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Fall 2006
Bioe 98/198
2 Unit(s)

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About the Course:

Stem cell research, cloning, longevity research, and bioengineering have become some of the most hotly debated topics in recent years. Many believe the cures to most diseases lie in such research, while others cringe at the thought of a world where biotechnology has run amok. This class will take you on an eye-opening and tech-savvy journey deep inside the stem cell and biotech revolution, revealing the scientists, philosophers, and advocates at the forefront of their controversial fields. At the same time, you will also be challenged to think about the social, political, and even spiritual implications of this uncharted scientific frontier.

As a result of this course, you will have a basic understanding of the science behind stem cell research, its applications and potential, and its social implications. We hope you will have enough knowledge on this subject to be able to, after your completion of this course, understand and participate in stem cell activities on campus and be informed about the political stances surrounding this developing field.

The format of this course includes weekly, hour-long presentations on a variety of stem-cell-related topics by guest lecturers and facilitators. Also, hour-long class discussions will be held weekly to review the lectures, creatively instruct you about the basics of stem cell research, and converse about current developments in this field. Pertinent weekly readings will be assigned.

You will be asked to turn in a one-page summary/reflection on each of the guest lectures during discussion section. To pass the course, you must attend all but one discussion section, turn in all but one of the guest lecture summaries, pass a specified number of reading quizzes, and present a mid-term and final project.

How to Enroll:

When enrolling in this course, please make sure to use the correct course control number!

Lower division students (freshman and sophomore standing): enroll in BioE 98, using CCN 07310

Upper division students (junior and senior class standing): enroll in BioE 198, using CCN 07485

**There is a GOOD CHANCE you will get in the class (98/198) if you have a relatively early position on the waitlist.

REALLY IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT DISCUSSION SECTIONS:

During the first and second weeks of this class, you will have an opportunity to choose your discussion section time. This will be done first come first serve by sending us an email with your preferred times. PLEASE DO NOT SEND US REQUESTS BEFORE WE ASK FOR THEM—WE WILL NOT CONSIDER THEM IF THEY ARE EARLY.

Note about required reading:

You will be asked to purchase the book Stem Cell Now by Christopher Thomas Scott ($6.99) and a course reader (price and location of pickup to be determined). If you have any questions, please ask us at the first class meeting.