DECODING OURSELVES:
The Impact of The Human Genome Project on Science and Society

This year one of the single most significant achievements of mankind was recorded - the complete sequence of our DNA, otherwise called - "the human genome".  To list the realms of potential impact of this discovery would be oversimplifying the issues at hand.  Nevertheless, the time is right for open and enlightened discussion on what this means for our society.  Moreover, the availability of this genetic window into ourselves has opened new doors of scientific inquiry that has literally changed the manner by which we do genetic research now and undoubtedly medicine in the future.  In this seminar, we will learn to explain what this newfound data means scientifically, understand how it was obtained and for what purposes, while we consider the greater questions of interpreting its consequences and societal impact.

BUI 301-004
Fall Semester 2002
Dr. Kim A. Caldwell
Department of Biological Sciences

Class Times:            Tu and Thr, 4:00-5:15 PM
                                Room 109, Oliver-Barnard Hall

Office Hours:           Mon and Thr, 8:30AM-9:45AM,
                                Oliver-Barnard Faculty Study Lounge

Grading Criteria:
         Internet Message Board/In-Class participation    30%
         Paper  (click for guidelines)                                 30%
         Interview Project (click for guidelines)                40%

The following scale will be used in this course:
 A+= 99-100       B+= 88-89     C+= 78-79     D+= 68-69
 A =  92-98         B = 82-87      C=   72-77     D =  62-67        F = less than 60
 A- = 90-91         B-= 80-81      C-=  70-71     D-=  60-61

Make-up Policy:
There are no examinations in this course.  All deadlines will be final as posted on detailed instructions provided
for papers and projects.  A significant portion of the final grade is based on in-class participation, therefore
attendance is mandatory.  No one will be excused from class without prior approval or a medical excuse.
 

Required Texts: "Genome" by Matt Ridley
                           "Understanding Cloning" by Scientific American
                           "Understanding The Genome" by Scientific American
 

Guest Lecturers:  Dr. David Wininger, Reproductive Biology Associates, Atlanta
                                                            in vitro ferilization/stem cell reseacher
                            Dr. Gregory Pence, Dept. of Philosophy, UAB
                                                            bioethicist; expert on human cloning and genetically engineered foods
                            Dr. Guy Caldwell, Assistant Professor, UA Biological Sciences
                                                            biomedical researcher
                            Shelli Williams, Ph.D. Student, UA Biological Sciences


Human Genome On-Line Discussion Room
via your Web-CT account
 

RULES FOR MESSAGE BOARD

USEFUL GENOME RELATED LINKS


Supplementary Reading