Department of Biology
Program and Research AreasFacilities for Training and Research
MA in Biology
PhD in Biology
Courses
Directed Study or Research
Metropolitan College Courses
Related Courses
The following list reflects the 2007/2008 faculty.
Chair Geoffrey M. Cooper
Associate Chairs Ulla Hansen, Jen-Wei Lin, Michael Sorenson
Faculty
Jelle Atema Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (sensory physiology and behavior). PhD, University of Michigan
Paul H. Barber Assistant Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (population genetics). BS, University of Arizona; PhD, University of California, Berkeley
Gary Benson Associate Professor of Biology and Computer Science, College of Arts & Sciences. BS, MS, PhD, University of Maryland
Michael J. Baum Associate Chair, Department of Biology; Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (behavioral endocrinology). BA, Carleton College; MA, PhD, McGill University (Canada)
Cynthia A. Bradham Assistant Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences. BS, University of Wisconsin; PhD, University of North Carolina
Gloria V. Callard Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (comparative vertebrate neuroendocrinology, physiology). BS, Tufts University; MS, PhD, Rutgers University
Ian P. Callard Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (reproductive endocrinology). BSc, PhD, University of Sheffield (England)
John L. Celenza Jr. Associate Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (molecular genetics). BS, Adelphi University; MA, PhD, Columbia University
Geoffrey M. Cooper Chair, Department of Biology; Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (cell biology). BS, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; PhD, University of Miami
James O. Deshler Assistant Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (developmental biology). BS, PhD, University of California, Los Angeles
Vincent Dionne Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (neurobiology). BA, Rochester Polytechnic Institute; MA, PhD, University of Arizona
William D. Eldred III Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (ultra-structure). BS, University of Colorado; PhD, University of Colorado Health Science Center
Mary S. Erskine Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (behavioral endocrinology). BA, Hiram College; MS, PhD, University of Connecticut
John R. Finnerty Assistant Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (evolutionary ecology and organismal biology). BA, University of Pennsylvania; PhD, University of Chicago
Adrien C. Finzi Associate Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (forest ecology and biochemistry). BA, University of New Hampshire; MS, PhD, University of Connecticut
Horatio Mario Frydman Assistant Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences. BS, MSc, University of Sao Paolo (Brazil); PhD, Johns Hopkins University
Thomas D. Gilmore Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (molecular biology). AB, Princeton University; PhD, University of California, Berkeley
Elizabeth A. Godrick Coordinator of Introductory Biology; Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (cell biology). AB, Bucknell University; MA, PhD, Boston University
Stjepko Golubic Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (plant ecology). BS, MS, PhD, Sveuciliste u Zagrebu (Croatia)
Ulla M. Hansen Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (cell biology). AB, Oberlin College; PhD, Harvard University
Robert E. Hausman Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (developmental biology). AB, MA, Case Western Reserve University; PhD, Northwestern University
Gary R. Jacobson Director, Department of Biology; Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (microbiology). BS, Iowa State University; PhD, Stanford University
Leslie S. Kaufman Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (biology of fishes). BA, PhD, Johns Hopkins University
Sir Hans Kornberg Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (biochemistry); University Professor. BSc, PhD, University of Sheffield (England); MA, DSc, University of Oxford (England); ScD, University of Cambridge (England)
Thomas H. Kunz Associate Chair, Department of Biology; Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (mammalian ecology). BS, MS, Central Missouri State University; MA, PhD, University of Kansas
Jen-Wei Lin Associate Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (neurobiology). BS, National Taiwan University (Taiwan); PhD, State University of New York at Buffalo
Phillip S. Lobel Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (fisheries oceanography). BA, University of Hawaii; PhD, Harvard University
Edward Loechler Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (molecular biology). BS, Ohio State University; PhD, Brandeis University
Hengye Man Assistant Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (neurophysiology). MD, Taishan Medical College (P.R. China); MSc, Shandong Medical University (P.R. China); PhD, University of Toronto (Canada)
Kimberly McCall Associate Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (cancer biology and cell development). BS, State University of New York, New Paltz; PhD, Harvard University
Francis C. Monette Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (cell biology and hemopoiesis). AB, Saint Anselm’s College; MS, PhD, New York University
Francisco J. Naya Assistant Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (development and differentiation). BA, Boston University; PhD, Baylor College of Medicine
Gail R. Patt Associate Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (developmental biology). AB, Skidmore College; MA, PhD, Boston University
Richard B. Primack Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (plant ecology, plant population biology). AB, Harvard University; PhD, Duke University
