Program Type: Undergraduate minor related to major
Requirements for this program are current for
Fall 2023
Required credits in this minor: 20
to 22
Biology is the scientific exploration of the diverse world of living organisms. Today, biological research spans an almost infinite spectrum of studies from molecules to ecosystems. The field of biology has expanded enormously within the past four decades.
Within a flexible curriculum, the biology minor provides an opportunity for non-CBS students to gain a broad understanding of the fundamental nature and characteristics of living things, or explore specific areas of the field in greater depth. The minor offers great freedom for students to select coursework that is most relevant to their interests and academic goals.
The biology minor is available to non-CBS students only. Due to significant course overlap, the following majors are not eligible to complete the biology minor:
Animal Science (Science/Pre-Vet sub-plan only)
Plant Science
Biology, Society, and the Environment
Environmental Sciences, Policy, and Management (sub-plans in Environmental Science, Environmental Education and Communication)
Fisheries and Wildlife (all sub-plans)
Food Science
Medical Laboratory Sciences
Physiology
Nutrition (Nutritional Sciences sub-plan only)
Scientific and Technical Communication (sub-plan in Biological and Health Sciences)
Individually designed programs with a life sciences emphasis.
Students pursuing an individualized degree program (IDP) may be ineligible to pursue the biology minor if IDP and biology minor coursework overlap more than 3 credits. These requests will be reviewed on an individual basis.
Students are not allowed to pursue both a biology minor and a minor in another CBS discipline, with the exception of pharmacology.
Program Delivery
This program is available:
via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Minor Requirements
Courses that are cross-listed with CBS designators may be allowed for use in the minor.
At least 9 credits of the biology electives must have a CBS designator (BIOL, BIOC, COP, GCD, EEB, MICB, NSCI, PMB). Students may petition for up to 3 credits of biology-related credits from non-CBS designators (including study-abroad credits) to count toward the upper-division electives. These courses will be evaluated by the DUGS for instructional level and biological relevance.
Minor Courses
Chemistry
CHEM 1081 - Chemistry for the Life Sciences I
[PHYS]
(3.0 cr)
CHEM 1065 - Chemical Principles I Laboratory
[PHYS]
(1.0 cr)
or
CHEM 1061 - Chemical Principles I
[PHYS]
(3.0 cr)
CHEM 1065 - Chemical Principles I Laboratory
[PHYS]
(1.0 cr)
or
CHEM 1071H - Honors Chemistry I
[PHYS]
(3.0 cr)
CHEM 1075H - Honors Chemistry I Laboratory
[PHYS]
(1.0 cr)
Introductory Biology
Students should take one Introductory Biology course or complete the Foundations of Biology lecture and lab.
One Stop for tuition, course registration, financial aid, academic calendars, and more
CHEM 1081 - Chemistry for the Life Sciences I
(PHYS)
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies:
Chem 1061/Chem 1071H/Chem 1081
Typically offered:
Every Fall
The topics of atomic theory, molecular structure, bonding and shape, energy and enthalpy, gases, properties of solutions, and equilibrium will be presented along with their application to biological systems. Intended to provide a strong chemistry background for students pursuing life science related majors or careers in life science related fields.
prereq: grade of a C- or better in CHEM 1015 or passing chemistry placement exam. This course is recommended for CBS majors.
CHEM 1065 - Chemical Principles I Laboratory
(PHYS)
Credits:
1.0
[max 1.0]
Course Equivalencies:
Chem 1065/Chem 1075H
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Typically offered:
Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Basic laboratory skills while investigating physical and chemical phenomena closely linked to lecture material. Experimental design, data collection and treatment, discussion of errors, and proper treatment of hazardous wastes.
prereq: concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in 1061
CHEM 1061 - Chemical Principles I
(PHYS)
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies:
Chem 1061/Chem 1071H/Chem 1081
Typically offered:
Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Atomic theory, periodic properties of elements. Thermochemistry, reaction stoichiometry. Behavior of gases, liquids, and solids. Molecular/ionic structure/bonding. Organic chemistry and polymers. energy sources, environmental issues related to energy use.
Prereq-Grade of at least C- in [1011 or 1015] or [passing placement exam, concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in 1065]; intended for science or engineering majors; concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in 1065; registration for 1065 must precede registration for 1061
CHEM 1065 - Chemical Principles I Laboratory
(PHYS)
Credits:
1.0
[max 1.0]
Course Equivalencies:
Chem 1065/Chem 1075H
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Typically offered:
Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Basic laboratory skills while investigating physical and chemical phenomena closely linked to lecture material. Experimental design, data collection and treatment, discussion of errors, and proper treatment of hazardous wastes.
prereq: concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in 1061
CHEM 1071H - Honors Chemistry I
(PHYS)
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies:
Chem 1061/Chem 1071H/Chem 1081
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Typically offered:
Every Fall
Advanced introduction to atomic theory. Periodic properties of elements. Behavior of gases, liquids, and solids. Molecular/ionic structure, bonding. Aspects of organic chemistry, spectroscopy, and polymers. Mathematically demanding quantitative problems. Writing for scientific journals.
prereq: Honors student, permission of University Honors Program, concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in 1075H; registration for 1075H must precede registration for 1071H
CHEM 1075H - Honors Chemistry I Laboratory
(PHYS)
Credits:
1.0
[max 1.0]
Course Equivalencies:
Chem 1065/Chem 1075H
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Typically offered:
Every Fall
Develop laboratory skills while investigating physical and chemical phenomena closely linked to lecture material. Experimental design, data collection and treatment, discussion of errors, and the proper treatment of hazardous wastes.
Prereq-&1071H, honors student, permission of University Honors Program.
BIOL 1001 - Introductory Biology: Evolutionary and Ecological Perspectives
(BIOL)
Credits:
4.0
[max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies:
Biol 1001/Biol 1001H/Biol 1003
Typically offered:
Every Fall & Spring
A one-semester exploration of the genetic, evolutionary, and ecological processes that govern biological diversity from populations to ecosystems. We explore how these processes influence human evolution, health, population growth, and conservation. We also consider how the scientific method informs our understanding of biological processes. Lab. This course is oriented towards non-majors and does not fulfill prerequisites for allied health grad programs.
BIOL 1003 - Evolution and Biology of Sex
(BIOL)
Credits:
4.0
[max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies:
Biol 1001/Biol 1001H/Biol 1003
Typically offered:
Every Fall & Spring
This course is designed as a one-semester exploration of biology from the standpoint of the evolution and biology of sex. It emphasizes scientific processes, evolution, sexual behavior, reproductive biology, and diversity with respect to sexual orientation, reproductive strategies, and gender identity. Lab activities complement these topics. This course does not fulfill prerequisites for allied health grad programs.
BIOL 1009 - General Biology
(BIOL)
Credits:
4.0
[max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies:
Biol 1009/Biol 1009H
Typically offered:
Every Fall, Spring & Summer
A comprehensive introduction to biology - includes molecular structure of living things, cell processes, energy utilization, genetic information and inheritance, mechanisms of evolution, biological diversity, and ecology. Includes lab. This comprehensive course serves as a prerequisite and requirement in many majors.
BIOL 1012 - Human Biology: Concepts and Current Ethical Issues
(BIOL, CIV)
Credits:
4.0
[max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies:
Biol 1010/Biol 1015/PSTL 1135
Typically offered:
Every Fall & Spring
One semester exploration of human anatomy and physiology within the context of ethics; topics such as human genetic diversity, organs and tissues, disease and reproduction. Weekly policy debates. Active learning format. Animal dissections required. Suitable for students in any major. Does not fulfill prerequisites for allied health grad programs.
This course explores several interdisciplinary questions, each of which addresses biology through an ethical and societal lens. In ?What makes humans unique?? we will consider the evolution of human traits, how the concept of race relates to human genetic diversity, and the fallibility of human memories. In ?How does blood and organ donation work?? we will examine how our bodies can recognize and respond to foreign materials, how vaccines work, and who should have access to life saving tissue and organ transplants. In ?How do stress, diet and exercise affect health?? we will consider disparities in access to adequate nutrition, exposure to stress, and exercise, and how these affect our bodies and our mental health. Lastly, in ?How does a unique individual develop from a single cell? we will examine how a single cell develops into a fully functional human being, and how similar processes lead to cancer. We will also consider the role of genes and hormones in human reproduction and the development of reproductive structures in embryos, while explicitly addressing the ethics of the distinctions between the concepts of sex characteristics, sex assigned at birth, and gender. We will learn how a cell can become cancerous, as well as how a cell develops into a fully functioning human being. Additionally, we will consider the role of hormones in the development of male, female, and intersex organs, while being explicit about the differences between gender, sexual orientation, and sex assigned at birth.
In lecture, instructors and teaching assistants will support students as they evaluate data and work through concepts in teams. Students will also dedicate significant time to the consideration of ethical questions in human biology, and work with teammates to organize and present a position on a policy related to an ethics question. In lab, students will further explore human anatomy and physiology, connecting structure and function through several dissections and activities. Students will read and share scientific papers, make observations, design experiments and analyze data. Students will work in teams to complete a multi-week project on the physiology of stress. We will continue our exploration of ethics topics in lab, where we will discuss and apply ethics in human subjects research and research on non-human animals.
About ? of the course grade will be based on four traditional lecture exams and a final lab exam. The remainder of the course grade is comprised of open notes quizzes, in class team assignments, individual assignments, and team projects. Course grading is based on mastery of concepts and skills, and students are encouraged to collaborate in understanding course material.
BIOL 1951 - Foundations of Biology Lecture I for Biological Sciences Majors
(BIOL)
Credits:
4.0
[max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies:
Biol 1951/H/Biol 2002/H
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Typically offered:
Every Fall & Spring
Core biological concepts, from biomolecules to ecosystems. Emphasizes evolution, organismal diversity, and genetics within context of problem solving/applications. Students must take both BIOL 1951 and BIOL 1961 to be awarded the Biological Sciences LE.
