Biology for Life Special Topics Mini

6 units · Undergraduate

Fall and Spring: 6 units Special Topics in Biological Sciences Mini Courses. Topics will vary depending on the semester and instructor. Courses offered under this course number will not require prior knowledge of or exposure to biological sciences and are open to students from any major and class year. Please read individual section descriptions for more information. SPRING 2027 SECTION A4: Thinking Like a Biologist: This course is designed to introduce first- and second-year biology students to the logic of experimental biology through the landmark discovery and therapeutic targeting of the Philadelphia chromosome in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Students will explore how biological questions are translated into experiments, how assays are designed and interpreted, and how data drives the development of scientific understanding and medical breakthroughs. The course emphasizes experimental rationale, assay selection, data analysis, and how evidence builds toward transformative insights in biology and medicine. Due to the nature of the course, it is ideal for a student to have a good understanding of basic biology prior to enrollment. Course Website: https://www.cmu.edu/bio/undergrad/academics/intro_courses.html