The course will use primary research articles to introduce biology majors to mechanisms of plasticity and disease in the brain. The focus of the course is specifically development and critical periods, mechanisms of synaptic plasticity, learning and injury induced plasticity, and neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Instructor permission
3 hr./wk.
Introductory survey of diverse genera of animal viruses and bacteriophages and methods used in the classification, detection, and quantification of viruses. The course emphasizes an understanding of the mechanisms of DNA/RNA replication, expression, and macro-molecular assembly into functional, infectious units (virions) in different viruses. Selected examples are presented in detail, including oncogenic RNA/DNA viruses and HIV/AIDS.
3 hr./wk.
Introduction to the fundamental principles of the cellular and molecular biology underlying cancer. Lectures will include principles of cell division and growth, and role of growth factors, oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and angiogenesis on the development of cancer. Discussions will include cancer epidemiology, health disparities, cancer prevention, and cancer treatment.
Cell Biology Course.
3 hr./wk.
Introduction to the diversity and biology of major insect groups, focusing on the role of insects and other arthropods in natural ecosystems and their role in human affairs.
6 hr./wk.
The function and organization of motor systems. Topics include biomechanics, muscle organization and physiology, the neural activation of muscle, spinal and brainstem reflexes, locomotion, the control of arm and eye movements, motor planning, and motor learning. Not open to students who have taken BIO 40000 or BIO 31311.
3 hr./wk.
Different types of sensory systems with their functional modalities will be presented. The biological bases for how these functions are generated and modified will then be described. As vision is the principal means of perception, we will focus in this course most on visual processing. Scientific data will be integrated into the lectures, such that students develop critical skills in analyzing data and proposing hypotheses.
3 hr./wk.
Introduction to biogeography, the study of spatial patterns of biological diversity. The course addresses the study of geographic variation in nature at all levels from genes to communities to ecosystems, with both ecological and evolutionary perspectives. It includes analyses of real data regarding biogeographic problems relevant to conservation biology.
Spring semester only.
3 hr./wk.
The course will use primary research articles to introduce graduate students to epigenetic mechanisms that regulate gene expression, how epigenetic modifications are propagated, and the phenotypic consequences of normal vs. abnormal epigenetic regulation in disease, development and evolution.
3 hr./wk.
Intensive field biology course focusing on observation, scientific inquiry, and hypothesis testing. Students will become familiar with the biology of several terrestrial taxa and will study ecology, behavior, and conservation in a tropical forest. The course will explore ecosystem function in natural habitats and investigate how they are perturbed by human activities.
5 hr./wk.
The biological bases of behavior, with emphasis on such topics as the development, evolution, genetics and ecology of behavior; sensory physiology; social behavior and communication.
$25
3 hr./wk.
This course explores the history and pathology of infectious diseases caused by bacteria, the development of antibiotics, their modes of action, and the rise of multidrug resistant superbugs. Students will read and evaluate primary research articles and become familiar with molecular methodologies used to solve important research questions in well-studied bacterial pathogens. Typically there will be two exams, weekly quizzes, an oral presentation, and additional written assignments for graduate students only.
3 hr./wk.
Introduction to modern molecular biological techniques in the context of solving biological questions. The techniques to be taught include DNA isolation, restriction enzyme mapping, subcloning of DNA fragments into plasmids, polymerase chain reaction, and other techniques of gene manipulation. Emphasis will be on the application of recombinant DNA technology.
Material fee: $30
2 lect. hr./wk., 6 lab hr./wk.
Historical development and current understanding of the principles of evolution.
3 hr./wk.
Different types of sensory systems with their functional modalities will be presented. The biological bases for how these functions are generated and modified will then be described. As vision is the principal means of perception, we will focus in this course most on visual processing. Scientific data will be integrated into the lectures, such that students develop critical skills in analyzing data and proposing hypotheses.
Intro neurobiology course.
3 hr./wk.
