Biology Courses
101. General Biology. (with lab) (1.25 units)
An introduction to ecology, evolution, conservation of biological diversity, and comparative adaptation 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. Required for biology, biochemistry, conservation biology and neuroscience majors. Acceptance into 102 requires a grade of 2.0 or higher in 101. Offered every year in the fall semester. Also required for biochemistry, conservation biology, and neuroscience (cellular and behavioral) majors.
102. General Biology. (with lab) (1.25 units)
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. Also required for biochemistry, conservation biology, and neuroscience (cellular and behavioral) majors.
121. The Natural World. (with lab)
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. Fulfills the natural science with lab and environmental literacy distribution. Offered each spring semester. Also cross-listed with Outdoor Studies.
209. Vertebrate Natural History. (with lab)
A field-oriented course that explores the biology of vertebrate animals, with emphasis on understanding the diversity, life history, evolution and unique adaptations of vertebrates. The laboratory focus is on developing scientifically sound skills in observation and on learning to identify local vertebrates. Some extra class meetings are required for regional field excursions and for observing and identifying local vertebrates at the times of day when they are active. Offered alternate fall semesters. Prerequisite: BIOL 101,102. Also offered as ENVS 209 and through Outdoor Studies. Also counts as a biodiversity course for the conservation biology major.
215. Fundamentals of Animal Diversity. (with lab)
Many of our conservation and biomedical efforts focus on managing animal populations. To be effective in either endeavor, scientists need to understand how animals feed, reproduce, and interact with the other species and their environment. This course will cover these and other biological traits of a variety of animal phyla (mainly invertebrates), which are especially important to the natural function of coral reefs, rainforests, and other ecosystems, and which influence human agriculture, fisheries, and medical issues. This course is ideal for sophomores and juniors who are looking to (a) broaden their understanding of biodiversity, (b) establish good foundations for upper level courses, and (c) discover animals in the field. Lectures and one laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 101, 102 or equivalent. Also offered through Outdoor Studies. Also counts as a biodiversity course for the conservation biology major.
218. Ornithology. (with lab)
This course provides students with a basic understanding of avian biology. We learn about the diversity of birds through an exploration of avian evolution, physiology, taxonomy and ecology. Students are expected to become proficient in field identification of Northern New York birds by sight and sound, as well as their natural history. Lectures and lab. Labs are generally outdoors, and some Tuesday morning classes after Spring Break will meet early (approximately 6:30 a.m.) for field trips. One mandatory full-day weekend field trip at the end of the semester. Recommended course: BIOL 221. Also counts as a biodiversity course for the conservation biology major.
221. General Ecology. (with lab)
A study of the factors influencing the abundance and distribution of species, including interactions between individuals and their physical/chemical environment, population dynamics and the structure/function of communities and ecosystems and their responses to disturbance. Labs are field-oriented and emphasize characteristics of local communities or specific techniques such as estimation of population density. Lectures and one lab per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 101, 102 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. Offered each semester. Also offered as ENVS 221 and through Outdoor Studies.
224. Biology of Plants. (with lab)
A study of the evolution, morphology, physiology and life histories of mosses, ferns, conifers, flowering plants and their relatives, in an ecological context. Indoor labs survey the morphology and reproductive characters of the major groups of plants as well as the structure and function of plant organs and tissues. Outdoor labs emphasize ecology, identification and economic uses of local plants. Lectures and one laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 101,102 or equivalent or permission of instructor. Also counts as a biodiversity course for the conservation biology major.
227. Mammalogy. (with lab)
The objectives of the course are to become familiar with the diversity of mammalian species as well as their distribution, morphology, taxonomy and ecology. A special emphasis is placed on learning to identify mammals of New York State in the field and from specimens. Lab focuses on learning modern methods for studying mammals in the field. This course includes a unit on Marine Mammals through a camping trip on Cape Cod which requires students to miss their oncampus classes, sports practices or games for four days early in the semester. Offered alternate fall semesters. Prerequisites: BIOL 101, 102 or equivalent. Also offered through Outdoor Studies. Also counts as a biodiversity course for the conservation biology major.
