Biology

Courses in: Biology | Marine Science

College of Arts & Sciences

Biology

Biochemistry 1

CAS BB 421

Undergraduate Prerequisites : (CAS CH 204 or CAS CH 212 or CAS CH 214) and First-Year Writing Seminar (e.g., CAS WR 100 or CAS WR 120). Introductory biochemistry. Protein structure and folding, enzyme mechanisms, kinetics, and allostery; nucleic acid structure; macromolecular biosynthesis with emphasis on specificity and fidelity; lipids and membrane structure; vitamins and coenzymes; introduction to intermediary metabolism. Students must register for three sections: lecture, discussion, and a laboratory. Effective Summer 2025, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Quantitative Reasoning II, Critical Thinking, Teamwork/Collaboration. 4 cr. Tuition: $3260

Summer 1 (May 20-June 27)

A1 (LEC) Mon./Tues./Wed./Thurs. 10 am-12 noon Add & Drop Dates

Course Start Date	Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Last day to add	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop without "W" grade	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop with "W" grade	Thursday, June 12, 2025
Course End Date	Friday, June 27, 2025

Location: PHO 206 ... Open Seats

Blair Szymczyna

Must register for Lec (A1), Dis (A2), & a Lab (A3 or A4). Meets w/ CAS BB 423 A1.

A2 (DIS) Thurs. 9-10 am Add & Drop Dates

Course Start Date	Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Last day to add	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop without "W" grade	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop with "W" grade	Thursday, June 12, 2025
Course End Date	Friday, June 27, 2025

Location: PHO 206 ... Open Seats

Blair Szymczyna

A3 (LAB) Mon./Wed. 1:30-5:30 pm Add & Drop Dates

Course Start Date	Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Last day to add	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop without "W" grade	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop with "W" grade	Thursday, June 12, 2025
Course End Date	Friday, June 27, 2025

Location: SCI 162 ... Open Seats

Blair Szymczyna

A4 (LAB) Tues./Thurs. 1:30-5:30 pm Add & Drop Dates

Course Start Date	Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Last day to add	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop without "W" grade	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop with "W" grade	Thursday, June 12, 2025
Course End Date	Friday, June 27, 2025

Location: SCI 162 ... Open Seats

Blair Szymczyna

Biochemistry Lecture 1

CAS BB 423

Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASCH204 or CASCH212 or CASCH214) or equivalent. -Lecture-only biochemistry. Not acceptable for credit toward the chemistry major or minor (unless you have prior departmental approval). For students who do not require laboratory credit. 3 cr. Tuition: $2445

Summer 1 (May 20-June 27)

A1 (LEC) Mon./Tues./Wed./Thurs. 10 am-12 noon Add & Drop Dates

Course Start Date	Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Last day to add	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop without "W" grade	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop with "W" grade	Thursday, June 12, 2025
Course End Date	Friday, June 27, 2025

Location: PHO 206 ... Open Seats

Blair Szymczyna

Meets w/CAS BB 421 A1

Biology 1

CAS BI 107

For students who plan to major in the natural sciences or environmental science, and for premedical students. Required for Biology majors. No prerequisite. High school biology is assumed. The evolution and diversity of life; principles of ecology; behavioral biology. Students must register for two sections: lecture and laboratory. Carries natural science divisional credit (with lab) in CAS. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry I, Quantitative Reasoning I, Critical Thinking, Research and Information Literacy. 4 cr. Tuition: $3260; lab fee: $200; total charge: $3460

Summer 1 (May 20-June 27)

A1 (LEC) Tues./Wed./Thurs. 10 am-12:30 pm Add & Drop Dates

Course Start Date	Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Last day to add	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop without "W" grade	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop with "W" grade	Thursday, June 12, 2025
Course End Date	Friday, June 27, 2025

Location: PHO 211 ... Open Seats

Must register for Lec (A1) & Lab (A3)

A3 (LAB) Tues./Thurs. 1:30-4:30 pm

... Open Seats

Abigail Robinson

Summer 2 (June 30-August 8)

