2019-2020 Undergraduate General Catalog

BIOL 211 Nature and Nurture (SI)

This course aims to understand what makes us who we are by exploring both the influences of our genes (nature) and experiences (nurture). These two mechanisms cannot be easily teased apart, so students in the course will discover how nature and nurture interact. Students will encounter concepts in behavior and basic molecular genetics through the exploration of the topics of eugenics, medical disorders, and genetic testing. The question of how society should use empirical evidence to frame policy will be addressed, along with discussions about the role of free will and personal accountability in these issues.

Credits

3

Cross Listed Courses

This course will be cross listed as a psychology course with the PSYC prefix.

Prerequisite

Natural Science Core course.

Core Requirements

Intersections: Scientific Intersections and Impacts

Notes

This course has previously been taught as a capstone course. The instructors modified the course to address the SOPHIA outcomes.