Biology Courses

Program | Faculty | Master's | Doctoral | Courses

All courses carry 3 credits unless otherwise specified.

504 Plant Morphology

With lab. Origin, early evolution, classification of plant life. General introduction to plant kingdom, major features of plant morphology. Survey of major groups of fossil and living plants. Dissection of living plants. Study of microscope slides and plant fossils. Prerequisite: introductory course in biology. Credit, 4. Mr. Walker

510 Plant Physiology

Presentation of principles needed to appreciate the physiological mechanisms unique to plants. General areas include components and functions of cell structures and mechanisms of development. Examples from recent literature consider genetic engineering, sensory processes, and protection from biotic and abiotic stresses. Prerequisite: Biol 100-101 or Biol 103. Mr. Rubinstein

511 Experimental Plant Physiology

With lab. Presentation of principles needed to appreciate the physiological mechanisms unique to plants. General areas include components and functions of cell structures and mechanisms of development. Examples from recent literature consider genetic engineering, sensory processes, and protection from biotic and abiotic stresses. Laboratory exercises provide a basis for designing and interpreting experiments. Prerequisite: Biol 100-101 or Biol 103. Credit, 4. Mr. Rubinstein

521 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy

With lab. Detailed approach to the structure and evolutionary relationships of vertebrates. Evolutionary and functional significance of structures in different groups. Lab involves evolutionary trends and specializations, experience in dissection. Prerequisite: Biol 102, or Biol 100-101. Credit, 4. Mr. Bemis, Ms. Coombs, Ms. Brainerd

522 Vertebrate Fossils and Evolution

Introduction to vertebrate history emphasizing fossil forms. Topics include: skeletal morphology and evolution, modes of life of extinct animals such as dinosaurs, faunal change over time, and relationships among the various groups of vertebrates. Lectures and lab at Amherst College Pratt Museum, with study of display and other fossil specimens. Prerequisite: introductory course in a biological science, geology, or physical anthropology. Credit, 4. Ms. Coombs

523 Histology

With lab. The relation of cell, tissue, and organ microscopic structure to function. Discussion of major tissue types: epithelia, nerve, muscle and connective tissue. Lab includes light microscopic identification of various tissues and organ systems (primarily mammalian) and related electron micrographs. Prerequisite: Biol 102 or Biol 100-101. Ms. Budnik, Ms. Connor, Ms. Wadsworth, Mr. Woodcock

524 Coastal Plant Ecology

Plants and processes that characterize the coastal zone (estuaries, salt marshes, maritime forests, grasslands, dune strand and beaches) including interaction of plants with geological factors. Human impact and planning also emphasized. Informal field trips to the coast. Prerequisites: Biol 103 or 104 or 100, Biol 221, or 297B or 421 (oceanography recommended); or consent of instructor. Mr. Godfrey

526 Plant Geography

Principles of plant distribution, basic characteristics, and literature on vegetation of North America, with an overview of world vegetation. History of plant geography, mechanisms of plant dispersal, and development of plant communities in time and space. Emphasis on vegetation of New England. Prerequisites: Biol 103 or 104 or Biol 100, and Biol 221, or 297B or 421, or consent of instructor. Mr. Godfrey

528 Principles of Evolution

Sources, fates, and importance of genetic variation; how these are influenced by the environment and how such information is gained. Organisms from each of the five kingdoms considered. Approach not mathematical, but knowledge of genetics required. Mr. Byers

530 Biology of Invertebrates

With labs. Field trips. Survey of structural and functional diversity, phylogeny, classification, ecology, and development of the invertebrate phyla and "lower chordates." Prerequisite: introductory biology. Credit, 5. Mr. Smith

534 Biological Limnology

With lab, field trips. The ecology of lakes and ponds with emphasis on primary productivity, eutrophication, relationships between environmental conditions and lake biota, and the role of competition and predation in determining the structure and succession of lake communities. Labs emphasize field techniques, identification of flora and invertebrate fauna, and analyses of plankton. Prerequisite: semester of biological science with lab. Credit, 4. Mr. Ludlam

535 Limnology

With lab, field trips. Chemistry and physics of lakes and ponds stressing stratification, water quality, and interactions between lakes, their sediments, watersheds, and the atmosphere. Laboratories emphasize field techniques, introduce lake models, chemical analysis of fresh water, mapping, and other techniques. Prerequisites: semester of biological science and Chem 112. Field trips. Enrollment limited. Mr. Ludlam

537 Ecology

With lab, field trips. A broad survey of modern ecology from the evolution of the biosphere and the principles of ecosystems (including energy-flow and nutrient cycles) through features of terrestrial and aquatic habitats to the ecology of populations and population interactions (especially competition and predation) and patterns of biotic communities. Prerequisite: a life science course beyond the introductory level. Mr. Edwards

540 Herpetology

Synopsis of the anatomy, evolution, systematics, and behavior of major living lineages of amphibians and reptiles; special attention to the New England herpeto-fauna. Lab: diversity, morphology and behavior; some dissecting required. Prerequisite: Biol 521 or consent of instructor.

