Biology 1307: Biological Impacts and Issues (2008)
DATE___TOPIC__________________________________________
Jan 17 Introduction
Jan 22 The immune system and other natural mechanisms of protection
Jan 24 The
HIV virus and AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)
Jan 29 HIV and
AIDS, an epidemiological perspective
Jan 31 The Ebola virus,
Feb 05 The history of birth control
Feb 07 Abortion,
and the question of when a life first begins
Feb 12 Cloning
and Stem Cell Research
Feb 14 EXAM I (30%)
Feb 19 Obesity,
and how it affects health and longevity
Feb 21 Anabolic
steroids and their effects
Feb 26 Effects
of alcohol and assessment of binge drinking by college students
Feb 28 Aerobic
exercise, endorphins, and fertility
Mar 04 Smoking
and opiate addiction
Mar 06 Pain
killers and stimulants
Mar 11 Pain
killers and stimulants, continued
Mar 13 EXAM II (30%)
Mar 15/23 SPRING
BREAK
Mar 25 Major
Phases of the SocioCultural Evolution
Mar 27 Historical
Concepts in Biological Evolution
Apr 01 Stellar
and Biological Evolution, and Lucretius’ “The
Nature of the Universe”
Apr 03 Hume’s
“Essay
on Miracles”
Apr 08 Cultural
Evolution, and Rousseau’s “Discourse
on the Origin of Inequality”
Apr 10 Population
Issues, and Darwin’s “Can
Man Control His Numbers?”
Apr 15 Population
Issues, and Hardin’s “The
Tragedy of the Commons”
Apr 17 Further
discussions “On
the Destiny of Civilized Cultures”
Apr 22 Research
Presentations
Apr 24 Research
Presentations
Apr 29 Research
Presentations
May 01 Research
Presentations
May 08 FINAL EXAM (40%) TR 09:55 Class,
8:30 AM (in usual classroom)
May 09 FINAL EXAM (40%) TR 11:20 Class,
8:30 AM (in usual classroom)
NOTE: There is not
a textbook for this course. You will receive a variety of handouts during the
semester. In addition, the Lecture Outlines and other materials will be
available at www.trinity.edu/lespey. It is suggested that you do not print any of
the Lecture Outlines before 10:00 PM the night before a given class.
NOTE: Students are expected
to attend all classes. If a student misses more than two classes, (s)he will be reported to the Office of Academic Affairs as
excessively absent.
NOTE: Normally, the
only excuses for missing an exam are an illness that requires the attention of
a physician, or a death in the family. Otherwise, students should discuss with
the professor (beforehand) any conflicts that might make it difficult for them
to take a scheduled exam.
NOTE: Regarding Academic Integrity policies
for this course, students are not permitted to use exams from previous
years in preparation for current exams in the course. In addition, any and all assignments for work
outside of class must be completed independently, i.e., without consultation
with or assistance from other individuals.