Search Results
Your search for courses · tagged with BIOL Elective · returned 29 results
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BIOC 301 Survey of 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 2024, Winter 2025
- No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): BIOL 126 – Energy Flow of Biological Systems & Lab or equivalent and CHEM 224 – Principles of Chemistry II & Lab and CHEM 234 – Organic Chemistry II & Lab with a grade of C- or better.
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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 2025
- No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): One Introductory (100-Level) BIOL, CHEM OR GEOL course with a lab with a grade of C- or better.
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BIOL 220 Disease Ecology & Evolution 6 credits
Parasites and pathogens play a central role in shaping the natural world, from the physiology and behavior of individuals to the dynamics of populations and the structure of ecosystems. This course will explore the ecological and evolutionary processes that shape host-parasite interactions. Topics include transmission of disease through host populations, the evolution of virulence, coevolution between hosts and parasites, how disease influences communities and food webs, how parasites shape host behavior and life history, and the ecology of newly emerging infectious diseases.
- Winter 2025
- No Exploration WR2 Writing Requirement 2
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Student has completed the following courses: BIOL 125 – Genes, Evolution, and Development & 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 AND BIOL 126 – Energy Glow in Biological Systems & Lab with a grade of C- or better or equivalents.
- BIOL 221
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BIOL 221 Disease Ecology and Evolution Laboratory 2 credits
Students will learn techniques and field and laboratory approaches to studying host-parasite interactions in wild systems.
- Winter 2025
- BIOL 220
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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
- Winter 2025
- LS, Science with Lab QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed the following courses: BIOL 125 – Genes, Evolution, and Development & 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 AND BIOL 126 – Energy Glow in Biological Systems & Lab with a grade of C- or better or equivalents.
- BIOL 235
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BIOL 235 Microbiology Laboratory 2 credits
Requires concurrent registration in BIOL 234
- Winter 2025
- No Exploration
- BIOL 234
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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
- Winter 2025, Spring 2025
- No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed the following courses: BIOL 125 – Genes, Evolution, and Development & 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 AND BIOL 126 – Energy Glow in Biological Systems & Lab with a grade of C- or better or equivalents.
- BIOL 241
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BIOL 241 Genetics Laboratory 2 credits
Requires concurrent registration in Biology 240
- Winter 2025, Spring 2025
- No Exploration
- BIOL 240
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BIOL 244 Biostatistics 3 credits
An introduction to statistical techniques commonly used in Biology. The course will use examples from primary literature to examine the different ways that biological data are organized and analyzed. Emphasis will be placed on how to choose the appropriate statistical techniques in different circumstances and how to use statistical software to carry out tests. Topics covered include variable types (categorical, parametric, and non-parametric), analysis of variance, generalized linear models, and meta-analysis. There will be an opportunity for students to analyze data from their own research experiences.
- Winter 2025
- FSR, Formal or Statistical Reasoning QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): BIOL 125 – Genes, Evolution, and Development & 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 AND BIOL 126 – Energy Glow in Biological Systems & Lab with a grade of C- or better AND one 200 or 300 level BIOL course with a grade of C- or better.
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BIOL 262 Ecological Physiology 6 credits
This course examines the physiological adaptations that allow species to inhabit a wide range of environments including polar regions, deserts, high alpine, the deep sea, and wave-swept coastal habitats. Emphasis will be placed on understanding how organisms cope with environmental extremes (e.g., temperature, low oxygen, pH, salinity and pressure) and in using metabolic theory to predict the ecological impacts of climate change (e.g., global warming, ocean acidification, hypoxia). Associated laboratory will emphasize experimentation and application of physiological concepts in living organisms.
Requires concurrent registration in BIOL 263
- Fall 2024
- LS, Science with Lab
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Student has completed the following courses: BIOL 125 – Genes, Evolution, and Development & 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 AND BIOL 126 – Energy Glow in Biological Systems & Lab with a grade of C- or better or equivalents.
- BIOL 263
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BIOL 263 Ecological Physiology Lab 2 credits
Experimental approaches to study physiological responses of living organisms to their environment. Students will conduct a semi-independent lab project.
Requires concurrent registration in BIOL 262
- Fall 2024
- No Exploration
- BIOL 262
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BIOL 272 Integrative Animal Physiology 6 credits
This course explores biological functions from the biochemical level to the level of the whole organism. We will start with the regulatory systems exploring the function of neural and endocrine mechanisms. We will discuss the actions of a variety of toxins as adaptive components of venoms and pharmaceutical tools in human health research. Other topics include: muscle physiology, exercise and behavior; blood pressure regulation; salt and water balance in organisms from different environments; comparative reproduction, including human reproductive development and sexuality.
- Fall 2024
- No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed the following courses: BIOL 125 – Genes, Evolution, and Development & 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 AND BIOL 126 – Energy Glow in Biological Systems & Lab with a grade of C- or better or equivalents.
