From reading the headlines in newspapers and magazines one gets the impression that human society is on the verge of a wondrous transformation to be brought about by the application of new biological knowledge. Can science really provide us with a future that is free of disease and social problems? Is biology the important underlying dictator of who we are and how we live our lives? Or are we more than the sum of our biological parts? In lectures, we'll examine recent scientific advances and/or setbacks in understanding and manipulating human reproduction, development, inheritance, and health. In particular, research in the areas of the Human Genome Project, gene therapy, cloning, cancer, and AIDS will be explored. In addition, in discussion sections we will address the implications of this current research for individuals and for society as a whole. Lectures: three hours a week; discussion: one meeting approximately every other week. Evaluation will be based on hour exams, a final exam, a laboratory exercise, and participation on a discussion panel. No prerequisites. Closed to Biology and Chemistry majors; does not satisfy premedical program course requirements in biology; does not count for Biology major credit.