Courses

The listing of a course description here does not guarantee a course’s being offered in a particular term. Please refer to the published schedule of classes on the MyBU Student Portal for confirmation a class is actually being taught and for specific course meeting dates and times.

• CAS BI 272: Reading in Biology 2
  Undergraduate Prerequisites: sophomore standing, consent of instructor, and completed application. - Library research on well-defined topic in the biological sciences, chosen with a faculty member. Check-in discussions with faculty member and additional work as assigned. Not a Biology/BMB major/minor elective and cannot be combined with another 2-credit course for elective credit.
• CAS BI 293: Methods in Cell and Molecular Neurobiology
  Prerequisites: CASNE 102 or CASBI 108 or equivalent, and CASNE 203 or CASBI 325 or equivalent. - This course introduces key techniques used in neurobiology research and their application to real scientific questions in a dry-lab setting. Through literature analysis, case studies, and mock research proposals, students learn to evaluate experimental design and assess the feasibility of different approaches. By the end of the course, students have a solid foundation in neurobiological methods and the critical thinking skills needed to select the most appropriate techniques for specific research goals.
• CAS BI 294: Topics in Biology 2
  Topics and prerequisites vary.
• CAS BI 302: Vertebrate Zoology
  Undergraduate Prerequisites: CASBI 107. - Methods and principles of comparative vertebrate zoology. Phylogeny, natural history, adaptation, and taxonomy. Field trips. 3.5 hours lecture. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Critical Thinking, Historical Consciousness, Scientific Inquiry 2.
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  • Critical Thinking
  • Historical Consciousness
  • Scientific Inquiry II
• CAS BI 303: Evolutionary Ecology
  Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASBI 107); CASBI 206 and CASMA 121/123 recommended. - 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. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry II, Quantitative Reasoning II, Digital/Multimedia Expression.
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  • Digital/Multimedia Expression
  • Quantitative Reasoning II
  • Scientific Inquiry II
• CAS BI 305: Plant Biology
  Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASBI107 & CASBI108) - A basic introduction to the plant sciences, including plant structure and diversity; reproduction, growth, and development; and economic and medicinal uses. Emphasis on new developments in the plant sciences. Three hours lecture, three hours lab.
• CAS BI 306: Biology of Global Change
  Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASBI107) Recommended: CASCH101 or CASCH171. - 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. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry II, Ethical Reasoning, Research and Information Literacy.
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  • Ethical Reasoning
  • Research and Information Literacy
  • Scientific Inquiry II
• CAS BI 307: Biogeography
  Undergraduate Prerequisites: CASBI 107 and CASEE 101 - Analysis of local, regional, and global distributions of plants and animals. Environmental and human influences on those distributions considered; changes resulting from geologically recent climatic fluctuations. Field trips. Also offered as CASEE 307. Effective Fall 2025, this course fulfills a single requirement in each of the following BU Hub areas: Creativity/Innovation, Digital/Multimedia Expression, Scientific Inquiry 1.
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  • Creativity/Innovation
  • Digital/Multimedia Expression
  • Scientific Inquiry I
• CAS BI 309: Evolution
  Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASBI107 & CASBI108) or equivalent. - 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. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Ethical Reasoning.
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  • Ethical Reasoning
• CAS BI 310: Human Structure & Function: Anatomy, Histology and Pathology
  Prerequisites: CASBI 108 and CASBI 203, or equivalent. - Examines the cells and tissues that make up our organs (histology), the structure and interactions of the organ systems (anatomy), and how disease reshapes our bodies (pathology). As a secondary focus, this course builds introductory competency in health communication. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Creativity/Innovation, Digital/Multimedia Expression, Scientific Inquiry 1.
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  • Creativity/Innovation
  • Digital/Multimedia Expression
  • Scientific Inquiry I
• CAS BI 311: General Microbiology
  Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASBI203 & CASBI206) or consent of instructor. First Year Writing Seminar (e.g., WR 100 or WR 120) - The biology of bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae, and protistans, including introduction to morphology, physiology, genetics, metabolism, ecology, and pathogenesis. Covers the basics of antibiotic resistance, motility, quorum sensing, symbiosis, epidemiology, and microbiome science. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Writing-Intensive Course, Scientific Inquiry II, Teamwork/Collaboration.
