Please refer to Institute for African American and African Diaspora Studies Department for section-by-section course descriptions.
RNA has recently taken center stage with the discovery that RNA molecules sculpt the landscape and information contained within our genomes. Furthermore, some ancient RNA molecules combine the roles of both genotype and phenotype into a single molecule. These multi-tasking RNAs offering a possible solution to the paradox of which came first: DNA or proteins. This seminar explores the link between modern RNA, metabolism, and insights into a prebiotic RNA world that existed some 3.8 billion years ago. Topics include the origin of life, replication, and the origin of the genetic code; conventional, new, and bizarre forms of RNA processing; structure, function and evolution of key RNA molecules, including the ribosome, and RNA therapeutics including vaccines. The format will be weekly seminar discussions with presentations. Readings will be taken from the primary literature, emphasizing seminal and recent literature. Requirements will be student presentations, class participation, and a final paper.
Prerequisites: (MATH GU4051 or MATH GU4061) and MATH UN2010 Concept of a differentiable manifold. Tangent spaces and vector fields. The inverse function theorem. Transversality and Sards theorem. Intersection theory. Orientations. Poincare-Hopf theorem. Differential forms and Stokes theorem.
An overview of approaches to estimating ages of sedimentary sequences and events in Earth history-to be-co listed at Stony Brook and Rutgers. Intended for students with good backgrounds in the physical sciences, who want to use geochronological techniques in their studies. Because of the hands-on nature of geochronology and thermochronology, we are going to run the course as a series of 5 workshops held on Saturdays (possibly a Sunday depending on scheduling)
The science and engineering of creating materials, functional structures and devices on the nanometer scale. Carbon nanotubes, nanocrystals, quantum dots, size dependent properties, self-assembly, nanostructured materials. Devices and applications, nanofabrication. Molecular engineering, bionanotechnology. Imaging and manipulating at the atomic scale. Nanotechnology in society and industry. Offered in alternate years.
Prerequisite: open to public. Presentations by medical informatics faculty and invited international speakers in medical informatics, computer science, nursing informatics, library science, and related fields.
Provides an opportunity for students to engage in independent study in an area of interest. A mentor is assigned.
Basic concepts of seismology. Earthquake characteristics, magnitude, response spectrum, dynamic response of structures to ground motion. Base isolation and earthquake-resistant design. Wind loads and aeroelastic instabilities. Extreme winds. Wind effects on structures and gust factors.
This course provides a survey of Greek literature. It aims to improve students’ reading skills, familiarize them with some of the most canonical works of Greek literature, afford them a sense of Greek literary history, and introduce them to modern methodological approaches. Readings are drawn from the Classics Ph.D. reading list.
This course provides a survey of Latin literature. It aims to improve students’ reading skills, familiarize them with some of the most canonical works of Latin literature, afford them a sense of Latin literary history, and introduce them to modern methodological approaches. Readings are drawn from the Classics Ph.D. reading list.
People are living 30 years longer than we did 100 years ago. We have created a whole new stage of life. How do we prepare to benefit from our longer lives? What can you do in your own life? This course explores the personal, population, community, and societal dimensions of our now-longer lives, of aging itself, and the role of health and societal design in the experience of aging. The course examines the meaning of aging and the attendant expectations, myths, fears, and realities. The course examines an aging society as a public health success, the potential for building health futures, the health plan you want to be healthy in old age, and the potential for longer lives and how we unlock it. It addresses the roles public health currently plays and can play in shaping a society for an aging population. The course explores how a public health system—indeed, a society—optimized for an aging population stands to benefit all. The course also examines the physical, cognitive, and psychological aspects of aging, the exposures across our lives that affect these, the attributes and challenges of aging, keys to successful aging, and aging around the globe. The culminating project will design elements of our society that are needed to support the opportunity of having longer lives. This course comprises lectures, class discussions, individual assignments, in-class case activities, and a group project in which students shall take an active role. You will be responsible for regular preparatory assignments, writing assignments, one group project, and attending course sessions. Please note: GSAS students must receive permission from their department before registering for this course.
