The free online course Biology for Voters will grab your attention, even if you have never been interested in biology or politics before. The authors of the course, successful scientists and obviously talented teachers, say the course is unlike any other they’ve ever done, and it is surely unlike any other you’ve ever taken.
Why is the course Biology for Voters important?
Surprising as it might sound, biology and politics are connected. Your vote on a legislation influences science legislation, limits and funding. It’s important to learn the fundamentals of modern biology to make more informed voting decisions, as the choices you make change the future of the science.
The course examines controversial issues in biology in order to explain to you the science behind these issues. It will demonstrate to you experiments and evidence that support scientific opinions on various problems.
What will the course be about?
The course will focus on a range of captivating topics, for example:
- genetically modified food and genetically modified crops
- genetically modified organisms
- evolution vs creationism
- reactions to pandemic disease
- the risks and benefits of vaccination
- obesity and health care costs
- how extinctions impact the planet
- space exploration and the search for extraterrestrial life
- cancer research funding
- aging
- sexual behavior
Your teachers will reveal some important truths about modern life, for example, that GMOs are probably the safest food to eat, or that bacteria today are stronger than they used to be due to evolution. Teachers will also discuss the issue of cloning.
The course promises to be fascinating, and you can see it for yourself. Here’s the introduction video that shows how creative your teachers are, and how much fun the course is going to be:
What will this course on biology require?
The course will require background knowledge at the level of a high school biology course. All new terms will be explained to you.
The course will last fourteen weeks and will take approximately five to seven hours of your time per week.
Will there be any certificates at the end of the course?
As there are two possible ways to follow the course, it will depend on your choice which certificate you will receive. You can audit the course, get full access to materials and forums and, in case of satisfactory work, receive a personalized Honor Code Certificate at the end of the course.
If you plan to use the coursework for job applications or career advancement, you can work towards a Verified Certificate of Achievement to document your accomplishment. In this case a minimum fee applies.
How do I enroll in the course Biology for Voters?
To enroll in the course, simply go to the course page and register there.