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Arthropods and Other Invertebrates

Many people want to explore the galaxy, seeking alien life but Earth already hosts a bountiful supply and its all around us! Lobster, shrimp, insects, spiders and other Arthropods are everywhere and are incredibly important in our lives (food, agriculture, fisheries, biomedical research, etc.). So are other invertebrate animals like squid, octopus, sponges, corals, jellyfish, clams, worms, snails, and seastars and many have weird, fascinating anatomies, behaviors, and ecological roles. Want to discover them and understand the bulk of all animal life on the planet?

Mammalogy

Mammalogy is, as it sounds, the study of mammals. In this class, we will study mammalian behavior, ecology, evolutionary history, taxonomy, distribution, morphology, and other topics. Our focus will be mammals of North America, though we will also cover some mammals from other regions of the world. By the end of the semester, you will be familiar with and will have learned to identify most of the mammals that occur in the northeastern United States.

Biostatistics: Dealing with Data

A fundamental aspect of practicing biology-related science (be it through the lens of ecology, medicine, public health, etc.) is dealing with data. Data analysis requires much more than picking the correct statistical test. Data sets are being generated at an exponential rate and the potential for combining public data sets to ask new scientific questions is immense. In this course, we will learn to use the free, open-source software program R (the industry standard) for cleaning, organizing, and analyzing biological data sets (including data visualization).

General Biology

An introduction to cell biology, genetics and physiology, using an investigative and problem-based approach. Structured, skill-based lab exercises allow students to develop, perform and present an in-depth independent research project. One three-hour lab, a one-hour peer study session and three lectures each week. Offered in the spring semester. Required for biology, biochemistry, conservation biology and neuroscience majors. Acceptance into other biology courses, including 101 if 102 is taken first, requires a grade of 2.0 or higher in102. Offered each spring semester.

Genetics

An introduction to the principles of the transmission of inherited characteristics and the underlying molecular mechanisms of the regulation of expression of genetic information. Genetic engineering and an introduction to population genetics are included. Three lectures per week. Prerequisite: BIOL 101, 102 or equivalent; pre- or co-requisite: CHEM 101 or 103 or permission of instructor. Also required for the biochemistry major, fulfills the genetics/evolution requirement of the conservation biology major, and counts as an elective for the neuroscience (cellular track) majors.

Natural World

A biology-ecology course with laboratory for non-majors focusing on ecological processes and challenges facing individual organisms, populations, communities and ecosystems. Students visit a variety of local habitats to study ecosystems and to learn the natural history and identification of Northeast trees and animals. Students will observe birds, follow animal tracks, take nature photos, conduct a foraging experiment and discuss climate change. This lecture and outdoor lab course does not count toward the biology major but does count toward the outdoor studies minor.

Microbial Ecology

Microorganisms represent the largest uncharacterized portion of life on Earth.  Bacteria, protists, algae and fungi are often difficult to see in the environment, but comprise the majority of biodiversity.  The unique metabolic capabilities of the bacteria and archaea greatly impact the composition of our soil, air, water and rocks and play key roles in biogeochemical and nutrient cycles.  This course will focus on current understanding of the diversity of microbes and their roles in the environment.

Drugs and the Brain

This course will focus on how psychoactive drugs modify nervous system function and human behavior. The neurochemical and behavioral techniques used to study drug action will be addressed. Students will learn how drugs are metabolized by the body (pharmacokinetics), act (pharmacodynamics) and affect behavior (psychopharmacology), gaining comprehensive understanding of the neurotransmitter systems of the brain and how different drugs affect these systems. The laboratory component will utilize the nematode C.

Foundations of Medicine II

This course is designed to help students as they prepare to apply to medical school. The major goals of the course surround putting together a successful application and interviewing successfully. Assignments and classwork will focus on writing and refining personal statements, summarizing previous experiences in a way that highlights their value, and preparing for critical thinking interviews. Students will continue to prepare for their MCAT by completing Kaplan chapter homework and taking two full length exams and analyzing the results.

Biochemistry

The course is organized around several themes: the relationship of structure to function in biomolecules, production of energy, regulation and control of metabolism. Topics covered to illustrate these themes include enzyme action and regulation, hemoglobin and the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide, metabolism of carbohydrates for energy production, structure and function of biological membranes, and structure and function of molecules involved in transmission and expression of genetic information. Prerequisite: CHEM 222 with a grade of 2.0 or higher or permission of instructor.