This course will offer greater understanding of the history of medicine and how the hospital has become a central institution in the life cycle. Beginning with a basic introduction to contemporary healthcare in America, it will next offer a historic and scientific discussion of conception and child-birth. The course will then focus on cancer as an example of one of the diseases to which the human body is susceptible and conclude with a discussion of death as part of life. In addition, the course will take on the history of the hospital and the medical personnel who work within. Central to each of these themes will be the ethical questions and complexities that cannot be separated from the practical aspects of caring for life. Through case studies, lab work, invited guests and a visit to off-site medical research facilities, the class will offer students both an understanding of the biology of reproduction and cancer, as well as the increasingly complex nature of the science of care.
Sciences: Science of the Natural World and Sciences: Social Science must be completed prior to taking this course.
An explosion of discoveries in genetics is sweeping through modern society, but with excitement and hope come misconceptions and risks. Today’s students will face ethical decisions concerning genetics that previous generations could only dream about. Therefore, a solid understanding of genetics and the ability to interpret new genetic discoveries through empirical evidence has become essential for a person’s ability to make decisions that support their well-being, allow them to be an informed voter on policy, and justly judge future developments in genetics. Using case-studies, guest speakers, videos, readings, and podcasts to complement small and large group discussion, the course will allow students to explore the unpinning principles of genetics, along with ethical dilemmas, such as genetic determinism, a paternalistic view of genetic information, and controversies surrounding genetic modification. The course is intended for students who are not majoring in the biological sciences.
Complete the Natural Science requirement for SOPHIA
An explosion of discoveries in genetics is sweeping through modern society, but with excitement and hope come misconceptions and risks. Today’s students will face ethical decisions concerning genetics that previous generations could only dream about. Therefore, a solid understanding of genetics and the ability to interpret new genetic discoveries through empirical evidence has become essential for a person’s ability to make decisions that support their well-being, allow them to be an informed voter on policy, and justly judge future developments in genetics. Using case-studies, guest speakers, videos, readings, and podcasts to complement small and large group discussion, the course will allow students to explore the unpinning principles of genetics, along with ethical dilemmas, such as genetic determinism, a paternalistic view of genetic information, and controversies surrounding genetic modification. The course is intended for students who are not majoring in the biological sciences.
Complete the Natural Science requirement for SOPHIA
A study of the function, integration, and coordination of the organ systems of the human body with an emphasis on homeostatic control mechanisms. This course includes an experimental laboratory in which basic human physiological responses are studied. This course is not intended for biology majors.
This course covers classical Mendelian analysis, mitosis and meiosis, genetic mapping, non-Mendelian inheritance, chromosomal structure and mutations, the structure of DNA and RNA, transcription, translation, molecular gene cloning and analysis, human genetics and the Human Genome Project, and population and quantitative genetics. The course includes 3 hours of laboratory per week, focused on experience in genetic mapping, cytogenetics, and molecular genetics.
The course begins with an introduction to the techniques used in studying cells and the elements of bioenergetics. Then the ultra structure and function of all major eucaryotic organelles are described in detail. This survey includes the principles of cell metabolism and its regulation, membrane transport, and the cell cycle. The course concludes with specialized topics such as the biology of cancer and the cellular mechanisms of hormone action. The laboratory acquaints students with techniques employed in cell biology.
This course is intended to acquaint the student with the biology and importance of bacteria and viruses. Particular emphasis will be placed on disease mechanisms, the nature of the most important diseases afflicting humans, immunology, and selected aspects of applied microbiology with public health implications (e.g., drinking water and sewage treatment). The laboratory will introduce a wide variety of standard microbial techniques. This course is not intended for biology majors.
This course is designed to provide students with STEM majors an introduction to biostatistical concepts and to the design and analysis of experiments, with the goal of equipping practicing scientists with the tools to analyze research data. The course emphasizes the application of statistical ideas and methods to the design and interpretation of biological experiments and comparative data sets, and includes a writing intensive approach. Students successfully completing this course will be able to develop and implement appropriate experimental design in conducting scientific research, carry out appropriate statistical analyses and interpretation for a variety of data types using several statistical platforms, critically read and interpret the statistical content of scientific journal articles in the biological and biomedical sciences, and exhibit advanced scientific writing skills.
Special Topics in Biology.
Intended to provide experience in research or special techniques in biology on an individual basis. This course designation may not be used to replace a 300-level elective.
Permission of the Instructor