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  • Scientific Inquiry II
  • Teamwork/Collaboration
  • Writing-Intensive Course
• CAS BI 315: Systems Physiology
  Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASBI 108 OR ENGBE 209), and CASCH 101 and CASCH 102, or equivalent. First Year Writing Seminar (e.g., WR 100 or WR 120). - 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. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry II, Writing-Intensive Course, Critical Thinking, Teamwork/Collaboration.
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  • Critical Thinking
  • Scientific Inquiry II
  • Teamwork/Collaboration
  • Writing-Intensive Course
• CAS BI 325: Principles of Neuroscience
  Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASBI203) or consent of instructor. - Introduces fundamentals of the nervous system at descriptive scales ranging from individual cells to the entire brain. Topics include biophysics of excitable membranes, synaptic transmission, sensory and motor systems, learning and memory, plasticity, neuromodulation, and the biological basis of complex behaviors. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry II, Critical Thinking.
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  • Critical Thinking
  • Scientific Inquiry II
• CAS BI 328: Cell Biology and Translational Medicine
  Undergraduate Prerequisites: CASBI 203. This course offers an in-depth exploration of the cell biology mechanisms and treatment strategies associated with several significant diseases including heart disease, cancer, respiratory, Alzheimer's and viral diseases. Students will primarily engage with recent research papers that employ cutting-edge molecular techniques. Effective Spring 2025, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry II, Teamwork/Collaboration.
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  • Scientific Inquiry II
  • Teamwork/Collaboration
• CAS BI 331: Physiology of Sex and Human Reproduction
  Undergraduate Prerequisites: CASBI 315 or CASBI 211 or similar physiology course. - In this course we learn the physiological mechanisms behind fertility, gametogenesis, copulation, pregnancy and birth. We explore the impacts of biological reproduction on the body and we connect these topics to our everyday world. We utilize diverse perspectives and language in this class. Class time is split between active learning and lecture time. Grades are based on daily work, quizzes and presentations.
• CAS BI 333: Human Population Genetics
  Human population biology and ecological adaptations: human demography, life history patterns, population genetics, and physiological adaptability. Topics: population dynamics of human societies, mortality and fertility schedules, evolution and genetics of human life history traits, physiological adaptability, and ecological correlates. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Quantitative Reasoning II, Scientific Inquiry II, Research and Information Literacy.
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  • Quantitative Reasoning II
  • Research and Information Literacy
  • Scientific Inquiry II
• CAS BI 340: Junior Research in Biology 1 (2 Credits)
  Undergraduate Prerequisites: junior standing. - First semester junior research including training in use of research literature. Conduct research under supervision of faculty mentor. Group meeting attendance required. Application through Biology Department. Minimum 6 hrs/wk. Not a Biology major/minor elective and cannot be combined with another 2-credit course for elective credit. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Research and Information Literacy.
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  • Research and Information Literacy
• CAS BI 341: Junior Research in Biology 2 (2 Credits)
  Undergraduate Prerequisites: junior standing and one of the following: BI 340, BI 350, or full-time summer UROP. - Second semester junior research required participation in group meetings. Conduct research under supervision of faculty mentor. Group meeting participation required. Application through Biology Department. Minimum 6 hrs/wk. Not a Biology major/minor elective and cannot be combined with another 2-credit course for elective credit. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Oral and/or Signed Communication.
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  • Oral and/or Signed Communication
• CAS BI 347: RNA Therapeutics and Personalized Medicine
  Prerequisite: CASBI 108 or equivalent. - RNA-based therapies are revolutionizing medicine. This course explores the science, technology, and translational impact of RNA therapeutics, emphasizing how the manipulation of RNA molecules can restore, silence, or enhance gene expression. Students gain foundational knowledge in RNA biology, learn about key therapeutic platforms, and examine case studies of approved drugs and therapies in development. Students engage with primary literature, participate in in-depth discussions, and apply their learning through hands-on assignments and a final project.
• CAS BI 350: Junior Research in Biology 1 (4 Credits)
  Undergraduate Prerequisites: junior standing. - First semester junior research including training in the use of research literature and active participation at group meetings. Application through the Biology Department. Students conduct research under supervision of a faculty mentor. Attendance at group meetings required. Minimum 12 hrs/wk in lab or fieldwork, data analysis, and writing. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Oral and/or Signed Communication, Research and Information Literacy.
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  • Oral and/or Signed Communication
  • Research and Information Literacy