Introduction to Contemporary Biology

Recommended Prerequisites

Basic knowledge in Biology (Physiology, Ecology, Cell and Molecular Biology) at a BSc level.

Teaching Methods

Master classes, discussion of articles and pieces published in the media, in both individual and group exercises. Elaboration and discussion of projects in the different topics covered in class, preparation of proposals to communicate events / results to different types of audiences and using different formats ( media, social networks, etc.). Continuous modular evaluation, with various typologies.

Learning Outcomes

Students should acquire skills in identifying and decoding relevant contemporary biological challenges that and how they can be framed from various points of view (social, ethical, legal, economic). They should be able to formulate and test hypotheses or propose activities that address different types of biological problems and acquire the tools to communicate biological issues for different types of audiences. They should be able to acknowledge how a professional in the field may participate in different types of activities, and how to help meet contemporary societal challenges.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Problems and challenges in contemporary Biology, focusing on key areas: Food, Health, Energy and Environment.

2. Asking questions and formulating testable hypotheses.

3. Types of intervention: from basic to applied research, and services to the community.

4. Relevant institutions and their characteristics (Research Centers, Clinics, Government and Private Institutions, Museums, National Parks, Businesses).

5. Legal and Ethical aspects.

6. Basic principles of science communication and dissemination.

The organization proposed is modular organization, with different modules addressing the different syllabus items.

Head Lecturer(s)

Helena Maria de Oliveira Freitas

Assessment Methods

Continuous assessment
Mini Tests: 50.0%
Resolution Problems: 50.0%

Bibliography

COMMITTEE ON A NEW BIOLOGY FOR THE 21rst CENTURY (2009) A New Biology for the 21rst Century. National Research Council; The National Academies Press.

H. KUHSE, P. SINGER (2006) Bioethics: An Anthology (2nd Ed.). Blackwell Publishing.

COONEY, R. (2004). The Precautionary Principle in Biodiversity Conservation and Natural Resource Management: An issues paper for policy-makers, researchers and practitioners. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK.

MATTHEWS J.R (2014) Successfull Scientific Writing (4th ed.). Cambridge University Press.

Outra bibliografia relevante e atual em diferentes tipos de formatos (artigos científicos, livros, relatórios)/Other relevant recent bibliography in different formats (scientific articles, books, reports).