This course will begin by clearly defining what sustainability management is and determining if a sustainable economy is actually feasible. Students will learn to connect environmental protection to organizational management by exploring the technical, financial, managerial, and political challenges of effectively managing a sustainable environment and economy. This course is taught in a case-based format and will seek to help students learn the basics of management, environmental policy and sustainability economics. Sustainability management matters because we only have one planet, and we must learn how to manage our organizations in a way that ensures that the health of our planet can be maintained and bettered. This course is designed to introduce students to the field of sustainability management. It is not an academic course that reviews the literature of the field and discusses how scholars thing about the management of organizations that are environmentally sound. It is a practical course organized around the core concepts of sustainability.
An introduction to the analytic and geometric theory of dynamical systems; basic existence, uniqueness and parameter dependence of solutions to ordinary differential equations; constant coefficient and parametrically forced systems; Fundamental solutions; resonance; limit points, limit cycles and classification of flows in the plane (Poincare-Bendixson Therem); conservative and dissipative systems; linear and nonlinear stability analysis of equilibria and periodic solutions; stable and unstable manifolds; bifurcations, e.g. Andronov-Hopf; sensitive dependence and chaotic dynamics; selected applications.
Prerequisites: Organic chemistry and biology courses, neuroscience or neurobiology recommended, but not required. The study of the brain is one of the most exciting frontiers in science and medicine today. Although neuroscience is by nature a multi-disciplinary effort, chemistry has played many critical roles in the development of modern neuroscience, neuropharmacology, and brain imaging. Chemistry, and the chemical probes it generates, such as molecular modulators, therapeutics, imaging agents, sensors, or actuators, will continue to impact neuroscience on both preclinical and clinical levels. In this course, two major themes will be discussed. In the first one, titled Imaging brain function with chemical tools, we will discuss molecular designs and functional parameters of widely used fluorescent sensors in neuroscience (calcium, voltage, and neurotransmitter sensors), their impact on neuroscience, pros and cons of genetically encoded sensors versus chemical probes, and translatability of these approaches to the human brain. In the second major theme, titled Perturbation of the brain function with chemical tools, we will examine psychoactive substances, the basics of medicinal chemistry, brain receptor activation mechanisms and coupled signaling pathways, and their effects on circuit and brain function. We will also discuss recent approaches, failures and successes in the treatment of neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. Recent advances in precise brain function perturbation by light (optogenetics and photopharmacology) will also be introduced. In the context of both themes we will discuss the current and future possibilities for the design of novel materials, drawing on the wide molecular structural space (small molecules, proteins, polymers, nanomaterials), aimed at monitoring, modulating, and repairing human brain function. This course is intended for students (undergraduate and graduate) from the science, engineering and medical departments.
Introduction to stochastic processes and models, with emphasis on applications to engineering and management; random walks, gambler’s ruin problem, Markov chains in both discrete and continuous time, Poisson processes, renewal processes, stopping times, Wald’s equation, binomial lattice model for pricing risky assets, simple option pricing; simulation of simple stochastic processes, Brownian motion, and geometric Brownian motion. A specialized version of IEOR E4106 for MSE students.
A course on synthesis and processing of engineering materials. Established and novel methods to produce all types of materials (including metals, semiconductors, ceramics, polymers, and composites). Fundamental and applied topics relevant to optimizing the microstructure of the materials with desired properties. Synthesis and processing of bulk, thin-film, and nano materials for various mechanical and electronic applications.
Introduction to principles of chemical reactions in soils, soil chemical properties and processes, and the chemical nature of soil solids. The scientific background for characterizing soil health, addressing soil pollution, performing soil remediation, and sustainable use of soil/subsurface resources. Properties of elements and molecules in soil, soil water chemistry, redox reactions in natural systems, mineralogy and weathering processes in soils, soil carbon cycling, climate change impact on soil, soil organic matter formation and structure, and legacy and emerging contaminants.
