MCDB 040b. Science and Politics of Cancer.
Robert Bazell
TTh 1.00-2.15
Fundamentals of cell biology, Darwinian evolution, immunology, and genetics that underlie cancer; the history of cancer science and treatment; historical and current policy issues. Enrollment limited to freshmen. Preregistration required; see under Freshman Seminar Program.
MCDB 050a. Immunology and Microbes.
Paula Kavathas
TTh 1.00-2.15
Introduction to the immune system and its interaction with specific microbes. Attention both to microbes that cause illness, such as influenza, HIV, and HPV, and to microbes that live in harmony with humans, collectively called the microbiome. Readings include novels and historical works on diseases such as polio and AIDS. Enrollment limited to freshmen.
MCDB 065a, Science & Politics of HIV/AIDS.
Robert Bazell
TTh 2.30-3.45
Study of the basic virology and immunology of HIV/AIDS, along with its extraordinary historical and social effects. Issues include the threat of new epidemics emerging from a changing global environment; the potential harm of conspiracy theories based on false science; and how stigmas associated with poverty, gender inequality, sexual preference, and race facilitate an ongoing epidemic. For all first-year students regardless of whether they are considering a science major. Prerequisite: AP Biology or equivalent. Enrollment limited to first-year students. Preregistration required; see under First-Year Seminar Program.
[MCDB 103b. Cancer.]
MCDB 105a or b/MB&B 105a or b. Biology, the World and Us.
Fall: John Carlson, Joshua Gendron, Anthony Koleske
Spring: Donald Engelman, Scott Strobel, Shirin Bahmanyar, Jacob Yannick, Candice Paulsen
MW 11.35-12.25 1 HTBA
Biological concepts taught in context of current societal issues, such as emerging diseases, genetically modified organisms, green energy, stem cell research, and human reproductive technology. Emphasis on biological literacy to enable students to evaluate scientific arguments.
MCDB 106a/HLTH 155a. Biology of Malaria, Lyme, and Other Vector-Borne Diseases.
Alexia Belperron
MW 1.00-2.15
Introduction to the biology of pathogen transmission from one organism to another by insects; special focus on malaria, dengue, and Lyme disease. Biology of the pathogens including modes of transmission, establishment of infection, and immune responses; the challenges associated with vector control, prevention, development of vaccines, and treatments. Intended for non–science majors; preference to freshmen and sophomores. Prerequisite: high school biology.
MCDB 109b. Immunity and Contagion.
Paula Kavathas
TTh 2.30-3.20 Meets RP
Introduction to the basics of the immune system; strategies to fight pathogens while maintaining harmony with our microbiome. Discussion of specific microbes such as influenza, HIV, and HPV; historical analysis of the polio vaccine and the AIDS epidemic.