Code Breaker: The Story of Nobel Laureate Jennifer Doudna
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Mark Jurman
This course will take place virtually on Zoom. Participation in this course requires a device (ideally a computer or tablet, rather than a cell phone) with a camera and microphone in good working order and basic familiarity with using Zoom and accessing email.
April 21 - May 19
In this course we will explore the life and career of Nobel Laureate Jennifer Doudna, the brilliant scientist who, along with French scientist Emanuelle Charpentier, co-discovered CRISPR gene editing technology. Utilizing Walter Isaacson’s captivating biography, The Code Breaker as a primary source, we’ll follow Doudna's journey from her early interest in science to groundbreaking research that revolutionized the field of genetics. Along the way we’ll see the challenges Doudna faced as a woman in a male-dominated field and consider the importance of diversity and inclusion in scientific research. We will also delve into the fundamental principles of gene editing, examining how CRISPR works to precisely modify DNA sequences, and discuss the myriad applications of this technology in medicine, biotechnology, and agriculture. Through class discussions, we will consider the ethical implications of this technology, including the potential for unintended consequences and the ethical dilemmas surrounding human genome editing. This course is designed for all to enjoy irrespective of prior scientific background.
Roughly the same amount of lecture and discussion.
- The Code Breaker by Walter Isaacson
- Gattaca starring Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke (DVD or streaming).
(optional) Book: A Crack In Creation: Gene Editing and the Unthinkable Power to Control Evolution by Jennifer A. Doudna and Samuel H. Sternberg.
2-4 hours/week.
Readings will be assigned to correlate with the weekly topics.
Short videos and readings from additional sources may be recommended.
There will also be a full-length ‘popular’ movie assigned prior to Session 4.
Mark Jurman is a Senior Molecular Biologist and Biotechnology Educator with over 30 years’ research experience in academic and corporate settings. He earned his Master of Education degree from Lesley University and a Graduate Certificate in Bioinformatics from Northeastern University. Mark is an engaging educator, with over 10 years’ experience teaching science to Middle School and High School students. Mark’s animated and sometimes humorous style helps him effectively convey complex scientific concepts to students and lay-adult audiences.