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BiologyCOURSES Introductory Courses 112 ORIGINS Life! It is everywhere on earth, from the poles to the equator, from the deepest oceans to the tallest mountains, from frozen ice to boiling hot springs. Over the last 3.6 billion years, living organisms on Earth have evolved and adapted to almost every imaginable environment. In this course we will journey back to the beginning of the story and explore the major originations and transitions of life on earth, from the origin of life itself to the development of flight, flowering plants, and the return of land-dwelling organisms to the sea. This is a course about evolution on a grand scale, set on the Earth’s remarkable stage. This course counts toward a minor in biology, but not toward a biology major. No prerequisites. Three lecture hours per week. Spring semester. (4 credits) 116 COMMUNITY AND GLOBAL HEALTH: Biological Paradigms Community and global health discourses reside at the intersection of biology and geography—from health issues in local communities to transnational health problems and solutions in the era of globalization. Students in this course use the framework of biological mechanisms to analyze case studies of urgent public health challenges such as current and emerging infectious diseases, environmental toxicants, epidemics of chronic inflammatory diseases, public health genomics, nutrition, and maternal and child health. We explore the complex interplay of biological, social, cultural and political factors in the ways in which our local and global communities access this fundamental human right. Regular guest speakers from Twin Cities community health organizations bring our focus to local community health action. This course counts toward a minor in biology but not toward a major in biology. No prerequisites. Three lecture hours per week, plus lab. Spring semester. (4 credits) 117 WOMEN, HEALTH AND REPRODUCTION (Same as Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies 117) This course will deal with those aspects of human anatomy and physiology which are of special interest to women, especially those relating to sexuality and reproduction. Biological topics covered will include menstruation and menopause, female sexuality, conception, contraception, infertility, abortion, pregnancy, cancer, and AIDS. Advances in assisted reproductive technologies, hormone therapies, and genetic engineering technologies will be discussed. Not open to biology majors. This course counts toward the biology minor, but not toward the major. No prerequisites. Three lecture hours per week. Offered most semesters. (4 credits) 144 LAKES, RIVERS, AND STREAMS (Same as Environmental Studies 144) Minnesota, the land of 10,000 lakes, is also home to numerous streams and rivers. In this course we will examine the nature of these aquatic ecosystems; exploring their ecology, geology and chemistry. We will also investigate human impacts through such practices as agriculture, urbanization and industrialization, on these important ecosystems. Students will complete projects exploring various aspects of local waterbodies, especially the Mississippi, Minnesota, and St. Croix Rivers. Offered every year. (4 credits) Core Courses 255 CELL BIOLOGY & GENETICS LABORATORY An intensive exploration of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure, chemistry, and function with an emphasis on laboratory methods, data analysis, and experimental design. Applying the same tools used to advance our understanding of modern cell biology and genetics, this lab requires students to become familiar with a mixture of biochemical, cytological, and genetic techniques as they develop testable hypothesis related to topics such as enzyme function, inheritance patterns, genome structure and gene expression, and cell-to-cell signaling. Prerequisite: co-enrollment in either Biology 260 (Genetics) or Biology 265 (Cell Biology). Every semester. (2 credits) 260 GENETICS An introduction to the principles of genetics, including topics from classical Mendelian concepts to the contemporary molecular biology of the gene. Three lecture hours per week. Prerequisite: Chemistry 111, 112, or 115, or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry 111 or 112. Fall semester. (4 credits) 265 CELL BIOLOGY An introduction to the molecular and cellular processes of living organisms. Special attention is paid to problems faced by living cells in the acquisition of energy, growth and repair, reproduction and communication with other cells. Recent advances in biotechnology are also discussed. Prerequisite: Chemistry 112 or 115 or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry 112 or 115. Three lecture hours per week. Every semester. (4 credits) 270 BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION An introduction to the diversity and history of life. This course surveys the major groups of organisms (their morphology, physiology, reproductive cycles) and their evolutionary origins and relationships. Using recent findings from such diverse fields as molecular phylogenetics, developmental biology and paleontology, this course introduces students to the major branches on the tree of life. Three hours lecture and one three-hour lab each week. No prerequisites. Every semester. (4 credits) 285 ECOLOGY (Same as Environmental Studies 285) The subject of this course is the natural world and the current and past ecological processes that have shaped