This course is required for all CBS majors
BIOL 1951H - Foundations of Biology Lecture I for Biological Sciences Majors
(BIOL)
Credits:
4.0
[max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies:
Biol 1951/H/Biol 2002/H
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Typically offered:
Every Fall & Spring
Core biological concepts, from biomolecules to ecosystems. Emphasizes evolution, organismal diversity, and genetics within context of problem solving/applications. Students must take both BIOL 1951H and BIOL 1961 to be awarded the Biological Sciences LE.
This course is required for all CBS honors students
BIOL 1961 - Foundations of Biology Lab I for Biological Sciences Majors
(BIOL)
Credits:
2.0
[max 2.0]
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Typically offered:
Every Fall & Spring
Core biological concepts, from biomolecules to ecosystems. Emphasizes evolution, organismal diversity, and genetics within context of problem solving/applications. Students must take both BIOL 1951 and BIOL 1961 to be awarded the Biological Sciences LE.
This course is required for all CBS majors
BIOL 2005 - Animal Diversity Laboratory
Credits:
2.0
[max 2.0]
Course Equivalencies:
Biol 2005/Biol 2012/Biol 3012
Typically offered:
Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Dissection, direct observation of representatives of major animal groups.
BIOL 2007 - Marine Animal Diversity Laboratory
Credits:
1.0
[max 2.0]
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Typically offered:
Every Fall & Spring
Survey of marine animal diversity. Understanding major animal groups, how they relate to one another, how they differ in structure, how each group achieves survival/ reproduction in diverse environments. Lab includes dissections, including vertebrates, such as fish.
Prereq/coreq: Biol 2005/Biol 2012/Biol 3012
PMB 2022 - General Botany
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Typically offered:
Every Fall & Spring
Introduction to the biology of plants, algae, and fungi. Structure, growth, development, reproduction, diversity, and aspects of their ecology. Includes laboratory that focuses on structures in photosynthetic organisms and fungi as well as an introduction to physiology.
prereq: One semester of college biology
VBS 2032 - General Microbiology With Laboratory
Credits:
5.0
[max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies:
Biol 2032/MicB 3301/VBS 2032
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Typically offered:
Every Fall & Spring
Bacterial metabolism, growth/genetics, biology of viruses/fungi. Control of microorganisms. Host-microbe interactions, microorganisms/disease, applied microbiology.
prereq: One semester each of college chemistry, biology
BIOL 2003 - Foundations of Biology for Biological Sciences Majors, Part II
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies:
Biol 2003/Biol 2003H
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Typically offered:
Every Fall & Spring
Second of two courses. Biological concepts, from biomolecules to ecosystems. Ecology/biochemistry concepts within problem solving/application.
BIOL 2003H - Foundations of Biology for Biological Sciences Majors, Part II
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies:
Biol 2003/Biol 2003H
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Typically offered:
Every Fall & Spring
Second of two courses. Biological concepts, from biomolecules to ecosystems. Ecology/biochemistry concepts within problem solving/application.
BIOC 3021 - Biochemistry
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies:
BioC 3021/BioC 3022/BioC 4331/
Typically offered:
Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Fundamentals of biochemistry. Structure/function of nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates. Enzymes. Metabolism. DNA replication and repair, transcription, protein synthesis.
Recommended prerequisites: Introductory biology (BIOL 1009 or BIOL 2003 or equivalent), organic chemistry (CHEM 2301 or CHEM 2081/2085 or equivalent).
Note: CBS students should take BIOC 3022 not 3021.
BIOC 4025W - Laboratory in Biochemistry
(WI)
Credits:
2.0
[max 2.0]
Typically offered:
Every Fall & Spring
Theory, principles, and use of fundamental techniques in modern biochemistry labs.
prereq: 3021, 3022, or 4331 or equiv
BIOC 4125 - Laboratory in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies:
BioC 4125/BioC 4185/Biol 4125/
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Typically offered:
Every Summer
This molecular biology laboratory course is designed to give students hands-on experience performing common techniques used in modern molecular biology, as well as the background information needed to understand what kind of information can be obtained by using them. Because of the dual nature of this course, a portion of the laboratory time will be spent on lectures explaining the theory behind the techniques being used as well as practical aspects of experimental design. In addition, readings will be assigned that explain the history and principles behind some of the techniques used. Basic recombinant DNA techniques: methods for growing, isolating, and purifying recombinant DNA and cloning vectors, DNA sequencing and sequence analysis, gene expression, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), other current techniques.
prereq: Biol 3015 or Biol 3020 or Biol 3025 or Bioc 3021 or Bioc 3022 or Bioc 4331 or Biol 4003 or instructor consent
BIOC 4325 - Laboratory in Mass Spectrometry
Credits:
1.0
[max 1.0]
Grading Basis:
S-N only
Typically offered:
Every Spring
Hands-on experience with techniques/instruments. Sample preparation/handling, 2-dimenstioal gels, MS-MS, MALDI-TOF, electrospray/LC-MS, experiment selection/procedures, software, data processing.
prereq: 4332, 4521
BIOC 4331 - Biochemistry I: Structure, Catalysis, and Metabolism in Biological Systems
Credits:
4.0
[max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies:
BioC 3021/BioC 3022/BioC 4331/
Typically offered:
Every Fall & Spring
Advanced survey of structure/catalysis, metabolism/bioenergetics.
prereq: (BIOL 1009 or 2003 or equiv) AND (Chem 2302 or CHEM 2081/2085 or equiv)
BIOC 4332 - Biochemistry II: Molecular Mechanisms of Signal Transduction and Gene Expression
Credits:
4.0
[max 4.0]
Typically offered:
Every Fall & Spring
Advanced survey of molecular biology. Mechanisms of gene action/biological regulation.
prereq: BioC 4331 or Bioc 3201 or BioC 3022
BIOC 4521 - Introduction to Physical Biochemistry
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Typically offered:
Every Fall & Spring
Physical chemical principles, their applications in biochemistry. Thermodynamics, kinetics, spectroscopy, solution dynamics as applied to biochemical reactions/ biopolymers.
prereq: 4331 recommended, (Chem 1081 or 1061 and 1065) AND (Physics 1221 or 1201W or 1301W) required
Writing Intensive Directed Studies is an individual-study, literature-based investigation in which the student is mentored directly by a faculty member. One main feature of this course is that the student will receive writing instruction and the written output of the course will be revised during the semester. The project needs to be explained in a Research/Directed Studies contract and agreed on by both the student and faculty mentor. The contract must be approved by the director of undergraduate studies (DUGS) for the major before the student is allowed to register. The contract includes a description of learning objectives for the course, how writing instruction will take place, a timeline for when student writing will be handed in and how it will be assessed, methodology to be used by the student, and how assessment of learning will be conducted by the mentor. Additional oversight is established for this course near the end of the semester the written output is submitted to the DUGS for the major. The DUGS is responsible to determine that the writing meets standards set by the CBS Education Policy Committee for quality of writing, appropriate citation of literature, well-constructed figures, tables, and legends (if present), appropriate use and interpretation of statistics (if present), conclusions that are supported by evidence, and well-formatted references. This course is graded S/N and approval of the DUGS is required before a grade of S can be given by the faculty mentor.
prereq: department consent, instructor consent, no more than 7 credits of 4793W, 4794W, 4993, 4994 counts towards CBS major requirements.
Writing Intensive Directed Research is an individual-study, laboratory or field research experience in which the student is mentored directly by a faculty member. This course is intended for students who already have initiated a research project in the lab of the mentor and already have results. In this course the student will receive writing instruction. The written output usually is in the form of a scientific paper describing the results of the student's project. Written output of the course must be revised during the semester and a schedule for writing, assessment and revision needs to be in place at the beginning of the semester. The project needs to be explained in a Research/Directed Studies contract and agreed on by both the student and faculty mentor. The contract must be approved by the Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUGS) for the major before the student is allowed to register. The contract includes a description of learning objectives for the course, how writing instruction will take place, a timeline for when student writing will be handed in and how it will be assessed, methodology to be used by the student, and how assessment of learning will be conducted by the mentor. Additional oversight is established for this course - near the end of the semester the written output is submitted to the DUGS for the major. The DUGS is responsible to determine that the writing meets standards set by the CBS Education Policy Committee for quality of writing, appropriate citation of literature, well-constructed figures, tables, and legends (if present), appropriate use and interpretation of statistics (if present), conclusions that are supported by evidence, and well-formatted references. The DUGS can call for a final revision before a grade is given. This course is graded S/N and approval of the DUGS is required before a grade of S can be given by the faculty mentor.
prereq: department consent, instructor consent, no more than 7 credits of 4793W, 4794W, 4993, 4994 counts towards CBS major requirements.
BIOC 4960 - Special Topics in Biochemistry
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Typically offered:
Every Spring
In-depth study of a topic in biochemistry.
prereq: [[3021 or equiv], CHEM 2301]] or instr consent
BIOC 4993 - Directed Studies
Credits:
1.0
-7.0
[max 7.0]
Grading Basis:
S-N only
Typically offered:
Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Directed Studies is an individual-study, literature-based investigation in which the student is mentored directly by a faculty member. The topic for the course needs to be explained in a Research/Directed Studies contract and agreed on by both the student and faculty mentor. The contract must be approved by the director of undergraduate studies (DUGS) for the major before the student is allowed to register. The contract includes a description of learning objectives for the course, methodology to be used, and how the assessment of learning will be conducted. prereq: department consent, instructor consent, no more than 7 credits of 4793W, 4794W, 4993, 4994 counts towards CBS major requirements.
