Mason Science: New Courses and Special Topics Offerings

BINF 354 DL1: Foundations in Mathematical Biology
An interdisciplinary introduction to life sciences for physicists, chemists, engineers, and mathematicians. Combines knowledge from natural sciences, social and behavioral sciences, quantitative reasoning, and information technology. Covers selected topics in ecology, physiology, biochemistry, and behavior. May include biochemical reaction kinetics, the Hodgkin-Huxley model for cellular electrical activity, continuous and discrete population interactions, and neural network models of learning. Techniques utilized include ordinary differential equations, difference equations, algebraic equations, and computer simulations.

CHEM 460 001: Chemistry in the Kitchen
One semester capstone course exploring the chemistry observed and experienced in household kitchens. As chemistry is the study of matter and its changes, this course explores the chemistry of the food we eat and cook on a molecular level. Students will participate in a creative and scholarly project, practice scientific communication skills, and learn to apply a chemical perspective to real world situations.

CHEM 460 201: Chemistry in the Kitchen
Lab section for 001. One semester capstone course exploring the chemistry observed and experienced in household kitchens. As chemistry is the study of matter and its changes, this course explores the chemistry of the food we eat and cook on a molecular level. Students will participate in a creative and scholarly project, practice scientific communication skills, and learn to apply a chemical perspective to real world situations.

COS 108: College of Science Transitions
This first-year seminar for College of Science majors provides guidance and support for students transitioning from high school to college and connects students to supportive Mason resources. The class will make connections between academic, personal, and career interests, empower students, and reveal the hidden curriculum essential for success in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Through a variety of activities and assignments, students will develop peer and faculty relationships and extend the learning begun during STEM Bridge Camp. 

COS 150: Women Leaders in STEM
This is a discussion-oriented course to develop leadership skills for students pursuing a careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The course will also emphasize cohort building, networking, and mentorship. Current issues surrounding the treatment of women leaders in STEM disciplines will also be discussed. Classes will be either seminar-style or workshops and will focus on case studies, relevant scholarship, and skill practice. This course is open to science, technology, engineering, or mathematics majors of all gender identities

COS 390: College of Science Transitions
This course is designed to prepare newly appointed STEM Accelerator Learning Assistants (LAs) to conduct tutoring/learning sessions for students enrolled in the course for which the LAs are assigned.   

COS 391: College of Science Transitions
Continues the content taught previously in UNIV 391 and assists students to better grasp the leadership and teaching skills required to be a Learning Assistant within the STEM Accelerator.     

FRSC 515: FARO Forensic 3D Documentation
This course gives students the opportunity to become Certified Laser Scanner Operators. The course focuses on the operation of FARO laser scanners in conjunction with the use of the FARO scan software. Mason students in this course will create accurate 3D scans in indoor and outdoor scenarios, import them into the software, extrapolate critical measurements, and prepare scan projects for courtroom presentation.  

GEOL 120 001: The Changing Ocean
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department  for more information.

GEOL 121 201: The Changing Ocean Laboratory
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department  for more information.

GEOL 321 001: The Geology of Energy Sources
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department  for more information.

MATH 421 001: Abstract Algebra II
Expands on the algebraic structure of groups from the first course in abstract algebra to introduce rings and fields. All three structures are explored via Galois theory, which shows the vital interconnectivity of the three structures, and how this can be applied to obtain deep theorems about the symmetries among roots of a polynomial. Topics include: rings, ideals, homomorphisms, polynomial rings, factorization, divisibility, vector spaces, extension fields (algebraic and transcendental), the fundamental theorem of field theory, splitting fields, classification of finite fields, constructible numbers, impossibility theorems for angle trisection and circle squaring, the fundamental theorem of Galois theory, and solvability of polynomials by radicals.

NEUR 328 201 & NEUR 328 202: Cellular Neuroscience Lab
Intro to basic neurophysiology to accompany NEUR 327 Cellular Neuroscience. Students will learn and apply principles from across cellular neuroscience, practical lab skills for neurophysiological experiments, computational analysis of central pattern generators in a gamified program, record and analyze biopotentials through intracellular and extracellular recordings.

PHYS 122 002: Inside Relativity
Introductory course describing Einstein's theories of special and general relativity.

