500-Level Biology Courses

CAS BI 503 Symbiosis (EBE) Prereq: senior standing. Explores a dominant survival mechanism in the Earth’s history. Emphasizes partner integration in cell evolution, metabolic basis of the associations, the ubiquity of such association in all ecosystems, and the study of key symbolic systems on Earth today, including coral reefs, mycorrhizae/plants, and lichens. Three hours lecture. Zook. 4 cr. either sem.

CAS BI 504 Evolution (EBE) Modern concepts, controversies, and analytical approaches in evolutionary biology. Topics include adaptation, natural and sexual selection, species and species formation, phylogenetics, origin of evolutionary novelty, adaptive radiation, basic population and quantitative genetics, development and evolution. Three hours lecture, one hour discussion. Schneider. 4 cr. 2nd sem.

CAS BI 505 Evolution and Development Explores the relationship between ontogeny and phylogeny, including concepts such as complexity, modularity, evolvability, recapitulation, canalization, heterochrony, and homeosis. Examines empirical studies from comparative developmental genetics on the evolution of body axes, eyes, appendages, heads, and nervous systems. Three hours lecture, one hour discussion. Finnerty. 4 cr. 1st sem.

CAS BI 506 Phenotypic Plasticity Prereq: CAS BI 107 and either BI 303 or BI 304, or consent of instructor. Explores the flexible phenotype as a product of development and target of natural selection, and addresses the role of plasticity in ecological interactions and evolutionary diversity. Topics: plasticity genetics, evolution, developmental mechanisms, functional ecology, learning, and diversification of life. Three hours lecture, one hour discussion. Warkentin. 4 cr. 1st sem.

CAS BI 508 Behavioral Ecology (EBE) Examines the adaptive significance of behavior in an ecological context. Topics include the evolution of social behavior, mating systems, sexual selection, alternative reproductive behaviors, life history strategies, optimal foraging, territoriality, cooperation and conflict, host-parasite co-evolution, the ecology of communication, and comparative analyses. Sorenson. 4 cr. 2nd sem.

CAS BI 512 Mammalian Ecology (EBE) Prereq: CAS BI 302 & CAS BI 303, or consent of instructor. Evaluation of ecological, behavioral, and physiological adaptations of mammals, with emphasis on social behavior, reproductive ecology, feeding ecology, energetics, evolution, and conservation biology. Research papers. Oral presentations. Weekend field trip required. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. 4 cr. either sem.

CAS BI 515 Population Genetics (EBE) Prereq:(CASBI206 OR CASBI309) and Biology math requirement, or consent of instructor. Examines the interaction of basic evolutionary processes, including mutation, natural selection, genetic drift, inbreeding, and recombination, in determining the genetic composition of populations. Covers both classic models of the modern evolutionary synthesis and newer approaches based on coalescent theory. 4 cr. On Demand.

CAS BI 520 Sensory Neurobiology (PER/Neuro) Prereq: CAS BI 315 or CAS BI 325, or either CAS BI 201 or CAS NE 201. Neural organization and function of sensory systems, including vision, audition, somatosensation, olfaction, and taste. Detailed analysis of transduction, and processing from periphery through central representations of sensory space. Special emphasis on neural coding. Readings include current research from primary literature. TBA. 4 cr. 2nd sem.

CAS BI 525 Plant Physiological Ecology Prereq: CAS BI 303 or CAS BI 305 or CAS BI 306 & CASPY211, or equivalent, or consent of instructor. In-depth treatment of eco-physiological responses of plants and communities to environmental factors and climate change, and, in turn, plant and community level impacts on the environment as manifested primarily in hydrologic, energy, and carbon cycles. Phillips. 4 cr. either sem.

CAS BI 527 Biochemistry Laboratory I, II Prereq: CAS CH 204 & CAS CH 212 & CAS CH 214 or CAS CH 282. Emphasizes the purification and characterization of proteins and DNA. Development and use of modern instrumentation and techniques. Same as CH 527 and laboratory portion of CAS BI/CH 421. Required for BMB students enrolled concurrently in GMS BI 555. Four hours lab, one hour discussion. Tolan. 2 cr. 1st sem.