Laboratory course in which techniques used in cellular and systems neurobiology are taught in the context of solving biological problems. Techniques to be covered include basic histological, molecular biological, electrophysiological, and behavioral techniques used in modern neurobiology.
Cell Biology Course.
6 hr./wk.
3 lect. hr./wk., 6 lab hr./wk.
Molecular Biology
4 lect. hr./wk.
Prokaryotic and eukaryotic genetics; organization of DNA, replication, repair, mutagenesis, recombination, control of gene expression, genetic engineering and molecular techniques.
Undergraduate genetics and molecular biology or biochemistry.
4 lect. hr./wk.
Microbial genetic systems will be examined with respect to their contributions to the understanding of molecular mechanisms of recombination, repair of genetic material, and regulation of gene expression. Emphasis will be placed on the procedures and the role of the new biotechnology.
3 lect. hr./wk.
Study of the mechanism and processes of evolution. Theory, laboratory experimental results and the phenomena found in natural populations are described and discussed in relation to population genetics, speciation and megaevolution.
Course in genetics, vertebrate or invertebrate zoology, botany or permission of instructor.
3 lect. hr./wk.
Lecture and discussion sections involving general principles of biological systematics, including fundamentals of nomenclature, phylogenetic theory, character analysis, and their use of relevant computer algorithms. Readings from the primary literature as well as text sources will be emphasized.
3 lect. hr/wk., plus conf.
Lecture, laboratory. An analysis of the structure and dynamics of plant and animal populations. Topics include density, growth, regulation, fluctuation of numbers, niche, dispersal systems, dispersion patterns, demographic techniques, and interactions between populations.
3 hr./wk.
Lectures emphasize basic knowledge and recent advances in the systematics, biogeography, morphology, behavior, and paleontology of these arthropods. Major Families of the world will be emphasized. Labs involve fieldwork, personal collections, identifications, techniques, and small research projects.
2 lect. hr./wk.
Lectures emphasize basic knowledge and recent advances in the systematics, biogeography, morphology, behavior, and paleontology of these arthropods. Major Families of the world will be emphasized. Labs involve fieldwork, personal collections, identifications, techniques, and small research projects.
4 lab hr./wk.
Lecture, laboratory. Origin, adaptive radiation, morphology, ecology and systematics of mammals. Discussion of the reptile-mammal transition emphasizing the fundamental characters of teeth, ear structure and tarsal bones. Survey of mammalian orders and practical work in laboratory on living families and local species, including field methods and preparation of specimens for study. Lecture and laboratory are integrated; the course cannot be taken in separate parts.
Course in vertebrate comparative anatomy.
2 lect. hr./wk.
Lecture, laboratory. Origin, adaptive radiation, morphology, ecology and systematics of mammals. Discussion of the reptile-mammal transition emphasizing the fundamental characters of teeth, ear structure and tarsal bones. Survey of mammalian orders and practical work in laboratory on living families and local species, including field methods and preparation of specimens for study. Lecture and laboratory are integrated; the course cannot be taken in separate parts.
Course in vertebrate comparative anatomy.
5 lab hr./wk.
Lecture, laboratory, special topics in the evolution of birds.
Permission of the instructor.
2 lect. hr./wk.
Lecture, laboratory, special topics in the evolution of birds.
Permission of the instructor.
4 lab hr./wk.
Principles of evolution at the level of DNA and proteins; gene families, concerted evolution of genes, codon bias, and other genetic processes will be discussed.
3 lect. hr./wk.
Lecture, laboratory. The Hardy-Weinberg law, gene pools, gene frequencies, and gene migration.
A course in genetics, a course in organic chemistry.
3 lect. hr./wk.
Lecture, laboratory. The Hardy-Weinberg law, gene pools, gene frequencies, and gene migration.
A course in genetics, a course in organic chemistry.
6 lab hr./wk.
Cells will be studied with special emphasis placed on organization, molecular structure/function relationships of organelles, and energetics and metabolism.
A course in organic chemistry and a course in biochemistry or permission of the instructor.
4 lect. hr./wk.
