Courses
Biology
BIOL-010 Issues in Biology
Emphasizes analysis of biological problems relevant to the human experience and presents basic biological concepts in a variety of contexts. Subject matter might include medicine, environmental issues, ecology, molecular biology, physiology, and others. Includes a laboratory.
BIOL-020 Human Sexuality and Reproduction
A science-based exploration of human sexuality and reproduction, which involves consideration of sexual anatomy, physiology, social norms, gender, perception, and behavior. From a social science perspective, sexuality is a key organizing factor for cognition, emotion, and relationships. Biologically, sexuality represents the means for propagating our species and serves important evolutionary and survival functions. It is a complex topic that requires broad integrated thinking across disciplines.
BIOL-101 Ecology, Evolution, and Heredity
The initial course for students planning to major in biology. Explores the nature of scientific investigation and the impact of human activity on the biological world by examining such topics as ecology, evolution, and genetics.
BIOL-101L Ecol. Evolution & Heredity Lab
BIOL-102 Cell and Organismal Biology
A survey of the major processes and structures of biology with a general emphasis on animals. Examines the molecular basis of heredity, cell division, metabolism and photosynthesis, and adaptive solutions to areas such as locomotion, digestion, respiration, internal transport, and immune responses.
BIOL-102L Cell & Organismal Biology Lab
BIOL-157 The Biology of Women
Examines the genetic and biological basis of gender difference, the unique biology of the female body and women's health care issues. Topics include female reproductive anatomy and the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and birth, developmental differences in the sexes, and reproductive technologies. Also covers problems such as breast cancer, premenstrual syndrome and osteoporosis. Includes the role of women in the health care system as well as biology and science in general. Not for biology major or minor credit.
BIOL-201 Genetics
A workshop style course that examines Mendelian, population, molecular and quantitative genetics. Laboratory topics include the structure and function of nucleic acids, bioinformatics, and the use of molecular techniques to study human disease and evolution.
BIOL-202 Systematic Biology
A survey and introduction to the kingdoms of life: the prokaryotes, eukaryotic protists, fungi, animals and plants. The diversity of these organisms allows students to explore concepts of phylogeny, taxonomy and evolution through cladistic analyses.
BIOL-204 Biogeodiversity
Explores the influences of geology (abiotic factors) on the diversity of life. Students investigate multiple issues posed by the science and technology of the diversity of life on this planet. Particular issues range from how many species occur on earth to how to establish effective public policy guidelines for protection of life's diversity. For major elective credit.
BIOL-300 Developmental Biology
Examines embryo development, focusing on cellular and regulatory mechanisms that guide the process. Topics include the events of development from fertilization through organogenesis in a range of animal systems from sea urchins through mammals.
BIOL-301 Developmental Biology Lab
An investigative approach to the study of animal development, emphasizing cellular and molecular techniques. Students work in small groups to conduct and analyze self-designed experiments with invertebrate embryos.
BIOL-302 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
Examines the evolutionary relationships among the vertebrate classes, using comparative morphological evidence. Utilizes an organ system approach to the study of anatomy, and considers unique adaptations of individual vertebrates.
BIOL-303 Comp Vertebrate Anatomy Lab
Organ-based study of representative vertebrates, including shark and cat dissections.
BIOL-306 Cell Biology
Examines the molecular aspects of cell structure and function and the molecular processes that regulate cell behavior. Emphasizes experimental and problem-based approaches, and includes information on the cell biology of human disease.
BIOL-307 Cell Biology Lab
Introduces the laboratory techniques commonly used in the study of cell biology. Includes labs on the isolation and characterization of proteins and nucleic acids.
BIOL-308 Vertebrate Natural History
A general introduction to the vertebrates. Studies the evolutionary history, classification, ecology and behavior of the subphylum Vertebrata.
BIOL-309 Vertebrate Natural History Lab
A general field and laboratory introduction to the techniques of identifying vertebrates, population analysis, specimen handling and preparation, and field sign recognition.
BIOL-310 Animal Physiology
General and comparative physiology. Emphasizes membrane, neural, muscular and homeostatic physiology.
BIOL-311 Animal Physiology Lab
A laboratory in general and comparative physiology. Emphasizes physiological phenomena in such organ systems as the heart, muscle, membrane, neural and kidney. Uses several different vertebrate animals.
BIOL-312 Microbiology
An introduction to the morphology, physiology and genetics of microorganisms. Discusses the roles of microorganisms in the environment and in human disease.
