Courses For Students Who Are Not Biology Majors
These courses have two different goals and intended audiences. Please select the link that interests you in the box below:
Principles Courses General interest and distribution requirements, no science background required.
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General Biology For junior and senior premedical and predental students not majoring in biology.
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Principles of Biology (Biology 114 and 115). Courses Intended for Non-Biology Majors
The department offers a variety of courses for non-biologists that deal with areas of biology having general appeal. These are referred to as "Topics in Biology" courses, different subjects are offered on a rotating basis. While all are designed for non-majors, occasionally biology majors are permitted to enroll in some sections. Topics courses may not be applied for credit toward the Biology major.
Most topics courses are lecture only (see the list below) although some contain a significant laboratory component integrated into class time or as a series of out of class projects. Details of our diverse offering of topics courses can be obtained by perusing the list below and reading the course descriptions. (Offered fall and spring)
Descriptions of Principles of Biology Courses
Biological Chemistry of Health and Disease --- Prof. Bellin
This course deals with concepts of biological chemistry in the context of topics related to human health and disease. Possible topics include nutrition, the immune system, heart disease, cancer, and infectious disease. Material in the course will be covered through a combination of lecture and discussion, therefore requiring students to keep up with out-of-class reading assignments in order to participate in class adequately.
Biology and Contemporary Society (usually Fall) --- Prof. Constance
This course will be a survey of recent biological advances that have had a major impact on the scientific community and our society as a whole. Topics may include stem cell research, human cloning, genetic manipulation of foods, the genome project, forensics and bioterrorism. This course will be conducted in a lecture-discussion format, and the topics chosen to be discussed will be influenced by student interest. The class is designed for those with little or no science background, with the objective that students will leave the course with the ability to understand new scientific developments presented in the media.
The Biology of Human Reproduction (usually spring) --- Prof. Madhavan
This course examines in detail the process of reproduction in humans from the biological perspective. The topics covered include the structure and function of the organs involved in the process of reproduction and pregnancy, the neuroendocrine control of reproductive processes and early stages of embryonic development. Since human reproduction is debated in many of the contemporary human issues such as assisted reproduction, cloning, genetic engineering, fetal tissue research and sexually transmitted diseases, we also examine the available information related to these topics.
Conservation Biology (usually spring) -- Prof. Prestwich
This course deals with biological aspects of the use and preservation of our natural biological resources. We will focus on biological diversity -- what it is, how it is measured and how it is maintained. We will discuss different aspects of diversity such as genetic diversity within species, species diversity within ecological communities and finally, ecosystem diversity. As part of this discussion, we will consider threats to diversity and management techniques. Major issues will be illustrated through a number of case studies. This course is suitable for Environmental Studies Concentrators.
Environmental Biology (Fall and Spring)--- Prof. Sobczak and Prof. Bertin
The goal of this course is to provide an understanding of major environmental problems by studying their biological bases. Applied and basic material will be integrated in most sections. Basic topics include ecosystem structure, energy flow, biogeochemical cycles, population growth and regulation, and evolution. Applied topics include human population growth, agriculture and food production, pest control, conservation of forests and wildlife, preservation biological diversity, energy use, water and air pollution, ozone depletion and global warming. This course is suitable for Environmental Studies Concentrators.
Evolution --- Prof. Ober
This lecture course is an introduction to the concept of evolution: the major paradigm used to interpret modern biology which has been hailed as one of our species' greatest intellectual achievements. The material covered includes examination of how evolution fits into a broader dynamic view of the universe, evaluation of evidence for evolution, discussion of the central importance of genetics for understanding evolution and an explanation of the role of natural selection in causing evolution. How evolutionary thinking relates to such nonscientific disciplines as philosophy (ethics) and religion and the implications of a dynamic world view for modern society are emphasized.
