Course Info

Browse the Course Catalog Course Search

Course Info for FYSM - 185 - 01, Fall 2026
Class number: 3387 Title: Cells and Disease Department: First Year Sem & Colloq
Career: Undergraduate Component: Seminar Session: Regular
Instructor's Permission Required: Yes Grading Basis: Graded Units: 1.00
Enrollment limited to 16 Current enrollment: 16 Available seats: 0
Start date: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 End date: Wednesday, December 23, 2026 Mode of Instruction: In Person
Schedule: TR: 1:30PM-2:45PM, MC - 305 Instructor(s): Bennett, Heather
Prerequisite(s): Only first-year students are eligible to enroll in this class.
Distribution Requirement: Meets FirstYr Seminar Requirement
Course Description:
The cell is the fundamental unit of life, capable of carrying out the processes that sustain living systems. But what happens when these processes break down? In this seminar, we will explore the physiology of cells—with a particular focus on neurons—and examine what occurs when neurons fail to function properly. Through interdisciplinary materials, including scientific readings and film, we will investigate how neuronal dysfunction contributes to disease and consider its far-reaching impacts on human health and society. A background in science nor the intent to major in a science is not required to be successful in this course. The only requirement is an interest in learning more about the topic.