LFSC 401/RELS 401 – Faith and the Life Sciences

This course provides an interdisciplinary introduction to issues that emerge from the nexus of life sciences and Religious traditions. Led by instructors and speakers from VCU Life Sciences, the Department of Human Genetics, the Massey Cancer Center, Religious Studies, the VCU Health System, and others from outside of VCU, this course provides opportunities for students and faculty to explore how faith traditions and the life sciences interact.

Students and speakers alike responded to the course with great enthusiasm. Above all else, they cited the value of learning about often emotionally laden topics (e.g., death and dying) and the value of being involved in the adventure of making discoveries and forging new ideas about issues that matter. A sense of wonder, excitement, honesty and community characterized our classroom meetings.

Needless to say, we were fortunate to have excellent students and speakers who made our class a success. Summarizing her experience, one student wrote, “You have stimulated and challenged the way I think that will positively affect me the rest of my life. My perspectives have broadened and my respect for others has grown tremendously.”

For more information about this class, view its syllabus.