Science is everywhere, around and within us—from the media we consume to the policies that govern our societies to the very molecules that make us who we are. This learning community explores the impact of science on life and society. Co-curricular activities may include a hike and research experience in a wilderness preserve, a cruise on the Colorado River to observe the world's largest urban bat colony, and movies and speakers that highlight scientific achievements and controversies.
Fall 2023 classes include:
Science, Media, and Social Justice
Science, Media, and Social Justice
Faculty member teaching this course: Jonathan Hodge
Science is pervasive in popular media sources, but how often do these sources get the science right? What messages do they communicate about the nature of science, and how accurately do they portray scientists and the scientific community? In this course, we'll explore these questions and their implications for scientific literacy and social justice.
The Stuff of Life: DNA, Genetics, and Society
The Stuff of Life: DNA, Genetics, and Society
Faculty member teaching this course: Lisa Goering
We'll learn the basics of genetics and heredity and how this most important molecule (DNA) has shaped our environment and our society. Genetics informs how we think about, and develop policy around, health, identity, crime, the environment and biodiversity, and agriculture (to name a few!). Students will develop skills to critically evaluate current issues in contemporary genetics.