BIOL 103  Biology in Science Fiction Syllabus 2001 Update 11-25-01. Web supersedes printed syllabus. Old syllabi: 2000, 1999

Fall Semester 2001 TR 2:40-4:00 pm Hig Aud Dr. Joan Slonczewski Office: Hig 302

INTRODUCTION.  BIOL 103 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.

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
A Door into Ocean, by Joan Slonczewski
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.  After December 4, attendance counts double.

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%  Web Project. The final project is  due December 4.  The project must work on Netscape 4.75 without broken links.  Printed term papers are not acceptable. Two partners may share a project; more than two are not permitted.

10%  Quizzes on the reading occur at the beginning of class.  There are no make-up quizzes, but the lowest two grades are omitted.

10%  Participation.  You must participate in one or more class Panels.  Additional participation may be earned through e-mailing K-Filesolutions or film reviews.

Standards for Projects and Tests. The standard College guidelines on individual authorship and plagiarism apply to all work, as stated in the Student Handbook 01-02. 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