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.

How does a single cell give rise to the complexity and diversity of cells and forms that make us the way we are? Developmental biology answers this question by spanning disciplines from cell biology and genetics to ecology and evolution. The remarkable phenomena that occur during embryonic development will be presented in concert with the experiments underlying our current knowledge. This will be an interactive class experience using “flipped classroom” approaches as well as web conferencing with the prominent developmental biologists whose research we are covering.

Topics course.: Coral reefs occupy a small portion of Earth’s surface, but their importance to the marine ecosystem is great. This seminar considers the geologic importance and ecological interactions of coral reefs. We focus on the status of coral reefs worldwide, considering effects of environmental and anthropogenic disturbances (e.g., major storms, eutrophication, acidification, overfishing). Methods for reef conservation are examined. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

A study of major patterns of distribution of life and of the environmental and geological factors underlying these patterns. The role of phenomena such as sea-level fluctuations, plate tectonics, oceanic currents, biological invasions and climate change in determining past, present and future global patterns of biodiversity are considered. Fundamental differences between terrestrial and marine biogeography are highlighted. Prerequisite: a course in ecology, evolution, or organismal biology or permission of the instructor.

Topics course.: An array of technological advances in areas such as DNA sequencing, genetic screening and preimplantation genetic diagnosis are revolutionizing the field of human genetics. Topics include the transmission of traits between generations; the molecular basis of common human traits and rare inherited diseases; the relationship between repetitive elements in the human genome; and changes in chromosome structure.

Topics course.: “I’d give my right arm to know the secret of regeneration” Oscar E. Schotté (1950). Why can some worms and salamanders regrow whole body parts, yet mammals cannot? This seminar explores the developmental mechanisms known to enable regeneration in some species and the possibility of fostering regeneration in humans. Students start with primary research literature and video conferences with the original researchers to create a documentary movie focused on different aspects of regeneration. Prerequisites: BIO 132 (formally 150) and one upper-level BIO course.

Fundamental concepts of nervous system function at the cellular level (electrical signals, membrane potentials, propagation, synapses) and also the systems level (motor control, generating behavior, perception of visual form, color and movement). This course provides a strong foundation for BIO 310 and NSC 318. See website (tinyurl.com/bio300) for full syllabus. Prerequisites: BIO 200 or 202 or NSC 230. Laboratory (BIO 301) must be taken concurrently.

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 recombinant DNA, gene cloning and DNA sequencing as well as contemporary bioinformatics, data mining and the display and analysis of complex genome databases. Prerequisite: BIO 230 (should be taken concurrently).