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  • BIOL 321: Biochemistry I: Structure and Function of Biological Molecules

    3.00 Credits
    Williams College

    This course introduces the basic concepts of biochemistry with an emphasis on the structure and function of biological macromolecules. Specifically, the structure of proteins and nucleic acids are examined in detail in order to determine how their chemical properties and their biological behavior result from those structures. Other topics covered include catalysis, enzyme kinetics, mechanism and regulation; the molecular organization of biomembranes; and the flow of information from nucleic acids to proteins. In addition, the principles and applications of the methods used to characterize macromolecules in solution and the interactions between macromolecules are discussed. The laboratory provides an opportunity to study the structure of macromolecules and to learn the fundamental experimental techniques of biochemistry including electrophoresis, chromatography, and principles of enzymatic assays. Prerequisite:    Biology 101 and Chemistry 251/255 and Chemistry 155/256
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  • BIOL 322: Biochemistry II: Metabolism

    3.00 Credits
    Williams College

    This lecture course provides an in-depth presentation of the complex metabolic reactions which are central to life. Emphasis is placed on the biological flow of energy including alternative modes of energy generation (aerobic, anaerobic, photosynthetic); the regulation and integration of the metabolic pathways including compartmentalization and the transport of metabolites; and biochemical reaction mechanisms including the structures and mechanisms of coenzymes. This comprehensive study also includes the biosynthesis and catabolism of small molecules (carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, and nucleotides). Laboratory experiments introduce the principles and procedures used to study enzymatic reactions, bioenergetics, and metabolic pathways. Prerequisite:    Biology 101 and Chemistry 251/255
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  • BIOL 405: Sociobiology

    3.00 Credits
    Williams College

    Sociobiology, or the study of social behavior, has challenged the limits of evolutionary theory since Darwin described the non-reproducing castes among social insects (i.e., eusociality) as "one special difficulty." Inclusive fitness theory and Hamilton's rule--that an altruistic act can evolve where the benefit to related individuals exceeds the cost to the actor--potentially resolves Darwin's paradox. Nevertheless, explanations including delayed fitness benefits and ecological constraints have been suggested as alternatives to inclusive fitness theory. Moreover, the theoretical justification for inclusive fitness theory has recently been vigorously challenged. This course will use readings from the primary literature to examine the evidence for inclusive fitness as a potential explanation for topics including the evolution of helping behavior, eusociality and its relationship to extraordinary sex ratios, and spiteful behavior. Other topics that we will cover include the evolution of deceit and self deception. Prerequisite:    Biology 202 and either Biology 203 or 204 or 302 or 305 or Environmental Studies 203 or permission of instructor; open to juniors and seniors
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  • BIOL 408: RNA Worlds

    3.00 Credits
    Williams College

    Ribonucleic acids (RNAs) serve as genomes, catalysts, messengers, adaptors, regulators, structural components, and evolutionary substrates. Non-coding RNAs such as microRNAs, ribozymes, and small interfering RNAs control a diverse range of biological processes including plant and animal development, translation, epigenetic chromosome silencing, and cancer. This course explores recently discovered non-coding RNAs and considers evidence for their mechanisms of action. Through extensive reading of primary literature, we will analyze experimental investigations that reveal our current understanding of the functions and evolution of non-coding RNAs in all three domains of life. Prerequisite:    Biology 202; open to juniors and seniors
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  • BIOL 413: Molecular Basis of Biological Clocks

    3.00 Credits
    Williams College

    Circadian rhythms have been described in all organisms studied, including humans, a wide range of other eukaryotes and several prokaryotes. With periods of about 24 hours, these rhythms regulate biochemical, cellular, physiological and behavioral activities. Circadian rhythms are generated by cellular clocks--genetically determined internal pacemakers that maintain their oscillations in the absence of environmental cues but may be reset by periodicities in the environment, especially the light-dark cycle. Only recently have we begun to understand how circadian rhythms are generated and controlled at the cellular level. This course will explore the basic biochemical features of biological clocks with the aim of understanding their crucial role in regulating key biological parameters, such as enzyme levels, levels of hormones and other regulatory molecules, and activity and sleep cycles. Class discussions will focus on readings in the original literature. Prerequisite:    Biology 202; open to juniors and seniors
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  • BIOL 416: Epigenetics

