Can cats actually see in the dark? Do snakes really smell with their tongues? What sense is associated most with memory? How do optical illusions “trick” the brain?

During this course, students discover the 5 senses and explore the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system and the sensory organs. They’ll learn about sensory abilities that humans don’t have, like magnetoreception and sonar navigation, and discuss how the brain’s perception mechanisms turn sensory information into an organism’s experience of its surroundings.

By employing the scientific method, students work together to answer fascinating questions related to sensation, perception, and the brain.

Learning objectives:

• Learn how physical and chemical signals from the environment are translated into neural impulses in the body.
• Understand the use of models in biology and how these are like and unlike what they represent, and create biological models for the key parts of the sensory systems of the body.
• Comprehend the journey of information through the body from the sensation of an external stimulus all the way to the perception of it in the brain.
• Use the scientific method to investigate questions related to the body’s use of the five senses and design an experiment from beginning to end.

The defense of human rights, the response to humanitarian crises, the protection of the environment, and the provision of humanitarian aid are some of the issues that concern and are managed by the United Nations. In this course students get to know and understand through short lectures, various readings, discussions, experiential activities and research how the natural, economic, cultural and political characteristics of each country influence and shape policy-making at a global level.

In addition, they practice their speaking and writing, develop their critical thinking and broaden their knowledge of geography and international relations.

Students also learn about the role of ambassadors at the United Nations, as they take part in simulated meetings, exploring a specific country and determining its position on global issues that come before the Organization. Finally, they draft position papers and resolutions with an in-depth understanding of diplomatic negotiations.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Understand the geographic factors that influence international relations and political decisions at the global level.
• Study the structure, operation and role of the United Nations and other international organizations in dealing with global challenges.
• Understand the importance of international cooperation and diplomacy in solving global issues such as climate change, humanitarian aid and peace and security.
• Development of critical thinking, research and communication skills necessary to analyze and discuss complex global issues.
• Strengthen cooperation, negotiation and diplomacy skills through simulations or role-plays concerning the activities of the United Nations.