Science, Technology & Medicine   

Cognition and culture will be explored in animals, using evolutionary theory as the framework for this course. Topics include animal learning, the accelerated process of domestication, and an examination into our companion animals' behavior. However, the majority of the course will be dedicated to the culture of wild animal populations and their cultural behavior that includes hunting, foraging, and thieving behavior—to name just a few. Short videos will be shown in class, and readings are available upon request.

The death of stars is one of the most important phenomena in the universe. Stars end their lives in various ways, some peacefully and some spectacularly. Besides producing an incredible show, exploding stars are the sources of cosmic rays and many of the heavy elements which make up our world. This course will describe how some stars end their lives by exploding, explore why there are different types of explosions, analyze how these explosions have influenced our history, and see how supernovae are essential for understanding the past and future of the universe.

This course will be held at the Allegheny Observatory in Riverview Park. Each class will include both a presentation and discussion about a person or a discovery at the observatory and a short tour of a portion of the building. At the end of the five classes, we will have explored the entire building and looked at how John and Phoebe Brashear, Samuel Langley, and James Keeler impacted both the field of astronomy and the city of Pittsburgh. We will use the 13" telescope to view sunspots and the moon (weather permitting).

Please Note: This course will be taught at the Allegheny Observatory, which is NOT on campus at the University of Pittsburgh. This historic building is only partially handicapped accessible. Some of the tours will require steps. Parking is free.

The wonders of the night sky are revealed as we discuss the observable celestial sphere as viewed from here on Earth. The motions and phases of the moon, the properties and apparent motion of stars, constellations, planets, and other objects visible to the naked eye and through a telescope are some of the topics we will cover. Learn how to read and interpret star charts, constellations, and the changing night sky throughout the seasons. This introduction to astronomical viewing will prepare you for exploring the nighttime sky.

This course provides a foundation in computer literacy, covering computer concepts, applications, and information systems. Members will learn computer concepts (hardware, software, networks, Internet of Things, security, and privacy), task applications (word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation), AI tools (Grammarly, Copilot, ChatGPT), and evolution and emerging technology. Members will acquire practical and critical thinking skills in the use of technologies within society. This course also provides an awareness of the impact of technological advancement on current and lifelong learning.

Course Materials:  (textbook only suggested by not needed) Technology in Action, 15th Edition: Alan Evans, Kendall Martin, Mary Anne Poatsy - ISBN 10: 0-13-483787-8 or ISBN 13: 978-0-13-483787-1 - $15 to $35

This course examines the history, technology, and politics of artificial intelligence, with a focus on preparing members to think critically about the current and future impacts of AI and associated technologies on society. This is not a course for learning how to use AI; instead we will consider deeper questions surrounding human-computer interaction, intelligence and consciousness, bias, and the nature of truth.