Latimer 122
Tuesday 2-3 PM

About the Course
Course Content:
This course will explore natural toxins and compounds in human physiology, culture, and history. This course will begin with the most commonly known natural toxins such as caffeine and will continue to explore the historical usage of other natural products prior to the expansion of Western medicine (i.e. modern medicine) by investigating the intersubjective perspective of nature and its medical power. After establishing the historical background of traditional medicine, we will further diverge into the topic of modern medicine, analyzing the bio-applications and evolution of natural toxins—bioweapon and therapeutic usage. Additionally, we will discuss the environmental consequences of drug mass production and environmental policies.

Course Requirements:
This course does not have a prerequisite, and non-STEM majors are welcomed. It is an in-person class that is graded based on participation, a short reflection per module, and a final project.

Final Project:
The final project is group research on one toxin that you have found interesting. You will present your research on Google Slides for five minutes on the last week of the course.

Attendance:
Students are allowed two excused absences and must fill out the absence form within a week of the absence. As an alternative to course participation, students must complete a worksheet by themselves.

The enrollment is first come, first served bases: https://forms.gle/sTgcjf6A6RaEfA4S7 Update [2023/01/26]: The class is full, but you may sign up for the waitlist. Update [2023/01/29]: More enrollment seats have been opened. Update [2023/01/29]: All new enrollment seats are taken. The class is currently full.