B1 (LEC) Mon./Tues./Wed. 10 am-12:30 pm Add & Drop Dates

Course Start Date	Monday, June 30, 2025
Last day to add	Monday, July 7, 2025
Last day to drop without "W" grade	Monday, July 7, 2025
Last day to drop with "W" grade	Thursday, July 24, 2025
Course End Date	Friday, August 8, 2025

Location: FLR 121 ... Open Seats

Must register for Lec (B1) & Lab (B2)

B2 (LAB) Mon./Wed. 1:30-4:30 pm

... Open Seats

Kari Lavalli

Biology 2

CAS BI 108

For students planning to major in the natural sciences and for premedical students. Required for Biology majors. It is strongly recommended students complete CAS CH 101 (or equivalent) before this course. High school biology is assumed. Cell and molecular biology, Mendelian & molecular genetics, physiology, and neurobiology. Students must register for two sections: lecture and laboratory. Carries natural science divisional credit (with lab) in CAS. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry II, Quantitative Reasoning II, Critical Thinking, Teamwork/Collaboration. 4 cr. Tuition: $3260; lab fee: $200; total charge: $3460

Summer 1 (May 20-June 27)

A1 (LEC) Mon./Tues./Wed. 10 am-12:30 pm Add & Drop Dates

Course Start Date	Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Last day to add	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop without "W" grade	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop with "W" grade	Thursday, June 12, 2025
Course End Date	Friday, June 27, 2025

Location: CAS B20 ... Open Seats

Must register for Lec (A1) & Lab (A2)

A2 (LAB) Mon./Wed. 1:30-4:30 pm

... Open Seats

Sarah Klionsky

Summer 2 (June 30-August 8)

B1 (LEC) Tues./Wed./Thurs. 10 am-12:30 pm Add & Drop Dates

Course Start Date	Monday, June 30, 2025
Last day to add	Monday, July 7, 2025
Last day to drop without "W" grade	Monday, July 7, 2025
Last day to drop with "W" grade	Thursday, July 24, 2025
Course End Date	Friday, August 8, 2025

Location: PHO 202 ... Open Seats

Must register for Lec (B1) & Lab (B2)

B2 (LAB) Tues./Thurs. 1:30-4:30 pm

... Open Seats

Michaelyn Hartmann

Human Infectious Diseases

CAS BI 114

A study of the world's major human diseases: their causes, effects on history, pathology, and cures. Principles of immunology. Emphasis on present maladies such as AIDS, herpes, cancer, mononucleosis, tuberculosis, influenza, and hepatitis. This course is appropriate for non-majors and students in the health and paramedical sciences (Sargent College). Not for Biology or BMB major or minor credit. Students must register for two sections: lecture and laboratory. Carries natural science divisional credit (with lab) in CAS. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry I, Quantitative Reasoning II, Critical Thinking. 4 cr. Tuition: $3260; lab fee: $200; total charge: $3460

Summer 2 (June 30-August 8)

B1 (LEC) Mon./Tues./Thurs. 9:30 am-12 noon Add & Drop Dates

Course Start Date	Monday, June 30, 2025
Last day to add	Monday, July 7, 2025
Last day to drop without "W" grade	Monday, July 7, 2025
Last day to drop with "W" grade	Thursday, July 24, 2025
Course End Date	Friday, August 8, 2025

Location: BRB 121 ... Open Seats

Must register for Lec (B1) & Lab (B2). Not for Biology or BMB major or minor credit

B2 (LAB) Tues./Thurs. 1-4 pm

... Open Seats

Leslie Blair

Cell Biology

CAS BI 203

Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CAS BI 108 or CAS NE 102) and ((CAS CH 102) or equivalent). Corequisites : (CAS CH 203) or equivalent. Principles of cellular organization and function: biological molecules, flow of genetic information, membranes and subcellular organelles, and cell regulation. Students may receive credit for CAS BI 203 or CAS BI 213, but not both courses. Students must register for two sections: lecture and discussion. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry I, Quantitative Reasoning I, Critical Thinking. 4 cr. Tuition: $3260

Summer 1 (May 20-June 27)

