Search Results
Your search for courses · during 25FA, 26WI, 26SP · tagged with BIOL Elective · returned 29 results
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BIOC 301 Biochemistry 6 credits
This course applies the principles of chemistry to explore the molecular basis of biological processes. It provides students with a foundational knowledge of biochemistry, with an emphasis on the structure and function of biological macromolecules including nucleic acids and proteins. Topics include enzyme catalysis and kinetics, bioenergetics, and the organization and regulation of metabolic pathways. Biology majors must also complete BIOC 311 in order for BIOC 301 to count towards the Biology major.
- Fall 2025, Spring 2026
- No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed all of the following course(s): BIOL 126 or received a Carleton Biology 126 Requisite Equivalency AND CHEM 224 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Chemistry 224 Requisite Equivalency AND CHEM 234 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Chemistry 234 Requisite Equivalency.
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BIOL 210 Global Change Biology 6 credits
Environmental problems are caused by a complex mix of physical, biological, social, economic, political, and technological factors. This course explores how these environmental problems affect life on Earth by examining the biological processes underlying natural ecological systems and the effects of global environmental changes such as resources consumption and overharvesting, land-use change, climate warming, pollution, extinction and biodiversity loss, and invasive species.
Sophomore Priority
- Winter 2026
- No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): One Introductory (100-Level) BIOL or CHEM or GEOL course with a lab with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam or received a Carleton Biology 125 Requisite Equivalency or received a score of 3 or better on the Chemistry AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Chemistry IB exam.
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BIOL 234 Microbiology 6 credits
A study of the metabolism, genetics, structure, and function of microorganisms. While presented in the framework of the concepts of cellular and molecular biology, the emphasis will be on the uniqueness and diversity of the microbial world. The course integrates lecture and laboratory, and will fulfill requirements of a microbiology course with lab for veterinary or pharmacy schools.
Requires concurrent registration in BIOL 235.
Waitlist Information: If you have already registered for BIOL 234 and BIOL 235, but would like to waitlist for a second BIOL 235 lab section, you will need to remove the lecture section by clicking the Minus Sign icon next to BIOL 234, prior to completing the waitlist process. If you are offered a seat in the lab, you will be able to register for the lecture at the same time.
- Spring 2026
- LS, Science with Lab QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed the following courses: BIOL 125 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam or received a Carleton Biology 125 Requisite Equivalency or completed Biology A Level Test 1 with a grade of B or better AND BIOL 126 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Biology 126 Requisite Equivalency or completed Biology A Level Test 2 with a grade of B or better.
- BIOL 235: Microbiology Laboratory
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BIOL 235 Microbiology Laboratory 2 credits
Requires concurrent registration in BIOL 234.
Waitlist Information: If you have already registered for BIOL 234 and BIOL 235, but would like to waitlist for a second BIOL 235 section, you will need to remove the lecture section by clicking the Minus Sign icon next to BIOL 234, prior to completing the waitlist process. If you are offered a seat in the lab, you will be able to register for the lecture at the same time.
- Spring 2026
- No Exploration
- BIOL 234: Microbiology
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BIOL 240 Genetics 6 credits
A study of the transmission of genetic information between generations of organisms, and of the mechanism of expression of information within an individual organism. The main emphasis will be on the physical and chemical basis of heredity; mutational, transmissional and functional analysis of the genetic material, and gene expression.
Spring Term Sophomore Priority,
Requires concurrent registration in BIOL 241.
Waitlist Information: If you have already registered for BIOL 240 and BIOL 241, but would like to waitlist for a second BIOL 241 lab section, you will need to remove the lecture section by clicking the Minus Sign icon next to BIOL 240, prior to completing the waitlist process. If you are offered a seat in the lab, you will be able to register for the lecture at the same time.
- Winter 2026, Spring 2026
- No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed the following courses: BIOL 125 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam or received a Carleton Biology 125 Requisite Equivalency or completed Biology A Level Test 1 with a grade of B or better AND BIOL 126 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Biology 126 Requisite Equivalency or completed Biology A Level Test 2 with a grade of B or better.
- BIOL 241: Genetics Laboratory
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BIOL 241 Genetics Laboratory 2 credits
Requires concurrent registration in Biology 240.