BIOC 4994 - Directed Research
Credits:
1.0
-7.0
[max 42.0]
Grading Basis:
S-N only
Typically offered:
Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Directed Research is an individual-study, laboratory or field investigation course. The research topic needs to be agreed on by both the student and the faculty mentor and explained in a Research/Directed Studies contract. The contract must be approved by the director of undergraduate studies (DUGS) for the major before the student is allowed to register. The contract includes a description of learning objectives for the course, methodology to be used, and how the assessment of learning will be conducted.
prereq: department consent, instructor consent, no more than 7 credits of 4793W, 4794W, 4993, 4994 counts towards CBS major requirements.
BIOL 3004 - Foundations of Biology for Biological Sciences Majors, Part II Laboratory
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies:
Biol 3004/Biol 3004H
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Typically offered:
Every Fall & Spring
This course follows BIOL 1961 and is required for all CBS majors. Students design and perform research projects that will require an additional 4-to-6 hours per week of work outside of class; times to be arranged. Each section is devoted to a single research area; check the section details to see which sections correspond to each research area. Research projects in zebrafish environmental toxicology and zebrafish microbiome sections will require in-person work in the BIOL 3004 laboratory. Only students with previous command line coding experience should enroll for a computational microbiology section. All projects involve applying quantitative skills, scientific method, and modern biological tools to real-world questions.
Prerequisite is Foundations of Biology Lab I: BIOL 1961, 1961H, 2002, or 2002H AND CHEM 1021, 1061, 1071H, or 1081.
Credit will not be granted if credit has been received for: BIOL 3004H.
BIOL 3012 - Animal Diversity and Evolution
Credits:
4.0
[max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies:
Biol 2005/Biol 2012/Biol 3012
Typically offered:
Every Fall & Spring
This course is a survey of animal diversity, with an emphasis on understanding the major animal groups, how they are related to one another, how they differ in structure, and how each group achieves survival and reproduction in the diverse environments of the Earth. We will place particular emphasis on major evolutionary transitions that animals have made through their history, including the origins of multicellularity, the achievement of motion, invasion of terrestrial habitats, and the achievement of flight. We will also emphasize the science behind our contemporary understanding of animals, from multiple perspectives ? behavioral, evolutionary, physiological, and ecological. Lab requires dissection, including mammals.
prereq: BIOL 1001/1001H, or BIOL 1009/1009H, or BIOL 1951/1951H
BIOL 3209 - Understanding the Evolution-Creationism Controversy
(CIV)
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Typically offered:
Every Fall & Spring
Aspects of evolution-creationism controversy, including its history, legacy, relevance, and key people. Court decisions, public opinion, and related issues (e.g., racism, politics).
prereq: BIOL 1001, 1009, 1951 or 2002, or equiv
BIOL 3211 - Physiology of Humans and Other Animals
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies:
AnSc 3301/AnSc 3303W/Biol 3211
Typically offered:
Every Fall & Spring
Study of the various solutions to common physiological problems faced by humans, other vertebrates, and invertebrates. Core concepts in physiology including flow down gradients, homeostatsis, cell-cell communication, interdependence of body systems, cell membrane dynamics, and mathematical modeling of physiological processes. Active learning format.
prereq: [1009 or 2003], [CHEM 1062/1066 or 1082/1086], [2005 is recommended]
BIOL 3503 - Biology of Aging
Credits:
2.0
[max 2.0]
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Typically offered:
Periodic Fall
Age-related changes in individuals/populations. Evolution of senescence. Genes that influence aging. Interventions. Prospects for an aging human society.
prereq: 1002 or 1009 or 2003 or equiv
BIOL 3600 - Directed Instruction
Credits:
1.0
-2.0
[max 6.0]
Grading Basis:
S-N or Aud
Typically offered:
Every Fall & Spring
Students assist with biology colloquium.
prereq: 1020, upper div, application, instr consent; up to 4 cr may apply to major
BIOL 3696 - Internship: Professional Experience in Biological Sciences
Credits:
1.0
-3.0
[max 3.0]
Grading Basis:
S-N or Aud
Typically offered:
Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Matches student's academic or career goals with opportunities in industry, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.
Prereq-Acceptance into CBS Internship Program, internship workshop, college consent.
BIOL 3700 - Special Topics in Biology
Credits:
1.0
-3.0
[max 9.0]
Typically offered:
Every Fall & Spring
Faculty members lead students in discussions on topics of interest.
BIOL 3961H - Communicating in the Biological Sciences
Credits:
1.0
[max 1.0]
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Typically offered:
Every Fall & Spring
Oral reports on topics of current interest to biologists. Progress reports on lab and field research by students.
BIOL 4201 - Teaching in the Biology Laboratory
Credits:
1.0
[max 2.0]
Grading Basis:
S-N only
Typically offered:
Every Fall & Spring
Pedagogical underpinnings for teaching in lab.
prereq: Student who is teaching in CBS lab course
BIOL 4590 - Coral Reef Ecology
Credits:
2.0
[max 2.0]
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Typically offered:
Every Fall
Contemporary issues in tropical reef ecology from diverse perspectives. Option of two-credit seminar during fall semester plus additional two-credit field option (BIOL 4596) to involve SCUBA diving/snorkeling on tropical reef.
prereq: Introductory biology course with lab
Writing Intensive Directed Studies is an individual-study, literature-based investigation in which the student is mentored directly by a faculty member. One main feature of this course is that the student will receive writing instruction and the written output of the course will be revised during the semester. The project needs to be explained in a Research/Directed Studies contract and agreed on by both the student and faculty mentor. The contract must be approved by the director of undergraduate studies (DUGS) for the major before the student is allowed to register. The contract includes a description of learning objectives for the course, how writing instruction will take place, a timeline for when student writing will be handed in and how it will be assessed, methodology to be used by the student, and how assessment of learning will be conducted by the mentor. Additional oversight is established for this course near the end of the semester the written output is submitted to the DUGS for the major. The DUGS is responsible to determine that the writing meets standards set by the CBS Education Policy Committee for quality of writing, appropriate citation of literature, well-constructed figures, tables, and legends (if present), appropriate use and interpretation of statistics (if present), conclusions that are supported by evidence, and well-formatted references. This course is graded S/N and approval of the DUGS is required before a grade of S can be given by the faculty mentor.
prereq: department consent, instructor consent, no more than 7 credits of 4793W, 4794W, 4993, 4994 counts towards CBS major requirements.
Writing Intensive Directed Research is an individual-study, laboratory or field research experience in which the student is mentored directly by a faculty member. This course is intended for students who already have initiated a research project in the lab of the mentor and already have results. In this course the student will receive writing instruction. The written output usually is in the form of a scientific paper describing the results of the student's project. Written output of the course must be revised during the semester and a schedule for writing, assessment and revision needs to be in place at the beginning of the semester. The project needs to be explained in a Research/Directed Studies contract and agreed on by both the student and faculty mentor. The contract must be approved by the Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUGS) for the major before the student is allowed to register. The contract includes a description of learning objectives for the course, how writing instruction will take place, a timeline for when student writing will be handed in and how it will be assessed, methodology to be used by the student, and how assessment of learning will be conducted by the mentor. Additional oversight is established for this course - near the end of the semester the written output is submitted to the DUGS for the major. The DUGS is responsible to determine that the writing meets standards set by the CBS Education Policy Committee for quality of writing, appropriate citation of literature, well-constructed figures, tables, and legends (if present), appropriate use and interpretation of statistics (if present), conclusions that are supported by evidence, and well-formatted references. The DUGS can call for a final revision before a grade is given. This course is graded S/N and approval of the DUGS is required before a grade of S can be given by the faculty mentor.
prereq: department consent, instructor consent, no more than 7 credits of 4793W, 4794W, 4993, 4994 counts towards CBS major requirements.
BIOL 4993 - Directed Studies
Credits:
1.0
-7.0
[max 7.0]
Grading Basis:
S-N only
Typically offered:
Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Directed Studies is an individual-study, literature-based investigation in which the student is mentored directly by a faculty member. The topic for the course needs to be explained in a Research/Directed Studies contract and agreed on by both the student and faculty mentor. The contract must be approved by the director of undergraduate studies (DUGS) for the major before the student is allowed to register. The contract includes a description of learning objectives for the course, methodology to be used, and how the assessment of learning will be conducted. prereq: department consent, instructor consent, no more than 7 credits of 4793W, 4794W, 4993, 4994 counts towards CBS major requirements.
BIOL 4994 - Directed Research
Credits:
1.0
-7.0
[max 7.0]
Grading Basis:
S-N only
Typically offered:
Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Directed Research is an individual-study, laboratory or field investigation course. The research topic needs to be agreed on by both the student and the faculty mentor and explained in a Research/Directed Studies contract. The contract must be approved by the director of undergraduate studies (DUGS) for the major before the student is allowed to register. The contract includes a description of learning objectives for the course, methodology to be used, and how the assessment of learning will be conducted.
prereq: department consent, instructor consent, no more than 7 credits of 4793W, 4794W, 4993, 4994 counts towards CBS major requirements.
BIOL 5309 - Molecular Ecology And Ecological Genomics
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies:
Biol 5309/PBio 5309
Typically offered:
Fall Even Year
Application of molecular tools (PCR, sequencing, AFLP, SNPs, QTL) and analyses of molecular data for understanding ecological/evolutionary processes. Strengths/weaknesses of techniques/analyses. Questions molecular tools are used to answer.
prereq: BIOL 3407 or BIOL 3409 or BIOL 4003
BIOL 5950 - Special Topics
Credits:
1.0
-4.0
[max 8.0]
Typically offered:
Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
In-depth study of special topic in life sciences.
EEB 3001 - Ecology and Society
(ENV)
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Grading Basis:
A-F or Aud
Typically offered:
Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Basic concepts in ecology. Organization, development, function of ecosystem. Population growth/regulation. Human effect on ecosystems.
prereq: [Jr or sr] recommended; biological sciences students may not apply cr toward major
EEB 3407 - Ecology
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies:
Biol 3407//Biol 3807/EEB 3407
Typically offered:
Every Fall & Summer
Principles of ecology from populations to ecosystems. Applications to human populations, disease, exotic organisms, habitat fragmentation, biodiversity and global dynamics of the earth.
