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.