Genetic Engineering --- Prof. Ledbetter
In a lecture-discussion format we consider three recently developed experimental technologies of great social and scientific importance: recombinant DNA (gene splicing), production of monoclonal antibodies using hybridomas, and nuclear transplantation (cloning). We study the techniques themselves, starting at an elementary level but progressing far enough to be able to appreciate the incredible scientific advances they represent. Finally, we discuss the need for society to regulate this work, the consequences of regulation, and a consideration of risks and benefits.
Molecular Biology of the HIV Pandemic (usually fall)
Prof. Sheehy
The goal of this course is to give you a working knowledge of the devastating global impact of the HIV pandemic. It is designed for you to investigate the pandemic from a scientific vantage point and to benefit from more than 25 years of research into the virus. We will deal with many aspects of the social, political and cultural impact HIV is having on the global community, but ultimately your success in this course will depend on your ability to understand the science of HIV.
Plant Life (Fall) --- Prof. Hoffmann
This course provides a survey of biological principles as revealed through the study of plants. It begins with an introduction to the chemistry of living systems, cell structure and function, cell division processes, life cycles, genetics, and the classification of organisms. It then surveys organisms that are typically studied as part of the science of botany, including algae, fungi, mosses, ferns, conifers, and flowering plants. The survey has three main emphases: biological diversity, evolution, and the ecological and economic importance of the organisms. The flowering plants are then studied in greater detail, focusing on plant tissues and organs (roots, stems, leaves, and flowers). Plant anatomy is related to function through such physiological topics as water relations, mineral nutrition, photosynthesis, food translocation and storage, plant hormones, and development. An introduction to plant ecology includes a discussion and slide show on the local flora. The course concludes with consideration of such specialty topics as plant biotechnology, propagation, and edible and poisonous plants.
The Unseen World (usually fall) --- Prof. Vargas
This course introduces students to scientific methodology and biological principles through the study of microorganisms. Bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes have a profound impact on human activities. Some microbes cause disease in humans, animals, and plants. Other microbes play useful roles in the production of drugs, foods, and other products. In our brief tour of the microbial world, we shall use the biology of microorganisms as a focus for examining the nature of modern science. In doing so, we shall also explore the diverse ways that microbes affect our lives.
Vertebrate History --- Prof. Claessens
This course provides a broad overview of the evolutionary history of the vertebrate classes from jawless fishes to mammals and birds. Both fossil and extant forms are considered. Basic body plans, as well as special adaptations and lifestyles are examined. Emphasis is placed on major transitions and their probable causes, rather than on names and dates.
Courses for Non-Biology Premedical Students
Biology 120: General Biology I (Fall) --- Prof. Ledbetter
Prerequisite: Chemistry 221 and 222.
This course is designed for non-biology major premedical students. Together with General Biology II, it is intended to satisfy the biology requirements for medical school admission and aid in success on the MCAT. If space permits, others satisfying the prerequisites may enroll. Auditors are also welcome.
Since the course is designed for juniors who have completed organic chemistry, it is a fairly rigorous study of biology at the lower levels of organization: molecules, macromolecules, subcellular organelles, and cells. In the process the student is introduced to disciplines customarily taught as biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology and genetics. We use a standard introductory textbook, but selected topics are considered in more detail, using more advanced textbooks and journal articles as sources. Laboratory exercises are integrated with the material offered in lecture and are designed to fill only the scheduled laboratory period. Occasional exceptions require additional time, but they can be scheduled at the convenience of the student.
Biology 121: General Biology II (Spring) --- Prof. Claessens
Prerequisite: Biology 120.
This course is designed to acquaint non-biology majors who are pre-medical students with the basic principles of biology and diversity of life at the organismal level and above. A survey of the topics covered is given in the course guide.
Laboratory exercises generally follow the lecture topics closely, thus giving the student a practical familiarity with the material. Dissections of preserved fetal pigs, and acquaintance with animal taxonomy and diversity through examination of both preserved and living representatives are included.
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