Waitlist Information: If you have already registered for BIOL 240 and BIOL 241, but would like to waitlist for a second BIOL 241 lab section, you will need to remove the lecture section by clicking the Minus Sign icon next to BIOL 240, prior to completing the waitlist process. If you are offered a seat in the lab, you will be able to register for the lecture at the same time.
- Winter 2026, Spring 2026
- No Exploration
- BIOL 240: Genetics
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BIOL 242 Vertebrate Morphology 6 credits
Over 500 million years of evolution has produced a rich diversity of structure and functional morphology in vertebrates. We will use comparative methods to help us understand the various selective forces and constraints that produced the vertebrate forms living today. Laboratory dissection of a variety of preserved vertebrates will allow us to examine how these fascinating animals monitor and move through their environment, procure, ingest and circulate nutrients, respirate, and reproduce.
Required concurrent registration in BIOL 243.
Waitlist Information: If you would like to waitlist for a BIOL 243 lab section, you will need to UNCHECK the box for the lecture section, BIOL 242, prior to completing the waitlist process. If you are offered a seat in the lab, you will be able to register for the lecture at the same time.
- Fall 2025
- No Exploration
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Student has completed the following courses: BIOL 125 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam or received a Carleton Biology 125 Requisite Equivalency or completed Biology A Level Test 1 with a grade of B or better AND BIOL 126 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Biology 126 Requisite Equivalency or completed Biology A Level Test 2 with a grade of B or better.
- BIOL 243: Vertebrate Morphology Laboratory
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BIOL 243 Vertebrate Morphology Laboratory 2 credits
Requires concurrent registration in Biology 242
Waitlist Information: If you would like to waitlist for a BIOL 243 lab section, you will need to UNCHECK the box for the lecture section, BIOL 242, prior to completing the waitlist process. If you are offered a seat in the lab, you will be able to register for the lecture at the same time.
- Fall 2025
- No Exploration
- BIOL 242: Vertebrate Morphology
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BIOL 248 Behavioral Ecology 6 credits
Behavioral ecologists strive to understand the complex ways that ecological pressures influence the evolution of behavioral strategies. It can be argued that animals face a relatively small set of basic challenges: they must acquire food, water, and mates, and they must avoid danger. Yet we see a rich diversity of solutions to these problems. Consider foraging behavior, for example. All animals must acquire energy, but some filter particles out of sea water, others graze on nearly inedible grasses, while still others hunt in cooperative packs. In this course we will consider such topics as foraging, communication, sociality, and conflict. By focusing on the functions and evolutionary histories of behaviors, we strive to better understand the puzzle of behavioral diversity.
- Winter 2026
- No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed the following courses: BIOL 125 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam or received a Carleton Biology 125 Requisite Equivalency or completed Biology A Level Test 1 with a grade of B or better AND BIOL 126 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Biology 126 Requisite Equivalency or completed Biology A Level Test 2 with a grade of B or better.
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BIOL 280 Cell Biology 6 credits
An examination of the structures and processes that underlie the life of cells, both prokaryotic and eukaryotic. Topics to be covered include methodologies used to study cells; organelles, membranes and other cellular components; protein targeting within the cell; and cellular communication and division.
Required concurrent registration in BIOL 281.
Waitlist Information: If you would like to waitlist for a BIOL 281 lab section, you will need to UNCHECK the box for the lecture section, BIOL 280, prior to completing the waitlist process. If you are offered a seat in the lab, you will be able to register for the lecture at the same time.
- Fall 2025
- No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed the following courses: BIOL 125 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam or received a Carleton Biology 125 Requisite Equivalency or completed Biology A Level Test 1 with a grade of B or better AND BIOL 126 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Biology 126 Requisite Equivalency or completed Biology A Level Test 2 with a grade of B or better.
- BIOL 281: Cell Biology Laboratory
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BIOL 281 Cell Biology Laboratory 2 credits
The focus of the laboratory will be on current techniques used to study cellular structure and function.
Required concurrent registration in BIOL 280.
Waitlist Information: If you would like to waitlist for a BIOL 281 lab section, you will need to UNCHECK the box for the lecture section, BIOL 280, prior to completing the waitlist process. If you are offered a seat in the lab, you will be able to register for the lecture at the same time.
- Fall 2025
- No Exploration
- BIOL 280: Cell Biology
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BIOL 310 Immunology 6 credits
This course will examine the role of the immune system in defense, allergic reactions, and autoimmunity. Topics to be covered include the structure and function of antibodies, cytokines, the role of the major histocompatibility complex in antigen presentation, cellular immunity, immunodeficiencies, and current techniques used to study immune responses.
