300
An introduction to the biology of the prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea) and the animal viruses. Course topics include bacterial cell structure, nutrition and metabolism, growth, genetics, traditional and molecular systematics, ecology of microorganisms, genetic engineering and biotechnology, antimicrobial agents, host parasite interactions, and major infectious diseases. Current methods in bacteriology are used in the identification of bacteria and the conducting of experiments.
An introductory course focusing on the evolutionary history of plants, plant anatomy, and physiology. The laboratory exercises are diverse and emphasize recognizing reproductive and anatomical differences among major plant taxa (from algae to flowering plants), learning how to identify seed plants (gymnosperms and angiosperms) to the family level, and physiological experiments. Three 50-minute lectures per week and one 3-hour laboratory per week.
A study of the vertebrate organ systems which are most intimately involved in maintaining homeostasis: Nervous, Endocrine, Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Excretory. Regulation and integration of the systems will be emphasized. Individual study of assigned journal articles which complement the lecture material constitutes a major part of the learning experience. The laboratory offers the student experience using a variety of preparations and instrumentation. Three lectures and one 3-hour laboratory period per week.
A study of the vertebrate organ systems which are most intimately involved in maintaining homeostasis: Nervous, Endocrine, Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Excretory. Regulation and integration of the systems will be emphasized. Individual study of assigned journal articles which complement the lecture material constitutes a major part of the learning experience. The laboratory offers the student experience using a variety of preparations and instrumentation. Three lectures and one 3-hour laboratory period per week.
An introductory course focusing on the basic principles of the interactions and relationships among organisms and between organisms and their environment. The laboratory includes field observations, computer simulations, and statistical analysis of experimental data. Three lectures and one 3-hour laboratory per week.
An introductory course focusing on the basic principles of the interactions and relationships among organisms and between organisms and their environment. The laboratory includes field observations, computer simulations, and statistical analysis of experimental data. Three lectures and one 3-hour laboratory per week.
This course will provide a scientific foundation for understanding the causes and effects of major types of human-caused global change. Topics will include anthropogenic climate change, land-use change, nutrient cycling, invasive species, and others. The course will introduce students to global-scale ecological questions and research methods through a focus on current primary research. Students will also be introduced to the links between global change sciences and other disciplines through the discussion of possible solutions to these human-caused problems.
A comparative study of the evolution of the anatomical structures of vertebrates. The course will emphasize the basic structures of vertebrates, the functional role of anatomical structures, and the adaptive changes that have occurred in vertebrate evolution. Three lectures and one 3-hour laboratory per week.
This course covers the molecular basis of biological activity through in-depth study of DNA. RNA and protein biosynthesis, regulation, and functional interactions. Particular emphasis is placed on the processes of DNA replication and repair, RNA transcription and processing, protein synthesis and post-translational modifications, and the regulation of gene expression. Students will also be introduced to various cell and molecular laboratory techniques, including PCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning, and bacterial transformation, through hands-on experiments and independent study. Three 50-minute lectures and one 3-hour laboratory period per week.
This course covers the molecular basis of biological activity through in-depth study of DNA. RNA and protein biosynthesis, regulation, and functional interactions. Particular emphasis is placed on the processes of DNA replication and repair, RNA transcription and processing, protein synthesis and post-translational modifications, and the regulation of gene expression. Students will also be introduced to various cell and molecular laboratory techniques, including PCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning, and bacterial transformation, through hands-on experiments and independent study. Three 50-minute lectures and one 3-hour laboratory period per week.
A course concerned with the mechanisms of early development in animals. The molecular and cellular processes affecting differentiation, growth, and morphogenesis are emphasized. The laboratory includes experimental work and the study of anatomical changes occurring in vertebrate embryos. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week.
This course explores the underlying principles of evolutionary change (natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, and gene flow) from an analytical perspective. The relevance of evolutionary change to real world concerns is emphasized while traditional and modem methods of analysis are explored and evaluated. Three 50-minute lectures and one 3-hour lab per week.
This upper-division course focuses on the cell as the basic unit of structure and function in living things. Topics include cellular organization, the structures and functions of cellular organelles and the cytoskeleton, energy transformations, communication between cells, and the cell cycle. Methods used to study cells and their component parts will be introduced in the laboratory portion of the course. Laboratories will introduce advanced techniques in molecular/cellular biology. Lectures will integrate material from genetics, chemistry and introductory biology. Three lectures and one 3-hour laboratory per week.
This upper-division course focuses on the cell as the basic unit of structure and function in living things. Topics include cellular organization, the structures and functions of cellular organelles and the cytoskeleton, energy transformations, communication between cells, and the cell cycle. Methods used to study cells and their component parts will be introduced in the laboratory portion of the course. Laboratories will introduce advanced techniques in molecular/cellular biology. Lectures will integrate material from genetics, chemistry and introductory biology. Three lectures and one 3-hour laboratory per week.
Special Topics courses include ad-hoc courses on various selected topics that are not part of the regular curriculum, however they may still fulfill certain curricular requirements. Special topics courses are offered at the discretion of each department and will be published as part of the semester course schedule - view available sections for more information. Questions about special topics classes can be directed to the instructor or department chair.