01301/Biology

Foundations of Biology is a one semester Core A course for students not majoring in a natural science. This course is recommended for students majoring in elementary education. The course consists of three hours of classroom activities and two hours of laboratory each week. The curriculum will focus on major concepts of biology, including: evolution by natural selection; energy, matter and organization of living systems; reproduction and inheritance; growth, development and differentiation; maintenance of dynamic equilibrium; interaction and interdependence of organisms. Instruction will consist primarily of classroom and laboratory activities of various types.

An introduction to the principles of biology using the human as a model organism. The course covers biomolecules; the heredity, development, structure and function of the human body; and the relationship of humans to their environment. Laboratory.

Note: Not available for Biology major credit; no credit if either Biology C083 or C084 is previously taken.

Not available for Biology major credit. Ecological principles and energy interactions in ecosystems, elements controlling population size and the resources governing population interactions, with particular emphasis on the influence of human activity on various ecosystems.

Not available for Biology major credit. Emphasis on recent development in the application of Biological knowledge that benefit humans and the environment. Topics include: mammalian cell culture and applications, recombinant DNA and human gene therapy; plant tissue culture, plant breeding and transgenic crops; development and production of compounds for treatment of diseases; development of biological methods for insect control; biological control of weeds; immunology and AIDS.

Not available for Biology major credit. Lectures cover the biology of plant growth, physiology, and reproduction; the genetic basis for plant breeding; plant improvement by genetic engineering; the role of crop plants in human nutrition; effects of the Green Revolution; world food production in developed versus developing countries.

Not available for Biology major credit. Emphasis on the transmission and expression of genetic information in humans. Topics include: introduction to Mendelian and molecular genetics; mutations and the genetic code; hereditary disorders and genetic counseling; the genetics of cancer, and immunity; and implications of genetic technology.

Not available for Biology major credit. The basic biology of mammalian reproduction and development: sperm and egg production, fertilization, contraception, fetal development, genetic disorders and birth defects, contribution of heredity and environment to human development, and hormone cycles.

General introductory biology for non-biology majors. First semester includes cell physiology (introduction), origins of life, taxonomy, principles of evolution, animal evolution, and a survey of physiology. Second semester includes biological molecules, biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics. Laboratory required.

Not available for Biology major credit. Introduction to life in the oceans, including a survey of marine habitats, associated life forms, their interactions with each other and the transfer of energy within and between ecosystems. Cooperative studies of topics such as: biology of El Nino, overfishing; introduced marine organisms; destruction of marine wetlands; symbiosis in the oceans; biology of deep sea organisms. One all-day field trip.

This course is the introductory course for Biology majors. Prerequisites: For Biology 0103: successful completion of one year of college chemistry (Chemistry C071, C072 or equivalent) with a grade of C- or better in both semesters and concurrent enrollment in Organic Chemistry (Chemistry 0121 or equivalent). One year of college level calculus is strongly recommended but not required. Biology 0104: successful completion of first semester college chemistry (Chemistry C071 or equivalent) with a grade of C- or better.

Biology 0103 and Biology 0104 may be taken in any order. However, students must complete both courses with a grade of C- or better before they will be allowed to take the second required courses (Biology 0203 and 0204) in the Biology curriculum. Biology 0103 provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts of biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology and genetics. Topics covered include the structure of important biological macromolecules, enzyme kinetics, metabolic pathways, photosynthesis, cell changes during mitosis and meiosis, DNA replication, transcription, translation and genetic analysis. Biology 0104 covers evolutionary principles, an introduction to ecology, and anatomy and physiology of plants and animals with an emphasis on vertebrate systems. Concepts and facts discussed in lecture will be closely integrated with laboratory observation and experimentation.

Restricted to Biochemistry majors enrolled in the Cooperative Program. Independent research carried out in an off-campus laboratory. Research will be jointly supervised by a Biochemistry faculty member and the research director of the off-campus laboratory. Written permission must be obtained in advance from the supervising faculty member and one of the co-administrators. Student must present a seminar on campus describing the scientific aims of the project, the experimental design, and the conclusions drawn from the experiments.

Approval of the Biology Honors Committee required. Not available for Biology major credit. Permits students doing independent study projects at other universities or in a work situation to obtain credit for their work. Students must be Biology majors who have completed Biology 0103, 0104, 0203, and W204. Students must obtain a sponsor on the Biology Department faculty to oversee their work and act as a liaison between the outside institution and the Biology Honors Committee. A written research report is required.

For students enrolled in a Cooperative Program; not for Biology concentration credit. Students obtain a job through the Cooperative Placement Office. Course grade based entirely on a research paper, related in subject matter to the job, and prepared under the supervision of a Biology Department faculty member. The student is responsible for finding a departmental supervisor.

Research under the direction of a faculty member. Not available for Biology major credit. Students must obtain a sponsor and approval of the Biology Honors Committee.