- Winter 2026
- No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): BIOL 125 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam AND BIOL 126 with a grade of C- or better AND either BIOL 240 or BIOL 280 with a grade of C- or better.
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BIOL 332 Human Physiology 6 credits
Human Physiology seeks to understand the fundamental mechanisms responsible for the diverse functions of the body. Course topics include the function and regulation of the various physiological systems (nervous, circulatory, endocrine, excretory, respiratory, digestive, etc.), biochemistry, cellular physiology, homeostasis and acid-base chemistry. The study of human physiology provides the principal groundwork for internal medicine, pharmacology, and other related health fields. The laboratory includes a variety of experiments focusing on the function and regulation of the human body.
BIOL 333 required.
Waitlist Information: If you would like to waitlist for a BIOL 333 lab section, you will need to UNCHECK the box for the lecture section, BIOL 332, prior to completing the waitlist process. If you are offered a seat in the lab, you will be able to register for the lecture at the same time.
- Winter 2026
- No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed the following courses: BIOL 125 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam or received a Carleton Biology 125 Requisite Equivalency or completed Biology A Level Test 1 with a grade of B or better AND BIOL 126 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Biology 126 Requisite Equivalency or completed Biology A Level Test 2 with a grade of B or better.
- BIOL 333: Human Physiology Laboratory
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BIOL 333 Human Physiology Laboratory 2 credits
Requires concurrent registration in BIOL 332.
Waitlist Information: If you would like to waitlist for a BIOL 333 lab section, you will need to UNCHECK the box for the lecture section, BIOL 332, prior to completing the waitlist process. If you are offered a seat in the lab, you will be able to register for the lecture at the same time.
- Winter 2026
- No Exploration
- BIOL 332: Human Physiology
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BIOL 338 Genomics and Bioinformatics 6 credits
The advent of next-generation sequencing technology has revolutionized biology, enabling transformative breakthroughs in fields ranging from agriculture to conservation to medicine. In this course, students will gain experience with the computational and bioinformatics tools needed to analyze “big data,” including sequence searching and alignment, assembly, gene calling and annotation. Students will learn to ask and answer their own scientific questions using sequence data, and to critically assess the conclusions of other genomics and bioinformatics studies. No prior computer programming experience is required. Associated laboratory will focus on wet lab methods for DNA/RNA extraction and preparation as well as computational analysis.
Requires concurrent registration in Biology 339.
Waitlist Information: If you would like to waitlist for a BIOL 339 lab section, you will need to UNCHECK the box for the lecture section, BIOL 338, prior to completing the waitlist process. If you are offered a seat in the lab, you will be able to register for the lecture at the same time.
- Fall 2025
- LS, Science with Lab QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): BIOL 125 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam AND BIOL 126 with a grade of C- or better AND either BIOL 240 or BIOL 321 or BIOL 350 with a grade of C- or better.
- BIOL 339: Genomics & Bioinformatics Lab
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BIOL 339 Genomics & Bioinformatics Lab 2 credits
Requires concurrent registration in BIOL 338.
Waitlist Information: If you would like to waitlist for a BIOL 339 lab section, you will need to UNCHECK the box for the lecture section, BIOL 338, prior to completing the waitlist process. If you are offered a seat in the lab, you will be able to register for the lecture at the same time.
- Fall 2025
- No Exploration
- BIOL 338: Genomics and Bioinformatics
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BIOL 350 Evolution 6 credits
Principles and history of evolutionary change in wild populations, with consideration of both microevolutionary and macroevolutionary time scales. Topics covered include causes of change in gene frequency, the nature of adaptation, constraints on evolutionary change, the evolution of genes and proteins, rates of speciation and extinction, and the major events in evolutionary history.
- Winter 2026
- No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed the following courses: BIOL 125 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam or received a Carleton Biology 125 Requisite Equivalency or completed Biology A Level Test 1 with a grade of B or better AND BIOL 126 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Biology 126 Requisite Equivalency or completed Biology A Level Test 2 with a grade of B or better.
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BIOL 352 Population Ecology 6 credits
An investigation of the properties of populations and communities. Topics include population growth and regulation, life tables, interspecific and intraspecific competition, predation, parasitism, mutualism, the nature of communities, and biogeography. Expected preparation: previous experience with calculus is necessary, but no specific course is required. Statistics 120 or equivalent exposure to statistical analysis is recommended.