A1 (LEC) Tues./Wed./Thurs. 9-11:30 am Add & Drop Dates

Course Start Date	Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Last day to add	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop without "W" grade	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop with "W" grade	Thursday, June 12, 2025
Course End Date	Friday, June 27, 2025

Location: BRB 122 ... Open Seats

Must register for Lec (A1) & Dis (A2)

A2 (DIS) Tues./Wed. 11:30 am-12:30 pm

... Open Seats

Uwe Beffert

Summer 2 (June 30-August 8)

B1 (LEC) Tues./Wed./Thurs. 9:30 am-12 noon Add & Drop Dates

Course Start Date	Monday, June 30, 2025
Last day to add	Monday, July 7, 2025
Last day to drop without "W" grade	Monday, July 7, 2025
Last day to drop with "W" grade	Thursday, July 24, 2025
Course End Date	Friday, August 8, 2025

Location: SCI 115 ... Open Seats

Must register for Lec (B1) & Dis (B2)

B2 (DIS) Tues./Wed. 12 noon-1 pm

... Open Seats

Francisco Naya

Genetics

CAS BI 206

Prerequisites: CASBI 108 or equivalent. Corequisite: CASCH 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. Students may receive credit for CASBI 206 or 216, but not both courses. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Historical Consciousness, Quantitative Reasoning II, Critical Thinking. 4 cr. Tuition: $3260

Summer 2 (June 30-August 8)

B1 (LEC) Mon./Tues./Thurs. 9-11:30 am Add & Drop Dates

Course Start Date	Monday, June 30, 2025
Last day to add	Monday, July 7, 2025
Last day to drop without "W" grade	Monday, July 7, 2025
Last day to drop with "W" grade	Thursday, July 24, 2025
Course End Date	Friday, August 8, 2025

Location: CAS 203 ... Open Seats

Must register for Lec (B1) & Dis (B2)

B2 (DIS) Mon./Thurs. 11:30 am-12:30 pm

... Open Seats

Jessica Stering

Human Anatomy

CAS BI 210

Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASBI105) or equivalent. - Intensive preprofessional course for students whose programs require anatomy. Not for Biology or BMB major or minor credit. Gross structure of the human body; skeletal, muscular, nervous, respiratory, circulatory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Carries natural science divisional credit (with lab) in CAS. Cannot be taken for credit in addition to the course with the same title formerly numbered CAS BI 106. Students must register for two sections: lecture and laboratory. Effective Spring 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry I, Digital/Multimedia Expression, Creativity/Innovation. 4 cr. Tuition: $3260; lab fee: $200; total charge: $3460

Summer 1 (May 20-June 27)

A1 (LEC) Mon./Tues./Thurs. 10:30 am-1 pm Add & Drop Dates

Course Start Date	Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Last day to add	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop without "W" grade	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop with "W" grade	Thursday, June 12, 2025
Course End Date	Friday, June 27, 2025

Location: BRB 121 ... Open Seats

Must register for Lec (A1) & Lab (A2). Not for Biology or BMB major or minor credit

A2 (LAB) Mon./Thurs. 2-4 pm

... Open Seats

Charles Kieswetter

Human Physiology

CAS BI 211

Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASBI105 OR CASBI108) & (CASBI106 OR CASBI210); or equivalent. First Year Writing Seminar (e.g., WR 100 or WR 120) or equivalent - Some knowledge of chemistry and anatomy assumed. Intended mainly for students in health sciences. Not for Biology or BMB major or minor credit; Biology majors/minors should take CAS BI 315. Introduction to principles of systemic mammalian physiology with special reference to humans. Students must register for two sections: lecture and laboratory. 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. 4 cr. Tuition: $3260; lab fee: $200; total charge: $3460

Summer 2 (June 30-August 8)

B1 (LEC) Mon./Wed./Thurs. 9-11:30 am Add & Drop Dates

Course Start Date	Monday, June 30, 2025
Last day to add	Monday, July 7, 2025
Last day to drop without "W" grade	Monday, July 7, 2025
Last day to drop with "W" grade	Thursday, July 24, 2025
Course End Date	Friday, August 8, 2025

