Scheduled courses:

NOTE: General Microbiology and Topics and Medical Microbiology will NOT be offered in the 2007-08 academic year.

BIOL 107 Introduction to Human Genetics
Course combines a quantitative approach to human inheritance with topical discussion of contemporary issues in genetics such as genetic testing, gene therapy, the human genome project, stem cells, and cloning. Course also includes hands­on genetic experimentation. Intended for non-majors, AOS (NS)

BIOL 112 Evolution and Genetics with Lab
An introduction to principles of evolution and genetics. Includes a comprehensive overview of genetics from molecular, classical, and population perspectives, as well as in­depth treatment of evolutionary mechanisms, phylogenetic analysis, and the history of life on Earth. Laboratories include the purification and analysis of DNA, Drosophila and bacterial genetics, and computer simulations of evolutionary processes. AOS (NS)

BIOL 115 Environmental Science
In this course you will (1) build a basic understanding of the physical and natural systems that make up the biosphere on Earth (land, water, atmosphere, and life) stressing the dynamics of these interconnected systems; (2) develop a scientific understanding of the causes and consequences of several of the major environmental problems facing today's society; (3) acquire the tools to enable you to think critically about other current and future environmental challenges you will face as a member of contemporary society. One weekend field trip is required. Intended for non-majors, AOS (NS)

BIOL 124 Physiology and Ecology with Lab
Introduction to principles of organism­environment interaction, how organisms meet environmental requirements, and community and ecosystem dynamics. AOS (NS) Recommended: BIOL 112.

BIOL 200 Research Apprenticeship in Biology
Apprenticeships intended to provide opportunities for biology majors to become regularly involved in ongoing research projects with faculty, either with the same faculty member for a number of quarters or with different faculty in different quarters. A minimum of 50 hours of work is expected for each quarter. One unit toward graduation is awarded after a student has participated in three apprenticeships.

BIOL 220 Organism Diversity with Lab
An introduction to the diversity of organisms, including phylogeny and morphological, functional, life cycle, and behavioral adaptations to the environments in which organisms live. Laboratories on comparative morphology and characterization of major non­organ systems. Prerequisite: BIOL 112 or BIOL 124.

BIOL 222 Vertebrate Biology with Lab
Broad­based study of comparative anatomy and life histories of adult vertebrates and how these influence our understanding of vertebrate phylogeny; laboratories in comparative anatomy and diversity of vertebrates. AOS (NS) Prerequisite: BIOL 220.

BIOL 232 Plant Biology with Lab
An introduction to plants, their life cycles, and their relationships to each other. We will discuss morphology, physiology, evolution, and natural history of plants (mosses, ferns, gymnosperms, angiosperms). In the laboratory, students will learn local flora and utilize both field and greenhouse studies to examine various aspects of plant ecology and physiology. Prerequisite: BIOL 220 or permission.

BIOL 246 Cell and Molecular Biology with Lab
The complex workings of individual cells will be explored from a molecular perspective. Topics include the flow of genetic information, cell structure and mechanics, metabolism, cell signaling and regulation. An integrated laboratory will introduce cutting-edge cell and molecular techniques, including cell culture, transfection, immunoprecipitation, electrophoresis, and Western blotting. AOS (NS) Prerequisite: BIOL 112 and CHEM 210. Recommended: BIOL 124.

BIOL 290 Animal Behavior with Lab (Cross-listed as PSYC 290)
Study of the behavior and social organization of a variety of animal groups ranging from insects to primates; analysis of general principles of behavior modes; observation of animal behavior in the field and laboratory. BIOL 290 AOS (NS); PSYC 290 AOS (SS) Prerequisite: BIOL 112 or 124 or PSYC 101.

BIOL 312 Population and Community Ecology with Lab
This course will build upon principles studied in BIOL 124 . Using both theoretical and empirical approaches, we will explore in greater depth: population ecology, demography, life history strategies, species interactions, community structure and dynamics for both aquatic and terrestrial communities. Labs will focus on the methods ecologists use to answer questions about the distribution and abundance of organisms; students will explore local habitats and conduct independent research. AOS (NS) Prerequisite: BIOL 124 . Recommended: BIOL 112.

BIOL 322 General and Medical Microbiology with Lab
This course includes a general introduction to microbiology including structure and function, growth, nutrition, metabolism, genetics, roles of microorganisms in the biogeochemical cycles and water microbiology. This is followed by in depth coverage of symbiosis involving microorganisms, including pathogenesis of infectious diseases. AOS (NS) Prerequisite: BIOL 124 and 246.

BIOL 350 Neurobiology with Lab
Structure and function of the nervous system will be considered, in addition to the molecular and cellular workings of individual neurons. Topics include cell biology of neurons, electrophysiology, sensory and motor systems, brain development, and dysfunction of the nervous system. An integrated laboratory will focus on neuroanatomy, histology, physiological simulations, and neuronal cell culture. AOS (NS) Prerequisite: BIOL 246 or permission.

