Students in this seminar discuss articles from the primary literature representing diverse fields of biology and present on their own research projects. Journal articles will be selected to coordinate with departmental colloquia. In alternate weeks, students present talks on research goals, data collection and data analysis. This course is required for graduate students and must be taken both years.

This lab course involves field and laboratory investigations of plant ecology, with an emphasis on Northeastern plant species and plant communities. The labs explore interactions between plants and insects, visit wetland and upland habitats, and investigate plant population dynamics at sites around western Massachusetts. Students gain hands-on experience with descriptive and experimental research approaches used to investigate ecological processes in plant communities. BIO 364 must be taken concurrently. Enrollment limited to 20.

This course surveys the environmental factors, historical processes and ecological interactions that influence the distribution and abundance of plant species in the landscape. The class examines how plant communities are assembled and what processes influence their structure and diversity, including past and present human activities. We focus in particular on plant communities of the Northeast, using examples from the local landscape to illustrate key ecological concepts. Prerequisite: a course in plant biology, ecology or environmental science; statistics is recommended (e.g., MTH 220).

This lab introduces the computational and quantitative tools underlying contemporary bioinformatics. We explore the various approaches to phylogenetic reconstruction using molecular data, methods of data mining in genome databases, comparative genomics, structure-function modeling, and the use of molecular data to reconstruct population and evolutionary history. Students are encouraged to explore datasets of particular interest to them. Prerequisite: BIO 334 (normally taken concurrently), or permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited to 14.

This course focuses on methods and approaches in the emerging fields of bioinformatics and molecular evolution. Topics include the quantitative examination of genetic variation; selective and stochastic forces shaping proteins and catalytic RNA; data mining; comparative analysis of whole genome data sets; comparative genomics and bioinformatics; and hypothesis testing in computational biology. We explore the role of bioinformatics and comparative methods in the fields of molecular medicine, drug design, and in systematic, conservation and population biology.

Molecular level structure-function relationships in the nervous system. Topics include development of neurons, neuron-specific gene expression, mechanisms of neuronal plasticity in learning and memory, synaptic release, molecular biology of neurological disorders, and molecular neuropharmacology. Prerequisites: BIO 202, or BIO 230, or permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited to 20.

The use of immunological techniques in clinical diagnosis and as research tools. Experimental exercises include immune cell population analysis, immunofluoresence, Western blotting, ELISA and agglutination reactions. An independent project is completed at the end of the term. Prerequisite: BIO 306 (may be taken concurrently). Enrollment limited to 16 students.

An introduction to the immune system covering the molecular, cellular, and genetic bases of immunity to infectious agents. Special topics include immunodeficiencies, transplantation, allergies, immunopathology and immunotherapies. Prerequisite: At least one of the following-BIO 202, 230 or  BIO 204. Laboratory (BIO 307) is recommended but not required.

Students design and carry out their own experiments focused on neural and muscle development using zebrafish as a model system. Techniques covered include embryology, indirect immunocytochemistry, in situ hybridization, microinjection of RNA for gain or loss of function studies, pharmacological analysis, GFP-transgenics, an array of microscopy techniques. This laboratory is designed as a true research experience and thus requires time outside of the normally scheduled lab period. Enrollment limited to 18.

The laboratory applies concepts discussed in lecture and uses several small-group projects in the field and laboratory to develop relevant skills for conducting marine-related research. Students learn to design and analyze experiments, and to write in the scientific style. Field trips to Maine and Cape Cod, Mass., provide hands-on experience with marine organisms in their natural habitats. Prerequisite: BIO 268, which must be taken concurrently.