First Year Writing Seminars - Biology 7

Prof. Carey Nadell - Winter Offering 2026

Fact or Fiction?  Politicized Topics in Biology

This course will explore the fact and fiction underlying politically hot topics that have biology at their core. The majority of the course will be focused on written and oral debates on questions concerning climate change, genetic engineering, stem cell research, human evolution and antibiotic resistance. One short essay (800 words) will be assigned for each of these topics, and feedback will be provided through peer review and professor input. Students will also compose a final 2000-word essay on a topic of their choice.

Course Syllabus for Winter of 2022

Prof. Will Ryan - Winter Offering 2026 - topic to be determined

Prof. Flora Krivak-Tetley - Spring Offering 2025

Invasive Species

Invasive species, like climate change and habitat destruction, pose extraordinary challenges for biodiversity and ecosystem conservation. But animals, plants and pathogens have always moved around the world. What makes a non-native organism invasive? How do we measure and attach value to their impacts? How do we decide which species should be eradicated, which should be tolerated, and which should be intentionally planted? What are the ethical considerations embedded within these decisions? And how does the language we use to describe non-native species—"invader", "alien", "exotics" —influence our thinking? Students will use a combination of readings and videos, discussions and debates, and diverse writing assignments to explore the complex environmental and ethical aspects of invasive species and their management. Writing assignments will include a reflective essay, an annotated bibliography with an invasive species focus of choice, a journalistic piece reporting on a recent scientific advance, and a research proposal.