2024
Biology and Society
Name: Biology and Society
Code: BIO12341L
3 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/78 hours
Scientific Area:
Biological Sciences
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese, English
Regime de Frequência: Presencial
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
1. To know the history and development of ideas and biological thought; main scientific advances in biology, and the impact of their application in society, as well as associated issues of ethical nature.
2. To understand the main applications of biology in curative and forensic medicine, in bio-industries and other branches of biology.
3. To develop capacities in searching information based on modern technologies of communication and information.
4. Improve mastering of the English language applied to biological studies.
5. To master the use of the on-line platform Moodle, in use at UE.
Students who complete this course should: acquire an integrated perspective of Biology, and of the evolution of ideas and biological
thought through time, such as to contextualize its changes and recent advances.
2. To understand the main applications of biology in curative and forensic medicine, in bio-industries and other branches of biology.
3. To develop capacities in searching information based on modern technologies of communication and information.
4. Improve mastering of the English language applied to biological studies.
5. To master the use of the on-line platform Moodle, in use at UE.
Students who complete this course should: acquire an integrated perspective of Biology, and of the evolution of ideas and biological
thought through time, such as to contextualize its changes and recent advances.
Contents
1. History of Biology, main landmarks
2. Theories on the origin and diversity of life
3. Science and Religion
4. Biology of cancer
5. Biology of ageing
6. Stem cells and their potential therapeutic use
7. Tissue engineering
8. Bioethics: cloning
9. Impacts and use of genetically modified organisms
10. Medically assisted reproduction and genetic counselling; ethical implications.
2. Theories on the origin and diversity of life
3. Science and Religion
4. Biology of cancer
5. Biology of ageing
6. Stem cells and their potential therapeutic use
7. Tissue engineering
8. Bioethics: cloning
9. Impacts and use of genetically modified organisms
10. Medically assisted reproduction and genetic counselling; ethical implications.
Teaching Methods
Oral presentation, during the first five weeks, on the History of Biology. Establishment aind maintenace of a Moodle page, in which all materials will be placed. Reading and analysis of scientific papers. By e-mail, the lecturer stays in regular contact with the students, making himself available to answer questions and provide advice on information searches which the students may be conducting.
Evaluation consists on selection, by a group of 3-4 students, of a specific topic in Biology, and ellaboration of an essay which is to be presented orally (PowerPoint), preceded by 2 meetings with the lecturer, a first one to evaluate the students´choice of topic, and a second meeting to critically review the draft of the presentation. The evaluation parameters will be, essentialy, topic originality, correct search for information sources, technical quality of the PowerPoint presentation and clarity of the presentation.
Evaluation consists on selection, by a group of 3-4 students, of a specific topic in Biology, and ellaboration of an essay which is to be presented orally (PowerPoint), preceded by 2 meetings with the lecturer, a first one to evaluate the students´choice of topic, and a second meeting to critically review the draft of the presentation. The evaluation parameters will be, essentialy, topic originality, correct search for information sources, technical quality of the PowerPoint presentation and clarity of the presentation.
Teaching Staff
Certificações