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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.
Concurrent registration in BIOL 281 required.
- Fall 2024
- No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed the following courses: BIOL 125 – Genes, Evolution, and Development & 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 AND BIOL 126 – Energy Glow in Biological Systems & Lab with a grade of C- or better or equivalents.
- BIOL 281
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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.
Concurrent registration in BIOL 280 required.
- Fall 2024
- No Exploration
- BIOL 280
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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 2025
- No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): BIOL 125 – Genes, Evolution, and Development & 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 AND BIOL 126 – Energy Glow in Biological Systems & Lab with a grade of C- or better AND either BIOL 240 – Genetics or BIOL 280 – Cell Biology 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. Students should waitlist for BOTH 333 (lab) and 332 (lecture) to be considered for enrollment from either waitlist.
- Winter 2025
- No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed the following courses: BIOL 125 – Genes, Evolution, and Development & 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 AND BIOL 126 – Energy Glow in Biological Systems & Lab with a grade of C- or better or equivalents.
- BIOL 333
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BIOL 333 Human Physiology Laboratory 2 credits
Requires concurrent registration in BIOL 332. Students should waitlist for BOTH 333 (lab) and 332 (lecture) to be considered for enrollment from either waitlist.
- Winter 2025
- No Exploration
- BIOL 332
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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
- Fall 2024
- LS, Science with Lab QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): BIOL 125 – Genes, Evolution, and Development & 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 AND BIOL 126 – Energy Glow in Biological Systems & Lab with a grade of C- or better AND either BIOL 240 – Genetics or BIOL 321 – Ecosystem Ecology or BIOL 350 – Evolution with a grade of C- or better.
- BIOL 339
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BIOL 339 Genomics & Bioinformatics Lab 2 credits
Requires concurrent registration in BIOL 338
- Fall 2024
- No Exploration
- BIOL 338
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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.
- Fall 2024
- No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed the following courses: BIOL 125 – Genes, Evolution, and Development & 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 AND BIOL 126 – Energy Glow in Biological Systems & Lab with a grade of C- or better or equivalents.
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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
- Spring 2025
- QRE, Quantitative Reasoning LS, Science with Lab
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Student has completed the following courses: BIOL 125 – Genes, Evolution, and Development & 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 AND BIOL 126 – Energy Glow in Biological Systems & Lab with a grade of C- or better or equivalents.
- BIOL 353
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BIOL 363 Seminar: Ecomechanics 6 credits
All organisms, from Common loons to Redwood trees to Basking sharks spend much of their lives bumping up against forces associated with the non-biological world. The manner in which ecological challenges are solved (e.g., moving around vs. staying put, finding food, avoiding predators) is often related to an individual’s biomechanical design. This class will challenge students to view their physical surroundings from the perspective of an organism. How do mussels feed in a fast stream vs. stagnant pond? Why do healthy trees uproot rather than break in half? How can a sea urchin with no eyes “see”? We will use primary scientific literature to examine the physical principles that underlie fundamental ecological processes.
- Winter 2025
- No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): BIOL 125 – Genes, Evolution, and Development & 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 AND BIOL 126 – Energy Glow in Biological Systems & Lab with a grade of C- or better AND one 200 or 300 level BIOL course 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
- Fall 2024
- No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed the following courses: BIOL 125 – Genes, Evolution, and Development & 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 AND BIOL 126 – Energy Glow in Biological Systems & Lab with a grade of C- or better or equivalents.
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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.
- Spring 2025
- No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): BIOL 240 – Genetics, or BIOL 280 – Cell Biology with grade of C- or better.
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BIOL 378 Seminar: The Origin and Early Evolution of Life 6 credits
The Earth formed four and a half billion years ago. Evidence suggests that within 700 million years, life had gained a foothold on this planet. We will delve into the primary literature to explore fundamental questions about the origin and evolution of life: How did life arise from non-life on the dynamic young Earth? Where on Earth did life begin? Did life only arise once? What did the first living organisms look like? What was the nature of our last universal common ancestor? How did life alter the planet on which it arose? Could life originate elsewhere in the cosmos?
- Spring 2025
- No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): BIOL 125 – Genes, Evolution, and Development & 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 AND BIOL 126 – Energy Glow in Biological Systems & Lab with a grade of C- or better AND one 200 or 300 level BIOL course 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
- Fall 2024
- No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): BIOL 125 – Genes, Evolution, and Development & 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 AND BIOL 126 – Energy Glow in Biological Systems & Lab with a grade of C- or better AND either BIOL 240 – Genetics or BIOL 280 – Cell Biology with a grade of C- or better.
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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.
- Fall 2024
- 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.
- Spring 2025
- LS, Science with Lab QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
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Student must have completed and of the following course(s): NEUR 127 – Foundations Neuroscience and Lab or BIOL 125 – Genes Evolution and Development 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
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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.
- Spring 2025
- No Exploration
- NEUR 238