Courses

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  • CAS BI 302: Vertebrate Zoology (EBE)
    Methods and principles of comparative vertebrate zoology. Phylogeny, natural history, adaptation, and taxonomy. Laboratory emphasis on correlation among structural, physiological, and evolutionary features of selected vertebrates by both dissection and experimentation. Field trips. Two hours lecture, six hours lab.
  • CAS BI 303: Evolutionary Ecology (EBE)
    Investigation of ecological processes and patterns at the individual, population, and community level. An evolutionary approach is emphasized. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. One research paper and one daylong field trip required.
  • CAS BI 304: Principles of Morphogenesis (PER/Neuro)
    Principles of differentiation and development of the body systems of animals, with emphasis on vertebrates. The relationships of morphology to gene function and physiology are stressed. Three hours lecture, two hours lab.
  • CAS BI 306: Biology of Global Change (EBE)
    The ecological impacts of human activity on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Climate change, forest decline, eutrophication, acidification, loss of species diversity, and restoration of ecosystems. Three hours lecture, three hours lab.
  • CAS BI 307: Biogeography
    Examines the spatial distribution of plants and animals from historical, ecological, and analytical perspectives. Environmental and human influences on species distribution, abundance, and diversity are considered, as are changes resulting from past and projected climate change. Also offered as CAS GE 307.
  • CAS BI 309: Evolution
    Introduction to modern concepts, controversies, and analytical approaches in evolutionary biology. Topics include adaptation, natural and sexual selection, species and speciation, phylogenetics, comparative analysis, basic population and quantitative genetics, origin of novelty, adaptive radiation, development and evolution.
  • CAS BI 310: Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (PER/Neuro)
    Comparative analysis of structural and functional anatomy of vertebrates. Three hours lecture, four hours lab.
  • CAS BI 311: General Microbiology (CM)
    Biology of bacteria and related microorganisms; morphology, physiology, genetics, ecology, and control. Brief introduction to pathogenicity and host reactions. Three hours lecture, four hours lab.
  • CAS BI 315: Systems Physiology (PER/Neuro)
    An introduction to physiological principles applied across all levels of organization (cell, tissue, organ system). Preparation for more advanced courses in physiology. Topics include homeostasis and neural, muscle, respiratory, cardiovascular, renal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, and metabolic physiology. Three hours lecture, three hours lab.
  • CAS BI 317: Limnology: The Ecology of Lakes and Rivers
    Examines the interrelational and biological parameters that determine the function of lakes and rivers as ecosystems from an interdisciplinary perspective combining elements of geography, geology, hydrology, physics, chemistry, and biology. Theoretical and practical aspects are considered. Three hours lecture, three hours lab.
  • CAS BI 325: Principles of Neuroscience (PER/Neuro)
    Fundamentals of the nervous system, emphasizing synaptic transmission; hierarchical organization; autonomic nervous system; mechanisms of sensory perception; reflexes and motor function; biorhythms; and neural mechanisms of feeding, mating, learning, and memory. Three hours lecture, one hour discussion. Lecture portion meets with CAS NE 203.
  • CAS BI 371: Reading in Biology III
    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 paper presentation. Does not carry major or minor credit in biology.
  • CAS BI 372: Reading in Biology III
    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 paper presentation. Does not carry major or minor credit in biology.
  • CAS BI 383: Fundamentals of Biology III
    An introduction to physiological principles applied across the levels of organization (cell, tissue, organ systems). Intended to prepare the student for more advanced courses in physiology. Topics include homeostasis and neural, muscle, cardiopulmonary, renal, endocrine, metabolic, and reproductive physiology. Students must register for two sections: lecture and laboratory.
  • CAS BI 385: Immunology
    The constituents and regulation of mammalian immune systems are described at the levels of the gene, protein, and cell. Topics include nonspecific, T cell and B cell recognition and responses, genetics of immune receptors, inflammation, tolerance, memory, and evolution and manipulation of defense systems. Three hours lecture, one hour discussion.
  • CAS BI 391: Undergraduate Research in Biology III
    Research in biological science for students at the junior level. Students design and implement a research project with a faculty member.
  • CAS BI 392: Undergraduate Research in Biology III
    Research in biological science for students at the junior level. Students design and implement a research project with a faculty member.
  • CAS BI 401: Senior Independent Work in Biology
    Laboratory or field research projects chosen under supervision of regular member of Department of Biology. Minimum of 12 hours per week in lab or fieldwork, not including preparation or evaluation time. Research topic must be defined at time of registration. Course grade determined by laboratory performance, written report, and oral presentation to the faculty. Successful completion of the full 8-credit course (BI 401/402) may lead to a degree with distinction; all 8 credits count toward major or minor.
  • CAS BI 402: Senior Independent Work in Biology
    Laboratory or field research projects chosen under supervision of regular member of Department of Biology. Minimum of 12 hours per week in lab or fieldwork, not including preparation or evaluation time. Research topic must be defined at time of registration. Course grade determined by laboratory performance, written report, and oral presentation to the faculty. Successful completion of the full 8-credit course (BI 401/402) may lead to a degree with distinction; all 8 credits count toward major or minor.
  • CAS BI 407: Animal Behavior (EBE)
    Ethological approach to animal behavior; physiological, ontogenic, and phylogenic causes; and adaptive significance of behavior examined within an evolutionary framework, minimally including humans. Three hours lecture, three hours lab.

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