A discussion of telescope types and uses will complement this section. Due to the observational nature of the subject matter, occasional evening viewing sessions are required. This semester elective explores the principles of transmission and molecular genetics. Guest speakers and field trips to biotechnology companies and university research labs provide an important link to society's involvement with genetics today. Students explore the complex ethical issues related to the Human Genome Project as well as biotechnology in general, considerable emphasis is placed on understanding human genetic disorders.
Special focus is given to the human impact on the oceans.
Field trips to the California coast, lab work and research projects are an integral part of the course. Students will learn how to make solutions, to prepare bacterial cultures, to properly dispose of chemicals, to maintain aquaria, and to calibrate instrumentation used in the science program. Students may also assist in updating the inventory of equipment and chemicals as well as the science department's various Intranet resources. This option is open only to seniors and a commitment of 90 minutes of laboratory work each week is expected. Learning how to identify a specific problem to research after an area of interest is identified is a key part of the process in this program.