Summer 2013

Prerequisites: BIOL C2005 or F2005 is required as a prerequisite.

The lab will focus on experiments in genetics and molecular biology with emphasis on data analysis and interpretation.Lab Fee: $150.00

Prerequisites: W3004 - Neurobiology I: Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology and W3005 - Neurobiology: Development & Systems or permission from the instructors.

Neurobiology offers both a source of knowledge to inform the creation of law and a direct challenge to the underlying philosophies of law. As a recent example, the Supreme Court cited research on child brain development in their decision that child convicts should not receive life imprisonment without parole. But neuroscience reaches beyond criminal law, as it has been used to argue for limiting free speech, given the consequences of some forms of speech on their receiver. This course closely examines the most recent developments in neurobiology and the legal shifts they have generated. The focus will be on analyzing primary literature in the sciences as well as legal cases and scholarship. Because of its interdisciplinary nature, this course will benefit students considering careers in science, law, or policy.

Science Writing for a General Audience will provide an introduction to the challenges and pitfalls of popular science writing. We'll first consider the question, "What is science writing?" and try to answer that question with varied examples of the genre. In this course, you will develop the skills and strategies necessary to critically evaluate popular science writing and to produce accurate and engaging writing of your own. Guest writers and editors from the New York area will visit the course to introduce certain topics. There are no prerequisites but senior students and/or students with previous writing courses are given preference.