This course focuses on the origin and diversification of microorganisms, with emphasis on eukaryotic cells (cells with nuclei). The first weeks of lecture will cover the basics of evolutionary analysis, and the origin and diversification of bacteria and archaea. From there, we will 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, discussions and a research paper on a topic chosen by each student. Prerequisite: BIO 152 or 154.

Topics course. Application of New Molecular Technologies to the Study of Infectious Disease The focus of this seminar will be on the study of newly emerging infectious diseases that are of great concern in the public health community. The bird flu (H5N1) is currently causing the greatest apprehension, however, the spread of diseases such as SARS, Ebola, Dengue Fever, West Nile, malaria and many others is also a worrisome trend.

Topics course. How does our environment shape the way we look and act? This seminar will explore the role and influence of past and current environments on the development of plants and animals at embryological, ecological, and evolutionary levels. Students will examine how toxins in our environment cause teratogenic effects, how phenotypic plasticity influences predator-prey interactions, and how new taxonomic groups may have evolved due to molecular changes during embryonic development.

Topics course. Known since the ancient Egyptians, cancers may be considered a set of normal cellular processes gone awry in various cell types. This seminar will consider chemical and radiation carcinogenesis, oncogenesis, growth factor signaling pathways and the role of hormones in cancers, as well as the pathologies of the diseases. Prerequisites: BIO 202 and BIO 203.

Electrophysiological recording of signals from neurons, including an independent project in the second half of the semester. BIO 300 must be taken concurrently.

Electrophysiological recording of signals from neurons, including an independent project in the second half of the semester. BIO 300 must be taken concurrently.

The function of nervous systems. Topics include electrical signals in neurons, synapses, the neural basis of form and color perception, and the generation of behavioral patterns. See website (tinyurl.com/bio300) for full syllabus. Prerequisites: BIO 200 or 202. Laboratory (BIO 301) must be taken concurrently.

This course will explore the diversity of plant life and investigate its evolutionary origins and history through a mixture of lecture, lab, and discussion activities. A key focus of the course will be 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 will be guided by recent phylogenetic studies we will make regular use of the outstanding living collections in the Lyman Plant House.

Examination of a wide variety of live invertebrates with emphasis on the relationship between form and function. Observations on aspects of invertebrate structure, locomotion, feeding, and other behaviors. BIO 260 must be taken concurrently.

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 is designed to survey the extraordinary diversity of invertebrates, emphasizing their form and function in ecological and evolutionary contexts. BIO 261 must be taken concurrently.