Course Description
Introduces students to the history of the life sciences, primarily biology and genetics. The development of these disciplines in their larger social and economic context, covering such topics as exploration and empire; evolution and eugenics; and conservation and biotechnology.
Athena Title
History of the Life Sciences
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students should come away from this course with a deep understanding of the historical origins and development of biology, genetics, and allied fields such as microbiology and biotechnology. Students will engage with the materials via lectures and readings of historical documents and modern historical interpretations. Students will be required to synthesize what they have learned in essays, written exams, and classroom discussions. These assignments and expectations are designed to hone written and spoken communication skills for students in technical fields who may not otherwise have an opportunity to develop these competencies.
Topical Outline
Week 1. The Meaning of Life in Medieval Times Week 2. Taxonomies and the Search for Order Week 3. Plants and Empire Week 4. Uneasy Allies: Religion and Science Week 5. The Darwinian Revolution Week 6. Microbes and the Germ Theory Week 7. Genetics: Mendel and His Heirs Week 8. Political Genes: Eugenics Movement Week 9. Genetics and the Atomic Age Week 10. The Double Helix: Molecular Biology Week 11. Silent Spring: Biology and Ecology Week 12. Evolutionary Biology Week 13. Business of Biotechnology Week 14. Artificial Life