Chemistry is a branch of science defined not so much by what it studies—indeed, there is no material substance or material process beyond its scope—but by the scale of its study. Chemists seek to understand the material world around us by looking at its composition, down to its smallest elements: atoms and the particles within them. By understanding the properties and forces that govern these particles, chemists are able to both explain and predict the behavior of the matter in our universe. This course will introduce students to both the fundamentals and the history and evolution of this fascinating field.

Biology is the “science of life”—a broad definition for a broad and ever-expanding field, and one that is based primarily on observational and empirical evidence, although its origin can be traced back to the natural philosophy of ancient Greece. In this course, students can expect to study everything from the function of biological molecules to the integration of the global ecosystem. In addition to learning the fundamental principles of biology, students will also become knowledgeable about its social, economic, and political significance. This is an introductory course, so a background in biology or science in general is not required.