BIOLOGY COURSES, 1998-1999

• Courses for Nonmajors
• Courses Designed for Biology Majors

Note: Listed here are courses as scheduled for the coming two years. Faculty responsibilities may change during this period. To help you make informed selections, courses are indicated as small (<20), medium (20-60), or large (>60) based on recent past enrollment. The semester in which a course is normally offered is indicated. If the year is specified, the course is being planned for the semester indicated, but it is uncertain when that course will be offered again. Otherwise, courses are offered every year or every other year as specified.

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Courses for Nonmajors

Note: These courses do not count toward the biology major; they are not intended for students who are majoring in biology or planning to enter health fields, with the possible exception of Bio 346A.

Bio 100A. An Introduction to Biology (fall)

A one-semester introduction to the principles of biology, in the context of current public concerns. Not intended for students expecting to major in biology or planning to enter health fields. A student may not receive credit for both Bio 100A and 303A. Large class. Credit 3 units. G. Johnson

 

Bio 109A. Biology of Dinosaurs (spring, not offered 1999)

Course uses the general topic of dinosaurs to provide a framework within which broad issues in biology, including evolution, physiology, and anatomy, can be discussed and explored. Large class. Credit 3 units. G. Johnson

 

Bio 303A. Human Biology (fall-even years)

Introduction to basic principles of biology that are relevant to humans: biochemistry, cell biology, evolution, and genetics. For non-science majors. Prerequisite: sophomore standing, or permission of instructor. A student may not receive credit for both Bio 303A and Bio 100A, 296A, or 297A. Large class. Credit 3 units. S. Braude

 

Bio 317A. Conservation Biology (spring-even years)

Same as Environmental Studies 317A

An introduction to the application of biological principles to conservation. Prerequisite: junior standing. Two lectures a week, discussion sessions, and Saturday field trips. Medium-size class Credit 3 units. S. Braude

 

Bio 343A. Plants, Environment, and Civilization (spring-odd years)

An introduction to plants: environmental issues, agriculture, food and fiber, including discussion of plant bioengineering. Prerequisite: junior standing or permission of the instructor. Medium-size class. Credit 3 units. B. Pickard

 

Bio 346A. The Darwinian Revolution (fall)

The background, early formation, development, and later growth of Darwinian theory from 1750 to the present. Small class. Credit 3 units. G. Allen

Courses Designed for Biology Majors

Bio 111. Darwin and Evolutionary Controversies Past and Present (fall, not offered 1999)

Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection has been understood, misunderstood, and misrepresented from Darwin's day to the present. This seminar-style course focuses on reading Darwin's own works, as well as those of his critics and followers in subsequent generations. Examines the extension of Darwin's ideas to human society in the form of "social Darwinism" and "evolutionary ethics." Primary sources. For freshmen only. Prequisite: high school biology, preferably an AP class. Small class. Credit 3 units. A. Larson

Bio 112. Introduction to Problem-Based Learning in Biology (fall)

Groups of 6 students all take responsibility for their own active learning in their team with guidance from an instructor; diverse problems in the life sciences will be examined. For freshmen only. Prequisite: high school biology, preferably an AP class. Small groups. Credit 3 units. C. Rovainen (Cell Biology and Physiology, WUMS) and staff

 

Bio 177. Selected Topics in Biology (spring/fall)

Independent reading research. Prerequisites: permission of the sponsor with whom the student plans to work and the department. Credit/No Credit only. Credit variable, maximum 3 units. D. Kohl

 

Bio 181. Freshman Seminar in Biology (fall)

A lecture course intended for first-year students contemplating a major in biology. Each week active researchers describe the biological context of their research, the specific questions they have formulated, the means by which they pursue the answers, and their data and conclusions. Students are expected to attend all lectures. Additional optional activities (laboratory and field station visits) offered. Must be taken Credit/No Credit. Large class. Credit 1 unit. D. Kohl

 

Bio 200. Introduction to Research (spring/fall)

An introduction to laboratory and field research in biology for first- and second-year students. Students work under the supervision of a sponsor in a setting of established, ongoing research. Prerequisites: permission of sponsor and the department. Credit/No Credit only. Credit 3 units. D. Kohl

