Course

Explore the fascinating world of biology, focusing on its real-world applications and the societal, ethical, and legal implications of scientific advancements. Each week, we'll dive into topics like the biology of cancer, DNA profiling and genomics, genetic engineering and GMOs, emerging viruses, and more. All participants are encouraged to consider and discuss the broader implications of the topics under discussion. This course is designed for non-scientists. If you have a strong background in biology, you may find some of the material may be familiar, but hopefully not too much of it.

Faculty Bio

Eric J. Simon, Ph.D. has been a professor of Biology for over 25 years. An avid traveler and award-winning photographer, Eric leads educational international trips for both undergraduates and lifelong learners. Prof. Simon earned his Ph.D. at Harvard and is the author of a widely used series of college biology textbooks used by students in over 40 countries.

This is a Livestreamed + Recorded Course

• Classes will stream live on the scheduled day and time 
• Classes will also be video recorded
• You must be a current OLLI @Berkeley member to register. Learn about membership, including our fee assistance program.

Schedule Highlights

• Course starts on Monday, Sept. 15, and ends on Monday, Oct. 27
• Classes meet for 6 weeks, 2 hours per session (1:30–3:30 PM)
• There is no class on Oct. 13
• All course materials will remain available to view and enjoy in Member Dashboards through Dec. 31

 Member Praise for Eric Simon

Extremely engaging instructor who clearly loved his topic and was very knowledgeable. His enthusiasm was contagious. Very receptive to questions — would start each class by answering questions he'd received and researched.

Thoroughly engaging presentations which were organized, lively and moved at a good pace. I appreciated Professor Simon's enthusiasm, clarity and sense of humor.

Faculty Q&A

• Read an interview with Eric Simon from our archive.