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Molecular and Cell Biology 90A, Section 1
Evolution–Creatures, Not Creation (1 unit, LG)
Professor Jeremy Thorner
Friday 12:00-1:00, 2030 Valley Life Sciences Building, CCN: 57865
The advent of molecular biology, recombinant DNA methodology, and the capacity to obtain the complete nucleotide sequence of any genome (from a bacterium to a human) has confirmed the close relationships among all organisms at the genetic and biochemical level, and has confirmed the major tenets of the theory of evolution that were based on the fossil record and other more circumstantial and empirical evidence based on field observations of populations. This course will discuss the unique physical and chemical properties of both water and carbon, and other molecules and elements on which the life forms on our planet are based; the principles of the scientific method and its application to our observations of the natural world; how the term "theory" is applied in science; and the forces that influence organismal survival, adaptation and speciation. Readings will range from Charles Darwin to Steven Jay Gould to James D. Watson. This course is designed to be taken for a letter grade. Students who elect to take this seminar should enroll under the letter grade option.
Jeremy Thorner is a Professor in the Division of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology. He joined the Berkeley faculty on 1 July 1974, and has been here on this campus ever since. His current research addresses the mechanisms by which cells respond to and decode changes in their extracellular environment and induce the appropriate changes in metabolism, growth and proliferation rate, and cell shape, that allow the cell to cope properly with the changed circumstances. For more information regarding Professor Thorner, please visit his faculty web page at http://mcb.berkeley.edu/faculty/BMB/thornerj.html.
Website: http://mcb.berkeley.edu/faculty/BMB/thornerj.html
"It is provocative and entertaining." - spring 2009 student
"This is an excellent seminar that wll inform them of current information and trends in the molecular and cell biology community." - spring 2009 student
"The opportunity to understand a concept or an idea with highly esteemed professors is something every student should take advantage of." - spring 2008 student
"I enjoyed it very much! It was intellectually engaging and utterly thought-provoking!" - student in Spring 2007 seminar
"The professor is very enthusiastic and made the hour an interesting discussion to participate in." - student in Spring 2006 seminar
"Let me just say that your class was the most thought provoking class I have ever taken, and I appreciated how you respected the diverse opinions of everybody in the class." - student in Spring 2006 seminar |
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