Requires concurrent registration in BIOL 353.
Recommended course: Statistics 120 or equivalent exposure to statistical analysis.
Waitlist Information: If you have already registered for BIOL 352 and BIOL 353, but would like to waitlist for a second BIOL 353 lab section, you will need to remove the lecture section by clicking the Minus Sign icon next to BIOL 352, prior to completing the waitlist process. If you are offered a seat in the lab, you will be able to register for the lecture at the same time.
- Spring 2026
- LS, Science with Lab QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed the following courses: BIOL 125 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam or received a Carleton Biology 125 Requisite Equivalency or completed Biology A Level Test 1 with a grade of B or better AND BIOL 126 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Biology 126 Requisite Equivalency or completed Biology A Level Test 2 with a grade of B or better.
- BIOL 353: Population Ecology Laboratory
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BIOL 356 Seminar: Topics in Developmental Biology 6 credits
The development of an embryo from a single cell to a complex body requires the coordinated efforts of a growing number of cells and cell types. In this seminar course, we will use primary literature to explore recent advances in our understanding of the cellular processes such as intercellular signaling, migration, proliferation, and differentiation that make development possible. Additionally, we will consider how these developmental cellular processes, when disrupted, lead to cancer and other diseases. Priority will be given to juniors and seniors who have not already taken a seminar course.
Waitlist only
- Spring 2026
- No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): BIOL 240 or BIOL 280 or BIOL 342 with grade of C- or better.
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BIOL 361 Seminar: Revolutions in Evolution—Key Innovations that Shaped Life on Earth 6 credits
The history of Life on Earth is punctuated by pivotal transitions that fundamentally change the course of evolution from that point forward. We will explore the primary literature that addresses how these seminal evolutionary changes come about. Among the questions we will pursue are: how did life originate? What was the nature of the last universal common ancestor? How did eukaryotes evolve? How did meiosis arise, and why is meiotic sexual reproduction favored over asexual alternatives?
Waitlist Only
- Winter 2026
- No Exploration
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): BIOL 240 or BIOL 338 or BIOL 350 with grade of C- or better.
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BIOL 362 Seminar: Cell Death 6 credits
Programmed cell death is a common feature in many multicellular organisms that serves many different functions. Although apoptosis is the most common type of cell death, there are over a dozen unique ways that a cell can choose to die. This course will survey the different modes of programmed cell death with particular focus on molecular and cellular mechanisms through primary literature-based discussions. We will also discuss the organismal and pathophysiological consequences of dysregulated programmed cell death in a variety of contexts.
Waitlist Only
- Fall 2025
- No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): BIOL 125 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam AND BIOL 126 with a grade of C- or better AND either BIOL 240 or BIOL 280 with a grade of C- or better.
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BIOL 365 Seminar: Topics in Neuroscience 6 credits
We will focus on recent advances in neuroscience. All areas of neuroscience (cellular/molecular, developmental, systems, cognitive, and disease) will be considered. Classical or foundational papers will be used to provide background.
Waitlist only
- Winter 2026
- No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed the following courses: BIOL 125 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam or received a Carleton Biology 125 Requisite Equivalency or completed Biology A Level Test 1 with a grade of B or better AND BIOL 126 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Biology 126 Requisite Equivalency or completed Biology A Level Test 2 with a grade of B or better.
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BIOL 370 Seminar: Selected Topics in Virology 6 credits
An examination of selected animal viruses. The course will focus on the most recent developments in HIV-related research, including implications for HIV-treatment and vaccines and the impact of viral infection on the immune system of the host. In addition to studying the structure and replication of particular viruses we will also discuss the current laboratory techniques used in viral research.
Waitlist only.
- Fall 2025
- No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): BIOL 240 or BIOL 280 with grade of C- or better.
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BIOL 372 Seminar: Structural Biology 6 credits
The ability to visualize macromolecules at atomic detail has significantly advanced our understanding of macromolecular structure and function. This course will provide an overview of fundamental experimental methodologies underlying structure determination, followed by primary literature-based discussions in which students will present and critically discuss classic foundational papers as well as examples from the current literature that have advanced our understanding of macromolecule structure and function.
- Winter 2026
- No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): BIOL 125 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam AND BIOL 126 with a grade of C- or better AND either BIOL 280 or BIOL 380 or BIOC 301 or CHEM 320 with a grade of C- or better.
