Courses
Biology
0401-Teaching of Biology 3 s.h.
Required of all first-year teaching assistants. Instruction in the art of teaching laboratories and recitations.
0402-Teaching of Biology 3 s.h.
Required of all first-year teaching assistants. Instruction in the art of teaching laboratories and recitations.
0410-Evolution 3 s.h.
A lecture and discussion for upper-level science majors and graduate students. Topics covered include Darwinism and neo-Darwinian theory, theories and experimental evidence for micro-revolution (population genetics, adaptation, natural selection, sexual selection, speciation) and macro-evolution (classical and molecular techniques used to understand the evolution of groups of organisms).
Prerequisite: completion of Biology 203 (or equivalent majors-level genetics course) with a grade of C- or better
0415-Behavioral and Neural Genetics 3 s.h.
A lecture and discussion class for upper-level biology majors and graduate students. We discuss experiments in which genetic and molecular techniques are used to analyze the mechanisms underlying behavior. We will analyze the effect of mutations on simple reflex responses to chemical stimuli and light, on complex sexual behaviors, and on endogenous phenomena such as circadian rhythms and learning that modify behaviors.
Prerequisite: completion of Biology 203 (or equivalent majors-level genetics course) with a grade of C- or better
0416-Tropical Marine Biology 4 s.h.
0427-Immunology 3 s.h.
0428-Virology 3 s.h.
0429-Developmental Genetics 3 s.h.
The role of genes in the determination and differentiation of invertebrates and lower Vertebrates. Emphasis is on the regulation of gene function and on the genetic and molecular interactions which control early development in Drosphilia, C. elegans, Amphibia, and chick embryos. Together with Biology 363/463, these courses provide an overall picture of the genetic control of development.
Prerequisite: Biology 203
0430-Cell Biology 3 s.h.
Recent developments in cell biology. Topics may include the cytoskeleton, cell motility, the cell cycle, endo- and exocytosis.
Prerequisite: Biology 204
0433-Advanced Techniques in Microscopy 3 s.h.
This course will provide a survey of modern techniques in microscopy. Students will acquire a thorough grounding in general principles of optics and convential microscopy, and learn the theory of many methods current in biology and medicine, fluorescence, confocal microscopy, video, microscopy and digital image processing and analysis.
0440-Advanced Invertebrate Biology 3 s.h.
A study of the mechanisms of development using invertebrates as model systems. The class will address developmentally significant questions relevant to both vertebrates and invertebrates, including: role of lineage vs. position in determination, induction of polarity, genetics and molecular biology of segmentation and path finding in the nervous system. Emphasis is on the advantages of comparative biology and invertebrate systems for analyzing patterns in development.
Prerequisite: Bio 241-242 or permission of instructor
0452-Neurobiology 3 s.h.
A comparative survey of vertebrate and invertebrate neurology systems intended to acquaint the student with their structure and function at the level of the cell or small groups of cells.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
0454-Neurological Basis of Animal Behavior 3 s.h.
An exploration of the relationship of neural activity and connectivity to behavior. Topics include motor control, object recognition, and learning. Examples from both vertebrate and invertebrate species. Analytic and synthetic approaches.
Prerequisite: One semester neurobiology
0455-Biological Clocks 3 s.h.
This course deals with the subject of the rhythms of life daily and seasonal. The nature of the clock, the means for resetting the clock, the clock's use in navigation, and the relationship of the clock to the environment.
Prerequisite: One year General Biology
0456-Organization and Development of the Nervous System 3 s.h.
This course covers developmental, anatomical, and integrative aspects of the nervous system. The relationship of form to function will be studied in a variety of systems both invertebrate and vertebrate. The course is intended to complement Neurobiology 352/452 so that students will have a perspective on neuroscience ranging from the molecular to the systems level.
Prerequisite: Biology 204 or permission of instructor
0463-Genetic Control of Mammalian Development 3 s.h.
This course covers mammalian embryogenesis, and 1) macromolecular synthesis and onset of zygotic gene activity, 2) the effects of the male and female genomes on development; 3) the effect of chromosome and gene imprinting on development; 4) the production of, analysis of and use of transgenic mice; 5) the expression of protooncongenes and oncogenes during development; and 6) the expression of homeoboxes and their effects as transgenes during development. With the exception of normal development, all of the topics are taught from journal articles.
Prerequisite: Biology 203 or permission of instructor
0464-Biochemical Embryology 3 s.h.
A study of the process of biochemical differentiation of embryonic cells.
Prerequisite: Prerequisites: Biology 204 and 265
0467-Endocrinology 3 s.h.
Broad coverage of "chemical messengers," occurrence, biochemistry, and physiology. Vertebrate endocrinology with minor treatment of invertebrates and plants.
Prerequisite: Prerequisites: General Biology and Organic Chemistry
0470-Comparative Animal Physiology 3 s.h.
A study of the experimental approach to understanding how animals have adapted physiologically to the unique physico-chemical conditions of different environments. Topics include comparison of metabolic rates, osmo- and thermoregulation and reproductive processes among animals living in diverse aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Animals' physiological adaptations are correlated with their morphology, life cycles and behavior. Vertebrate animals are stressed. There is an opportunity for students to do reports on particular animals or physiological systems that interest them.
Prerequisite: Prerequisites: Bio 0103-0104 and 0233 or equivalent; Chemistry C071-C072 or equivalent
0471-Cell Proliferation 3 s.h.
Discussion of cell proliferation and its control; model systems, comparisons of proliferating cells with nonproliferating cells, controls of cell division and how that control is modified in proliferative diseases such as cancer and the relationships between proliferation and differentiation. Readings will be taken from the literature.
