QR Courses without Prerequisite

Introduction to Quantitative Thinking: The Pleasures of Counting
Methods of quantitative inference and modeling are introduced via applications from a variety of different fields. Possible topics include data encryption, codes, scaling phenomena, traffic flow, warfare, and population growth. Some use of computing software such as Mathematica or MATLAB.

The Structure of Networks
Network structures and network dynamics will be described through examples and applications in areas ranging from marketing to epidemics and the world climate.  Topics include the study of social and biological networks as well as networks in the humanities.  Mathematical graphs provide a simple common language to describe the variety of networks and their properties.

The Technological World
An exploration of modern technologies that play a role in our everyday lives, including the underlying science, current applications, and future prospects. Examples include solar cells, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), computer displays, the global positioning system, fiber-optic communication systems, and the application of technological advances to medicine. Further Course Information and Preparation

Galaxies and the Universe
An introduction to stellar populations and the structure and evolution of the Milky Way galaxy; external galaxies, radio galaxies, and quasars; cosmology and the expanding universe. Further Course Information and Preparation

Chemistry with Problem Solving
For beginning students in chemistry or for those whose exposure to the subject has been moderate. Special emphasis on scientific problem-solving skills through an additional discussion section devoted to quantitative reasoning. Enrollment by placement only and limited to freshmen.

Comprehensive General Chemistry
A comprehensive survey of modern descriptive, inorganic, and physical chemistry for students with a good secondary school exposure to general chemistry. Enrollment by placement only.

Quantitative Foundations of Microeconomics
Introductory microeconomics with a special emphasis on quantitative methods and examples. Intended for students with limited or no prior exposure to calculus.
Preference to freshmen. Permission of Economics DUS required. Further Course Information and Preparation

Introduction to Economic Analysis: Microeconomics
An introduction to microeconomics, taught as a lecture discussion, that is an alternative to ECON 115a or b.
Limited to freshmen. Preregistration for ECON 110a is required by signing the preregistration sheet posted on the bulletin board at 28 Hillhouse Avenue on the first Monday before classes. Further Course Information and Preparation

Introductory Economics: Microeconomics
An introduction that stresses the basic tools of micro economics and the problem solving involved in economic policy analysis. Further Course Information and Preparation

Introduction to Computer Engineering
Introduction to the theoretical principles underlying the design and programming of simple processors that can perform algorithmic computational tasks. Topics include data representation in digital form, combinational logic design and Boolean algebra, sequential logic design and finite state machines, and basic computer architecture principles. Hands-on laboratory involving the active design, construction, and programming of a simple processor. Further Course Information and Preparation

The Technological World
An exploration of modern technologies that play a role in everyday life, including the underlying science, current applications, and future prospects. Examples include solar cells, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), computer displays, the global positioning system, fiber-optic communication systems, and the application of technological advances to medicine. For students not committed to a major in science or engineering; no college-level science or mathematics required.

Atmosphere, Ocean, and Environmental Change
Physical processes that control Earth's atmosphere, ocean, and climate. Quantitative methods for constructing energy and water budgets. Topics include clouds, rain, severe storms, regional climate, the ozone layer, air pollution, ocean currents and productivity, the seasons, El Niño, the history of Earth's climate, global warming, energy, and water resources. Must be taken concurrently with EVST 202La.

MATH 101b

Geometry of Nature
Geometric patterns in nature, including classical models of spirals in seashells and sunflowers, symmetry of honeycombs and snowflakes, and the curvature of soap films; the shape of the universe; ways to visualize the fourth dimension; and a brief introduction to fractal geometry. Enrollment limited to freshmen and sophomores who have not previously taken a high school or college calculus course.

MATH 107a

Mathematics in the Real World
The use of mathematics to address real-world problems. Applications of exponential functions to compound interest and population growth; geometric series in mortgage payments, amortization of loans, present value of money, and drug doses and blood levels; basic probability, Bayes's rule, and false positives in drug testing; elements of logic. No knowledge of calculus required. Enrollment limited to students who have not previously taken a high school or college calculus course.

MATH 190a

First Order Logic
An introduction to formal logic. Study of the formal deductive systems and semantics for both propositional and predicate logic. Some discussion of metatheory. Further Course Information and Preparation

Movie Physics
A critical evaluation of Hollywood action movies using the laws of physics and back of the envelope estimates to distinguish between fictional and real movie physics. Enrollment limited to freshmen and sophomores. Intended for students with little or no prior exposure to calculus and statistics.

The Physics of Dance
Critical investigation of introductory concepts in physics through the lens of dance. Topics in physics include the normal force, friction, Newton's laws, projectile motion, potential and kinetic energy, and conservation of energy. Topics in dance inlude aspects of dance history, contempory artists who engage with science, and the development of movement studies. Class meetings include movement exercises.

The Physics of Music
Basic concepts in physics introduced through study of the interplay between physics and music. The mathematics of harmony; tone production by musical instruments; sound propagation through spaces such as concert halls.

Statistics
Measures of central tendency, variability, association, and the application of probability concepts in determining the significance of research findings. Further Course Information and Preparation

Introductory Statistics
An introduction to statistical reasoning. Topics include numerical and graphical summaries of data, data acquisition and experimental design, probability, hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, correlation and regression. Application of statistical concepts to data; analysis of real-world problems. Further Course Information and Preparation

Introduction to Statistics: Life Sciences
Statistical and probabilistic analysis of biological problems presented with a unified foundation in basic statistical theory. Problems are drawn from genetics, ecology, epidemiology, and bioinformatics. Further Course Information and Preparation

Introduction to Statistics: Political Science
Statistical analysis of politics, elections, and political psychology. Problems presented with reference to a wide array of examples: public opinion, campaign finance, racially motivated crime, and public policy. Further Course Information and Preparation

Introduction to Statistics: Social Sciences
Descriptive and inferential statistics applied to analysis of data from the social sciences. Introduction of concepts and skills for understanding and conducting quantitative research. Further Course Information and Preparation

Introduction to Statistics: Medicine
Statistical methods relied upon in medicine and medical research. Practice in reading medical literature competently and critically, as well as practical experience performing statistical analysis of medical data. Further Course Information and Preparation

Introduction to Statistics: Data Analysis
An introduction to probability and statistics with emphasis on data analysis. Further Course Information and Preparation

Statistics as a Way of Knowing
(see PSYC 129a)