Nature and Nurture: The Interplay of Genes and Environment
BIOL 318
Spring 2025
| Section:
01
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| Crosslisting:
BIOL 518, ENVS 338 |
| Course Cluster and Certificates: Health Studies |
Ever since Watson and Crick proposed the DNA molecule as a heritable genetic "code," biology has emphasized genes ("nature") rather than environmental influences ("nurture") as the primary agents of biological causation. This genetic determinism continues to shape perspectives beyond research, including such critical concerns as public health and human diversity. Recent insights to environmental and inherited epigenetic factors demand that we rethink this established view to build a more integrated understanding. In this advanced seminar, we consider how genetic and environmental factors jointly determine the development and behavior of organisms, including ourselves. After an initial series of lecture/discussion sessions on foundational concepts, this seminar course will consist of student-led discussions of scientific articles on genetic and environmental causes of specific diseases, capacities, and behaviors. Subject to class choice, possible topics will include: causes of lung cancer and of asthma; variation in IQ; the Human Genome Project; and "personalized medicine." Any 200-level course in genetics, development, or neuroscience can fulfill the required prereq; interested COE or other students without this background are encouraged to directly contact Prof Sultan to request a prerequisite override. Students gain understanding of scientific inquiry and interpretation, as well as specific knowledge of a range of human health issues and behavioral capacities. Through reading recent data papers, participating actively in small-class discussions, and giving short oral presentations, students will build their skills in critical thinking about biological and environmental questions and related ethical issues, scientific scholarship, and oral communication of scientific information. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
NSM BIOL |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: BIOL214 OR BIOL218 OR [BIOL210 or MB&B210] OR [BIOL224 or NS&B224] |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (BIOL)(CIVI-MN)(ENVS-MN)(ENVS)(STS) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: 90% or above |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Textbook excerpts, classic papers about individual development and the role of genes, and current articles from the primary biological and medical literature on topics of students' choice. Readings will be provided.
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Examinations and Assignments:
An individual oral presentation, weekly readings , and active participation in discussions. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
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| Instructor(s): Sultan,Sonia Times: ...W... 07:10PM-10:00PM; Location: SHAN314; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 12 | | SR major: 4 | JR major: 2 | | |
| Seats Available: 0 | GRAD: 0 | SR non-major: 4 | JR non-major: 2 | SO: 0 | FR: 0 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 1 | 1st Ranked: 1 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
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