First Year Writing Seminars - Biology 7
Fact or Fiction? Politicized Topics in Biology
Prof. Carey Nadell - Winter Offering 2026
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.
Is the concept of naturalness useful in biology?
Prof. Will Ryan - Winter offering 2026
The word “natural” has become ubiquitous in advertising and everyday speech to convey the sense that a product, process, or way of living is wholesome, virtuous, or beneficial for humans or other living organisms. In this course, we will use assigned readings, group discussions, and writing projects to explore how ideas of biological naturalness influence policy and public perception in (1) agriculture, (2) medicine, and (3) wildlife management practices. We will also examine the biological evidence in support of these perceptions to determine if and when concepts of naturalness are useful in scientific study and decision making. In the first half of the course, students will practice finding and digesting information in scientific literature as they compile and present informative briefs for their peers on topics related to each unit’s theme. Then they will each develop and answer their own research question by writing an in-depth review paper. Through interactive workshops and guided peer-review, students will become stronger and more confident writers as they learn the conventions of academic writing in the field of biology.
Invasive Species
Prof. Flora Krivak-Tetley - Spring Offering 2025
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.