Philosophy

This section of BIOL 121 differs from the others in that formal and extensive attention is paid here to the application of biological science to some critical issues of the day. Yes, it is important to learn the basic science of DNA structure, photosynthesis, etc., but there are several reasons I believe such information to be insufficient. All of us learn better when the material presented is given context and best when the context is personally significant. I believe that linking lecture and reading about, say, DNA function and analysis to such current issues as the Human Genome Project and genetically engineered foods provides such a context. Finally, while the specific facts are forgotten over time, it is my hope that the processes of learning and applying the necessary science to controversial issues becomes habitual.