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Academic Year 2004/2005
Light and Life: Vision, Photosynthesis, DNA and Melanoma
MB&B 109 FA
This course is designed to introduce students to biological processes mediated by light. Topics will include the vision process, photosynthesis, UV-mediated DNA damage and repair processes. The course will cover the
nature
of light and its interaction with matter as an introduction to understanding these topics in photobiology. Causes of global warming and the relationship with photosynthesis will also be discussed. Other topics that
will
be covered are the role of light in the onset of melanoma and the release of melatonin, and light-activated cancer drugs. In addition, the depletion of the ozone layer and the consequences of this depletion within the
context
of health problems associated with increased exposure to UV light will also be discussed. This course provides an introduction to the importance of light in the living world for basic biological processes and the
dangers
of overexposure.
MAJOR READINGS
Selected papers from SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, THE SCIENTIST and SCIENCE NEWS. Other readings from newspapers and magazine articles.
EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS
Problem sets, two midterms, web page. The final project will be the construction of a web site related to one of the topics discussed in class.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS
Although there are no prerequisites for this course, a good background in science is strongly recommended.
COURSE FORMAT:
Lecture
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Level:
UGRD
Credit:
1
Gen Ed Area Dept:
NSM MB&B
Grading Mode:
Graded
Prerequisites:
NONE
SECTION 01
- Instructor(s): Mukerji,Ishita
- Times: .M.W.F. 11:00AM-11:50AM; Location: SCIE121;
- Reserved Seats: (Total Limit: 50)
- SR. major: 0 Jr. major: 0
- SR. non-major: 20 Jr. non-major: 20 SO: 10 FR: 0
Special Attributes:
- Curricular Renewal: Quantitative Reasoning
Links to Web Resources For This Course.
Last Updated on MAR-21-2005
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Copyright Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459