Christopher J. Schneider Associate Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (evolution). BS, Lewis and Clark University; MA, University of Texas, Austin; PhD, University of California, Berkeley
Daniel Segre Assistant Professor of Biology, Assistant Professor of Bioinformatics, College of Arts & Sciences. BS, University of Trieste (Italy); PhD, Weizmann Institute of Science (Israel)
Cassandra Smith Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (molecular genetics); Deputy Director of the Center for Advanced Biotechnology; Professor of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering; Professor of Biochemistry, School of Medicine. BA, MS, West Virginia University; PhD, Texas A&M University
Michael D. Sorenson Associate Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (population biology). BA, Lutheran College; PhD, University of Minnesota
Sidney Tamm Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (flagellar regeneration and cellular motility). BA, Cornell University; PhD, University of Chicago
Pamela H. Templer Assistant Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (environmental biology). BA, University of California, Santa Cruz; PhD, Cornell University
Dean R. Tolan Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (molecular biology). BA, University of Colorado; PhD, University of California, Davis
James F. A. Traniello Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (entomology and behavioral ecology). BA, Boston University; MS, University of Massachusetts; PhD, Harvard University
Susan Tsunoda Assistant Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (signal transduction). BA, University of California, San Diego; PhD, Washington University School of Medicine
Ivan Valiela Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (marine ecology). BS, Rutgers University; PhD, Cornell University
Dale Matt Wachowiak Assistant Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (neurobiology). BA, Duke University; PhD, University of Florida
Karen M. Warkentin Assistant Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (evolutionary ecology). BSc, University of Texas; MSc, Dalhousie University (Canada); PhD, University of Guelph (Canada)
Frederick E. Wasserman Associate Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (zoology and behavioral ecology). BS, State University of New York at Stony Brook; MS, PhD, University of Maryland
David Waxman Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (biochemistry). BA, Queens College, City University of New York; AM, PhD, Harvard University
Eric Widmaier Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (neuroendocrinology). BA, MS, Northwestern University; PhD, University of California, San Francisco
Ayako Yamaguchi Assistant Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (neurobiology). BA, Japan Women’s University, Tokyo; PhD, University of California, Davis
Affiliated Faculty
Gabriele Gerlach Adjunct Associate Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (marine biology). BA, MA, PhD, University of Konstanz (Germany)
Anne Giblin Adjunct Associate Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (marine ecology). BS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; PhD, Boston University
Jason Link Adjunct Associate Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences. BS, Central Michigan University; PhD, Michigan Technological University
Michael Moore Adjunct Associate Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences. BA, Pembroke College, Cambridge University (England); MA, Vet MB, Cambridge University; PhD, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Christopher M. Reddy Adjunct Associate Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences. BS, Rhode Island College; PhD, University of Rhode Island
Caroly Shumway Adjunct Assistant Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (marine biology). BA, Wellesley College; PhD, Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Lisa G. Sorenson Adjunct Assistant Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (behavior and ecology). BS, University of California, Davis; PhD, University of Minnesota
Kelly Swing Adjunct Associate Professor of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences. BA, BS, University of North Carolina, Wilmington; PhD, Louisiana State University
Emeriti
Gillian A. Cooper-Driver Professor Emerita of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (biochemical ecology). BSc, MSc, PhD, University of London (England)
Stewart Duncan Professor Emeritus of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences; Professor of Public Health, School of Public Health. BA, MA, PhD, Boston University
Charles K. Levy Professor Emeritus of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (radiation biology). BS, MS, George Washington University; PhD, University of North Carolina
David Shepro Professor Emeritus of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (cell biology and vascular physiology). AB, MA, Clark University; PhD, Boston University
Robert F. Slechta Professor Emeritus of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences (reproductive physiology). AB, MA, Clark University; PhD, Boston University
Program and Research Areas
The department has five graduate program areas: Ecology, Behavior & Evolution; Physiology, Endocrinology & Reproduction; Neurobiology; Cell & Molecular Biology; and Marine Biology. Each program area has unique strengths and suggested curricula. The department offers both master’s and doctoral degrees in Biology that emphasize independent research on the part of the student, and a non-research master’s degree. Biology faculty participate in three interdepartmental programs offering graduate degrees in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry (MCBB); in Neuroscience; and in Bioinformatics.
