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TRN135Y1: Science & Social Choice

Science does not exist within a vacuum – it is created and embedded within complex social structures and values that differ across contexts, cultures, institutions, and individuals. Now more than ever in the aftermath of COVID-19, we are becoming increasingly aware of scientific advances and how they impact greater society. It is important that we learn how to think critically about how information if communicated to us, and as scientists, how we communicate science to others. This course will explore (1) principles of bioethics, (2) prominent areas of biomedical research and their impact on society, (3) the history of pandemics and vaccines, and (4) how pharmaceutical products are translated from the lab through clinical trials to pharmacy shelves. TRN135 provides 0.5 FCE towards breadth requirement 2 (Thought, Belief, and Behaviour) and 0.5 FCE towards breadth requirement 3 (Society and Its Institutions)

Breadth Requirement: 2) Thought, Belief and Behaviour + 3) Society and Its Institutions

HOW WILL I BE EVALUATED?

TRN135 focuses on learning about how decisions can be made with an understanding of science by exploring contemporary science concerns. Assignments will often focus on exploring these principles and require students to research specific concepts. These assignments can include but are not limited to:

Writing Assignments
Oral debates
Research Presentations

Note: Assignments can vary from year to year

TRN135Y1 FAQs

How should I prepare for this course?

You do not need any pre-existing knowledge on the course material to succeed in TRN135. However, having strong foundational knowledge of high school biology will be an asset. Weekly readings for every lecture will be provided with the syllabus at the beginning of the course, which you are welcome to explore in advance.

What should I know before starting this course?

TRN135 is a seminar course that examines the diverse intersections of medical research with sociocultural factors. Every week, we will explore a unique subject area as a class, which will encompass both the underlying biology and broader social implications. Classes will include knowledge-based lecture material, in-class discussions of nuanced questions, and examination of pertinent real-world events in the news. Assignments are designed to test holistic skills such as oral communication and creative writing to help develop relevant skills for the rest of your undergraduate experience at UofT.

I don’t know anything about science research. Can I still take this course?

Absolutely – this course was designed with you in mind. Throughout TRN135, you will be introduced to diverse scientific research disciplines related to active research areas at the University of Toronto and beyond, including immunology, genetics, stem cells, and more. One of the express goals of TRN135 is to provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to find research opportunities that align with your interests, and make informed decisions about your future path through medicine and global health.

TRN135 COURSE INSTRUCTOR

Andrew Mazzanti

Email: andrew.mazzanti@mail.utoronto.ca

Bio: Andrew Mazzanti is an MD-PhD Candidate at the University of Toronto. He received a Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in Human Developmental and Regenerative Biology from Harvard College and a Master of Science at the University of Toronto Department of Immunology where he studied self-renewal in hematopoietic stem cells. He now studies the developmental impact of retroviral infections on the pre-implantation mammalian embryo in the department of Molecular Genetics.

Contact Us:

Sharon Reid
Margaret MacMillan Trinity One Program Coordinator
trinityone@utoronto.ca

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