Prerequisite: Prerequisites: Biology 0203 and 0204 or permission of instructor
0474-Physical Biochemistry 3 s.h.
The course covers those aspects of computer simulation of molecular dynamics and statistical mechanics of use to biochemists and biologists interested in molecular modeling. The course is computer intensive.
Prerequisite: Prerequisites: Chemistry C071-C072, C073-C074, or C091-C092, two semesters of calculus, and one semester of calculus-based physics; Pre- or Corequisite: second semester physics
0475-General Biochemistry I. 3 s.h.
Properties of water (pH and buffers); chemistry of amino acids and proteins including non-covalent interactions, carbohydrates, nucleotides and nucleic, lipids and membranes, enzyme mechanisms and kinetics; control of enzyme activity; bioenergetics and oxidative metabolism; biophysics and chemistry of photosynthesis.
Prerequisite: Prerequisites: Chemistry 0121 and Biology 0103 and 0104 or permission of instructor
0476-General Biochemistry II. 3 s.h.
Replication of DNA, transcription and translation.
Prerequisite: Biochemistry I.
0479-Molecular Biology 3 s.h.
DNA replication, repair and recombination; recombinant DNA technology and gene cloning; transcription, processing and splicing of RNA; regulation of gene expression; protein synthesis and regulation; molecular biology of the immune system and oncogenesis.
Prerequisite: Corequisites: Biology 475 and knowledge of basic genetics
0481-Membrane Biochemistry and Biophysics 3 s.h.
Elementary treatment useful for preprofessional students. Membrane equilibria, diffusion, cellular homeostasis, ionic basis of nerve and muscle function, characterization and isolation of channels, porters, and pumps.
Prerequisite: Biology 204, 234, or permission of instructor
0484-Organogenesis 3 s.h.
An analysis, based upon the experimental literature, of the processes which result in organogenesis during embryonic development. Emphasis is on correlations between morphological and biochemical specializations. Topics include: patterns of differentiation, morphogenetic movements, epithelialmesenchymal interactions, and role of extracellular materials in differentiation.
Prerequisite: Biology 265
0485-Contemporary Biology 3 s.h.
Current research topics in selected areas of biology examined in depth. Selected readings assigned. Limited to students who are in the Graduate Program of the Department of Biology. It meets weekly to present and review current research papers in the field of biology.
0489-Contemp Bio-Biotechnology 3 s.h.
0703-Introduction to Biological Research 3 s.h.
A laboratory course providing hands-on experience in common techniques of biological research. Topics covered will include laboratory safety, Ph buffers, spectroscopy, centrifugation, electrophoresis, and chromatography. Instruction will also be given in experimental design, the use of controls, and the analysis of data. Limited to graduate students.
0799-Preliminary Exam Preparation 1-6 s.h.
Students in M.A. program who have completed coursework but have not passed the exam.
0802-Research Techniques:Biochemistry 3 s.h.
Laboratory techniques used to investigate biological problems. Techniques include spectrophotometry, column chromatography, electrophoresis, separation of macromolecules, two-dimensional analytical protein separation, affinity chromatography, isolation of plasmid DNA, transformation, immunoassay, enzyme kinetics, radioisotope techniques, pulse labeling, and analysis of radioactive products. If time permits, students will be given a small research project.
0804-Research Techniques:Neuroscience 3 s.h.
This course is intended to give students a hands-on approach to experimental neurobiology. Sensory input, central processing and motor output will b explored using preparations that include: vital staining and synaptic plasticity of invertebrate neuromuscular units; action potentials from plants; monitoring and modifying electric discharge patterns of weakly electric fish; responses of crayfish stretch receptors; mapping and physiological properties of visual units in the frog brain; bursting cells in mollusc ganglia. Students will learn extra-cellular and intracellular single unit physiological recording and stimulating. Physiological signals will be processed by modern laboratory computers. Independent projects based on earlier preparations will be carried out towards the end of the semester.
0805-Research Techniques 3 s.h.
Prerequisite: Topics will vary.
0806-Research Techniques 3 s.h.
Prerequisite: Topics will vary.
0807-Research Techniques 3 s.h.
Laboratory instruction in molecular biology and recombinant DNA techniques. The course will provide practical experience in modern cloning, hybridization, and DNA sequencing technology.
Prerequisite: Prerequisite(s): Biology 479 and undergraduates who have had Bio 324 or permission of the instructor
0808-Theory and Practice of Ultra-structure Research 4 s.h.
Theoretical background of the potential of the electron microscope for biological research; also provides practical experience in major techniques of the field. Students begin with live tissue and conclude with electron micrographs.
0821-Seminar 3 s.h.
Topics will vary.
0822-Seminar 3 s.h.
Topics will vary.
0825-Seminar 3 s.h.
Topics will vary.
0826-Seminar 3 s.h.
Topics will vary.
0841-Seminar 3 s.h.
Topics will vary.
0842-Seminar 3 s.h.
Topics will vary.
0845-Seminar 3 s.h.
Topics will vary.
0846-Seminar 3 s.h.
Topics will vary.
0851-Seminar:Neuroscience 3 s.h.
A discussion of recent advances in the clinical and experimental Neurosciences using original research papers or reviews. Particular topics are selected on the basis of student interests and background.
0861-Directed Reading 1-9 s.h.
Directed study and discussion of the current research literature.
0862-Directed Reading 1-9 s.h.
Directed study and discussion of the current research literature.
0899-Pre-Dissertation Research 1-6 s.h.
Ph.D. students who have not been admitted to candidacy.
0901-Graduate Research 1-9 s.h.
0902-Graduate Research 1-9 s.h.
0904-Graduate Research 1-9 s.h.
0999-Dissertation Research 1-6 s.h.
Ph.D. students who have been admitted to candidacy.