Carleton College

BIOL 115. Bioethics We often base our decisions on perceived standards of right and wrong and the consequences of alternative outcomes. How important is scientific literacy in debates regarding the health of individuals, populations, or species? Some argue that many biomedical and environmental decisions require consideration of information produced by solid scientific reasoning. Topics may include: cloning and stem cell research, genetic testing, science and public policy, scientific integrity, animal use in research, and xenotransplantation. 6 cr., MS, Not offered in 2009-2010.

BIOL 116. Biotechnology, Health, and Society An introduction to basic biological principles underlying biotechnology and its potential therapeutic applications. Topics will include stem cells, cloning, gene therapy, genetic testing, and the human genome project. Discussions will emphasize critical analysis of biotechnological information presented in the popular press and other media, as well as ethical and legal considerations related to biotechnology research and its applications. Does not count toward the Biology major. 6 cr., MS, Not offered in 2009-2010.

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. 6 cr., MS, Fall,Winter—M. McKone, S. Singer, 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—R. Mitra, M. Henderson, D. Hernandez, A. Moore

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—D. Hernandez

BIOL 212. Australia Program: Biology Field Studies and Research Designed to complement Biology 250, the course teaches methods and approaches to the analysis of biological problems with emphasis on an ecological viewpoint. We will be studying animals and plants in both terrestrial and marine habitats, with a particular focus on the behavioral ecology of animals. 6 cr., MS, Winter—A. Bosacker

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 125 and 126, or Geology 110, or Chemistry 123 or 128. Concurrent registration in Biology 222 is required. 6 cr., MS, Fall—D. Hernandez

BIOL 222. Ecosystem Ecology Laboratory 2 cr., ND, Fall—D. Hernandez

BIOL 232. Human Physiology Human Physiology seeks to understand the fundamental mechanisms responsible for the diverse functions of the body. Course topics include the function and regulation of the various physiological systems (nervous, circulatory, endocrine, excretory, respiratory, digestive, etc.), biochemistry, cellular physiology, homeostasis and acid-base chemistry. The study of human physiology provides the principle groundwork for internal medicine, pharmacology, and other related health fields. The laboratory includes a variety of experiments focusing on the function and regulation of the human body. Prerequisites: Biology 125 and 126. 6 cr., MS, Winter—F. Jaramillo

BIOL 233. Human Physiology Laboratory 2 cr., ND, Winter—A. Moore

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 125 and 126. 6 cr., MS, Not offered in 2009-2010.

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 125 and 126. 6 cr., MS, Spring—S. Singer

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 125 and 126. Concurrent registration in Biology 239 required. 6 cr., MS, Offered in alternate years. Not offered in 2009-2010.

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 2009-2010.

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 125 and 126 or permission of the instructor. 6 cr., MS, Winter,Spring—S. Singer, J. Wolff

BIOL 241. Genetics Laboratory 2 cr., ND, Winter,Spring—S. Singer, J. Wolff

BIOL 242. Vertebrate Morphology Over 500 million years of evolution has produced a rich diversity of structure and functional morphology in vertebrates. We will use comparative methods to help us understand the various selective forces and constraints that produced the vertebrate forms living today. Laboratory dissection of a variety of preserved vertebrates will allow us to examine how these fascinating animals monitor and move through their environment, procure, ingest and circulate nutrients, respirate, and reproduce. Prerequisites: Biology 125 and 126. 6 cr., MS, Not offered in 2009-2010.

BIOL 243. Vertebrate Morphology Laboratory 2 cr., ND, Not offered in 2009-2010.

BIOL 248. Behavioral Ecology Behavioral ecologists strive to understand the complex ways that ecological pressures influence the evolution of behavioral strategies. It can be argued that animals face a relatively small set of basic challenges: they must acquire food, water, and mates, and they must avoid danger. Yet we see a rich diversity of solutions to these problems. Consider foraging behavior, for example. All animals must acquire energy, but some filter particles out of sea water, others graze on nearly inedible grasses, while still others hunt in cooperative packs. In this course we will consider such topics as foraging, communication, sociality, and conflict. By focusing on the functions and evolutionary histories of behaviors, we strive to better understand the puzzle of behavioral diversity. Prerequisite: Biology 125 and 126. 6 cr., MS, Spring—A. Bosacker

BIOL 250. Australia Program: Marine Biology We will study the biology of marine ecosystems with an emphasis on population and community ecology and the life histories and evolution of marine organisms. We will explore the diverse marine ecosystems of Australia through extensive field work in habitats including temperate oceans, mangrove forests, and tropical coral reefs. 6 cr., MS, Winter—A. Bosacker

BIOL 252. Environmental Animal Physiology This course explores the physiological adaptations animals employ to survive in a wide variety of environments. Animals maintain physiological functions in the face of environmental extremes in heat, cold, aridity, deep ocean pressure, salinity, and the lack of oxygen in water or at high altitude, to name a few. An organism’s ability to cope with environmental extremes has a large impact on the geographic distribution of many species. Associated laboratory will emphasize experimentation and application of physiological concepts in living organisms. Prerequisites: Biology 125 and 126. 6 cr., MS, Fall—M. Rand

BIOL 253. Environmental Animal Physiology Laboratory 2 cr., ND, Not offered in 2009-2010.

