Biology
The biology curriculum is designed to acquaint students with the broad scope of the biological sciences at several levels of functional organization. Its courses include molecular, cellular, organismal, ecological, and evolutionary aspects of biology. Departmental course offerings prepare biology majors for a wide range of career opportunities after graduation, including advanced study in graduate or professional schools. The department believes that an informed understanding of biological principles is an important aspect of a liberal arts education, and it therefore offers diverse courses that introduce non-majors to basic biological concepts and explore the implications of modern biology for various social and ethical issues.
Robert M. Bellin, Ph.D., Professor
Justin S. McAlister, Ph.D., Professor
Sara G. Mitchell, Ph.D., Professor
Michelle A. Mondoux, Ph.D., Professor
Karen A. Ober, Ph.D., Professor
Julia A. Paxson, Ph.D., Professor, Chair
Ann M. Sheehy, Ph.D., Professor
William V. Sobczak, Ph.D., Professor
Madeline Vargas, Ph.D., Professor
Geoffrey David Findlay, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Stephanie Crofts, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
Michael Nishizaki, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
Benjamin Stein, Ph.D, Assistant Professor
Pedro Javier Torres Baez, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
Anna Doyle, M.L.A., Senior Lab Instructor
James M. Doyle, M.A., Senior Lab Instructor
Catherine M. Dumas, M.S., Senior Lab Instructor
Kirsten A. Hagstrom, Ph.D., Senior Lecturer
Jodi M. Rymer, Ph.D., Senior Lecturer
Kelly Wolfe-Bellin, Ph.D., Senior Lecturer
Alimatu Acheampong, Ph.D., Lecturer
Maria Lucia Lombardi-Butler, Ph.D., Lab Instructor
Gretchen Beth Snyder, Ph.D., Lab Instructor
Elizabeth M. Burmester, Ph.D., Visiting Assistant Professor
Carly E. Hawkins, Ph.D., Visiting Assistant Professor
Dan Lu, Ph.D, Visiting Assistant Professor
Abigail R. Rapiejko, Ph.D., Visiting Assistant Professor
Jatna Rivas Zarete, Ph.D., Visiting Assistant Professor
Harshada Sant, Ph.D., Visiting Assistant Professor
Kalpana R. Kumar, Ph.D., Visiting Lecturer
Biology (BIOL)
BIOL 114 — Biological Principles Course count: 1
These courses introduce non-science majors to principles and modes of inquiry underlying the study of living things. Each course examines a subset of subject matter, which may range from biological molecules and cells to the structure and function of organisms to interactions of organisms with their environments. All courses in this series share the common goal of providing a rigorous introduction both to the methods of scientific inquiry and to the content of the discipline. Recently taught subjects include evolution, microbiology, cancer, environmental biology, the molecular biology of the HIV pandemic, toxicants and radiation, biology of the brain, biology of aging, human anatomy and physiology, the unseen world, oceans and people, Mesozoic life and conservation biology.
GPA units: 1
Common Area: Natural Science
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
BIOL 161 — Introduction to Cell & Molecular Biology Course count: 1
Fundamental principles of biology studied at the molecular and cellular levels of organization. Intended for all potential biology majors and pre-health students regardless of major. Includes laboratory.
GPA units: 1.25
Common Area: Natural Science
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
BIOL 162 — Introduction to Organismal Biology Course count: 1
Fundamental principles of mechanistic biology at the organ and system levels. Emphasis on vertebrates with some material on higher plants. Intended for all potential biology majors and pre-health students regardless of major. Includes laboratory.
GPA units: 1.25
Common Area: Natural Science
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
BIOL 163 — Introduction to Biol Diversity and Ecology Course count: 1
An introduction to evolution, ecology and the diversity of life: plants, animals, fungi, protists and prokaryotes. Intended for all biology and environmental studies majors.
GPA units: 1.25
Common Area: Natural Science
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
BIOL 199-R01 — Introduction to Human Nutrition Course count: 1
This course introduces students to the science and principles of nutrition, with emphasis on how nutrition influences health and well being. Topics covered will include the function of nutrients in the body, the physiological processes involved in digestion and absorption, the role of nutrition throughout the human life cycle, and the relationship between food substances and diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and obesity.