Laboratory and recitation. Required for majors in Biology. Examines the basic principles and problems of classical, biochemical, and molecular genetics. Laboratory experiments provide an introduction to genetics and molecular biology.

Required for majors in Biology. The chemistry and biological functions of important small molecules and macromolecules of the cell. Concept: the functions of cells are rooted in structures, and the structures themselves derive their characteristics from their chemical components. Laboratory.

Examination of the structure, functions, and interactions of ecosystems at the physical, chemical, and biological levels. Comparative treatment of both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Required field trips and field projects are an integral part of the course.

A study of the development and gross anatomy of the human. In the laboratory, the dissection of the cat, together with pertinent illustrations from humans and other animals, provides a comparative survey of the anatomical structure of mammals. Laboratory.

Emphasis on the physiology of the normal human; consideration of disease states as counter-illustrations. Certain comparative aspects of physiology are introduced. When appropriate, discussions of function extend to the physical and biochemical level. Laboratory.

A study of the fundamental techniques used in preparing tissues for microscopic examinations, followed by a detailed study of the various types of normal tissues and organs in mammals with emphasis on correlations between structure and function. Laboratory.

The interrelationships between biological, chemical, and physical factors in freshwater environments. Lectures and laboratories address general ecological principles (population dynamics, community structure, energy flow, and nutrient cycling) as they apply to plants and animals in lakes, ponds, streams and wetland. Up to two field trips.

Introduction to the local marine environments of the northeastern United States through lectures, laboratory, and on-site field work. One required independent research project on the interaction of a common marine organism with its environment. The results will be written up in scientific journal style. Two or three required field trips.

Introduction to field research methods and the analysis of data. Lectures emphasize the biological and physical interactions that structure inter-tidal and sub-tidal marine communities. Two team field research projects followed by writing of a research paper in scientific journal style. Three or four required field trips.

An introduction to the biology of the invertebrate phyla including insects. Demonstrations of the patterns of invertebrate evolution by consideration of morphology, behavior, development, physiology, and ecology of representative organisms. Laboratory.

A survey of the concepts of aquatic ecology in estuarine and marine ecosystems, emphasizing the organization and maintenance of the major aquatic communities in response to the physical, chemical, and Biologylogical characteristics of the environment, modes of energy transfer, physiological adaptation, life history characteristics, and functional morphology. Laboratory exercises stress comparative measurement of biological diversity in the marine environment. One or more field trips required.

Explores the biological basis of behavior in vertebrate and invertebrate animals. Stresses physiological mechanisms that underlie behavioral responses: the receptor systems that mediate responsiveness to stimuli, and the neural and hormonal systems that integrate and control the behavior. The course also examines social, territorial, and reproductive behavior; the development and evolution of behavior; learning and imprinting; the relationship between circadian rhythms, sun-compass orientation, and animal navigation.

A comparative study of vertebrate embryonic development, including gametogenesis, fertilization, early embryology, and analysis of differentiation of organs, tissues, and cells. The laboratory consists of simple experiments on all aspects of development, supplemented by examination of slides and models. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory a week.

Admission by application to the Biology Honors Committee. Discussion of research problems and methods as part of laboratory research. Designed to acquaint students with concepts of modern biology and to prepare them for independent research. Students should obtain a faculty sponsor before applying for admission. Graduation credit but not elective credit awarded.

Available as an elective for Biology major credit by petition to the Biology Honors Committee, prior to registration. The student must make a written agreement with a Biology faculty member detailing the course of study to be followed and the mechanisms of evaluation. This agreement must be submitted to the undergraduate adviser and Honors Committee for approval. This course is available only for areas of study in which the department does not present normal course work.

This course is intended to give students a hands-on approach to experimental neuro-biology. Sensory input, central processing and motor output will be 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 mollusk ganglia. Students will learn extra-cellular and intra-cellular 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.

A lecture and discussion course for upper-level science majors and graduate students. Topics covered include Darwinism and neo-Darwinian theory, theories and experimental evidence for microevolution (population genetics, adaptation, natural selection, sexual selection, speciation), and macroevolution (classical and molecular techniques used to understand the evolution of groups of organisms).

A lecture and discussion class for upper-level science 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 effects of mutations on simple reflex responses to chemical stimuli and light, complex sexual behaviors, and endogenous phenomena such as circadian rhythms, and learning that modify behaviors.

A general survey of bacteria and archaea. Topics include: classification; physiology, growth, and environmental impact; genetics and gene recombination; evolutionary relationships. Laboratory topics include pure culture, identification, growth characteristics, and genetics.

A lecture course in human heredity, emphasizing the mechanisms of inheritance and gene action in humans. Topics covered are molecular genetics, population genetics, and patterns of gene transmission.

Current molecular and genetic analyses of classical problems in the genetics of higher plants.