BIOL 255. Australia Program: Culture and Environment in Australia We will consider both the natural history of the Australian landscape and the cultural history of the people who have settled there. We will use readings, writing exercises, meetings with visiting lecturers, and visits to cultural centers. 2 cr., S/CR/NC, ND, Winter—A. Bosacker

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 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, Not offered in 2009-2010.

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. Concurrent registration in Biology 281 required. Prerequisites: Biology 125 and 126. 6 cr., MS, Spring—R. Mitra

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, Spring—R. Mitra

BIOL 290. Australia Program: Directed Readings in Coastal Studies Participants are asked to read selected works that showcase the natural and cultural history of Australia. Understanding of these readings will be evaluated through discussion and written work. 2 cr., ND, Offered in alternate years. Winter—A. Bosacker

BIOL 302. Methods of Teaching Science This course will explore teaching methods for the life and physical sciences in grades 5-12. Curricular materials and active learning labs will be discussed and developed. In addition, time outside of class will be spent observing and teaching in local science classrooms. Will not count toward a biology major. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. 6 cr., ND, Not offered in 2009-2010.

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 125 and 126. 6 cr., MS, Winter—D. Walser-Kuntz

BIOL 311. Immunology Laboratory 2 cr., ND, Winter—D. Walser-Kuntz

BIOL 330. Methods in Molecular Biophysics This course will explore how the tools of physics are used to describe the structure, interaction, and dynamics of biological molecules at the atomic and molecular levels. Topics include the structure and behavior of biological molecules, mass and charge, thermodynamics, hydrodynamics, optics, and diffraction. Using examples from the current literature, we will evaluate how methods such as mass spectrometry, optical spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance are used to solve biophysical research problems. Prerequisites: Physics 131 and 132 (Physics 161 and 162 recommended), and Biology 280, 380 or Chemistry 320. 6 cr., MS, Winter—M. Henderson

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 125 and 126. Biology 240 strongly recommended. 6 cr., MS, Winter—J. Wolff

BIOL 343. Animal Developmental Biology Laboratory Laboratory will introduce descriptive and experimental embryological techniques using a variety of model organisms. 2 cr., ND, Winter—J. Wolff

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 125 and 126. 6 cr., MS, Not offered in 2009-2010.

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 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 125 and 126; Mathematics 111 or other previous calculus course. Recommended course: Mathematics 215 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 354. Human Cutaneous Biology The course will cover the cellular and molecular biology of human skin in its normal and diseased states as it relates to a clinical presentation. Clinical dermatology and pathology will also be reviewed. The course style will be patterned along the lines as if it were a medical school course. Additionally, students will be introduced to many aspects of successfully negotiating medical school including introductions and possible "field trips" to the Mayo Clinic Medical School and/or University of Minnesota Medical School(s). Prerequisites: Chemistry 233 and two upper division Biology courses (200 or 300-level) and instructor's permission required. 3 cr., S/CR/NC, ND, Spring—C. Crutchfield

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, Not offered in 2009-2010.

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, Not offered in 2009-2010.

BIOL 364. Neurological Diseases & Disorders: Behind the Scenes

BIOL 365. Topics in Neuroscience We will focus on recent advances in neuroscience. All areas of neuroscience (cellular/molecular, developmental, systems, cognitive, and disease) will be considered. Classical or foundational papers will be used to provide background. Prerequisites: Biology 125 and 126. 6 cr., MS, Not offered in 2009-2010.

BIOL 368. Developmental Neurobiology An examination of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying development of the nervous system. We will survey recent studies of a variety of model organisms to explore key steps in neuronal development including neural induction, patterning, specification of neuronal identity, axonal guidance, synapse formation, cell death and regeneration. The laboratory will focus on current techniques used to study neuronal development in invertebrate and vertebrate model systems. Prerequisites: Biology 240 or Biology 280. 6 cr., MS, Fall—J. Wolff

BIOL 369. Developmental Neurobiology Laboratory 2 cr., ND, Not offered in 2009-2010.

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 125 and 126. 6 cr., MS, Fall—D. Walser-Kuntz

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 278 or 380. 6 cr., MS, Offered in alternate years. Not offered in 2009-2010.

BIOL 373. Behavioral Endocrinology If it is adaptive for a particular behavior to be exhibited at an appropriate time and in a meaningful context, then we might expect hormonal signaling to play a key role in behavioral regulation. How much of the variability in male and female behavioral patterns is mediated by differences in sex steroid levels? How do circulating hormones early in life affect brain development and subsequent adult behavior? Are seasonal cycles of depression influenced by neuroendocrine mechanisms? These are a few of the questions that we will investigate in an attempt to understand the physiological mediation of behavior. Prerequisites: Biology 125 and 126. 6 cr., MS, Offered in alternate years. Not offered in 2009-2010.