GPA units: 1
Common Area: Natural Science
BIOL 201 — Microbiology of a Hurricane Course count: 1
This course will introduce students to scientific thinking and give a brief introduction to the biology of bacteria, viruses and fungi. Emphasis will then shift to examining the role of microbes within hurricanes and environments affected by hurricanes through review of scientific literature. Topics will include, outbreaks of infectious diseases, spread of antibiotic resistance, bioremediation of contaminated sites and bioenergy.
GPA units: 1
Common Area: Natural Science
BIOL 210 — Medical Microbiology Course count: 1
A comprehensive introduction to microbiology. This course provides an overview of microorganisms, including their structure and function, growth, ecology, genetics, taxonomy, and evolution. Emphasis is placed on prokaryotes and viruses of medical significance. The laboratory emphasizes pure culture methods, diagnostic microbiology, and physiology. Includes laboratory. Biology Major distribution area: Organismal Biology.
GPA units: 1.25
Typically Offered: Annually
BIOL 211 — Anatomy & Physiology I Course count: 1
This course studies the functional systems of the human body. It focuses heavily on their integrative nature and maintenance of homeostasis. Topics covered include cell and tissue structure, the nervous, skeletomuscular, endocrine systems. Permission for enrollment is controlled by the Health Professions Advisor. This course is reserved for students planning to attend physician's assistant, nursing, physical therapy or other allied health programs after graduation. Biology Major distribution area: Organismal Biology.
GPA units: 1.25
Common Area: Natural Science
Typically Offered: Annually
BIOL 212 — Anatomy and Physiology 2 Course count: 1
This course is a continuation of Anatomy and Physiology 1. Biology Major distribution area: Organismal Biology.
Prerequisite: BIOL 211 and permission of the Health Professions Advisors.
GPA units: 1.25
Typically Offered: Annually
BIOL 213 — Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy Course count: 1
The structure, function, development and evolution of the skeletal, muscular, nervous, respiratory, circulatory, digestive and urogenital systems of the chordates, with special emphasis on vertebrates. Includes laboratory. Biology Major distribution area: Organismal biology.
Prerequisite: BIOL 162
GPA units: 1.25
Typically Offered: Annually
BIOL 214 — Comparative Biomechanics Course count: 1
What happens when 'the world of organisms bumps up against a non-biological reality?' How do organisms overcome the limitations of physics, and adapt to new challenges? In this course we will explore how the form and function of organisms reflect the physical constraints and limitations they must contend with and overcome in their everyday life. In class we will focus on the basics of structural mechanics and fluid mechanics, with a focus on how living organisms modify structures to achieve different functions. To further strengthen understanding, there will be regular problem sets, which students are encouraged to work together to complete. Students will use their understanding of these techniques to propose their own research project further exploring a question of biological form and function. Biology Major distribution area: Organismal biology.
Prerequisite: Biol 162 or permission of the instructor.
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Alternate Years, Fall
BIOL 220 — Entomology Course count: 1
An introduction to insects covering diversity, morphology, physiology, ecology and behavior, as well as considerations of the economic and medical importance of insects. Includes laboratory. Biology Major distribution area: Organismal biology.
GPA units: 1.25
Typically Offered: Alternate Years
BIOL 223 — Microbiology Course count: 1
A comprehensive introduction to microbiology. This course provides an overview of microorganisms, including their structure and function, growth, ecology, genetics, taxonomy, and evolution. Emphasis is placed on prokaryotes and viruses. The laboratory emphasizes enrichment and pure culture methods, diagnostic microbiology, and physiology. Includes laboratory. Biology Major distribution area: Organismal biology.
GPA units: 1.25
Typically Offered: Annually
BIOL 232 — Developmental Biology Lecture Course count: 1
This course provides a comparative exploration of development from fertilization to adulthood using both organismal and molecular/cellular approaches. We will discuss and compare basic aspects of patterning and morphogenesis using the major model systems of nematodes, fruit flies, frogs, chicks and mice. Throughout the course, we will also examine how developmental processes affect aging, cancer, and regeneration/repair after disease. Biology Major distribution area: Organismal biology.
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Annually
BIOL 233 — Freshwater Ecology Course count: 1
An extensive exploration into the hydrology, chemistry, and ecology of freshwater ecosystems. Covering stream ecology and limnology from natural pristine settings to urban environments, we aim to understand the basic functioning as well as the impact of current threats on freshwater systems. Biology Major distribution area: Ecology and evolutionary biology.
