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

All of us encounter stress in many ways and often, more stress than is healthy for our mind and body. In this course, we will explore the biological basis of stress, its causes, and different approaches to reducing stress. Fundamental principles of cell biology and physiology will be covered in this course primarily through study of the endocrine and nervous system, especially as they relate to our understanding of stress. As well as studying the biology underlying stress and its effects on the body, we will be simultaneously learning and practicing meditation and other mindfulness-based approaches in order to better handle stress. Why do I call this course “The Heart and Soul of Biology”? My desire to study biology is sparked by the wonder and beauty that permeates all living beings, and that “wonder and beauty” is inextricably linked to my search for meaning and what may be beyond our “normal” comprehension. In this course, we will attempt to not only discuss and explore life through the study of biology, but also explore how science and spirituality can be seamlessly entwined. This is a course about body, mind, and spirit, thus, we will be reading a variety of papers and articles on topics arranging from the role of meditation and sleep on the function of the brain/body to the intersections between science and religion/spirituality. This is a writing intensive course that does not require a strong science background, and is appropriate for students interested in pursuing either science or non-science majors. It is especially intended for students who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of biology and also willing to discuss the bridge between science and spirituality and belief.

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

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

By many measures, the human population is healthier - life expectancies higher, and childhood mortality lower - than ever before. But gains in human achievements in health and beyond have come at the cost of an unprecedented exploitation of planetary resources. Energy extraction and use, agricultural and industrial production and massive transactions of goods and services have literally reshaped and transformed the air, waters and soils that sustain life and health on earth on local and planetary scales. A damaged planet damages human health. In this first-year course, we will explore the changing health of populations in a fraying world through historic and contemporary lenses of human-environment interactions using tools from biology, epidemiology, ecosystem health and public health to dissect patterns of old and emerging infectious and chronic diseases in human and non-human species. We will read research articles, news stories and memoirs, use analytic and expressive modes of inquiry including reflective and expository writing, art, theater and movement to explore these issues and create roadmaps for empowered, hopeful actions toward a healthy future for ourselves and our planet.

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:
Quantitative Thinking Q2
Writing WC

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 study of ecological theory and processes. The subject of this course is the natural world and the current and past processes that have shaped it.  Taking a systems approach, major ecological patterns and processes are described and proposed underlying mechanisms are investigated through readings, field and laboratory studies. The impact of humans on natural systems is also examined. Three hours lecture and one three-hour lab each week.

General Education Requirements:
Quantitative Thinking Q2

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

An introduction to the study of ecological theory and processes. The subject of this course is the natural world and the current and past processes that have shaped it.  Taking a systems approach, major ecological patterns and processes are described and proposed underlying mechanisms are investigated through readings, field and laboratory studies. The impact of humans on natural systems is also examined. 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 study of ecological theory and processes. The subject of this course is the natural world and the current and past processes that have shaped it.  Taking a systems approach, major ecological patterns and processes are described and proposed underlying mechanisms are investigated through readings, field and laboratory studies. The impact of humans on natural systems is also examined. Three hours lecture and one three-hour lab each week.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

This course surveys the ecology of soil, focusing on the physical structure of soil, the communities of organisms that inhabit it, the ecosystem-level processes they perform, and the human processes such as agriculture that they support. Emphasis is placed on the diversity of soils and soil organisms, on the complexity of abiotic and biotic interactions in and around soil, and on the contribution of modern molecular methods to the current revolution in our knowledge about soils. Some of these methods are investigated in the lab component, which also includes an independent project. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 285 and either CHEM 111 or CHEM 115

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

This course surveys the ecology of soil, focusing on the physical structure of soil, the communities of organisms that inhabit it, the ecosystem-level processes they perform, and the human processes such as agriculture that they support. Emphasis is placed on the diversity of soils and soil organisms, on the complexity of abiotic and biotic interactions in and around soil, and on the contribution of modern molecular methods to the current revolution in our knowledge about soils. Some of these methods are investigated in the lab component, which also includes an independent project. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 285 and either CHEM 111 or CHEM 115

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

Chemical biology is a field of study that applies chemistry to advanced problems in biology and medicine. This course will cover the fundamentals of the field, starting with a review of relevant biology, as well as advanced topics and state-of-the-art research. Through lectures, critical reading of recent literature, student presentations, and proposals, students will learn about the development of chemical tools to study and manipulate biological systems in novel ways. Topics may include: protein engineering and unnatural amino acid incorporation, targeted drug delivery, small molecule and protein-based imaging tools, bio-orthogonal reactions, synthetic biology, and combinatorial chemistry. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 212

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 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. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 112, BIOL 255, BIOL 260, BIOL 265, and junior or senior standing.

