More planning!
Registration for next semester will start 16 April - i.e. in less than 2 weeks. Currently this is my chosen course list:1. 020.686 Advanced Cell Biology
(All aspects of cell biology are reviewed and updated in this intensive course through critical evaluation and discussion of the current scientific literature. Topics include protein trafficking, membrane dynamics, cytoskeleton, signal transduction, cell cycle control, extracellular matrix, and the integration of these processes in cells of the immune system.)
2. 020.340 Genetics Laboratory
(This laboratory explores the genetics of living organisms, and students in each section will therefore be required to return to lab on succeeding days to observe and record the results of their experiments.)
3. 140.105 History of Medicine: Antiquity to Scientific Revolution
(Course provides an overview of the development of Western medical traditions from Antiquity to the early modern period, with particular attention to the social and cultural factors that affected medical ideas and practices.)
4. 140.349 The Laboratory
(You probably spend lots of time in one. Find out where it came from, how it works, and what makes it a distinctive place for research and teaching. Special attention to the history of the laboratory at Johns Hopkins, including medical laboratories.)
5. 210.161 German Elements I
(Four skills introduction to the German language and culture. Develops proficiency in speaking, writing, reading and listening skills through the use of basic texts, multi-media and communicative language activities.)
6. There is some dilemma in choosing between these 2 other classes:
6a. 150.219 Bioethics
(Introduction to a wide range of moral issues arising in the biomedical fields, e.g., physician-assisted suicide, human cloning, abortion, surrogacy, and human subjects research.)
6b. 150.235 Philosophy of Religion
(Can one prove or disprove the existence of God? What is the relation between reason and faith? Are science and religion at odds with one another? We will consider historically significant discussions of these questions (for example, by Plato, Anselm, Aquinas, Pascal, Hume, and Kierkegaard) as well as important contemporary writings (for example, by Adams, Boyer, Plantinga, and Van Inwagen). Gilman Course in the Humanities)
Although I will only have 5 classes and a lab it'll still be pretty intense. The problem with the last class is that I am afraid that 150.235 will have too much reading - I will already have a lot of reading from the 3 classes other than German I - and my problem with Bioethics is that I am afraid that I won't get too much out of it (it's a huge class, tonnes of people - whether they are interested or not - will take it because the class will make their CVs/transcripts look more appealing to the medical school admission boards, and thus it has the propensity to become too GP-ish).
150.235 seems very interesting. It seems to be able to wrap up completely what I have been learning - I had a brief survey of the issue by Prof. Principe in Scientific Revolution, my background is in science and its history, and I am also doing bible study now... Also, it will equip me with the ammunition to throw at GCS when he starts his discussion about belief with me again (Plato is an effective cannonball when used as ammo because his stuff is so varied and so chim that it's hard to counter - Aquinas maybe not. I'll find out) :D
Help me decide if possible! Hahaha thanks :D
Labels: Studies and Career
