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)

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  • 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)

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  • 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)

    Abigail Robinson

    Summer 2 (June 30-August 8)

    Kari Lavalli

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  • 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)

    Sarah Klionsky

    Summer 2 (June 30-August 8)

    Michaelyn Hartmann

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  • 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)

    Leslie Blair

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  • 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)

    Uwe Beffert

    Summer 2 (June 30-August 8)

    Francisco Naya

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  • 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)

    Jessica Stering

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  • 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)

    Charles Kieswetter

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  • 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)

    Angela Seliga

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  • 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)

    John Finnerty

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  • 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)

    Qasim Beg

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  • 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)

    Mario Muscedere

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  • 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)

    Jen-Wei Lin

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  • 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)

    Charles Kieswetter

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  • 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)

    Horacio Frydman

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  • 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)

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  • 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)

    Charles Kieswetter

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  • Marine Science

    • Scientific Diving and Underwater Research Methods

      CAS MR 533

      Prerequisites: Minimum of open water scuba certification from an internationally recognized training agency (plus six additional logged dives within the last year), ability to pass the AAUS medical evaluation, and consent of instructor. At least one cold water dive prior to the start of the class is strongly recommended. Students will also be expected to pass an AAUS swim evaluation and pool checkout dive. Lecture and dive exercises include diving physics, diving physiology, dive planning, equipment, first aid, emergency response, and rescue. Students will also develop proficiency in underwater data collection and research methodologies by working collaboratively in small research groups to apply these skills in field-based research projects. BU will provide BCDs, regulators, compasses, and dive computers. Students must provide their own mask, fins, snorkel, booties, hood/hooded vest, and wetsuit adequate for New England conditions. Students are welcome to purchase this personal gear through BU¿s agreements with Aqualung, Apex, and Fourth Element. This course fulfills American Academy of Underwater Sciences scientific diver training requirements. Contact instructors emcnamee@bu.edu and kscavo@bu.edu for more information and to request permission to register. 4 cr. Tuition: $3260; lab fee: $500; total charge: $3760

      Summer 2 (June 30-August 8)

      Students must own mask, heel-strap fins, gloves, booties, wetsuit (7mm full suit with hood or hooded vest), and dive bag. Speak with instructor for advice on acquiring learning materials and other items. Students will be provided with BCD, regulator, gauges, tanks, and air fills for the duration of the course.

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