INTERDISCIPLINARY COURSES

INTR-D Z106
Maritime History

This course offers a brief introduction to New England maritime history and its role in the coastal environment, both natural and human. More than that, it offers each student a chance to add to the “mental toolbox” new tools that may be useful in other areas unrelated to maritime history.

3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

INTR-D Z107
Water Resources Planning and Management

This course is a comprehensive introduction to the economics and ecology of water supply and water pollution control. Topics include watershed management, groundwater and wetlands protection, wastewater treatment and coastal zone management. The inherent difficulty in applying static laws and regulations to a dynamic natural resource such as water is a recurring theme in the course. It is strongly recommended for students interested in environmental management.

3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

INTR-D Z108
Introduction to Marine Mammals

This course explores the biology and natural history of marine mammals in the North Atlantic, including whales, dolphins and seals. Topics include evolution, anatomy, behavior, field identification, the history of whaling, and contemporary whaling issues. Demonstration laboratory work focuses on a small marine mammal. One Saturday field trip on Massachusetts Bay is required.

Prerequisites: BIOL 111-112, or equivalent.
3 Lect Hrs, Lab and Field Trips, 3 Credits

INTR-D 125
Science for Humane Survival I

This course deals with the role of science in our society. It develops the perspective that scientific problems and controversies cannot be divorced from their political, economic, and social implications. After some introductory discussion of scientific methodology, validation of scientific theories, and questions concerning the objectivity of science, the class turns to some critical “global” problems. These include problems centering on population, natural resources, food production, environmental pollution, and energy. No scientific background is assumed, but enough science is presented in the course to permit meaningful discussion. This course has no prerequisites.

Distribution I Area: Natural Sciences.
Distribution II Area: Natural Sciences.
3 Lect Hrs/1 Disc Hr, 3 Credits

INTR-D 126
Science for Humane Survival II

This course deals with the role of science in our society and focuses on “local” problems. Among the topics discussed are food and nutrition, health care, scientific management, and several aspects of biological determination including social Darwinism, DNA screening, IQ, sex roles, sociobiology, and cloning. No scientific background is assumed, but enough science is presented in the course to permit meaningful discussion. This course has no prerequisites.

Distribution I Area: Natural Sciences.
Distribution II Area: Natural Sciences.
3 Lect Hrs/1 Disc Hr, 3 Credits