BIOL 352 Biochemistry with Lab (Cross-listed as CHEM 352)
Overview of the chemical mechanisms underlying biological processes including structure and function of proteins, polysaccharides, and lipids; enzymatic catalysis and kinetics; an introduction to bioenergetics; detailed treatment of carbohydrate metabolism; survey of lipid and amino acid metabolism; and integration of metabolism. Laboratory will emphasize enzyme kinetics, protein isolation, and electrophoresis. Also listed as CHEM 352. AOS (NS). Prerequisite: CHEM 220 or 224. Recommended: BIOL 246.

BIOL 362 Immunology with Lab
Analysis of the mechanisms of both the humoral and cellular immune responses in vertebrates, regulation of the components of the immune system, and some clinical implications. AOS (NS) Prerequisite: BIOL 246.

BIOL 370 Advanced Genetics with Lab
Advanced treatment of principles and methods of modern genetic analysis such as genetic mapping, mutational screens, genomics, quantitative genetics, and the behavior of genes in populations. Laboratories include mapping in Drosophila and bacteriophage T4, mutational analysis in bacteria, and multiplex DNA genotyping in humans. AOS (NS) Prerequisite: BIOL 112 and 246.

BIOL 376 Human Physiology with Lab (formerly Comparative Animal Physiology)
Analytical treatment of the mechanisms by which humans regulate their internal environment. Emphasis on thermoregulation and on respiratory, circulatory, excretory, endocrine and digestive systems. Laboratories include respiration, metabolism and excretions as well as student presentations of articles on comparative animal physiology from the primary literature. AOS (NS). Prerequisite: BIOL 124 and 246. Recommended: Math 260 and 360.

BIOL 396 Entomology with Lab
A comprehensive introduction to the biology and classification of insects. Topics covered include insect structure, function, development, behavior, principles of control, identification, systematics and evolution. Laboratories include field trips to local sites to observe and collect insects, and to view ongoing basic and applied research projects by local entomologists. Students will gain experience in rearing and handling insects. All are required to assemble a collection of local insects. AOS (NS) Prerequisite: BIOL 220 or permission of instructor.

BIOL 432 Developmental Biology with Lab
Investigations of the cellular and genetic mechanisms underlying embryonic development in a variety of model systems. Laboratories include classical manipulations of amphibian embryos, studies of morphogenesis in zebrafish, and the developmental genetics of fruit flies. AOS (NS) Prerequisite: BIOL 112 and 246. Recommended: BIOL 124 and/or 222.

BIOL 466 Advanced Molecular Biology with Lab
A detailed examination of gene structure and function with an emphasis on experimental approaches and original literature. Features an open-ended laboratory project incorporating several molecular approaches including PCR, cloning strategies, the production of recombinant proteins, and bioinformatics. AOS (NS) Prerequisite: BIOL 112 and 246.

BIOL 480-484 Topics in Biology
Advanced-level seminar course that will focus primarily on discussions and student presentations of articles from the primary literature. Topics courses offered will vary from year to year depending on staffing. Prerequisite: BIOL 112, 124, 220, and 246.

BIOL 480 Topics in Immunology
Topics covered will include mechanisms of humoral and cell-mediated immune response in vertebrates, properties of immune products such as immunoglobulins and cytokines, and the interaction and regulation of the components of the immune system. Through reading and discussing selected papers from the primary literature, students will become familiar with some of the techniques currently important in immunology research, types of data immunologists can obtain, and ways in which those data can be intepreted.

BIOL 482 Topics in Medical Microbiology
Current topics in medical microbiology as they relate to the pathogenesis of infectious diseases and public health will be explored through lectures, discussions and student presentations. Readings will be, almost exclusively, from primary scientific literature.

BIOL 484 Molecular Basis for Nervous System Disorders
The molecular underpinnings of nervous system disease and injury states will be investigated. A combination of lectures, discussions, and student presentations of research articles will be employed. Course readings will come exclusively from the primary literature. Topics covered will include neurodegenerative diseases, nervous system injury states, drug addiction, and brain tumors.

BIOL 490 Functioning as a Biologist
Participation in a seminar involving teaching and research in the literature and consideration of current biological questions; participation for one quarter in the departmental program as a teaching assistant; preparation for SIP research through literature search and critical discussion of pertinent papers; preparation and defense of completed thesis based upon SIP research. Attendance from junior spring through the senior year; credit may be applied to the quarter load in any of the senior year terms; grade recorded in the senior spring. Prerequisite: Junior Spring or Senior standing.

BIOL 398/498 Independent Study in Biology
Generally, an independent study is limited to superior students taking advanced work in their major field of study. This option is open to juniors and seniors only (overload criteria applies) As outlined in the Academic Catalogue, students may not receive credit for more than one independent study course per quarter or for more than two independent studies during degree completion.

ACADEMIC CATALOGUE

More information is available in the Academic Catalogue produced by the Office of the Registrar.