Prerequisite: BIOL 163
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Annually
BIOL 234 — Freshwater Ecology Lab Course count: 0
Field-based study of New England's diverse freshwater habitats, encompassing lakes, streams, reservoirs, rivers, and wetlands. Laboratory work will focus on characterizing the chemistry and biology of these ecosystems. Students will undertake an independent lab project, collecting and analyzing data to produce a comprehensive lab report. Field activities may occur in strenuous conditions at various off-campus locations. Biology Major distribution area: Ecology and evolutionary Biology.
Corequisite: BIOL 233.
GPA units: 0.5
Typically Offered: Annually
BIOL 235 — Marine Biology Course count: 1
This course presents a survey of the organisms that live in the sea and their adaptations to the marine environment. The course covers the major divisions of marine life and their diversity of form, as well as common ecological patterns, physiological processes and evolutionary strategies. The function and role of coastal, open-ocean, and deep sea ecosystems are also considered, as is the relevance of marine biology to current scientific, social, health, and economic affairs. Includes laboratory. Biology Major distribution area: Ecology and evolutionary biology.
Prerequisite: BIOL 163
GPA units: 1.25
Common Area: Natural Science
Typically Offered: Annually
BIOL 237 — Plant Ecology Course count: 1
The study of the distribution and abundance of plants and their interactions with the abiotic environment and other organisms. In this course, we will investigate these interactions over a range of scales, from the physiological to the community, landscape, and global. Further, we will examine how plant ecological principles apply to the fields of agriculture, conservation biology, and environmental science. Classes will be a mix of lecture on general principles plus discussion of primary literature and writings by scientists historically underrepresented in the field of ecology. Laboratory exercises will introduce students to standard lab, field, and data analysis techniques used by plant ecologists, as well as provide an opportunity to learn about the natural history of various Massachusetts ecosystems. Students will conduct an independent research project. Biology Major distribution area: Ecology and evolutionary biology.
Prerequisite: BIOL 163
GPA units: 1.25
Common Area: Natural Science
Typically Offered: Spring
BIOL 241 — Virology Course count: 1
This course is a general introduction to virology. Its primary focus is on human viruses that contribute to disease. We will explore different strategies viruses have adopted to replicate in the host cell, the battles viruses wage to outmaneuver the host immune system and the disease states that result from a viral infection. Biology Major distribution area: Molecular and cellular biology.
Prerequisite: BIOL 161
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Annually
BIOL 242 — Virology Lab Course count: 0
This laboratory sequence focuses on exploring the molecular techniques employed to investigate questions in the field of virology. Students will have an opportunity to use the classical plaque assay, produce and isolate virions and examine the interplay between cellular restriction factors and viral proteins.We will also discuss the primary literature as it relates to the projects and explore how the work fits into the broader context of the field. There will also be opportunities for student to actively engage in determining the direction of the work. This laboratory is taken as a fifth course; while figured into the GPA, it does not count as one of the 32 courses required for graduation. Biology Major distribution area: Molecular and cellular biology.
Prerequisite: BIOL 161
GPA units: 0.5
BIOL 261 — Genetics Course count: 1
An introduction to genetics that explores the molecular and cellular basis of heredity and physical traits. Topics include the central dogma, cell division, Mendelian inheritance, genetic analysis, chromosome structure and replication, gene expression, molecular biology techniques, genetic linkage, disease gene identification, and population genetics. Genomic approaches are interwoven throughout. An optional lab may be taken concurrently but is not required. Biology Major distribution area: Molecular and cellular biology.
Prerequisite: BIOL 161 and BIOL 162 or BIOL 161 and permission of the instructor. Students who have taken BIOL 262 may not enroll in BIOL 261.
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Annually
BIOL 263 — Genetics Lab Course count: 0
This lab introduces some of the common model organisms and molecular techniques used by geneticists. Techniques include molecular cloning, PCR, gel electrophoresis and working with selected model organisms. Genome databases and bioinformatic techniques are also explored. Assignments emphasize data analysis, figure preparation, proposing new experiments, and interpreting results in the context of relevant primary literature.
Prerequisite: Concurrent or prior enrollment in BIOL 261 or BIOL 262.
GPA units: 0.5
Typically Offered: Annually
BIOL 266 — Cell Biology Course count: 1
The course explores the structure and function of eukaryotic cells and considers how cellular structure allows for biological activity. A range of topics will be discussed including membrane structure and function, homeostasis and metabolism, intracellular compartments and protein trafficking, signal transduction, the cytoskeleton, and the cell cycle. The cell biology of human disease will be considered throughout the course. The laboratory (Biology 268) is optional but recommended. Biology Major distribution area: Molecular and cellular biology.