CAS BI 528 Biochemistry Laboratory I, II Prereq: CAS CH 204 & CAS CH 212 & CAS CH 214 or CAS CH 282. Emphasizes protein, carbohydrate, nucleic acid, and lipid chemistry. Development and use of modern instrumentation and techniques. Four hours lab, one hour discussion. Same as CAS CH528 and laboratory portion of CAS BI/CH 422. Required for BMB students enrolled concurrently in GMS BI 556. Four hours lab, one hour discussion. 2 cr. 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. Meets with CAS GE 530. 4 cr. On Demand

CAS BI 531 Ichthyology: Behavior, Ecology, and Evolution of Fish (EBE) Prereq: CAS BI 260 and consent of instructor. A comprehensive introduction to fish biology and systematics. Emphasis on phylogenetic relationships, ecology, and behavior. Labs include morphological studies of specimens and behavioral studies of live fishes. This course is a prerequisite for the field course. 4 cr. either sem.

CAS BI 532 Field Biology of Belize Coral Reefs: Expeditionary Ichthyology (EBE) Prereq: CAS BI 531, MS Core and CAS BI 531, or consent of the instructor and director. Grad Prereq: CAS BI 531. Builds on the basic ichthyology course, from which students apply their knowledge to the in-depth study of fishes in the wild. Focus on students’ independent research projects. Primarily snorkeling, scuba optional. Taught in Belize, Central America. 4 cr. 1st sem.

CAS BI 533 Marine Population Dynamics Prereq: CAS BI 107 & CAS BI 108 & CAS BI 206. Recommended: CAS BI 446. An exploration of the factors influencing the densities and distribution of marine organisms. Topics include plankton and bacterial communities, marine larval dispersal, migrations, fisheries, marine invasions, and marine conservation. Taught at Woods Hole. 4 cr. either sem.

CAS BI 536 Molecular Ecology and Evolution Prereq: CAS BI 107 & CAS BI 108 & CAS BI 206, or consent of instructor. An exploration of the application of modern molecular genetic techniques in the study of ecology. Topics include molecular markers, biogeography, dispersal, mating systems, genetic diversity, biological diversity, speciation genetics, and conservation genetics. 4 cr. either sem.

CAS BI 544 Cell Motility and Cytoskeleton (CM) Prereq: CAS BI 203, or consent of instructor. 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, with discussions. Tamm. 4 cr. 1st sem.

CAS BI 545 Neurobiology of Motivated Behavior (PER/Neuro) Prereq: CAS BI 315 or CAS BI 325, or either CAS BI 201 or CAS NE 201, or consent of instructor. Molecular and neuroendocrine mechanisms controlling reproductive and parental behaviors, ingestive behaviors and metabolism, and circadian rhythms, pain perception and reward in vertebrates. Three hours lecture plus student-led discussions of relevant research papers. 4 cr. 2nd sem.

CAS BI 546 Marine Megafaunal Ecology: Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary and Surrounding Waters Prereq: CAS BI 260 & CASMA213, 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. 4 cr. On Demand

CAS BI 547 Marine Invertebrates: Natural History and Molecular Phylogeny Prereq: WHMS Core, or consent of instructor and 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. Taught at Woods Hole. Finnerty. 4 cr. either sem.

CAS BI 549 Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution (EBE) Prereq: junior standing. Methods and applications of phylogenetic analysis with emphasis on molecular data. Tree-building algorithms and associated methods of hypothesis testing. Application of phylogenetic analysis in systematics, molecular evolution, comparative biology, and other fields. Three hours lecture, two hours discussion/computer lab. Schneider, Sorenson. 4 cr. 1st sem.

CAS BI 551 Biology of Stem Cells Prereq:(CASBI203 & CASBI206) 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. 4 cr. either sem.

CAS BI 552 Molecular Biology I (CM) Prereq: CAS BI 203 & CAS BI 206. 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 (CM) Prereq: CAS BI 552 (CAS BI/CH 421/422 recommended). Continuation of CAS BI 552 with emphasis on eukaryotes. General areas of focus include genome organization, mechanisms of gene regulation, and cell signaling. Topics including genomics, chromatin structure, cell cycle, mouse transgenics systems, signal transduction, and apoptosis. 4 cr. 2nd sem.