This course aims to provide a deeper understanding of the Korean language, culture, society, and history through critical analysis of Korean contemporary popular culture (e.g., music, drama, films, TV shows, advertisements, comic books, and other digital discourses). More specifically, the purposes of the course are twofold: (1) to analyze various sociolinguistic issues represented in contemporary Korean pop culture (e.g., honorifics, dialects, language changes, language variations across gender and generations, language contacts, neologism, slangs) and (2) to develop cultural awareness, critical thinking, digital and media literacy, and multimodal competence in Korean media and popular culture.
This undergraduate-level introductory course provides an overview of the science of nutrition and nutrition's relationship to health promotion and disease prevention. The primary focus is on the essential macronutrients and micronutrients, including their chemical structures, food sources, digestion and absorption, metabolism, storage, and excretion. Students develop the skills to evaluate dietary patterns and to estimate caloric requirements and nutrient needs using tools such as Dietary Guidelines for Americans, My Plate, Nutrition Facts Labels, and Dietary Reference Intakes.
This course builds on an introductory course in statistics and dives deeper into linear regression models, including generalized linear models, mixed/hierarchical models, model diagnostics, and model selection. It focuses on the practical applications of these methods rather than the mathematical complexities. A prior course or equivalent knowledge of fundamental concepts in statistics as well as familiarity with R programming are required pre-requisites for this course.
This undergraduate-level introductory course is the first of a two-course-series on human anatomy and physiology. Using a body systems approach, we will study the anatomical structure and physiological function of the human body. Foundational concepts from chemistry, cell biology, and histology are reviewed and built upon through the progression of topics. Each of the body systems will be studied for their structure, function, and mechanisms of regulation. The core concepts of levels of organization, interdependence of systems, and homeostasis will be emphasized throughout the course. This beginner level course will lay the foundation for further advanced study of physiology and pathophysiology within a nursing curriculum.
Some of the main stochastic models used in engineering and operations research applications: discrete-time Markov chains, Poisson processes, birth and death processes and other continuous Markov chains, renewal reward processes. Applications: queueing, reliability, inventory, and finance.
Prerequisites: KORN W4006 or the equivalent. Selections from advanced modern Korean writings in social sciences, literature, culture, history, journalistic texts, and intensive conversation exercises.
This undergraduate-level introductory course is the second of a two-course series on human anatomy and physiology. Using a body systems approach, we will study the anatomical structure and physiological function of the human body. Foundational concepts from chemistry, cell biology, and histology are reviewed and built upon through the progression of topics. Each of the body systems will be studied for their structure, function, and mechanisms of regulation. The core concepts of levels of organization, interdependence of systems, and homeostasis will be emphasized throughout the course. This beginner level course will lay the foundation for further advanced study of physiology and pathophysiology within a nursing curriculum.
Supply chain management, model design of a supply chain network, inventories, stock systems, commonly used inventory models, supply contracts, value of information and information sharing, risk pooling, design for postponement, managing product variety, information technology and supply chain management; international and environmental issues. Note: replaced IEOR E4000 beginning in fall 2018.
This course develops students’ proficiency in formal and professional communication in Korean for business contexts. It deepens their understanding of Korean corporate culture, business practices, and broader socio-economic trends, while fostering the ability to analyze and respond critically to business-related issues using appropriate linguistic and cultural strategies.
Prerequisites: KORN UN3006 or the equivalent.
This course will examine Japanese architecture and urban planning from the mid-19th century to the present. We will address topics such as the establishment of an architectural profession along western lines in the late 19th century, the emergence of a modernist movement in the 1920's, the use of biological metaphors and the romanticization of technology in the theories and designs of the Metabolist Group, and the shifting significance of pre-modern Japanese architectural practices for modern architects. There will be an emphasis on the complex relationship between architectural practice and broader political and social change in Japan.
