SUPERHUMAN: PHYSIOLOGY HEROES & VILLAINS

Catalog description

This course will explore the physiological performance of "superhuman" characters from science fiction, comics, and classical mythology. By questioning whether the abilities possessed by these heroes and villains are biologically possible, students will come to understand the physical and biological principles that limit human (and animal) performance. In addition to understanding the limits of living systems, students will survey extant biodiversity and explore groups of animals that push the boundaries of physiological performance.