Course No. |
Course Title |
Description |
Ecosystem Conservation and Human Society |
An introduction to selected principles of the biological sciences, explored through current topics in biology. Areas of study include the organization of life, the scientific method, and understanding data. Biological and biomedical topics of contemporary interest to be discussed may include, but are not limited to, cancer, aging, stem cells, genetic engineering, genetic counseling, the genetic basis of human disease, personal genomics, and the human microbiome. Classes involve lectures and workshop-style cooperative learning, which requires students’ active participation. |
Ecosystem Conservation and Human Society |
As the natural resources on which human society depends are depleted, the need for sound conservation policies increases. The course examines a new approach in conservation biology that identifies and places economic value on the services that natural ecosystems provide. Such services are basic to sustainable societies and include clean water and air, waste decomposition, pollination and farm land productivity. Major themes the course covers include an overview of other approaches in conservation biology, a review of the services that ecosystems provide, ways the value of these services are determined, and how this novel approach is influencing economic and political policy at local, national, and international levels. |
Ethics & Science of Stem Cells |
Stem cell research is one of the most important and exciting fields of current biological research. But the use of stem cells created from human embryos raises a number of ethical issues, many of which are unique to stem cells. This course will explore some of those ethical issues, but to understand these issues, the course will also help students understand the science behind the research. |
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Principles of Biology I |
The first semester in a year long introductory course sequence: Topics include biochemistry, molecular and cellular evolution, cell reproduction, fundamentals of genetics and molecular biology. Both BIO 110 and BIO 112 are designed for majors and minors and prepare students for upper level biology courses. |
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Principles of Biology II |
The second semester of the introductory sequence designed for majors in biology. Topics include: Evolution (natural and sexual selection, population genetics, speciation, origin of life), Biodiversity, Physiology, Ecology (communities, ecosystems, biomes) and Conservation biology. |
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Introductory Biology Laboratory |
This is the lab course which accompanies the lecture course Principles of Biology II. The content of the course is drawn from the lecture material. Topics include plant and animal diversity, biology of protista, animal behavior, bioinformatics, and physiology. Emphasis is placed on problem solving, critical thinking and experimental design. |
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Perspectives in Biology I |
The first semester in a year long introductory course sequence: Topics include biochemistry, molecular and cellular evolution, cell reproduction, fundamentals of genetics and molecular biology. This course differs from BIO 110 in that material will be covered in greater depth and there will be greater emphasis on experimental approaches, data analysis and quantitative methods and will include additional readings of original research papers. Open only to freshman prospective majors or by permission of instructor. Both BIO 110 and BIO 112 are designed for majors and prepare students for upper level biology courses. BIO 112 is designed for first year students with a strong biology background (see prerequisites). |
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Perspectives in Biology II |
Second semester of a two-course introductory sequence for students with a strong background and interest in science. Topics include: evolution, organismal diversity, ecology, and functional biology. This course differs from BIO 111 in that there will be greater emphasis on experimental approaches, data analysis, and quantitative methods, and will include reading original papers. Note both BIO 111 and BIO 113 are designed to prepare students who intend to major in biology. Open only to freshman prospective majors or by permission of instructor. |
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Perspectives in Biology Lab |
This is the laboratory course which accompanies the lecture course Perspectives in Biology II. Course content is drawn from the lecture material and includes biological diversity, ecology, evolution, animal behavior, physiology and bioinformatics. Emphasis is placed on problem solving, critical thinking and experimental design. |
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Introduction to Biochemistry - Lab |
The course is designed to introduce sophomore biology majors to experimental approaches in biochemistry, including enzyme assays, protein analysis, and the use of antibodies. Students will also develop light microscopic skills, e.g. , using fluorescent dyes in organelle isolation. The laboratory emphasizes experimental design and data analysis and complements BIO 250, Biochemistry. This course can be used to satisfy a 1/2 laboratory requirement in the BA and other UPBM tracks. |
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Genetics and the Human Genome |
The course will cover the basics of Mendelian and molecular genetics with a focus on the structure, function and evolution of the human genome. Recommended for non-Biology majors, however this course will also satisfy the "Genetics" requirement for Biology majors (consult the UPBM web page: http://www.rochester.edu/College/BIO/UPBM/upbmmajmin). The optional companion lab for this course is BIO 198P.
