An interactive course providing students with the opportunity to assess and revise methods of and purpose in studying. Critical, effective approaches to reading, writing, participating in lectures and sections, taking exams, balancing competing responsibilities, and utilizing campus resources are all explored. Permission of college adviser required.
Quarter offered
Winter, Spring
Weekly discussions of current events in a scientific context. Drawing from news publications, lectures, and seminars, focus is on topics such as marine pollution, environmental degradation, technological advances, catastrophic weather events, climate change. Presentations to be accompanied by group discussion. Evaluation based on discussion participation and short papers critiquing published articles on course topics. Course is designed for students who have successfully completed high school level biology and chemistry.
The reality of poverty and discrimination in the 1990's; the nature and extent of these conditions; and the serious and contentious political debate about their solution. Students cannot receive credit for this course and Economics 80C.
Examination of issues concerning women in science, using biographical and authobiographical accounts of women scientists. Topics include the contemporary and historical representation of women in science at various career levels and exploration of the challenges, rewards, and strategies of women scientists.
Explores emerging issues in science and technology: bioengineering, information systems, artificial intelligence, and animal rights. Examines ethical challenges faced as the world is regularly and cataclysmically transformed by the sciences. Requires more advanced readings than course 80. Interview only. Enrollment restricted to first-year college members.
Presents innovative museum exhibitions and artists whose work is geared toward educating the public about science, technology, and human biology. Field trips may include The Tech Museum of Innovation and The Exploratorium.
Students sample viruses from an extreme environment during a field trip, and sequence DNA from that sample and other viruses and assemble their genomes. This is an integrated course in molecular genetics and bioinformatics focusing on extreme environments.
General Education Code
SI