Introduction to the basic concepts in immunology including innate and adaptive immunity, development and function of the cells of the immune system, antigen receptor diversity and the basic methods used to induce and measure immune responses. Selected research topics in immunology with an emphasis on current primary literature will also be covered.
Cell and Molecular Biology & undergraduate genetics.
3 lect. hr./wk.
This course and V2302 comprise an introduction to the neurosciences. The first semester covers neuronal cell biology (structure and trophic functions), cellular neurophysiology (membrane physiology, action potentials), synapses (neurotransmitters and physiology), neuroendocrine mechanisms, local neuronal circuits (integrative anatomical organization of the vertebrate nervous system). The second semester will cover the sensory and motor systems, as well as neurochemical pathways. Receptor physiology and information processing are discussed in brief for the somatosensory system and in detail for the visual and auditory systems. The vertebrate motor systems are discussed with respect to spinal, supraspinal and cortical mechanisms.
Students with no background in physiology must meet instructor before course begins.
4 lect. hr./wk.
Building upon materials covered in Neuroscience I, this course provides an introduction to sensory processing for several sensory systems, outlines the important developmental processes with a specific focus on the functional differentiation of the brain.
4 hr./wk.
Lectures and discussions of selected major areas in modern animal behavior research. Included among the topics are conceptual issues in methodology, orientation and navigation, and development of behavior. A modern eclectic approach is emphasized. Students read and lead discussion of papers from the original literature.
An undergraduate course in animal behavior/comparative psychology or permission of the instructor.
$25.
3 lect. hr./wk.
Lecture and discussion of the selected major areas in modern behavioral research. Topics include behavioral genetics, the evolution of behavior, and behavioral ecology.
An undergraduate course in animal behavior, evolution or ecology.
3 hr./wk.
Principles of evolution at the level of DNA and proteins; gene families, concerted evolution of genes, codon bias, and other genetic processes will be discussed.
3 lect. hr./wk.
Lecture, laboratory. Structural attributes, growth, and regulation of plant and animal communities.
A course in either ecology or field biology.
3 lect. hr./wk.
Lecture, laboratory. Structural attributes, growth, and regulation of plant and animal communities.
A course in either ecology or field biology.
6 lab hr./wk.
Lecture, laboratory. An analysis of the structure and dynamics of plant and animal populations. Topics include density, growth, regulation, fluctuation of numbers, niche, dispersal systems, dispersion patterns, demographic techniques, and interactions between populations.
3 lect. hr./wk.
Preparation of materials and their examination by means of Transmission and Scanning electron microscopes. Techniques include methods of fixation and embeddingfor TEM, thin sectioning, staining, critical point drying, sputter coating, microscope operation, photography, and dark room procedures. Students will complete a project of their choosing to demonstrate their ability to use their new skills.
2 lect., 4 lab hr./wk. plus 3 hr. TBA
3 lect. hr./wk.
Univariate statistics of biological systems (theory and application). Topics include: probability, descriptive statistics, correlation, analysis of variance, and regression.
Permission of instructor.
3 lect., 6 lab hr./wk.
Topics relating to the general subject of evolution.
2 hr./wk., plus conf.
The conservation ecology seminar will focus on genetic problems and implications of wildlife management programs.
Permission of the instructor.
3 hr./wk.
Special topics are discussed and reviewed.
Permission of the instructor.
2 hr./wk., plus conf.
2 hr./wk.
Recent developments and trends in the field of biology. Required of all candidates for the M.S. degree. Repeatable with a maximum of 4 credits with dept permission.
2 hr./wk.
Colloquium must be taken twice.
2 lect. hr./wk.
Study in an area where formal course work is not given. Subject matter may vary from assigned current readings in a specialized area with reports to special laboratory or field work. This set of courses is repeatable to a maximum of 12 credits total with dept. permission. The topics vary with each professor and each of-fering, and are customized to each student
Permission of instructor.
Specialized seminars in diverse fields, depending upon the needs of specific students.
2 hr./wk., plus conf.