A student cannot receive credit of both BIO 190 and BIO 198. |
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Principles of Genetics |
Methods of genetic analysis are stressed. Topics include: Mendelian assortment; gene interaction; linkage and mapping; methods of genetic analysis in yeast, bacteria and phage; DNA replication, recombination, repair and mutation; gene expression and its regulation; transposons and retroviruses; recombinant DNA technologies; cancer as a genetic disease. |
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Principles of Genetics Lab |
This course is an introduction to basic genetic theory and laboratory practices. Topics include classical inheritance in eukaryotes, bacterial genetics and molecular technology techniques. Emphasis is on data analysis and experimental design. |
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Lectures in Physiology |
Function of various mammalian systems with special emphasis on humans. Topics include: nervous, endocrine, respiratory, circulatory, metabolic, muscle, and renal systems; both individually and the integration of their functions. Students will attend lecture and take examinations with students in BIO 204, Mammalian Physiology, along with a mandatory one hour recitation per week. Laboratory exercises will not be conducted. |
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Molecular Biology |
This course deals with the molecular mechanisms of DNA replication, DNA repair, transcription, translation, and control of gene expression. We will also discuss cell cycle regulation, programmed cell death, molecular basis of cancer, and modern molecular biology techniques. Emphasis will be given to mammalian systems and molecular mechanisms of human diseases. |
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Mammalian Anatomy |
This course deals with the structural and systematic anatomy of animals with special emphasis on human beings. Laboratory includes the dissection of fresh and preserved tissue plus analysis of structures and systems. |
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Mammalian Physiology |
Function of various mammalian systems with special emphasis on humans. Topics include: excitable tissue; respiration; nutrition; reproduction; endocrinology; skeletal, circulatory and renal systems; homeostatic mechanisms. |
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Evolution |
Broad survey of evolutionary biology. History of evolutionary thought; mathematical theory of population and quantitive genetics; phylogenetics and molecular evolution; origin and history of life; sexual reproduction and sexual selection; cooperation and conflict; speciation; human evolution. Theory- and concept-oriented; not a survey of organismal diversity. |
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Eukaryotic Genomes |
This course will provide an overview of the origins of eukaryotic genomes and their huge variation in size, organization and the proliferation of seemingly functionless DNA. It will also discuss the remarkable complexity in the structure and regulation of eukaryotic genes and the processing of their transcripts. While predominately focused on molecular and genomics topics, the course will attempt to wed these areas to models of evolution. Thus the course will frequently return to Dobzhansky’s adage “Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution”. Most readings will be from the original literature. The course is intended for Juniors and Seniors. Two 75 minute lectures and one 50 minute discussion section per week. |
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Molecular Cell Biology |
An intermediate level course that covers fundamental cell processes at the molecular level. Topics include organelle structure and functions, membrane biogenesis, cytoskeleton, cell signaling, cell cycle growth and death. |
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Biostatistics |
This course will familiarize students with the essential statistical concepts necessary to evaluate primary literature in the biological sciences. Students will be introduced to the statistical program, R. Topics covered in the course will include: descriptive statistics and graphics, estimation, elementary probability theory, statistical distributions, hypothesis testing, goodness of fit tests, experimental design, correlation, analysis of variance and regression. Please note that, because of the significant overlap between them, students may earn degree credit for only one of the following courses: BIO214, CSP/PSI 211, STT211, STT212 and STT213. May only be used as an allied field elective, NOT a diversification elective for BIO majors. |
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Advanced Cell Biology |
An advanced course focusing on a mechanistic understanding of cellular organization and function. This course relies heavily on the primary research literature, classic and recent, and the design and interpretation of experiments, drawn from biochemistry, microscopy and genetics. Topics include the cytoskeleton, membrane traffic, cell-cell signaling and the cell cycle. Active participation in classroom discussions is an essential feature of the course. |
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Biology of Aging |
This course focuses on molecular mechanisms of aging. We will discuss popular theories of aging, model organisms used in aging research, evolution of aging, relation between aging and cancer, human progeroid syndromes, and interventions to slow aging. |
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Laboratory in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology |
This course emphasizes the development of testable questions and implementation of appropriate observations and experiments on a series of topics in ecology and evolution. Many of the mini-studies will be done in the field on non-model organisms native to New York. Students will gain experience on field and lab methods used in ecology and evolutionary biology (including relevant computer applications), critiquing published scientific studies, writing scientific reports, and presentation of scientific results. Open to BEB majors only. |
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Developmental Biology |
This course deals with the cellular and molecular aspects of animal development, with emphasis on processes and underlying mechanisms. Topics include embryonic cleavage, gastrulation, early development of model vertebrates and invertebrates, patterning of cell fates along embryonic axes of Drosophila and vertebrates, organogenesis and stem cells. |
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Eukaryotic Gene Regulation |
This advanced course examines mechanisms of transcription initiation, eukaryotic chromosome structure and its modifications, mechanisms of chromatin-mediated regulation of gene expression, as well as epigenetics and functional genomics. Lectures and readings draw heavily on primary literature both classic and most recent. |
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Environmental Animal Physiology |
This course is designed for sophomore biology majors who want to deepen their understanding of animal function by examining how animals cope with environmental challenges. This includes cellular and physiological adaptations to extremes of temperature, salinity, and altitude. This course can be used to satisfy an upper level elective/diversity requirement in all UPBM tracks and as a "group" A requirement in the BA track. |
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Introduction to Biochemistry |
Biochemistry 250 will cover fundamental aspects of biochemistry, including bioenergetics, protein structure, kinetic analysis of enzyme action, and general intermediary metabolism. The text will be the 6th edition of Lehninger's "Principles of Biochemistry" by Nelson and Cox, with its accompanying Web site, which includes access to CHIME tutorials that explore structure- function relationships in biomolecules. |
