Class Schedules

This course deals with unfamiliar, mysterious, beautiful, grotesque, and overlooked animals all around us: the invertebrates. We will explore animal evolution and focus on the biology of creatures such as sponges, jellyfish, insects, and corals. In addition, we will discuss the cultural role of animals as curiosities - as specimens in cabinets and museums, or the subjects of phobias and urban legends. Drawing on topics in marine biology and entomology, students will learn about the ecology, life cycles, and anatomy of major groups of animals through lectures, observation of live animals, and dissections. Two 1-hour lectures and one 1-hour lab per week. Students must complete two field trips outside of class time. This course counts toward the biology minor, but not toward the major.

General Education Requirements:
Writing WA

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

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.

General Education Requirements:
Writing WP

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

Varies by semester. Consult the department or class schedule for current listing.

General Education Requirements:
Writing WA

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

An intensive exploration of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure, chemistry, and function with an emphasis on laboratory methods, data analysis, and experimental design. Using 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. Corequisite(s): BIOL 260 - Genetics or BIOL 265 - Cell Biology.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

An intensive exploration of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure, chemistry, and function with an emphasis on laboratory methods, data analysis, and experimental design. Using 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. Corequisite(s): BIOL 260 - Genetics or BIOL 265 - Cell Biology.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

An intensive exploration of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure, chemistry, and function with an emphasis on laboratory methods, data analysis, and experimental design. Using 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. Corequisite(s): BIOL 260 - Genetics or BIOL 265 - Cell Biology.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

An introduction to the principles of genetics, including topics from classical Mendalian concepts to the contemporary molecular biology of the gene. Three lecture hours per week. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 111 or concurrent enrollment in CHEM 111, CHEM 112,or CHEM 115.

General Education Requirements:
Quantitative Thinking Q1

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

An introduction to the principles of genetics, including topics from classical Mendalian concepts to the contemporary molecular biology of the gene. Three lecture hours per week. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 111 or concurrent enrollment in CHEM 111, CHEM 112,or CHEM 115.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

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.Three lecture hours. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 112 or CHEM 115.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

An introduction to the diversity and history of life. We begin with basic evolutionary patterns and processes that have shaped living things, and then move on to 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.

General Education Requirements:
Writing WC
Quantitative Thinking Q2

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

An introduction to the diversity and history of life. We begin with basic evolutionary patterns and processes that have shaped living things, and then move on to 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.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

An introduction to the diversity and history of life. We begin with basic evolutionary patterns and processes that have shaped living things, and then move on to 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.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

Ecology and the Environment dives into a range of topics to study how species, populations, communities, ecosystems, and biomes function in our changing climate. The course will emphasize biological nutrient and energy cycling, population dynamics, animal and plant species interactions, disturbances and response to disturbances, and ecology in urban and agricultural landscapes. We will examine Ecology under four conceptual 'lenses': Climate Change, Environmental Justice, Land Use, and Ecosystem Services. These lenses provide critical insight into how scientists, policy makers, land managers, and other stakeholders evaluate complex ecological and environmental systems. Labs will be field and data-based, and emphasize the development of hypotheses, novel data collection at Ordway Field Station, and statistical analysis. Three hours lecture and one three-hour lab each week.

General Education Requirements:
Quantitative Thinking Q3

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

Ecology and the Environment dives into a range of topics to study how species, populations, communities, ecosystems, and biomes function in our changing climate. The course will emphasize biological nutrient and energy cycling, population dynamics, animal and plant species interactions, disturbances and response to disturbances, and ecology in urban and agricultural landscapes. We will examine Ecology under four conceptual 'lenses': Climate Change, Environmental Justice, Land Use, and Ecosystem Services. These lenses provide critical insight into how scientists, policy makers, land managers, and other stakeholders evaluate complex ecological and environmental systems. Labs will be field and data-based, and emphasize the development of hypotheses, novel data collection at Ordway Field Station, and statistical analysis. Three hours lecture and one three-hour lab each week.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

