Biology (BIOL)
Chair: Professor Stephan G. Zweifel
Professors: Mark McKone, Susan R. Singer, John L. Tymoczko, Gary E. Wagenbach, Stephan G. Zweifel
Visiting Professor: Robert L. Rosenberg
Associate Professors: Philip Camill III, Fernãn Jaramillo, Matthew S. Rand, Debby Rae Walser-Kuntz
Visiting Instructors: Andrew C. McCall, Catherine A. Reinke, Myrna Saouda Rezcallah
Senior Lecturer: David J. Hougen-Eitzman
Lecturer: Sarah Deel
Potential biology majors should select a sequence of courses that will acquaint them with the variety of organisms, and their molecular and cellular structure, physiology, heredity, development, evolution, and ecological interactions. Biologists pursue courses in teaching at the college or high school level, biological research, study in the medical sciences, work in environmental sciences, or work in numerous commercial and industrial areas. This program of study will also serve students interested in biology for purposes of general education.
Requirements for a Major:
Nine courses are required within the department.
1. Biology 125 and 126 (majors are required to complete both introductory courses, with a grade of "C-" or better before taking any other courses in the department)
2. One course from each of the following groups including their laboratories where listed separately:
a. Molecular and Cell Biology 240/241, 278, 280/281, 310/311, 340, 380/381, 382/383, 384)
b. Organismic Biology (Biology 234/235, 236, 238/239, 245, 270/271, 342, 344/345, 359/360, 386/387)
c. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (Biology 221/222, 283, 348/349, 350, 352/353, 361/362)
3. Three electives, which may include a six-credit independent study, a junior/senior seminar, or any of the courses listed above
4. One course must emphasize data interpretation and analysis of the primary literature. Courses that fulfill this include Biology 247, 254, 340, 344, 348/349, 361/362, 382/383, 384, 385 and all junior/senior seminars (Courses numbered from Biology 365 through 379.)
5. Integrative Exercise (Biology 400 two terms).
Laboratory work is an integral part of most biology courses. In courses in which registration for the laboratory is separable from the lecture portion of the course, all biology majors are required to register concurrently for laboratory and lecture in order for these courses to count toward requirements for the major. No course taken at another school may be used to meet the requirements for the major without prior approval of the Biology faculty.
Because of the close interrelationship of Biology to other sciences, supporting work in other areas is necessary. The minimum requirement includes 1) Physics 112; or Physics 113 and 115; or Physics 114 and 115; or Physics 126; or Mathematics 215; and 2) Chemistry 123 or 128; and 3) Chemistry 230 or 233. The need for additional courses in allied sciences and mathematics will vary with the professional plans of the student.
The Introductory Sequence:
The introductory Biology sequence consists of two courses, Biology 125 and 126. Generally these are required before any further upper-level course work in Biology. The two courses can be taken in either order. There are several versions of Biology 125 from which to choose, and students are urged to make a thoughtful choice of the proper offering for their background.
In the fall term, a section of Biology 125 is offered "with problem solving." There will be additional class meetings on Tuesdays and Thursdays for problem solving and review. This offering is appropriate for students who 1) have not taken AP, IB, or Honors Biology, 2) do not feel confident in their high school preparation for college biology, or 3) do not have a strong chemistry background from either high school or college. Students who take Biology 125 in the fall could then go on to take Biology 126 in either the winter or spring terms.
A second fall term section of Biology 125 will be offered only for first-year students who are enrolled in the Dyad program (see Cognitive Studies; requires concurrent enrollment in Philosophy 110). This Dyad offering of Biology 125 is intended for students who meet the criteria for winter term Biology 125 (see below).
The winter term offering of Biology 125 is designed for students who 1) earned a score of 3 or higher in AP Biology, 2) earned a score of 5 or higher in IB Biology, or 3) earned a grade of B or higher in Honors or Advanced Biology in high school. In addition, these students are expected to have mastered basic concepts of chemistry in either a high school or college chemistry course. These same criteria would apply to any students who would like to take Biology 126 before taking Biology 125.
