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Course Offerings
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. Prerequisites: none. Three lecture hours per
week. Spring semester. (4 credits)
115 GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY AND THE BIOLOGY OF CONSERVATION
This is a non-majors course designed for the liberal arts
student. This course explores the reasons behind the alarming loss of
biodiversity occurring throughout the world today. The implications of this
loss and the efforts underway to reduce the rate of loss will be main topics of
the course. Students will be introduced to the different types of biodiversity,
including genetic diversity, species diversity, and habitat diversity. The
process and implications of species extinctions occurring worldwide will be
examined in detail. The underlying biological and evolutionary processes
involved in extinctions will be considered along with the role of human values
and economic development in the loss of biodiversity. Principles will be
illustrated through case studies of both extinctions and recovery efforts in
different parts of the world. This course counts toward a minor in Biology, but
not toward a Biology major. Prerequisites: none. Three lecture hours per week.
Offered occasionally. (4 credits)
116 INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNITY AND GLOBAL HEALTH This course will offer an introduction to the broad areas
of public, global, and community health and serve as a forum for emphasizing
the multidisciplinary approaches to understanding health of human
populations. Within the larger contexts
of the biological bases and mechanisms of health and disease, cultural and
social practices including performance arts and policy-making will be
discussed. The course will include
experiential learning components focusing on health-related projects in the
laboratory in conjunction with local and global community partners. This course
counts toward a minor in Biology, but not toward a Biology major. Prerequisites:
none: Three lecture hours per week. Offered Spring semesters. (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 prerequisite. Three
lecture hours per week. Offered most semesters. (4 credits)
161 BIOTECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY
This course will explore fundamental concepts in cell
biology, molecular genetics, and genomics by examining the scientific basis for
developing and using novel biotechnologies in agriculture and medicine.
Readings, lectures, discussions, and student presentations will focus on topics
such as genetic manipulation of plants or animals (e.g. ``terminator
technology,'' the creation of Golden Rice, or the use of gene therapy in
humans), the application of the polymerase chain reaction for diagnostic
purposes (e.g. forensic DNA fingerprinting, paternity testing, detection of
genetically modified organisms), and the social implications associated with
these methods. Prerequisites: none. This course counts toward the biology
minor, but not toward the major. Three lecture hours per week. Offered
occasionally. (4 credits)
163 THE ENCHANTED CORTEX: A JOURNEY INSIDE THE BRAIN
An introduction to the fundamental concepts in cell
biology and genetics through an exploration of the structure and function of
the brain. Readings and discussion will focus on a number of topics that may
include how chemicals produced in the brain affect emotions, mood and memory;
and the effect of drugs on brain function including the use of neuroactive
drugs in the treatment of "mental illness." Prerequisites: none. This course
counts toward the biology minor, but not toward the major. Three lecture hours
per week. Offered occasionally. (4 credits)
164 BIOLOGICAL BASIS OF THERAPEUTICS An introduction to the fundamental concepts in cell
biology and genetics through an exploration of how drugs work and are used to
treat various human diseases & disorders. The course will focus on cellular
communication; potential gene therapies; drug effects on physiological systems
and basic pharmacological principles. The weekly discussion section will
explore research methods and approaches taken in the quest to treat human disease
and disorders. Prerequisites: none. This course counts toward the biology
minor, but not toward the major. Three lecture hours per week. Offered
occasionally. (4 credits)
165 HUMAN DISEASES
An introduction to the fundamental concepts in cell biology
and genetics through an exploration of human diseases such as HIV, cancer,
cystic fibrosis and diabetes. The course will focus on cellular communication;
bioenergetics; and gene structure, expression and inheritance. The weekly
discussion section will explore research methods and approaches taken in the
quest to cure human disease. Prerequisites: none. This course counts toward the
biology minor, but not toward the major. Three lecture hours per week. Offered
occasionally. (4 credits)
Core Courses (required for the major)
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 of the principles of genetics, including
topics from classical Mendelian concepts to the contemporary molecular biology
of the gene. Three lecture hours week. Prerequisites: Chemistry 111, 112, or
115, or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry 111 or 112. (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. Prerequisites, Chemistry 112 or 115 or concurrent enrollment in
Chemistry 112 or 115. Three lecture hours. 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. Prerequisites: none.