 

Bio 296A. Fundamentals of Biology I (spring)

Structure and function of proteins and nucleic acids; cell structure with an emphasis on the role of membranes; bioenergetics, including glycolysis, TCA cycle, and electron transport system; systems physiology with a special emphasis on human physiology. Prerequisite: Chem 111A. Corequisite: Chem 112A. Three hours of lecture and one discussion section a week. Large lecture and small section. Credit 4 units. P. Stein, G. Allen

 

Bio 297A. Fundamentals of Biology II (fall)

Molecular biology of the gene; biosynthesis of proteins and nucleic acids; microbial genetics. Prerequisite: Bio 296A and Chem 112A. Three hours of lecture and a 2-hr discussion/lab per week. Large lecture and small section. Credit 4 units. S. Elgin and H. Pakrasi

 

Bio 3041. Plant Biology and Genetic Engineering (fall)

A lecture course emphasizing the unique aspects of plants; special attention given to the use of genetic engineering in the study of plant developmental processes. Prerequisite: Bio 3051, or permission of instructor. Medium-size class. Credit 3 units. B. Kunkel

 

Bio 3051. Fundamentals of Biology III: Genetics (spring)

A broad overview of genetics, including Mendelian assortment, linkage, chromosomal aberrations, variations in chromosome number, mutation, developmental genetics, quantitative genetics, population genetics, mechanisms of evolution, and phylogenetics. Three lectures and one laboratory period a week. Does not count toward the laboratory requirement of the biology major. Students must sign up for a lab during preregistration. Prerequisite: Bio 297A, or permission of instructor. Large class and small lab sections. Credit 4 units. I. Duncan and B. Schaal

 

Bio 307A. Human Variation (spring)

Same as L48 Anthro 307A.

A survey of human biological diversity, considering its adaptive and taxonomic significance from the perspective of origins and distribution of traits and adaptation. Does not count toward upper-division credits required for the major. Medium-size class Credit 3 units. E. Trinkaus (Dept. of Anthropology)

Bio 308. Plant Evolution and Diversity (spring-odd years)

The survival of plants in different habitats is examined in relation to phylogeny and classification. Provides one unit toward the laboratory requirement of the biology major. Prerequisite: Bio 297A. Three class hours and one laboratory a week; field trips. Small class. Credit 4 units. W. Lewis

 

Bio 3091. Plant Form and Function (spring-even years)

A developmental approach to the physiology and cell biology of higher plants. Provides one unit of laboratory credit toward the laboratory requirement of the biology major. Prerequisite: Bio 297A. Concurrent enrollment in or completion of Chem 251 recommended. Three class hours and one laboratory period a week. Small class. Credit 4 units. B. Pickard

 

Bio 311. Vertebrate Structure (fall)

A functional and comparative approach to the gross and microscopic anatomy of the vertebrates. Fulfills the laboratory requirement of the biology major. Prerequisites: Bio 297A and permission of the department. Two lectures and two laboratories a week. Large class. Credit 4 units. M. Krukowski

 

Bio 312. Vertebrate Development (spring)

Laboratory sessions concentrate on descriptive and comparative studies of development of vertebrate embryos; lectures focus on experimental analysis of underlying mechanisms of development. Fulfills the laboratory requirement of the major. Prerequisite: Bio 3051. Two lectures and two laboratories a week. Small class. Credit 4 units. D. Kirk

 

Bio 3151. Endocrinology (spring)

An overview of mammalian endocrine systems with an emphasis on human physiology and development. Prerequisite: Bio 297A. Medium-size class. Credit 3 units. P. Osdoby

 

Bio 3191. Molecular Mechanisms in Development (fall)

Current experimental approaches to problems in early embryonic development; emphasis on molecular, genetic and cell biological studies of a variety of model systems. Lectures and in-depth discussion of current literature. Prerequisite: Bio 3051, or permission of instructor. Small class. Credit 3 units. K. Miller

 

Bio 3261. Medical Plants (spring-even years)

Assuming an interface among botany, medicine, anthropology, and pharmacology, this course is designed to define the impact that plants with remedial, harmful, or psychoactive properties have on the health of humans. Prerequisite: Bio 296A or equivalent. Large class. Credit 3 units. W. Lewis.

