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Program lest frosh explore the sciencesPerspectives on Science: Perspectives consists of a series of bi-weekly lectures about "hot topics" in science, ranging from recent developments in artificial intelligence to new ideas in molecular biology. In the weeks without a lecture, the class breaks into sections to discuss the previous week's topic; a few professors participate in each section, but the actual discussions are student-led. There are short readings for each lecture, and students are expected to co-lead a section and write a paper each semester.Since every lecture is given by a different professor, some classes are incredibly interesting, but some simply don't lend themselves well to group discussion--especially on Friday afternoons. And in finding a balance between speaking to an audience not familiar with their field and trying to include enough detail, some lecturers inevitably fall into the trap of boring those familiar with the subject and confusing those who are not. Since the lectures change yearly, however, it is difficult to draw conclusions from the past. Perspectives gives students a chance to meet professors in a range of Group IV disciplines and to meet students with diverse scientific interests. The class has a low-key atmosphere; the workload is miniscule and discussion sections tend to be fairly informal. For many students, though, the best part of the course is the opportunity to research on campus the summer after freshman year. While not all Perspectives students stay on campus to do research, the course still helps students find positions, and even pays for part or all of their summer stipend. --Jason Freeman |
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