UNAS 1739 Self, Health, and Illness: Biological Perspectives
This is an Enduring Question course and is open to FRESHMEN only. You must take both SOCY1133 and UNAS1739. How does our biology and the larger society shape our understanding of ourselves, health, and illness? These paired courses address enduring questions about nature and nurture by exploring fundamental human experiences of health and illness from both biological and sociological perspectives. One aim is to examine the concept of self in relation to genomics, the microbiome, and society. Another aim is to critically appraise human difference from biological, social, and environmental perspectives. Using examples from biomedical discovery and precision healthcare, students will examine their values and discuss how we as a society can manage the ethical, legal, and societal implications of this rapidly changing healthcare landscape.
Course overview
- Department
- University
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Undergraduate
Catalog details
- Satisfies core
- Natural Science
Requirements fulfilled
- University Core: Cultural Diversity (All undergraduates)
- University Core: Natural Science (All undergraduates)
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 4.44 / 5 · Very Good
- Instructor rating
- 4.72 / 5 · Excellent
- Terms evaluated
- 1
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | Andrew A Dwyer | 4.4 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.9 | 18 of 19 |