What is Thrive?

Thrive is an evolution simulation game where players guide a microorganism through various stages of evolution, from a single cell to a complex, multicellular organism. The game emphasizes key biological principles such as natural selection, adaptation, and genetic variation, offering a captivating and educational experience that deepens understanding of life sciences and evolution.

Course Objectives:

In this course, we will:

• Survive, hypothesize, experiment, and adapt to grow our single-cell organism into a thriving species.
• Navigate the evolutionary journey from a single cell to a multicellular stage.
• Engage with weekly topics through concise micro-lectures that align with the game's progression and set the tone for each session.

About the instructor:

Course Structure:

Week 1 - Entropy: Understanding the role of disorder and how it influences biological systems.

Week 2 - ATP/ADP Cycle: Exploring the fundamental energy processes that power cellular activities.

Week 3 - Organelles: Examining the specialized structures within cells that contribute to their functions and survival.

Week 4 - Photosynthesis: Investigating the process that allows organisms to convert light energy into chemical energy.

Week 5 - Predatory Cells: Studying the behaviors and adaptations of cells that prey on others for survival.

Week 6 - Evolutionary Efficiency: Analyzing how organisms optimize their evolutionary strategies to thrive in diverse environments.