230. Food from the Sea. (with lab)
Throughout history human populations and cultures have been shaped by their use of finfish and shellfish from the marine biome. What species have been exploited, in what ways, how has this changed over time, and can these marine resources be used in a sustainable way to feed the growing global population of humans? This course will explore these larger questions as it uncovers (a) the biodiversity and ecology of marine fishery organisms (whales, fish, squid, clams, etc.), (b) the impacts of human predation on these organisms, (c) efforts to aquaculture and conserve certain seafood species, and (d) human health issues related to seafoods. This course will be based largely on discussions of class readings (there is a moderate to high reading load) and projects that explore sustainable uses of marine and even freshwater species. This class is ideal for sophomore and junior Biology, Biology–Environmental Studies, and Conservation Biology majors. Prerequisites: BIOL 101 and 102. Offered each spring. Also counts as a conservation science course for the conservation biology major.
231. Microbiology. (with lab)
An introduction to the structure, physiology, ecology, genetics and evolution of microscopic organisms including bacteria, archaea and protists. Students examine the metabolic activities and adaptations of these organisms and their interactions with the environment. The ecological, medical and industrial importance of microbes and microbial communities is explored. The laboratory involves microbial cultivation, isolation and identification as well as analysis of microbial presence and activity. Laboratory skills acquired in this course are applicable to a variety of fields including genetics, environmental studies, health and industry. Lectures and one laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 101,102; pre- or co-requisite: CHEM 103 or permission of instructor. Also counts as a biodiversity course for the conservation biology major.
232. Laboratory Animals: Ethics, Care and Techniques. (with lab) (.5 unit)
An introduction to the techniques, use and care of laboratory animals. Students gain knowledge and hands-on experience in anesthetics/analgesics, surgical techniques, and proper animal handling and husbandry. The ethical use of animals in research, appropriate and humane care, and the functions of regulatory agencies are covered. Concurrently, students explore the relationships between humans and animals used in teaching and research. Prerequisite: PYSCH 100 or 101 or BIOL 101 or permission of instructor.
245. 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. Offered each semester.
250. Introduction to Cell Biology.
An understanding of the concepts and processes of cell biology is fundamental to all other disciplines in biology. This course introduces the anatomy of the cell and physiology of its components, particularly in relation to the physiology of the entire organism. Cellular processes of information storage/transfer (i.e., replication, transcription and translation of genetic material), metabolism, intracellular protein trafficking, and signaling transduction are also explored. Prerequisites: BIOL 101 and 102. Recommended: CHEM 103,104. Also required for biochemistry major and counts as an elective for the neuroscience (cellular tracks) major. Offered each semester.
252. Research Methods in Cell Biology. (with lab)
In this course, students will obtain hands-on experience using basic and advanced techniques in cell biology, such as solution preparation, cell culture, transfection, protein extraction and concentration measurement, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), western blotting, basic staining and imaging of cells and confocal microscopy. The techniques studied in this course are the same techniques that are used in laboratories across the country and around the world. In addition to gaining practical experience in the laboratory, students will learn about the theories behind each technique and study how biologists apply these techniques to answer fundamental biological questions in cell biology. Prerequisites: BIOL 101 and 102. Counts as a 1 unit research methods course for the biology major and fulfills the methods course requirement for the neuroscience major (cellular track).
258. Ethnobotany. (with lab)
Ethnobotany is an interdisciplinary field drawing on concepts from both natural and social sciences to investigate human-plant interactions. This course illustrates the importance of plants in our everyday lives and the influence of human activities on plant populations. Independent projects center around surveys and experiments on socioeconomically important plants. Field trips and labs explore Native American reservations, botanical gardens, greenhouses, nature reserves and plant population survey techniques. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week. Also offered through Asian Studies and as ENVS 258. Also counts as a biodiversity course for the conservation biology major.
288. Introduction to Neuroscience. (with lab)
This course provides basic understanding of the architecture and processing of information in the brain. Particular emphasis is placed on the cellular properties of cells in the nervous system and how these biophysical properties affect information processing. To this end, students learn neuroanatomy and use computer models to gain insight into the computational power of the brain. Other topics include development of the nervous system, neurophysiology of sensation and homeostatic control mechanisms. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Offered each fall semester. Prerequisites: BIOL 101 and 102. Recommended: BIOL 245, or 250. Also offered as NRSCI 288. Also required for the neuroscience major.
