Course description

Focuses on helping individuals understand how scientific information relates to the issues they face as citizens, in management decision making, and in public policy. To what extent should genetic engineering of crop plants be permitted? Should we place limits on fossil fuel consumption as a means of limiting global warming and global climate change? Must human endeavors be restricted in certain areas to maintain diversity? The format of this course is interactive, with lectures and discussions about how we as a society deal with controversial issues.

Outcome 1: Explain, evaluate, and effectively interpret basic concepts in cell and molecular biology.

Outcome 2: Explain, evaluate, and effectively interpret basic concepts in general ecology and biodiversity.

Outcome 3: Integrate qualitative information to reach defensible and creative conclusions about the impacts of climate change, genetic engineering, and biodiversity on the natural world and society.

Outcome 4: Communicate effectively through writing, speech, and visual information via written exams, writing assignments and class discussion concerning the above topics.

Outcome 5: Articulate the views of people with diverse perspectives on the above issues.

No upcoming classes were found.

Previously offered classes

Winter 2023: Online course

Thomas Silva
Thomas Silva
Senior Lecturer, School of Integrative Plant Science Plant Biology
Section ID:PLBIO 2400 001-LEC
Number:1084
Session:3-week Winter session
Class dates:January 3-20, 2023
Final exam/project due:Friday January 20, 11:59 PM (see Final exams)
Time / room:
Mode of instruction:Online (async)
Credit:3
Grade:Student option
Instructor:Silva, T. (ts21)
Max. enroll:65
To enroll:Enrollment for this class is closed.

See Online Learning FAQs.

This course is open to all registrants, including undergraduates and precollege students.

Summer 2023: Online course

Thomas Silva
Thomas Silva
Senior Lecturer, School of Integrative Plant Science Plant Biology
Section ID:PLBIO 2400 002-LEC
Number:1112
Session:Summer 3-week 1
Class dates:May 30-June 16, 2023
Final exam/project due:Friday June 16, 11:59 PM (see Final exams)
Time / room:
Mode of instruction:Online (async)
Credit:3
Grade:Student option
Instructor:Silva, T. (ts21)
Max. enroll:55
To enroll:Enrollment for this class is closed.

See Online Learning FAQs.

This course is open to all registrants, including undergraduates and precollege students.

Summer 2023: Online course

Thomas Silva
Thomas Silva
Senior Lecturer, School of Integrative Plant Science Plant Biology
Section ID:PLBIO 2400 001-LEC
Number:1111
Session:Summer 6-week
Class dates:June 20-July 28, 2023
Final exam/project due:Friday July 28, 11:59 PM (see Final exams)
Time / room:
Mode of instruction:Online (async)
Credit:3
Grade:Student option
Instructor:Silva, T. (ts21)
Max. enroll:55
To enroll:Enrollment for this class is closed.

See Online Learning FAQs.

This course is open to all registrants, including undergraduates and precollege students.