We are inundated by 'scientific' claims on a daily basis, telling us what is good for us and what to avoid: Coffee is good for your heart! But wait, drinking coffee may increase cancer risk! Can we readily believe all the information we are confronted with? How can we separate scientifically sound findings from tabloid claims? In this class, you will learn to critically evaluate 'popular press' findings and engage in discussions about how to be an 'active consumer' of media claims.

What should you do about climate change? Climate change is not just a problem for scientists to understand. It is a problem that we all must grapple with---whether that be through personal stories, historical perspectives, or challenging moral issues. In this class, we will touch on climate science and its history, we will encounter personal stories, and we will debate about ethical issues involving justice and responsibility.

There is a lot of debate surrounding climate change, a topic that is frequently in the news and often presented as either a 'hoax' or as the most important issue facing humanity in the coming decades. In this course we will explore how the Earth's climate has changed in the past on a range of time scales, from centuries to millions of years. The concept of the Earth as a system will be introduced and we will learn how this system has responded in the past to natural changes and how it is likely to respond in the future due to the activities of humans.

In this course, we will investigate a diverse spectrum of brilliant ideas and discoveries, as well as the simple science, and often-humorous stories or people, behind them. From vaccines to photosynthesis, to GMOs and soil science, to how microwaves and air conditioning work, students will get to explore multiple fields of science and develop confidence in applying fundamental scientific principles to big ideas of their own.

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.

Organic farming is one of the fastest growing sectors of U.S. agriculture and is a strong indicator of the increase in consumer demand for locally grown organic food. However, the effects and benefits of organic food on health remain controversial. This course will explore the question, "What is the Impact of Organic Food on Health?" and examine more closely the role of organic food in the promotion of health within the context of the food system as a whole.

Do you want to learn how to think like an urban ecologist? As urban development increases, it is imperative that we understand how development in the built environment impacts surrounding ecosystems. In this seminar, we will evaluate the role that urbanization plays in environmental conservation. Students will develop the skills and language necessary to discuss how urban ecosystems function and evolve to accommodate fragmented landscapes.

In this course, we will investigate a diverse spectrum of brilliant ideas and discoveries, as well as the simple science, and often-humorous stories or people, behind them. From vaccines to photosynthesis, to GMOs and soil science, to how microwaves and air conditioning work, students will get to explore multiple fields of science and develop confidence in applying fundamental scientific principles to big ideas of their own.

The human body has been shaped by 6 million years of evolution. Our ancestors were exposed to disease, famine, natural disasters, and other environmental pressures and this is reflected in our DNA today. This class will approach disease and human adaptation to extreme environments through the lens of evolution. We will explore the genetic and environmental factors that determine why some people are more susceptible to certain diseases or can cope better with extreme environments. We'll also learn about ways that we can extend this protection by manipulating our environment.