309. 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 or permission of instructor. Required for the BIOCH major and also counts as an elective for the neuroscience (cellular) major. Also offered as BIOCH 309 and BIOCH 309. Offered each semester.
315. Human Nutrition.
Food is a basic requirement of human life, impacting biological events at the level of the organism down to the level of the cell. In this course, we will focus on the major energy yielding macromolecules of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins and how their intake must be balanced to maintain healthy body weight. Other micronutrients including vitamins and minerals will be studied from the perspective of their role in specific body systems. Throughout the course, we will apply this science-based knowledge to assessments of popular diet plans, supplement use, and health claims made about so-called “super foods.” Students will also perform both self-analysis of 3-day food records and analysis of patient laboratory results with 24 hour food recall information. Prerequisites: BIOL 101 and 102. Offered every spring semester.
319. Plant Systematics.
Classical and modern approaches to the taxonomy of higher plants with emphasis on evolutionary trends, principles of classification and geographic distribution. The distinguishing field characteristics of the principle families of ferns, conifers and flowering plants are studied. Also included is the identification of local flora. Prerequisites: BIOL 101 and 102. Offered in alternate years. Also counts as a biodiversity course for the conservation biology major.
325. Mycology. (with lab)
A survey of the kingdom fungi. An examination of the morphology, ecology, life histories and systematics of the fungi of the North Country. Groups to be emphasized are mushrooms, rusts, smuts, mildews, cup fungi, bread molds, water molds and slime molds. The importance of fungi in human affairs is also examined. Lectures and laboratory. Frequent field trips. Prerequisite: BIOL 102 or equivalent. Also offered through Outdoor Studies. Also counts as a biodiversity course for the conservation biology major.
330. Ecology of Lakes and Rivers. (with lab)
The biology of freshwater organisms from a community and ecosystem perspective. Topics include food web dynamics, fisheries science, primary production, seasonal succession and nutrient cycling. Emphasis is on interactions among fish, invertebrate and plant communities, as well as the influence of their physical, chemical and geological settings. Class projects investigate local and regional lakes and rivers; thus there is a substantial amount of field/lab work. There is also emphasis on the characterization of watersheds using GIS. This course will include discussions of class readings (there is moderate to high reading load). This class is ideal for junior and senior Biology, Biology–Environmental Studies, and Conservation Biology majors. Prerequisite is BIOL 221. Offered each fall semester. Also fulfills the advanced ecology requirement of the conservation biology major.
333. Immunology. (with lab)
The immune system boasts powerful mechanisms that protect the body from invading pathogens. We explore the development and function of a diverse repertoire of T and B lymphocytes, the range of powerful antibody-mediated responses, and the pre-programmed responses of phagocytic cells and natural killer cells. These basic concepts are then integrated to analyze the immune system’s function in disease states including cancer, organ transplant, autoimmunity, infectious disease and immunodeficiency. Laboratory activities highlight immune-based techniques fundamental to research in immunology as well as other biological fields. Prerequisites: BIOL 101 and 102 or equivalent. Also counts as an elective for the neuroscience (cellular tracks) major.
335. Winter Ecology. (with lab)
This field-intensive course examines animals, plants and fungi in winter. Topics include physiological, behavioral and morphological adaptations that permit survival during our coldest season. Students practice identification of common trees, mosses and lichens and track common mammals in order to study winter nests, burrows and behavior. Animal energetics and the coniferous tree advantage are discussed. Students review local and regional climate data and measure several microclimates under snow, ice and soil as well as microhabitat abiotic nutrient profiles relevant to winter adaptations. Students must have sufficient winter clothes for extended study in the cold and snow. Prerequisites: BIOL 101, 102 and 221. Lunch will be eaten in the field. Also fulfills the advanced ecology requirement of the conservation biology major.
341. Anatomy and Physiology I. (with lab)
An introduction to the principles and science of anatomy and physiology. In lectures, students learn the essential concepts that underlie human physiology. The lab is dedicated to the study of human anatomy and the relationship between anatomical form and function. The course is intended to increase the appreciation of the vast complexity of vertebrate anatomy and one’s own biology. Prerequisites: Biology 101, 102 or equivalent. Offered each fall. Also counts as an elective for the neuroscience (cellular track) majors.