Every semester. (4 credits)
285 ECOLOGY (Same as Environmental Studies 285)
An introduction to the study of ecological and
evolutionary theory and processes. The subject of this course is the natural
world and the current and past processes that have shaped it. Major ecological
and evolutionary patterns are described and proposed underlying mechanisms are
investigated through field and laboratory studies. The impact of humans on
natural systems is also examined. Three hours lecture and one three-hour lab
each week. Prerequisites: none. 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 270 (Biodiversity and Evolution) and 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 285 (Ecology), Chemistry 112, and
Math 155. 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 270 (Biodiversity and Evolution) and 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. Offered 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. Offered every year. (4 credits)
357 IMMUNOLOGY
This courses is an
introduction to vertebrate immunity. Its evolution, cellular and
molecular mechanisms, health and disease functions, and therapeutic
manipulations are explored through 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
for 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)
Upper Level Organismal Biology Courses
360 NEUROANATOMY
The anatomical structure and function of the human
nervous system will be explored through analysis of human brain specimens, 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 the neuroanatomical landmarks and features
required for further study in neuroscience. It is designed for students with a
strong interest in neuroscience. Prerequisites: Biology 255 (Cell Biology and
Genetics Lab) and Biology 260 (Cell Biology). Offered occasionally. (2 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)
363 ORNITHOLOGY
A study of the biology of birds. Through lectures, field
trips, field projects, dissections, and discussions of the primary literature
students are introduced to avian ecology, behavior, evolution, functional
morphology, physiology, distribution and systematics. Students will learn the
major avian taxa with special emphasis on the common birds of MN in general and
the Twin Cities in particular. Prerequisite: Biology 285 (Ecology). Three hours
of lecture and one three-hour lab each week. Offered occasionally. (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). Biol 270 (Biodiversity
and Evolution) is strongly recommended. Three lectures and one three-hour
laboratory period per week. Offered 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 presentations 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), Biolgy 255 (Cell Biology and Genetics Lab),
Biology 260 (Genetics), Biology 265 (Cell Biology), and permission of
the the instructor. Spring semesters. (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. Class periods will focus on discussions of the
scientific literature related to this 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 marker sets, and scanning electron microscopy.
Prerequisites: junior or senior standing, Biology 270
(Biodiversity and 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{m-}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. Offered alternate years.
(4 credits)
482 SEMINAR IN CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
In this seminar, students will examine many of the ideas
and theories that are currently defining the fields of ecology, conservation
biology, and restoration ecology. This course is designed for a variety of
students interested in environmental education, environmental issues,
conservation, restoration, ecological research, and graduate school in any of
those areas. Classes will consist of lectures, discussions, readings from the
primary literature, student presentations, a group field project, and an
occasional field trip. Students will also gain experience writing research
proposals. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing, Biology 270 (Biodiversity
and Evolution) and Biology 285 (Ecology) and at least one other upper-level
field course with a lab. Offered occasionally. (4 credits)
484 SEMINAR IN EVOLUTIONARY PHYSIOLOGY
This seminar integrates physiological mechanisms,
behavior, ecological processes, and evolutionary history to understand how and
why animals work the way they do and why they are distributed the way they are.
We will examine the diverse mechanisms by which animals exchange material and
energy with their environments (e.g. thermal relations, gas exchange, water
balance) and how they maintain homeostasis. Student presentations will focus on
unique physiological systems (e.g. echolocation) and/or physiological
adaptations to unique environments (e.g. the deep sea). Prerequisites: Biology
255 (Cell Biology & Genetics Laboratory), Biology 265 (Cell Biology),
Biology 270 (Biodiversity and Evolution), and Biology 285 (Ecology). Offered
occasionally. (4 credits)
486 SEMINAR IN NEUROPHARMACOLOGY (Same as Psychology 486)
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. Offered 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.
Prerequisisites: 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)
Independents and Internships 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/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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