General Education Requirements:
Writing WA

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

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. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 112, BIOL 255, BIOL 260, BIOL 265, and junior or senior standing.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

This course is an introduction to the diverse field of microbiology, and will include viruses, prokaryotes, and eukaryotic microorganisms. We will emphasize efforts to understand and control microbial growth, in particular of bacteria and viruses. A consistent theme will be on the effects of microbes on humans, which will be supported by regular discussion of primary literature. The laboratory emphasizes fundamental microbiological techniques and hypotheses-driven independent investigations. Three hours of lecture/discussion and four to five hours of laboratory 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

This course is an introduction to the diverse field of microbiology, and will include viruses, prokaryotes, and eukaryotic microorganisms. We will emphasize efforts to understand and control microbial growth, in particular of bacteria and viruses. A consistent theme will be on the effects of microbes on humans, which will be supported by regular discussion of primary literature. The laboratory emphasizes fundamental microbiological techniques and hypotheses-driven independent investigations. Three hours of lecture/discussion and four to five hours of laboratory 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

Plants regulate our atmosphere, filter our water supply, and are the basis for all food. However, climate change is impacting how plants interact with their environment. This course will examine many aspects of plant function -energy metabolism, water and nutrient acquisition and use, resource allocation, and adaptations to different environments - and how these functions are altered under a warmer and increasingly variable climate. We will read topical case studies, dive into primary literature, and make field and lab measurements to learn about how plants exist and adapt in changing environments. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 285

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

Plants regulate our atmosphere, filter our water supply, and are the basis for all food. However, climate change is impacting how plants interact with their environment. This course will examine many aspects of plant function -energy metabolism, water and nutrient acquisition and use, resource allocation, and adaptations to different environments - and how these functions are altered under a warmer and increasingly variable climate. We will read topical case studies, dive into primary literature, and make field and lab measurements to learn about how plants exist and adapt in changing environments. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 285

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

We will discuss different forms of cellular communication in the nervous system. We will cover the main nerve cells and signaling mechanisms in the CNS and PNS, the basics of electrophysiology, and some of the newer tools that neuroscientists use to measure and manipulate different nerve cells. In addition to discussing how "old" players, such as neurons, participate in information flow in the brain, we also will discuss how "new" players, such as astrocytes, have recently gained attention after the discovery that they play a more active role in cellular communication than originally thought. Historical articles and current primary literature will be discussed, and students will write a final paper on a topic of the student's choice. Prerequisites include BIOL 260 and 265.

General Education Requirements:
Writing WA

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials

The term “GMO”(for genetically modified organism) typically refers to commercial crops and animals that have been genetically engineered to express one or more “desirable” traits. However, the same molecular methods used to produce GMOs are also used in basic science and in the field of gene therapy. Indeed, gene therapy can be thought of as a way of genetically modifying humans, but typically with the goal of correcting a gene mutation that is contributing to a disease state. In this course we will explore the history of gene therapy from treating single-gene Mendelian disorders to complex diseases such as cancer, relevant methodologies, clinical cases, and advances in gene editing that are opening additional therapeutic approaches. This seminar is a discussion-based course of the primary literature. We will also discuss the technical hurdles that continue to hamper implementation of gene therapy, medical and bioethical issues such as informed consent, and ethical and socio-cultural issues surrounding genome modification. Course grade will be determined by participation in weekly discussions, written responses in preparation for the weekly discussions, and a final paper. Prerequsites: BIOL 260 and 265.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Natural science and mathematics

Course Materials