Spring 26' MCDB 15JS SCIENCE/fiction, Prebio freshmen Seminar (1 unit)

[Biology Undergrad Majors List]

MCDB 15JS SCIENCE/fiction
Enrollment # 30544, 1 unit, Wednesdays 1:00- 1:50PM, BSIF 1217

This prebio freshmen only seminar will combine cutting-edge science papers and science fiction short stories.  Consider what can we do now.... and what could we create next?  My emphasis will be on the science, especially neuroscience and genetics.   Past topics have included memory, genetic modification, alien intelligences, human machine interface, synthetic life, immortality, and mutants.

 
We will meet on Wednesdays from 1-1:50pm in BSIF1217.  Each week we will discuss a science paper and a science fiction short story.  

Your grade (P/NP) will be based on class participation (1/3rd), short weekly writing assignments due the night before class (1/3rd), and 
a final project: writing a Nature Futures story or News & Views paper summary (1/3rd).

Learning Objectives 
Welcome new biology students to community of scientists.   
Encourage creativity and knowledgeable decision making. 
Content: Exposure to landmark and new science. 
Skills: Ability to read primary scientific literature, extract and summarize key ideas efficiently in writing and speaking.

I hope to meet you this Spring.  

Best wishes, 

Dr. Simpson

Julie H. Simpson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology

Neuroscience Research Institute
University of California Santa Barbara