343. Evolution.
In this course we examine life on earth from a historical perspective and evaluate the fundamental evolutionary processes that have produced the diversity of life that we see today. Study topics include the origin of life on earth, mutation as the creator of genetic variation, natural selection, adaptation, population genetics, speciation and extinction. Laboratory projects are designed to develop technical skills in molecular biology and phylogenetic analysis. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 101 and 102. Recommended: BIOL 245. Also fulfills the genetics/evolution requirement for the conservation biology major.
350. Cancer Biology.
Cancer remains one of the most fascinating and yet devastating diseases afflicting humankind. In this course, we will explore the unique molecular and cellular abnormalities that transform healthy cells into dysregulated, rapidly proliferating cancer cells. Genetic and environmental causes of cancer will be identified from an epidemiological perspective and further described at the molecular level. Students will read relevant primary research articles throughout the course and will work in pairs to present a current study to the class. Pre-requisites: BIOL 101 and 102 and one of these: BIOL 245 or 250. Offered every spring semester.
351. Anatomy and Physiology II. (with lab)
This course is devoted to the general principles and concepts of anatomy and physiology. Lecture topics include functioning of the nervous, hepatic, reproductive, excretory and endocrine systems. The lab is dedicated to the study of human anatomy and physiology and the relationship between anatomical form and function. Lab activities include dissection, an introduction to microscopic anatomy/histology, physiology experiments and disease focused problem solving sessions. The course is intended to increase the appreciation of the vast complexity of vertebrate anatomy and physiology and one’s own biology. Prerequisites: BIOL 101 and 102. Offered each spring semester; two lab sections (can always expand). Also counts as an elective for the neuroscience (cellular track) majors.
353. Human Embryology.
In this course, we examine the fundamental processes and principles that govern the development of humans from fertilization to birth. Developmental processes are considered at the molecular, cellular and anatomical levels. An emphasis is placed on understanding how the human body is constructed, including the development of organs and organ systems. We will also examine abnormal development and human birth defects. Required BIOL 101 and 102. Also counts as an elective for the neuroscience (cellular tracks) major.
360. Marine Ecology.
The marine environment is the largest portion of the earth’s biosphere and holds an amazing diversity of microbial, plant and animal life. This spring-semester course covers the biology of these organisms, emphasizing their ecological interactions and the habitats they are adapted to (e.g. coral reefs, kelp forests, hydrothermal vents, etc.). Considerable attention is also placed on the role of humans in these ecosystems, ecosystem health, and conservation issues. This course will be based largely on discussions of class readings (there is a high reading load). This class is is ideal for junior and senior Biology, Biology–Environmental Studies, and Conservation Biology majors. Prerequisite is BIOL 221. Offered each spring semester. Also fulfills the advanced ecology requirement of the conservation biology major.
370. Hormones, Disease and Development.
This course is designed to teach the basic principles of both general (i.e. human and medical) and comparative (other types of vertebrates and invertebrates) endocrinology, stressing the diverse ways in which different types of animals have evolved to adapt physiologically to their environments. Students will become familiar with key endocrine systems, including the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, the stress response, reproduction, salt/water balance, and many others and will gain knowledge of how environmental endocrine disruptors are influencing development, growth, and reproduction of wildlife and humans. Quantitative thinking skills and productive intellectual interactions will be developed by reading and analyzing studies from the primary literature. Prerequisites: BIOL 101 and 102. Also counts as an elective for the neuroscience (cellular and behavioral tracks) major.
380. Tropical Ecology.
A seminar course based on current research in tropical biology. Emphasis is on the structure, function and biology of tropical organisms and ecosystems, especially as compared to temperate systems. Lectures include South American, Australasian and African tropical ecosystems. The course addresses the role of plant-animal interactions, mutualisms, sustainable development, conservation measures and the roles of indigenous cultures in tropical ecosystems. Prerequisite: BIOL 101 and 102. Also offered as ENVS 380. Also fulfills the advanced ecology requirement of the conservation biology major.