BIOL 374. Seminar: Grassland Ecology Grassland ecosystems cover one third of the Earth’s surface and occur on every continent except Antarctica. Grasslands provide habitat for millions of species, play a major role in global carbon and nutrient cycles, and are the primary source of agricultural land, making them an important ecosystem both ecologically and economically. This course will utilize scientific literature to explore the environmental and biological characteristics of the world’s grasslands from population dynamics to ecosystem processes. Topics include competition and succession, plant-animal interactions, carbon and nutrient cycling, the role of disturbances such as fire and land use change, and grassland management and restoration. Prerequisites: Biology 125 and 126, and one upper-level course in ecology (Biology 221 or 352) or plant biology (Biology 236) or permission of the instructor. 6 cr., MS, Spring—D. Hernandez

BIOL 376. Seminar: Animal Behavior in the Galápagos We will explore topics in animal behavior that specifically relate to some of the unusual as well as the usual behavioral patterns exhibited by animals in the Galápagos Islands. One of the goals for this course is to attempt to design procedures for behavioral observation under less than optimal conditions. Wildlife conservation issues will not allow us to manipulate animals and will place serious time constraints on our observations. The challenge will be to design studies using comparative observations while minimizing the disturbance to the wildlife. Prerequisite: Biology 125 and 126 or permission of the instructor. This course is part of the off-campus study winter break Galápagos program. Winter break programs involve two linked classes in fall and winter terms, and this class is the first class in the sequence. 6 cr., MS, Fall—M. Rand

BIOL 377. Animal Behavior in the Galápagos This course is the second part of a two-term sequence beginning with Biology 376. The Galápagos Islands are one of the few places on earth where large animals (especially birds) do not possess an innate fear of humans. This unusual behavioral pattern coupled with the amazing abundance of the island fauna, creates an extremely unique opportunity to observe, characterize, and measure animal behavior under natural conditions. This two-week course includes a visit to the Galápagos Islands and a short trip to the Ecuadorian Rainforest in December. Regular meetings during the term will be used to present oral and written reports based on our observations in the field. Prerequisites: Biology 376, permission of the instructor. 6 cr., MS, Winter—M. Rand

BIOL 378. The Molecular Basis of Human Disease This course will examine biochemical defects that underlie human diseases. An analytical approach, based on the primary literature used; emphasis will be placed on critical evaluation of experimental design and data-interpretation. Prerequisites: Biology 380 (or concurrent registration) or Chemistry 320. 6 cr., MS, Not offered in 2009-2010.

BIOL 379. Seminar: Behavioral Genetics Recent advances in molecular biology have allowed researchers to test specific hypotheses concerning the genetic control of behavior. This course will examine information derived from various animal model systems, including humans, using a variety of techniques such as classical genetics, genome databases, transgenics, and behavioral neurobiology. Prerequisite: Biology 240. 6 cr., MS, Spring—M. Rand, S. Zwiefel

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 125 and 126 and Chemistry 233 and 234. 6 cr., MS, Fall—J. Tymoczko

BIOL 381. Biochemistry Laboratory 2 cr., ND, Fall—N. Henderson

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. Prerequisites: Biology 240, Chemistry 233. Concurrent registration in Biology 383 required. 6 cr., MS, Fall—S. Zweifel

BIOL 383. Molecular Biology Laboratory 2 cr., ND, Fall—S. Zweifel

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 cr., MS, Not offered in 2009-2010.

BIOL 385. Microbial Pathology Microbes are the most abundant organisms on earth, and microbial pathogens have caused human and plant disease epidemics worldwide. This course will focus upon the pathogenic strategy of a variety of well-studied microbes in order to illustrate our understanding of the molecular and cellular nature of microbial disease. We will analyze current and seminal papers in the primary literature focusing on mechanisms employed by microbes to attack hosts. Prerequisites: Biology 125 and 126. 6 cr., MS, Fall—R. Mitra

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 125 and 126. 6 cr., MS, Spring—F. Jaramillo

BIOL 387. Neurobiology Laboratory 2 cr., ND, Spring—F. Jaramillo

BIOL 388. Molecular Mechanisms of Drug Action This seminar will analyze the mechanism of drug action in prominent diseases. Emphasis will be placed on the molecular changes that promote the selected diseases and how particular drug strategies work to affect enzyme activity, receptor binding, or the synthesis and metabolism of molecules. We will discuss recent advances in the treatment of diseases in which the standards-of-care or promising drug strategies include both chemical and biotherapeutic strategies. The process of drug discovery including the screening of combinatorial libraries and rational drug design will be described. Prerequisites: Biology 280 and Chemistry 233, or Biology 380 or Chemistry 320. 6 cr., MS, Winter—N. Henderson

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. 1-6 cr., ND, Fall,Winter,Spring—Staff

BIOL 395. Research Experience Seminar in Biology This seminar course in intended for students who have completed a summer research project or internship in the biological sciences. The intent of the course is to provide students with the opportunity to discuss their research experience, learn from the experiences of other members of the class, read relevant primary literature, and prepare a poster for a student research symposium. Prerequisites: Biology 125 and 126, and permission of the instructor. 3 cr., S/CR/NC, ND, Fall—S. Deel

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 cr., S/NC, ND, Fall,Winter,Spring—Staff