Ecology and the Environment dives into a range of topics to study how species, populations, communities, ecosystems, and biomes function in our changing climate. The course will emphasize biological nutrient and energy cycling, population dynamics, animal and plant species interactions, disturbances and response to disturbances, and ecology in urban and agricultural landscapes. We will examine Ecology under four conceptual 'lenses': Climate Change, Environmental Justice, Land Use, and Ecosystem Services. These lenses provide critical insight into how scientists, policy makers, land managers, and other stakeholders evaluate complex ecological and environmental systems. Labs will be field and data-based, and emphasize the development of hypotheses, novel data collection at Ordway Field Station, and statistical analysis. Three hours lecture and one three-hour lab each week.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

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. Three lecture hours and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 212 and BIOL 265, or permission of the instructor. Student must earn a grade of C- or higher in prerequisite course(s).

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

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. Three lecture hours and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 212 and BIOL 265, or permission of the instructor. Student must earn a grade of C- or higher in prerequisite course(s).

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

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. Three lecture hours and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 212 and BIOL 265, or permission of the instructor. Student must earn a grade of C- or higher in prerequisite course(s).

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

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. Three lecture hours and one four-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 255, BIOL 260, and BIOL 265.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

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. Three lecture hours and one four-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 255, BIOL 260, and BIOL 265.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

This course is an introduction to the diverse field of microbiology, including prokaryotes, archaea, viruses, and eukaryotic microorganisms. We will explore the ways microbes interact with their environments, in particular their diverse and complex relationships with humans. The course includes regular discussion of primary literature and an emphasis on written and oral communication. In the laboratory, students will practice fundamental microbiology techniques and data analysis, and lead hypotheses-driven independent investigations. Three hours of lecture/discussion and 3.5 hours of lab per week Prerequisite(s): BIOL 255, BIOL 260, BIOL 265, or permission of instructor. CHEM 211 recommended.

General Education Requirements:
Writing WA

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

This course is an introduction to the diverse field of microbiology, including prokaryotes, archaea, viruses, and eukaryotic microorganisms. We will explore the ways microbes interact with their environments, in particular their diverse and complex relationships with humans. The course includes regular discussion of primary literature and an emphasis on written and oral communication. In the laboratory, students will practice fundamental microbiology techniques and data analysis, and lead hypotheses-driven independent investigations. Three hours of lecture/discussion and 3.5 hours of lab per week Prerequisite(s): BIOL 255, BIOL 260, BIOL 265, or permission of instructor. CHEM 211 recommended.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

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. Three hours lecture and one three-hour lab each week. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 255 and BIOL 265 .

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

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. Three hours lecture and one three-hour lab each week. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 255 and BIOL 265 .

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

An introduction to the science of invertebrate zoology. The vast majority of animals are invertebrates, including beautiful and charismatic organisms such as corals and butterflies, and also pests and parasites such as mosquitoes and tapeworms. Students will become familiar with all major and some minor phyla of marine, terrestrial, and freshwater animals. Through lectures, discussions, field trips, dissections, and laboratory observations of live organisms students will learn to identify invertebrates and understand their anatomy, life cycles, and evolutionary history. Students will complete independent projects involving field collection and identification of either insects or shells (mollusks). Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab each week. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 270.

