Courses
NOTICE: If you are planning to major in biology it is important that you consider taking orgo I (Chem 233) in your sophomore year, especially if you plan to go off campus in the fall of your junior year.
- 2009-2010 Courses:
- Browse by Course Number
- Browse by Term
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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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; not offered 2009-2010Extended departmental description for BIOL 115
Taught by Amy Moore. 2c TTH in Olin 141. This is a non-majors course.
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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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; not offered 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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Fall 2009, Winter 2010 -- M. McKone, S. Singer, S. ZweifelExtended departmental description for BIOL 125
125 Fall Term Genes, Evolution, and Development Dyad
Taught by Susan Singer - 1a MWF.
Laboratory required125 - Winter term, Genes, Evolution, and Development taught by Stephan Zweifel and Mark McKone - 3a MWF Laboratory is required
Course materials are available through Moodle.
1a Dyad
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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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Winter 2010, Spring 2010 -- R. Mitra, M. Henderson, D. Hernandez, A. MooreExtended departmental description for BIOL 126
Winter term taught by Dan Hernandez and Raka Mitra - 2a MWF in Olin 149. Laboratory is required
Spring term taught by Nidanie Henderson and Amy Moore - 2a MWF in Olin 149
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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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Spring 2010 -- D. HernandezExtended departmental description for BIOL 190
A non-majors course taught by Dan Hernandez - 4a MWF in Leighton 305
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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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Winter 2010 -- 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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Fall 2009 -- D. HernandezExtended departmental description for BIOL 221
2a MWF in Olin 141. Taught by Dan Hernandez. Biology 222 Ecosystems Ecology Laboratory is required to count toward the major. Fulfills the Ecology/Evolution group. Prerequisites: BIO 125, GEO 110, CHEM 123 or CHEM 128
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BIOL 222: Ecosystem Ecology Laboratory
2; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; offered Fall 2009 -- 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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Winter 2010 -- F. JaramilloExtended departmental description for BIOL 232
Taught by Fernan Jaramillo 3a Olin 02
Biology 233 Human Physiology Laboratory required to count toward the major. Laboratory taught by Amy Moore. Fulfills the Organismic Biology group.
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BIOL 233: Human Physiology Laboratory
2; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; offered Winter 2010 -- 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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; not offered 2009-2010Extended departmental description for BIOL 234
Taught by Debby Walser-Kuntz. 2c TTH. Counts toward the Organismic Biology group.
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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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Spring 2010 -- S. SingerExtended departmental description for BIOL 236
Taught by Susan Singer 1c TTH in Olin 101. Fulfills the Organismic group.
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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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; not offered 2009-2010Extended departmental description for BIOL 238
Taught by David Hougen-Eitzman. 4a in Olin 02.
Biology 239 Entomology Laboratory is required to count toward the major. Fulfills the Organismic group.
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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; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; not offered 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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Winter 2010, Spring 2010 -- S. Singer, J. WolffExtended departmental description for BIOL 240
Winter Term taught by Susan Singer - 1a in Olin 14. Biology 241 Genetics Laboratory required to count toward the major. Fulfills the Molecular and Cellular group.
Spring Term taught by Jennifer Wolff - 4a in Leighton 304. Biology 241 Genetics Laboratory required to count toward the major. Fulfills the Molecular and Cellular group.
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BIOL 241: Genetics Laboratory
2; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; offered Winter 2010, Spring 2010 -- 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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; not offered 2009-2010Extended departmental description for BIOL 242
Taught by Matt Rand 4a MWF in Olin 101. Vertebrate Morphology Lab 243 required to count toward the major. Fulfills the Organismic Biology group.
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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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Winter 2010 -- 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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Fall 2009 -- M. RandExtended departmental description for BIOL 252
Taught by Matt Rand. 4a in Olin 101. Biology 253 - Environmental Animal Physiology Fulfills the Organismic group.
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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; S/CR/NC; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; offered Winter 2010 -- 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; S/CR/NC; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; offered Fall 2009, Winter 2010, Spring 2010 -- 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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; not offered 2009-2010Extended departmental description for BIOL 278
Taught by John Tymoczko - 3a MWF in Olin 04. Laboratory required to count toward the biology major. Fulfills the Molecular and Cellular group
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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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Spring 2010 -- R. MitraExtended departmental description for BIOL 280
Taught by Raka Mitra. 3a MWF in Olin 04. Biology 281 Cell Biology Laboratory is required to count toward the major. Fulfills the Molecular and Cellular group.
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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; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; offered Spring 2010 -- 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; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; offered Winter 2010 -- 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; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; not offered 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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Winter 2010 -- D. Walser-KuntzExtended departmental description for BIOL 310
Taught by Debby Walser-Kuntz. 2a MWF in Olin 02. Biology 311 required to count toward the major. Fulfills the Molecular and Cell group
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BIOL 311: Immunology Laboratory
2; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; offered Winter 2010 -- 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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Winter 2010 -- M. HendersonExtended departmental description for BIOL 330
Taught by Nidanie Henderson. 3a MWF in Olin 103. Fulfills the Molecular and Cell Biology group.
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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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Winter 2010 -- J. WolffExtended departmental description for BIOL 342
Taught by Jennifer Wolff - 2a MWF in Olin 141. Biology 343 Animal Developmental Laboratory is required to count toward the major. Fulfills the Organismic group.