PHYS 123 002: Inside the Quantum World
Introductory course describing quantum theory. 

ASTR 390 001: AstroStatistics
Bayesian and frequentist statistical and data analysis methods applied to data and problems in astrophysics and the space sciences.

ASTR 590 002: AstroStatistics
Bayesian and frequentist statistical and data analysis methods applied to data and problems in astrophysics and the space sciences.

BINF 704 001: Applications of Genomics in Health
Apps of Genomics is a seminar-based exploration of recent and unexpected insights resulting from the application of genomics to non-health questions. The format includes lectures by the instructor and primary scientific literature reviews, which are presented and discussed by students. This provides public speaking opportunities to improve presentation skills. 

BINF 704 DL3: Colloquium in Bioinformatics
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department for more information.

BINF 739 DL2: Topics in Bioinformatics
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department for more information.

BIOL 301 002: HIV/AIDS
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department  for more information.

BIOL 301 003: Infectious Diseases
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department  for more information.

BIOL 301 DL1: HIV/AIDS
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department  for more information.

BIOL 417 002: Conservation Genetics
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department  for more information.

Course Goals:  At the end of this course, you will have received exposure to a variety of aquatic pathogens.  You should understand their transmission and how anthropogenic effects can increase infection risk. You will also have gained experience in presentation skills to both a broad and a narrow audience.

BIOL 417 DL1: Bioinformatics and Computational Biology I
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department  for more information.

BIOL 417 DL2: Research and Development in Biotechnology Companies
This course focuses on Research and Development approaches and methodologies used in solving critical problems in biosciences/life sciences through biotechnology.  The course will focus on various steps needed for product development and commercialization.  The course will primarily cover agricultural and medical technologies in a case study format.  Students will develop skills to evaluate novel technologies and methodologies being used in the biotech industry to address medical and agricultural problems.  Students will learn to develop skills needed to analyze patents, literature and data, and learn to formulate research plans.

BIOL 506 E02: Medical Microbiology
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department  for more information.

BIOL 508 DL1: Research and Development in Biotechnology Companies
This course focuses on Research and Development approaches and methodologies used in solving critical problems in biosciences/life sciences through biotechnology.  The course will focus on various steps needed for product development and commercialization.  The course will primarily cover agricultural and medical technologies in a case study format.  Students will develop skills to evaluate novel technologies and methodologies being used in the biotech industry to address medical and agricultural problems.  Students will learn to develop skills needed to analyze patents, literature and data, and learn to formulate research plans. 

BIOL 508 E02: Human Anatomy
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department  for more information.

BIOL 508 P01: Research and Development in Biotechnology Companies
This course focuses on Research and Development approaches and methodologies used in solving critical problems in biosciences/life sciences through biotechnology.  The course will focus on various steps needed for product development and commercialization.  The course will primarily cover agricultural and medical technologies in a case study format.  Students will develop skills to evaluate novel technologies and methodologies being used in the biotech industry to address medical and agricultural problems.  Students will learn to develop skills needed to analyze patents, literature and data, and learn to formulate research plans. 

BIOL 691 003: Clinical Application of Human Physiology
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department  for more information.

BIOL 691 E01: Creativity and Innovation
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department  for more information.

BIOL 691 DL1: Current Topics in Biology
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department  for more information.

BIOL 695 001: Antimicrobial Peptides
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department  for more information.

BIOL 695 002: Applications of Genomics in Health
Application of Genomics in Health is a seminar-based exploration of recent and unexpected insights resulting from the application of genomics to non-health questions. The format includes lectures by the instructor and primary scientific literature reviews, which are presented and discussed by students. This provides public speaking opportunities to improve presentation skills. 

BIOL 695 DL1: Colloquium Speaker Series
One-hour seminars offered weekly from top funded researchers from around the country on various topics of molecular biology of medicine, diagnostics, and therapeutics. The broad topics have included virology, bacteriology, molecular medicine, Ebola, extracellular vesicles, HIV/Aids, neurological diseases associated with these diseases and a range of diagnostics approved by the FDA as well as therapeutics that cover basic fundamental drugs, antibodies and nucleic acid approaches.  Registered students are required to submit a one-page report one week after the seminar with introduction, results, discussion and reference sections.