General Education Requirements:
Writing WA

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

An introduction to the science of invertebrate zoology. The vast majority of animals are invertebrates, including beautiful and charismatic organisms such as corals and butterflies, and also pests and parasites such as mosquitoes and tapeworms. Students will become familiar with all major and some minor phyla of marine, terrestrial, and freshwater animals. Through lectures, discussions, field trips, dissections, and laboratory observations of live organisms students will learn to identify invertebrates and understand their anatomy, life cycles, and evolutionary history. Students will complete independent projects involving field collection and identification of either insects or shells (mollusks). Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab each week. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 270.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

Plant physiological processes in the environment regulate local, regional, and global climate and control ecosystem functioning. However, climate change is altering these processes across diverse ecosystems. We will learn about plant physiological processes, including converting light to energy, carbon cycling and storage, water transport, nutrient acquisition, growth, and the responses of these processes to an increasingly variable and potentially stressful environments. This course will also focus on scaling of carbon cycling, diving into remote sensing and global datasets, as well as novel data we collect in class to analyze with R/RStudio. We will learn about current techniques available to measure physiological processes. We will also focus on the broader process of science: how do we turn ideas into questions, questions into data, and data into compelling stories about the natural world? Prerequisite(s): BIOL 285.

General Education Requirements:
Writing WP
Quantitative Thinking Q2

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

Plant physiological processes in the environment regulate local, regional, and global climate and control ecosystem functioning. However, climate change is altering these processes across diverse ecosystems. We will learn about plant physiological processes, including converting light to energy, carbon cycling and storage, water transport, nutrient acquisition, growth, and the responses of these processes to an increasingly variable and potentially stressful environments. This course will also focus on scaling of carbon cycling, diving into remote sensing and global datasets, as well as novel data we collect in class to analyze with R/RStudio. We will learn about current techniques available to measure physiological processes. We will also focus on the broader process of science: how do we turn ideas into questions, questions into data, and data into compelling stories about the natural world? Prerequisite(s): BIOL 285.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

Varies by semester. Consult the department or class schedule for current listing.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

Ecology and environmental science are increasingly using ‘big data’ to expand the scale of research both spatially and temporally. In this course, we will examine, analyze, and interpret datasets that represent a wide range of ecological topics and approaches, including nutrient cycling, hydrology, climate change, remote sensing, and biodiversity. The course will examine recent literature and run analyses using open-access data and code every week. Students will work independently and in groups to dive deeply into large data using R/RStudio, and produce original analyses and results. Requirements are STAT/MATH 155 and BIO/ENVI 285, or similar coursework background.

General Education Requirements:
Quantitative Thinking Q3

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

Varies by semester. Consult the department or class schedule for current listing.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

How are therapeutic and diagnostic agents designed? How are these chemicals used to detect and treat illnesses? In this class, we aim to answer these questions by exploring molecular medicine from a (bio)chemical perspective. We will discuss the chemical basis of different diseases and how they can be targeted by therapeutics and monitored using chemical diagnostics. We will examine the fundamentals of drug design and development and dive into primary literature to explore cutting edge research in the field of medicinal chemistry. Prerequisite: C- or better in CHEM 212. Co-requisite: BIOL/CHEM 351 or permission of instructor.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

Mindfulness, a state of active, open (non-judgmental) attention on the present, is as Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh puts it, “the most reliable source of peace and joy”. It has roots in Buddhism, however, most religious traditions practice some form of meditation or prayer which helps to gain a broader perspective on life and an appreciation of the present. A rapidly growing body of scientific evidence supports the findings that meditation can have a profound effect on our health and well-being, often through stress reduction. The practice of mindfulness meditation emerged into mainstream medicine, in part, through the efforts of Professor emeritus Jon Kabat-Zinn, who is the founder and former director of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. MBSR techniques and training are now used in many clinical and academic settings, including Macalester College. MBSR and other meditation techniques have been shown to have a profound effect on reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, reducing chronic pain and more. In this class, we will read and discuss research articles on the “science of mindfulness” and how mindfulness practices impact our health and well-being. You will also be writing a multi-draft review paper on a related topic and presenting your findings to the class. One of my main goals for this class is to reduce stress and promote individual health, developing practices for now and future present moments. For this reason, I will ask students to commit to a daily of practice of mindfulness. Training in these practices will be part of the class. Prerequisite: One of the following classes: BIOL356 (Cellular/Molecular Neuroscience), BIOL360 (Neuroanatomy), BIOL367 (Human Physiology), PSYC244 (Cognitive Neuroscience), PSYC246 (Exploring Sensation & Perception), PSYC248 (Behavioral Neuroscience) OR permission of the instructor.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

