Integrative Biology 24, Section 3
The Darwinian Revolution (LG)
Professor Brent Mishler
Thursday 10:00-11:00, 4110 Valley Life Sciences
Building, CCN: 43009The Darwinian Revolution was one of the greatest upheavals in human thought, involving the very basis of our self-awareness: Where did we come from? What is or should be the basis for our ethics and social behavior? Where are we going? Topics to be considered include historical antecedents of Darwin's theories; the scientific evidence for evolution and natural selection; the impact of Darwinism on religion, social theory, and ethics; later scientific developments and recent challenges by latter-day creationists. The goal is to use these interdisciplinary topics as an exemplar of scientific methods and change, and of the unsteady relationship between science and the public. In addition to attending and participating in each week's lecture/discussion, students will be required to write a short paper, five pages maximum, due at the end of the semester.
Brent Mishler is a Professor in the Department of Integrative Biology and Director of the University and Jepson Herbaria. His research interests are in the systematics and evolution of plants, especially mosses. His lab applies methods ranging from microscopy and computer-assisted morphometrics, through tissue culture and DNA sequencing. He is also interested in the theory of systematic biology, as well as the philosophy and history of science.
