UNCP 4621 Scientists in Their Own Words

This Capstone course is designed for seniors majoring in one of the natural sciences and considering careers as scientists in academia (or other non-profit organizations), government, or industry (e.g., tech, biotech, pharma). The course is also suitable for those who are planning to teach science at the secondary or post-secondary levels. The course is NOT suitable for students planning careers primarily or exclusively in the health sciences. In this course, wewill reflect on what it means to be a scientist with respect to expectations for success; the impact of a scientific career on family relationships, religious practices or philosophical beliefs; and the roles (scientific and non-scientific) that scientists can play in society. We will forgo textbooks in favor of reading and discussing first-person memoirs, anecdotes, opinions, and essays written by practicing scientists and covering a range of relevant topics including (but not limited to) the creative nature of discovery; living the scientific life; religion and science; science and society; scientific education; science and the law, policy, and politics; controversies in science and the misuse of science.