This course constitutes a comparative survey of organisms, emphasizing adaptation and phylogenetic relationships. The gradual evolution of lineages of living things is treated chronologically. The evolution of Animals is covered in special depth. The mechanism of evolution via natural selection will be covered, in terms of both evidence and logic. The course is taught via lectures and reading assignments, with multiple short exams for evaluation.

This course examines: principles of inheritance in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes; methods used to study gene function; mechanisms by which DNA is replicated, transcribed into RNAs, and translated into proteins; genetic variability; the basics of the process of natural selection that has produced the diversity of living things. There will be lectures and weekly discussion sections. Prerequisites: CHEM 102, 131, 151, or 171.

This biochemistry class coves topics such as structure and function of biologically relevant macromolecules (proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, lipids), membrane structure, membrane transport, signal transduction, chemical logic in metabolic transformations, and carbohydrate metabolism. The course emphasizes conceptual understanding. Active participation in all course elements is encouraged; students are expected to move past memorization of facts, to a fully interconnected and integrated understanding that allows them to apply knowledge to solve complex problems. This course will also be helpful in preparing students for biochemical aspects of MCAT and GRE exams. Prerequisite: CHEM 210-2 or 212-2.

This course is designed to explore advanced concepts relevant to the physiology of major organ systems of animals, with an emphasis on comparisons among vertebrate groups, and between vertebrates and invertebrates. The main objective for students is to better understand those organ systems in the context of  evolution and naturally-selected adaptations to particular environments. Teaching methods include lectures, plus group learning/discussion/problem solving activities. Assessment is via several exams, plus a short summary of a small group discussion on a bioethical/environmental physiology topic discussed in class.  Prerequisite: BIOL SCI 217.

Plant-animal interactions, and their consequences for individuals, populations, ecological communities, and ecosystems. Examination of how these interactions are responding to ongoing global factors such as anthropogenic habitat destruction and climate change. Prerequisite: BIOL_SCI 330-0, BIOL_SCI 339-0, or ENVR_SCI 202.

Evolution occurs when mutation introduces new alleles that end up replacing existing alleles in populations. Replacement can occur by chance (genetic drift) or by encoding a superior phenotype (natural selection). Natural selection produces one of the major features of the living world, adaptation. This class will examine several adaptations (life history, sex, and cooperation) in depth. When populations are separated from one another geographically, they take different evolutionary paths; it is in this manner that most species form. Change within lineages, and diversification among lineages, are processes that have been iterated over vast periods of time, producing life's diversity. We will familiarize ourselves with the history and diversity of life by examination of the fossil recored, and by inferring relationships among species using phylogenetic methods. Prerequisites: BIOL SCI 215 and 219, and a course in statistics. 

Conservation biology is an integrated science based primarily on ecology, with important contributions from genetics, evolutionary biology, and biogeography, and from nonbiological disciplines such as economics, political science, and ethics. The first half of this course addresses the definitions, origins, and patterns of biological diversity; explores why the maintenance of biodiversity in ecosystems is fundamentally important to the well-being of humans and other species; and examines the context and causes of extinction. The second half deals with strategies and tactics for ameliorating the loss of biodiversity and restoring ecosystem function. Specific topics include: the biology of small populations (including population viability analysis); the selection, design, and management of protected areas; ecological restoration; and conservation design, legislation, and other higher-level strategies. Prerequisites: BIOL SCI 215 or ENVR SCI 202, and a course in statistics.

This course is designed to be an introduction to biophysics, and will provide both theoretical and practical perspectives for students, including both those in the Biochemistry & Biophysics Concentration, and those simply with an interest in this fundamental area of biology. Students will gain an understanding of commonly used biophysical techniques. In addition, students will be introduced to the primary scientific literature in this field. Prerequisites: BIOL SCI 215, 219, and either 301 or 308.

Utilizing a mushroom-forming fungus, Schizophyllum coummune, students in this laboratory-based course will undertake scientific investigations designed to discover new knowledge. Under the guidance of the instructor, each student will be provided with specimens from a nation-wide collection of wild S. commune specimens, with which they will carry out molecular, genetic, and genomic experiments and analyses. Students will also analyze Schizophyllum specimens that she/he has collected in the local environment. Experiments will include generating new mutations, determining the molecular sequences of the genes that control mushroom mating, and performing molecular “barcoding” to establish phylogenetic relationships among members of the Schizophyllum population. Prerequisites: BIOL SCI 215 and 222.