Biology Courses
BIOL 111. Biology of Disease An introduction to biology focused on selected examples of infectious diseases. Disease agents to consider include malaria, HIV and other viruses, Lyme disease and other bacteria, tapeworms, thread worms, and other selected parasites. Fundamental biological concepts and links to human affairs are explored. The latter is accomplished through readings, lectures, discussion, and a project. Some laboratory work accompanies the course. This course will not count toward the major in biology or fulfill any prerequisite for other courses in the department. 6 cr., MS, Not offered in 2005-2006.
BIOL 112. Conservation The current global rate of extinction of species is probably unprecedented in the history of the world, and the rate will increase dramatically in the coming decades. Conservation biology is a new synthetic discipline that emerged in the early 1980s to simultaneously address the scientific and social dimension of biodiversity conservation. The course presents an overview of the founding principles of conservation biology by examining the historic and present-day causes of species extinction, the biological bases central to species conservation, and the social dimension of conservation for sustainable management of biological diversity. 6 credits cr., MS, Fall—T. Nega
BIOL 125. Genes, Evolution, and Development Emphasizes the role of genetic information in biological systems. Under this theme, we cover subjects from the molecular to the population levels of organization. Topics include the nature of inheritance and life cycles, structure/function of DNA, gene expression and regulation, the changing genetic makeup of species as they evolve, and the development of individual organisms from zygotes.
The introductory Biology sequence consists of two courses, Biology 125 and 126. Generally these are required before any further upper-level course work in Biology. The two courses can be taken in either order. There are several versions of Biology 125 from which to choose, and students are urged to make a thoughtful choice of the proper offering for their background.
In the fall term, a section of Biology 125 is offered "with problem solving." There will be additional class meetings on Tuesdays and Thursdays for problem solving and review. This offering is appropriate for students who 1) have not taken AP, IB, or Honors Biology, 2) do not feel confident in their high school preparation for college biology, or 3) do not have a strong chemistry background from either high school or college. Students who take Biology 125 in the fall could then go on to take Biology 126 in either the winter or spring terms.
A second fall term section of Biology 125 will be offered only for first-year students who are enrolled in the Dyad program (see Cognitive Studies; requires concurrent enrollment in Philosophy 110). This Dyad offering of Biology 125 is intended for students who meet the criteria for winter term Biology 125 (see below).
The winter term offering of Biology 125 is designed for students who 1) earned a score of 3 or higher in AP Biology, 2) earned a score of 5 or higher in IB Biology, or 3) earned a grade of B or higher in Honors or Advanced Biology in high school. In addition, these students are expected to have mastered basic concepts of chemistry in either a high school or college chemistry course. These same criteria would apply to any students who would like to take Biology 126 before taking Biology 125. 6 cr., MS, Fall,Winter—S. Singer, D. Walser-Kuntz, M. McKone, S. Zweifel
BIOL 126. Energy Flow in Biological Systems Follows the pathways through which energy and matter are acquired, stored, and utilized within cells, organisms, and ecosystems. The focus moves among the different levels of organization from protein function to nutrient movement through ecosystems. 6 cr., MS, Winter,Spring—J. Tymoczko, M. Rezcallah, R. Rosenberg
BIOL 160. Agroecology Agriculture comprises the greatest single type of land use on the planet - as such, what happens on farms will have far- reaching effects on all other systems on the biosphere. With world human population growing exponentially, the search for sustainable agricultural systems is more important than ever. This course focuses on the biological properties of agricultural ecosystems, with an eye towards which are most sustainable. Topics include organic farming, biotechnology, and effects of pesticide use. Does not count toward the Biology major. 6 cr., MS, Offered in alternate years. Fall—D. Hougen-Eitzman
BIOL 190. Global Change Biology Environmental problems are caused by a complex mix of physical, biological, social, economic, political, and technological factors. We use scientific data analyses and humanistic perspectives for understanding the causes of global change, how it affects the biosphere, including humanity, and strategies for solving environmental problems. Topics include natural climatic and ecological systems, evolution and species' capacity for change, human population growth and resource consumption, land-use change and sprawl, climate warming, pollution (air, land, and water), extinction and biodiversity loss, invasive species, tropical deforestation, and environmental protection. Does not count toward the Biology major. 6 cr., MS, Spring—P. Camill