The Biology Department programs include faculty active in research in the areas listed below:
cell signaling and gene regulation
biochemistry
cancer biology
microbial physiology and genetics
endocrinology and reproductive biology
developmental biology
genetics
cell and molecular neurobiology
neuroendocrinology
animal behavior
tropical ecology
ecology and conservation biology
behavioral ecology and sociobiology
molecular ecology and evolution
marine biology
The graduate program is planned by selection of an appropriate sequence of courses in consultation with the major professor and advisory committee. However, training has been formalized in several programs and areas of specialization. Financial support is provided in the form of fellowships or traineeships from such federal agencies as NIH and NSF. Departmental teaching fellowships, assistantships, and University fellowships are available to qualified PhD students.
Further information is available from the department office, 5 Cummington Street, Boston, MA 02215; 617-353-2432.
Programs
Several well-defined programs have been designed:
The Program in Cell & Molecular Biology includes courses and research opportunities in developmental biology, cell signaling and gene regulation, cancer biology, genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, physiology, and membrane structure and function. Associated programs include the interdepartmental programs in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry (MCBB), and Bioinformatics.
The Program in Ecology, Behavior & Evolution includes introductory and advanced coursework in the discipline and opportunities to pursue research with internationally recognized biologists in a broad array of subjects. Research strengths and focal research groups include animal behavior, behavioral ecology, social evolution, socioecology, molecular development and evolution, evolutionary ecology, conservation biology, global change, molecular phylogenetics, phylogeography, communication, population genetics, physiological ecology, ecological immunology, molecular ecology, and population, community, and ecosystems ecology. The program is strongly integrative and has extensive linkage to other departmental and college research groups working in marine biology, neurobiology, endocrinology, biological anthropology, and environmental sciences. Model systems include temperate and tropical forests, microbes, cnidarians, social insects, amphibians, reptiles, fish, birds, and bats. Tropical research may be carried out in a pristine rainforest environment at the Tiputini Biodiversity Station in Ecuador, where an extraordinary diversity of programs can be studies in the field.
The Program in Neurobiology offers courses and research opportunities in areas of contemporary neurobiology, including: synaptic morphology and neurotransmission; genetic and hormonal control of neural development; sensory physiology, including retinal circuitry and neurochemistry; as well as olfactory processing and neuroendocrinology, specifically hormonal control of behavior. The organisms under investigation include crayfish, lobster, turtle, mudpuppy, goldfish, chicken, rat, mouse, and ferret. Biology faculty also participate in the interdepartmental PhD program in Neuroscience.
The Program in Physiology, Endocrinology & Reproduction includes faculty with specific interests in physiological, cellular, and molecular endocrinology; environmental endocrinology and ecotoxicology; neuroendocrinology; stress and metabolic endocrinology; reproductive biology; developmental biology; gametogenesis; behavioral physiology; and cell signaling and gene regulation. The associated Animal Models Research Center administers an NIH-funded Training Program in Reproductive Biology. Opportunities are available for research at the Boston University School of Public Health, Marine Biological Laboratory (Woods Hole), and the Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory; and for cross-disciplinary training in the Boston University programs in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry (MCBB), Neuroscience, Ecology, Behavior & Evolution, and Bioinformatics.
The Program in Marine Biology includes offerings on the Charles River Campus Boston University Marine Program and fieldwork in Belize. Research training is offered in animal behavior sensory physiology, community ecology, and systematics of marine organisms.
Prerequisites and Admissions Tests The Department of Biology offers both the Master of Arts (MA) and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. Students may apply for direct admission to either program.
Applicants should have completed 32 undergraduate credit hours in biology and college-level courses in calculus (one semester), general chemistry (two semesters), organic chemistry (two semesters), and general physics (two semesters), or equivalent courses as determined by the Graduate Committee. The Graduate Committee may impose extra prerequisites without graduate credit if the candidate’s background is found to be lacking.
All applicants for admission to the MA or PhD programs are required to submit the results of the Graduate Record Examinations (General Test) and Subject Test in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or Chemistry.
Seminars Seminars, with and without credit, are held. Participation is expected for at least one year, and often throughout the predoctoral period.
Teaching Requirements The department requires a minimum of two semesters participation in teaching during a student’s graduate career as part of the Doctor of Philosophy degree.