Ray optics, matrix formulation, wave effects, interference, Gaussian beams, Fourier optics, diffraction, image formation, electromagnetic theory of light, polarization and crystal optics, coherence, guided wave and fiber optics, optical elements, photons, selected topics in nonlinear optics.
This online undergraduate-level introductory course focuses on the core concepts and principles of microbiology. We will explore how microorganisms co-exist and interact with humans creating both beneficial and pathological results. We will survey the diversity of microorganisms, their classification, and the essential processes needed for survival; which will dictate the environments in which they can thrive. This exploration of microorganism diversity will include topics such as microbial nutrition and metabolism, genetics, and antimicrobial mechanisms employed by and against microorganisms. Special attention will be given to understanding the human immune system, mechanisms of infection by pathogenic microorganisms, and the role non-harmful microbiota serve in supporting immune function. The weekly lab component of this course will support and complement each learning module and familiarize students with basic microbiologic lab techniques.
The use of multinuclear NMR spectroscopy in the determination of the structures of inorganic molecules and the use of dynamic NMR spectroscopy (variable temperature NMR and magnetization transfer techniques) to provide information concerned with reaction mechanisms.
The fundamentals of database design and application development using databases: entity-relationship modeling, logical design of relational databases, relational data definition and manipulation languages, SQL, XML, query processing, physical database tuning, transaction processing, security. Programming projects are required.
This introductory course covers human development across the lifespan. The course will provide an overview of development and the complexity of human growth through physical, cognitive, emotional, and social capacities. A review of historical and modern-day developmental theories as well as more complex interpersonal constructs, such as cultural variations, will be discussed. Special emphasis is placed upon examining the dynamic interplay between biology and environment with relevant application to nursing practice. The role of social and cultural stressors such as racism and socioeconomics in shaping human development will be examined. This undergraduate-level course will lay the foundation for further advanced study of human development within a nursing curriculum.
Develops and applies non-equilibrium thermodynamics for modeling of transport phenomena in fluids and their mixtures. Continuum balances of mass, energy and momentum for pure fluids; non-equilibrium thermodynamic development of Newtons law of viscosity and Fouriers law; applications (conduction dominated energy transport, forced and free convection energy transport in fluids); balance laws for fluid mixtures; non-equilibrium thermodynamic development of Ficks law; applications (diffusion-reaction problems, analogy between energy and mass transport processes, transport in electrolyte solutions, sedimentation).
Advanced Business Chinese II is the continuation of Advanced Business Chinese I, both of which are designed to help Columbia students who have achieved the advanced level of proficiency in Chinese use the language to communicate effectively in professional contexts. Topics to be discussed include, but are not limited to, the concept of Face, Guanxi/Interpersonal obligations, Chinese modesty and humility, and Chinese style of negotiation and decision making.
Stress and deformation formulation in two-and three-dimensional solids; viscoelastic and plastic material in one and two dimensions energy methods.
Advanced senior-level/MS/PhD course covering interaction of laser light with matter in both classical and quantum domains. First half introduces microscopic origin of optical nonlinearities through formal derivation of nonlinear susceptibilities, emphasis on second- and third-order optical processes. Topics include Maxwell's wave equation, and nonlinear optical processes such as second-harmonic, difference frequency generation, four-wave mixing, and self-phase modulation, including various applications of processes such as frequency conversion, and optical parametric amplifiers and oscillators. Second half describes two-level atomic systems and quantization of electromagnetic field. Descriptions of coherent, Fock, and squeezed states of light discussed and techniques to generate such states outlined.
Elastic stresses at a crack; energy and stress intensity criteria for crack growth; effect of plastic zone at the crack; fracture testing applications. Fatigue characterization by stress-life and strain-life; damage index; crack propagation; fail safe and safe life analysis.
