Advanced molecular biology of eukaryotes and their viruses (including coronavirus, Ebola and HIV). Topics include genomics, bioinformatics, eukaryotic gene organization, regulation of gene expression, RNA processing, retroviruses, transposable elements, gene rearrangement, methods for studying human genes and genetic diseases, CRISPR, molecular biology of infectious diseases, genome projects and whole genome analysis. Reading assignments are from the primary literature. Each student presents an in-class presentation and writes a paper on a topic selected in consultation with the instructor.

A laboratory course on electrophysiological methods in neuroscience. Part I, Basic techniques (electronics, microelectrodes, suction electrodes, pin electrodes) for recording resting, action and receptor potentials. Part II: Investigating a central pattern generator that produces repetitive movements. Part II employs computer-based data acquisition and pharmacological treatments, and involves a self-designed research project. The course includes a discussion of articles and reviews each week. For the syllabus and videos of procedures, see the open website: tinyurl.com/SmithBio330.

A laboratory course on electrophysiological methods in neuroscience. Part I, Basic techniques (electronics, microelectrodes, suction electrodes, pin electrodes) for recording resting, action and receptor potentials. Part II: Investigating a central pattern generator that produces repetitive movements. Part II employs computer-based data acquisition and pharmacological treatments, and involves a self-designed research project. The course includes a discussion of articles and reviews each week. For the syllabus and videos of procedures, see the open website: tinyurl.com/SmithBio330.

This laboratory examines relationships between invertebrate form and function and compares diversity within and among major body plans using live and preserved material. Students observe and document invertebrate structure, life cycles, locomotion, feeding and other behaviors. BIO 260 must be taken concurrently. Enrollment limit of 20.

Invertebrate animals account for the vast majority of species on earth. Although sometimes inconspicuous, invertebrates are vital members of ecological communities. They provide protein, important ecosystem services, biomedical and biotechnological products, and aesthetic value to humans. Today, many invertebrate populations are threatened by human activities. This course surveys the extraordinary diversity and importance of invertebrates, emphasizing their form and function in ecological and evolutionary contexts. BIO 261 must be taken concurrently. Enrollment limit of 20.

A laboratory designed to complement the lecture material in 230. Laboratory and computer projects investigate methods in molecular biology including PCR, restriction analysis and DNA sequencing as well as contemporary bioinformatics, data mining and the display and analysis of genome databases. Prerequisite: BIO 230 (should be taken concurrently).

A laboratory designed to complement the lecture material in 230. Laboratory and computer projects investigate methods in molecular biology including PCR, restriction analysis and DNA sequencing as well as contemporary bioinformatics, data mining and the display and analysis of genome databases. Prerequisite: BIO 230 (should be taken concurrently).

A laboratory designed to complement the lecture material in 230. Laboratory and computer projects investigate methods in molecular biology including PCR, restriction analysis and DNA sequencing as well as contemporary bioinformatics, data mining and the display and analysis of genome databases. Prerequisite: BIO 230 (should be taken concurrently).

An exploration of genes and genomes that highlights the connections between molecular biology, genetics, cell biology and evolution. An exploration of genomes and genes that highlights the connections between molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, and evolution. You will analyze the principal experimental findings that serve as the basis for our current understanding of topics in genetics (such as DNA, RNA and protein structure and function, gene organization and networks, gene expression and regulation, and the origins and evolution of molecular mechanisms).

An exploration of genes and genomes that highlights the connections between molecular biology, genetics, cell biology and evolution. An exploration of genomes and genes that highlights the connections between molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, and evolution. You will analyze the principal experimental findings that serve as the basis for our current understanding of topics in genetics (such as DNA, RNA and protein structure and function, gene organization and networks, gene expression and regulation, and the origins and evolution of molecular mechanisms).