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This course is only available to Osher members.
Far from being “stuff that happens in a lab” or a science rooted in balancing equations and watching solutions bubble and change color, chemistry happens inside us and all around us all the time: the real world is absolutely filled with chemistry, and it’s relevant and fascinating. In this course, we’ll look at the real world chemistry of pharmaceuticals and poisons (and the fine line that divides them), the science of dietary supplements and how they’re regulated, and how alchemy gave way to modern chemistry, and then the dawn of the nuclear age changed everything.
February 20 - March 26
December 18 - May 5
May 6 - August 11
- $213,374 in financial savings per project
- 55% reduction in downtime
- 54% reduction in processing time
- 53% reduction in defects
- 61% increase in production
Learn how a Green Belt project where a hospital increased performance by 350%.
Register today for this exclusive program to advance your skills, build your résumé and showcase your business project that delivers real business results. Students receive 1 year of access upon registration.
December 18 - May 5
May 6 - August 11
December 18 - May 5
This course is only available to Osher members.
There are survey courses in art, history, art history, and (this is true) history of art history. Isn't it time for one of the most vibrant and popular of the arts to be taken seriously? This course has the temerity to claim humor is an art form, then try to prove it by looking at what it is and how it works – the history, mythology, anthropology, biology, psychology, philosophy and even theology of comedy. Examples come from the form’s most expert practitioners: Chaplin, Keaton, Groucho, Wilder, Sellers, Allen, Martin, Ferrell, Python, Pryor, Colbert, C.K., Stiller, Silverman and Schumer. David also draws from his background in comedy to show how professional humor is constructed.
October 10 - November 21
This course is only available to Osher members.
In 1866, the Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky wrote what would become one of the world’s great novels about murder. And it’s told from the murderer’s point of view. People are still reading it and arguing about what it means—indeed, it can be read in more than 170 languages. It’s an odd yet compelling book—we learn from the murderer Raskolnikov that he is indeed guilty. The mystery revolves around why he committed the murder—Raskolnikov keeps changing his own explanations. Here is a novel about the dangerous powers of ideas, revolving around the question of whether a truly extraordinary person can overstep the barriers of morality and law; a story of friendship, love, and redemption, asking the ultimate questions about human life.This discussion course anticipates that students will read the novel and actively participate in class discussion about each week’s reading.
October 4 - November 8
This course is only available to Osher members.
By looking at “great” buildings throughout history, we will learn about the principles of architecture and the importance of materials, technology and patronage. Each week we will examine one or two important buildings and the role that innovation plays in any building, no matter its historical origins.
September 27 - November 1
This course is only available to Osher members.
“Going Viral” implies explosive growth and spread -- like bad news on social media. Or Covid-19. Safe to say,viruses have been around way longer than people. They’re everywhere! But what ARE viruses? Are they mini-cells? Are they even ‘alive’? We naturally focus on those that infect humans, but they have ramifications far beyond us. They DO indeed infect us and can cause diseases, but we humans make use of viruses as well in basic research and even clinical practice. In this class we’ll look into the many ways viruses work in the biosphere – extending even to the ‘calling cards’ of viral DNA that makes up a significant fraction of our human genome. No previous science background required (basic background on cells and microbes will be included). This class is primarily lecture with directed discussions.
September 28 - November 9
This course is only available to Osher members.
Have you ever wondered how modern appliances are made? Why certain plastic things cost pennies and others are hundreds of dollars? Ever been frustrated by a cheap gadget breaking? Want to catch up on the latest 3D printing use cases? In this course, we'll explore a series of case studies which will explain various manufacturing techniques which make our modern life possible and provide answers to the above questions and more. No previous knowledge of manufacturing is required.
October 5 - November 9
This course is only available to Osher members.
This course will explore historical roots of systemic oppression through current policies and practices, such as the recent decision to undo affirmative action. Together, we will examine the difference between equality and equity, reflect on individual identity and behaviors, and explore our roles in the journey toward justice. This discussion course anticipates that students will actively participate in class conversation, break out rooms and workshop activities each week.
October 6 - November 10