EEB 3408W - Ecology
(WI)
Credits:
4.0
[max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies:
Biol 3407//Biol 3807/EEB 3407
Typically offered:
Every Spring
Principles of population growth/interactions, communities and ecosystem function applied to ecological issues. Regulation of populations, dynamics/impacts of disease, invasions by exotic organisms, biodiversity, global change. Lab. Scientific writing. Quantitative skill development (mathematical models, data analysis, statistics and some coding in R).
prereq: [One semester college biology or instr consent], [MATH 1142 or MATH 1271 or Math 1272 or Math 1241 or Math 1242 or MATH 1281 or Math 1282 or equiv]
EEB 3409 - Evolution
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies:
EEB 3409/Biol 3809/Biol 5409/
Typically offered:
Every Fall & Spring
Diversity of forms in fossil record and in presently existing biology. Genetic mechanisms of evolution, including natural selection, sexual selection, genetic drift. Examples of ongoing evolution in wild/domesticated populations and in disease-causing organisms. Lab.
prereq: One semester college biology
EEB 3411 - Introduction to Animal Behavior
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies:
EEB 3411/3811W EEB 3412W/5412
Typically offered:
Every Fall
This course provides a broad introduction to animal behavior. As one of the most interdisciplinary fields in all of biology, understanding animal behavior requires an understanding of cell biology, physiology, genetics, development, ecology, endocrinology, evolution, learning theory, and even physics and economics! This course will draw on questions and methods from each of these disciplines to answer what on the surface appears to be a very simple question: ?Why is that animal doing that?? The course will review such key topics as feeding behavior, reproductive behavior, perception, learning, animal conflict, social behavior, parental care, and communication. The lecture parallels a required laboratory.
prereq: Undergrad biology course
Credit granted for only one of the following: EEB 3411, EEB 3412W, EEB 3811W, EEB 5412
EEB 3412W - Introduction to Animal Behavior, Writing Intensive
(WI)
Credits:
4.0
[max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies:
EEB 3411/3811W EEB 3412W/5412
Grading Basis:
OPT No Aud
Typically offered:
Every Spring
EEB 3412W is a lecture/lab writing-intensive course.
Why do animals behave the way they do? This question is relevant to conservation, agriculture, human health, veterinary medicine, developing artificial intelligence, and understanding the origins of human behavior. This writing intensive course provides a broad introduction to animal behavior. As one of the most interdisciplinary fields in all of biology, understanding animal behavior requires an understanding of cell biology, physiology, genetics, development, ecology, endocrinology, evolution, learning theory, and even physics and economics! This course will draw on questions and methods from each of these disciplines to answer what on the surface appears to be a very simple question: Why is that animal doing that? The course will review such key topics as feeding behavior, reproductive behavior, perception, learning, animal conflict, social behavior, parental care, and communication. Throughout the course, students will be immersed in the scientific process, reading scientific literature, thinking critically, formulating their own research questions and answering them in an independent project.This is a writing intensive course that covers scientific process and how to formulate research questions.
prereq: Undergrad biology course
Credit granted for only one of the following: EEB 3411, EEB 3412W, EEB 3811W, EEB 5412
EEB 3603 - Science, Protection, and Management of Aquatic Environments
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Typically offered:
Every Spring
Fundamentals of aquatic ecology. Case study approach to water problems faced by society (e.g., eutrophication, climate change, invasive species, acid rain, wetland protection, biodiversity preservation). Science used to diagnose/remediate or remove problems.
prereq: One semester college biology
EEB 3807 - Ecology
Credits:
4.0
[max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies:
Biol 3407//Biol 3807/EEB 3407
Grading Basis:
A-F or Aud
Typically offered:
Every Summer
Population growth/interactions. Ecosystem function applied to ecological issues. Regulation of human populations, dynamics/impacts of disease, invasions by exotic organisms, habitat fragmentation, biodiversity. Lab, field work.
prereq: [One semester college biology], [MATH 1142 or MATH 1271 or MATH 1281 or equiv]
EEB 3811W - Animal Behavior in the Field
(WI)
Credits:
4.0
[max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies:
EEB 3411/3811W EEB 3412W/5412
Grading Basis:
A-F or Aud
Typically offered:
Every Summer
In this course we will learn general principles governing the evolution of animal behavior. Being conducted at a field
station, the approach is hands-on experiential learning through the application of the scientific method to the study of
animal behavior. Thus, we will learn animal behavior by becoming animal behaviorists. Animal behaviorists communicate
to one another through written reports in peer-reviewed literature and through oral talks at meetings. We will do both of
these. All of these experiences culminate in the design, execution and presentation (written and oral) of an independent
research project. Therefore, it is appropriate that this course is designated as writing-intensive. Writing comprises 90
points out of the course total of 140 points, representing 64% of the course grade.
This is course meets two days per week from 8AM to 12N and from 1PM to 5PM over a 5-week period in
May/June at the Itasca Biological Station and Labs.
prereq: Undergrad biology course
Credit granted for only one of the following: EEB 3411, EEB 3412W, EEB 3811W, EEB 5412
EEB 4068 - Plant Physiological Ecology
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies:
EEB 4068/EEB 5068
Prerequisites:
BIOL 2022 or BIOL 3002 or BIOL 3407 or BIOL 3408W or #
Grading Basis:
OPT No Aud
Typically offered:
Spring Even Year
Plant function, its plasticity/diversity in an ecological context. Impact of environmental stresses on major physiological processes of plants, including photosynthesis, respiration, water uptake/transport, and nutrient uptake/assimilation. Lab, field trip to Cedar Creek.
EEB 4129 - Mammalogy
Credits:
4.0
[max 4.0]
Grading Basis:
A-F or Aud
Typically offered:
Every Fall
Evolutionary and biogeographic history of mammalia. Recognize, identify, and study natural history of mammals at the ordinal level, North American mammals at familial level, and mammals north of Mexico at generic level. Minnesota mammals at specific level. Includes lab.
prereq: Biol 1001 or Biol 2012
EEB 4134 - Introduction to Ornithology
Credits:
4.0
[max 4.0]
Typically offered:
Every Spring
Structure, evolution, classification, distribution, migration, ecology, habitats, identification of birds. Lecture, lab, weekly field walks. One weekend field trip.
prereq: Biol 1001 or Biol 2012
EEB 4329 - Primate Ecology and Social Behavior
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies:
Anth 4329/EEB 4329
Grading Basis:
A-F or Aud
Typically offered:
Periodic Fall
Primates as model system to explore animal/human behavior. Factors influencing sociality/group composition. Mating systems. Prevalence of altruistic, cooperative, and aggressive behavior. Strength of social bonds in different species. Evolution of intelligence/culture.
prereq: BIOL 1009 or BIOL 1951 or BIOL 3411 or ANTH 1001 or instr consent
EEB 4330W - Animal Communication
(WI)
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Grading Basis:
A-F or Aud
Typically offered:
Fall Odd Year
Mechanisms of signal production/perception, signal propagation. How signals can convey information. How signalers, signals, receivers are adapted for communication by natural/sexual selection.
prereq: (BIOL 1951 or BIOL 1951H or Biol 1009) and (EEB 3412W or EEB 3411 or EEB 3811W)
EEB 4609W - Ecosystem Ecology
(ENV, WI)
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Typically offered:
Every Fall
Regulation of energy and elements cycling through ecosystems. Dependence of cycles on kinds/numbers of species within ecosystems. Effects of human-induced global changes on functioning of ecosystems.
EEB 4611 - Biogeochemical Processes
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies:
EEB 4611/EEB 5611
Typically offered:
Periodic Spring
Application of biochemistry, ecology, chemistry, and physics to environmental issues. Issues in biogeochemistry. Impact of humans on biogeochemical processes in soils, lakes, oceans, estuaries, forests, urban/managed ecosystems, and extreme environments (e.g., early Earth, deep sea vents, thermal springs).
prereq: [BIOL 1009 or 2003] AND [CHEM 1081 or 1061 or 1071H] or instr consent
Writing Intensive Directed Studies is an individual-study, literature-based investigation in which the student is mentored directly by a faculty member. One main feature of this course is that the student will receive writing instruction and the written output of the course will be revised during the semester. The project needs to be explained in a Research/Directed Studies contract and agreed on by both the student and faculty mentor. The contract must be approved by the director of undergraduate studies (DUGS) for the major before the student is allowed to register. The contract includes a description of learning objectives for the course, how writing instruction will take place, a timeline for when student writing will be handed in and how it will be assessed, methodology to be used by the student, and how assessment of learning will be conducted by the mentor. Additional oversight is established for this course near the end of the semester the written output is submitted to the DUGS for the major. The DUGS is responsible to determine that the writing meets standards set by the CBS Education Policy Committee for quality of writing, appropriate citation of literature, well-constructed figures, tables, and legends (if present), appropriate use and interpretation of statistics (if present), conclusions that are supported by evidence, and well-formatted references. This course is graded S/N and approval of the DUGS is required before a grade of S can be given by the faculty mentor.
prereq: department consent, instructor consent, no more than 7 credits of 4793W, 4794W, 4993, 4994 counts towards CBS major requirements.
