CAS BI510 Syllabus

Lecture Topics (Tentative)

Lec # Topic Assignment Instructor
1 Science-Society Feedback Loop/Course Structure/The Instrument Melisa
2 Linnaeus & His Legacy Starburst Identity Chart Melisa
3 Discussion – Davenport (1928) Annotation Due Melisa
4 The Gene, the Central Dogma and Mendelian Inheritance Melisa
5 Discussion – Sickle Cell Disease Annotation Due Melisa
6 Galton & The Eugenics Movement/Return of Race Science & The Biology of Skin Color Melisa
7 Discussion – Applying the Instrument to Case Studies Annotation Due Melisa
8 Human Genomics & The 1000 Genomes Project Melisa
9 Discussion – A Global Reference for Human Genetic Variation Case Study 1 Due Melisa
10 Measuring Intelligence -Polygenic Risk Scores – Genome-Wide Association Studies Adam
11 Discussion – Genome-Wide Association Studies of Education Attainment Annotation Due Adam
12 Intro to Epigenetics Melisa
13 Discussion – Final Projects Melisa
14 Weathering, the biological effects of structural disparity Melisa
15 Discussion – Racism and Mental Health Annotation Due Melisa
16 Algorithmic Bias Adam
17 Discussion – COMPAS Survey for Recidivism Case Study 2 Due Adam
18 Data in Healthcare/Race-Correction and Health Disparities Final Project Proposal Due Adam
19 Discussion – Kidney EGFR Measurements Adam
20 Using Education to Change Scientific Practice Case Study 3 Due Felicity
21 Vyas – We’re all in this Together Felicity
22 Using Education to Change Scientific Practice TJ
23 Next Generation Science Standards TJ
Final Project Presentations
Final Week Final Project Due

Course Principles and Classroom Norms

In this class:

  • We will cover uncomfortable ideas and information in this class
  • Feeling discomfort is normal – it is a sign of challenge and growth
  • It’s ok to make mistakes, so long as we are dedicated to becoming better
  • This room is a space for respectful dissent
  • The goal is not to agree – it is to gain a deeper understanding.

Classroom norms:

  • Listen actively – respect others when they are talking.
  • Speak from your own experience instead of generalizing (“I” instead of “they,” “we,” and “you”)
  • Participate to the fullest of your ability – community growth depends on the inclusion of every individual voice.
  • Although no one experience or example will prove accurate 100% of the time, we will try to hear the truth in what is said instead of looking for exceptions to the case.
  • Assume everyone’s good intentions but also acknowledge the impact of saying something that hurts someone else, even if it is unintended.