This seminar introduces cutting-edge biology, genetics, and neuroscience through primary research papers while encouraging discussion of what?s next through short science fiction stories. Sometimes imagination leads science; other times fiction popularizes a scientific discovery, tool, or invention. What is possible, aspirational, or cautionary? Topics include: memory, identity, evolution, humanity, destiny, augmentation. Papers on zombie cockroaches, de-extinction, synthetic life, extra senses, implanted memories; Stories by Borges, Dick, Butler, Murakami, McCaffrey, Jemison, and Chiang

Prerequisites: Freshmen/1st year Prebiology majors only.

1

Units

Pass no pass

Grading

1, 2, 3

Passtime

Lower division only

Level Limit

Letters and science

College
These majors only prbio biocs
Julie Simpson
3.7
12 reviews
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MCDB 15JS Simpson J H Spring 2023 Total: 14
MCDB 15JS Simpson J H Spring 2022 Total: 23
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12
3.7
MCDB101B . 11 Months Ago

I have never loved a class more. I took her 101BH section too and felt like it helped contextualize everything. She has so much passion for what she does and has a great way of organizing her lectures. I have wanted to go to medical school my whole life, but she made me consider going to graduate school for genetics. Take her if you have the chance

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MCDB101B . 2 Years Ago

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MCDB101B . 2 Years Ago

Genetics is a very challenging course. She brings in real life examples to keep her students motivated. It was one of the hardest classes I have ever taken, nonetheless, she is an amazing professor and is willing to go above and beyond to help students succeed. But if you don't need to take the class, I recommend not taking. It was really hard.

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MCDB101B . 2 Years Ago

Lecture covers general concepts but not how to apply them to problems. This is the biggest issue with this class since the exams are entirely problem based. You’re given the bare minimum and expected to answer complex genetics problems. Also not given anywhere near enough time on exams to solve these complex problems. Unrealistic expectations

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MCDB101B . 2 Years Ago

Gave us many resources, but did not provide us with the knowledge needed to effectively use those resources. Lectures felt like a waste of time because she focused on conceptual or random genetics-related material, while the exams were all problem-solving. Not enough time given on exams. Definitely one of the hardest classes I've taken.

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MCDB101B . 2 Years Ago

In lectures she talks about random things then on the tests pulls out the hardest thing she can think of. I was not tested on how well I know the material I was tested on how quickly I can solve problems not related to the material we were taught. It is just completely unrealistic.

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