Location: HAR 211 ... Open Seats

Must register for Lec (B1) & Lab (B2). Not for Biology or BMB major or minor credit

B2 (LAB) Mon./Wed. 1-4 pm

... Open Seats

Angela Seliga

Marine Biology

CAS BI 260

Undergraduate Prerequistes: (CAS BI 107) 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. Students must register for two sections: lecture and discussion. Effective Spring 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry I, Critical Thinking, Research and Information Literacy. 4 cr. Tuition: $3260

Summer 2 (June 30-August 8)

B1 (LEC) Mon./Wed./Fri. 9:30 am-12 noon Add & Drop Dates

Course Start Date	Monday, June 30, 2025
Last day to add	Monday, July 7, 2025
Last day to drop without "W" grade	Monday, July 7, 2025
Last day to drop with "W" grade	Thursday, July 24, 2025
Course End Date	Friday, August 8, 2025

Location: CAS 213 ... Open Seats

Must register for Lec (B1) & Dis (B2)

B2 (DIS) Mon./Wed. 12 noon-1 pm

... Open Seats

John Finnerty

General Microbiology

CAS BI 311

Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASBI203 & CASBI206) or consent of instructor. First Year Writing Seminar (e.g., WR 100 or WR 120) - Biology of bacteria and related microorganisms; morphology, physiology, genetics, ecology, and control. Brief introduction to pathogenicity and host reactions. Students must register for two sections: lecture and a laboratory. 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. 4 cr. Tuition: $3260; lab fee: $200; total charge: $3460

Summer 1 (May 20-June 27)

A1 (LEC) Mon./Tues./Thurs. 11:30 am-2 pm Add & Drop Dates

Course Start Date	Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Last day to add	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop without "W" grade	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop with "W" grade	Thursday, June 12, 2025
Course End Date	Friday, June 27, 2025

Location: CAS 326 ... Open Seats

Must register for Lec (A1) & a Lab (A2 or A3)

A2 (LAB) Mon./Tues./Thurs. 9-11 am

... Open Seats

A3 (LAB) Mon./Tues./Thurs. 2:30-4:30 pm

... Open Seats

Qasim Beg

Systems Physiology

CAS BI 315

Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASBI108 OR ENGBE209) , and CASCH101 and CASCH102, or equivalent. First Year Writing Seminar (e.g., WR 100 or WR 120) - Prereq: ((CAS BI 108 or ENG BE 209) and (CAS CH 101) and (CAS CH 102) or equivalent) and First-Year Writing Seminar (e.g., CAS WR 100 or CAS 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. Students must register for two sections: lecture and a laboratory. 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. 4 cr. Tuition: $3260; lab fee: $200; total charge: $3460

Summer 1 (May 20-June 27)

A1 (LEC) Mon./Tues./Thurs. 1:30-4 pm Add & Drop Dates

Course Start Date	Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Last day to add	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop without "W" grade	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop with "W" grade	Thursday, June 12, 2025
Course End Date	Friday, June 27, 2025

Location: PHO 211 ... Open Seats

Must register for Lec (A1) & Lab (A2 , A3, or A4)

A2 (LAB) Mon./Wed. 9 am-12 noon

... Open Seats

A4 (LAB) Tues./Thurs. 9 am-12 noon

... Open Seats

Mario Muscedere

Neurotoxins in Biology, Medicine, Agriculture and War

CAS BI 349

Undergraduate Prerequisites: BI108 or NE102 or equivalent - Neurotoxins used as a lens to study the consequences of venom on mammalian physiological systems; potential clinical applications of neurotoxins; neurotoxins at cellular and molecular levels; mechanisms and possible impacts of neurotoxic pesticides; and physiological effects of neurotoxic chemical weapons. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Quantitative Reasoning I, Critical Thinking. 4 cr. Tuition: $3260

Summer 2 (June 30-August 8)

B1 (LEC) Tues./Wed./Thurs. 9-11:30 am Add & Drop Dates

Course Start Date	Monday, June 30, 2025
Last day to add	Monday, July 7, 2025
Last day to drop without "W" grade	Monday, July 7, 2025
Last day to drop with "W" grade	Thursday, July 24, 2025
Course End Date	Friday, August 8, 2025

