First Year Seminar 191CNS01 - FYS- RAP First Year Seminar

Explores a variety of issues related to a Residential Academic Program (RAP) topic from both current and historical contexts. Students participate in small group projects and class discussions. Provides a supportive environment for personal reflection and critical thinking on the topics germane to the course content. Students will identify ways to incorporate personal interests with academic interests.

Open to first-year students in the Connect CNS RAP in Crabtree. First-year (R1ST) Topic: What Bacteria Can Teach Us About Thriving
In the human body, bacteria and microorganisms outnumber your human cells 10 to 1. They have adapted a plethora of ways to thrive in even the harshest of environments from toxic hot springs, polar ice caps, hydrothermal vents, and the human body. In order to thrive in these varied environments, bacteria must be persistent, adaptable, diverse, resilient, creative, curious, and strong. Using bacteria as our model, we will explore lessons about adapting to new environments to thrive at UMass and beyond. Together we will discover how these lessons can inform the way we think about ourselves, our environments, and our challenges. Like other First Year Seminars, we will also cover skills to help you at UMass Amherst.