Ways of Knowing Biology
Why should I take Ways of Knowing Biology?
In order to develop this "big picture" of what biology is, we believe you need to think about the following points:
- To what questions does biology seek answers?
- What methods do biologists use to obtain answers to their questions?
- How does biology affect me and the rest of society?
- What opportunities are open to me in biology?
Our approach in this course is to give you ample opportunities to consider these points in a variety of interactive, educational and fun formats. Our campus is home to a world-class biological research community. We can think of no better way for you to learn about the discipline of biology than from the members of this community!
We will focus on three areas of biological research in order to study each from the molecular to environmental level. Our exploration will include seminars and discussions with top researchers on campus and in the community. We will consider the impact the research has on other areas of biological research, our society, and individuals.
We will also learn what it is like to do research in the biological sciences through three different research experiences. First, you will participate in research explorations in which you visit two laboratories on campus in small groups (4-6 students) to learn about research in the lab and to do a hands on experiment. Second, you will shadow a graduate students one-on-one for half a day and learn what it is like to attend graduate school in the biological sciences. And third, you will interview a fellow student who has incorporated a research experience into his/her undergraduate career to learn about the benefits and challenges of doing research as an undergraduate.
Will this course help me decide on a major or career in biology?
Decisions about your major or career are highly personal and the process of making such choices is extremely variable among individuals. When you consider all the factors involved in selecting a major or career, it is unlikely that one course or the perspective of a single person is likely provide you with a definitive basis for making your decisions. However, students taking Ways of Knowing Biology have gotten many ideas from people they talked to in the course about what biological majors and careers are out there, which kinds of skills or courses of study will help prepare them for biological careers, how to discover what their inclinations and interests are and what pathways other undergraduates have followed and where those led to. These topics are often the focus of the Graduate Shadowing experience. Although you may not find that you have decided about a major or career by the end of Ways of Knowing Biology, we are confident that you will have broadened your horizons about the many choices for studies and careers in biology.
Contact
- Course Coordinator
- Brian Asen
- 118D Genetics Building
- beasen@wisc.edu
- (608) 262-5267