542 Ichthyology

With lab. The biology and evolution of fishes with a focus on the structure and function of major living groups. Topics include an overview of evolution, systematics, and biogeography of recent and fossil fishes, functional anatomy of feeding and locomotory systems, reproduction and reproductive behavior, physiological adaptations to aquatic habits, etc. Lab: anatomy, diversity, systematics and functional morphology of major lineages. Prerequisite: Biol 521 or consent of instructor. Credit, 4. Mr. Bemis

544 Ornithology

With lab. Avian systematics, phylogeny, behavior, ecology, etc. Lab includes bird identification, anatomy, censusing, field studies. Prerequisite: upper-level biology course or consent of instructor. Credit, 4. Mr. Kroodsma, Mr. Byers

548 Mammalogy

With lab. Lectures and readings on comparative biology and evolutionary relationships of mammalian groups. Lab involves detailed introduction to the New England mammalian fauna and study of selected representatives of other groups, emphasizing adaptation. Prerequisite: any life science course beyond the introductory level. Credit, 4. Ms. Dumont

550 Animal Behavior

For majors in biology, psychology, animal science, wildlife, fisheries, and related fields. Survey of recent developments emphasizing current research and its interpretations. Review of "classical" ethological approach. More recent developmental, physiological, ecological, and evolutionary approaches. Topics include behavior genetics, imprinting, migration and orientation, predatory-prey interactions, communication, and social behavior. Recent experimental and theoretical developments in sociobiology. Implications of these with respect to the analysis and interpretation of human behavior. Prerequisite: any introductory biology or psychology course, or consent of instructor. Mr. Stuart, Mr. Podos, Ms. Novak

565 Vertebrate Physiology

With lab. Mechanisms underlying organ system function in vertebrates; nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular digestive, excretory, reproductive systems. Prerequisite: Biol 285 or consent of instructor. Credit, 3 (564); Credit, 4 with lab (565). Mr. Zoeller

567 Experimental Comparative Physiology

With lab. Physiological principles involved in adaptations of animals to their environments. Credit, 4. (Enroll in Biol 566 for lecture only, 3 cr.) Ms. Brainerd

568/569 Experimental Endocrinology

With lab. The role of hormones in the growth, metabolism and reproduction of mammals. Molecular mechanisms of hormone action, environmental and feedback control of secretion. Current issues in endocrine physiology. Prerequisite: 500-level physiology course, Biol 560, or consent of instructor. Credit, 4. (Enroll in Biol 568 for lecture only, 3 cr.) Ms. Petersen

571 Biological Rhythms

The formal, genetic, cell biological, and physiological analysis of endogenous oscillations in plants and animals, including their entrainment by light and use in photoperiodism and orientation. Circadian, cicatidal, and circannual rhythms emphasized. Prerequisite: Biol 285 or equivalent. Mr. Bittman

572 Neurobiology

Biology of nerve cells and cellular interactions in nervous systems. Structural, functional, developmental, and biochemical approaches. Topics include neuronal anatomy and physiology, membrane potentials, synapses, development of neuronal connections, visual system, control of movement, and neural plasticity. Prerequisite: Biol 285 or equivalent; or Biol 100 or 102 and Psych 330; or consent of instructor. Mr. Wyse

574 Cell Motility and the Cytoskeleton

The molecular and cellular basis for motion of whole cells and cell organelles. Topics include muscle motility, ciliary motion, amoeboid movement, cytoplasmic streaming, nuclear migration, mitosis, and membrane-cytoskeletal interactions. The assembly and regulation of mic-rofilaments and microtubules examined. Prior completion of biochemistry recommended. Mr. Hepler, Ms. Wadsworth

576 Aquatic Invertebrates

Emphasis on biological relationships, structure, ecology and distribution. Aquatic (freshwater) invertebrates as environmental indicators. Coverage includes non-insect and insect groups. Emphasis on identification and use of keys. Students collect and prepare major groups of aquatic invertebrates. Mandatory field trips. Introductory Biology course strongly recommended. Credit, 4. Mr. Smith

580 Developmental Biology

Physiological and biochemical aspects of development. Labs include discussions, demonstrations, computer modeling and experimental work. Prerequisite: Biol 560 or equivalent. Mr. Kunkel, Mr. Kaulenas, Mr. Nambu

581 Angiosperm Systematics

With lab. History of angiosperm systematics, basic principles of evolutionary biology and phylogenetics, major systems of angiosperm classification, instructor's system. Survey of angiosperms and their economic botany on a world scale. Cred-it, 4. Mr. Walker

591M Microscopy and Image Processing

Phase, fluorescence, and DIC light microscopy, photomicrography, confocal microscopy, some aspects of transmission electron microscopy, and the fundamental concepts of computer image processing. Emphasis on practical aspects of current techniques, with lectures supplemented by demonstrations and laboratory exercises. The 1-credit option involves one lecture-demonstration per week; for students already associated with a research lab, a 3-credit option allows a laboratory project to be undertaken. Credit, 1-3. Mr. Woodcock

