Critical Thinking in Quantitative Biology

3 units

This course introduces students to the practice of quantitative biology through close, guided reading of primary research literature at the interface of biology, physics, and related quantitative disciplines. Emphasis is placed on learning how to read and interpret quantitative biological papers, understanding how quantitative approaches are harnessed to address biological questions, and developing the ability to communicate scientific ideas clearly and effectively in writing and speech. The course is discussion-based and features rotating faculty contributors from Biology, Physics, and related quantitative fields (Statistics and Data Science and Engineering). Writing is a central component of the course and culminates in a substantial synthesis and communication project.