Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2018 - BISC 111 D100

Special Topics: Current Topics in Biology I (3)

Early Life and Health

Class Number: 10121

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 15, 2018
    Sun, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

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:

Womb with a view: Prenatal environment and health throughout life

Course Description:
Health research has traditionally focused on how genetics, current environment and lifestyle influence predisposition to disease. However, it is becoming clear that the early life environment, and even the preconception environment of the parents, can affect adult health as much as genetics, adult environment and behaviour. This course will examine the evidence for the developmental origins of health and disease, the underlying biology, and the cutting-edge technology being used in this emerging field of research. Students will be encouraged to consider how social factors (e.g., poverty) interact with biology, and will have opportunities to explore how their own areas of interest intersect with this developing field. The course will aim to enable students to think like scientists, and also to consider how science can and should be informed by other disciplines and social issues.

Topics to be covered:
Evidence of the developmental origins of health and disease
Genetics and epigenetics
Human development from egg and sperm until birth
The placenta
Examples of how the early-life environment affects various aspects of health (e.g., mental health, hypertension, diabetes)
Interventions to reverse adverse programming effects

Grading

  • Midterm 20%
  • Final Exam 30%
  • Classroom presentation on a topic of your choice relevant to developmental programming 15%
  • Essay on your presentation topic 15%
  • Pop-science work (e.g. media story/blog/other form of media) on a different topic of your choice 10%
  • Tutorial exercises/participation in tutorials 10%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

None (readings will be available through the library)

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