Dr. Joan Slonczewski Office: Hig 302

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Fall Semester 2000 TR 2:40-4:00 pm Hig Aud

INTRODUCTION.  BIOL 3 Biology in Science Fiction presents a dialogue between biology and science fiction.  The aim of this course  is for students majoring outside the sciences to investigate biology in the context of science fiction literature.  We learn to interpret data based on common patterns of biological science.  We also explore the human, societal and artistic dimensions of science fiction.

Books. Required texts include:
The Time Machine, by H. G. Wells
Galapagos, by Kurt Vonnegut
Red Mars, by Kim Stanley Robinson
Dune, by Frank Herbert
Cartoon Guide to Genetics, by Gonick and Wheelis
Jurassic Park, by Michael Crichton
The Children Star, by Joan Slonczewski
Dawn, by Octavia Butler
Andromeda Strain, by Michael Crichton (book or film)
Brain Plague, by Joan Slonczewski

Additional required readings includes Web links and handouts.   Barlowe’s Guide is an introduction to some classic aliens; needed for those who choose the panel on this topic.

K-Files.  Due to reported extraterrestrial instruction of this course, we are under investigation by the Pan-galactic Bureau of Investigation (PBI).   Students are encouraged to solve as many K-Files as possible.

Tests. All material tested on the three 80-minute tests will be based on the outlines of biological principles handed out in class. Keep these outlines in your loose-leaf folder to take notes as we cover these points in class. Students need to follow the logic of each point, and be able to apply it to new examples. There is no final exam during exam week.

Final Web Projects. A  Web Project will present investigation of bizarre biological phenomena, on Earth or elsewhere. Two partners may share a project, but the amount of work expected will increase appropriately. Each project must include principles of biology in some form, although that need not be the main focus of the project. Examples of past projects may be viewed on the BIOL 3 Web page. Possibilities include:

Attendance and Participation.  100% attendance is expected.  Quizzes on reading will be presented.

60%  Three tests (each 20%). Each test covers specific scientific questions.  For example, questions may ask you to identify which principles from your handouts explain given observations.

20%  K-Files, Panels, Films,  Quizzes. You must participate in one or more class Panels, review at least one film (besides Gattaca), and complete brief quizzes on the reading at the beginning of class.  There are no make-up quizzes, but the lowest two grades are omitted.  You should attempt to solve as many K-Files as possible.

20%  Web Project. The final project is proposed by November 14, due December 12.  The project must work on the Web without broken links.  Printed term papers are not acceptable. Two partners may share a project; more than two are not permitted.

Standards for Projects and Tests. The standard College guidelines on individual authorship and plagiarism apply to all work, as stated in the Student Handbook 00-01. All projects, including html, must include footnotes and references cited in detailcomparable to that of a term paper. Each exam must represent the work of one individual student.

Disabilities.  If you have a physical, psychological, medical or learning disability that may affect your ability to carry out assigned course work, please contact the Office of Disability Services at 5453.  The Coordinator of Disability Services, Erin Salva, will review your concerns and determine, with you, what accommodations are appropriate.  All information and documentation of disability is confidential.

Some useful outside links:

Life on Mars

The Science Behind the X-Files

DOE Primer on Molecular Genetics

The Human Genome Project

Kimball Biology Text

Science Fiction Weekly