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Course Criteria
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4.00 Credits
Environmental Studies This course examines the evolutionary and ecological causes and consequences of animal behavior. The course relies heavily on readings in primary literature, laboratory work, and independent projects. Prerequisites: Biology 201 and 202.
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4.00 Credits
Considers biological inheritance in prokaryotes (bacteria) and their viruses (bacteriophages). Lectures alternate with student presentations of fundamental papers in chronological order. Topics include mutagenesis and repair, plasmids, conjugation, transformation, intemperate and temperate phages, transduction, transposition and nonhomologous recombination, homologous recombination, and the regulation of gene expression. Laboratory work provides practical experience in the topics covered. Offered in alternate spring semesters. Prerequisites: Biology 201, Biology 303, and Chemistry 201-202.
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4.00 Credits
Our planet is basically a closed system, and cycles of certain elements dictate life-determining processes. The nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon cycles are of particular interest in understanding patterns of life on earth. At different timescales, geological, biological, and chemical processes all play important roles mediating the availability of these nutrients. Students examine how interactions between biological processes (like primary productivity) and geological processes (like rock weathering) influence nutrient availability and long-term climate. With this understanding, students investigate how various human activities, such as agriculture and energy consumption, are affecting these cycles. Prerequisites: Chemistry 142 and two biology courses, at least one at the 200 level.
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4.00 Credits
What were the ecological, biogeographical, and morphological circumstances leading to the evolution of Mammalia over 200 million years ago? What led to the Cenozoic explosion of diversity, and what are the primary structural innovations that characterize extant mammalian orders? The class considers mammalian phylogeny and taxonomy, structural adaptive innovation, biogeography, community ecology, behavioral strategy, and life history. Students become familiar with the cranial and postcranial skeleton and identify the major mammalian taxa as well as local species. They practice field techniques, and, if interested, learn to prepare specimens for museum collections. Prerequisite: at least one 200-level course in biology or permission of the instructor.
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4.00 Credits
This lecture/lab examines the apparent evolution of nucleotide (and amino acid) sequences in biology and the extent to which species phylogeny can be reliably reconstructed from such sequences. Students learn how to retrieve sequences from computerized data banks, align them, and construct phylogenic trees by parsimony analysis. The course concludes with a project in which the students perform these manipulations on sets of sequences of their own choosing. Offered in alternate fall semesters. Prerequisites: Biology 201 and Biology 301.
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4.00 Credits
Examines different computational methods used to search for, analyze, classify, and model DNA, RNA, and protein sequences. Included are methods that examine genome sequencing, gene expression, functional genomics, and variation within populations, as well as genomewide analysis. These methods are then related to the larger context of the human genome project and where such research may lead the field of biology. Offered in alternate fall semesters. Prerequisites: Biology 141 and Computer Science 141 or permission of the instructor.
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4.00 Credits
A two-semester scientific investigation of the ecology of African savannas. Students collect data during an intersession trip to Kenya, analyze the data graphically and statistically, and prepare and deliver oral and written presentations of the results of their research projects. Classes before and after intersession cover basic statistics for data analysis, evaluation and interpretation of scientific data, and preparation of both written and oral scientific presentations. Students are selected for this course through an application process at the start of each academic year. Firstyear students, sophomores, and juniors with some science background are eligible for selection. Biology 332 and 333 are nondivisible.
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2.00 Credits
This two-credit course meets once a week for two hours. Weeks alternate between lectures and group evaluation of papers (two per discussion) from the primary literature relevant to the previous week's lecture topic. Although each member of the class is responsible for reading each paper and participating in discussions, teams of two students present the papers. Some topics focus on historical investigations central to cell biology, while others focus on current and sometimes controversial investigations. Prerequisites: Biology 201 and Chemistry 201-202.
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4.00 Credits
Discussions of review articles on particular topics from the field of experimental immunology precede in-depth discussions of one or more research articles in those areas. The literature is read with the objective of understanding the current models describing immune system development, function, and malfunction, as well as the experimental rationale and modern techniques used to probe fundamental cellular, molecular, and biochemical mechanisms. Potential topics include development of the acquired immune system, autoimmunity, mechanisms of innate and acquired immunity, and hypersensitivity (allergic reactions). Prerequisites: Biology 201 and 202 and Chemistry 201-202; Biology 301 and 302 are recommended.
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4.00 Credits
Diabetes mellitus is one of the most complicated physiological abnormalities to afflict humans, and is also one of the most common. It has been estimated that the lifetime risk of developing diabetes for individuals born in 2000 is 33 percent for males and 38 percent for females. It is responsible for a large fraction of the morbidity and mortality of developed nations. This seminar examines the development of current scientific understanding of diabetes by examining the medical and scientific literature in chronological order, from the Ebers papyrus (1536 B.C.E.) and Aretaeus the Cappadocian (200 C.E.) to papers describing the latest developments in the field. Prerequisites: extensive course work in molecular, cellular, and organismal biology; senior status; permission of the instructor.
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