it. Various ecological patterns are described and potential underlying mechanisms are investigated through field and laboratory studies. The impact of humans on natural systems is also examined. The course is guided by a strong evolutionary approach and an emphasis on systems behavior, such as feedback mechanisms, threshold responses, and alternative stable states. Three hours lecture and one three-hour lab each week. No prerequisites. Every semester. (4 credits) Upper Level Ecology Courses 342 ANIMAL BEHAVIOR AND ECOLOGY A study of animals in their natural habitats. This course takes an evolutionary approach to the study of animal behavior. Through lectures, field trips, readings and discussions, students are introduced to current ideas and research methods in the field of behavioral ecology. In addition, students will become familiar with many of Minnesota’s birds and mammals. Prerequisite: Biology 285 (Ecology). Three lecture hours and one three-hour laboratory per week. Spring semester. (4 credits) 344 AQUATIC ECOLOGY The study of freshwater organisms and their environments. Students are introduced to the ecology of lakes, streams and ponds, especially those of Minnesota. Through lectures, field trips and laboratory experiments, students will learn to identify aquatic plants and animals and will study their interactions. Additional topics include water chemistry and environmental pollution of freshwater systems. Prerequisites: Biology/Environmental Studies or Biology/Environmental Studies 285. Three lecture hours and one four-hour laboratory per week. Fall semester. (4 credits) 345 FIELD BOTANY A study of the evolution, ecology, geography and taxonomy of vascular plants. Students learn the principles of plant classification and, through first hand experience, the techniques of plant identification, collection and preservation. Through field trips, students will become familiar with many of the local trees, wildflowers and ferns. Prerequisites for biology majors: Biology 285 (Ecology); for others: permission of the instructor. Three lecture hours and one three-hour laboratory per week. Fall semester. (4 credits) 346 BIOGEOGRAPHY The study of the geography of nature. Lectures and discussion of scientific literature from this emerging interdisciplinary field will focus on topics such as the latitudinal diversity gradient (i.e. why are the tropics so diverse?), biodiversity hotspots, glaciation, plate tectonics, conservation biogeography and patterns of dispersal in marine habitats. Ecological and historical approaches will be integrated. Each student will write a major peer-edited review paper on the topic of his or her choice. Prerequisites: Biology 270 (Biodiversity & Evolution) and Biology 285 (Ecology). Three hours of lecture/discussion per week. Every year (4 credits). Upper Level Molecular and Cellular Biology Courses 351 BIOCHEMISTRY I (Same as Chemistry 351) A study of biological processes at the molecular level with an emphasis on the chemistry of biological molecules, elements of physical biochemistry, the structure of proteins, the mechanisms and kinetics of enzyme catalyzed reactions and selected topics in intermediary metabolism, including the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids. Prerequisites: Chemistry 212, Biology 255 (Cell Biology & Genetics Lab), Biology 260 (Genetics) and Biology 265 (Cell Biology) or permission of the instructor. Three lecture hours and one three-hour laboratory per week. Fall semester. (4 credits) 352 BIOCHEMISTRY II (Same as Chemistry 352) A continuation of Biology/Chemistry 351. A study of biological processes at the molecular level with an emphasis on the metabolism of amino acids, nucleotides, the regulation of biochemical pathways and topics in molecular biology such as gene replication, the synthesis of proteins and nucleic acids and recent advances in genomics and proteomics. Prerequisites: Biology/Chemistry 351 or permission of the instructor. Three lecture hours and one three-hour laboratory per week. Spring semester. (4 credits) 353 ADVANCED GENETICS An in-depth study of the experimental approaches used to test modern principles of genetics. Using case studies from the primary literature, this course will examine topics such as Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance patterns, epistasis, pleiotropy, identification and mapping of mutations and the use of molecular biology tools to provide mechanistic insight into biological questions. Prerequisites: Biology 255 (Cell Biology & Genetics Lab), Biology 260 (Genetics) and Biology 265 (Cell Biology) and Chemistry 211. Three lecture hours. Alternate years. (4 credits) 355 VIROLOGY This seminar course will focus on the molecular biology of viruses and subviral entities such as prions and viroids. Topics will include viral infection and replication, morphology, oncogenesis and virus-host interactions. Viruses of epidemiologic and biotechnological importance, including new and emergent viruses, will be emphasized. Prerequisites: Biology 255 (Cell Biology & Genetics Lab), Biology 260 (Genetics) and Biology 265 (Cell Biology) and Biology 353 or 357 or 358 or permission of the instructor. Offered occasionally. (4 credits) 356 CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE A study of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the biological basis of behavior. While particular emphasis is placed on the molecular and cellular components of the nervous system, these components