BIOL 695 DL2: Seminar in Molecular/Microbiological/Cell Biology
One-hour seminars offered weekly from top funded researchers from around the country on various topics of molecular biology of medicine, diagnostics, and therapeutics. The broad topics have included virology, bacteriology, molecular medicine, Ebola, extracellular vesicles, HIV/Aids, neurological diseases associated with these diseases and a range of diagnostics approved by the FDA as well as therapeutics that cover basic fundamental drugs, antibodies and nucleic acid approaches.  Registered students are required to submit a one-page report one week after the seminar with introduction, results, discussion and reference sections.

BIOS 704 001: Antimicrobial Peptides
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department  for more information.

BIOS 704 002: Applications of Genomics in Health
Apps of Genomics is a seminar-based exploration of recent and unexpected insights resulting from the application of genomics to non-health questions. The format includes lectures by the instructor and primary scientific literature reviews, which are presented and discussed by students. This provides public speaking opportunities to improve presentation skills. 

BIOS 704 DL1: Colloquium Speaker Series
One-hour seminars offered weekly from top funded researchers from around the country on various topics of molecular biology of medicine, diagnostics, and therapeutics. The broad topics have included virology, bacteriology, molecular medicine, Ebola, extracellular vesicles, HIV/Aids, neurological diseases associated with these diseases and a range of diagnostics approved by the FDA as well as therapeutics that cover basic fundamental drugs, antibodies and nucleic acid approaches.  Registered students are required to submit a one-page report one week after the seminar with introduction, results, discussion and reference sections.

BIOS 704 DL2: Special Topics Seminar
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department for more information.

CHEM 490 DL1: Undergraduate Seminar
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department  for more information.

CHEM 790 DL1: Graduate Seminar
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department  for more information.

CLIM 991 001: Climate Dynamics Seminar
Presentations in climate dynamics field by Mason faculty and invited speakers.

CDS 486 001: Statistical Inference
This course focuses on statistical inference and the process of obtaining conclusions about populations and/or scientific truths from data. Topics include estimation principles, hypothesis testing, statistical decision theory, bayesian methods, and maximum likelihood estimation. After taking this course, students will understand the broad directions of statistical inference and use this information for making informed decisions utilizing data.

CSI 709 001: Verification & Validation of Models
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department  for more information.

CSI 709 002: Developing Highly Impactful Research Questions
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department  for more information.

CSI 899 DL1: Colloquium in Computational Science/Informatics
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department  for more information.

CSI 709 002: Verification & Validation of Models
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department  for more information.

CSS 739 003: Developing High Impact Research Questions
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department  for more information.

EVPP 490 004: Geographical Approaches for Sustainable Development
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department  for more information.

EVPP 490 005: Special Topics-Environmental Science and Policy 
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department  for more information.

EVPP 490 SA1: Special Topics-Environmental Science and Policy 
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department  for more information.

EVPP 505 001: Geographical Approaches for Sustainable Development
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department  for more information.

EVPP 505 002: Selected Topics in Environmental Science
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department  for more information.

EVPP 505 DL6: Fundamentals of Environmental GIS
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department  for more information.

EVPP 692 DL3: Master's Seminar: Legends of Environmental Science & Policy 
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department  for more information.

GEOL 392 001: Geology and Earth Science Seminar
Undergraduate experience that includes discussion of scientific articles and attending seminars presented by outside experts, faculty, or students.

GEOL 536 001: Paleontology Seminar
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department  for more information.

GEOL 792 001: Seminar Earth Systems Geology Earth Sciences
Capstone experience that includes discussion of scientific articles and attending seminars. Seminars presented by outside experts, faculty, and students.

GGS 384 001: Special Topics Geospatial Intelligence
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department  for more information.

GGS 399 001: Transportation Geography
Every day and increasing throughout the years, Americans take 1.1 billion trips, accounting for 11 billion miles, through the transportation system in the United States. This demonstrates how essential travel is to our communities. With the emergence of technologies, changes are expected in the why, when, where, and how of people movement. Our Transportation Geography course highlights the characteristics of mobility of people and the operation of transportation systems through the lens of spatial geography at international, national, regional, and urban levels. It gives an overview of transportation engineering, planning, theory, and practice, with a strong emphasis on current issues being discussed in the planning and transportation industries. This is an interactive and engaging course with real-world applications and activities, where the hypothetical nature of the lessons is used as a jumping-off point to discuss the transportation planning process and how planning occurs on actual transportation projects.