597 Special Topics

Genomics and Bioinformatics (2nd sem)

Lecture and computer exercises. Discussions of experimental techniques in genomics and theoretical and analytical approaches for handling genetic data, based on recent papers. Computer labs during normally scheduled course time use many of the current databases and computational tools of actual bioinformatics studies. Basic understanding of college-level algebra and Macintosh operating system required. Prerequisite: Biol 283 or equivalent course. Mr. Adkins

Plant Evolution (2nd sem)

Basic concepts and theories in micro- and macro-evolution of plants. Brief review of diversity of photosynthetic organisms and the methodologies employed to investigate plant evolution. All recent developments in evolutionary genomics, evolutionary developmental biology, and evolutionary ecology of plants. Prerequisites: Biol 100, 101, 280 and 283. Mr. Qiu

Vegetation of North America

Afternoon lectures, discussions, and short field trips on campus. An upper-level course for undergraduates and graduate students in Biology (Ecology), Conservation Biology, Forestry and Wildlife, Landscape Architecture, and Natural Resource Studies covering the major plant communities (formations and associations) of North America. Introduction to the species composition and distribution of vegetation through readings, slides, species lists, and living and pressed specimens. A brief overview of the principles and history of vegetation science. Students are expected to have some background in plant ecology and familiarity with the geography of North America.

597D Plant Development

With lab. Basic information on plant histology, based primarily on flowering plants. Developmental approach; integration of structure and function. Emphasis on lab. Prerequisite: introductory biology or plant biology.

597E Advanced Physiology (2nd sem)

Estrogen actions in males and females from birth through old age. Estrogen biochemistry, and molecular mechanisms of action of this steroid. Current issues in endocrinology, including the role in which environmental contaminants may act as endocrine disrupters, physiological basis of sexual differences in the incidence of heart disease and Alzheimer's disease, mechanism by which estrogen prevents osteoporosis, and examination of the rationale for and risks of prophylactic antiestrogen administration to prevent breast cancer. Ms. Petersen.

597F Molecular Systematics and Evolution (2nd sem)

Readings and discussions on current theory and practice in molecular evolution and use of molecular data in systematics. Emphasis on recent publications, including a term paper on a contemporary topic. Mr. Adkins.

621 Topics in Plant Ecology: The Biological Basis of Wildlands Policy (alt 2nd sem)

The ecological and social consequences of the disappearance of wildlands. How to judge whether conservation policies are biologically sound, how to design ecological research to improve them. Focus on current research and controversy. Participants present seminars and collaborate on a joint review paper. Consent of instructor required. Mr. Alpert

641 Advanced Cellular Biology (Cross-listed with MCB 641)

Structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Properties of membranes and cellular transport systems, energy transduction, assembly and morphogenesis of organelles, organization of nucle-us and cytoskeleton. Experimental approaches emphasized. Ms. Wadsworth, Mr. Hepler, Mr. Rubinstein

696 Special Problems

Directed research project on some problem in biology. Credit, 1-6.

699 Master's Thesis

Credit, 10.

706 Optical Methods for Biologists

A theoretical and practical approach to the optical methods for examining biological objects in detail. Emphasis on bright field, phase contrast, polarized light, differential and quantitative interference, and fluorescence. Prerequisite: Biol 285. Mr. Hepler

722 Vertebrate Paleontology

A rigorous analysis of the vertebrate fossil record. Topics include: vertebrate systematics, morphological trends, transitions, functional anatomy, and faunal evolution. Additional 1-credit lab available. Offered alternate years. Four class hours. Prerequisite: Biol 521 or 522 or equivalent. Credit, 4.Ms. Coombs

750 Advanced Animal Behavior

Topics from active areas of current research (e.g., communication, development, behavioral ecology, sociobiology); emphasis on critical analyses of theory and methodology. Prerequisite: Biol 550, or consent of instructor. Mr. Kroodsma, Mr. Sargent, Mr. Stuart

755 Systematics and Evolutionary Mechanisms

Theoretical consideration of evolution and systematics at and above the species level.

757 Population and Community Ecology

Distribution patterns of organisms, population growth and regulation, evolution of life-history strategies, interspecific populational interactions (especially competition and predation), and community structure and energetics. Sampling methods and the use of models. Mr. Edwards

789 Writing for the Life Sciences

Principles and techniques of producing written papers (abstracts, figures, tables, etc.) and oral presentations (slides, delivery, etc.); curriculum vitae; job interviews; professional ethics. Credit, 1-3.Mr. Kroodsma

796 Special Problems

Directed research project on some problem in biology. Credit, 1-6.

896 Special Problems

Directed research project on some problem in biology. Credit, 1-6.

899 Doctoral Dissertation

Credit, 10