First-Year Seminar (115-6-01)

Topic

Biological Thought and Action

Instructors

William Leonard
847/491-4839
1810 Hinman Ave., Room #A55, EV Campus

Michele M McDonough
847/491-5061
Hogan Hall, Room - 2-100

Meeting Info

University Hall 101: Tues, Thurs 4:20PM - 5:40PM

Overview of class

Science is a process by which people make sense of the world. Scientists examine evidence from the past, work to understand the present, and make predictions about the future. Integral to this process are the methods they use to collect and analyze data, as well as the ways in which scientists work together as a community to interpret evidence and draw conclusions. In this class, we will take a multidisciplinary approach to examining biological thought and action and their social ramifications. We will seek to understand science as a social pursuit: the work of human beings with individual, disciplinary, and cultural differences, and requiring tremendous investments in training and equipment. Does it matter that participation in science is more accessible to some than to others? How do biases, assumptions, uncertainty, and error manifest in scientific work? What is the history of scientific values such as objectivity and reproducibility? The course will conclude by investigating current topics of public debate.

Registration Requirements

First-year students only.

Evaluation Method

Attendance and Participation (25%) Series of short essays (65% total) Short essays 2-5 pages Class Presentation (10%)

Class Materials (Required)

Readings will be provided as PDFs on canvas.

Class Attributes

WCAS First-Year Seminar

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for Freshmen
Add Consent: Department Consent Required
Drop Consent: Department Consent Required