BIOL 221. Ecosystem Ecology This course examines major ecosystems on Earth, including terrestrial, wetland, lake, river, estuarine, and marine systems. Topics include the two major themes of energy flow and production and decomposition, microbial ecology and nutrient transformations, element cycles, ecosystems as a component of the Earth System, and global change. Current applied issues are emphasized as case studies, including clear cutting, rising atmospheric CO2, eutrophication of aquatic systems, acid rain, wetland delineation, and biodiversity effects on ecosystems. Prerequisites: Biology 123 and 124 or Biology 125 and 126, or Geology 110, or Chemistry 123 or 128. Concurrent registration in Biology 222 is required. 6 cr., MS, Fall—P. Camill
BIOL 222. Ecosystem Ecology Laboratory 2 cr., ND, Fall—P. Camill
BIOL 234. Microbiology A study of the metabolism, genetics, structure and function of microorganisms. While presented in the framework of the concepts of cellular and molecular biology, the emphasis will be on the uniqueness and diversity of the microbial world. Prerequisites: Biology 123 and 124 or Biology 125 and 126. 6 cr., MS, Offered in alternate years. Spring—M. Rezcallah
BIOL 235. Microbiology Laboratory 2 credits cr., ND, Spring—M. Rezcallah
BIOL 236. Plant Biology An exploration of structure-function relationships in plants. This course is framed in the context of advances in evolution and genomics, which offer insight into physiological, developmental, morphological, and anatomical adaptations to diverse environments. The biology behind current issues, including genetically modified organisms, will be investigated. Emphasis is placed on experimental approaches to the studies of plants. Prerequisites: Biology 123 and 124 or Biology 125 and 126. 6 cr., MS, Not offered in 2005-2006.
BIOL 238. Entomology Insects are one of the most successful groups of organisms on the planet, playing major roles in all terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. In addition, since insects are ubiquitous they affect human endeavors on many fronts, both positively (e.g., crop pollination) and negatively (damage to crops and transmitting disease). This class will focus on the biology of insects, including physiology, behavior, and ecology. Many examples will highlight current environmental issues. Prerequisites: Biology 123 and 124 or Biology 125 and 126. Concurrent registration in Biology 239 required. 6 cr., MS, Offered in alternate years. Not offered in 2005-2006.
BIOL 239. Entomology Laboratory Field and laboratory investigation of living insects. Synoptic examination of the major orders of insects, including evolution of different groups, physiology, structure, and identification. Field labs will focus on insect ecology and collection techniques for making a comprehensive insect collection. 2 cr., ND, Offered in alternate years. Not offered in 2005-2006.
BIOL 240. Genetics A study of the transmission of genetic information between generations of organisms, and of the mechanism of expression of information within an individual organism. The main emphasis will be on the physical and chemical basis of heredity; mutational, transmissional and functional analysis of the genetic material, and gene expression. Prerequisites: Biology 123 and 124 or Biology 125 and 126 or permission of the instructor. 6 credits cr., MS, Spring—S. Zweifel
BIOL 241. Genetics Laboratory 2 cr., ND, Spring—S. Zweifel
BIOL 245. Animal Behavior We will study the control, development, and evolution of basic patterns of animal behavior, as observed in individuals and social groups from a variety of phyla. We will also explore the history of how animal behavior has been studied and survey new developments in both methods and analysis of studying behavior. Prerequisites: Biology 123 and 124 or Biology 125 and 126. 6 cr., MS, Fall—A. McCall
BIOL 247. Conservation Biogeography Biodiversity conservation issues involve complex interactions across space and are best addressed by integrating biology and geography. This course will first introduce the spatial challenges of biodiversity conservation, including habitat fragmentation, edge effects, and reserve design. The second part of the course will focus on how to model the world in a way spatial query and analysis can be carried out to resolve conservation problems. Geographic Information System (GIS) software will be used for students to apply concepts learned to specific conservation problems. Finally, this course will explore a variety of conservation biogeography resources available on the Web. Prerequisites: Biology 125 and 126. 6 cr., MS, Fall—T. Nega
BIOL 254. Topics in Ecology of Roads Roads are pervasive aspect of modern life. Without them much of life as we know it would end. Yet, this benefit comes at a tremendous cost. The ecological "footprint" of the road network extends far beyond the edge of the pavement, directly affecting the life-world of other species, the structure and function of ecosystems, the flow and quality of water, and the climate of Earth. The aim of this seminar is to explore the ecological significance of the road network, the range of theoretical and practical tools available to study them, and the link between the road network and sustainability. Prerequisites: Biology 125 and 126. 6 cr., MS, Winter—T. Nega
BIOL 258. Ecosystem Management In recent years, promoting ecosystem based approaches to resource management have become a central concern for policy makers, scientists, governmental and nongovernmental organizations. This course provides an advanced introduction to ecosystem management. It will focus on principles, tools, and techniques of ecosystem management, discusses examples of its implementation, and provides hands on approach for understanding how computers are used to integrate the social, economic, and ecological aspects of ecosystem management. Prerequisites: one introductory science course. Does not count toward Biology major. 6 cr., MS, Not offered in 2005-2006.