GGS 590 003: Urban Planning
Cities are changing rapidly and are facing complex challenges. According to the World Health Organization, nearly half of the global population currently lives in cities, which is projected to grow to 70% by 2050. This necessitates thinking differently about how to solve 21st-century problems. Our Urban Planning course gives an overview of theoretical and empirical urban design and planning models that emerged to describe the spatial structure of cities. It highlights the evolving structure of cities and examines the planning and political processes as well as the economic forces forming cities. The goals and expectations of this course are ambitious, but the main objective is to give the class a taste of how to think and act as a planner. Participants should expect to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of what planners do, as well as examine the possibilities and limitations they face.

GGS 590 DL1: Population Geography
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department  for more information.

GGS 684 001: Selected Topics in Geospatial Intelligence
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department  for more information.

MATH 493 003: Topics Applicable Mathematics
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department  for more information.

MATH 679 001: Topics in Analysis/Potential Theory
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department  for more information.

MATH 679 002: Topics in Analysis/Potential Theory
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department  for more information.

MATH 689 001: Computational Learning & Discovery
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department  for more information.

MATH 795 001: Graduate Seminar
Mandatory for all PhD students. Weekly seminar graded on presentations and attendance. Faculty presentations on potential thesis topics and presentations by students.

NEUR 411 001: Nervous System Injury & Disease
Most likely, you know someone that has been affected by a nervous system disorder. From Traumatic Brain Injury to Alzheimer’s Disease, nervous system disorders affect millions of families and have long fascinated doctors, scientists, and the general public. In this course, we will explore what happens when things go wrong in the nervous system. Specifically, we will explore a wide variety of nervous system disorders, focusing primarily on the cellular and molecular mechanisms at play. We will also examine the history, significance, symptoms, and treatment of these disorders. We will accomplish this through a combination of lectures, discussion boards, writing exercises and assignments. This course is designed to develop your skills in reading, analyzing, and interpreting scientific data, while emphasizing practical scientific writing skills.

NEUR 411 002: Model Organization & Neuroscience Research
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department  for more information.

NEUR 461 001: Brain in Books & Film
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department  for more information.

NEUR 461 002: Neuronal Bases of Learning & Memory
Description forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to the department  for more information.

PHYS 331 001: Physics of Renewable Energy
The course covers the physical principles for a range of renewable energies, including solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal using mathematical and other types of analysis. The course demonstrates how the application of methods and principles of physics allow us to understand the basic operation, advantages, limitations, and relative merits of various renewable energy sources.

PHYS 390 001: AstroStatistics
Bayesian and frequentist statistical and data analysis methods applied to data and problems in astrophysics and the space sciences.

PHYS 390 002: Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics
This is an interdisciplinary introduction to the theory of fluid dynamics for astrophysicists, physicists, and space scientists. The focus is on the physical and mathematical understanding of the governing equations of fluid mechanics and how they help us better understand various physical processes in nature and the universe.

PHYS 581 001: Topics in Renewable Energy
The course covers the physical principles for a range of renewable energies, including solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal using mathematical and other types of analysis. The course demonstrates how the application of methods and principles of physics allow us to understand the basic operation, advantages, limitations, and relative merits of various renewable energy sources.

PHYS 590 001: AstroStatistics
Bayesian and frequentist statistical and data analysis methods applied to data and problems in astrophysics and the space sciences.

PHYS 590 002: Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics
This is an interdisciplinary introduction to the theory of fluid dynamics for astrophysicists, physicists, and space scientists. The focus is on the physical and mathematical understanding of the governing equations of fluid mechanics and how they help us better understand various physical processes in nature and the universe.

PHYS 703 002: Seminar in Physics
This seminar/colloquium course welcomes a myriad of reputable physics speakers. Previous semesters’ speakers can be found here. Details on this year’s speakers will be available closer to the start of the semester.