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BIOL 343: Animal Developmental Biology Laboratory
Laboratory will introduce descriptive and experimental embryological techniques using a variety of model organisms. 2; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; offered Winter 2010 -- 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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; not offered 2009-2010Extended departmental description for BIOL 344
Taught by Susan Singer - 1b TTH in Olin 103. Fulfills the Organismic group and the Jr/Sr seminar requirement
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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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Fall 2009 -- M. McKoneExtended departmental description for BIOL 350
Taught by Mark McKone - 3a MWF in Olin 141. Fulfills the Ecology/Evolution group requirement
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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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Spring 2010 -- M. McKoneExtended departmental description for BIOL 352
Taught by Mark McKone - 3a MWF in Olin 141. Biology 353 Population Ecology Laboratory required to count toward the major. Fulfills the Ecology and Evolutionary group.
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BIOL 353: Population Ecology Laboratory
2; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; offered Spring 2010 -- 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; S/CR/NC; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; offered Spring 2010 -- C. CrutchfieldExtended departmental description for BIOL 354
Taught by Charles Crutchfield. Offered last five weeks of spring term. By application only. Does not count toward the biology major.
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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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; not offered 2009-2010Extended departmental description for BIOL 361
(an off-campus winter break program) Biology 362* - Taught by Mark McKone 2b TTH in Hulings 120
Fulfills the Ecology and Evolutionary group and the Jr/Sr seminar requirement
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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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; not offered 2009-2010Extended departmental description for BIOL 362
Off-campus program taught by Mark McKone. Biology 361 required.
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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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; not offered 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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Fall 2009 -- J. WolffExtended departmental description for BIOL 368
Taught by Jennifer Wolff 3a MWF in Olin 103
Fulfills the Jr/Sr seminar requirement.
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BIOL 369: Developmental Neurobiology Laboratory
2; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; not offered 2009-2010Extended departmental description for BIOL 369
Taught by Jennifer Wolff T 1:00 - 5:00 in Hulings 215
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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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Fall 2009 -- D. Walser-KuntzExtended departmental description for BIOL 370
Taught by Debby Walser-Kuntz 3a in Olin 04
Fulfills the Jr/Sr seminar requirement.
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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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; not offered 2009-2010Extended departmental description for BIOL 372
Taught by John Tymoczko and Leon Lunder. 2,3c in Olin 02. Fulfills the Jr/Sr. seminar requirement
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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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; not offered 2009-2010Extended departmental description for BIOL 373
Taught by Matt Rand. 2,3 c in Olin 02. Fulfills the Jr/Sr seminar requirement
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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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Spring 2010 -- 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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Fall 2009 -- M. RandExtended departmental description for BIOL 376
Taught by Matt Rand
Fall term 2c Location to be announced
Off campus during winter break
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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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Winter 2010 -- 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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; not offered 2009-2010Extended departmental description for BIOL 378
Taught by John Tymoczko. TTH 2c in Olin 101. Fulfills the Jr/Sr seminar requirement
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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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Spring 2010 -- M. Rand, S. ZwiefelExtended departmental description for BIOL 379
Taught by Matt Rand and Stephan Zweifel. 2,3c in Olin 02. Fulfills the Jr/Sr seminar requirement
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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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Fall 2009 -- J. TymoczkoExtended departmental description for BIOL 380
Taught by John Tymoczko - 2a MWF in Olin 149. Biology 381 Biochemistry Laboratory is required to count toward the major. Fulfills the Molecular and Cell group.
Laboratory taught by Nidanie Henderson -
BIOL 381: Biochemistry Laboratory
2; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; offered Fall 2009 -- 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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Fall 2009 -- S. ZweifelExtended departmental description for BIOL 382
Taught by Stephan Zweifel - 2c TTH in Olin 04. Biology 383 Molecular Biology Laboratory required to count toward the major. Fulfills the Molecular and Cellular group and Jr/Sr seminar requirement
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BIOL 383: Molecular Biology Laboratory
2; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; offered Fall 2009 -- 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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; not offered 2009-2010Extended departmental description for BIOL 384
Taught by John Tymoczko. 2c TTH in CMC 328. Fulfills the Molecular and Cell Biology group and Jr/Sr seminar requirement
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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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Fall 2009 -- R. MitraExtended departmental description for BIOL 385
Taught by Raka Mitra. 2c TTH in Olin 02. Fulfills the Jr/Sr seminar requirement.
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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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Spring 2010 -- F. JaramilloExtended departmental description for BIOL 386
Taught by Fernan Jaramillo - 3a MWF in Olin 02. Biology 387 Neurobiology Laboratory is required to count toward the major. Fulfills the Organismic group.
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BIOL 387: Neurobiology Laboratory
2; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; offered Spring 2010 -- 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; Mathematics and Natural Sciences; offered Winter 2010 -- N. HendersonExtended departmental description for BIOL 388
Taught by Nidanie Henderson. 2c TTH in Olin 02. Fulfills the Jr/Sr seminar requirement.
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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; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; offered Fall 2009, Winter 2010, Spring 2010 -- 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; S/CR/NC; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; offered Fall 2009 -- S. DeelExtended departmental description for BIOL 395
Taught by Sarah Deel. TTH 1c in Olin 02. Does not count toward the Biology Major
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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; S/NC; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; offered Fall 2009, Winter 2010, Spring 2010 -- Staff