381, 382. Research Methods Training. (0.5 or 1 unit)
Special courses intended to offer non-senior research training specific to a faculty member’s research program. Many techniques covered are not generally taught within the lab of a regular course offering. The course will be indicated on the student transcript as “Research Methods in X” with “X” being the research area (e.g., endocrinology). These offerings are by permission only in consultation with the appropriate faculty mentor. Such courses do not count as one of the minimum six units for the major.
387. Cellular Mechanisms of Memory.
This course examines the molecular mechanisms of neuronal plasticity. Topics include an analysis of the cellular processes that have been proposed to be at the core of memory formation, with discussion of the electrophysiological methods that have been used to analyze these processes; the biochemical mechanisms for short-term and long-term information storage at the cellular level and the vertebrate and invertebrate experimental models used for studying the molecules involved in memory formation. Prerequisites BIOL/NRSCI 288. Counts toward the neuroscience major (cellular track). Offered on alternate fall semesters. Also offered as NRSCI 387.
388. Drugs and the Brain. (with lab)
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. elegans as a model system to explore drug action; students will learn research techniques and carry out independent research. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL/NRSCI 288. Counts toward the neuroscience major (both tracks). Offered every spring semester. Also offered as NRSCI 388.
389. Advanced Neuroscience.
Builds on the fundamental concepts presented in BIOL/NRSCI 288 (Introduction to Neuroscience) and begins to examine neurobiology from a systems perspective. Topics include the biological basis of sexual orientation, sleep and dreaming, sleep disorders, epilepsy and seizures, motivation and addiction, Alzheimer’s disease, disorders of thought and volition, and mood disorders. Prerequisite: BIOL/NRSCI 288. Required for the neuroscience major. Offered every spring semester. Also offered as NRSCI 389.
391. Research Methods in Scanning Electron Microscopy. (with lab) (.5 unit)
This course deals with the theoretical and practical aspects of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and elemental analysis using EDS. Specifically, we will be using a brand new state of the art Quanta 450 SEM with Oxford EDS detector. Mastery of the course topics will require 6 hours of lab/class as well as 3-6 hours of independent work per week for 7 weeks. Those who master these skills will be welcome to use the instruments to conduct independent (senior or mentor guided) research. The initial classes will have greater emphasis on theory, and as we progress, we will spend more time on the scope. All students will be trained how to properly use this instrument. Students are expected to spend time outside class working on specimen prep, imaging, and image processing. This will culminate in a final portfolio of images. Also offered as GEOL 391. Prerequisite: at least one 200- or 300-level science course.
392. Research Methods in Fluorescence and Confocal Microscopy. (with lab)
Fluorescence microscopy allows a biological specimen to be fluorescently labeled and imaged. This technique is employed in many research labs and is a standard tool to locate the presence of a particular protein or cell structure. This technique, however, has limitations and is not precise in its ability to discern the specific depth of structures. Confocal microscopy was developed to address the issue of specificity of position. Precise imaging has led to confocal becoming a major tool in biological research. Students in this course will learn the theory and practice of both fluorescence and confocal microscopy. Students will be assigned a variety of specimens to be stained. These specimens are selected specifically to teach new techniques in specimen prep or imaging. Students will learn lab and laser safety, light and fluorescence, optics, the upright fluorescence microscope, the inverted confocal microscope, photomultiplier tubes, resolution and numerical aperture, specimen preparation, basic immunology, and image acquisition, processing, and presentation. Semester will culminate with individual portfolios of selected images. Prerequisites: any 200- or 300-level science course. Also fulfills methods course requirement for the neuroscience major (cellular track). Offered each semester.
394. Research Methods in Biochemistry. (with lab)
This course focuses on introducing basic laboratory techniques and skills that are common in fields related to biochemistry. Attention is paid to both theory and application. Students keep a detailed laboratory notebook, and write up an extended project in the style of a journal article. Prerequisites: CHEM 222 and any one of BIOL 231, 245, 250, 391 or CHEM 309 (which can be taken as a co-requisite). Also required for the biochemistry major. Also offered as BIOCH 394. Offered each spring semester.
