Moodle at Eckerd College 2025-26 Academic Year

This course will be framed around four primary spheres represented in Antarctica (biosphere, cryosphere, geosphere and hydrosphere) including their functions and interactions. Students will build foundational knowledge in oceanography, glaciology, geology, and coastal environments, foster deeper understanding of human-environment interactions, gain knowledge on Antarctic biodiversity, and gain cultural competency of territorial identities. These goals will be accomplished through lectures, discussion, experiential learning, and reflective and analytical writing assignments and presentations. We will travel to Ushuaia, Argentina, embark on a motor vessel, navigate through the Strait of Magellan, and cross the Drake Passage. Once we arrive, we will observe icebergs, glaciers, cetaceans, penguins, seabirds and more onboard the ship, via zodiac excursion and during landfalls on the Antarctic Peninsula and surrounding islands. We will also make stops at bases operated by Antarctic Treaty nations. This will be an active program including hiking, walking, and possibly paddling.

SPECIAL PERMISSION REQUIRED FROM GLOBAL ED TO REGISTER. UNAPPROVED STUDENTS WILL BE DROPPED.
A unique opportunity to explore and study one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world. We will explore the Amazon rainforest, hike through highland cloud forests, and spend a week snorkeling and exploring the Galapagos Islands. While in Ecuador, you will have an opportunity to learn about tropical rain forest ecology, examine the history and culture of Ecuador, and study the unique ecological and geological features of the Galapagos Islands where Darwin developed his ideas on evolution and the theory of natural selection. Participants must be in excellent physical condition as activities will be physically demanding. Evaluation will be based on class participation, examinations on required readings, and daily journal entries while in Ecuador.

Applying molecular techniques to biological questions brings modern approaches and
enables broader, collaborative insights. Students will use Aquatic Labs eDNA samplers,
perform DNA extractions, and run PCR to detect species on campus. In addition to
hands-on lab work, students will read cutting-edge eDNA research papers, collaborate in
teams, learn basic R coding for statistical analysis and visualization, and practice
communicating their findings to diverse audiences.

The Tampa Bay area is well known for its diversity and abundance of birds in the winter. In this class students will learn to identify all species of birds that overwinter in Florida, their natural history and threats to their persistence. In addition, students will learn a variety of techniques used to study bird abundance and behavior and will participate in several national ornithological studies. Students will learn through lectures, field trips, and independent field research projects.

Have you ever wondered what your hormones do, and why? What is the difference between the pill and an IUD? Why is puberty important? This course will offer a fun and scientifically-sound answer to those questions and more! We will discuss the hormones that regulate reproductive systems, the medicines used to control those hormones, and discuss normal biology plus diseases associated with reproductive systems. Students will explore these topics through selected texts and articles, as well as in class discussion and a group project.

Cosmic Perspective is a foundational astronomical course designed to provide students with both academic rigor and hands-on engagement in exploring the universe. This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of astronomy, including celestial mechanics, the solar system, stars, galaxies, cosmology, and the nature of space and time. It emphasizes observation, critical thinking, and the human relationship to the cosmos. This course is for anyone who is curious about the universe, regardless of prior background in astronomy, math or physics.

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Kinematics and dynamics for linear and rotational motion, Newton's laws of motion, gravity. Concepts of work, energy, momentum, angular momentum and conservation laws. Oscillatory motion, fluids. Calculus based, with laboratory. Prerequisite: MA 131M (may be taken concurrently).

Temperature, gas laws, first and second laws of thermodynamics, entropy. Electric charge, fields, current, DC circuits. Magnetic fields and forces, Ampere's law, and Faraday's law of induction. Geometrical and physical optics. Calculus based with laboratory. Prerequisite: PH 241N and MA 131M.