Facilities for Training and Research
The department’s research laboratories are located in three buildings along Cummington Street. Teaching laboratories are located in the adjacent Metcalf Science Center. In addition, the department has extensive research facilities: an aquarium room for experimental work on fresh and saltwater fish, a Laboratory Animal Care Facility, and environmental chambers. Specialized modern equipment is available for electron and confocal microscopy, automated DNA sequencing, tissue culture, and a variety of biochemical, physiological, and genetic applications. Field study can also be conducted out at the 900-acre Human Environment Institute at Sargent Center for Outdoor Education in Peterborough, New Hampshire.
Ancillary Facilities Through cooperative arrangements with affiliated scientists in other institutions—the New England Aquarium, Manomet Bird Observatory, and Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary—supplementary facilities may be available for graduate training and research.
Consortium of Graduate Schools Graduate students may cross-register for graduate courses at Boston College, Brandeis University, and Tufts University in consultation with their advisors and with written departmental approval. Procedures for cross-registration are outlined in the Departments and Degree Programs section of this website.
MA in Biology
Two programs lead to the MA degree. One involves research and one does not (see “Research or Nonresearch Master’s Programs” section below). In both programs, students are assigned to faculty advisors in the area of special interest at the time of acceptance.
Course Requirements Students must complete eight full-semester courses (32 credits) with a minimum grade point average of 3.0. For the research degree, at least five courses must be lecture, laboratory, or seminar courses. For the nonresearch degree, at least seven courses must be lecture, laboratory, or seminar courses.
Research or Nonresearch Master’s Programs Students select one of the following options:
Research The MA with research normally requires a minimum of two years of academic study including summer work. In addition to the requirements listed above, the student must complete a program of research acceptable to his or her thesis committee that leads to the preparation of a thesis; this thesis must be defended orally before the student’s thesis committee.
Nonresearch The MA without research can be completed in one year. In addition to the course and language requirements listed above, the student must prepare a major paper, based on recent literature and with adequate bibliography, that is accepted by the student’s faculty committee.
PhD in Biology
The PhD is a research degree and normally necessitates four to five years of academic study including summer work.
Students are assigned to a faculty advisor in the area of special interest at the time of acceptance. After short rotations through research groups, a research advisor is chosen. The advisor, along with a thesis committee, directly supervises the student’s progress toward the degree. Together with other faculty appointed with the approval of the Graduate Committee, the advisor ensures that the student meets the degree requirements and that the qualifying and final oral examinations are conducted properly.
Course Requirements Students admitted with only a bachelor’s degree must complete 16 semester courses (64 credits) with a minimum grade point average of 3.0; at least eight of these courses must be lecture, laboratory, or seminar courses. For students admitted with a master’s degree, the requirement is eight semester courses (32 credits), of which four must be lecture, laboratory, or seminar courses.
Qualifying Examination The qualifying examination must be completed no later than five semesters after matriculation. In most graduate curricula in the Department this consists of a research proposal—often in the form of a grant application—which the student submits to his/her committee and subsequently defends in an oral presentation. In the Cell & Molecular and Neurobiology curricula this is preceded by a comprehensive written examination testing the student’s general background from coursework. PhD candidates in the postbachelor’s program may apply for an MA degree upon successfully completing the qualifying examination and 32 lecture or seminar credits.
Dissertation The dissertation must describe original research carried out by the student in a chosen field of biology; the research should make an important contribution to knowledge of that field. Students must satisfy the student’s dissertation committee that at least part of the dissertation is of sufficient quality to be published in a recognized scientific journal. The results of the dissertation must be presented at a department colloquium.
Residency, Dissertation Prospectus, and Final Oral Examination See the General Requirements for the PhD section of this site.
Courses
CAS BI 503 Symbiosis
Explores dominant survival mechanisms in Earth history. Emphasis on partner integration in cell evolution; metabolic basis of the associations; the ubiquity of such symbioses in all ecosystems; and the study of key symbiotic systems on earth today, including coral reefs, mycorrhizae/plants, and lichens. Three hours lecture. Zook. 4 cr, 1st sem.
CAS BI 504 Evolution
Not offered 2009/2010
CAS BI 505 Evolution and Development
Not offered 2009/2010
CAS BI 506 Phenotypic Plasticity
Not offered 2009/2010
CAS BI 508 Behavioral Ecology
Examines the adaptive significance of behavior in an ecological context. Topics include the evolution of social behavior, mating systems, sexual selection, alternative reproductive behavior, life history strategies, optimal foraging, territoriality, cooperation and conflict, host-parasite co-evolution, the ecology of communication, and comparative analysis. Sorenson. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
CAS BI 512 Mammalian Ecology (EBE)
Not offered 2009/2010
CAS BI 513 Genetics Laboratory
Prereq: CAS BI 203 and CAS BI 206. Genetic techniques such as mutant selection and screening, complementation, mapping, recombinant DNA, and chemical genetic screening are taught using the genetic model systems Escherichia coli, Sacchartomyces cervisiae, and Arabadopsis thalania. Short-term and long-term projects in which students formulate and test hypotheses. Celenza. 4 cr, 1st sem.