This course will deal with aspects of human anatomy and physiology of special interest to women and/or those who identify as women, especially relating to sexuality and reproduction. Biological topics covered will include menstruation and menopause, sexuality, conception, contraception, infertility, abortion, pregnancy, cancer, and AIDS. Advances in assisted reproductive technologies, hormone therapies, and genetic engineering technologies will be discussed. This course fulfills 4 credits in the science distribution requirement and counts toward the biology minor, but not toward the major. Three lecture hours per week.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

This course will deal with aspects of human anatomy and physiology of special interest to women and/or those who identify as women, especially relating to sexuality and reproduction. Biological topics covered will include menstruation and menopause, sexuality, conception, contraception, infertility, abortion, pregnancy, cancer, and AIDS. Advances in assisted reproductive technologies, hormone therapies, and genetic engineering technologies will be discussed. This course fulfills 4 credits in the science distribution requirement and counts toward the biology minor, but not toward the major. Three lecture hours per week.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

The food we eat, the air we breathe, and the landscapes we inhabit are shaped by plants. Plants are also at the heart of many global issues impacting society: food security, climate change, development and land degradation. In this course, we focus on the physiology, ecology, and evolution of plants, as well as their role in human life and society. We will explore topics that span agriculture and biotechnology, climate change and biodiversity, medicinal botany and urban ecology. Three lecture hours per week.

General Education Requirements:
Writing WP
Quantitative Thinking Q1

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

An intensive exploration of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure, chemistry, and function with an emphasis on laboratory methods, data analysis, and experimental design. Using 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. Corequisite(s): BIOL 260 - Genetics or BIOL 265 - Cell Biology.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

An intensive exploration of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure, chemistry, and function with an emphasis on laboratory methods, data analysis, and experimental design. Using 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. Corequisite(s): BIOL 260 - Genetics or BIOL 265 - Cell Biology.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

An intensive exploration of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure, chemistry, and function with an emphasis on laboratory methods, data analysis, and experimental design. Using 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. Corequisite(s): BIOL 260 - Genetics or BIOL 265 - Cell Biology.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

An intensive exploration of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure, chemistry, and function with an emphasis on laboratory methods, data analysis, and experimental design. Using 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. Corequisite(s): BIOL 260 - Genetics or BIOL 265 - Cell Biology.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

An introduction to the principles of genetics, including topics from classical Mendalian concepts to the contemporary molecular biology of the gene. Three lecture hours per week. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 111 or concurrent enrollment in CHEM 111, CHEM 112,or CHEM 115.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

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.Three lecture hours. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 112 or CHEM 115.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

An introduction to the diversity and history of life. We begin with basic evolutionary patterns and processes that have shaped living things, and then move on to 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.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

An introduction to the diversity and history of life. We begin with basic evolutionary patterns and processes that have shaped living things, and then move on to 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.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

An introduction to the diversity and history of life. We begin with basic evolutionary patterns and processes that have shaped living things, and then move on to 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.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

Ecology and the Environment dives into a range of topics to study how species, populations, communities, ecosystems, and biomes function in our changing climate. The course will emphasize biological nutrient and energy cycling, population dynamics, animal and plant species interactions, disturbances and response to disturbances, and ecology in urban and agricultural landscapes. We will examine Ecology under four conceptual 'lenses': Climate Change, Environmental Justice, Land Use, and Ecosystem Services. These lenses provide critical insight into how scientists, policy makers, land managers, and other stakeholders evaluate complex ecological and environmental systems. Labs will be field and data-based, and emphasize the development of hypotheses, novel data collection at Ordway Field Station, and statistical analysis. Three hours lecture and one three-hour lab each week.