    3.00 Credits
    Williams College

    After decades of studies emphasizing the role of DNA in heredity, scientists are now turning their attention from genetics to a variety of heritable phenomena that fall under the heading of epigenetics, heritable changes that do not result from an alteration in DNA sequence. Research reveals that stable changes in cell function can result from, for example, stable changes in protein conformation, protein modification, DNA methylation, or the location of a molecule within the cell. Using readings from the primary literature, we will explore the epigenetic nature and molecular mechanisms underlying a diverse array of phenomena such as prion propagation, genetic imprinting, dosage compensation, transvection, centromere formation, vernalization, and programmed genome rearrangements. The significance of epigenetic processes for development, evolution, and human health will be discussed. Prerequisite:    Biology 202; open to juniors and seniors
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  • BIOL 418: Signal Transduction to Cancer

    3.00 Credits
    Williams College

    Division of normal cells is a highly regulated process based on input from both intrinsic and extrinsic signals. The cell's response to its environment affects all aspects of cell behavior: proliferation, death, differentiation and migration. The goal of the course is to understand the molecular mechanisms of signal transduction that guide normal cell behavior and how disruptions in this process can lead to cancer. We will focus on the Hedgehog-Gli signaling pathway that is activated in 30% of all known cancers. Genetic studies will serve as an introduction to the components of the pathway, followed by an examination of the molecular mechanisms of signal reception, transduction of intracellular information, scaffolding and transcriptional targets. The final section of the course will investigate how high throughput screens, medicinal chemistry studies and mouse models are used to identify small molecular inhibitors of pathway components. We will consider the effectiveness of these inhibitors in pharmacological studies, clinical trials and potential cancer treatments. Prerequisite:    Biology 202 or permission of instructor
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  • BIOL 422: Ecology of Sustainable Agriculture

    3.00 Credits
    Williams College

    A seminar / field course investigating patterns, processes, and concepts of stability in human-dominated, food production ecosystems. As a capstone course, the course will draw upon the experiences that students have had in biology and environmental studies courses. Topics will include: the relationships among diversity, ecosystem function, sustainability, resilience, and stability of food production and distribution systems, nutrient pools and processing in human-dominated ecosystems. Several field trips will be taken to agricultural operations in the region. Each student will present a seminar on a topic requiring extensive reading of primary resources. Position paper assignments will be made at bi-weekly intervals and due prior to the seminar to which they relate, and periodic synthesis paper assignments will tie together various topic elements. Prerequisite:    Biology 203 or Biology 302 or Environmental Studies 203 or permission of instructor
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  • BIOL 493: Senior Thesis Research: Biology

    3.00 Credits
    Williams College

    Each student prepares a thesis under the supervision of a member of the department. Thesis work can begin either in the spring of the junior or the fall of the senior year, and includes the Winter Study period of the senior year. The number of Biology Department faculty available to mentor research students and the number of students each can accommodate in her/his lab vary from year to year. Although the department will make every effort to provide an opportunity for students to conduct Honors research, you should be aware that it may not be possible to assign all applicants to a laboratory.
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  • BIOL 494: Senior Thesis Research: Biology

    3.00 Credits
    Williams College

    Each student prepares a thesis under the supervision of a member of the department. Thesis work can begin either in the spring of the junior or the fall of the senior year, and includes the Winter Study period of the senior year. The number of Biology Department faculty available to mentor research students and the number of students each can accommodate in her/his lab vary from year to year. Although the department will make every effort to provide an opportunity for students to conduct Honors research, you should be aware that it may not be possible to assign all applicants to a laboratory.
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