The molecular and cellular basis of structure and function of organisms, with an emphasis on evolution of organisms, including origin of life. A core course of majors. PREREQUISITES: High school chemistry or CHEM 1301 or above. BIOL 1440 is a prerequisite for BIOL 1441 and for all courses in the biology major.
BIOL 4425/5425 (4 credits). Our objective is to learn about how nervous systems function in animals and humans, and how neuroscientists study nervous systems. Weekly laboratory investigations involve basic neurobiological techniques, as well as an independent research project. Graduate students will complete a term paper. Prerequisites: BIOL 2490, CHEM 1450 or 2450, PHYSICS 1420 or permission on instructor.
BIOL 6102 (1 credit). The graduate seminar is designed to allow small groups of graduate students to interact closely with a faculty member to study a subject in that faculty member's area of expertise. In this course, we read chapters on the subject of the demarcation problem of distinguishing science from non-science, and specifically the differences between rigorous science and pseudoscientific practice. The students designed and completed a research project on the ability to "dowse" for hidden electric wires.
BIOL 3370 (3 credits). Examination of the structure and function of the nervous system, including organizational features, sensory transduction, and the control of emotions and behavior. Does not count toward a biology major. Prerequisites: CHEM 1402 or 1450 & BIOL 2405 or BIOL 2406.
Biol 2407 (4 credits). This course is about the anatomy and physiology in the human body, and is designed for non-biology majors such as health sciences students. This semester is a continuation of Structure and Function I and encompasses the endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, excretory, and reproductive systems. Laboratory emphasis on physiologic testing of students. Does not count toward a biology major.
BI274 (4 credits). Introduction to the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system from the cellular to the systems level. Topics include the basics of cellular neurophysiology and neuroanatomy, motor and sensory systems, neural networks and mechanisms of patterned neural activity, and mechanisms for learning and memory. Limited enrollment. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: Biology 161, 162, or permission of the instructor.
BI398 (3 credits). A tour of how animals use their sensory systems and the myriad signals present in the world to communicate with others and to navigate throughout their range. Topics include production and sensitivity to light patterns, electric & magnetic fields, sounds, vibrations, pheromones, and integration of modalities to produce a coherent representation of the world. We will cover the evolution of communication, language, & deceit, as well as the mechanisms of orientation, navigation, & homing in bees, birds, whales and others. Prerequisite: Biology 161, 162, or permission of the instructor.
BI375 (3 or 4 credits). A comparative study and broad overview of physiological systems and adaptations among animals from morphological, biochemical, and mechanical perspectives. General physiological principles illustrated by examining variation in musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and osmoregulatory systems. Laboratory emphasizes an experimental approach to the measurement of physiological processes. Prerequisite: Biology 161, 162, Chemistry 141, 142, junior or senior standing, or permission of the instructor. Lecture only: 3 credit hours; lecture and laboratory: 3 credit hours.
BIPN 142 (4 credits). This course covers integrated networks of nerve cells, including simple circuits like those involved in spinal reflexes. We will study how information and motor output is integrated and processed in the brain. We will also discuss higher-level neural processing. Prerequisites: BILD 1, 2, and BIBC 100 or 102.
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modified 10-13-02