are the foundation for the analysis of various systems. Discussion topics may include the role of neurotransmitters, neuromodulators and receptors in learning and memory, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and drug addiction. The laboratory will be used to introduce major research techniques in neurobiology. These techniques will be used in independently designed research projects. Prerequisites: Biology 255 (Cell Biology & Genetics Lab), Biology 260 (Genetics) and Biology 265 (Cell Biology), Chemistry 211 (Organic Chemistry I), Biology 367 (Human Physiology) or Psychology 248 (Behavioral Neuroscience) or permission of instructor. Three lecture hours and one four-hour laboratory per week. Every year. (4 credits) 357 IMMUNOLOGY This course is an introduction to vertebrate immunity. Its evolution, cellular and molecular mechanisms, health and disease functions and therapeutic manipulations are explored through approaches including lectures, clinical case studies, extensive reading of the primary literature, problem-solving and an intensive focus on scientific writing. The course typically includes a civic engagement component where students work with health organizations and schools in the Twin Cities area. The course laboratory uses guided exercises and independent projects to focus on current immunological techniques including flow cytometry, magnetic cell sorting and antibody assays. Three hours of lectures and four to six hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Chemistry 112 (General Chemistry II), Biology 255 (Cell Biology & Genetics Lab), Biology 260 (Genetics), Biology 265 (Cell Biology), and junior or senior standing. Fall semester. (4 credits). 358 MICROBIOLOGY This course is an introduction to the subdisciplines of microbiology: virology, bacteriology, immunology, parasitology and mycology. Emphasis is given to our efforts to understand and control microbial growth processes. Additional focus will be on the effect of microbes on humans, especially as relates to disease processes. The laboratory emphasizes determinative microbiology. Prerequisites: Biology 255 (Cell Biology & Genetics Lab), Biology 260 (Genetics) and Biology 265 (Cell Biology) or permission of instructor. Chemistry 211 recommended. Three hours of lecture/discussion and four to five hours of laboratory per week. Spring semester. (4 credits) 359 CHEMICAL BIOLOGY (Same as Chemistry 359) Our understanding of the molecular bases for biological processes has advanced in tandem with our ability to manipulate chemical structures in the laboratory. Progress in these two fields has led to an intellectual convergence, in which scientists 1) use the tools of chemistry to manipulate biological systems and 2) take inspiration from biological designs to address chemical problems. Such approaches have been given the name "chemical biology, " and represent some of the most fertile ground for discoveries in chemistry and biology over the past decade. This course will rely heavily on current chemical biology research literature to introduce students to recent developments in the field, with examples drawn from metabolic engineering, protein design, and directed molecular evolution. Prerequistie: Biology/Chemistry 352, Biochemistry II. Three lecture hours per week. Offered every year. (4 credits) Upper Level Organismal Biology Courses 360 NEUROANATOMY The structure and function of the vertebrate nervous system, with a focus on the human nervous system, will be explored through analysis of human brain specimens and sections, and artistic photographic and computer graphic representations of nervous system structures at both the microscopic and systems levels. This course is designed to provide an understanding of both the peripheral and central nervous system with a focus on brain, brainstem, and spinal cord structure and function through observation and study of normal brain tissue and discussion of clinical cases. This course is intended for students with a strong interest in neuroscience. Prerequisites: Biology 255 (Cell Biology and Genetics Lab) and Biology 265 (Cell Biology). Offered every other year. (4 credits) 361 ANIMAL DIVERSITY An introduction to the science of zoology. Students will become familiar with the major groups of marine, terrestrial, and freshwater animals such as sponges, corals, crustaceans, molluscs, insects, and echinoderms. Through lectures, discussions, field trips, dissections, and laboratory observations of live specimens students will learn to identify animals and understand their anatomy and evolutionary history. Students will complete independent projects involving field collection and identification of local invertebrates. Prerequisite: Biology 270 (Biodiversity and Evolution). Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab each week. Offered every other year. (4 credits) 365 COMPARATIVE VERTEBRATE ANATOMY Vertebrates are among the first animals that come to mind when we consider the diversity of life on earth. These backboned organisms include more than 50,000 living species that range in size from a fish weighing less than an aspirin to a whale that is the largest animal ever to evolve. Vertebrates live in virtually every habitat on Earth and fly higher, swim deeper, and move faster than any other group of organisms. In this course, we will investigate the variety of vertebrate form and function through the lens of evolutionary history and dissection of representative vertebrates. Emphasis is placed on the origin and diversification of the basic vertebrate body plan and the morphological, functional, and evolutionary patterns that result. Three hours of lecture/discussion and three hours of laboratory dissection each week. Prerequisites for Biology majors: Biology 270 (Biodiversity and Evolution); for others; permission of the instructor. Spring semester. (4 credits) 367 HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY An introduction to human physiology. The course focuses on the major physiological systems of the human body (e.g., circulatory, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urogenital and the nervous system). A special emphasis is placed on homeostatic mechanisms and the role of the endocrine and nervous system in this process. Lecture/discussion will span the basic structure and function of these systems as well as the underlying cellular mechanisms. Prerequisite: Biology 255 (Cell Biology & Genetics Lab), and Biology 265 (Cell Biology). Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab each week. Fall semester. (4 credits) 368 PLANT PHYSIOLOGY A study of plant function that focuses on the biochemical, genetic, molecular, and cellular aspects of photosynthesis, metabolism, and hormone action. Emphasis will be placed on how these processes are integrated and fine-tuned to allow plants to adapt and function under a variety of environmental conditions. Prerequisites: Biology 255 (Cell Biology & Genetics Lab), Biology 260 (Genetics) and Biology 265 (Cell Biology), Biology 270 (Biodiversity and Evolution), and Chemistry 112 or 115. Alternate spring semesters. (4 credits) 369 DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY This course aims to integrate organismal, cellular, genetic and molecular approaches to the study of animal development. We will analyze a diversity of mechanisms, ranging from ones that set up pattern formation in the unfertilized egg to those governing morphogenesis of organ systems. Evolution of developmental mechanisms will also be discussed. The lab component will incorporate both descriptive and experimental embryological techniques. Prerequisite: Biology 255 (Cell Biology & Genetics Lab), Biology 260 (Genetics) and Biology 265 (Cell Biology). Biology 270 (Biodiversity and Evolution) is strongly recommended. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory period per week. Every year. (4 credits) Seminar and Research Courses 472 RESEARCH IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY Collaborative research with a faculty member focused on understanding the molecular genetic mechanisms underlying developmental and physiological processes in plants and/or animals. This research course requires students to use journal papers as the focus for class reading and critical analysis. Through class presentations, discussions, and intensive bench work, students will become familiar with several research methodologies for isolating and manipulating DNA, for analyzing gene expression, and for studying gene function. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing, Biology 255 (Cell Biology & Genetics Lab), Biology 260 (Genetics) and Biology 265 (Cell Biology), and permission of the instructor. Fall semester. (4 credits) 473 RESEARCH IN IMMUNOLOGY This course involves collaborative research with a faculty member on a current problem in immunology. Students participate in intensive reading of primary literature, journal-club style presentations, detailed experimental design and written and oral presentation of proposed research projects. The laboratory component focuses on acquiring independent research skills, gaining technical expertise and carrying out novel research. Three hours of lectures and four to six hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Chemistry 112 (General Chemistry II), Biology 260 (Genetics), Biology 265 (Cell Biology), Biology 255 (Cell Bilogy & Genetics Lab) and permission of the instructor. Spring semester (4 credits). 474 RESEARCH IN BIOCHEMISTRY Students will be given an opportunity to design and execute a research project in biochemistry in collaboration with a faculty member. In addition to extensive laboratory research, readings and discussion of primary literature and writing of both research proposals and scientific papers will be pursued. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing, Biology/Chemistry 351 (Biochemistry I) and permission of the instructor. Fall semester. (4 credits) 475 RESEARCH IN NEUROSCIENCE This course offers an opportunity to work with a faculty member on current research in neuroscience. Extensive laboratory research, readings and discussion of the scientific literature related to the research area are undertaken. A research project is selected in consultation with the instructor. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing, Biology 367 (Human Physiology) and Biology 356 (Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience), and Chemistry 211 and permission of the instructor. Alternate years. (4 credits)