Writing Intensive Directed Research is an individual-study, laboratory or field research experience in which the student is mentored directly by a faculty member. This course is intended for students who already have initiated a research project in the lab of the mentor and already have results. In this course the student will receive writing instruction. The written output usually is in the form of a scientific paper describing the results of the student's project. Written output of the course must be revised during the semester and a schedule for writing, assessment and revision needs to be in place at the beginning of the semester. The project needs to be explained in a Research/Directed Studies contract and agreed on by both the student and faculty mentor. The contract must be approved by the Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUGS) for the major before the student is allowed to register. The contract includes a description of learning objectives for the course, how writing instruction will take place, a timeline for when student writing will be handed in and how it will be assessed, methodology to be used by the student, and how assessment of learning will be conducted by the mentor. Additional oversight is established for this course - near the end of the semester the written output is submitted to the DUGS for the major. The DUGS is responsible to determine that the writing meets standards set by the CBS Education Policy Committee for quality of writing, appropriate citation of literature, well-constructed figures, tables, and legends (if present), appropriate use and interpretation of statistics (if present), conclusions that are supported by evidence, and well-formatted references. The DUGS can call for a final revision before a grade is given. This course is graded S/N and approval of the DUGS is required before a grade of S can be given by the faculty mentor.
prereq: department consent, instructor consent, no more than 7 credits of 4793, 4794, 4993W, 4994W counts towards CBS major requirements.
EEB 4839 - Field Studies in Mammalogy
Credits:
4.0
[max 4.0]
Grading Basis:
A-F or Aud
Typically offered:
Every Summer
Techniques for studying small mammals. Lectures/field projects emphasize identification, distributions, community interactions, ecophysiology, population ecology.
prereq: College-level biology course that includes study of animals or instr consent
EEB 4993 - Directed Studies
Credits:
1.0
-7.0
[max 7.0]
Grading Basis:
S-N only
Typically offered:
Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Directed Studies is an individual-study, literature-based investigation in which the student is mentored directly by a faculty member. The topic for the course needs to be explained in a Research/Directed Studies contract and agreed on by both the student and faculty mentor. The contract must be approved by the director of undergraduate studies (DUGS) for the major before the student is allowed to register. The contract includes a description of learning objectives for the course, methodology to be used, and how the assessment of learning will be conducted. prereq: department consent, instructor consent, no more than 7 credits of 4793W, 4794W, 4993, 4994 counts towards CBS major requirements.
EEB 4994 - Directed Research
Credits:
1.0
-6.0
[max 42.0]
Grading Basis:
S-N only
Typically offered:
Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Directed Research is an individual-study, laboratory or field investigation course. The research topic needs to be agreed on by both the student and the faculty mentor and explained in a Research/Directed Studies contract. The contract must be approved by the director of undergraduate studies (DUGS) for the major before the student is allowed to register. The contract includes a description of learning objectives for the course, methodology to be used, and how the assessment of learning will be conducted.
prereq: department consent, instructor consent, no more than 7 credits of 4793W, 4794W, 4993, 4994 counts towards CBS major requirements.
EEB 5042 - Quantitative Genetics
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Typically offered:
Every Fall
Fundamentals of quantitative genetics. Genetic/environmental influences on expression of quantitative traits. Approaches to characterizing genetic basis of trait variation. Processes that lead to change in quantitative traits. Applied/evolutionary aspects of quantitative genetic variation.
prereq: [BIOL 4003 or GCD 3022] or instr consent; a course in statistics is
recommended
EEB 5053 - Ecology: Theory and Concepts
Credits:
4.0
[max 4.0]
Typically offered:
Fall Odd Year
Classical and modern mathematical theories of population growth, interspecific interactions, ecosystem dynamics and functioning, with emphasis on underlying assumptions and on effects of added biological reality on robustness of predictions, stability, interspecific interactions, ecosystem structure and functioning.
prereq: Biol 3407 or instr consent
EEB 5068 - Plant Physiological Ecology
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies:
EEB 4068/EEB 5068
Grading Basis:
OPT No Aud
Typically offered:
Spring Even Year
Plant function, its plasticity/diversity in ecological context.Impact of environmental stresses on major physiological processes of plants, including photosynthesis, respiration, water uptake/transport, and nutrient uptake/assimilation. Lab, field trip to Cedar Creek.
prereq: BIOL 2022 or BIOL 3002 or BIOL 3407 or BIOL 3408W or instr consent
EEB 5371 - Principles of Systematics
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Typically offered:
Fall Odd Year
Theoretical/practical procedures of biological systematics. Phylogeny reconstruction. Computer-assisted analyses, morphological and molecular approaches, species concepts/speciation, comparative methods, classification, historical biogeography, nomenclature, use/value of museums.
prereq: Grad student or instr consent
EEB 5601 - Limnology
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Typically offered:
Every Fall
Advanced introduction to description/analysis of interaction of physical, chemical, and biological factors that control functioning of life in lakes and other freshwater aquatic environments.
prereq: Grad student or instr consent
EEB 5609 - Ecosystem Ecology
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Typically offered:
Every Fall
Regulation of energy and elements cycling through ecosystems. Dependence of cycles on kinds/numbers of species within ecosystems. Effects of human-induced global changes on functioning of ecosystems.
ESCI 4103W - Fossil Record of Mammals
(WI)
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Grading Basis:
A-F or Aud
Typically offered:
Spring Odd Year
Evolutionary history of mammals and their extinct relatives. Methods in reconstructing phylogeny. Place of mammals in evolutionary history of vertebrate animals. Major morphological/ecological transitions. Origins of modern groups of mammals. Continuing controversies in studying fossil mammals.
GCD 3033 - Principles of Cell Biology
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Typically offered:
Every Fall & Spring
Components and activities common to eukaryotic cells. Chromosomes, membranes, organelles and the cytoskeleton, and processes including cellular communication, replication, motility, transport and gene expression. Relevance to human health and medicine. Appropriate for non-CBS majors.
prereq: BIOL 1009 or equiv
GCD 3485 - Bioinformatic Analysis: Introduction to the Computational Characterization of Genes and Proteins
Credits:
4.0
[max 4.0]
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Typically offered:
Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Bioinformatic analysis is the exploration of molecular sequence, structure, and function using online tools and databases. In this class, we'll learn to use some of the most powerful tools available for biologists to investigate the nature of genes and proteins. We will each explore a gene and the protein it encodes that no one before us has studied. We will learn to analyze and interpret the diverse forms of bioinformatic data we obtain, and we will consider how the data we find allows us to generate and evaluate original hypotheses that can be tested in the laboratory. This is a hands-on course. While the class has no exams, it does require the completion of four problem sets and a summative final project over the course of the semester. It also involves doing some peer review of classmates? work.
prereq: introductory course in genetics and cell biology such as Foundations
GCD 4025 - Cell Biology, Development & Regeneration Laboratory
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Typically offered:
Every Spring
This course is designed for juniors and seniors to learn experimental approaches and techniques to study cellular processes and stem cell biology during animal development and tissue regeneration. Students will be exposed to the
advantages of different model systems that include cultured cells, chick, C. elegans and zebrafish. Students will learn to manipulate the cytoskeleton, perform cell differentiation, RNAi and regeneration assays, and to image both fixed tissue and live animal samples with conventional light microscopes as well as cutting edge technology, including super-resolution and multi-photon microscopes.
prereq: BIOL 2003/2003H or instructor permission,
Recommended prerequisite: BIOL 4004 or GCD 4005W (priority enrollment to GCD majors)
GCD 4034 - Molecular Genetics and Genomics
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Typically offered:
Every Fall
Molecular genetics and genomics of eukaryotes. Course emphasizes mechanisms of gene regulation and how these are studied. Current strategies used to study the activity and function of genes and genomes, including the role of chromatin, will be covered. Techniques will include gene knockouts/knockdown, genome engineering, genome-wide analysis of RNA and protein expression and function, as well as genome-wide protein binding and chromatin interaction mapping. Technologies covered will include next-generations and third-generation sequencing and CRISPR-based strategies for gene modification and precision gene regulation. Students will analyze and present recent primary papers in molecular genetic and genomics.
Prerequisite: BIOL 4003
GCD 4111 - Histology: Cell and Tissue Organization
Credits:
4.0
[max 4.0]
Typically offered:
Every Spring
Structure/function of vertebrate tissues/organs. Electron microscopy, light microscopy, physiology, cell biology of higher animals. Light microscopy of mammalian tissues.
prereq: GCD 3033 or BIOL 4004 or instructor consent
GCD 4143 - Human Genetics and Genomics
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Typically offered:
Every Spring
Human Genetics ? the science of how our genomes function, vary, and shape our unique, individual characteristics ? is a rapidly expanding field with major implications for medical and fundamental research, clinical practice, and many other areas. In this course, students will learn about the principles of human genetics & genomics at the levels of molecules, cells, individuals, and populations.
Topics include patterns of inheritance; the molecular causes and biochemical basis of genetic disorders; disease gene identification; the origin and distribution of human genetic variation; genetic influences on common, complex diseases; epigenetics and regulation of gene expression; genomic technologies for understanding human genomes; cancer genetics; behavioral genetics; human ancestry and evolution; applications such as genetic screening, genetic counseling, and gene therapy; and ethical questions raised by emerging abilities to edit the human genome, modify the human germline, and many more.
prereq: BIOL 4003 or instructor consent
GCD 4151 - Molecular Biology of Cancer
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Grading Basis:
A-F or Aud
Typically offered:
Every Fall
Regulatory pathways involved in directing normal development of complex eukaryotic organisms, how disruptions of these pathways can lead to abnormal cell growth/cancer. Causes, detection, treatment, prevention of cancer.
prereq: Biol 4003
GCD 4161 - Developmental Biology
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Typically offered:
Every Fall
Developmental biology is the study of the process by which organisms grow and develop from embryo to adult. This field encompasses the biology of morphogenesis, differentiation, regeneration, metamorphosis, and the growth and differentiation of stem cells. Topics focus primarily on animal development to include fertilization, cell specification, body patterning, stem cells, neurogenesis, organogenesis, limb formation, regeneration, sex determination, and developmental timing, as well as environmental impacts on development. Students will learn about genetic models such as fruit flies, nematodes, fish, mice, and plants. Coverage will be extended to human development and disease as appropriate.
prereq: BIOL 4003; also recommended prerequisite: BIOL 4004 or GCD 4005W
GCD 4171 - Stem Cells in Biology and Medicine
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies:
GCD 8181/SCB 8181
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Typically offered:
Every Spring
Contemporary stem cell biology with emphasis on mechanisms/applications. Embryonic, tissue-specific, and induced pluripotent stem cells and potential uses in human disease.
prerequisites: BIOL 4003 Genetics; recommended prerequisite: BIOL 4004 Cell Biology or GCD 4005W
This course can be used as an elective for certain CBS majors, such as the GCD major. Check the Program Requirements for your major to determine if it can be used as an elective.
