Can a machine or a computer program create art, music, and poetry? Can they make political and military decisions? Should they? What, if anything, is significant or important about humans doing and handling these things? Furthermore, at what point does human cognitive enhancement blur the line between the two? Technologies surrounding artificial intelligence and cognitive enhancement are close at hand and will have a pervasive impact on our society from moral, legal, and practical standpoints.

What do fruit flies, mice, yeast, and zebrafish have in common? It may seem like nothing - besides, perhaps, being living creatures- but they're all used to study biological processes that are relevant to human welfare. Scientists use these, and other, organisms to investigate what causes a disease, what it does to the body, and how to treat it. This class will focus on exposing how scientists conduct research from the perspective of the organisms they use to "model" disease.

In this freshman seminar course we will explore the intricate relationship between humans and plants. We will focus on current issues facing modern agriculture, while concurrently putting these issues into historical context. We will use plant science studies to delve into fundamental biological concepts and to practice the scientific method. After completing this course, students will be able to apply their knowledge to a broad range of disciplines.

This course traces the evolution of our own species from our immediate human ancestors, through the beginnings of vertebrate life. What makes us similar (or different) to other vertebrates? The course tackles this question in two different ways. Firstly, we will gain an understanding of our own evolutionary history: what were some of the major transitions that impacted the trajectory of human evolution from humble beginnings in ancestral seas, through numerous mass extinctions, to the rise of human civilization.

Bees are an integral part of the natural world around us. However, recent media attention has highlighted the current "bee declines" sweeping our nation. Are bees still in decline? What are some measures that we can do to help populations? We will get to the bottom of this complex issue by exploring the biology of bees. By the end of this course you will be able to think like a bee and evaluate the challenges facing bee populations. Students will be engaged in a collaborative learning environment that will promote critical thinking skills and communication methods.

What do artists and scientists have in common? Not much, according to conventional wisdom. However, in light of the growing number of artists co-opting scientific practices like biotechnology, we must reconsider the intersection of these two fields. This seminar will investigate the processes by which artists and scientists engage with the world. Special emphasis will be placed on two key overlaps in the approach of these disciplines: input, the ways in which artists and scientists collect and interpret information; and output, how these observations are communicated to a broader audience.

Climate change is real, and today the earth is warming at a rate which has never been seen before. In this seminar course, we will see why the earth is getting hotter with every passing day, how scientists are studying this change and how we can predict the future of the earth's climate system. You'll also learn how humans activities are leading to global warming, and what can be done to reverse our impact on the earth's climate.

Who will feed us when the food crisis meets climate change? Explore the food crisis: identify the causes, critique/analyze current approaches, and formulate/defend your ideas. Discover the implications of climate change colliding with the food crisis. Discuss the role of soils in mitigating these issues.

Humans and wildfire have had a long relationship, and the truth is, it's complicated. While we often see reports of destructive wildfires in the news, many ecosystems actually depend on periodic burns. In this largely discussion-based seminar, we will explore topics related to fire ecology as well as human perception of and influence on wildfire. Students will be encouraged to sharpen their critical thinking skills by investigating an area of wildfire research that they find most interesting.

Every day, multiple times a day, we make choices about the food we eat. We also often see blanket statements in the media about how certain foods, food sources, or preparation methods are very good or very bad for you. Where is the truth in these claims? Which should we attend to and which can we ignore? Through mini-lectures, interactive class activities, and discussions, you?ll come to understand the science behind current controversies in food science.