395. Research Methods in Molecular Biology. (with lab)
Molecular techniques have revolutionized how biologists address problems in genetics, medicine, ecology, systematics, conservation and many other fields. Students obtain hands-on experience using basic and advanced molecular techniques, such as nucleic acid (DNA and RNA) isolation and purification, DNA sequencing, gel electrophoresis and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), to study gene expression and genetic variability. The molecular techniques studied are the same used in laboratories worldwide. In addition to gaining practical experience in the laboratory, students learn about the theories behind each molecular protocol and study how biologists apply molecular techniques to answer fundamental biological questions. Prerequisites: BIOL 245, 250 or 394. Also offered as BIOCH 395. Also required for biochemistry major and fulfills methods course requirement for the neuroscience major (cellular track). Offered each fall semester.
399. Current Topics in Neuroscience.
This seminar course will cover a wide variety of topics related to current neuroscience research. Our main source of information will be neuroscience primary literature articles available in the public domain. Students enrolled in the course will decide on the topics that will be addressed throughout the semester, will read the primary literature and will lead critical and comprehensive discussions on each research topic. Examples of topics that can be covered in this course include: epigenetics; mirror neurons; autism spectrum disorders; neurobiology of mental disorders; learning and memory; drug abuse and addiction; and the aging brain. Prerequisites: BIOL/NRSCI 288. Counts toward the neuroscience major (both tracks). Offered on alternate fall semesters. Also offered as NRSCI 399.
412. Cross-Cultural Perspectives of Healing.
This class uses healing traditions as the lens with which to examine culture. During the semester students will have the opportunity to meet healers from around the world. In a typical semester presenters include a Traditional Chinese Medical practitioner, an Ayurvedic physician (from India), a shaman from Peru, an exorcist, a native American Healer an allopathic physician, new age healers, a Christian Scientist and others. This course cannot be used to fulfill the requirements for the biology major. Also offered as REL 412 and GS 412.
415. Advanced Biochemistry.
A variety of topics are covered in depth depending on the interests of the students. The course begins with an overview of metabolism and its hormonal regulation. Other topics may include protein synthesis and targeting, molecular immunology, sensory systems and neurotransmission, hormone action, membrane transport, oncogenes and cancer, photosynthesis and advanced topics in metabolism. Topics of current interest may also be included. Through both written and oral presentation, students develop their abilities to use the scientific literature and communicate in science. Prerequisite: CHEM 309 or permission of instructor. Also required for biochemistry major and counts as an elective for the neuroscience (cellular tracks) major. Also offered as BIOCH 415.
440. Conservation Biology. (with lab)
This senior capstone course examines the problem of maintaining biological diversity in a changing world. Emphasis is on the biological concepts involved in population biology, genetics and community ecology, and their use in conservation and management of biodiversity. Labs mix local projects and trips to sites of interest for conservation. Prerequisite: BIOL 221 or 245. Also required for the conservation biology major.
447, 448. SYE: Special Topics.
These courses on topics not regularly offered in the curriculum are intended for senior majors only. May be offered for .5 or 1 unit of credit and may include a laboratory. Prerequisites depend on course content and consent of instructor.
460, 461. Seminar in the Techniques of Teaching Biology.
468, 469. SYE: Tutorial Research. (.5 or 1 unit)
Mentored study and research that is not experimental in design yet requires the analysis of primary literature-based data and the integration of this with current knowledge of the subject matter. A thorough understanding of the methodologies used in acquiring the published data is critical for this integration. Prerequisite: sponsorship by a faculty member.
489,490. SYE: Experimental Research. (.5 or 1 unit)
Field or laboratory research projects for students desiring to pursue directed, experimental research in biology. Students integrate acquired research skills and subject knowledge to collect original experimental data and to analyze the results in reference to the existing scientific primary literature. Prerequisite: sponsorship by a faculty member.
499. SYE: Honors Research. (.5 or 1 unit)
Senior students integrate acquired research skills and subject knowledge gained through the major to collect original experimental data and analyze the results in reference to the existing scientific primary literature. Graduation in biology with the designation of honors requires exceptional academic accomplishment as demonstrated by a major GPA equal to or above a 3.5, completion of a second semester of SYE honors research according to established guidelines, a public presentation of results, and an honors thesis that is bound and archived in the department and in the science library. Prerequisite: sponsorship by a faculty member and nomination by honors committee. See honors guidelines above or at the Biology Department’s webpage.