Writing Intensive Directed Studies is an individual-study, literature-based investigation in which the student is mentored directly by a faculty member. One main feature of this course is that the student will receive writing instruction and the written output of the course will be revised during the semester. The project needs to be explained in a Research/Directed Studies contract and agreed on by both the student and faculty mentor. The contract must be approved by the director of undergraduate studies (DUGS) for the major before the student is allowed to register. The contract includes a description of learning objectives for the course, how writing instruction will take place, a timeline for when student writing will be handed in and how it will be assessed, methodology to be used by the student, and how assessment of learning will be conducted by the mentor. Additional oversight is established for this course near the end of the semester the written output is submitted to the DUGS for the major. The DUGS is responsible to determine that the writing meets standards set by the CBS Education Policy Committee for quality of writing, appropriate citation of literature, well-constructed figures, tables, and legends (if present), appropriate use and interpretation of statistics (if present), conclusions that are supported by evidence, and well-formatted references. This course is graded S/N and approval of the DUGS is required before a grade of S can be given by the faculty mentor.
prereq: department consent, instructor consent, no more than 7 credits of 4793, 4794, 4993W, 4994W counts towards CBS major requirements.
Writing Intensive Directed Research is an individual-study, laboratory or field research experience in which the student is mentored directly by a faculty member. This course is intended for students who already have initiated a research project in the lab of the mentor and already have results. In this course the student will receive writing instruction. The written output usually is in the form of a scientific paper describing the results of the student's project. Written output of the course must be revised during the semester and a schedule for writing, assessment and revision needs to be in place at the beginning of the semester. The project needs to be explained in a Research/Directed Studies contract and agreed on by both the student and faculty mentor. The contract must be approved by the Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUGS) for the major before the student is allowed to register. The contract includes a description of learning objectives for the course, how writing instruction will take place, a timeline for when student writing will be handed in and how it will be assessed, methodology to be used by the student, and how assessment of learning will be conducted by the mentor. Additional oversight is established for this course - near the end of the semester the written output is submitted to the DUGS for the major. The DUGS is responsible to determine that the writing meets standards set by the CBS Education Policy Committee for quality of writing, appropriate citation of literature, well-constructed figures, tables, and legends (if present), appropriate use and interpretation of statistics (if present), conclusions that are supported by evidence, and well-formatted references. The DUGS can call for a final revision before a grade is given. This course is graded S/N and approval of the DUGS is required before a grade of S can be given by the faculty mentor.
prereq: department consent, instructor consent, no more than 7 credits of 4793, 4794, 4993W, 4994W counts towards CBS major requirements.
GCD 4993 - Directed Studies
Credits:
1.0
-7.0
[max 7.0]
Grading Basis:
S-N only
Typically offered:
Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Directed Studies is an individual-study, literature-based investigation in which the student is mentored directly by a faculty member. The topic for the course needs to be explained in a Research/Directed Studies contract and agreed on by both the student and faculty mentor. The contract must be approved by the director of undergraduate studies (DUGS) for the major before the student is allowed to register. The contract includes a description of learning objectives for the course, methodology to be used, and how the assessment of learning will be conducted. prereq: department consent, instructor consent, no more than 7 credits of 4793, 4794, 4993W, 4994W counts towards CBS major requirements.
GCD 4994 - Directed Research
Credits:
1.0
-7.0
[max 42.0]
Grading Basis:
S-N only
Typically offered:
Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Directed Research is an individual-study, laboratory or field investigation course. The research topic needs to be agreed on by both the student and the faculty mentor and explained in a Research/Directed Studies contract. The contract must be approved by the director of undergraduate studies (DUGS) for the major before the student is allowed to register. The contract includes a description of learning objectives for the course, methodology to be used, and how the assessment of learning will be conducted.
prereq: department consent, instructor consent, no more than 7 credits of 4793, 4794, 4993W, 4994W counts towards CBS major requirements.
GCD 5036 - Molecular Cell Biology
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Typically offered:
Every Fall
Analysis of dynamic cellular activities at the molecular level in cell biological fields that are experiencing new research advances not yet reflected in textbooks. Significant emphasis is placed on understanding the experimental basis of our current knowledge of cellular processes through analysis of scientific papers. Project and presentation-based assessments of learning outcomes.
prereq: BIOL 4004 or GCD 4005W or grad
MICB 3301 - Biology of Microorganisms
Credits:
5.0
[max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies:
Biol 2032/MicB 3301/VBS 2032
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Typically offered:
Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Taxonomy, anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathogenesis, immunology, ecology of microbes. Molecular structure in relation to bacterial function/disease. Includes lab.
prereq: [Biol 1961 and Biol 2003] or Biol 1009 or instructor permission
MICB 3303 - Biology of Microorganisms (without laboratory)
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies:
Biol 2032/MicB 3301/VBS 2032
Grading Basis:
A-F or Aud
Typically offered:
Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Taxonomy, anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathogenesis, infectious disease, immunology, ecology of microbes. Molecular structure in relation to function of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses.
prereq: Biol 2003 or Biol 1009 or instructor permission
MICB 4131 - Immunology
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies:
MicB 4131/VPM 4131
Typically offered:
Every Fall
Molecular, genetic and cellular basis for innate and adaptive immune
responses. The immune systems role in; transplantation, autoimmune disease,
cancer immunotherapy, vaccinololgy, acquired and genetic immunodeficiencies.
Prereq: Biol 2003 or Biol 1009 and [Junior or senior]
MICB 4151 - Molecular and Genetic Bases for Microbial Diseases
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Typically offered:
Every Spring
Genetic basis of microbial pathogenesis. Effect of gene transfer and regulation on evolution of microbial pathogens and capacity to colonize, induce disease. Biochemical and cellular interactions between bacteria and human hosts.
prereq: MICB 3301 AND [BIOL4003 OR PMB4131 OR Molecular Biology (BIOL 3020 or BIOL 3025 or BIOL 3015)]
MICB 4171 - Biology, Genetics, and Pathogenesis of Viruses
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies:
MicB 4141W/4171
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Typically offered:
Every Spring
Structure, attachment, entry. Genome replication/mRNA production by RNA viruses. Reverse transcription. DNA virus templates. Replication of DNA virus genomes. Processing of viral pre-mRNA. Translational control. Assembly, host defense, tumor viruses, pathogenesis, HIV, antivirals.
prereq: Biol 2003 and Biol 4003 and [MicB 4131 or instructor permission]
MICB 4215 - Advanced Laboratory: Microbial Physiology and Diversity
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Grading Basis:
A-F or Aud
Typically offered:
Every Fall
Isolation/cultivation of wide variety of bacteria. Physiological experiments illustrate characteristic features of microorganisms.
prereq: MICB 3301 AND Microbiology major or minor; priority for seats from waitlist to graduating Microbiology majors
Yeast is used as a model organism for microbial molecular genetic principles and methods such as ultraviolet mutagenesis, isolation and creation of mutant strains, plasmid design and construction, PCR, Sanger sequencing, gene replacement, and bioinformatics. Students will design and execute their own independent research project using hands-on experimentation with advanced molecular methods
prereq: MicB 3301 and [Biol 4003 or permission]; priority for seats from waitlist to graduating Microbiology majors
MICB 4235 - Advanced Laboratory: Virology, Immunology, and Microbial Genetics
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Typically offered:
Every Spring
Techniques, experimental methods in microbial genetics, immunology. Virology used to study microbes/interactions with host.
prereq: Micb 3301 and [Bioc 3022 or Bioc 4331] and [MicB 4171 prereq or concurrent registration or permission]
Writing Intensive Directed Studies is an individual-study, literature-based investigation in which the student is mentored directly by a faculty member. One main feature of this course is that the student will receive writing instruction and the written output of the course will be revised during the semester. The project needs to be explained in a Research/Directed Studies contract and agreed on by both the student and faculty mentor. The contract must be approved by the director of undergraduate studies (DUGS) for the major before the student is allowed to register. The contract includes a description of learning objectives for the course, how writing instruction will take place, a timeline for when student writing will be handed in and how it will be assessed, methodology to be used by the student, and how assessment of learning will be conducted by the mentor. Additional oversight is established for this course near the end of the semester the written output is submitted to the DUGS for the major. The DUGS is responsible to determine that the writing meets standards set by the CBS Education Policy Committee for quality of writing, appropriate citation of literature, well-constructed figures, tables, and legends (if present), appropriate use and interpretation of statistics (if present), conclusions that are supported by evidence, and well-formatted references. This course is graded S/N and approval of the DUGS is required before a grade of S can be given by the faculty mentor.
prereq: department consent, instructor consent, no more than 7 credits of 4793, 4794, 4993W, 4994W counts towards CBS major requirements.
Writing Intensive Directed Research is an individual-study, laboratory or field research experience in which the student is mentored directly by a faculty member. This course is intended for students who already have initiated a research project in the lab of the mentor and already have results. In this course the student will receive writing instruction. The written output usually is in the form of a scientific paper describing the results of the student's project. Written output of the course must be revised during the semester and a schedule for writing, assessment and revision needs to be in place at the beginning of the semester. The project needs to be explained in a Research/Directed Studies contract and agreed on by both the student and faculty mentor. The contract must be approved by the Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUGS) for the major before the student is allowed to register. The contract includes a description of learning objectives for the course, how writing instruction will take place, a timeline for when student writing will be handed in and how it will be assessed, methodology to be used by the student, and how assessment of learning will be conducted by the mentor. Additional oversight is established for this course - near the end of the semester the written output is submitted to the DUGS for the major. The DUGS is responsible to determine that the writing meets standards set by the CBS Education Policy Committee for quality of writing, appropriate citation of literature, well-constructed figures, tables, and legends (if present), appropriate use and interpretation of statistics (if present), conclusions that are supported by evidence, and well-formatted references. The DUGS can call for a final revision before a grade is given. This course is graded S/N and approval of the DUGS is required before a grade of S can be given by the faculty mentor.
prereq: department consent, instructor consent, no more than 7 credits of 4793, 4794, 4993W, 4994W counts towards CBS major requirements.