BIOL 260. Visiting Speakers Seminar Meets up to once per week for all three terms. Research presentations by distinguished visiting scholars in various areas of biology. Credit awarded during spring term after attendance of two-thirds of all the presentations. Not open to senior majors. 1 credit for all three terms cr., S/CR/NC, ND, Fall,Winter,Spring—Staff
BIOL 270. Animal Physiology An analysis of the mechanisms underlying physiological systems of animals employing principles of biology and chemistry. Topics include gas exchange, energy use, temperature regulation, ion and osmoregulation, reproduction, information processing and control of effectors. Associated laboratory will emphasize experimentation and application of concepts in living organisms, including ourselves. Prerequisites: Biology 123 and 124 or Biology 125 and 126. 6 cr., MS, Winter—R. Rosenberg
BIOL 271. Animal Physiology Laboratory 2 cr., ND, Winter—R. Rosenberg
BIOL 275. Science and Society Science today is hardwired into virtually every aspect of our lives and the world we inhabit so much so that there is no 'space' outside science. Our societies can equally well die of the production of science (e.g., global warming, species extinction) or safeguard itself from them. In such a context, how we understand science and with what tools is a key question. The aim of this course is to explore major approaches for understanding and explaining scientific knowledge and the implications of these approaches for understanding the place and importance of science in an age of global environmentalism. 6 cr., MS, Winter—T. Nega
BIOL 278. Introduction to Biochemistry This course presents an overview of the biochemical aspects of energy and information metabolism. This course is intended to provide students with the fundamental biochemical knowledge to support their further studies in biology. Questions such as the following are addressed: What defines a good fuel? How are metabolic pathways constructed and made to occur at rates sufficient to support life? Interwoven throughout the discussion of energy will be consideration of information processing. How do molecules recognize one another? How is the complex metabolic web of the cell regulated? How does this regulation change in response to signals such as hormones or environmental conditions, and to conditions such as exercise, starvation, alcohol consumption or disease states? This course does not fulfill requirements for the Biochemistry concentration. Prerequisites: Biology 125 and 126, Chemistry 123 or 128. 6 cr., MS, Spring—J. Tymoczko
BIOL 280. Cell Biology An examination of the structures and processes that underlie the life of cells, both prokaryotic and eukaryotic. Topics to be covered include energy capture, storage, and utilization; cellular reproduction; organelles, membranes, and other cellular components; and cell-cell communication. Prerequisites: Biology 123 and 124 or Biology 125 and 126. 6 cr., MS, Winter—C. Reinke
BIOL 281. Cell Biology Laboratory The focus of the laboratory will be on current techniques used to study cellular structure and function. Concurrent registration in Biology 280 required. 2 cr., ND, Winter—C. Reinke
BIOL 283. Biogeoscience Program in Australia: Coastal Studies in Biogeoscience Cross-listed with GEOL 283.
This course is an introduction to the ecology and geology of temperate and tropical coastal environments. Sites will be examined across freshwater river, estuary, and coastal marine systems to learn the flora, fauna, sedimentology and geomorphology. A comparative, field-based approach will emphasize integration of ecological and geological processes and the spatial and temporal scales at which these processes operate. Prerequisites: One introductory science course (Biology 125 or 126, or Geology 110 or 120, or Chemistry 123 or 128) and open-water SCUBA certification. 6 cr., MS, Winter—P. Camill, C. Cowan
BIOL 284. Biogeoscience Program in Australia: Natural and Anthropogenic Disturbances of Australian Coastal Env Cross-listed with GEOL 284.
