INSTRUCTOR: Sean Decatur (1D Carr; x2115; sdecatur@mtholyoke.edu)

HOURS: MWF 9 - 9:50 AM

CLASSROOM: 218 Clapp

TEXTS:

Watson, The Double Helix Kelves and Hood, The Code of Codes Reiss and Straughan, Improving Nature? The Science and Ethics of Genetic Engineering Shiva, Biopiracy: The Plunder of Nature and Knowledge Rabinow, Making PCR Werth, The Billion Dollar Molecule Nussbaum and Sunstein, Clones and Clones: Facts and Fantasies about Human Cloning (all are available at the Odyssey Bookstore) Other readings will be on the web, in course packet, or on reserve.

WEB URL: www.mtholyoke.edu/courses/sdecatur/chem210

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The development of a molecular understanding of the basis of life, and the application of this knowledge to alter and engineer living organisms, is an ongoing scientific revolution with far reaching social and ethical considerations. This course introduces the science of the biotechnology revolution within its historical and social context; a description of the fundamental chemistry and molecular biology underlying these technologies is integrated with an exploration of their social and ethical impacts.

ASSIGNMENTS:

Quizzes Five short (~20 minute) quizzes throughout the semester will test knowledge and comprehension of the scientific material covered in class. Quizzes are tentatively scheduled for February 16th, March 1st, March 27th, April 10th, and April 24th (note these dates may change).

Reading papers There are four short (~2-3 pages) paper assignments this semester, each focussing on a book which we will read and discuss in detail. Papers will be due on February 7th, March 6th, and April 1st. Specific assignments for each papers will be handed out in class and posted on the web page.

Class debate Each student is required to prepare and present arguments in a class debate on a social, political, or ethical topic involving biotechnology. Debates will involve eight students organized into two opposing sides of a resolution. Students will work together in groups of four to research a topic, and organize their case. Students will be graded on the clarity of their argument, depth of research and understanding of the topic, and quality of presentation. The resolutions and schedule of the debates are given on the assignment sheet. Students should bring their top two choices debate to class on January 31st; assignments will be posted on the class web page by Feburary 2nd.

Final project The semester will conclude with a final written project to be turned in by the end of finals period. Students will have the choice of three different project assignments, to be given out in class by March 1st; a proposal and preliminary bibliography for the project will be due on March 20th.

Participation Class attendance and active participation in class discussion are required; this will contribute 5% toward the final grade.

GRADING:

Each assignment of this course has a point value; there are 1000 points total over the course of the semester.

Assignment	Point value	% of grade
Quizzes	50 points each; 250 points total	25%
Papers	50 points each; 200 points total	20%
Debate	200 points	20%
Final project	300 points	30%
Participation	50 points	5%

FILMS AND OUTSIDE SPEAKERS:

Two films are scheduled for this course: "Life Story" (a BBC made film which dramatizes the race for the discovery of the structure of DNA, starring Jeff Goldblum) and "Jurassic Park" (everyone's favorite tale about a cloning experiment gone bad). Evening view times for these films have been scheduled, and appear on the course syllabus. The films will also be available at the library for check out and individual viewing.

There are several guest speakers planned for this class, some scheduled to visit campus outside of class time. Attendance at these lectures is required unless notice is given in advance. The speakers, topics, dates and times are indicated on the course schedule.