MICB 4993 - Directed Studies
Credits:
1.0
-7.0
[max 36.0]
Grading Basis:
S-N only
Typically offered:
Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Directed Studies is an individual-study, literature-based investigation in which the student is mentored directly by a faculty member. The topic for the course needs to be explained in a Research/Directed Studies contract and agreed on by both the student and faculty mentor. The contract must be approved by the director of undergraduate studies (DUGS) for the major before the student is allowed to register. The contract includes a description of learning objectives for the course, methodology to be used, and how the assessment of learning will be conducted. prereq: department consent, instructor consent, no more than 7 credits of 4793, 4794, 4993W, 4994W counts towards CBS major requirements.
MICB 4994 - Directed Research
Credits:
1.0
-7.0
[max 28.0]
Grading Basis:
S-N only
Typically offered:
Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Directed Research is an individual-study, laboratory or field investigation course. The research topic needs to be agreed on by both the student and the faculty mentor and explained in a Research/Directed Studies contract. The contract must be approved by the director of undergraduate studies (DUGS) for the major before the student is allowed to register. The contract includes a description of learning objectives for the course, methodology to be used, and how the assessment of learning will be conducted.
prereq: department consent, instructor consent, no more than 7 credits of 4793, 4794, 4993W, 4994W counts towards CBS major requirements.
MICE 5035 - Personal Microbiome Analysis
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Typically offered:
Every Spring
Personal Microbiome Analysis, an introduction to the computational exploration and analysis of your inner microbial community, also known as your microbiome. In this course, you will have the opportunity to explore your own microbiome using visualization and analysis tools. Sequencing your own microbiome is encouraged but not required for the course.
Introductory biology or genetics is recommended: BIOL 1009, GCD 3022 or BIOL 4003.
NSCI 3001W - Neuroscience and Society
(CIV, WI)
Credits:
4.0
[max 4.0]
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Typically offered:
Every Spring
Ethical implications. Readings, personal reflections, class discussions, debates, and formal writing. Development of logical arguments, writing skills, oral presentation skills, and teamwork. Students present/argue both their own personal views and those of others. What it is like to have altered mentation, i.e. a brain disease or disability. Readings/multimedia reports from primary neuroscience literature as well as philosophy, policy, and law literature and popular media.
NSCI 3101 - Neurobiology I: Molecules, Cells, and Systems
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies:
Biol 3101/NSci 3101/Phsl 3101
Grading Basis:
A-F or Aud
Typically offered:
Every Fall, Spring & Summer
This course discusses the basic principles of cellular and molecular neurobiology and nervous systems. The main topics include: Organization of simple networks, neural systems and behavior; how the brain develops and the physiology and communication of neurons and glia; the molecular and genetic basis of cell organization; ion channel structure and function; the molecular basis of synaptic receptors; transduction mechanisms and second messengers; intracellular regulation of calcium; neurotransmitter systems, including excitation and inhibition, neuromodulation, system regulation, and the cellular basis of learning, memory, and cognition. The course is intended for students majoring in neuroscience, but is open to all students with the required prerequisites.
This course is offered in person in the fall and spring semesters and online ONLY in the summer semester. The online summer section covers the same material at the same depth and breadth as the in person fall and spring sections of the course. However, the summer session is 13 weeks (fall and spring are 14 weeks), so the summer course will progress at a slightly faster pace. This is a 3 credit course, so it is expected that students will spend about 150 hours working on course material. This means that the average student can expect to spend ~12 hrs/week on the course. How much time individual students need to spend working on course material will depend on their learning styles.
NSCI 3102W - Neurobiology II: Perception and Behavior
(WI)
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies:
Biol 3102W/NSci 3102W
Grading Basis:
A-F or Aud
Typically offered:
Every Fall & Spring
This is the second of the introductory neurobiology courses. It introduces fundamental concepts in systems and behavioral neuroscience with emphasis on the neural circuits underlying perception and sensorimotor integration. Lectures will examine the neural basis of specific behaviors arising from the oculomotor, visual and auditory systems and notes are available on Canvas. Topics include: retinal processing, functional organization in the cerebral cortex, neural circuit development, language, reward, and addiction. Students must learn to read scientific papers, and to understand the main ideas well enough to synthesize them and communicate them both orally and in writing. The course is writing intensive: exams are in essay and short answer format, and a 10-15 page term paper is required. The course is required for students majoring in neuroscience. The course consists of two hours of lecture and one hour of discussion per week.
NSCI 4101 - Development of the Nervous System: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies:
Nsci 4100/Nsci 8211
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Typically offered:
Every Spring
This course will extend students? understanding of fundamental concepts of biology and neuroscience through study of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie development of the nervous system. Neurodevelopment provides a context in which to study processes active in many biological functions and diseases. Students will learn about each of the major cellular processes involved in development of the nervous system such as cell division and cell migration, and will learn about the function of molecules and signaling pathways active in each process. Human developmental pathologies will be studied as a means to better understand normal developmental processes. Some lectures will focus on current research, and students will be expected to read some scientific literature.
NSCI 4105 - Neurobiology Laboratory I
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Grading Basis:
A-F or Aud
Typically offered:
Every Fall
Principles, methods, and laboratory exercises for investigating neural mechanisms and examining experimental evidence.
NSCI 4150 - Advanced Topics in Neuroscience
Credits:
3.0
[max 9.0]
Grading Basis:
A-F or Aud
Typically offered:
Periodic Spring
In-depth study of aspects of neurodevelopment, neurochemistry/molecular neuroscience, sensory systems, motor control, and behavioral neuroscience. Primarily for undergraduates majoring in neuroscience or related areas.
Individual study of selected topics. Emphasis on readings, use of scientific literature. Writing intensive.
prereq: instr consent, dept consent; no more than 7 cr of [4793, 4794, 4993, 4994] may count toward major requirements
Lab or field investigation of selected areas of research. Writing intensive.
prereq: instr consent, dept consent; no more than 7 cr of [4793, 4794, 4993, 4994] may count toward major requirements
NSCI 4993 - Directed Studies
Credits:
1.0
-7.0
[max 7.0]
Grading Basis:
S-N or Aud
Typically offered:
Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Individual study of selected topics with emphasis on selected readings and use of scientific literature.
prereq: instr consent, dept consent; max of 7 cr of 4993 and/or 4994 may count toward major requirements
NSCI 4994 - Directed Research
Credits:
1.0
-6.0
[max 42.0]
Grading Basis:
S-N or Aud
Typically offered:
Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Lab or field investigation of selected areas of research.
prereq: instr consent, dept consent; max of 7 cr of 4993 and/or 4994 may count toward major requirements
PMB 3002 - Plant Biology: Function
Credits:
2.0
[max 2.0]
Typically offered:
Every Spring
This course explores a range of plant physiological processes, including how plants make and use food; acquire and use minerals; transport water and nutrients; and regulate growth and development in response to hormones and environmental cues, such as light quality.
While this course is paired with the PMB 3005W Plant Function Laboratory, the courses do not need to be taken together or in a specific order.
prereq: [1002 or 1009 or 2003 or equiv], [CHEM 1011 or one semester chemistry with some organic content]
PMB 3005W - Plant Function Laboratory
(WI)
Credits:
2.0
[max 2.0]
Typically offered:
Every Spring
In this lab course, students will use a variety of biological techniques to study plant structure and anatomy, plant physiology, cell biology, and plant growth. This includes topics related to climate change, plant adaptation, crop domestication, and genetic engineering. Includes hands-on laboratory activities and writing focus.
While this course is paired with the PMB3002 lecture course, the courses do not need to be taken together or in a specific order.
Prereq: BIOL 1009, BIOL 2003, or equiv.
PMB 3007W - Plant, Algal, and Fungal Diversity and Adaptation
(WI)
Credits:
4.0
[max 4.0]
Typically offered:
Every Fall
Evolution/Ecology/Diversity of plants, fungi, and algae. Lectures highlight phylogenetic diversity among and within multiple eukaryotic groups as well as adaptations and strategies for survival in varied environments. Includes both hands-on laboratory activities and writing focus.
prereq: One semester college biology
PMB 4111 - Microbial Physiology and Diversity
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies:
PMB 4111/PMB 5111
Typically offered:
Every Fall
Structural/functional organization of bacteria/archaea. Energy metabolism utilizing light, inorganic/organic chemicals. Cell morphologies, roles/assembly of surface structures. Growth/survival mechanisms in various extreme environments. Adaptation to changing conditions by development of specialized cells/structures, altering metabolic patterns.
prereq: MicB 3301 required; BioC 3021 or BioC 4331 recommended
PMB 4121 - Microbial Ecology and Applied Microbiology
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Grading Basis:
A-F or Aud
Typically offered:
Every Spring
Evolution/structure of microbial communities. Population interaction within ecosystems. Quantitative/habitat ecology. Biogeochemical cycling. Molecular microbial ecology, gene transfer in the environment. Molecular phylogeny of microorganisms. Application of microbes in agriculture. Production of commodity chemicals, drugs, and other high-value products.
prereq: 3301
PMB 4321 - Minnesota Flora
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Typically offered:
Fall Even Year
Practical skills for identifying plant species/surveying Minnesota vegetation to students of biology, environmental sciences, resource management, horticulture. Integrates botany, ecology, evolution, earth history, climate, global change in context of local plant communities. Labs/Saturday field trips explore Minnesota plants/plant communities.
prereq: One semester college biology
PMB 4511 - Flowering Plant Diversity
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Typically offered:
Spring Odd Year
Systematics of flowering plants of the world. Ecology, geography, origins, and evolution. Family characteristics. Floral structure, function, evolution. Pollination biology. Methods of phylogenetic reconstruction. Molecular evolution. Taxonomic terms. Methods of collection/identification. Lab.
prereq: BIOL 1001 or 1009 or 1009H or 2002
In this course, we will cover current important research topics in plant cell biology. We will cover many plant-specific topics such as gravitropism, plant cell wall biosynthesis, structure and function, plasmodesmatal connections, signal transduction, tip growth, plant cytokinesis, cell energetics. We will also cover some topics that are important for both plant, fungal, and animal cell biology such as cell polarity, the cytoskeleton, protein sorting, and the secretory system. Since we will be using recent literature as the course text, some important and classic cell biology topics will not be covered. In the field of cell biology, new discoveries are often the result of improvements in technology especially in imaging, so we will cover some recent advances in methodology. This is also a writing class with the goal of helping students become familiar and comfortable with writing in a scientific style. There will be writing instruction and there will be some reading assignments on scientific writing.
