ENROLL

Stephan Zweifel

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.

Prerequisite: Biology 125 and 126 or instructor permission

Sophomore Priority, requires concurrent registration in Biology 241

Waitlist for Juniors and Seniors: BIOL 240.WL0 (Synonym 62133)

Gail D Schwieterman

This course examines the physiological adaptations that allow species to inhabit a wide range of environments including polar regions, deserts, high alpine, the deep sea, and wave-swept coastal habitats. Emphasis will be placed on understanding how organisms cope with environmental extremes (e.g., temperature, low oxygen, pH, salinity and pressure) and in using metabolic theory to predict the ecological impacts of climate change (e.g., global warming, ocean acidification, hypoxia). Associated laboratory will emphasize experimentation and application of physiological concepts in living organisms. 

Prerequisite: Biology 125 and 126; Concurrent registration in Biology 263 required

Requires concurrent registration in BIOL 263

Mark McKone

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.

Prerequisite: Biology 125 and 126, and Mathematics 111 or other previous calculus course. Recommended course: Statistics 120 (formerly Mathematics 215) or equivalent exposure to statistical analysis; concurrent registration in Biology 353

BIOL 353 required.

Jennifer Ross-Wolff

The development of an embryo from a single cell to a complex body requires the coordinated efforts of a growing number of cells and cell types. In this seminar course, we will use primary literature to explore recent advances in our understanding of the cellular processes such as intercellular signaling, migration, proliferation, and differentiation that make development possible. Additionally, we will consider how these developmental cellular processes, when disrupted, lead to cancer and other diseases. Priority will be given to juniors and seniors who have not already taken a seminar course.

Prerequisite: Biology 240, Biology 280 or Biology 342

Waitlist only

Debby Walser-Kuntz

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. 

Prerequisite: Biology 240 or 280.

Waitlist Only

Daniel Hernandez

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.

Prerequisite: Biology 125 and 126, and one of Biology 210, 238, 248, 321 or 352 and instructor permission

Waitlist Only.

Fernan Jaramillo

An analysis of the biology of neurons and the nervous system. Topics include the molecular basis of electrical excitability in neurons, synaptic transmission and plasticity, motor control, mechanisms of sensation, and construction and modification of neural circuits.

Prerequisite: Biology 125 and 126

BIOL 387 required

Eric Hoopfer

Neurons are the building blocks of the nervous system. Molecular and cellular neuroscience seeks to understand the fundamental principles that govern how neurons function, how they communicate with each other, and how they assemble into circuits that generate behavior. This course focuses on the molecular and cellular basis of nervous system function from the level of genes and molecules to neural circuits and behavior. We will take an integrative approach to examine the genetic, molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie neuronal communication, the molecular basis of sensation and innate behaviors, neural plasticity, and nervous system disorders. This course will emphasize the experimental evidence and techniques that have built our understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of behavior through team-based learning, analysis of primary literature papers and laboratory experimentation. A grade of C- or better must be earned in both Neuroscience 238 and 239 to satisfy the LS requirement.

Prerequisite: Neuroscience 127 or Biology 125.; Concurrent registration in Neuroscience 239.

Eric Hoopfer

This laboratory course will provide experience in performing experiments to elucidate the structure and function neurons and neural circuits using classical and cutting-edge techniques. Students will apply these techniques to develop and carry out an independent research project.

Prerequisite: Concurrent registration in Neuroscience 238 required

Eric Hoopfer

This laboratory course will provide experience in performing experiments to elucidate the structure and function neurons and neural circuits using classical and cutting-edge techniques. Students will apply these techniques to develop and carry out an independent research project.

Prerequisite: Concurrent registration in Neuroscience 238 required