A comprehensive introduction to molecular genetics and the biochemistry of DNA, RNA, and proteins. The structure and expression of genes in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes will be discussed with special emphasis on DNA replication, transcription, and translation. Current journal articles covering recent developments in modern molecular biology and genetic engineering will be covered.

Laboratory instruction in the techniques used in modern molecular biology and molecular genetics. This course takes a problem-oriented approach toward teaching the methods of DNA and RNA analysis that are used in determining the structure and function of genes. Practical experience in the preparation of DNA and RNA, modern cloning methods, restriction enzyme mapping hybridization analysis, DNA sequencing, and PCR techniques will be provided.

The role of genes during the periods of determination and differentiation in eukaryote development. Emphasis on the regulation of gene function and the relationship between gene function and the molecular and developmental interactions which culminate in the adult phenotype.

0328. Virology (3 s.h.) F

Prerequisites: Biology 0203 -0204 or permission of the instructor

The role of viruses in human diseases, and their potential as tools for research and clinical interventation. Viral induced diseases in man (smallpox, polio, rabies, hepatitis, herpes, and influenza); recently discovered viruses such as HIV and HTLV-1. Virus-host interactions and the mechanisms involved in disease processes, therapeutic strategies, and vaccines. Strategies for viral entry, evation of the immune system, transmission, and the subversion of protein. Potential uses of viruses as vector for gene therapy of genetic disorders, cancers, and infectious diseases.

Recent developments in cell biology will be discussed. Topics will include the cyto-skeleton, cell cycle, and cell motility.

This course will provide a survey of modern techniques in microscopy. Students will acquire a thorough grounding in general principles of optics and conventional microscopy, and learn the theory of many methods current in Biology and medicine, fluorescence, confocal microscopy, video microscopy, and digital image processing and analysis.

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 versus 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.

Laboratory instruction in techniques used to investigate biological problems. Techniques include spectrophotometry, column chromatography, various types of electrophoresis, separation of macromolecules, two-dimensional analytical protein separation, affinity chromatography, isolation of plasmid DNA, Western Blot, immunoassay, enzyme kinetics, and radioisotope techniques. If time permits, students will be given a small research project.

A comparative survey of vertebrate and invertebrate neurobiology intended to acquaint the student with structure and function at the level of the cell or small groups of cells.

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.

This is a lecture course dealing 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.

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 0352/0452 so that students will have a perspective on neuroscience ranging from the molecular to the systems level.

This course covers mammalian embryo-genesis; macromolecular synthesis and onset of zygotic gene activity; the effects of the male and female genomes on development; the effect of chromosome and gene imprinting on development; the production of, analysis of and use of, transgenic mice; the expression of protoncogenes and oncogenes during development; and, 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.

Examination of current models concerning cytodifferentiation in vertebrate embryos, and some of the data that has been used in support of these models.

Mammalian development will be taught using primary references. Course will cover gametogenesis, fertilization and pre- and post-implantation stages. Genetic mutations and experimental procedures will be used to define developmental interactions.

Broad coverage of "chemical messengers," occurrence, biochemistry, and physiology. Vertebrate endocrinology with minor treatment of invertebrates and plants.

0370. Comparative Animal Physiology (3 s.h.) S

A study of the experimental approach to understanding how animals have adapted physiologically to the unique physio-chemical conditions of different environments. Topics include comparison of metabolic rates, osmo- and thermo-regulation, 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.

Cell proliferation and its control: model systems, comparisons of proliferating cells with non-proliferating 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.

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.

Properties of water (pH and buffers); Chemistry of amino acids and proteins including non-covalent interactions; carbohydrates, nucleotides and nucleic acids; lipids and membranes; enzyme mechanisms and kinetics; control of enzyme activity; biogyenergetics and oxidative metabolism; biophysics and chemistry of photosynthesis.

Replication of DNA, transcription, and translation.

Elementary treatment useful for pre-professional students. Membrane equilibrium, diffusion, proton motive, cellular homeostasis, ionic basis of nerve and muscle function, purification, cloning, and molecular physiology of channels, porters, and pumps.

An analysis, based upon the experimental literature, of the processes which result in organogenesis during embryonic development. Emphasis on correlations between morphological and biochemical specializations. Topics include patterns of differentiation, morphogenetic movements, epithelial-mesenchymal interactions, and the role of extra-cellular matrix in differentiation.

Advanced discussion of selected topics.

Advanced lecture course. Subject matter varies from semester to semester.

Research under the supervision of a faculty member. A written report and an oral presentation of the student's research are required in Biology 0392. Upon completion, the student is awarded Distinction in Biology.

Research in the laboratory of one of the Biochemistry faculty.

Admission to this course and the honors track as well as recommendation for graduation with honors must be approved by the Biochemistry Committee. This course required for graduation with honors. Student presentation of research done in this course (and Biology 0393 and 0394) or a comprehensive presentation of a topic selected jointly by student and adviser. Emphasis placed on analysis of experimental techniques, quantitative interpretation of the data, logical analysis of controls, and implication of the results.