There are no enforced prerequisites. Introductory courses on plants, genetics, and biochemistry are helpful.
PMB 4601 - Topics in Plant Biochemistry
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Typically offered:
Every Spring
Biochemical analysis of processes unique to photosynthetic organisms. Photosynthesis and carbon dioxide fixation. Synthesis of carbohydrates, lipids, and derivatives. Aromatic compounds such as lignin, other natural products. Functions of natural products.
prereq: [BIOL 1002 or BIOL 1009 or BIOL 2003], CHEM 2301
Writing Intensive Directed Studies is an individual-study, literature-based investigation in which the student is mentored directly by a faculty member. One main feature of this course is that the student will receive writing instruction and the written output of the course will be revised during the semester. The project needs to be explained in a research/directed studies contract and agreed on by both the student and faculty mentor. The contract must be approved by the director of undergraduate studies (DUGS) for the major before the student is allowed to register. The contract includes a description of learning objectives for the course, how writing instruction will take place, a timeline for when student writing will be handed in and how it will be assessed, methodology to be used by the student, and how assessment of learning will be conducted by the mentor. Additional oversight is established for this course near the end of the semester the written output is submitted to the DUGS for the major. The DUGS is responsible to determine that the writing meets standards set by the CBS Education Policy Committee for quality of writing, appropriate citation of literature, well-constructed figures, tables, and legends (if present), appropriate use and interpretation of statistics (if present), conclusions that are supported by evidence, and well-formatted references. This course is graded S/N and approval of the DUGS is required before a grade of S can be given by the faculty mentor. prereq: department consent, instructor consent, no more than 7 credits of 4793W, 4794W, 4993, 4994 counts towards CBS major requirements.
Writing Intensive Directed Research is an individual-study, laboratory or field research experience in which the student is mentored directly by a faculty member. This course is intended for students who already have initiated a research project in the lab of the mentor and already have results. In this course the student will receive writing instruction. The written output usually is in the form of a scientific paper describing the results of the student's project. Written output of the course must be revised during the semester and a schedule for writing, assessment and revision needs to be in place at the beginning of the semester. The project needs to be explained in a Research/Directed Studies contract and agreed on by both the student and faculty mentor. The contract must be approved by the Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUGS) for the major before the student is allowed to register. The contract includes a description of learning objectives for the course, how writing instruction will take place, a timeline for when student writing will be handed in and how it will be assessed, methodology to be used by the student, and how assessment of learning will be conducted by the mentor. Additional oversight is established for this course - near the end of the semester the written output is submitted to the DUGS for the major. The DUGS is responsible to determine that the writing meets standards set by the CBS Education Policy Committee for quality of writing, appropriate citation of literature, well-constructed figures, tables, and legends (if present), appropriate use and interpretation of statistics (if present), conclusions that are supported by evidence, and well-formatted references. The DUGS can call for a final revision before a grade is given. This course is graded S/N and approval of the DUGS is required before a grade of S can be given by the faculty mentor. prereq: department consent, instructor consent, no more than 7 credits of 4793W, 4794W, 4993, 4994 counts towards CBS major requirements.
PMB 4993 - Directed Studies
Credits:
1.0
-7.0
[max 7.0]
Grading Basis:
S-N only
Typically offered:
Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Directed Studies is an individual-study, literature-based investigation in which the student is mentored directly by a faculty member. The topic for the course needs to be explained in a research/directed studies contract and agreed on by both the student and faculty mentor. The contract must be approved by the director of undergraduate studies (DUGS) for the major before the student is allowed to register. The contract includes a description of learning objectives for the course, methodology to be used, and how the assessment of learning will be conducted. prereq: department consent, instructor consent, no more than 7 credits of 4793W, 4794W, 4993, 4994 counts towards CBS major requirements.
PMB 4994 - Directed Research
Credits:
1.0
-7.0
[max 7.0]
Grading Basis:
S-N only
Typically offered:
Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Directed Research is an individual-study, laboratory, or field investigation course. The research topic needs to be agreed on by both the student and the faculty mentor and explained in a research/directed studies contract. The contract must be approved by the director of undergraduate studies (DUGS) for the major before the student is allowed to register. The contract includes a description of learning objectives for the course, methodology to be used, and how the assessment of learning will be conducted. prereq: department consent, instructor consent, no more than 7 credits of 4793, 4794, 4993W, 4994W counts towards CBS major requirements.
PMB 5601 - Topics in Plant Biochemistry
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Typically offered:
Every Spring
Biochemical analysis of processes unique to photosynthetic organisms. Photosynthesis and carbon dioxide fixation. Synthesis of carbohydrates, lipids, and derivatives. Aromatic compounds such as lignin, other natural products. Functions of natural products.
prereq: [BIOL 1002 or BIOL 1009 or BIOL 2003], CHEM 2301
ANTH 3002 - Sex, Evolution, and Behavior: Examining Human Evolutionary Biology
Credits:
4.0
[max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies:
Anth 3002/EEB 3002
Grading Basis:
A-F or Aud
Typically offered:
Every Spring
Methods/theories used to understand humans in an evolutionary framework. What can be known only, or primarily, form an evolutionary perspective. How evolutionary biology of humans might lead to better evolutionary theory. How physiology, development, behavior, and ecology coordinate/co-evolve in humans.
EEB 3002 - Sex, Evolution, and Behavior: Examining Human Evolutionary Biology
Credits:
4.0
[max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies:
Anth 3002/EEB 3002
Grading Basis:
A-F or Aud
Typically offered:
Every Spring
Methods/theories to understand humans in evolutionary framework. What can be known only/primarily from evolutionary perspective. How evolutionary biology of humans might lead to better evolutionary theory. How physiology, development, behavior, and ecology coordinate/coevolve in humans.
BIOL 4003 - Genetics
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies:
Biol 4003/GCD 3022
Typically offered:
Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Genetic information, its transmission from parents to offspring, its expression in cells/organisms, and its course in populations.
prereq: Biol 2003/2003H or BioC 3021 or BioC 4331 or grad
GCD 3022 - Genetics
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies:
Biol 4003/GCD 3022
Typically offered:
Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Mechanisms of heredity, implications for biological populations. Applications to practical problems.
prereq: Introductory biology course such as Biol 1009
BIOL 4004 - Cell Biology
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies:
Biol 4004/GCD 4005W
Typically offered:
Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Processes fundamental to cells. Emphasizes eukaryotic cells. Assembly/function of membranes/organelles. Cell division, cell form/movement, intercellular communication, transport, secretion pathways. Cancer cells, differentiated cells.
prereq: Completion of Biol 4003 is preferred, Biol2003/2003H or Biol4003 or grad
GCD 4005W - Cell Biology-Writing Intensive
(WI)
Credits:
4.0
[max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies:
Biol 4004/GCD 4005W
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Typically offered:
Every Spring
Processes fundamental to cells. Emphasizes eukaryotic cells. Assembly/function of membranes/organelles. Cell division, cell form/movement, intercellular communication, transport, secretion pathways. Cancer cells, differentiated cells.
prereq: GCD major, Biol2003/2003H or Biol4003 or grad
PMB 4412 - Plant Physiology and Development
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies:
PMB 4412/PMB 5412
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Typically offered:
Every Fall
Plant physiology and development is the study of how plant cells, tissues, and whole organisms grow and function in response to internal and external cues. PMB 4412/5412 covers the classic plant physiology and development processes including plant water relations, mineral nutrition, membrane transport, photosynthesis, respiration, vascular function, metabolism, growth and development, and hormone responses. The physics underlying our understanding of these physiological systems will also be addressed. Other areas of plant science such as plant genetics and biochemistry are covered in other courses and will not be emphasized this course.
There are no enforced prerequisites for this course. The following preparation is recommended: PMB 2022 General Botany or PMB 3007W Plant Algal and Fungal Diversity; General Chemistry and Introductory Physics.
PMB 5412 - Plant Physiology and Development
Credits:
3.0
[max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies:
PMB 4412/PMB 5412
Typically offered:
Every Fall
Plant physiology and development is the study of how plant cells, tissues and whole organisms grow and function in response to internal and external cues. PMB 4412/5412 covers the classic plant physiology and development processes including plant water relations, mineral nutrition, membrane transport, photosynthesis, respiration, vascular function, metabolism, growth and development, and hormone responses. The physics underlying our understanding of these physiological systems will also be addressed. Other areas of plant science such as plant genetics and biochemistry are covered in other courses and will not be emphasized this course.
There are no enforced prerequisites for this course. The following preparation is recommended: PMB 2022 General Botany or PMB 3007W Plant Algal and Fungal Diversity; General Chemistry and Introductory Physics.
