Examination of the many approaches to the study of animal behavior. Topics include history of the field, physiological bases of behavior, and behavioral ecology and evolution. Prerequisite: one of the following: BIO 260, 272, 363, a statistics course or permission of the instructor.

Topics course.: This seminar focuses on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), parasitic and viral diseases other rare diseases that are a public health concern, including Ebola, Chikungunya, Dengue Fever, West Nile, SARS, avian influenza, malaria, river blindness, anthrax and smallpox. We look at pandemics of the past (the influenza of 1918, the Black Death of the Middle Ages, the typhus epidemic of 1914–21) and modern biotechnology.

A laboratory course designed to complement the lecture material in 332. Advanced techniques used to study the molecular biology of eukaryotes are learned in the context of a semester-long project. These methods include techniques for studying genomics and gene expression including: RNA interference, DNA sequence analysis, microarray analysis, RT-PCR, bioinformatics and others. Enrollment limited to 16. Prerequisite: BIO 332 (should be taken concurrently) and BIO 231.

Advanced molecular biology of eukaryotes and their viruses (including 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, molecular biology of infectious diseases, genome projects and whole genome analysis. Reading assignments are from a textbook and the primary literature. Each student presents an in-class presentation and writes a paper on a topic selected in consultation with the instructor.

Students design experiments to answer current questions in cell biology with an emphasis on the techniques of light (fluorescence, confocal, TIRF) and electron (transmission and scanning) microscopy. The specific advantages and complementary type of data generated by each instrument are emphasized. Laboratory techniques for the introduction of fluorescent proteins into cells and other molecular and cellular details of experimental design are covered.

The theory, principles and techniques of light (fluorescence, confocal, TIRF) microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy in biology, including basic optics, instrument design and image analysis. Particular attention is paid to experimental design and how microscopy-based experiments answer biological questions at the molecular and cellular level. The use of fluorescent proteins in data generation is considered along with discussions of elucidating the relationship between structure and function in biology. Prerequisite: BIO 202.

Evolution frames much of biology by providing insights into how and why things change over time. For example, the study of evolution is essential to: understanding transitions in biodiversity across time and space, elucidating patterns of genetic variation within and between populations, and developing both vaccines and treatments for human diseases. Topics in this course include population genetics, molecular evolution, speciation, phylogenetics and macroevolution. Prerequisite: BIO 130 (154) or BIO 132 (150) or permission of the instructor.

Identification, morphology, and use of landscape plants including annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs, groundcovers, and tropicals.  Introduction to horticultural practices including pruning, division, pollination, bulb planting, plant identification and landscape design. Use of the Botanic Garden outdoor collection as well as field trips are important components of the course. Course requirements include lab quizzes, a design project, and creation of a Field Guide. Enrollment limited to 15 per section.

Identification, morphology, and use of landscape plants including annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs, groundcovers, and tropicals.  Introduction to horticultural practices including pruning, division, pollination, bulb planting, plant identification and landscape design. Use of the Botanic Garden outdoor collection as well as field trips are important components of the course. Course requirements include lab quizzes, a design project, and creation of a Field Guide. Enrollment limited to 15 per section.

Identification, culture, and use of ornamental landscape plants including annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs, groundcovers, and tropicals.  Topics include introduction to landscape design and maintenance, garden design history, and current issues such as invasive species and community gardening. Course requirements include two exams, a case study, and creation of a Field Guide. Laboratory (BIO 121) must be taken concurrently. Enrollment limited to 30.