Medical schools and research programs insist that the study of the humanities is a fundamental part of ethical medical practice and laboratory research. If you are a Biological Sciences major, Humanities Core can serve as a gateway to ways of thinking, writing, and communicating that will help you succeed in your undergraduate and professional career.
As a Biological Sciences student with the majority of my classes in STEM, I believe that Humanities Core has truly been invaluable to the well-roundedness of my education. The small, individualized classroom setting and incredible caliber of the teaching staff facilitated the exploration of the theme through different lenses and perspectives, leading to enriching and multifaceted discussions. Humanities Core has also ultimately aided the development of both my professional and creative writing skills, which will undoubtedly come in handy when I apply for medical school and scholarships!
Nadine Ben Romdhane
Biological Sciences Major
This year, we’re exploring the theme of Animals, People, and Power, a topic of special interest to those working in the biological sciences. How much of what we know about the natural world actually comes from reality, and how much is a projection of human concerns onto other living things? When we represent animals in art, literature, or even scientific discourse, what kinds of boundaries between “humanity” and “animality” are drawn? And what happens when those boundaries become political?
You may be interested in tackling these questions with us, but worried about balancing Humanities Core with your other coursework. While all students are encouraged to take the 4-credit Humanities Core writing seminar alongside the 4-credit Humanities Core lecture each quarter, we also offer, in collaboration with your school, a track of our program for BioSci majors with a lighter course load in the fall quarter.
HumCore for BioSci Course Sequence
Fall: Humanities B1A (4 credits)
Winter: Humanities 1B and 1BS (8 credits)
Spring: Humanities 1C and 1CS (8 credits)
You’ll still experience our dynamic curriculum and the prestige of being part of the HumCore community, but with easier onboarding in the fall. Over the course of the year, you’ll also fulfill the General Education requirement for Lower-Division Writing (Category Ia), as well as three requirements for the Arts and Humanities (Category IV). To enroll in this new track, talk to your advisor.
I initially chose HumCore to improve my critical thinking and writing skills. I gained these skills along with a profound appreciation for its supportive faculty and worldly curriculum, which expanded my perspective on what it means to be human. The small discussion sections of HumCore fostered rich collaborative learning and friendships among different majors. HumCore has also inspired my current interdisciplinary interests, from adding a Medical Humanities minor to taking sustainability courses. I am grateful for the people of HumCore, for encouraging me to always remember the human narrative in whatever I do.
Marvin Paguio
Human Biology Major
Taking HumCore was undoubtedly the best decision of my freshman year. The course helped me gain an invaluable perspective of the world around me, with each professor, lecture and reading leaving me with something new to ponder. As a STEM major, I can testify that this course widened my horizons beyond expectations — and earned me GE credit as well!
Ashima Seth
Biological Sciences Major