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.