How does the cell—life’s basic unit—die or resist dying? How can one know the secrets of the final stage? We will explore the molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry of this fascinating process, with a focus on methods for discovery. Topics will include distinct forms of cell death, from apoptosis and beyond, and their consequences (e.g., immunity, cancer, and neurodegeneration).

(Offered as BIOL 313 and NEUR 313) How does the brain coordinate the relationship between hormones and social behaviors? To explore this question, the lecture portion of the course will address the foundational neuroendocrinological pathways such as the sex steroids, nonapeptides, and corticosteroids. We will read and discuss primary literature articles on how these pathways shape social behavior across domains including mate choice, reproduction, parenting, aggression, and stress.

(Offered as BIOL 313 and NEUR 313) How does the brain coordinate the relationship between hormones and social behaviors? To explore this question, the lecture portion of the course will address the foundational neuroendocrinological pathways such as the sex steroids, nonapeptides, and corticosteroids. We will read and discuss primary literature articles on how these pathways shape social behavior across domains including mate choice, reproduction, parenting, aggression, and stress.

This laboratory explores how underlying evolutionary changes in the morphology, physiology or behavior of organisms is associated with ecological interactions within or between species.  By employing artificial selection, students will determine whether genetic variation associated with herbivore defense exists.

This course will examine the function of tissues, organs, and organ systems, with an emphasis on the relationship between structure and function. Building outward from the level of the cell, we will study bodily processes including respiration, circulation, digestion and excretion. In addition, the course will address how different organisms regulate these complex processes and how ion and fluid balance is maintained.

(Offered as BIOL-255 and BCBP-255) Some animals develop protected within the body of a parent, while others spend their early hours developing in the abiotic environment. In all cases, embryos develop by integrating information inherited from their parents and signals from their immediate environment. How do factors like temperature, light, pH and mechanical inputs affect early stages of development? When and how does nutrition impact animal growth? Do co-inhabitants and symbiotic organisms play a role?

(Offered as BIOL-255 and BCBP-255) Some animals develop protected within the body of a parent, while others spend their early hours developing in the abiotic environment. In all cases, embryos develop by integrating information inherited from their parents and signals from their immediate environment. How do factors like temperature, light, pH and mechanical inputs affect early stages of development? When and how does nutrition impact animal growth? Do co-inhabitants and symbiotic organisms play a role?

In this course we will explore genetic analysis as a means of probing the mysteries of the molecular world. Scientists often turn to the study of genes and mutations when trying to decipher the molecular mechanisms that underlie such diverse processes as the making of an embryo, the response of cells to their environment, or the defect in a heritable disease. All of the reading in the course will be from the primary literature, where students will engage with data from genetic experiments that shed light on the workings of a signal transduction pathway.

In this course we will explore genetic analysis as a means of probing the mysteries of the molecular world. Scientists often turn to the study of genes and mutations when trying to decipher the molecular mechanisms that underlie such diverse processes as the making of an embryo, the response of cells to their environment, or the defect in a heritable disease. All of the reading in the course will be from the primary literature, where students will engage with data from genetic experiments that shed light on the workings of a signal transduction pathway.

(Offered as BIOL 214 and NEUR 214) An introduction to the structure and function of the nervous system, this course explores the basic functions of neurons and synapses as well as neural mechanisms of sensation at molecular, cellular, circuit and system levels. Basic topics in neurobiology and neurophysiology will be covered with emphasis on neuroscience history and understanding how neuroscientists approach the study of the nervous system. Three class hours per week.

Requisite: BIOL 191. Limited to 45 students. Spring semester. Professor Roche.