 

Bio 328. Introductory Human Physiology (spring)

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the function, regulation, and integration of the major organ systems of the body. Course content will include basic cellular function, control of neural and hormonal homeostatic mechanisms, and study of the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, urinary, musculoskeletal, nervous, endocrine, and reproductive organ systems. Prerequisite: Bio 296A. Large class. Credit 3 units. R. Clark (Physical Therapy Program) See also M02 PhysTher 322, Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab, designed to accompany or follow Bio 328.

Bio 334. Introduction to Cell Biology (spring)

Eukaryotic cell structure and function viewed from the perspective of modern cell biology. Prerequisite: Bio 297A; junior standing recommended. Large class. Credit 3 units. U. Goodenough

 

Bio 3411. An Introduction to the Nervous System (fall)

Same as Psychology 344

The basic anatomical, physiological, and chemical organization of the nervous system; how nerve cells communicate with each other, the ionic basis of nerve signals, the function and properties of chemical agents in the nervous system, the development of neural circuitry, and how neurons interact to produce behavior. Prerequisite: Bio 296A; or Psych 340 and permission of instructor. Large class. Credit 3 units. L. Salkoff and staff

 

Bio 3421. Introduction to Neuroethology (spring)

Same as Psychology 343

The neural mechanisms of animal behavior involved in sensory processing (auditory, visual, cutaneous, olfactory, and electrical senses) and motor pattern generation (song, speech, locomotion, and eye coordination). Prerequisite: Bio 296A, or an introductory course in psychology and sophomore standing. Medium-size class. Credit 3 units. N. Suga

 

Bio 347. Darwin and Evolutionary Controversies: Biological and Social Debates (TBA)

Same as AMCS 347 and History 347

Focus is on a number of controversies in evolutionary biology from Darwin's day to the present. Most of the controversies deal with scientific issues such as Kelvin's estimates of age of the earth, Jenkins' argument against blending ingeritance, neutral variations, effects of isolation on the role of selection, mass extinction and "nemesis," but some deal with social issues such as evolutionary ethics and "scientific creationism." Emphasis in the readings is on primary sources, including Darwin's Origin of Species. Small class. Credit 3 units. G. Allen

 

Bio 349. Microbiology (spring)

Lectures covering the growth and regulation of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes and their viruses; emphasis on gene regulation, molecular biology, physiology, and growth. Prerequisites: Bio 296A and 3051; Chem 251 (may be taken concurrently). Medium-size class. Credit 3 units. R. Kranz

 

Bio 3491. Microbiology Laboratory (spring, intermittent)

Laboratory course covering standard techniques used in the growth and identification of bacteria. The genetic and biochemical activities of bacteria and the effects of environmental stresses are also covered. Prerequisite: Concurrent registration with Bio 349 required. Approximately 5 hours of laboratory per week. This course fulfills the laboratory requirement for the Biology major. Credit 2 units. Staff

 

Bio 3501. Evolution (spring)

A general survey of organic evolution covering both population genetic and phylogenetic perspectives. Prerequisite: Bio 3051 recommended. Large class. Credit 4 units. J. Losos

 

Bio 365. Experience in the Life Sciences

Provides an opportunity to earn credit for nonclassroom learning in the life sciences under the supervision of a mentor; appropriate work plans could include accompanying a physician on rounds or creating science education activities. Requires progress reports and a final paper. Does not count toward upper division credits required for the major. Credit: 1.5 units per semester, contingent on completion of two semesters. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Credit/No Credit only. D. Kohl

 

Bio 371. Behavioral Ecology of Desert Wildlife (summer)

An intensive field course offered at the SPNI field station in the Negev desert. The lecture portion of the course covers basic topics in behavioral ecology as well as the newest theoretical controversies. Daily field and lab exercises take advantage of the unique desert fauna and variety of adaptations to desert life. Some exercises will take advantage of Professor Zahavi's famous population of Arabian Babblers, which are marked and acclimated to humans. Prerequisite: Bio 296A and Bio 297A. Small class. Credit 4 units. S. Braude, A. Zahavi (Tel-Aviv University)

Bio 387, 388; 487, 488. Undergraduate Teaching (spring/fall)

Exceptional undergraduates serve as teaching assistants for laboratory and/or discussion sections in departmental courses. Students may elect to receive course credit instead of being paid. Normally 2 or 3 units are given a semester, subject to the approval of the instructor and the department. Credit may not be counted toward fulfilling the biology major; application form in Department of Biology office. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Credit/No Credit only. Credit 2 or 3 units.