We will examine the biological and geological evidence for disturbances over a variety of spatial and time-scales that affect coastal ecosystems. These will include the effects of tropical storms (cyclones), river-input into the marine setting, coastal agri- and aquaculture development, oceanic pollutants, and local urban development. We will also provide a time-stratigraphic component to our studies through use of outcrops of sedimentary rock, and by taking modern sediment cores and other proxy records of disturbances and change (e.g., coral growth bands, tree ring dendochronology). Prerequisites: One introductory science course (Biology 125 or 126, or Geology 110 or 120, or Chemisty 123 or 128) and open-water SCUBA certification. Does not count toward the Biology major. 6 cr., MS, Winter—P. Camill, C. Cowan
BIOL 290. Biogeoscience Program in Australia: Directed Readings in Coastal Studies Cross-listed with GEOL 290.
Participants will read selected works to provide background information to guide the research questions addressed at the temperate and tropical coastal sites. Prerequisites: One introductory science course (Biology 125 or 126, or Geology 110 or 120, or Chemistry 123 or 128) and open-water SCUBA certification. 4 cr., S/CR/NC, MS, Winter—P. Camill, C. Cowan
BIOL 310. Immunology This course will examine the role of the immune system in defense, allergic reactions, and autoimmunity. Topics to be covered include the structure and function of antibodies, cytokines, the role of the major histocompatibility complex in antigen presentation, cellular immunity, immunodeficiencies, and current techniques used to study immune responses. Prerequisites: Biology 123 and 124 or Biology 125 and 126. Biology 280 is recommended. 6 cr., MS, Winter—D. Walser-Kuntz
BIOL 311. Immunology Laboratory 2 cr., ND, Not offered in 2005-2006.
BIOL 320. Bioinformatics An overview of the theory and techniques that apply information technology and computer science to the assessment of biological questions. The course will address methods in genomic sequence analyses and protein structure prediction using a problem-based approach. Issues related to the integration, interpretation, and implications of "omics" data will be discussed from an interdisciplinary perspective. Prerequisites: Biology 123 and 124 or Biology 125 and 126. Recommended courses: Chemistry 123 or 128, Math 121 or 215. 6 cr., MS, Not offered in 2005-2006.
BIOL 340. Developmental Genetics An investigation of the genetic regulation of animal development. The applications of genetics and molecular biology utilized to study development will be examined in various model systems. This is an analytical course focusing on the experimental basis behind current developmental concepts. Prerequisites: Biology 123 and 124 or Biology 125 and 126. 6 credits cr., MS, Not offered in 2005-2006.
BIOL 342. Animal Developmental Biology An analysis of animal development from fertilization to the establishment of the adult body form. Lectures and discussions will examine the key processes of animal embryogenesis, as well as the molecular and cellular mechanisms that control these developmental processes. Prerequisites: Biology 123 and 124 or Biology 125 and 126. 6 cr., MS, Fall—C. Reinke
BIOL 344. Plant Development A study of the development of vascular plants. Topics including embryogenesis, meristem function, leaf morphogenesis, and reproduction will be investigated through the analysis of primary literature. Emphasis will be placed on the experimental basis for current concepts in plant development ranging from molecular mechanisms to evolution of developmental pathways. Prerequisites: Biology 123 and 124 or Biology 125 and 126. 6 cr., MS, Winter—S. Singer
BIOL 345. Plant Development Laboratory Laboratories will introduce students to techniques used to investigate plant development including plant tissue culture, transgenic plant construction, plant genetics, image analysis, and use of the scanning electron microscope. Concurrent registration required in Biology 344. 2 cr., ND, Not offered in 2005-2006.
BIOL 348. Paleoecology In this seminar, students examine current primary literature in paleoclimatology and paleoecology to understand climate and biosphere changes over Earth's history, with emphasis on the last 18,000 years. Topics include glacial cycles, ocean circulation, vegetation migration, tree ring analysis, paleoclimatic proxies, and the methodology of conducting paleoecological studies. In-class research includes coring a lake and analyzing fossil pollen and charcoal, and reconstructing aridity and precipitation using tree rings. Prerequisites: Biology 123 and 124 or Biology 125 and 126 or Geology 110. Recommended courses: exposure to some community and ecosystem ecology, sedimentary geology, tectonics, or geochemistry. 6 cr., MS, Not offered in 2005-2006.