Location: CAS B06A ... Open Seats

Must register for Lec (B1) & Dis (B2)

B2 (DIS) Tues./Thurs. 11:30 am-12:30 pm

... Open Seats

Jen-Wei Lin

Animal Behavior

CAS BI 407

Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASBI107) or equivalent. - Ethological approach to animal behavior; physiological, ontogenic, and phylogenic causes; and adaptive significance of behavior examined within an evolutionary framework, minimally including humans. Students must register for two sections: lecture and laboratory. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Ethical Reasoning, Philosophical Inquiry and Life's Meanings, Research and Information Literacy. 4 cr. Tuition: $3260; lab fee: $200; total charge: $3460

Summer 2 (June 30-August 8)

B1 (LEC) Tues./Wed./Thurs. 10 am-12:30 pm Add & Drop Dates

Course Start Date	Monday, June 30, 2025
Last day to add	Monday, July 7, 2025
Last day to drop without "W" grade	Monday, July 7, 2025
Last day to drop with "W" grade	Thursday, July 24, 2025
Course End Date	Friday, August 8, 2025

Location: LSE B01 ... Open Seats

Must register for Lec (B1) & Lab (B2). Meets w/CAS BI 607

B2 (LAB) Tues./Thurs. 1-4 pm

... Open Seats

Charles Kieswetter

Biology of Stem Cells

CAS BI 551

Undergraduate Prerequistes: (CAS BI 203 or CAS BI 206) or consent of instructor. 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. Students must register for two sections: lecture and discussion. 4 cr. Tuition: $3260

Summer 1 (May 20-June 27)

A1 (LEC) Tues./Wed./Thurs. 2-4:30 pm Add & Drop Dates

Course Start Date	Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Last day to add	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop without "W" grade	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop with "W" grade	Thursday, June 12, 2025
Course End Date	Friday, June 27, 2025

Location: BRB 122 ... Open Seats

Must register for Lec (A1) & Dis (A2)

A2 (DIS) Tues./Thurs. 4:30-5:30 pm

... Open Seats

Horacio Frydman

Drug Discovery in Neuroscience

CAS BI 556

Undergraduate Prerequisites: CAS NE 102/116, NE 333, CH 203. The process of drug discovery is complex especially when a drug is intended to treat a neurological disease. This discussion-heavy course examines the specific challenges of modern neuroscience drug discovery, including: target selection, pharmacodynamics, animal models, and clinical trials. Effective Fall 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Digital/Multimedia Expression, Scientific Inquiry II, Creativity/Innovation. 4 cr. Tuition: $3260

Summer 1 (May 20-June 27)

A1 (IND) Tues./Wed./Thurs. 1-3:30 pm Add & Drop Dates

Course Start Date	Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Last day to add	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop without "W" grade	Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Last day to drop with "W" grade	Thursday, June 12, 2025
Course End Date	Friday, June 27, 2025

Location: SCI 115 ... Open Seats

Kristen Bushell

Meets w/CAS NE 556

Animal Behavior

CAS BI 607

Prereq: (CAS BI 107) or equivalent. Ethological approach to animal behavior; physiological, ontogenic, and phylogenic causes; and adaptive significance of behavior examined within an evolutionary framework, minimally including humans. Students must register for two sections: lecture and laboratory. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Ethical Reasoning, Philosophical Inquiry and Life's Meanings, Research and Information Literacy. 4 cr. Tuition: $8332

Summer 2 (June 30-August 8)

B1 (LEC) Arranged Add & Drop Dates

Course Start Date	Monday, June 30, 2025
Last day to add	Monday, July 7, 2025
Last day to drop without "W" grade	Monday, July 7, 2025
Last day to drop with "W" grade	Thursday, July 24, 2025
Course End Date	Friday, August 8, 2025

... Open Seats

Must register for Lec (B1) & Lab (B2). Mts w/CAS BI 407

B2 (LAB) Tues./Thurs. 1-4 pm

... Open Seats

Charles Kieswetter

Marine Science