The Biology of Superheroes: Exploring the Limits of Form and Function

This lecture and discussion course will combine topics from graphic novels and science fiction with biological and technological research to explore bizarre phenomena in the natural world and delve into basic scientific theory and principles. The range of topics covered will include evolution, genetics, physiology, biomechanics, brain-machine interfacing and artificial intelligence among others. Lectures serve to introduce each topic, merging science fiction with contemporary issues and theories in biology, while discussions will focus in depth exploration of scientific and sociocultural concepts through the reading and literary analysis.