BIO 100 - Perspectives in Biology

Taught by: Alain Silk and John Withey

Content: For non-majors. The main purpose of this course is to introduce students to the ways biologists study the world. Our focus this semester will be on modern evolutionary change and the application of biotechnology to introduce and manipulate genetic variation. Students will learn how evolution works through topics such as the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria, how HIV evolves in each person it infects, and the evolution of humans. The course will explore the controversy over genetically modified organisms (GMOs), including their use in research, medicine, and agriculture. In addition we will discuss the Human Genome Project and the implications of knowing our own DNA sequence, and how Genomics (the study of the genome) is impacting the fields of biology and medicine. Classes will be a combination of lecture, in-class activities and discussion (both in small groups and in the class as a whole). Labs will include testing bacteria for resistance to antibiotics and exploring your ancestry through DNA sequencing.

Prerequisite: None.

Semester Credits: 4

Schedule: MTWTh 9:00-11:00am; Lab Th 1:20-4:20pm