BIOL 393 - Special Topics in Biology

Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
0.5 to 1 unit(s)

A variety of current and timely topics in Biology is considered by these intensive mentored experiences. Each of these involve close mentored work in small groups of students around a key topic in biology. A variety of formats is used, including field experiences, field trips, different types of media and different approaches. Topics and instructors vary each semester.

Topic One: (b) Investigating Chronic Disease. (Same as STS 393) (0.5 units, ungraded). An examination of chronic disease with a focus on ME/CFS, a disease with an unknown cause, no known biomarkers, and no cure. We explore recent research to identify the underlying basis of the disease and find treatments, and the role of viral infection, microbiome alterations, and immune dysfunction. We explore the historical and social factors that underlie the stigmatization and insufficient understanding of the disease. Students develop projects on this or other similar diseases. David Esteban.

Topic Two: (a and b) Conversations with scientists. (0.5 units, ungraded). How do you talk to a scientist? How do scientists talk to one another? In this intensive we learn how to talk to scientists about their scientific work in the context of department seminars and local or regional scientific meetings. We prepare to talk to these scientists by reading and discussing their academic papers and discussing the structure and expectations of a scientific seminar. We also talk about how scientific meetings work and why scientists attend these important networking events. Finally, we discuss how to reach out to scientists about their career paths, to request a paper, or inquire about graduate school. We meet from 12 - 2 PM on Fridays. If a seminar is scheduled during this time, students attend the seminar and meet with the seminar speaker afterwards. We also anticipate that we will take 1-2 field trips per semester to talk to scientists in other venues. These field trip may include meeting scientists where they work (e.g. American Natural History Museum, Cornell Lab of Ornithology), seminar series at other institutions (e.g. Cary Institute), or to local or regional conferences (e.g. Hudson Valley Life Science Guild, Regional SICB meeting, Northeast Regional Natural History Meeting). At the end of the semester, students use their skills to help us identify seminar speakers to invite for future semesters. Colin Aitken, Megan Gall, Myra Hughey, Justin Touchon.

Topic Three: (b) Investigating Nutritional Supplements & Alternative Medicines. (0.5 unit, ungraded) “Natural” supplements are part of a multi-billion dollar alternative health industry with little in the way of government regulation or consumer protections. We examine relationships between the health claims used to market supplements with the underlying scientific research. Students develop assessments on the depth and quality of scientific evidence, who performed and funded the research, and the extent to which the scientific evidence supports the manufacturer’s claims. We also explore potential harmful effects, historical uses of these materials, who profits from their sale, and any public record of legal or ethical concerns on the part of the manufacturers. In addition to their research, students participate in a biweekly discussion and develop oral/mixed media presentations their findings. Bill Straus.

Topic Four: (b) Biology in the Community: Public Health. (Same as STS 393 ) (0.5 or 1 unit, ungraded) Students partner with staff at the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health (or another local public health organization) to identify a current public health issue, design and execute an intervention, and assess its effectiveness. Supplemental readings are required in order to provide a framework to successfully engage with the community and complete the work. In addition, weekly group meetings encourage students to formulate and refine goals and to actively monitor the proposed initiative to help the Department or organization realize its vision. Leroy Cooper.

Topic Five: (b) Mentored Research. Students work in teams to identify research questions, design experiments, and collect and analyze data. Hayley Affronti.

Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.

Two 75-minute periods.

Course Format: INT