expected to effectively read, comprehend, and articulate information associated with the designated field of study, such as environmental science, ecology, biomedical and global health studies, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and/or computer applications in the sciences. Throughout the course, students will learn topic specific vocabulary and applications; develop scientific literacy skills; enhance the ability to solve problems based on reliable data; analyze experimental information; enhance the ability to communicate effectively in writing and/or verbal communications; explore sociological, ethical, and financial issues related to the field of study; and/or critique media representations of science.

Laboratory work will provide additional opportunities to enhance students’ understanding of lecture topics and may include microscopy, dissection of appropriate laboratory specimens, work with live specimens, field work, experimental design procedures, as well as qualitative and quantitative experimentation.  Laboratory exercises are outcome-driven and require cognitive skills, psychomotor skills, and application of technical laboratory skills.

Course faculty, in consultation with the PD or DC, will provide a more specific description in the syllabus.