Fall 2015 - BISC 111 D100
Special Topics: Current Topics in Biology I (3)
Class Number: 9070
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2015: Mon, Wed, Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Irina Kovalyova
ikovalyo@sfu.ca
Office: SSB8146
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Selected topics in biology intended to fulfil breadth requirements for non-majors. Topics will vary depending on instructor. Breadth-Science.
COURSE DETAILS:
Mutants and Monsters – Cell and Molecular Biology in Science Fiction
Some of the best imaginary fiction of our time has been engaged with biological sciences, specifically with the cautionary warnings concerning its potential misuse, yet science fiction writing featuring biological speculation has been largely marginalized in the academic curriculum. In light of the recent rapid advancement in biotechnology, including DNA cloning and sequencing, manufacture of genetically modified foods and artificial meat, as well as the threat of emergent endemic diseases (e.g. Ebola) and bioterrorism, this course will introduce the students to the real science of cell and molecular biology behind some of the science fiction stories of the 20th and 21st centuries. Throughout the term, the students will have the opportunity to respond both in informal (in lectures, on CANVAS, and in tutorials) as well as formal (response papers, essay) writing to the fictional works they read. For their final project, student will compose a short science fiction story containing some aspect of cell and molecular biology in a scientifically plausible way.
3 lecture hours/week; 1 tutorial hour/week; 0 lab hours
Lecture Topics:
1. Cells: the Fundamental Units of Life
2. Chemical Components of Cells
3. Structure and Function of Large Biological Molecules
4. Cellular Structure and Function of Organelles
5. The Molecular Basis of Inheritance
6. The Structure of DNA
7. DNA Replication and Mutagenesis
8. How Genes and Genomes Evolve
9. From DNA to Protein: How Cells Read the Genome
10. Control of Gene Expression
11. Modern Recombinant DNA Technology
12. Protein Tools and Technology
Grading
- Participation in Tutorials/Response Papers/Peer Reviews 20%
- Midterm Examinations 40%
- Student Essay 20%
- Final Project (Short Story) 20%
NOTES:
To receive credit for this course, students must complete all requirements
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Alberts B. et al. Essential Cell Biology. 4th Edition. GS Garland Science: 2014.
ISBN: 978-0-8153-4454-4
Atwood, Margaret. Oryx and Crake. Vintage: 2008.
ISBN: 978-0307398482
Crichton, M. The Andromeda Strain. Harper: 2008.
ISBN: 978-0061703157
Kovalyova, Irina. Specimen. Astoria: 2015.
ISBN: ISBN 978-1770898172
Wells, G.H. The island of Doctor Moreau. Bottom of the Hill Publishing: 2008.
ISBN: 978-1483702926
Registrar Notes:
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS