400

This course provides an introduction to endocrinology, covering the physiologic effects of hormones in health and disease. By the end of the course, students will be able to describe: (1) the structure and function of hormones; (2) the signaling pathways of hormones; (3) the regulatory mechanisms of hormones; and (4) the consequences of disruption of normal levels of hormones.

Seminar on topics in biology, including medicine, ecology, animal behavior, biochemistry, genetics and evolution. One hour of discussion per week.

This course examines the mechanisms that underlie physiological changes following acute and chronic exercise and other forms of stress. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationships of the skeletal, muscular, nervous, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, and digestive systems.

Algorithmic and analysis techniques for biological data such as DNA, RNA, proteins, and gene expression. Topics include molecular biology, alignment and searching algorithms, sequence evolution algorithms, genetic trees, and analysis of microarray data. This course is interdisciplinary and assumes programming skills. Course is taught in Fall of odd-numbered years.

Principles of ecology including structure and function of ecosystems, ecosystem development, behavioral ecology, and population biology. Three hours of lecture per week.

Principles of eukaryotic and prokaryotic genetics, including the nature of the genetic material, gene expression and regulation, mutation and repair, and molecular genetics techniques.

Exploration of the molecular and genetic changes that endow cancer cells with an enhanced ability to proliferate and migrate yields a deeper understanding of the biology of healthy cells and provides a basis for understanding rational approaches to cancer therapy.

Required capstone course for Biology majors.  Includes coverage of sources of genetic variation, speciation, phylogenetic analyses, and extinction.  Three hour of lecture per week.  Students are strongly encouraged to take their cell-mo/genetics lab requirement before they take this course.  Students are required to take the course during the Senior year.

Principles of immunology including structure and function of antibody molecules; the nature of antigens; development and function of B and T lymphocytes; humoral and cell mediated reactions with antigen in vivo and in vitro and immunological disorders.

Laboratory exercises on immunological techniques including cell tissue culture, ELISA immunoassay, agglutination, immunization, and antibody measurement. Three hours of laboratory per week. Fee: $60.

Laboratory and field investigation of community structure, productivity, and population dynamics. Three hours of laboratory per week. Fee: $60.

Completion of BIO 377 (Human Anatomy Lab) and permission of instructor required. Students engage in independent dissection of human cadavers to gain a more in-depth and comprehensive understanding of the human body. Appropriate techniques are taught to dissect and prepare cadavers as prosections for use in BIO 377. A minimum of 3 hours/week is required. Fee: $60.

Faculty-directed student research. Before enrolling, a student must consult with a faculty member to define the project. May be repeated for credit. Fee: $60.

Intensive field experience in selected industries or agencies. Department permission and supervision is required.

Research, study, or original work under the direction of a faculty mentor, leading to a scholarly thesis document with a public presentation of results. Requires approval of thesis director, department chair, and the director of the honors program, when appropriate.