476 RESEARCH IN BIODIVERSITY AND EVOLUTION This course offers an opportunity to work with a faculty member on current research in animal diversity and evolution. Lab periods will be devoted to fieldwork, lab work, and data analysis. Lecture periods will focus on discussion of the scientific literature related to the research area. Research projects will be undertaken in the fields of population genetics, phylogeny, systematics, or biogeography. Techniques may include field collection of animals, species identification, DNA sequencing, analysis of genetic data sets, and scanning electron microscopy. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing, Biology 270 (Biodiversity & Evolution), Biology 285 (Ecology), and permission of the instructor. Three hours of lecture/discussion and three hours of lab per week. Offered every other year. (4 credits). 481 SEMINAR IN EVOLUTION An exploration of one of the central organizing ideas of modern biology—the theory of evolution. Topics that will be covered include natural and sexual selection, adaptation, comparative methods, phylogeny, speciation, population genetics, molecular evolution, and others. The course will consist of lectures and discussions based on readings drawn from a variety of sources with an emphasis on primary literature. Three lecture/discussion hours per week. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing and Biology 270 (Biodiversity & Evolution) and Biology 285 (Ecology), or permission of the instructor. Alternate years. (4 credits) 486 SEMINAR IN NEUROPHARMACOLOGY (Same as Psychology 386) This is an advanced course that will focus on the study of drugs used to alter the central nervous system. The course will begin with basic pharmacological principles and then concentrate on the various uses of drugs to alter brain neurochemistry. Topics for discussion will include the pharmacological treatment of schizophrenia, depression, pain, anxiety and generally, the neurochemical basis of behavior. In addition to discussion of the use of drugs for clinical purposes, a significant amount of time will be spent on the use of “drugs of abuse” (e.g. cocaine, marijuana, LSD). While the focus of the course will be on the biochemical mechanisms of these drugs, an effort will be made to investigate and discuss the sociological ramifications of drug use. Three discussion/lecture hours per week. Prerequisites: Biology 356 (Cellular Molecular Neuroscience), Psychology 248, junior or senior standing or permission of the instructor. Alternate years. (4 credits) 487 SEMINAR IN IMMUNOLOGY This seminar course focuses on a particular topic of current interest within immunological research, such as cancer immunology, transplantation biology, allergy, autoimmunity and vaccine development. The course meets in a journal club format with weekly roundtable discussions of primary articles and secondary reviews in the area of study and emphasizes close and critical reading of experimental literature. Students will participate through discussion, written and oral presentation of critiques of the readings, and a final individual project. Prerequisites: Biology 357 (Immunology) and permission of the instructor. Three discussion hours per week. Alternate spring semesters (4 credits). 489 BIOLOGY SEMINAR A weekly seminar series at which invited professionals speak on a wide range of biologically related topics. The seminar is intended to enhance students’ knowledge in biology and also to demonstrate how a biological background can be applied to a wide variety of career paths. Majors are required to take two semesters. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing, with the added requirements that students cannot enroll prior to their fifth semester and they must enroll during at least one of their final two semesters. S/NC grading. Can be taken no more than twice for credit. Every semester. (1 credit) 614 INDEPENDENT PROJECT This is an opportunity for students to do independent study or research on a biological topic. This may be done in the department under the direct supervision of a faculty member; it may be done at another college or university or similar institution under direct supervision; or in certain circumstances it may be done off campus with minimal direct supervision. Given the nature of independent projects, students need to demonstrate they have the necessary academic background, including appropriate coursework, in the area they are interested in pursuing before an independent will be approved. A special section will be offered for students conducting research during January of their senior year for 2 credits. This section is required for all students conducting an honors project in the department but may also be taken by students working on their senior presentation. Prerequisite: sponsorship by a biology faculty member. Every semester. (2–4 credits) 624 INTERNSHIP This is an opportunity for students to work with professionals in the biological field outside of academia. Students will work with a faculty sponsor and their site supervisor to develop a set of learning goals, strategies to meet these goals, and methods of evaluation for the internship, including the nature of the final product. An internship is an excellent way for students to apply knowledge learned in the classroom and laboratory, to learn more biology, and to explore career options. The internship may be undertaken during a semester, during January, or during the summer and must encompass at least 35 hours of work by the student for each credit earned (140 hours for 4 credits). Prerequisite: sponsorship by a biology faculty member. S/SD/NC grading only. Every semester. (1–4 credits) 644 HONORS INDEPENDENT Independent research, writing, or other preparation leading to the culmination of the senior honors project. Every semester. (1–4 credits)
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