CAS BI 554 Neuroendocrinology (PER/Neuro) Prereq: CAS BI 315, or equivalent. Studies how the two major integrative organ systems of animals, the endocrine and the nervous systems, interact to control physiological and behavioral aspects of reproduction, development, growth, biological rhythms, and homeostasis. Three hours lecture, one hour discussion. 4 cr. 1st sem.

CAS BI 555 Techniques in Cell Biology (CM) Prereq: CAS BI 203 & CAS BI 206, senior standing, and consent of instructor. Grad Prereq: CAS BI 203 & CAS BI 206, senior standing, and consent of instructor. Principles and use of microscopic optical systems, phase and interference contrast, fluorescence, video microscopy, photomicroscopy, and darkroom techniques. Immunolabeling and fluorescent probes of molecules and structures in cells, cell enumeration, cell fusion, proliferation assays, cell growth kinetics, clonal cell analysis, viability testing, growth factor and hormone induced differentiation, and enzyme marker assays. Eight hours lab. TBA. 4 cr. either sem.

CAS BI 556 Membrane Biochemistry and Cell Signaling (CM) Prereq: CAS BI 552 & CAS BI 421 & CAS CH 421. Coreq: CAS BI 422 or CAS CH 422. Structure and biosynthesis of membrane proteins and lipids, regulation of cholesterol homeostasis, protein prenylation and fatty acylation, receptor-mediated endocytosis, protein trafficking, and cell signaling. Critical readings of research publications employing modern techniques of biochemistry, cell biology, and molecular biology to study the structure and function of biological membranes. Three hours lecture, one hour discussion. Waxman. 4 cr. 1st sem.

CAS BI 557 Biological Transport Mechanisms Prereq: Consent of instructor; familiarity with membrane biochemistry strongly recommended. A survey of transmembrane and intracellular transport mechanisms and their regulation. Relationships of transport physiology, metabolism, and energetics. Three hours lecture, one hour discussion. Jacobson. 4 cr. 2nd sem.

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. 4 cr. On Demand

CAS BI 570 Cognitive Ethology Prereq: CAS BI 407, WHMS Core, and CAS BI 407, or consent of instructor and director. Examines the cognitive capabilities of animals in an evolutionary and ecological context; specifically, how the natural history of an organism is reflected in its information processing abilities. Readings drawn extensively from biological and psychological sources. Hanlon. 2 cr. 2nd sem.

CAS BI 571 Topics in Global Ecology (online) Prereq: permission of instructor. May not be taken for credit toward any CAS or GRS degree or by students currently enrolled in any Boston University degree program. 4 cr. either sem.

CAS BI 572 Advanced Genetics Prereq: CAS BI 206 & CAS BI 203; CAS BI 552 is recommended. An in-depth study of eukaryotic genetics, ranging from the history and basic principles to current topics and modern experimental approaches. Genetics of Drosophila, C. elegans, mice, and humans are explored in detail, including readings from primary literature. Three hours lecture, one hour discussion. McCall. 4 cr. 2nd sem.

CAS BI 575 Techniques in Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience (PER/Neuro, CM) Prereq: CAS BI 325 or either CAS BI 201 or CAS NE 201, and junior or senior standing, or consent of instructor. Laboratory course in which techniques used in cellular neuroscience are taught. Subjects covered include sensory coding, synaptic transmission, neural excitability, and cellular neuroanatomy. Eight hours lab. Lin. 4 cr. either sem.

CAS BI 578 Marine Geographic Information Science Prereq: CAS BI 260 & CAS ES 144 ; CAS MA 213 strongly recommended. Introduction to marine geographic information systems and spatial analysis for conservation, management, and marine landscape ecology. Comparative examples from Gulf of Maine and tropics. Solve problems in coastal zoning and marine park design, whale and coral reef conservation. 4 cr. 1st sem.

CAS BI 581 Seminar in Biology Prereq: consent of instructor. Grad 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 each semester. 2 cr. 1st sem.

CAS BI 582 Seminar in Biology Prereq: consent of instructor. Grad 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 each semester. 2 cr. 2nd sem.

CAS BI 599 No course description currently available. Prereq: CAS BI 325 & CAS BI 481 (or CAS BI 445) and junior standing, or consent of instructor. This course description is currently under construction. 4 cr. On Demand

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.

Grad Students