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Annually
BIOL 268 — Cell Biology Lab Course count: 0
This laboratory accompanies Biology 266. Students will learn the tools for solving problems in cell and molecular biology, as well as the appropriate approaches, controls, and analysis for experiments. The lab uses three model systems (the yeast S. cerevisiae, nematode C. elegans, and mammalian cell culture) to introduce students to a range of techniques including microscopy and staining, gel electrophoresis, genome databases and in silico analysis. Students will also design and carry out independent experiments. This laboratory is taken as a fifth course; while figured into the GPA, it does not count as one of the 32 courses required for graduation. Biology Major distribution area: Molecular and cellular biology.
Prerequisite or Corequisite: BIOL 266 or by permission.
GPA units: 0.5
Typically Offered: Annually
BIOL 269 — Neurobiology Lecture Course count: 1
A study of the nervous system at multiple levels, from molecular to the systems level. Major topics include: structure of the nervous system and neurons, generation of electric signals, function of synapses, structure and function of sensory and motor circuits, and a discussion of higher order processing. Biology Major distribution area: Molecular and Cellular biology.
Prerequisite: BIOL 161.
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Annually
BIOL 270 — Neurobiology Lab Course count: 0
This is an optional laboratory course that accompanies Biology 269. By performing experiments and reading related primary literature, students will be introduced to a wide range of experimental techniques used in neurobiology, including immunohistochemistry, electrophysiology, optogenetics and animal behavior. The course focuses on experimental design, data collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation. This laboratory is taken as a fifth course; while figured into the GPA, it does not count as one of the 32 courses required for graduation.
Prerequisite: BIOL 120 or BIOL 131
GPA units: 0.5
Typically Offered: Annually
BIOL 275 — Biological Statistics Course count: 1
An introduction to the handling, analysis, and interpretation of biological data. Topics include descriptive statistics, probability distributions, goodness of fit tests, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, regression, and correlation. Biology Major distribution area: None.
Prerequisite: BIOL 161 or BIOL 162 or BIOL 163. Students who have taken ECON 249, MATH 220, PSYC 200 or SOCL 226 may not enroll in the class.
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
BIOL 280 — Ecology Course count: 1
A comprehensive introduction to the study of relationships between organisms and their environments, including individual organisms, populations, communities, and ecosystems, alongside the natural history of New England. Through exploration of classic and contemporary ecological literature, we delve into the evolution of the field and current ideas. Biology Major distribution area: Ecology and evolutionary biology.
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Annually
BIOL 282 — Ecology Lab Course count: 0
This lab introduces techniques for field and laboratory settings, exploring basic and advanced methods to understand ecological patterns and processes across all levels. Activities will cover terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, as well as computational methods for analyzing ecological data. Students will conduct an independent lab project, culminating in a comprehensive lab presentation. Fieldwork may involve strenuous conditions and visits to off-campus locations. Biology Major distribution area: Ecology and evolutionary biology.
Corequisite: BIOL 280.
GPA units: 0.5
Typically Offered: Annually
BIOL 283 — Evolution Course count: 1
An inquiry-based approach to the study of evolutionary processes, including those that are adaptive and neutral with respect to natural selection. Evolution will be examined at a variety of scales, from molecular to ecological, and from changes in populations over a few generations to patterns over millennia. Most attention will be devoted to empirical work that addresses conceptual issues in evolutionary biology, including natural selection and fitness, speciation, population genetics, phylogenetics, and molecular evolution. Biology Major distribution area: Ecological and evolutionary biology.
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Annually
BIOL 285 — Invertebrate Biology Course count: 1
Invertebrate Biology presents a survey of the diversity in animal body designs. The course emphasizes the form, function, behavior, ecology, and evolutionary relationships of major invertebrate taxa. The course will also cover historical and modern interactions between invertebrates and humans, e.g. as food, parasites, model systems for biological and medical research, as well as being general sources of fascination. Biology Major distribution area: Organismal biology.
Prerequisite: BIOL 163.
GPA units: 1.25
Typically Offered: Alternate Years
BIOL 292 — Comparative Physiology Course count: 1
This course explores how animals have evolved physiological strategies to survive across a wide range of environmental conditions. Emphasizing general principles of animal physiology, we will examine how organisms meet fundamental challenges such as energy acquisition, temperature regulation, gas exchange, osmoregulation, muscle movement, and reproduction. Students will also investigate how metabolic theory and physiological constraints influence species' responses to climate change, including warming, ocean acidification, and hypoxia. An associated laboratory component provides experience with experimental approaches to studying physiological responses in living organisms, culminating in a semi-independent research project. Biology Major distribution area: Organismal biology.
