Course Descriptions

FS BIO 201 Investigative Approaches in Biology

"An investigative laboratory course that emphasizes experimental design, modern experimental techniques and instrumentation, analysis and interpretation of data, and written and oral presentation. The course consists of three multi-week project modules designed to illustrate investigative approaches at different levels of biological organization - molecular/cellular, organismal/physiology, and population/ecosystem. There is an emphasis on independent and cooperative laboratory/field work, and on writing and speaking in the sciences. One two-hour recitation/discussion and three-hour lab period per week. Prerequisite: Biology 220."

BIO 310 Microbiology

"A study of the structure, physiology, genetics and evolution of prokaryotes, viruses and lower eukaryotes. Emphasis is placed on microbial diversity, interactions among microbes, and interactions of microbes with their environment, including human hosts. The course includes discussions of papers from the primary literature. One laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Biology 221, FS Bio 201."

BIO 350 Immunology

"An introduction to the cellular and molecular basis of vertebrate immune systems. Topics include the components and organization of the immune system, development of the immune system, studies of how organisms mount an immune response, and how the immune response itself can cause disease by being hypo- or hyper-reactive. The course will emphasize discussions of seminal papers from the primary literature and case studies of immune dysfunction. Three lectures and one recitation each week. Prerequisites: BIO 220."

BIO 580 Junior Seminar, Pathogenic Bacteriology

"An exploration of bacterial pathogens and how they cause disease. Students study principles of pathogenic microbiology,

including where disease-causing organisms come from, how they are transmitted to a host, what factors they use to cause damage to the host and perpetuate their own survival, how the disease is treated, and how transmission can be prevented. The laboratory focuses on factors contributing to virulence using standard microbiology and molecular biology techniques. One laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Biology 220, 221 and FS BIO 201 with a grade of C or better. Recommended: Biology 305, 310, or Chemistry 353."

BIO 600 Senior Project and Seminar I

"Individual senior research projects will be developed in group and individual meetings with the project advisor and other appropriate faculty members. Pertinent literature is examined in order to identify proper experimental approaches, designs, techniques, and methods of data analysis. Oral and written research proposals and progress reports are presented and discussed. Prerequisite: Biology 580."

BIO 610 Senior Project and Seminar II

"A continuation of Biology 600. Group and individual meetings are held to evaluate the progress of individual student

research projects. Emphasis is placed on data analysis and interpretation, and on modes of presentation of research findings. Students will complete a written thesis, oral defense, and present their findings at the departmental senior project symposium. Prerequisite: Biology 600."