Current UCSB College of Creative Studies Courses
Ethical Issues in Science Today (CS Gen Studies 120 Winter quarter)
Co-taught with Dr. Leroy Laverman (laverman@chem.ucsb.edu)
This course explores the role of ethics in the biological and physical sciences, emphasizing current topics and case studies. We examine topics including fraud (intentional and unintentional), intellectual property, plagiarism, objectivity in science, medical ethics, and conflicts of interest. Panel discussions with researchers at the graduate, principal investigator, and administrative levels take place several times throughout the quarter. Students write evaluations on selected case studies. Cases of intentionally misrepresented and faked data are present in published scientific literature. It is immediately clear that faking data is unethical but what are the responsibilities of coauthors of research articles? What are the current ethical issues related to stem-cell research? This course is open to all majors.
Conservation Ecology in Action (CS Biol 101 Fall quarter)
In this seminar-style course we discuss the importance of combined efforts in ecological research, public policy, and citizen participation in realizing the goal of maintaining biodiversity, and conserving native habitats. Students learn about basic issues in conservation biology, including biodiversity, habitat preservation and restoration, and rare species management. We read and discuss, Win-Win Ecology, which describes reconciliation ecology: "the revolutionary common ground between development and conservation, creating and maintaining species-friendly habitats in the places where people live, work, or play." Finally, we learn about the multi-faceted nature of conservation efforts, by examining current case studies in Santa Barbara County and the roles played by scientists, government agencies, landowners, and citizen groups. We host 2-4 guest speakers from a variety of backgrounds to talk about their involvement in local conservation issues. Past speakers have included biologists, a reserve manager, a landscape painter, county planners, and an environmental economist. Students taking the course for credit are responsible for researching and presenting information on a local conservation issue of their choice.
Conducting Experiments in Ecology (CS Biol 101 Winter and Spring quarters)
In this course we visit both terrestrial and aquatic habitats, including chaparral, oak woodland, dunes, salt marsh, and intertidal, to make observations, and conduct experiments. Students learn how to design and carry-out studies in field ecology, by learning how to identify patterns in nature, how to ask questions and develop hypotheses, how to collect and analyze data, and how to use library resources. The goal of the course is to train students to design their own research projects to be conducted in Spring quarter.
Although it may be taken on its own for credit, this course is intended to be taken for two quarters (Winter–Spring). The first/Winter quarter focuses on introduction to experiments, as described above; during the second/Spring quarter, students carry out individual research projects designed at the end of winter quarter with supervision of the instructor. Final written reports, PowerPoint presentations, or research posters are required for all students taking the course for credit.
Walking Biology (CS Biol 101 Spring quarter)
This field course is designed to introduce non-biologists (and biology freshmen) to the "wild" natural habitats around us. We visit a diverse range of habitats in Santa Barbara, including oak woodlands, chaparral, coastal dune, salt marsh, and rocky intertidal. In each of these natural communities we observe patterns, learn about its natural history and discuss ecological and evolutionary questions. Advanced biology students interested in general field experience are also welcome. There are several reading and writing assignments.
Those who dwell, as scientists or laymen, among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life.... Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.
Rachel Carson, The Sense of Wonder (1965)
Biology Colloquium (CS Biol 10 Fall quarter)
Co-taught with Dr. Bruce Tiffney (Bruce.Tiffney@ccs.ucsb.edu)
This course is designed and required for new Creative Studies Biology majors. It provides a roadmap to enter the world of research and point the way to becoming a junior colleague rather than an undergraduate student. We discuss styles of research, creativity, philosophy of science, and faculty-student relationships. We also introduce you to the tools necessary to read research papers, to seek preexisting information in the library and on the web, to generate and develop your own ideas and papers and discuss how basic research leads to application.