BIOL-313 Microbiology Lab
Emphasizes basic bacteriologic techniques, including staining, culturing and identification.
BIOL-314 Histology
Microscopic anatomy of mammalian tissues and organs. Emphasizes the functions of the fundamental tissues.
BIOL-316 Molecular Biology
Examines the structure and function of DNA and RNA of prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
BIOL-317 Molecular Biology Lab
Investigates the structure and function of DNA through techniques of molecular biology. Topics include agarose gel electrophoresis, DNA hybridization and gene cloning.
BIOL-320 Exercise & Extreme Physiology
A study of physiological processes in humans related to exercise and participation in sports. This course also examines the effects and repercussions of exposure of the human body to extreme environments, such as those experienced by scuba divers, climbers and high-altitude pilots.
BIOL-321 Exercise & Extreme Physio Lab
Investigates the physiological basis of human responses to exercise and extreme environments with an emphasis on neural muscular, respiratory and cardiovascular mechanisms. Uses some animal models.
BIOL-324 Animal Behavior
Explores the adaptive value of animal behavior with an emphasis on theory and hypothesis testing using examples drawn from primary literature. Major topics include sexual selection, mating systems, parental care, sociality, foraging theory, antipredator behavior, game theory, and communication framed within an evolutionary context.
BIOL-325 Animal Behavior Lab
Field and laboratory techniques in behavioral data collection, experimental design, and statistical analysis. Hypothesis development and testing emphasized. A portion of the grade is based on an independent research project.
BIOL-326 Invertbrate Zoology
An introduction to evolutionary themes and functional approaches to invertebrate animal biology. Course covers a broad survey of the invertebrate phyla. Within the coverage of each group, unique aspects of morphology, physiology, ecology, and behavior will be discussed in light of the selective forces that have favored their evolution.
BIOL-327 Invertbrate Zoology Lab
An introduction to invertebrate phyla and subgroups with emphasis on form and functional morphology, organ systems, life history, ecology, and behavior. Course includes dissections, examination of preserved material, demonstrations, and observations of living animals. In addition, students will organize an invertebrate collection based on local fauna.
BIOL-400 Immunology
Investigates how the immune system defends vertebrate organisms against invasion by pathogenic microorganisms. Discusses recognition of antigens and interactions between components of the immune system from a molecular perspective.
BIOL-401 Immunology Lab
Techniques used in immunological studies. Topics include antibody purification, immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis.
BIOL-404 Plant Physiology
The physiology of photosynthetic organisms. Includes photosynthesis, translocation, metabolism, mineral nutrition, photoperiodism, hormones, growth and development.
BIOL-405 Plant Physiology Lab
A series of experiments designed to illustrate the unique physiology of photosynthetic organisms.
BIOL-406 Ecology
The inter- and intra-specific relationships among plant and animal species and their abiotic environment. Emphasizes ecological energetics and the development of communities and ecosystems.
BIOL-407 Ecology Lab
Introduces methods and techniques to investigate ecological topics. Includes population and community dynamics, species interactions, and forest composition.
BIOL-408 Aquatic Ecology
The ecology of freshwater ecosystems. Emphasizes biota of freshwater and their relationships with physical and chemical components of lakes, streams, and reservoirs.
BIOL-409 Aquatic Ecology Lab
Field laboratory in aquatic ecology techniques. Topics include physical and chemical measurements and the identification and enumeration of phytoplankton, zooplankton, aquatic plants and benthic organisms.
BIOL-424 The Biochemistry of Metabolism
This course covers the structure and function of major biomolecules such as carbohydrates and lipids and their role in metabolism. Energy metabolism and biomolecule biosynthesis and degradation will be emphasized.
BIOL-425 Biochemistry of Nucleic Acids
This course integrates information from the disciplines of biology and chemistry to explore nucleic acid function and metabolism. In-depth discussions cover the forces behind DNA/DNA, DNA/RNA, and DNA/protein interactions as they apply to DNA structure and metabolism, RNA function and metabolism, protein synthesis, and gene regulation.
BIOL-426 Biochemistry of Proteins & Enzymes
This course will focus on the structure of proteins, the thermodynamics of protein folding, enzyme catalytic mechanisms and enzyme kinetics. This course will also contain an introduction to the field of bioinformatics, the use of computer databases to determine relationships between nucleic acid sequence, protein structure and protein function.