Overview of composite materials, including history, background, and manufacturing processes. Macro-mechanics: anisotropic elasticity and stress transformation. Micro-mechanics: Rule of Mixture, Composites Cylinder Model (CCM) and other models. Macro-mechanics: Classic Lamination Theory (CLT). Hygrothermal effects, residual stresses, Composite mechanical testing, fabrication. Failure modes and lamina-based failure theories. Bending and Buckling of composite plates. ICME of Composites (nano-, micro-, meso- and macro-scale analysis, experimental validation, process modeling, integration).
Design and implementation of operating systems. Topics include process management, process synchronization and interprocess communication, memory management, virtual memory, interrupt handling, processor scheduling, device management, I/O, and file systems. Case study of the UNIX operating system. A programming project is required.
Introduction to computer networks and the technical foundations of the Internet, including applications, protocols, local area networks, algorithms for routing and congestion control, security, elementary performance evaluation. Several written and programming assignments required.
Boltzmann’s entropy hypothesis and its restatement to calculate the Helmholtz and Gibbs free energies and the grand potential. Applications to interfaces, liquid crystal displays, polymeric materials, crystalline solids, heat capacity and electrical conductivity of crystalline materials, fuel cell solid electrolytes, rubbers, surfactants, molecular self assembly, ferroelectricity. Computational methods for molecular systems. Monte Carlo (MC) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation methods. MC method applied to liquid-gas and ferromagnetic phase transitions. Deterministic MD simulations of isolated gases and liquids. Stochastic MD simulation methods.
This seminar considers the difference gender makes in interpreting ancient Christian texts, ideas, and practices. Topics will include gender hierarchy and homoeroticism, prophecy and authority, outsiders’ views of Christianity, bodily pieties such as martyrdom and asceticism, and gender politics in the establishment of church offices. Emphasis will be placed on close readings of primary sources and selected scholarly framings of these sources.
An introduction to computer architecture and distributed systems with an emphasis on warehouse scale computing systems. Topics will include fundamental tradeoffs in computer systems, hardware and software techniques for exploiting instruction-level parallelism, data-level parallelism and task level parallelism, scheduling, caching, prefetching, network and memory architecture, latency and throughput optimizations, specialization, and an introduction to programming data center computers.
In viewing historical films and media works, we often grapple with the question of historical accuracy, and whether visual media is suited to the task of historical accounts, but another question we could ask is: Of what is film a history? This course will examine Korean history through cinema, and Korean cinema through history, by viewing films from various time periods that depict moments in Korean history.
Introduction to the principles, methods and tools necessary to manage design and construction processes. Elements of planning, estimating, scheduling, bidding and contractual relationships. Valuation of project cash flows. Critical path method. Survey of construction procedures. Cost control and effectiveness. Field supervision.
A survey of the most influential literary theories of the twentieth century, this seminar will discuss seminal contributions to hermeneutics, psychoanalysis, structuralism, deconstruction, discourse analysis, and gender theory. Each section will juxtapose two representative authors whose texts either complement or contradict one another. Based on close readings of exemplary texts, we will explore basic concepts of these theories and examine their intersections and differences. A second focal point of the seminar will be on applications of theory to literature. We will analyze their reformulation as methodologies in literary studies and discuss how they influenced different approaches to literature. The aim of the seminar will ultimately be to scrutinize critically these “applications” of theory to literature. Readings and discussions in English. No prior knowledge of literary theories required.
Current methods of construction, cost-effective designs, maintenance, safe work environment. Design functions, constructability, site and environmental issues.
Contractual relationships in the engineering and construction industry and the actions that result in disputes. Emphasis on procedures required to prevent disputes and resolve them quickly and cost-effectively. Case studies requiring oral and written presentations.
Interpretations of civil society and the foundations of political order according to the two main traditions of political thought--contraction and Aristotelian. Readings include works by Hobbes, Spinoza, Locke, Montesquieu, Hume, Rousseau, Kant, Hegel, Saint-Simon, Tocqueville, Marx, and Mill.