Prerequisite: BIOL 162. PHYS115 suggested.
GPA units: 1.25
Typically Offered: Annually
BIOL 301 — Biochemistry 1 Course count: 1
A detailed study of the chemistry of biological molecules. Topics include the structural chemistry of the major classes of biological compounds, enzyme catalysis, bioenergetics, metabolic regulation, glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, beta-oxidation of fatty acids, tricarboxylic acid cycle, electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation. Equivalent to CHEM 301. Biology Major distribution area: Molecular and Cellular biology.
Prerequisite: CHEM 222
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Annually
BIOL 302 — Biochemistry 2 Course count: 1
A continuation of Biology 301. Topics include the chemistry, enzymology and regulation of lipid, protein and carbohydrate metabolism, photosynthesis, DNA replication, transcription, and translation. Biology Major distribution area: Molecular and Cellular biology.
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Annually
BIOL 303 — Biochemistry 1 Lab Course count: 0
This optional laboratory course accompanies Biology 301 and introduces students to experimental methods used for the purification and characterization of biological molecules through a multi-week, full-semester procedure. While conducting the steps of this overall procedure, students gain experience with a wide range of biochemistry lab techniques including column chromatography, gel electrophoresis, Western blotting, and enzyme activity assays. This laboratory is taken as a fifth course; while figured into the GPA, it does not count as one of the 32 courses required for graduation. Biology Major distribution area: Molecular and Cellular biology.
GPA units: 0.5
Typically Offered: Annually
BIOL 304 — Biochemistry 2 Lab Course count: 0
This optional laboratory course accompanies Biology 302 and introduces students to the principles and methods of molecular biology as they relate to the modern practice of laboratory biochemistry. Through a multi-week, full- semester procedure, students are exposed to a wide-range of techniques including genomic DNA isolation, PCR, plasmid DNA construction, sequence analysis and recombinant protein expression. This laboratory is taken as a fifth course; while figured into the GPA, it does not count as one of the 32 courses required for graduation. Biology Major distribution area: Molecular and Cellular biology.
Prerequisite or Corequisite: BIOL 302
GPA units: 0.5
Typically Offered: Annually
BIOL 310 — Molecular Biology of Cancer Course count: 1
Explores the cellular and molecular mechanisms through which normal cells transform into cancer cells. Topics include gene regulation, signal transduction, mutation and DNA repair, chromosome instability, cell division and death, metastasis, angiogenesis, cancer immunology, and the development of targeted cancer therapies. The multi-faceted nature of cancer provides a framework to integrate multiple areas of biology. Emphasizes presentation, discussion, and analysis of data from current research papers, allowing students to gain skills in critically evaluating and communicating scientific data. Biology Major distribution area: Molecular and Cellular biology.
Prerequisite: BIOL 161 and BIOL 230 or BIOL 232 or BIOL 241 or BIOL 261 or BIOL 262 or BIOL 266 or BIOL 267 or BIOL 269 or BIOL 361 or permission of instructor.
GPA units: 1
Common Area: Natural Science
Typically Offered: Every Third Year
BIOL 331 — Ecosystem Ecology Course count: 1
The course covers the history of ecosystem ecology, biogeochemical cycles and budgets, ecosystem energetics and trophic structure, and the response of ecosystems to disturbance and human-accelerated environmental change. The latter part of the course emphasizes discussion of recent primary literature that contributes to the conceptual framework underlying the management and conservation of diverse ecosystems. Biology Major distribution area: Ecological and evolutionary biology.
Prerequisite: BIOL 163
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Alternate Years
BIOL 332 — The Diverse Biology of Stem Cells Course count: 1
Stem cells are the building blocks of our bodies. They can build embryos, renew damaged tissues, and regenerate lost body parts. But stem cells can also become dysregulated to form tumors and in some organisms, they lose function with age. In this course, we will develop a rich understanding of the evolution and biology of diverse stem cell populations examined across many different species of animals and plants. Each example we study will add context to our knowledge of how stem cells work. Not only is this critical for biologists interested in stem cells across the phylogenetic tree, but also for health care professionals interested in using stem cells more effectively in human disease therapies. Creating this broad knowledge base will require us to weave together important themes from evolutionary biology, developmental biology, genomics, genetics, molecular biology, and human health to provide a clear comprehensive toolkit that will guide us through this inquiry-based approach to stem cell biology. Biology Major distribution area: Organismal biology.
