BIOL 395 - Perspectives in Biology

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FA, SP. How do conceptual and technological innovations, worldviews, and the inherent limitations of the scientific enterprise affect the way that biology is perceived and practiced in today’s world? By examining current literature and having candid discussions about current issues, students come to see how differing perspectives inform the big challenges of our time, including environmental sustainability, evolutionary literacy, climate science, one health, biotechnology, and human well-being. Student engagement with primary literature is assessed through participation in class discussions and via dialogue associated with peer presentations. Mastery of biological communication surrounding a specific topic is assessed through leading a discussion, presenting a research talk, and producing a written thesis paper. Students will also develop an articulation for envisioning how they can contribute to the broad community of biologists, given their particular disciplinary interests Prerequisite(s): senior status in a biologically oriented program or permission of the instructor.