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Spring of 2008 offerings:
In 08S at 10A,
Why have sex? The evolution of sexual reproduction
is one of the great unresolved questions in modern biology. In this
course we will consider different proposed solutions to the problem of sexual
reproduction. As we consider the alternatives, we will explore how sex is
defined, the costs and benefits associated with sexual reproduction, the role
of recombination and DNA repair, and the range of evolved reproductive
strategies. Dietrich, Smith.
In 08S at 9L,
Emerging infectious diseases: how microbes rule the
world. Emerging infectious diseases, which have shaped the
course of humanity and caused untold suffering and death, will continue to
challenge society as long as humans and microbes co-exist. This course
will explore why infectious diseases emerge and re-emerge. The viruses,
bacteria and eukaryotes that cause these diseases continually evolve in
response to their hosts. Dynamic interactions between rapidly evolving
infectious agents and changes in the environment and in host behavior provide
such agents with favorable new ecological niches. In addition, dramatic
increases in the worldwide movement of people and goods drive the globalization
of disease. Guerinot.
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