BIOL-427 Biochemistry of Proteins & Enzymes Lab
This lab explores enzyme kinetics and inhibition as well as methods of isolation, purification, identification, and analysis of proteins and enzymes. This lab is designed to provide technical skills necessary for biochemical research.
BIOL-428 Biochemistry Nucleic Acids Lab
Exploration of nucleic acids, including methods of isolation, purification, identification, and analysis.
BIOL-429 Biochemistry of Metabolism Lab
This lab explores metabolic function and metabolites. The lab will focus on the isolation, purification, identification, and analysis of metabolites.
BIOL-440 Behavioral Neuroendocrinology
This course deals with the interrelationships among hormones, the brain, and behavior. The role of the nervous system and hormones in the development and regulation of behavior, as well as how experience can regulate neuroendocrine physiology, will be examined. This course puts special emphasis on generating and testing hypotheses based on knowledge gained from reviewing the primary literature. Specific topics covered include the endocrine regulation of reproductive behavior, aggressive behavior, biological rhythms, energy balance, stress, learning,and memory.
BIOL-441 Behavioral Neuroendocrinology Lab
This course investigates the experimental methodology used by behavioral neuroendocrinologists to investigate the interrelationships among hormones, the brain, and behavior. The course provides hands-on learning about laboratory techniques that examine neuropeptides, hormones, brain structures, and behavior, as well as proper use of animals in research, experimental design, and statistical analysis. Hypothesis development and testing is emphasized, and a portion of the grade is based on an independent research project.
BIOL-455 Neurons and Networks
This course is a detailed look at the sophisticated cellular and molecular mechanisms in the nervous system and how these mechanisms provide the foundation for circuits and functional neuroanatomical structures capable of generating complex behaviors and physiological functions. This course connects functional cellular and anatomical units of the nervous system to behaviors typically addressed by the field of psychology, such as learning, motivation, addiction, and psychological disorders. The intial material focuses on the molecular structure and function of neurons and then builds upon this foundation by progressively assembling the functional neuroanatomical structures of the nervous system and considering the complex behaviors that these structures generate.
BIOL-500 Topics in Biology
Varying topics of interest to students and instructor. Possible topics include genetic engineering advances in embryology, plant products, reproductive physiology and stress ecology.
BIOL-501 Seminar
Weekly, one-hour meetings where students and staff report and discuss current biological research literature. Senior biology majors in Group B track require one semester.
BIOL-502 Biology Internship
Career investigation for junior and senior biology majors. May be repeated once.
BIOL-503 Biological Issues in Australia
Introduces students to the unique biological and environmental issues of Australia, concentrating on isolation as a theme. Convergent evolution, colonial settlement, and introduced species, fire and aboriginal land-use practices, and coral reef ecology are all considered. Prerequisite for participation in the Focus Australia program.
BIOL-504 Independent Study
Study of a particular topic in biology under the guidance of an appropriate faculty member. 1 - 4 SH.
BIOL-510 Student Research I
Introduces students to methods and techniques of biological research in the context of a collaborative research project. Required for students in the Group A track.
BIOL-511 Student Research II
Collaborative research with an emphasis on presentation of data and explanation of results. Required for students in the Group A track.
BIOL-550 Explorations in Biology
Explores salient issues in the biological sciences.
BIOL-560 Interdisciplinary Explorations Biology
Explores salient issues in the biological sciences from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Ecology
ECOL-408 Aquatic Ecology
The ecology of freshwater ecosystems. Emphasizes biota of freshwater and their relationships with physical and chemical components of lakes, streams, and reservoirs.
ECOL-409 Aquatic Ecology Lab
Field laboratory in aquatic ecology techniques. Topics include physical and chemical measurements and the identification and enumeration of phytoplankton, zooplankton, aquatic plants and benthic organisms.
Go Preparation
OFFP-AUSTRAL Focus Australia
A pre-tour interdisciplinary course for the Focus Australia program.
OFFP-RUSSIA The Golden Ring of Russia
Go Reflection
OFFR-AUSTRAL Focus Australia
A post-tour interdisciplinary course for the Focus Australia program.
OFFR-RUSSIA The Golden Ring of Russia
GO-Short Trip
OFFS-AUSTRAL Focus Australia
A GO-Short cross-cultural trip to Australia.
Follow us on TWITTER
Find us on 
Watch us on YOUTUBE
Explore all