BIOL

This course focuses on biological concepts and techniques fundamental to the science of conservation biology. To understand mechanisms that drive the loss of biological diversity and approaches to address those threats, the course explores a variety of topics including extinction processes, population dynamics, population genetics, habitat fragmentation, invasive species, protected area design, and restoration ecology. The laboratory component involves field work, including a full weekend field trip, and quantitative computer simulations.

This course offers students an introduction to the field of nanobiology. Nanotechnology is becoming a new frontier in biological explorations and manipulation. Engineering tools and techniques have been used to expand biological research, enrich the medical field, as well as alter food and materials. Fast expanding, nanobiology is becoming a part of the cultural lexicon, with ramifications in both ethical and cultural aspects of everyday life. This course explores these themes, with overviews of methodologies and future technology.

This course deals with the structure and function of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and nucleic acids at the cellular and molecular levels. The course emphasizes both the interrelationships among major metabolic pathways, and how modern techniques are applied to study biomolecular structure and function. The course is suitable for students interested in health-related fields as well as those interested in broader applications. There is no laboratory associated with this course.

This course introduces students to the principles of classical and modern genetics. The laboratory illustrates major concepts in genetics through directed inquiry experiments.

The structure, metabolism, and specialized activities of eukaryotic cells are the major lecture topics. Complementary laboratories focus on microscopy and biochemical techniques. Data analysis is highly emphasized throughout the course.

A contemporary approach to the major themes of modern biology. Subcellular, cellular, genetic, and physiological aspects of biological systems are explored in the context of the scientific process. Laboratory is required.

This course introduces students to important biological concepts and approaches of study, and applies them to questions about sexual reproduction. Topics include: scientific inquiry, evolution, the central dogma of molecular biology, basic genetics and inheritance, development, behavioral ecology, and population growth. The course takes a decidedly comparative approach, utilizing information from many different species, including humans. Laboratory is required.

This course introduces the organizing principles of biology through a study of selected cellular, organismal, and ecological systems. Relevant topics are used to illustrate fundamental concepts. The course takes a thematic approach in which the chosen examples relate to a particular topic. The use of a theme topic highlights the interconnection of the various fields of biology and illustrates the complexity of relevant problems. Laboratory is required.

The biology program offers a breadth of courses in modern biology emphasizing the conceptual and technical progression of biological sciences.