Discourses in Modern Biochemistry

Catalog description

This course aims to explore the philosophy of science and the methods of science communication as they can be applied to biochemistry. This class will discuss the Biochemist's role in modern medical science. We will address issues such as the importance and ethics of animal testing from fruit flies to humans, designer babies, the possibility of eliminating genetic disease via breakthrough technology such as CRISPR-Cas9, bioengineering of food, mRNA vaccines, and bioweapons. Ethics of data reporting, the need for scientific rigor, and the self-correcting nature of science will be key themes throughout the course. Counts as a Communication Intensive course. Counts as a Moral & Ethical Reasoning course. Prereq: Academic Inquiry Seminar (AIQS).