AIRE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT GRANTS AWARDED IN 2000
DESCRIPTIONS
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• James Walsh, Associate Professor, Mathematics, "Calculus and Environmental Modeling",: This project will be used to help design a course that would expose students to mathematical modeling as a source of framing and gaining insight into important questions about the observable world in a mathematical way. Data gathered from the new Environmental Studies Center will be used to design mathematical models that will define variables, create appropriate differential equations, and arrive at an analysis and interpretation of model output. Technology will be used to help understand the behavior of solutions.
  
  

• Steven Wojtal, Professor, Geology, and Karla Parsons-Hubbard, Assistant Professor, Geology, "Laboratory Exercises for Longitudinal Studies of Stream Flow", : New laboratory exercises will be developed that will give students an opportunity to experience field work and examine stream flow in the courses GEOL 160 - Physical Geology and GEOL 162 - Environmental Geology. Data on stream flow rates, water quality, air quality and the relationships between them will be collected and compared, and formed into long-term longitudinal studies in order to document any changes that accompany climate change due to changes in atmospheric composition. AIRE also provided money to buy equipment to stream flow and water quality.

• David Cleeton, Chair and Professor, Economics, "Mathcad Computer Labs and Exercises." Computer lab assignments and exercises for ECON 206 (Financial Management) and ECON 253 (Intermediate Microeconomics) will be developed or upgraded. Both courses integrate mathematical modeling in class via a computer projector system and specific computer lab assignments using the Mathcad software package. The prime objective is to teach students to use Mathcad for financial and economic modeling.

• Michael Loose, Associate Professor, Neuroscience, "Revision of NSCI 321 Studies in Neuronal Function." The course for upper division students will be revised to include 1) a project proposal in the form of a grant proposal, 2) a biweekly "lab meeting" where each team presents the results gathered in the previous two weeks and 3) an end of project report in the form of a scientific journal article. Throughout the semester, teams of students will develop, run and analyze a scientific experiment using neurophysiological techniques.