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Fall 2011
Integrative Biology 98/198
2 Unit(s)

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About the Course:

Many believe the cures to most diseases lie in stem cell research, while others fear its repercussions will irreversibly and negatively alter our social conscience for life. This class takes you on a journey inside the stem cell revolution, where scientists, policy-makers, and philosophers will challenge you to think about the social, political, and even spiritual implications of this uncharted scientific frontier and formulate your own position on stem cell research.

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.
 

Course Policies:
 1.   Students must sign up for and attend a discussion section to pass the course. If you must make up a discussion section, you may attend one of the other sections, but please let both facilitators know.

2.   Add the course on bspace. Usually you’re automatically added after you enroll, but please make sure you have the class tab in your bspace account by the second day of class because we will be sending out important emails that are crucial to your success in the course. 
3.   Come to all lectures (both ours and guest). You are encouraged to ask questions in lecture and participate in discussions. Don't be afraid to ask questions! This course stresses learning in
both lecture and discussion and welcomes all opinions and beliefs.

4.   BE ON TIME, especially for the guest lecturers who go out of their way to be here. Class begins promptly at 6:10 pm.

5.   To pass, you must turn in (at the beginning of your discussion) at least 8 out of 10 one-page, typed, double-spaced reflections on the lectures. If you miss 3 reflections, you need to turn in a makeup assignment in order to pass. We will only accept 1 makeup assignment. A weekly, five-question quiz will be given in discussion to test whether you’ve been doing the readings. You must pass 7 out of 10 quizzes in order to pass. Quizzes differ by section, but all questions have been approved by the course facilitators. There is also a final project. Attendance at the final lecture is mandatory in order to pass. If at any time you feel you cannot meet these minimum passing requirements, please talk to us as soon as possible.
6.   To pass the course, all students will be required to complete a final project.  The final project consists of both an article and an event.  All students will be required to find a stem cell related article worthy of being in next semester’s reader, write a 1 page, typed, double-spaced explanation of why your article should be included in the reader, and attach 5 quiz questions about the article with answers. Most of the articles in your reader were found by our students.

Students may choose 1 of the following options to fulfill the event requirement of the final project:

·         Attend a seminar/lecture about stem cells and write a 1 page, typed, double-spaced reflection.  Accepted events will be announced during class throughout the semester.  Other seminars/lectures need to be approved by your section leader before you attend the event.

·         Create and give a 5 minute presentation on a stem cell topic.  You will present during your discussion section period at a time agreed upon with your section leader.  Please aim to add new information or a new viewpoint with your lecture.  Presentations which simply repeat material covered during the course may not receive credit.  If this option interests you, discuss both a topic and a date to present with your section leader.  Slots for presentations may not be available for everyone and will be on a first come, first served basis.  Speak with your section leader early in the semester for this option.

7.   One of the most important things in this course is your feedback. If there’s anything you
think we should change, or if you like something about the course in particular, PLEASE let us know by email or by talking to us directly. We will also have a course evaluation on the last
class day. We appreciate feedback and try to mold this course to suit your learning style.

FIRST CLASS IS ON SEPT. 12. 
NO DISCUSSION DURING THIS FIRST WEEK.

How to Enroll:

YOU MUST ENROLL IN BOTH THE LECTURE AND A DISCUSSION SECTION.  (You cannot take the lecture or discussion individually for 1 unit.)  

Add classes according to your class standing. 

FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE - lower
JUNIOR/SENIOR - upper