Last lecture/First lecture

As we end this semester I'm forced to reflect on the big ideas of this class and what I would want you to leave with as you move forward with your lives. Below are some of my thoughts:

It is important to know and to understand that you are alive. Congratulations! Take a moment and let it sink in because there is a responsibility that comes with that knowledge. You have a responsibility to care for your body, all the living cells that compose your body, and to make good decisions when interacting with other organisms that you share this planet with.
 As part of that responsibility: 

 It IS important you know that you are made of cells and to understand those cells to the best of your ability. Each one is alive and works together to make you. 

 It IS important you understand how these cells work together to make tissues, organs, and organ systems – all working simultaneously with each other to maintain homeostasis and to stay alive. When you understand the significance of every cell, tissue, and organ in your body you want to take care of them. Take care of them. Take care of yourself.  

It IS important to know what biomolecules and chemicals make up your body so that you can best nourish the cells in your body. You are what you eat. Literally. Food is about so much more than just energy. When you understand this it can radically change the way you eat and how you look at the things you put into your body.

 It IS important to understand the genetic components that determine what you are and what you’re not. Genes tell a lot of the story, but they don’t tell everything. When you understand how genetics work and the effects of mutations you can take better care of yourself and others. 

 It IS important to know your place in the tree of life. All life is related. You are all my cousins. When we truly understand this notion, it can completely change the way you look at other people and organisms. 

 It IS important you understand how to best interact with both the living and non-living components of our earth. Your actions do not just affect you and our actions as a species do not just affect us. 

 You have a responsibility to yourself, to other organisms - in and out of your species, and to the rest of the world you share to be kind, be good, be thoughtful, and to be a caretaker.

If you're reading this on the last day of class, I hope that I have impressed upon you enough the importance of these responsibilities. I hope that you can take what you have learned and use it to your benefit.

I see value in having students read these at the beginning of class as well. If you are reading this on the first day of class, use these statements as a way to better understand how I plan to focus the class. I teach with this responsibility in mind. Biology IS important because understanding biology will prepare you to accept the responsibility that comes from knowing you are alive!

And for reading this far...enjoy!