FSEM 127   It's a Dog's Life

Faculty Profile for Professor Jimenez

Dogs are a fascinating study organism. From their very beginnings their evolutionary history contains unpredicted effects across all levels of biological organization. From the social construct of being a wild animal (wolf), to becoming dependent on man (domestication), and colonizing our homes and our beds (inter-species bonding). The history of this single species provides a rich learning opportunity to introductory biology students. Course readings and discussions include an exploration of most branches of biology, in an inter-disciplinary manner: evolution, ecology, genetics, physiology, and behavior, with the constant of exploring how dogs are unique to each of those branches in biology. Emphasis is on the interaction between wild animals and early humans, and tracks that interaction through time as the domestication of the dog has progressed. Further exploration includes physiological aspects of canine biology that are beneficial for humans, for example, cancer research. Students are challenged to formulate questions about science and how science relates to the inter-species relationship we have created with “man’s best friend” Students who successfully complete this seminar will receive course credit for CORE 188S and fulfill the Scientific Perspective core requirement.

Professor Ana Jimenez is an animal physiologist interested in why small dog breeds live significantly longer than large breeds.