MOLECULES TO LIFE AND THE NATURE OF SCIENCE
Introduction to how life works at a molecular level and the evolutionary paths that led to the great diversity of life on our planet. With this foundation, discuss current topics in the news such as: exploring the human genome to understand our species' history and to diagnose and treat disease; genetic engineering of crops in relation to foods safety and effects on ecosystems; gene editing of insects and mammals including humans; how to determine whether herbal remedies, vaccines, etc. are effective and safe; and current trends in biotechnology and what might be on the horizon. Focus on appreciating the nature of science and becoming better equipped to explore and evaluate scientific topics of interest.
Prerequisites & course information
Requisites: None Course Designation: Breadth - Biological Science Level - Elementary L&S Credit - L&S Liberal Arts and Science Repeatable for Credit: No Last Taught: Fall 2026 Learning Outcomes: 1. Understand the nature of science and what science can tell us. Audience: Undergraduate 2. Gain an appreciation for the beauty of biology and the remarkable diversity of life on earth. Audience: Undergraduate 3. Discuss fundamentals of the evolutionary process and the molecular basis of how cells and organisms operate. Audience: Undergraduate 4. Appreciate the range of how science is presented and sometimes misrepresented in the media. Audience: Undergraduate 5. Equip students with the ability to inform their own decision making as they encounter scientific topics that may influence their daily life. Audience: Undergraduate Learning Outcomes: 1. Understand the nature of science and what science can tell us. Audience: Undergraduate 2. Gain an appreciation for the beauty of biology and the remarkable diversity of life on earth. Audience: Undergraduate 3. Discuss fundamentals of the evolutionary process and the molecular basis of how cells and organisms operate. Audience: Undergraduate 4. Appreciate the range of how science is presented and sometimes misrepresented in the media. Audience: Undergraduate 5. Equip students with the ability to inform their own decision making as they encounter scientific topics that may influence their daily life. Audience: Undergraduate
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027