Teaching

BIOL 120: Organismal Biology

This course will address the organization and function of multicellular organisms. Although focused primarily on plants and animals, other kinds of organisms will be discussed. Regulation, homeostasis, and integration of function; nutrient acquisition, processing, and assimilation; photosynthesis; gas exchange; reproductive patterns; and development are all topics that are included in this course. Readings from an introductory text and the secondary and primary scientific literature will be required. Students must also register for a lab. Prerequisite: Science placement test required. Please see Requirements page on the Biology Department website for details. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

BIOL 340: Animal Physiology

This course will focus on mechanisms of homeostasis in vertebrates and invertebrates. A particular emphasis will be placed on examining specific adaptations (functional, morphological, and behavioral) to different environmental conditions, as well as problems associated with physical size. Topics will include integration and response to stimuli, gas exchange, circulation, movement, buoyancy, metabolism, thermal regulation, osmoregulation, and excretion. Three lecture and four laboratory hours per week. Prerequisites: Biol 221, and either Biol 220 or Junior status. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

Cross-listed as: NEUR 340, BMB 340

BIOL 346: Neuroscience: Neuron to Brain

Neuroscience, the scientific study of the nervous system, is an inherently interdisciplinary field involving multiple levels of analysis. This course serves biology students, as an elective, and neuroscience students, as the first course in the two-part core neuroscience sequence. The course explores basic concepts in brain, mind, and behavior from a sub-organismal perspective. Current issues are examined within a broad integrative framework that begins with the cellular and molecular physiology of individual neurons. This lays the groundwork for the study of how molecules control the development of neuronal pathways and networks that underlie sensory, integrative, and motor systems. In addition, the course explores the molecular genetic basis of complex brain functions including learning, memory, affect, sleep, homeostasis, and ultimately, cognition. The accompanying laboratory provides students with hands-on experiences in the contemporary methods and experimental approaches of cellular and integrative neurophysiology. Three discussion and four laboratory hours per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 221, CHEM 116. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

Cross-listed as: NEUR 301, BMB 346

BIOL 478: Animal Survival in Extreme Habitats

This course examines how a variety of marine, freshwater, and terrestrial animals survive in extreme habitats. The course explores physiological, sensory, and behavioral adaptations in animals by the different types of harsh environments they inhabit ? the shallowest, the deepest, the coldest, the hottest, and so on ? to see how life thrives under challenging conditions. This seminar not only emphasizes animal diversity and unique adaptations, but also how scientists gather information about these animals and communicate their findings to the scientific community and general public. Classes involve discussions stemming from scientific literature, student presentations, and short lectures. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Senior Studies requirement.)

Cross-listed as: NEUR 478