Biological Sciences

The rapid decline of coral reefs around the world motivates research to better understand how this complex ecosystem will respond to future environmental changes. This course reviews current knowledge on reef organisms and coral reef ecosystems, and studies the factors responsible for reef degradation. The course also introduces basic elements to assess resilience of this ecosystem. Students are provided with an up-to-date understanding of the coral reef crisis and the immediate actions to take for the long-term conservation of these fragile ecosystems. Many examples are based on reefs in Taiwan, and speakers may be invited to illustrate specific topics.

The course is designed to equip students with experience, knowledge, and skills for succeeding in globally interdependent and culturally diverse workplaces. During the course, students are challenged to question, reflect upon, and respond thoughtfully to the issues they observe and encounter in the internship setting and local host environment. Professional and personal development skills as defined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), such as critical thinking, teamwork, and diversity are cultivated. Assignments focus on building a portfolio that highlights those competencies and their application to workplace skills. The hybrid nature of the course allows students to develop their skills in a self-paced environment with face-to-face meetings and check-ins to frame their intercultural internship experience. Students complete 45 hours of in-person and asynchronous online learning activities and 225-300 hours at the internship placement.

Applied Microbiology course covers bacterial genetics, microbial diversity and systematics, eukaryotic cell biology and eukaryotic microorganisms, metabolic diversity, basic immunology, host-pathogen interactions, industrial microbiology, and practical application of genetic engineering. This course is designed mainly for 2nd year students majoring life sciences and biotechnology and requires a solid background in general microbiology and biology. Prerequisite: General Microbiology, Organic Chemistry, and Biology.

Study the development of cognition through a neuroscientific lens, examine how the nervous system starts out wired for every possible contingency to eventually prune (tune) itself towards an efficient functioning for the environment it resides it, study the neural network structure and functioning of the brain, its common properties that support efficient cognitive functioning, and how disruptions to these networks can impair cognition. The course also covers the theory of neuroplasticity, focusing on the role of the brain’s lifelong ability to rewire itself. In addition, study mirror neurons, atypical developmental processes (including autism, schizophrenia, and trauma), and the intersection between developmental cognitive neuroscience and society. A mandatory field trip to Amsterdam is included, where the Van Gogh museum is visited to study Van Gogh’s art as a clinical case and experience immediate neuroplasticity first-hand by dining in complete darkness during a three-course meal. Motivated and dedicated students have the opportunity to co-author a paper with the course coordinator for potential publication in well-respected journals (topics of interest can be discussed). Students should have completed at least two Psychology courses and should be interested in brain development and neuroscientific methods that can be used to uncover developmental processes.