Interdisciplinary Studies (IDSC)
IDSC 099. Summer Science Institute This course consists of three one-week seminars with faculty from various departments in the sciences. Topics change from year to year, depending on faculty interests. Classes consist of a mix of lecture, hands-on activities, problem sets, and completion of an independent research project. For high school juniors and seniors. 6 cr., S/CR/NC, ND, Summer—Staff
IDSC 198. Focus Colloquium This colloquium is designed to give students participating in the Focusing on Cultivating Scientists program an opportunity to learn and use skills in scientific study, reasoning, and modeling. The topics of this project-based colloquium will vary each term, and allow students to develop competencies in areas relevant to multiple science disciplines. 2 cr., S/CR/NC, ND, Fall,Winter,Spring—E. Egge
IDSC 202. MMUF Research Seminar This seminar develops the skills needed to engage in and communicate advanced research. Each participant will work and present regularly on their ongoing research projects, and participate actively in an ongoing series of workshops and conferences. The seminar will also discuss in depth the nature of academia as institution and culture, and the role of diversity in the production of knowledge and teaching in American higher education. Prerequisite: MMUF fellow status 2 cr., S/CR/NC, ND, Fall,Winter,Spring—W. North
IDSC 209. Writing Science This course will explore how scientists communicate. Focused on communication expected in the sciences. The assignments will range among math and natural science disciplines, using data, graphics and text for a variety of purposes. Students should expect reading, writing, and speaking assignments tailored to a variety of audiences, including professional scientific audiences and the broader community. This course is intended for students who have taken at least one introductory mathematics or natural science course. 6 cr., ND, Not offered in 2009-2010.
IDSC 261. Economic and Social Justice Traditionally economists have focused primarily on the material well-being of individuals as a measure of their welfare, but philosophers and others have found this material focus limiting, arguing that utility maximization does not do justice to the complexity of human beings. This reading course will examine various definitions of social justice and the impact of these different concepts on economic objectives, outcomes and policies. Attendance and class participation are mandatory for credit. 2 cr., S/CR/NC, ND, Winter—M. Hemesath
IDSC 263. Uses and Abuses of Behavioral Research We will explore ethical dilemmas that arise during the conduct of scientific studies (e.g. treatment of participants) and dilemmas that arise in the application or use of scientific findings. We will examine these issues by first exploring our own ethical decision making practices (e.g. principles that guide our decisions and actions); then we'll consider similar and unique challenges faced by scientists attempting to balance personal and professional goals with ethical principles; then we’ll discuss examples of experiments that raise ethical questions (e.g. how did scientists deal with those dilemmas); and end with real world uses and applications of scientific findings. 2 cr., S/CR/NC, ND, Spring—S. Akimoto
IDSC 264. Strategies for Creating Economic Opporunity This course will discuss alternative approaches to improving economic opportunity and outcomes for individuals and families. It will review selected policy-oriented studies on causes of and solutions to lack of economic advancement, including neighborhood and racial/ethnic disadvantage. Course meets for two weeks, May 10 through May 21. Drop/Add deadline May 12. 1 cr., S/CR/NC, ND, Spring—M. Simms/C. Betsey