 

Bio 4011. Comparative Vertebrate Physiology (fall)

Same as Environmental Studies 401

This lecture series is a comparative coverage of the integrated functional operation of the organ systems of vertebrates, exclusive of the nervous and endocrine systems. Prerequisite: Bio 297A. Medium-size class. Credit 3 units. R. Coles

 

Bio 4021. Biochemistry of Plants (spring,)

A lecture course for advanced undergraduate students interested in either biochemistry or plant biology. Emphasis will be placed on processes unique to plants and photosynthetic microorganisms and interactions of these organisms with the environment. Topics covered will include photosynthesis, nitrogen metabolism, mineral nutrition, actions of hormones, lipid metabolism and secondary metabolism. In addition, lab demonstrations and computer exercises on the use of macromolecular databases and visualization of molecular interactions will be offered. Prerequite: Bio 3051 or permission of the instructors. Small class. Credit 3 units. D. Ho

 

Bio 404. Laboratory of Neurophysiology (fall-even years)

Neural activity electrophysiologically studied to learn how experiments in neurophysiology are actually performed. Prerequisites: Bio 3411 or 3421 or Psych 4411, and permission of instructor. One eight-hour lab period a week. Small class. Credit 3 units. N. Suga

 

 

Bio 4081 Evolutionary Human Anatomy (spring)

Same as L48 Anthro 4081.

A review of anatomical changes that have occurred through the last 5 million years of human history. Does not count toward upper-division credits required for the major. New class (Spring 1998). Prerequisite: Anthro 150A or Bio 3051 or permission of instructor. Credit 3 units. G. Conroy (Anatomy and Neurobiology, WUMS)

Bio 4181. Population Genetics (spring)

Introduction to the basic principles of population and ecological genetics; mechanisms of microevolutionary processes; integrated ecological and genetic approach to study the adaptive nature of the evolutionary process. Prerequisite: Bio 3051. Medium-size class. Credit 3 units. A. Templeton

 

Bio 4182. Macroevolution (spring-even years)

An advanced introduction to the study of macroevolutionary patterns and processes with emphasis on the systematic methodology employed. Topics: theories of classification, phylogenetic reconstruction, testing of historical hypotheses, hierarchy theory, adaptation, extinction, speciation, developmental mechanisms of organismal evolution, biogeography. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Small class. Credit 3 units. A. Larson

 

Bio 4183. Molecular Evolution (fall, even years)

A rigorous introduction to the study of evolution at the molecular level, focusing on intraspecific molecular evolution, including the origin, amount, distribution, and significance of genetic variation at the molecular level, and interspecific molecular evolution, including the use of molecular data in systematics, and in testing macroevolutionary hypotheses. Prerequisite: Bio 3051, or permission of instructor. Medium-size class. A. Templeton and A. Larson

 

Bio 419. Ecology (fall)

Same as Environmental Studies 419 A survey of ecological principles underlying the spatial and temporal distribution of populations and biological communities. Prerequisite: Bio 3051. Large class. Credit 3 units. S. Braude

Bio 4202. Evolutionary Genetics (fall 1999)

Same as L48 Anthro 4202. This course examines the principles of evolutionary genetics as applied to complex characters such as morphology, behavior, life history, and disease. Mathematical models of quantitative inheritance and evolution are discussed. Special topics include kin selection, sexual dimorphism, and conservation genetics. Prerequisite: Anthro 150A or Bio 3051. Credit 3 units. Small class. J. Cheverud (Anatomy and Neurobiology, WUMS)

Bio 422. Applied Biostatistics (spring 1999)

Introduction to applied statistics, with emphasis on biological applications. Topics covered include hypothesis testing, regression, analysis of variance and covariance, experimental design and nonparametric methods. Limited discussion of multivariate techniques. Prerequisite: proficiency with computers; Math 132 and Bio 3051, and permission of instructor. Small class. Credit 3 units. A. Templeton