CAS BI 515 Population Genetics
Not
offered 2009/2010
CAS BI 520 Sensory Biology
Not offered 2009/2010
CAS BI 527/528 Biochemistry Laboratory I & II
Prereq: CAS CH 204, CH 212, CH 214, or CH 282. First semester emphasizes the purification and characterization of proteins and DNA. Second semester emphasizes protein, carbohydrate, nucleic acid, and lipid chemistry. Development and use of modern instrumentation and techniques. Same as CAS CH 527, 528 and the laboratory portion of CAS BI/CH 421, 422. For students enrolled concurrently in GMS BI 555, 556. Four hours lab, one hour discussion. Tolan. 2 cr each, 1st & 2nd sem.
CAS BI 530 Forest Ecology
Prereq: CAS BI 107 and CAS BI 303 or CAS BI 306, or consent of instructor. The major biotic and abiotic factors influencing forest ecosystem composition, structure, and function. Role of solar radiation, hydrology, soils, succession, and management of forest ecosystems. Includes New England case study. Three hours lecture plus discussion. Also meets with CAS BI 530. Templer. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
CAS BI 531 Ichthyology: Behavior, Ecology, and Evolutionary Fishes
A comprehensive introduction to fish biology. Emphasis on phylogenetic relationships, ecology, and behavior. Labs include morphological studies of specimens and behavioral studies of live fish. This course is a prerequisite for the field course. Lobel. 4 cr, 1st sem.
CAS BI 532 Field Biology Belize Coral Reefs: Expeditionary Ichthyology (Belize)
Builds on the ichthyology course, from which students apply their knowledge to the in-depth study of fishes in the wild. Focus on students’ independent research projects; snorkle primarily, scuba optional. Taught at Belize, Central America. Lobel. 4 cr, 1st sem.
CAS BI 536 Molecular Ecology and Evolution
Not offered 2009/2010
CAS BI 545 Neurobiology of Motivated Behavior
Not offered 2009/2010
CAS BI 546 Marine Megafaunal Ecology: Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary and Surrounding Waters
Prereq: CAS BI 260 and CAS MA 213 or consent of instructor. Marine macrofauna: whales, seals, seabirds, fishes, turtles, jellies, and people in Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Evolution, food webs, and distributional ecology; physical and human influences on foraging and movement behavior. Student research builds ecosystem-based science for Sanctuary management. Kaufman. 4 cr, 1st sem.
CAS BI 547 Marine Invertebrates: Natural History and Molecular Phylogeny
Prereq: junior standing and MS Core and CAS BI 203 and BI 206 or consent of instructor and BUMP director. Lecture and laboratory course which examines the origin and evolution of marine invertebrates using traditional methods based largely on anatomical and ecological criteria as well as the latest molecular methods. Finnerty. 4 cr, 1st sem.
CAS BI 549 Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution (EBE)
Not offered 2009/2010
CAS BI 551 Biology of Stem Cells
Prereq: CAS BI 203 and CAS BI 206. Views on stem cell research range from assumptions of a potential cure for most diseases to fears that it will depreciate the value of human life. This course equips students with the science that underlies this discussion, including the biological properties of stem cells and the experimental hurdles to utilization in regenerative medicine. Frydman. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
CAS BI 552 Molecular Biology I
Synthesis, structure, and function of biologically important macromolecules (DNA, RNA, and proteins). Regulation and control of the synthesis of RNA and proteins. Introduction to molecular biology of eukaryotes. Discussion of molecular biological techniques, including genetics and recombinant DNA techniques. Three hours lecture, one hour discussion. Loechler. 4 cr, 1st sem.
CAS BI 553 Molecular Biology II
Continuation of CAS BI 552 with emphasis on eukaryotes. Major areas of focus include genome organization, mechanisms of gene regulation, and cell signaling. Topics covered include genomics, mouse transgenics systems, signal transduction, chromatin structure, cell cycle, and apoptosis. Naya. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
CAS BI 554 Neuroendocrinology
Interactions between the two major integrative organ systems of animals and the endocrine and nervous systems in controlling physiological and behavioral aspects of reproduction, development, growth, biological rhythms, and homeostasis. Three hours lecture, one hour discussion. (Offered alternate years) G. Callard. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
CAS BI 556 Membrane Biochemistry
Not offered 2009/2010
CAS BI 557 Biological Transport Mechanisms
Not offered 2009/2010
CAS BI 563 Chemosensory Biology
Fundamentals of sensory biology with focus on chemical signals. Principles of physics, chemistry, and statistics describe signal noise distributions. Chemical stimuli from the perspective of the animal and its receptor cells and organs. Atema. 4 cr, 1st sem.
CAS BI 572 Advanced Genetics
Not offered 2009/2010
CAS BI 581, 582 Seminar: Biology
Prereq: consent of instructor. Open to seniors and graduate students concentrating in biology. Informal discussion and student reports on subjects of current interest based on an intensive study of the literature. Topics vary. List of approved seminars available at preregistration time each semester. 2 cr each, 1st & 2nd sem.
CAS BI 583, 584 Seminar: Progress in Cell and Molecular Biology
2 cr each, 1st & 2nd sem.
CAS BI 585, 586 Seminar: Progress in Physiology, Endocrinology, and Reproduction
2 cr each, 1st & 2nd sem.
CAS BI 589, 590 Seminar: Progress in Marine Science
2 cr each, 1st & 2nd sem.
CAS BI 594 Topics in Neurobiology
Not offered 2009/2010
CAS BI 599 Neurobiology of Synapses
Prereq: junior or senior standing and CAS BI 445 and 481; or consent of instructor. Structure, function, and composition of different types of synapses in the nervous system; changes in synapse structure during synaptogenesis and plasticity as a cellular basis for higher brain function such as learning and memory. Synaptic pathology in neural disease processes. Three hours lecture, one hour discussion. Man. 4 cr, 1st sem.
The following 600-level courses require that graduate students complete an independent project.GRS BI 607 Animal Behavior
Ethological approach to animal behavior. Physiological, ontogenic, and phylogenic causes and adaptive significance of behavior are examined within an evolutionary framework, minimally including humans. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory. Wasserman. 4 cr, 1st sem.
GRS BI 610 Cellular Aspects of Development and Differentiation
Contemporary aspects of embryonic development, drawing from current literature. Emphasis on the use of experimental approaches to address topics such as polarity in the egg, body axis specification, embyonic patterning, and organogenesis. Three hours lecture, one hour discussion. Deshler, McCall. 4 cr, 1st sem.
GRS BI 614 Ornithology
Not offered 2009/2010
GRS BI 615 Biology of Mammals
Not offered 2009/2010
GRS BI 617 Lakes and Rivers
Examines interrelational and biological parameters that determine the function of lakes and rivers as ecosystems. Limnology encompasses an interdisciplinary research that combines elements of geography, geology, hydrology, physics, chemistry, and biology. Theoretical aspects and practical applications are considered. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. Golubic. 4 cr, 1st sem.
GRS BI 621 Biochemistry I
Introductory biochemistry. Protein structure and folding, enzyme mechanisms, kinetics, and allostery; nucleic acid structure and chemistry; recombinant DNA; lipids and membrane structure; bioenergetics; vitamins and coenzymes; introduction to intermediary metabolism. Three hours lecture, one hour discussion, four hours lab, graduate project. Tolan. 4 cr, 1st sem.
GRS BI 622 Biochemistry II (CM)
Cell metabolism, with special emphasis on the uptake of food materials, the integration and regulation of catabolic, anabolic and anaplerotic routes, and the generation and utilization of energy. Lectures will include consideration of events in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Three hours lecture, one hour discussion, four hours lab, graduate project. Kornberg. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
GRS BI 623 Marine Biogeochemistry
Not offered 2009/2010
GRS BI 625 General Endocrinology
Chemical and physiological principles of hormonal integration in animals, emphasizing chemistry, biosynthesis, mechanisms of action, and homeostatic function of vertebrate hormones. Three hours lecture, one hour discussion. I. Callard. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
GRS BI 642 Physiology and Biochemistry of Reproduction
Not offered 2009/2010
GRS BI 643 Terrestrial Biogeochemistry
The patterns and processes controlling carbon and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. Links between local and global scales are emphasized. Topics include net primary production, nutrient-use efficiency, and biogeochemical transformation. Three hours lecture, one hour discussion. Finzi. 4 cr, 1st sem.
GRS BI 644 Neuroethology (NEU)
Cellular and molecular basic of behavior with emphasis on functional physiology of neurons, interactions among neurons, and the organization of sensory-motor systems. Three hours lecture, one hour discussion. Yamaguchi. 4 cr, 1st sem.
GRS BI 645 Cellular and Molecular Neurophysiology
Not offered 2009/2010
GRS BI 646 Biology of the Cell Cycle
Temporal organization and regulation of cellular function. Includes theory and analysis of methodologies applicable to cell proliferation, cell synchrony, and FACS sorting; molecular genetics, biochemistry, and physiology of cell cycle phases. Emphasis is placed on the molecular regulation of growth and differentiation in eukaryotic organisms, from yeast to humans. Readings in original research literature. Three hours lecture, one hour discussion. Monette. 4 cr, 1st sem.
GRS BI 648 Biodiversity and Conservation Biology
The study of biological diversity and modern methods to protect endangered plant and animal species. The environment, population, genetic, and human factors which affect the survival of species examined for temperate and tropical communities, as well as terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Three hours lecture, one hour discussion. Primack. 4 cr, either sem.
GRS BI 654 Cell Motility and Cytoskeleton (CM)
Investigation of the structures, molecules, and forces responsible for muscle contraction, cell locomotion, chromosome movement and cell division, ciliary and flagellar motion, bacterial chemotaxis, and other types of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell motility. Three hours lecture, discussion. Tamm. 4 cr, 1st sem.
GRS BI 655 Developmental Neurobiology
Not offered 2009/2010
GRS BI 668 Marine Microbial Ecology
Survey of the diversity of marine bacteria, algae, protozoan, fungi, and metazoan. Focus on fundamental role of their communities in the flow of materials and energy through aquatic ecosystems from Arctic to deep sea vents. Laboratory exercises examine the theory and application of many methodological advances in the area of field microbial ecology. Golubic. 4 cr, 1st sem.
GRS BI 678 Experimental Marine Biology
Offers an opportunity for students to conduct in-depth individual research projects in marine biology. Students present their scientific results in a symposium. Lectures on experimental design, presentation of results, and ethics of science. Staff. 4 cr, 1st & 2nd sem.
GRS BI 679 Physical Oceanography
Not offered 2009/2010
GRS BI 685 Biology of Single-Cell Eukaryotes
Prereqs: CAS BI 203 and 206, or consent of instructor. Free-living, symbiotic and pathogenic unicellular eukaryotes: their structure, reproduction, life-cycles, feeding, development, physiology, behavior, and use in cell biology. Three hours lecture, discussion. Tamm. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
GRS BI 686 Biological Design for Sustainable Developments
Study of biological constraints on the problem of human society’s relationship with the ecosystems, terrestrial and marine, that sustain it. Case studies combining natural history, ecological theory, dynamical modeling, and experimental design in the search for workable solutions. Kaufman. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
GRS BI 699 Teaching College Biology I
The goals, contents, and methods of instruction in biology. General teaching/learning issues. Required of all teaching fellows. TBA. 2 cr, both sem.
GRS BI 708 Biochemical and Molecular Aspects of Development
Aspects of eukaryotic development currently understood on a biochemical or molecular level are discussed in detail. The usefulness of generalizing from the data available and possible generalization to less well understood systems are discussed. Three hours lecture, one hour discussion. Hausman. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
GRS BI 735 Advanced Cell Biology
Current understanding of essential topics and important problems in modern cell biology, with emphasis on recent experimental findings, research strategies and approaches, and new techniques for investigating how cells work. Three hours lecture, one hour discussion. Deshler, Tamm. 4 cr, 1 sem.
GRS BI 753 Advanced Molecular Biology
Prereq: CAS BI 552 or consent of instructor. In-depth analysis of current topics in molecular biology, regarding the flow of information in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. Focus on primary literature. Subjects: genomic flexibility, signal transduction to the nucleus, chromatin structure, gene expression, cell cycle checkpoints, health-related topics. Hansen. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
GRS BI 755 Cellular and Systems Neuroscience
Survey course in neurobiology. Topics to be covered include: cell biology of the neuron, development of the nervous system, synaptic plasticity, learning and behavior, and structure/function relationships. Three hours lecture, one hour discussion. Dionne. 4 cr, 1st sem.
GRS BI 756 Systems and Behavioral Neuroscience
Team-taught survey course in neuroscience. Topics to be covered include cortical structures, information processing, synaptic plasticity, learning and memory, and perception. Lectures will draw on readings from current scientific literature. Cherry. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
Directed Study or Research
The variable-credit research courses listed below involve reading, laboratory work, and conferences. Instructor’s consent required. Hours arranged.
GRS BI 903, 904 Research in Cellular Morphology
Bradham, Eldred, Ho.
GRS BI 905, 906 Research in Endocrinology and Reproduction
Baum, G. Callard, I. Callard, Cooper, Lin, McCall, Waxman, Widmaier, Yamaguchi.
GRS BI 909, 910 Research in Invertebrate Zoology and Parasitology
Finnerty, Traniello.
GRS BI 911, 912 Research in Behavior and Ecology
Atema, Finzi, Kaufman, Kunz, Primack, Schneider, Sorenson, Templer, Traniello, Warkentin, Yamaguchi.
GRS BI 913, 914 Research in Botany
Primack, Templer.
GRS BI 915, 916 Research in Microbiology
Frydman, Kornberg, Loechler, Templer.
GRS BI 919, 920 Research in Vertebrate Zoology
Kaufman, Kunz, Schneider, Sorenson, Warkentin, Yamaguchi.
GRS BI 921, 922 Research in Paleontology
GRS BI 925, 926 Research in Cell and Molecular Biology
Bradham, G. Callard, Celenza, Cooper, Eldred, Finnerty, Frydman, Gilmore, Hansen, Hausman, Ho, Kornberg, Lin, Loechler, Man, McCall, Naya, Smith, Tolan, Waxman, Yamaguchi.
GRS BI 927, 928 Research in Biochemistry
Celenza, Cooper, Gilmore, Hansen, Hausman, Ho, Kornberg, Loechler, Man, Naya, Smith, Tolan, Waxman.
GRS BI 929, 930 Research in Genetics
Celenza, Finnerty, Frydman, Ho, Kornberg, Loechler, McCall, Naya, Primack, Schneider, Smith, Sorenson, Tolan, Waxman.
GRS BI 931, 932 Research in Systems Physiology
G. Callard, I. Callard, Gardner, Schneider, Sorenson, Wachowiak, Warkentin, Widmaier, Yamaguchi.
GRS BI 933, 934 Research in Developmental Biology
Celenza, Cooper, Finnerty, Frydman, Gardner, Hansen, Hausman, Kaufman, McCall, Naya, Schneider, Tolan, Warkentin, Waxman.
GRS BI 937, 938 Research in Marine Biology
Charles River Campus. Atema, Finnerty, Kaufman, Lobel.
GRS BI 939, 940 Research in Neurobiology
Atema, Baum, G. Callard, Eldred, Hausman, Ho, Lin, Man, Smith, Wachowiak, Widmaier, Yamaguchi.
GRS BI 941, 942 Research in Evolution
Finnerty, Kaufman, Kunz, Primack, Schneider, Sorenson, Tolan, Traniello, Warkentin.
GRS BI 943, 944 Research in Pharmacology
Waxman.
GRS BI 945, 946 Research in Forest Ecology
Finzi, Templer.
Metropolitan College Courses
The following courses are offered in Metropolitan College under the auspices of the Department of Biology and are approved for graduate credit in the MA and PhD programs.
MET BI 552 Molecular Biology I
MET BI 607 Animal Behavior
MET BI 625 General Endocrinology
Related Courses
A number of related courses in other departments including non-arts and sciences courses (see “Cross-Registration” under the Admission; Policies and Procedures section at the front of this site) may be selected for graduate credit as part of MA and PhD programs in biology in consultation with major professors. Additional courses may be approved for such credit in special cases.
The following related courses may be taken for graduate credit (see also the MMEDIC Program in the Undergraduate Programs Bulletin).
CAS CN 510 Principles and Methods of Cognitive and Neural Modeling I
CAS CN 530 Neural and Computational Models of Vision
ENG BE 550 Bioelectromechanics
GRS CH 621 Biochemistry I
GRS CH 622 Biochemistry II
GRS CH 722 Protein Chemistry
GRS CH 724 Special Topics in Biochemistry
GRS PS 832 Physiological Psychology
GRS PY 681 Electronics for Scientists
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