CHEM328: Genius and Madness

Spring 2009

Readings | Schedule

Meetings:
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:00AM-12:15PM in Ulmer 225
Office hours:
Mondays 2:30-4:00PM

Wednesdays 2:00-3:30PM

Thursdays 2:00PM-4:00PM

and by appointment

Throughout history, genius and madness have often been linked.  Recent research indicates that personality traits and brain structures associated with creative minds in the arts and sciences are often shared with those considered ``insane''.  This seminar will examine the scientific contributions of history's greatest scientists, with a particular eye towards those brilliant scientific minds that were afflicted with some degree of ``madness'', from the suicidal (e.g., Ludwig Boltzmann, Paul Ehrenfest), to the quirky (e.g., Richard Feynman).

The majority of this course will consist of student led discussions on the work of noted scientists.  Participants in this seminar will first and foremost expand their knowledge of science, while improving their public speaking, critical thinking, and rhetorical skills.

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