General Education Requirements:
Quantitative Thinking Q3

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

Ecology and the Environment dives into a range of topics to study how species, populations, communities, ecosystems, and biomes function in our changing climate. The course will emphasize biological nutrient and energy cycling, population dynamics, animal and plant species interactions, disturbances and response to disturbances, and ecology in urban and agricultural landscapes. We will examine Ecology under four conceptual 'lenses': Climate Change, Environmental Justice, Land Use, and Ecosystem Services. These lenses provide critical insight into how scientists, policy makers, land managers, and other stakeholders evaluate complex ecological and environmental systems. Labs will be field and data-based, and emphasize the development of hypotheses, novel data collection at Ordway Field Station, and statistical analysis. Three hours lecture and one three-hour lab each week.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

Ecology and the Environment dives into a range of topics to study how species, populations, communities, ecosystems, and biomes function in our changing climate. The course will emphasize biological nutrient and energy cycling, population dynamics, animal and plant species interactions, disturbances and response to disturbances, and ecology in urban and agricultural landscapes. We will examine Ecology under four conceptual 'lenses': Climate Change, Environmental Justice, Land Use, and Ecosystem Services. These lenses provide critical insight into how scientists, policy makers, land managers, and other stakeholders evaluate complex ecological and environmental systems. Labs will be field and data-based, and emphasize the development of hypotheses, novel data collection at Ordway Field Station, and statistical analysis. Three hours lecture and one three-hour lab each week.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

As a field, agroecology considers agricultural landscapes in the context of ecological principles and concepts. We will investigate the ecological underpinnings of agriculture, including interactions between soils, microbes, plants and animals, always in the context of climate change, land use change and other global change drivers. In addition to exploring the water and nutrient demands of agricultural systems from a physiological perspective and conventional agricultural systems, we will also discuss sustainable agricultural practices and sustainability in the global food system. This class will feature case studies from around the globe. Prerequisite(s): BIOL/ENVI 285 or ENVI/GEOG 232 or permission of instructor.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

This is an advanced course for students interested in the biology of birds, Topics covered will include: functional morphology, physiology, distribution and systematics with an emphasis on avian ecology, behavior and evolution. The course format will include integrated lectures, laboratories, field trips, and discussion of the primary literature. Students will learn the major avian taxa with special emphasis on the common birds of Minnesota in general and the Twin Cities in particular. Three lecture hours and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 285 .

General Education Requirements:
Writing WA

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

This is an advanced course for students interested in the biology of birds, Topics covered will include: functional morphology, physiology, distribution and systematics with an emphasis on avian ecology, behavior and evolution. The course format will include integrated lectures, laboratories, field trips, and discussion of the primary literature. Students will learn the major avian taxa with special emphasis on the common birds of Minnesota in general and the Twin Cities in particular. Three lecture hours and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 285 .

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

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. Three lecture hours and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 212 and BIOL 265, or permission of the instructor. Student must earn a grade of C- or higher in prerequisite course(s).

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

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. Three lecture hours and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 212 and BIOL 265, or permission of the instructor. Student must earn a grade of C- or higher in prerequisite course(s).

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

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. Three lecture hours and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 212 and BIOL 265, or permission of the instructor. Student must earn a grade of C- or higher in prerequisite course(s).

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

A continuation of BIOL 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. Three lecture hours and, except in rare instances, one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 351 or CHEM 351 or permission of instructor.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

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. Three lecture hours and one four-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 255, BIOL 260, and BIOL 265.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

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. Three lecture hours and one four-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 255, BIOL 260, and BIOL 265.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

Vertebrates are backboned organisms that include more than 50,000 living species ranging in size from a fish weighing less than an aspirin to a whale weighing nearly 300,000 pounds. They live in virtually every habitat on Earth and include species that fly higher, swim deeper, and move faster than other organisms. In this course, we will investigate 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. This course fulfills the coursework in anatomy recommended for most pre-health programs. Three hours of lecture/discussion and three hours of laboratory dissection each week. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 270 or permission of instructor.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

