Biology 580 - Junior Seminar

Institution:

Allegheny College

Subject:

Description:

Biology 220, 221 and FS Bio 201 are prerequisites for the Biology Junior Seminar. The following courses are sections of Biology 580. Limnology Study of the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of lakes and impoundments. The laboratory emphasizes field study of area lakes. One laboratory per week. Physiology of Reproduction/Behavior An examination of the physiological bases of animal reproduction and the behaviors that accompany the reproductive process. The laboratory utilizes insects as model systems to examine reproductive behaviors, effects of hormone applications, and effects of gland/ organ removal (microsurgery). Additional techniques include tissue culture, as well as the biochemical, radiochemical and immunological identification and quantification of various hormones. One laboratory per week. Developmental Genetics An examination of the experimental approaches and the major animal model systems used to investigate the genetic influences on animal development. One laboratory per week. Recommended: Biology 315 or Biology 325. Animal Behavior An examination of animal behavior from an ecological and evolutionary perspective. Topics include the genetics and development of behavior, behavioral aspects of resource use and predator-prey relationships, male and female reproductive strategies, parental care, and social behavior. One laboratory per week. Plant-Microbe Interactions An examination of the interactions between plants and microorganisms, focusing on the molecular physiology of signal exchange in plant-microbial symbioses. Laboratory investigations emphasize the modification of plant development by microbial symbionts and provide opportunities to work with genetic model systems and reporter gene analysis. One laboratory per week. Recommended: Biology 360, 310, or 305. Hormone Disruption A study of disruption of normal hormone function by known and suspected environmental pollutants. Laboratory and field studies emphasize techniques used to detect hormone disruption in cells, tissues, nerves, and behavior as well as measurement of endocrine disrupters in the environment. One laboratory per week. Signal Transduction An examination of the central role played by signal transduction pathways in the process of cellular differentiation. Particular emphasis is placed on evolutionarily conserved pathways involved in development in a wide range of organisms, including examples of signaling defects implicated in cancer and other human disorders. The laboratory includes experience in tissue culture, histochemical staining, and fluorescence imaging techniques. One laboratory per week. Recommended: Biology 305, 315, 320, or 325. Oxidative Stress Response An examination of biotic and abiotic stresses that produce reactive oxygen species in plants and the response mechanisms involved in sensing and reducing these toxic compounds. In the laboratory, oxidative stress response is investigated at the proteomic and genomic levels using molecular biological techniques. One laboratory per week. Sensory Neurobiology An examination of the structure and function of the sensory systems of invertebrates and vertebrates with emphasis on mechanisms at the cellular level. The laboratory provides experience in electrophysiological techniques and computer simulations as they are used to illustrate the function of neurons and sensory organs in a wide variety of experimental animals. One laboratory per week. Recommended: FS Neu 201. Cellular Neurobiology An examination of the nervous system at the level of single cells and molecules, with special emphasis on voltage-gated ion channels and ligand-gated receptors. The laboratory uses molecular and electrophysiological techniques to study structure and function of nervous system proteins. One laboratory per week. Recommended: FS Neu 201. Ecology of Freshwater Wetlands An examination of the structure and function of local wetland ecosystems and interactions with adjacent aquatic and terrestri

Credits:

4.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.allegheny.edu

Phone Number:

(814) 332-3100

Regional Accreditation:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

The Course Profile information is provided and updated by third parties including the respective institutions. While the institutions are able to update their information at any time, the information is not independently validated, and no party associated with this website can accept responsibility for its accuracy.