Bio 424. Immunology (fall)

The basic molecular and cellular aspects of the vertebrate immune system, emphasizing specificity of immune reactions, structural and genetic bases of diversity, cellular mechanisms in antigen recognition, and effector mechanisms in immunity. Prerequisites: Bio 297A or permission of instructor and Chem 252 (may be taken concurrently). Large class. Credit 3 units. . T.Woodford-Thomas (Pathology, WUMS)

 

Bio 427. Problem-Based Learning in the Biomedical Sciences (spring)

Groups of five to eight students are presented with medical case studies that are then researched and discussed under faculty guidance. Students take major responsibility for their own learning within their teams. Prerequisite: Bio 3051, some experience in molecular biology, and permission of instructor. Small discussion groups. Credit 3 units. C. Rovainen and staff

 

Bio 434. The Cell Nucleus (fall - replaces Bio 337 beginning Fall 1998)

Structure and function in the eukaryotic cell nucleus: organization of the genome, DNA structure, transcription, RNA processing, chromatin structure, control of gene expression. Prerequisites: Bio 3051, and Chem 251 (may be taken concurrently). Small class. Credit 3 units. E. Richards and J. Majors (Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, WUMS)

Bio 437. Laboratory on DNA Manipulation (fall; May)

Introduction to laboratory techniques for experimental manipulation of DNA molecules, including construction, isolation, and analysis of plasmids and bacteriophage, and DNA sequencing, a molecular cloning experiment or a similar experiment is performed as a class project. Fulfills the laboratory requirement of the biology major. Limit: 36 students. Prerequisites: Bio 297A and 3051, Chem 116, and permission of instructor. One hour of lecture and eight hours of laboratory a week. Class limited to 24 students. Credit 4 units. Staff

Bio 451. General Biochemistry (fall)

A study of structure-function relationships as applied to carbohydrates, proteins, lipids; intermediary metabolism of principal cellular components and general aspects of regulation. Prerequisites: Bio 296A, Chem 252 or equivalent, and permission of the department. Recommended for students who have achieved grades of B or better in Bio 296A and Chem 252. Lectures only. Large class. Credit 4 units. O. Chilson

Bio 4522. Laboratory in Protein Biochemistry (spring)

Project-oriented approaches to the structure and function of proteins. Hands-on experience with: determination and analysis of UV spectra of proteins, affinity chromatography, salt fractionation, PAGE (native and denatured), IEF, Western blotting, gel exclusion chromatography and spectrophotometric assays of enzymatic activity; isolation and characterization (structural and functional) of both enzymes and polyclonal antibodies; chemical modification; kinetic, electrophoretic and immunological characterization of tissue-specific isoenzymes; interspecies comparisons of structural and functional properties of homologous proteins; reversible denaturation; use of molecular graphics (Mage, Rasmol. Swiss-Pdb viewer) to analyze structural and functional relationships. Prerequisites: Bio 451, and Chem 252 or equivalent. Permission of instructor required. One hour discussion and eight hours of laboratory a week. Limit: 12 students. Credit 4 units. O. Chilson

 

Bio 493. Seminar in Advanced Biology (spring/fall)

In special cases credit may be given for individual study. Topics and credit must be arranged with a faculty sponsor and approved by the department. Credit to be determined. 1-3 units.

 

Bio 500. Independent Work (spring/fall)

Research under the supervision of a faculty sponsor. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing and permission of sponsor and the department (D. Kohl). Credit/No Credit only, credit to be determined in each case. If work is to be submitted for Honors, see Page 5, Honors in Biology. Arrangements for registration should be completed during the preregistration period, if at all possible. D. Kohl

 

Bio 5011. Ethics and Research (spring)

Exploration of ethical issues research scientists encounter on a daily basis; topics include student-mentor relationships, allegations of fraud, collaborator's rights and responsibilities, conflicts of interest and confidentiality, ethics, and the Human Genome Project. No prerequisites; open to undergraduates. Eight 90-minute sessions. Credit 1 unit. J.H. Steinbach

 

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