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Course Criteria
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4.00 Credits
An interdisciplinary exploration of Darwin's ideas and their impact on science and society. The course links the history of Darwin's ideas with the key features of modern evolutionary biology. Darwin's celebrated book On the Origin of Species provided a compelling solution to one of science's most prominent problems-the origins of biological diversity and of our own species-and a whole new way of viewing the world. The course reviews the development of the main elements of the theory of evolution, highlighting the areas in which Darwin's ideas have proved remarkably robust and areas in which subsequent developments have significantly modified the theory. By also analyzing the historical context of the development of evolutionary thought beyond Darwin, the course emphasizes the dynamic interplay between science and society.
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4.00 Credits
This course explores the origins and development of knowledge in the human child, in relation to two larger time scales: biological evolution and historical/cultural change. Drawing on evidence from experimental, comparative, and developmental psychology, cultural anthropology, linguistics, cognitive neuroscience, and history of science, it focuses on the development of knowledge of objects, number, space, language, agency, morality and the social world. Questions include: How does human biology constrain and support human cognition? How variable are human knowledge systems across different cultures and times? What aspects of knowledge are unique to humans? How does knowledge change as children grow and adults gain expertise?
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4.00 Credits
How and why did humans evolve to be the way we are, and what are the implications of our evolved anatomy and physiology for human health in a post-industrial world? To address these questions, this course reviews the major transitions that occurred in human evolution, from the divergence of the ape and human lineages to the origins of modern humans. Also considered are the many effects of recent cultural and technological shifts such as agriculture and industrialization on human health.
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4.00 Credits
The physiology and pathology of the human body are presented with an emphasis on cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, and reproductive biology. Besides learning human biology, students will explore critical determinants of their own health as well as the health of diverse communities in rich and poor countries. Topics include the normal functioning of the human body and its responses to infection, injury, and environmental stress. We will analyze the relative power of diagnosis and treatment of disease (medicine) versus primary prevention of disease (public health) in promoting global health. Activities include classroom discussions and demonstrations, laboratories, and a directed term paper.
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4.00 Credits
This course will introduce students to nutrition and global health problems through exploration of demographic, epidemiological, biological, social, political, and economic determinants of nutritional status. Emphasis will be placed on the role of nutritional status and dietary intake, both as a determinant and as a consequence, of these health problems. Students will be encouraged to think critically about the major challenges to improve nutrition and health at a global level, with a focus on nutrition and infectious diseases, maternal and child health, and chronic diseases. Nutritional assessment, study design, and efficacy of nutrition interventions, will be explored in detail.
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4.00 Credits
An introduction to the sciences of mind, including foundational concepts from neuroscience, evolution, genetics, philosophy, and experimental methods, and specific topics such as perception, memory, reasoning and decision-making, consciousness, child development, psychopathology, personality, language, emotion, sexuality, violence, and social relations.
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4.00 Credits
Evolutionary medicine is a new field seeking to apply the principles of evolution to understanding human health and disease. This course will be equally divided among lectures and case studies. Lectures will focus on general principles including: elements of evolutionary theory; interpreting data in relation to specific hypotheses; major human infectious, chronic, and genetic diseases; and human anatomy and physiology in evolutionary perspective. Case studies will be chosen to illustrate these principles and will engage students in small discussion groups and independent research.
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4.00 Credits
Many important marine fish stocks are over-harvested and their futures are in doubt. Other human activities, such as pollution and anthropogenic climate change, are also affecting the stability and productivity of marine ecosystems. This course will ask what we need to know about the causes and effects of anthropogenic change to best protect marine ecosystems and ensure sustainable harvests from the sea.
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4.00 Credits
This course is designed to bridge developmental science and social policy. It will begin with an overview of basic concepts of embryonic and neurobiological development, with particular attention focused on experience-dependent changes in brain architecture, and proceed to investigate how early experiences influence lifelong learning, behavior, and both physical and mental health. Students will then learn how broader understanding and effective translation of these scientific concepts can inform evidence-based policies and practices that advance the healthy development of children, families, and communities as well as bring high returns to all of society. Faculty affiliated with the Center on the Developing Child.
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4.00 Credits
Trees are prominent and important organisms in the ecosystem. By photosynthesis, trees convert carbon dioxide into organic molecules that are used as energy reserves and as structural components of these plants. Oxygen is also released. Trees, carbon cycling, and the greenhouse effect are intimately intertwined. This course uses trees as examples to explore several facets of plant biology as they relate to identification, growth, reproduction, physiology of transport, ecology, management, and use of plant products.
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