Prerequisite: One 200 level Biology course.
GPA units: 1
Common Area: Natural Science
Typically Offered: Alternate Years
BIOL 362 — Topics in Genomics Course count: 1
This seminar begins with an introduction to methods commonly used for genome sequencing and annotation. It then proceeds to consider selected topics in depth by using current primary literature. Examples of these topics include: the genomics of health and disease, the genomics of gene expression, genome evolution, and genomic conflict. Students also gain experience with various forms of scientific communication, including oral presentations, research proposal preparation, and peer review. Biology Major distribution area: Molecular and cellular biology.
Prerequisite: Biol 261 or Biol 262
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Alternate Years
BIOL 369 — Experimental Approaches in Neurobiology Course count: 1
In this seminar, primary literature will be used to learn how researchers study the impacts of genetic and environmental factors on neural activity, circuits and behavior. We will look at a range of traditional and non-traditional model organisms, including invertebrates and mammals. We will discuss ways in which these studies inform our understanding of how these animals function, as well as insights we can relate to human neural processes. Biology Major distribution area: Organismal biology.
GPA units: 1
Common Area: Natural Science
Typically Offered: Every Third Year
BIOL 383 — Applied Evolution Course count: 1
This seminar will explore in depth some examples of socially relevant evolutionary biology. Through text and primary literature readings we will examine how a strong understanding of evolutionary biology impacts medicine, human health and disease, conservation of biodiversity, agriculture, and biotechnology. Students will be able to describe and explain basic evolutionary principles and apply those principles to problems in our society. Students will interpret real-world data and results, construct experiments to test evolutionary hypotheses, and evaluate primary literature. Biology Major distribution area: Ecology and evolutionary biology.
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Alternate Years
BIOL 392 — Molecular Immunology Course count: 1
The course emphasizes the molecular aspects of the human immune system. It spans the incredible breadth of the immune defenses ranging from the power of innate immunity, to the sophistication of the development and function of adaptive immunity. Integrative topics such as autoimmunity, immunodeficiency and transplantation are also covered. Biology major distribution area: Molecular and cellular biology.
Prerequisite: BIOL 223 or BIOL 230 or BIOL 241 or BIOL 261 or BIOL 262 or BIOL 266 or BIOL 267 or BIOL 269 or permission of the Instructor.
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Alternate Years
BIOL 393 — Molecular Immunology Lab Course count: 0
This laboratory sequence focuses on exploring the molecular techniques employed to investigate an immunological question. The semester-long project is designed as two mini projects that explores a well characterized antiviral human protein. Students construct expression plasmids, ectopically express proteins in both bacteria and tissue culture cells and perform functional assays. We will also discuss the primary literature as it relates to the project and explore how the work fits into the broader context of the field. These projects are built as discovery projects where students may actively participate in the direction of the work. This laboratory is taken as a fifth course; while figured into the GPA, it does not count as one of the 32 courses required for graduation. Biology major distribution area: Molecular and cellular biology.
GPA units: 0.5
Typically Offered: Alternate Years
BIOL 401 — Undergraduate Research Course count: 1
Individual experimental investigation and associated study of the scientific literature under the direct supervision of a member of the faculty. The number of positions is limited; students contemplating research should make inquiries early in the year preceding the term in which research is to be initiated.
GPA units: 1.25
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
BIOL 405 — Directed Readings Course count: 1
An in-depth literature study of a topic of interest to the student under the tutorial supervision of a member of the faculty.
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
BIOL 407 — Honors Research Course count: 1
Open only to students in the College Honors Program. Individual experimental investigation and associated study of the scientific literature under the direct supervision of a faculty member. Students contemplating research should make inquiries early in the year preceding the term in which research is to be initiated. One semester may be counted towards the biology major; additional semesters may be taken for college credit.
GPA units: 0
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
BIOL 408 — Honors Research Course count: 1
Open only to students in the College Honors Program. Individual experimental investigation and associated study of the scientific literature under the direct super-vision of a faculty member. Students contemplating research should make inquiries early in the year preceding the term in which research is to be initiated. One semester may be counted towards the biology major; additional semesters may be taken for college credit.
GPA units: 2.5
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring