200-Level Biology Courses
*CAS BI 201 Introduction to Cellular and Systems Neuroscience Prereq: CAS BI 108 & CAS CH 102, or consent of instructor. An introduction to the basic principles of neuronal excitability and the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neural communication, development, and plasticity. Focus on individual sensory and motor systems. Also offered as CAS NE 201. 4 cr. 1st sem.
CAS BI 203 Cell Biology (CM) Prereq: CAS BI 108 & CAS CH 102, or equivalent. Coreq: CAS CH 203, or equivalent. Principles of cellular organization and function: biological molecules, flow of genetic information, membranes and subcellular organelles, and cell regulation. Three hours lecture, one hour discussion. Cooper, Hausman, Monette. 4 cr. 1st sem.
CAS BI 206 Genetics (CM) Prereq: CAS BI 108 or equivalent. Coreq: CAS CH 203. Principles of classical, molecular, and evolutionary genetics derived from analytical, molecular, and whole genome cytological evidence in animals, plants, and microorganisms. Three hours lecture, one hour discussion. Celenza. 4 cr. 2nd sem.
*CAS BI 211 Human Physiology Prereq: CAS BI 105 or CAS BI 108 & CAS BI 106, or equivalent. Some knowledge of chemistry and anatomy assumed. Not for concentration credit; Biology concentrators should take CAS BI 315. Introduction to principles of systemic mammalian physiology with special reference to humans. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. Dionne. 4 cr. 1st sem.
CAS BI 213 Honors Cell Biology Prereq: CAS BI 108 & CAS CH 102 (or their equivalents) with a grade of B+ or better in both; or, to replace either the biology or chemistry prerequisite, a score of 5 on the corresponding AP test. Coreq: CAS CH 203 or equivalent. Advanced alternative to BI 203 emphasizing depth of coverage, class discussion, and reading research papers. Molecular basis of cell structure and function, including genome organization, gene expression, membranes, subcellular organelles, cell signaling, cell cycle, programmed cell death, stem cells, and cancer. Cooper, Hausman. 4 cr. 1st sem.
CAS BI 230 Behavioral Endocrinology (PER/Neuro) Prereq: CAS BI 108 or CAS BI 118 and sophomore standing. Hormonal control of reproductive behaviors and social affiliation, aggression, fluid homeostasis and feeding, biological rhythms including seasonal reproduction, stress, learning and memory, psychiatric illness, and steroid abuse. Three hours lecture, one hour discussion. Baum. 4 cr. either sem.
CAS BI 260 Marine Biology (EBE) Prereq: CAS BI 107 & CAS BI 108 or consent of instructor. Life in the seas: its ecology, evolution, and human impacts. Includes behavioral, physiological, structural, ecological, and evolutionary perspectives. A prerequisite for the Marine Semester. Three hours lecture, one hour discussion. 4 cr. 2nd sem.
CAS BI 271 Reading in Biology II Prereq: sophomore standing, consent of instructor, and completed application. Library research on a well-defined topic in biological sciences, chosen in conjunction with a faculty member. Individual conferences and discussion with the faculty member are required as well as a paper presentation. Does not carry concentration credit in biology. Staff. 2 cr. 1st sem.
CAS BI 272 Reading in Biology II Prereq: sophomore standing, consent of instructor, and completed application. Library research on a well-defined topic in biological sciences, chosen in conjunction with a faculty member. Individual conferences and discussion with the faculty member are required as well as a paper presentation. Does not carry concentration credit in biology. Staff. 2 cr. 2nd sem.
CAS BI 291 Undergraduate Research in Biology II Prereq: consent of instructor. Research in biological science for students at the sophomore level. Students design and implement a research project with a faculty member. Staff. 2 cr. 1st sem.
CAS BI 292 Undergraduate Research in Biology II Prereq: consent of instructor. Research in biological science for students at the sophomore level. Students design and implement a research project with a faculty member. Staff. 2 cr. 2nd sem.
Courses marked with a cross (†) satisfy natural sciences divisional studies requirements. An asterisk (*) indicates that the course does not count toward concentration credit in biology.
Our Undergrads
Erin McDougal works in Professor Jelle Atema's laboratory studying female American lobster mating preferences for healthy versus shell-diseased males.
Florencia Rago, a Biochemistry & Molecular Biology major, works with Dean Tolan on enzyme protein structure and function. She is a Beckman Scholar supported by the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation.
Verity Salmon is a senior who currently works in Professor Adrien Finzi's lab. Her project examines the role of tannins in soil nutrient cycling,
Peter Stetson works with Professors Phil Lobel and Les Kaufman on coral reef mapping technologies in Belize.
Beth Cimini works in Professor William Eldred’s laboratory on signaling pathways involving the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the retina.