Vertebrates are backboned organisms that include more than 50,000 living species ranging in size from a fish weighing less than an aspirin to a whale weighing nearly 300,000 pounds. They live in virtually every habitat on Earth and include species that fly higher, swim deeper, and move faster than other organisms. In this course, we will investigate 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. This course fulfills the coursework in anatomy recommended for most pre-health programs. Three hours of lecture/discussion and three hours of laboratory dissection each week. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 270 or permission of instructor.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

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. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab each week. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 255 and BIOL 265.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

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. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab each week. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 255 and BIOL 265.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

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. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab each week. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 255 and BIOL 265.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

How are ecosystem carbon stocks responding to climate change? What controls primary production? How is agricultural land use change altering the nitrogen cycle? How do ecosystems respond to elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations, and how does nutrient availability affect this CO2 response? What is the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem function? These are all questions that ecosystem ecologists seek to answer. In this course, we will investigate the principles and processes that govern the structure and function of ecosystems, with an emphasis on how nutrients, water and energy cycle through ecosystems. Ecosystem ecology is interdisciplinary in nature, and draws from fields such as physiological, microbial and community ecology, soil science, atmospheric science, and geology. We will cover both fundamental principles and recent, cutting-edge research that focuses on global change drivers (e.g., climate change, nitrogen deposition, land use change, and altered disturbance regimes). Prerequisite(s): MATH/STAT 155, and either BIOL/ENVI 285 or ENVI 240. Alternately, permission of instructor. Recommended: CHEM 111 or CHEM 115.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

Varies by semester. Consult the department or class schedule for current listing.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

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. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 112 or CHEM 115, BIOL 255, BIOL 260, BIOL 265, and permission of the instructor.

General Education Requirements:
Writing WP

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

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. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 112 or CHEM 115, BIOL 255, BIOL 260, BIOL 265, and permission of the instructor.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

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 undertaken. Research projects will be undertaken in the fields of population genetics, phylogenetic systematics, or biogeography. Techniques may include field collection of animals, species identification, DNA sequencing, analysis of genetic data sets, and scanning electron microscopy. Three hours of lecture/discussion and three hours of lab per week. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 270 , BIOL 285, Junior or Senior standing, and permission of instructor.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

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 undertaken. Research projects will be undertaken in the fields of population genetics, phylogenetic systematics, or biogeography. Techniques may include field collection of animals, species identification, DNA sequencing, analysis of genetic data sets, and scanning electron microscopy. Three hours of lecture/discussion and three hours of lab per week. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 270 , BIOL 285, Junior or Senior standing, and permission of instructor.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

This course is structured around collaborative research in microbiology and computational biology. Students will develop research skills in wet and dry lab techniques that may include bacterial growth, isolation, characterization, and genomic DNA extraction, as well as computational and bioinformatic analyses of microbial community structure, biochemical functions, and metagenomic data. During class periods, students will engage with relevant primary literature, and develop skills in oral and written communication of scientific concepts and results. Three hour-long group meetings and three scheduled hours of lab per week. Prerequisites: MATH/STAT 155, CHEM 112/115, BIOL 255, BIOL 260, BIOL 265, BIOL 270, and BIOL 358. Recommended: COMP 123, BIOL 285.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

This course examines neural control of movement through the lens of the formative primary literature with an emphasis on computational techniques. Students will integrate basic science and neurophysiology with quantitative approaches to understand electrophysiology of the motor cortex, basal ganglia, and cerebellum, as well as translational work such as neural prosthetics and deep brain stimulation. Prerequisite: BIOL 265 and PSYC 248, and either BIOL 356 or 360.

General Education Requirements:
Writing WA

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

Varies by semester. Consult the department or class schedule for current listing.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials