Organismal Biology Courses Offered on a Regular Basis
BIOLOGY 213: COMPARATIVE CHORDATE MORPHOLOGY (Fall) -- Prof. Claessens
Prerequisite: Biology 131 and 132 or the equivalent.
Lectures cover the morphology of the vertebrate body, using embryos and adults of living forms, as well as the fossil record. Primary objectives include:
1. An understanding of both functional and phylogenetic factors contributing to morphological similarities and differences among vertebrates,
2. A comprehension of evolutionary principles, as elucidated by vertebrate history, and
3. An ability to characterize, morphologically, each vertebrate class. Students are required to write essays on examinations.
The laboratory consists of a rigorous, detailed consideration of vertebrate anatomy, including a study of the skeletal system in representatives of all vertebrate classes, and dissections of preserved sharks and cats. The laboratory is approximately one-half of the course grade. Laboratory examinations are practical.
BIOLOGY 230: DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY (Spring of alternate years) -- Prof. Madhavan
In Developmental Biology the basic aspects of morphogenesis including cell movements and cell interactions in determination, differentiation, and pattern formation are discussed with examples from vertebrates, invertebrates and plants. How these processes are misused in such instances as aging, congenital abnormalities and neoplasia is discussed. We also examine the impact of recent discoveries in the field of molecular biology, such as the role of homeotic and segmentation genes in development and segmentation of organisms. An Introductory course in biology and knowledge of genetics or cell biology are highly useful in providing background information for following the materials covered in the lectures and laboratory. The approaches to the discipline include methodology, survey of concepts, an in-depth analysis of experimental results and discussions of models developed from these experiments.
In the laboratory, commonly used organisms for developmental studies such as the fruit fly, sea urchin, planaria, Tubularia (relative of Hydra), Medaka fish, chick embryo, fern, etc., are employed. During their tenure, the students learn several simple techniques used in developmental biology and are exposed to improvising their own tools for techniques such as microsurgery. Also, students investigate the effects of chemicals such as colchicine, retinoids and lithium chloride on development and pattern formation in organisms. Several of the above experiments require observations beyond the regular laboratory schedule. Students are required to submit laboratory reports. By doing this, students gain experience in scientific collection and interpretation of data, literature searches and scientific writing. At the end of the semester, students are also asked to submit their laboratory notebook containing the lab-to-lab activities.
BIOLOGY 241: VERTEBRATE ENDOCRINOLOGY (Fall of alternate years) Prof. Madhavan
This course provides a comparative study of the structural organization of endocrine glands, the roles of hormones in homeostasis, growth, metabolism, and reproduction. In addition, models of hormone binding to cellular receptors and actual biochemical effects of hormones are emphasized. Specific cases of endocrine pharmacology and pathology are also discussed to integrate normal and diseased states. Finally, the methodologies used by endocrinologists and pharmacologists are presented. Grading is based on two semester exams, a final, and a term paper.
BIOLOGY 250: FIELD BOTANY (Fall of every second or third year) Prof. Bertin
This course introduces the vascular flora of central New England, emphasizing woody species and fall flowering herbaceous species. The course will include training in the use of field guides and technical keys, and in the preparation of herbarium specimens. Habitats examined include fields, forests, bogs, and coastal and montane communities. Much course time will be spent in the field.
BIOLOGY 255: VERTEBRATE HISTORY -- Prof. Claessens
This course will present a survey of vertebrate history as documented by fossils. Diversity and biology of living forms will be included in this context. To the extent that it is possible, we will consider functional aspects of the animals’ morphology (why they looked as they did) and their ecology (how they lived).
BIOLOGY 270: HISTOLOGY (Spring of alternate years) -- Prof. Madhavan In the lecture, the microscopic and submicroscopic structure of vertebrate tissues and organs with emphasis on the relationship of structure to function is discussed in detail. In the laboratory, students examine in detail the microscopic preparations of different tissues of vertebrates. Also, students make histological and histochemical preparations of vertebrate tissues.
BIOLOGY 299: ENTOMOLOGY (Fall) -- Prof. Ober
Prerequisites: Introductory Biology (BIOL 131, 132)
A general introduction to insects covering diversity, morphology, physiology, ecology and behavior, as well as considerations of the economic and medical importance of insects. Specific topics include metamorphosis, complex life cycles, flight, dispersal, sensory systems, thermoregulation and adaptations to special conditions, as well as ecological and evolutionary issues, including population dynamics, coevolution, plant-insect relationships, sociality, and parasitism. Labs investigate insect internal and external anatomy, structure, and behavior, as well as taxonomy and systematics of insect orders. Readings are from the textbook and supplementary sources.
BIOLOGY 361: TOXICOLOGY (Fall) Prof. Hoffmann
Prerequisites: Introductory biology (Biology 131 or 120), genetics (Biology 261), and organic chemistry (Chemistry 221, 222) or equivalent courses.
The toxicology course provides a comprehensive introduction to toxicology for biology majors. Its content includes a historical introduction; measurement of toxicity; dose-response relationships; interactions among toxicants; the absorption, distribution, and excretion phases of toxicant disposition; phase 1 metabolism of toxicants (oxidation, reduction, hydrolysis, hydration, dehalogenation); phase 2 metabolism (conjugation); targets of toxicity (blood, immune system, liver, kidney, lungs, nervous system, skin, reproductive systems, eye, endocrine system); genetic toxicology; carcinogenesis; developmental toxicity; human and veterinary toxicants; toxins; environmental toxicology; forensic toxicology; and regulatory toxicology. The emphasis is on basic science underlying the adverse effects of chemicals on biological systems, but social, ethical, political, and legal aspects of toxicology are also considered.
Evaluations are based on three examinations during the semester, a term paper, and a comprehensive final examination. Students are expected to participate in class discussions and make a brief (10 minute) presentation to the class. The term paper is on the topic of the student’s oral presentation and requires critical reading of primary scientific literature.
BIOLOGY 390: ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY (Fall) -- Dr. Prestwich
Prerequisites: Biology 131 and 132; Chemistry 101 and 231. Useful Co/Pre Requisite: College Physics.
Physiology is the study of the function of organisms. It can be approached on many levels from the subcellular to organismal. The approach to the study of function can emphasize either the chemical or physical basis of life processes. In order to give the student a unique view of physiology, Biology 390 dwells on levels of organization primarily at the whole organism or organ level (as compared to the cellular level stressed in most other courses). It takes a strongly physical (or engineering) view of physiological processes as compared to the chemical view of life presented in other courses. As a result, the course is mathematical and requires a good knowledge of algebra and some simple calculus. Finally, the course exposes the students to the three main approaches to physiology: physiological ecology (the study of how an animal's unique physiological adaptations allow it to survive in a certain habitat), comparative physiology (the evolution of physiological systems) and medical physiology (physiology of normal and abnormal humans). Topics covered in lecture include:
- control systems in organisms,
- electrophysiology and introduction to neural system function,
- muscle physiology,
- metabolism in reference to rest, exercise, and temperature,
- respiratory physiology,
- cardiovascular physiology,
- renal function,
- temperature regulation.
Each of these topics are examined comparatively.
Labs are experimental in nature and emphasize metabolism, respiration, circulation, and electrophysiology.
For a complete overview of the physiology course, including course notes and labs see The Animal Physiology Course Web Site
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