BIOL 349. Paleoecology Laboratory 2 cr., ND, Not offered in 2005-2006.
BIOL 350. Evolution Principles and history of evolutionary change in wild populations, with consideration of both microevolutionary and macroevolutionary time scales. Topics covered include causes of change in gene frequency, the nature of adaptation, constraints on evolutionary change, the evolution of genes and proteins, rates of speciation and extinction, and the major events in evolutionary history. Prerequisites: Biology 123 and 124 or Biology 125 and 126. 6 cr., MS, Fall—M. McKone
BIOL 352. Population Ecology An investigation of the properties of populations and communities. Topics include population growth and regulation, life tables, interspecific and intraspecific competition, predation, parasitism, mutualism, the nature of communities, and biogeography. Prerequisites: Biology 123 and 124 or Biology 125 and 126; Mathematics 111 or other previous calculus course. Recommended course: Mathematics 215, Psychology 124 or equivalent exposure to statistical analysis. Concurrent registration in Biology 353 required. 6 cr., MS, Spring—M. McKone
BIOL 353. Population Ecology Laboratory 2 cr., ND, Spring—M. McKone
BIOL 359. Plant Physiological Ecology This course examines plant physiological mechanisms to explain ecological patterns. Topics include physiological tolerances and species distributions, nutrient uptake and allocation, water and nutrient use efficiency, C3, C4 and CAM photosynthesis, carbon allocation, acclimation, responses to light, UV, and CO2, plant competition, alpine and arctic treelines, and adaptations in North American plant communities. Emphasis is placed on testing hypotheses and investigative field studies. Prerequisites: Biology 123 and 124 or Biology 125 and 126. Recommended courses: Biology 352, Mathematics 215, Psychology 124 or equivalent exposure to statistical analysis. Concurrent registration in Biology 360 is required. 6 cr., MS, Not offered in 2005-2006.
BIOL 360. Plant Physiological Ecology Lab 2 cr., ND, Not offered in 2005-2006.
BIOL 361. Tropical Rainforest Ecology The tropical rainforests contain most of the earth's species, but have been less studied than many other biological communities. Recently there has been a dramatic increase in ecological investigations in the tropics, and the goal of this course is to survey the most contemporary and influential published work in rainforest ecology. Topics to be emphasized include the latitudinal gradient in species diversity, evolutionary ecology, and interactions between species. Prerequisites: Biology 352 or other ecology course work and permission of the instructor. 6 cr., MS, Offered in alternate years. Not offered in 2005-2006.
BIOL 362. Field Investigation in Tropical Rainforest Ecology This course begins with a two-week visit in December to the La Selva Biological Station near Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. The station is located in lowland rainforest and has been the site of many important ecological experiments. While at La Selva, the class will perform extensive field experiments planned during Biology 361. In regular meetings during the term, data will be analyzed and presented in oral and written reports. Prerequisites: Biology 361 and permission of the instructor. Does not count toward the Biology major. 6 cr., MS, Offered in alternate years. Not offered in 2005-2006.
BIOL 367. Seminar: Selected Topics in Molecular Genetics What mechanisms of gene regulation lie beyond transcription and translation? In this course we will explore different ways that cells interpret the information endcoded in their genomes. Topics include gene conversion and gene rearrangement, gene silencing and genetic imprinting, siRNA-mediated RNA degradation and prion diseases. Emphasis will be placed on critical examination of examples from primary literature and data interpretation. Prerequisite: Biology 240. 6 cr., MS, Not offered in 2005-2006.
BIOL 369. Seminar: Selected Topics in Parasitism and Mutualism An examination of the wide array of interactions between host and associating organisms and their importance in biology and medicine. Probably every organism on earth has one or more virus, bacterial, protist, animal, fungal or plant associates. Some cause disease (e.g. malaria), others change behavior of the host, etc. Detailed examination of selected examples through primary literature, discussion, and writing. Prerequisites: Biology 123 and 124 and Biology 125 and 126. 6 cr., MS, Not offered in 2005-2006.
