A continuation of 110. Prerequisite: CHI 110 or permission of the instructor.

A course dealing with current topics in biology that are important in understanding important issues in today’s modern world. Many of these issues present important choices that must be made by individuals and by governments. Topics include cloning of plants and animals, human cloning, stem cell research, genetically modified organisms, bioterrorism, emerging infectious diseases such as Ebola, Zika and West Nile, gene therapy, DNA diagnostics and forensics, genome projects, human origins, human diversity, species extinction and de-extinction and others.

(Formerly BIO 155) Laboratory sessions in this course combine observational and experimental protocols both in the lab and in the field. Students gain familiarity with the diverse lineages of life and design and conduct research to address specific hypotheses about a subset of lineages. There are also field trips to local sites where students engage in observations of organisms in their natural habitats and in experimental exploration of ecological interactions. Prerequisite: BIO 130 (154) (normally taken concurrently).

Students observe the great diversity of microorganisms present in different habitats. As an introduction, students sample microbes associated with specific plants plus microbes present across the gradients of temperature and moisture within the Lyman Plant House. Emphasis is on completion of a research project. As part of this project, students collect samples from a vernal pond and learn about the change in microbial community over time. Microscopy and molecular techniques are used to examine organisms and communities.

This course focuses on the origin and diversification of microorganisms, with emphasis on eukaryotic lineages. The first weeks of lecture cover the basics of evolutionary analysis, and the origin and diversification of bacteria and archaea. From there, we focus on the diversification of eukaryotes, with specific lectures on topics such as microbes and AIDS, and the origins of plants, animals and fungi. Evaluation is based on a combination of tests, discussion and an independent research paper. Prerequisite: BIO 130(154) or 230. Laboratory (BIO 371) is recommended but not required.

A largely anatomical exploration of the evolutionary origins, adaptations, and trends in the biology of vertebrates. Enrollment limited to 20 students. BIO 272 is normally taken with or prior to BIO 273.

A review of the evolutionary origins, adaptations, and trends in the biology of vertebrates. Laboratory (BIO 273) is recommended but not required. No Prerequisites.

Same as BIO 330. A laboratory investigation of membrane channels and post-synaptic receptors using intracellular and extracellular recording and voltage clamping. Students will design two independent research projects, one on acetylcholine receptors in motoneurons, and a second project on chloride channels in oocytes. In addition to one laboratory afternoon each week, the class will meet as a seminar one evening each week to read and discuss research articles related to their projects. Prerequisite: NSC 210. Enrollment limit 20.

Same as BIO 330. A laboratory investigation of membrane channels and post-synaptic receptors using intracellular and extracellular recording and voltage clamping. Students will design two independent research projects, one on acetylcholine receptors in motoneurons, and a second project on chloride channels in oocytes. In addition to one laboratory afternoon each week, the class will meet as a seminar one evening each week to read and discuss research articles related to their projects. Prerequisite: NSC 210. Enrollment limit 20.

Same as NSC 330. A laboratory investigation of membrane channels and post-synaptic receptors using intracellular and extracellular recording and voltage clamping. Students will design two independent research projects, one on acetylcholine receptors in motoneurons, and a second project on chloride channels in oocytes. In addition to one laboratory afternoon each week, the class will meet as a seminar one evening each week to read and discuss research articles related to their projects. Prerequisite: NSC 210. Enrollment limit 20.