Connecting the Environment and Disease

Computer modeling usually utilized only by researchers is part of an introductory interdisciplinary science course for Bard undergraduates. "Modeling is a powerful way to present new data, and it is a relatively young field, so students don't usually see it until graduate school," says Sven Anderson, assistant professor of computer science and one of the faculty for the new course, Environment and Disease. During the course—which involves faculty from every science discipline at Bard, as well as from political studies and writing—students examine intricate models of climate change and global warming.

The course is one of four chosen last year by SENCER—Science Education for New Civic Engagements and Responsibilities—as an archetypal curriculum connecting science education and civic issues. SENCER is part of the Association of American Colleges and Universities.

"We show students the need for an integrated approach to big problems facing the global community," says Michael Tibbetts, Biology Program director, associate professor of biology, and a cocreator of the course. "To solve them, you have to understand them from multiple perspectives."

The topics in the fall 2004 course are global warming and malaria, persistent organic pollutants, and ozone depletion and skin cancer. Students study global warming, for instance, through atmospheric chemistry, ecology, and physics, as well as through computer models. Students also examine national policies and international conferences on the issue.

"What makes this course a model is the number of people from different disciplines who work in unison, rather than as guest speakers," Tibbetts says. "It's unique to have this much contribution from faculty in other fields." The course targets students who exhibit strong scientific interest but are not necessarily planning to concentrate in science.

"We want students to be very critical of the data, whether it supports their cause or not," says Craig Anderson, associate professor of chemistry.

Matthew Deady, physics professor and director of the Physics Program, is planning a course on alternative energy sources, using the same interdisciplinary format.

Top image at right: The Genesis General Circulation Model is used to predict climate change, including variables such as temperature, precipitation, and air movement. This image of the northern hemisphere (viewed from above the North Pole) shows the predicted surface temperature during January. The temperature scale ranges from –38.2 to +35.1 Celsius.

Bottom image at right: Ocean currents and temperatures are an integral part of accurate climate models. This image shows a three-dimensional representation of ocean temperatures as predicted by the Genesis Oceanic General Circulation Model. A partial cross section (the vertical dimension of which has been exaggerated) reveals a decrease in temperature as ocean depth increases. The temperature scale ranges from –14.0 to +29.8 Celsius.