BIOL 370. Seminar: Selected Topics in Virology An examination of selected animal viruses. The course will focus on the most recent developments in HIV-related research, including implications for HIV-treatment and vaccines and the impact of viral infection on the immune system of the host. In addition to studying the structure and replication of particular viruses we will also discuss the current laboratory techniques used in viral research. Prerequisites: Biology 123 and 124 or Biology 125 and 126. 6 cr., MS, Not offered in 2005-2006.
BIOL 372. Seminar: Selected Topics in Exercise Biochemistry An examination of how basic biochemical and physiological systems respond to the demands of exercise, and how they are modified in response to training. Prerequisite: Biology 270, 278, or 380. 6 cr., MS, Winter—J. Tymoczko, L. Lunder
BIOL 380. Biochemistry Biochemistry is an examination of the molecular basis of life processes. The course provides an indepth investigation of metabolic pathways, their interrelationships and regulation, protein structure and function with special emphasis on enzymes. Other topics include the techniques of protein analysis and how they are employed to examine problems of fundamental biochemical importance. This course meets the requirement for the Biochemistry concentration. Prerequisites: Biology 123 and 124 or Biology 125 and 126 and Chemistry 233 and 234. 6 cr., MS, Fall—J. Tymoczko
BIOL 381. Biochemistry Laboratory 2 cr., ND, Fall—M. Rezcallah
BIOL 382. Molecular Biology The molecular basis of the structure, replication, stable inheritance, and expression of genetic material illustrated with examples from the primary literature. Topics include: DNA replication and recombination, chromosome stability, DNA mutation and repair, regulation of gene expresion, methods of gene identification, and the impact of recombinant DNA technology on human genetics. Laboratory will focus on current techniques in molecular biology including: gene cloning, genome databases, DNA finger printing, DNA sequencing, and the polymerase chain reaction. Prerequisite: Biology 240, Chemistry 233. Concurrent registration in Biology 383 required. 6 cr., MS, Spring—C. Reinke
BIOL 383. Molecular Biology Laboratory 2 cr., ND, Spring—C. Reinke
BIOL 384. Oncogenes and the Molecular Biology of Cancer An analysis of the biochemical, molecular and cellular processes that result in the transformation of normal cells into cancer cells. An analytical approach, based on the primary literature used and emphasis will be placed on critical evaluation of experimental design and data-interpretation. Prerequisites: Biology 240 or 380. 6 credits cr., MS, Not offered in 2005-2006.
BIOL 385. Seminar: Evolutionary Ecology of Plant-Insect Interactions
We will follow recent advances in understanding the interaction between plants and insects in nature. Topics will include pollination biology, invasions and outbreaks of insects on plants, and chemical ecology of plant defense against herbivory. Prerequisites: Biology 123 and 124 or Biology 125 and 126. Some previous course work in evolution or ecology is also recommended. 6 cr., MS, Fall—A. McCall
BIOL 385. Seminar: Microbial Pathogenesis
This course focuses on recent advances in understanding molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying infections caused by bacterial and viral pathogens. Topics include invasion of the host cell, immune evasion strategies, colonization and survival, and vaccines. Prerequisites: Biology 123 and 124 or 125 and 126. Some previous course work in cell or molecular biology is also recommended. 6 cr., MS, Fall—M. Rezcallah
BIOL 386. Neurobiology An analysis of the biology of neurons and the nervous system. Topics include the molecular basis of electrical excitability in neurons, transfer of information across synapses, mechanisms of sensation, learning, memory, and behavior. Prerequisites: Biology 123 and 124 or Biology 125 and 126. 6 cr., MS, Fall—R. Rosenberg
BIOL 387. Neurobiology Laboratory 2 cr., ND, Fall—R. Rosenberg
BIOL 394. Biology Research Laboratory and/or field investigation associated with an ongoing research program in the department of Biology. The project is undertaken with the direct supervision of a faculty member. Regular individual meetings, written progress reports, and public presentations should be expected. 6 cr., ND, Fall,Winter,Spring—Staff
BIOL 400. Integrative Exercise Preparation and submission of the written portion of the Integrative Exercise. Continuing course (fall or winter). Oral examination, evaluation of the Integrative Exercise, and participation in visiting speakers seminars (spring). 6 credits cr., S/NC, ND, Fall,Winter,Spring—Staff