Scientists in Their Own Words

3 credits

This Capstone course is designed for seniors majoring in one of the natural sciences and considering careers as scientists in academia (or other non-profit organizations), government, or industry (e.g., tech, biotech, pharma). The course is also suitable for those who are planning to teach science at the secondary or post-secondary levels. The course is NOT suitable for students planning careers primarily or exclusively in the health sciences. In this course, wewill reflect on what it means to be a scientist with respect to expectations for success; the impact of a scientific career on family relationships, religious practices or philosophical beliefs; and the roles (scientific and non-scientific) that scientists can play in society. We will forgo textbooks in favor of reading and discussing first-person memoirs, anecdotes, opinions, and essays written by practicing scientists and covering a range of relevant topics including (but not limited to) the creative nature of discovery; living the scientific life; religion and science; science and society; scientific education; science and the law, policy, and politics; controversies in science and the misuse of science.