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 covered 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 as well as other areas of interest to participants.

Topics course.: “I’d give my right arm to know the secret of regeneration.”  A quote by Oscar E. Schotté (1950) that captures the fascination science has had with the remarkable ability of some organisms to rebuild themselves. Why can some worms and salamanders regrow whole body parts, yet mammals have very restricted regenerative capabilities? This seminar explores the developmental mechanisms known to enable regeneration in some species, and delves into the possibility of whether we can harness these mechanisms to foster regeneration in humans.

This lab introduces students to plant morphology and identification through hands-on work with plant material. In addition, we focus on local native plants and the outstanding botanical collections in the Lyman Plant House. Field trips to other sites of botanical interest in the region are also taken. BIO 264 must be taken concurrently. Enrollment limit of 20. 

This course explores the diversity of plant life and investigates its evolutionary origins and history through a mixture of lecture, lab and discussion activities. A key focus of the course is the ecological and environmental context of major evolutionary developments in the Land Plants, including their adaptations to various abiotic challenges, as well as antagonistic and mutualistic interactions with other organisms. Our survey of plant diversity is guided by recent phylogenetic studies and we make use of the outstanding living collections in the Lyman Plant House.

The laboratory is a course-based research experience addressing how plant physiology responds to climate change. The Lyman Plant House provides the ideal setting for growing plants under real life climate change scenarios. Students gain hands-on experience with sophisticated instrumentation and techniques used to measure micro-climate, plant-water relations, gas exchange (photosynthetic rate and respiration), nutrient allocation and stable isotope variation. Additionally, students will use RStudio for data visualization, data exploration and data analysis. 

This course provides a broad understanding of key concepts in plant physiology and how the environment affects plant function. Key concepts include water and nutrient uptake, growth and allocation, plant-soil interactions and gas exchange from the leaves to ecosystems. General principles in these topics are used to develop an understanding of how interactions between plants, as well as plant and animals, impact plant communities and ecosystem processes. Prerequisites: A course in ecology, organismal biology, or environmental science. 

(Formerly BIO 151) Laboratory sessions in this course combine observational and experimental protocols. Students examine cellular molecules, monitor enzymatic reactions, photosynthesis and respiration to study cellular function. Students also examine embryology and the process of differentiation, the structure and function of plant systems, and the physiology of certain animal systems. Prerequisite: BIO 132 (150), (normally taken concurrently)

(Formerly BIO 151) Laboratory sessions in this course combine observational and experimental protocols. Students examine cellular molecules, monitor enzymatic reactions, photosynthesis and respiration to study cellular function. Students also examine embryology and the process of differentiation, the structure and function of plant systems, and the physiology of certain animal systems. Prerequisite: BIO 132 (150), (normally taken concurrently)

(Formerly BIO 151) Laboratory sessions in this course combine observational and experimental protocols. Students examine cellular molecules, monitor enzymatic reactions, photosynthesis and respiration to study cellular function. Students also examine embryology and the process of differentiation, the structure and function of plant systems, and the physiology of certain animal systems. Prerequisite: BIO 132 (150), (normally taken concurrently)