BIO: Scientific controversy
You can choose a topic that is relevant to science and biology, you can choose any one of these topics:
(1) Important information in regard to computing and internet usage including password security, hardware usage considerations, privacy, and open source computing.
(2) Culture of science in relation to seeking answers to important questions.
(3) Potential flaws in the scientific method and it’s (positive and negative) impact on research. Lesser known methods of scientific inquiry (eg. Zetetic approach) will also be compared and contrasted to popular approaches.
(4) Philosophical underpinnings of research and science. In particular, views of Karl Popper (Falsification) will be contrasted to views by Paul Feyerabend (Against Method), Thomas Kuhn (The Structure of Scientific Revolutions), and Rupert Sheldrake (Science Set Free).
(5) The role of life in the universe. Models of the universe (eg. Big Bang model; Holographic model; Biocentrism) will be compared and contrasted in terms of how they explain the relationship of living systems to the greater universe (or multiverse).
(6) What fractal geometry reveals to us about biology and why humans have fewer genes than expected.
(7) A definition of life, an idea which is still uncertain and evolving.
(8) How biology might be more fundamental to our understanding of the universe than is
chemistry, physics or mathematics.
(9) The rapid rise of biotechnology and it’s (positive and negative) impact on culture and society.
(10) How scientific infrastructures such as professional societies, granting agencies, and research institutions impact the way that science is defined and research is done.
IF YOU CHOOSE TO NOT USE ANY OF THESE TOPICS YOU CAN choose any other topic but it should generally should cover subjects that are controversial in science or, alternatively, cover cases in recent history (since 1900) where orthodox/popular science had their models wrong. In selecting topics, it may be helpful to select an article about the topic from the popular press and work from that.
Written reports should generally consist of three divisions: (1) Introduction; (2) Results; and (3) Discussion. This format is generally followed in writing scientific manuscripts except it is more loosely organized here and it does not include a methods section. I advise not using Introduction, Results, and Discussion in these student reports because it is too formal for what we are doing here. Come up with your own creative headings.
(1) Introduction. Introduction sections are purposed towards setting up the question being addressed. There should be general statements made about what is known about the topic, its significance, and what (question) will be addressed. In these student reports, an introduction section should offer enough information to convey what is the topic, what is being addressed, and why its important. One might use this section (as well as the next one) to present orthodox (widely held; popular views) in contrast to minority opinions.
(2) Results. In research manuscripts, this is where one presents data gathered via experimentation. Here, all you need to do is cover what is being presented in the article in terms of what it is saying (why it is being written). Does the article offer new insight on popularly-held notions?
(3) Discussion. In research manuscripts, the discussion section is tasks towards evaluating results, how these results can be interpreted, and for speculating. In formal research manuscripts, speculation is restrained and personal opinion is generally avoided. However, in these student reports, I encourage students to offer candid evaluations and opinions. Is what is being presented in the article totally off the mark? Alternatively, is it something that should be looked at carefully and considered further?