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Computational Biology |
An introduction to the history, theory, and practice of using computers to conduct biological research. Topics include the fundamentals of Linux-based computing and perl programming, accessing and storing biological data, alignment of molecular sequences, and computer-based analysis of data. |
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Human Anatomy |
Human Anatomy is the detailed study of the human organism at the cellular, tissue and organ systems levels. The relationship between structure and function is covered with emphasis on structural relationships. The course includes both lectures and laboratory sessions, an provides a basis for further professional and clinical experience. |
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Animal Behavior |
Examines animal behavior from an ecological and evolutionary perspective. Topics include social organization, mating systems, foraging, aggression, and animal learning. Students also learn quantitative techniques in behavioral biology. |
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Genetic Research A |
This 4-credit course is geared towards providing hands on experience in conducting genetic research, with a focus on the genetics of complex traits such as behavior, development, morphology and/or physiology. Genetics of complex traits is an exciting and rapidly growing field. You will gain experience in conducting research in a laboratory environment using the insect Nasonia vitripennis and its sibling species (see link information below). In the first portion of the course you will choose a trait to study and develop methods to quantify differences in the trait between the species. You will then conduct experiments to study the genetic basis of the species differences. The skills you will develop include experimental design, genetic crossing, data analysis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), animal husbandry, research record keeping, basic bioinformatic (blast searching a database) and genomic methods, and research presentation. You have the option of continuing with your project in BIO 262. The following link gives some more information on Nasonia: http://www.rochester.edu/College/BIO/labs/WerrenLab/WerrenLab-NasoniaResearch.html |
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Genetic Research B |
This 4-credit course is geared towards providing hands on experience in conducting genetic research, providing students the opportunity to learn important skills in the rapidly expanding area of bioinformatics. The program aims to make students proficient in the use of the many biological databases and bioinformatic resources available at the National Center for Bioinformatics (NCBI). A basic scripting component will introduce students to simple but powerful tools for both sequence and file manipulation. Opportunities will also exist for the students to experimentally test bioinformatic based predictions using standard molecular biology and genetic techniques. For further information please contact Dr. Dave Wheeler dwheele9@z.rochester.edu. You will need to fill out a questionnaire to apply for enrollment in the course. |
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Ecology |
This course examines ecology at the levels of individuals, populations, communities, ecosystems, and biomes. Topics include physiological and behavioral ecology, dynamics of natural populations, interactions between species, and the impact of global change on ecological patterns and processes. This course is intended for juniors and seniors. |
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Molecular Evolution |
This course explores evolution at the molecular level. We will use basic evolutionary principles to infer history from DNA sequences; to determine what forces have shaped the evolution of genes and genomes; to understand the relationship between molecular evolution and phenotypic evolution; and to address applied problems, like assigning biological function to genome sequences, finding the sources of epidemics, and finding the genes involved in human disease. |
Tree of Life |
This course will be centered around a survey of life's diversity with an emphasis on understanding phylogenetic relationships, trends in diversity over macroevolutionary time, and the use of comparative methods to address topics such as adaptation and convergent evolution. Methods for reconstructing phylogenetic trees (e.g., neighbor-joining, parsimony, maximum likelihood, Bayesian), and the application of these trees to macroevolutionary questions will be reviewed. |
Laboratory in Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology |
This course is designed to provide (1) introduction to model organisms (2) training in specific methods used in molecular, cell and developmental biology research, with emphasis on data acquisition and analysis (3) experience in the design and execution of experiments, reading and writing scientific reports, and public scientific presentation. |
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Writing in Ecology and Evolution |
Students will research, write, and extensively revise a literature-based paper on a topic in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Weekly workshops will provide guidance on choosing a good topic, finding and reading papers in the primary literature, and writing and revising the paper.
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Topics in Drug Development |
Americans today live longer and healthier lives than they did fifty years ago. Many of these health advances have been due to the discovery and development of therapeutic compounds (drugs). Despite these gains, there are still many health problems for which there are few therapeutic options. Thus, the development of new drugs to treat these diseases is the focus of intense effort. We will explore drug development approaches, including evaluation of natural products, screening compound libraries, and rational drug design. Students will choose a topic, write short pieces that serve as building blocks for the final 10-15 page review article, and revise this paper at least once. |
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Developing a Professional Biology Writing Portfolio |
To develop a fulfilling career in the biological sciences, students will need to clearly and compellingly present information about their skills and goals to multiple audiences with different expectations. In this class, students will articulate their goals and identify the most effective ways to present information for different audiences and purposes. Through writing, discussion about writing, and revising in response to feedback from peers, instructors, and alumni, students will be guided through the process of developing a portfolio of materials suitable for their post-graduate goals. The class will meet every other week throughout the semester, and can be used to fulfill one of the two required upper-level writing experiences in biology. Non-biology majors require permission of the instructor. |
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Writing Biological Reviews |
This course is extensively supported by Dr. Katherine Schaefer of the College Writing Program. In this class, students will be guided through the process of writing a 10-15 page Biology review article for a science audience. The writing process will be divided into several steps, including pre-planning, identifying the interesting scientific “story,” outlining, presenting ideas orally for multi-person feedback, writing and revision. Students will complete several pre-writing exercises and an oral presentation, and revise in response to at least two different reviewers’ comments. |
