Systemic Inequalities and Racism in Biology and Medicine

Catalog description

Society has been shaped by many impactful events in medicine and healthcare which have been influenced by systemic inequality and racism. This course will allow students to study the biology behind these events, as well as the impact on society, and will encourage students to explore means of being agents of change in the workforce. The course will examine several biological hot topics in depth (such as global pandemics, vaccines, and medical research), highlighting the effects of systemic inequalities, oppression, and racism. Both the biological mechanisms of the topic/event, and the impact on society will be discussed. Films, documentaries, and critical readings will be used to gain further understanding of societal beliefs.