The Berkeley Seminar Program has been designed to provide new students with the opportunity to explore an intellectual topic with a faculty member in a small-seminar setting. Berkeley Seminars are offered in all campus departments, and topics vary from department to department and semester to semester. Final assessment to be decided by the instructor when the class is offered.

Unlike progress in cancer and heart disease, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and ALS are on the rise with no effective treatments available in the near future. We will review what is known about these diseases including genetic and possible environmental influences and discuss the tremendous impact these diseases have on the patient, the family and society in general. Class discussions will include social implications, the cost of care and burden to society and the prospects for effective treatments in the years ahead. Students with an interest in medical research and the societal implications of long term illnesses and the rising cost of medical care are welcome to join. Some background in high school biology and chemistry is suggested but not required.

The seminar will meet on the following dates only: Jan. 16, 23, Feb. 6, 13, March 12, 19, Apr. 16, 23.

Requisites

• Open to freshmen only.

Repeat Rules