This course focuses on the origin and diversification of microorganisms, with emphasis on eukaryotic lineages. The first weeks of lecture cover the origin of life on Earth, and the diversification of bacteria and archaea. From there, we focus on the diversification of eukaryotes, examining the many innovations that mark some of the major clades of eukaryotes. Evaluation is based on a combination of class participation, short writings and an independent research paper. Prerequisite: BIO 230 or 232 or permission of the instructor. Laboratory (BIO 371) is strongly recommended but not required.

A laboratory investigation of post-synaptic receptors and neural circuits using voltage clamping and extracellular recording. Students will design two independent research projects, one on glycine receptors expressed in oocytes, and a second one on a central pattern generator for rhythmic movements. In addition to one laboratory afternoon each week, the class will meet as a one-hour seminar each week to read and discuss research articles related to their projects. Prerequisite: NSC 110 or 210 or BIO 231. Enrollment limit 12.

A laboratory investigation of post-synaptic receptors and neural circuits using voltage clamping and extracellular recording. Students will design two independent research projects, one on glycine receptors expressed in oocytes, and a second one on a central pattern generator for rhythmic movements. In addition to one laboratory afternoon each week, the class will meet as a one-hour seminar each week to read and discuss research articles related to their projects. Prerequisite: NSC 110 or 210 or BIO 231. Enrollment limit 12.

Topics course: An investigation of the emerging fields of synthetic biology and bionanotechnology drawn from semi-popular and primary research literature. In this seminar, we focus on the central question of what can be achieved by approaching biology from an engineering mindset. Specifically, what can be learned by treating biological components (proteins and nucleic acids) and systems (signaling and metabolic networks) as interchangeable machine-like parts?

Topics course: This seminar centers on the emergent understanding of the microbiome in health and in disease. Relying almost entirely on primary literature, we examine the revolution brought about by the discovery of microbial communities that are integral to—and have coevolved with-their human hosts. Taking a broad-ranging systems approach, we will examine the ecology of microbial systems, the rules governing the assembly of the microbiome, the functional biology of the microbiome, and the consequences of perturbation (diet, antibiotic use, inflammation) on the microbiome.

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. Topics include DNA and RNA, protein structure and function, gene organization, mechanisms and control of gene expression, origins and evolution of molecular mechanisms, and gene networks. The course also deals with the principal experimental and computational tools that have advanced relevant fields, and introduces students to the rapidly expanding databases at the core of contemporary biology.

An exploration of genes and genomes that highlights the connections between molecular biology, genetics, cell biology and evolution. Topics include DNA and RNA, protein structure and function, gene organization, mechanisms and control of gene expression, origins and evolution of molecular mechanisms, and gene networks. The course also deals with the principal experimental and computational tools that have advanced relevant fields, and introduces students to the rapidly expanding databases at the core of contemporary biology.