Why do we eat genetically modified organisms? How will climate change affect biodiversity in the future? Why do humans have sex? In this six-week lecture series, you will learn how scientific theory translates into practice by examining how researchers are answering important questions in the life sciences. This course is for anyone interested in science, especially biology and ecology.

By the end of this course, participants will have increased their understanding of the basic scientific principles behind cutting-edge biological research, learnt about how some of the most interesting questions in biology and ecology are being tackled in the laboratory and field and evaluated how scientific research is communicated by different types of media.

Session 1: Evolution of sexual reproduction

Why do so many species have more than one sex? How have methods of reproduction changed over evolutionary time?

Session 2: Synthetic biology in agriculture and medicine

What are genetically modified organisms and how are they used to benefit humans? Can biotechnology help us feed a growing population?

Session 3: Parasites and microbiology

How do very small organisms shape the environment? Are humans and other macro-organisms controlled by microbes?

Session 4: Speciation and diversity

How many species are there on Earth? How do organisms survive in inhospitable environments? Is there life on other planets?

Session 5: Global biodiversity under climate change

What evolutionary and ecological mechanisms determine where species can survive and thrive? How can we use species’ traits to predict the effects of climate change on populations?

Session 6: Life in the Anthropocene

How have humans modified their environment? How will changes to our environment affect how we live? What will biology and ecology look like in the future?

Venue: Victoria University, Pipitea Campus, Bunny Street, Wellington

Cost: Full price $180. Early bird price $162.

For more information, visit: http://cce.victoria.ac.nz/courses/363-hot-topics-in-biology