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BIOL 385 Seminar: Microbial Pathology 6 credits
Microbes are the most abundant organisms on earth, and microbial pathogens have caused human and plant disease epidemics worldwide. This course will focus upon the pathogenic strategy of a variety of well-studied microbes in order to illustrate our understanding of the molecular and cellular nature of microbial disease. We will analyze current and seminal papers in the primary literature focusing on mechanisms employed by microbes to attack hosts.
Waitlist only
- Spring 2026
- No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): BIOL 125 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 or better on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam AND BIOL 126 with a grade of C- or better AND either BIOL 240 or BIOL 280 with a grade of C- or better.
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ENTS 250 Food, Forests & Resilience 6 credits
The course will explore how the idea of sustainability is complicated when evaluated through a socio-ecological framework that combines anthropology and ecology. To highlight this complexity, the course is designed to provide a comparative framework to understand and analyze sustainable socio-ecological propositions in Minnesota and Oaxaca. Key conceptual areas explored include: coupled human-natural systems, resilience (ecological and cultural), self-determination, and social justice across stakeholders. The course includes a series of fieldtrips to nearby projects of interest. This course is part of the OCS winter break Oaxaca program, involving two linked courses in fall and winter terms. This class is the first class in the sequence.
Winter Break Program in Oaxaca Mexico
- Fall 2025
- IS, International Studies SI, Social Inquiry
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Student Cohorts any in the selection list OCS Socioecological Life – Oaxaca Mexico Program
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IDSC 258 Consensus or Contentious? Controversies in Science Then and Now 2 credits
Almost every global challenge confronting humankind requires some level of engagement with science and technology. However, finding solutions to our most pressing problems also requires an understanding of how science operates within its social, political, and cultural context. This course will explore the relationship between science and society by examining a series of controversies in science from both the past and the present. We will investigate topics such as biological and social concepts of race, the use of unethically obtained scientific results, the ethics of genomics research, legislation over vaccination mandates, “parachute” science, and climate change denial. Examining the role of science in society will help us understand issues related to the use of evidence, expertise, and the relationship between science and politics. By wrestling with current and historic scientific controversies, we will examine the ways in which scientific disagreements are often as much about values as they are about research methods.
- Winter 2026
- No Exploration
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NEUR 238 Neurons, Circuits and Behavior 6 credits
Neurons are the building blocks of the nervous system. Molecular and cellular neuroscience seeks to understand the fundamental principles that govern how neurons function, how they communicate with each other, and how they assemble into circuits that generate behavior. This course focuses on the molecular and cellular basis of nervous system function from the level of genes and molecules to neural circuits and behavior. We will take an integrative approach to examine the genetic, molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie neuronal communication, the molecular basis of sensation and innate behaviors, neural plasticity, and nervous system disorders. This course will emphasize the experimental evidence and techniques that have built our understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of behavior through team-based learning, analysis of primary literature papers and laboratory experimentation. A grade of C- or better must be earned in both Neuroscience 238 and 239 to satisfy the LS requirement.
Requires concurrent registration in NEUR 239.
Waitlist Information: If you have already registered for NEUR 238 and NEUR 239, but would like to waitlist for a second NEUR 239 lab section, you will need to remove the lecture section by clicking the Minus Sign icon next to NEUR 238, prior to completing the waitlist process. If you are offered a seat in the lab, you will be able to register for the lecture at the same time.
- Spring 2026
- LS, Science with Lab QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): NEUR 127 OR BIOL 125 with grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 on the Biology AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Biology IB exam or equivalent.
- NEUR 239: Neurons, Circuits and Behavior Lab
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NEUR 239 Neurons, Circuits and Behavior Lab 2 credits
This laboratory course will provide experience in performing experiments to elucidate the structure and function of neurons and neural circuits using classical and cutting-edge techniques. Students will apply these techniques to develop and carry out an independent research project.
Requires concurrent registration in NEUR 238.
Waitlist Information: If you have already registered for NEUR 238 and NEUR 239, but would like to waitlist for a second NEUR 239 lab section, you will need to remove the lecture section by clicking the Minus Sign icon next to NEUR 238, prior to completing the waitlist process. If you are offered a seat in the lab, you will be able to register for the lecture at the same time.
- Spring 2026
- No Exploration
- NEUR 238: Neurons, Circuits and Behavior