FYSM 106 - How Microbes Rule the World

Institution:

Trinity College

Subject:

Description:

Did you know that microscopic organisms have had the most influence over the development of human culture of any class of organisms on the planet While most consider these microscopic organisms as a source of human suffering close examination of these organisms reveals that they have played both a positive and negative role on the development of human societies. The first thought most people have had about microbes typically focuses on the negative; microbes have caused great plagues (both ancient and modern) and have destroyed precious cultural works. The positive contributions which are often overlooked include the use of microbes in the production of food products (such as bread, wine and cheese) and in the field of biotechnology (in the production of medications to improve human life). This course will examine many aspects of microbial interactions with humans. The ability of microbes to cause disease will be studied with a particular emphasis on plagues. We will examine the political and social impact that microbes have had on human development by exploring the threat of bioterrorism and geographical distribution of various infectious diseases. This course does not require an extensive background in science but you will be introduced to important biological concepts through his course which allows this seminar to also fulfill the natural science distribution requirement. This seminar will examine the role of microbes on society from a variety of perspectives including social, scientific and political angles. 1.00 units, Seminar

Credits:

1.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.Trincoll.edu

Phone Number:

(860) 297-2000

Regional Accreditation:

New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Calendar System:

Semester

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