FYS: Experimental Fish

3 Credits.

How have fish and other aquatic animals contributed to the understanding of nature, the environment, and life itself? What features of aquatic organisms and the medium of water facilitated these investigations and why did certain research take place at certain times and places? This First-Year Seminar guides students to address these questions through the perspectives of the history of science and technology. Readings are composed of primary literature in biological studies of aquatic animals and related secondary literature in history of the life sciences. Through readings, lectures, discussions, field trips to local laboratories and aquarium, and an original research project, students will gain experience for future research in the life sciences or in historical studies of science. Topics include “fish” in natural history, taxonomy, physiology, embryology, genetics, neuroscience, fisheries /aquaculture, environmental testing, and molecular biology.