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100 Introductory Biology
I (BSL) With lab. First semester of a full year course for majors in the life sciences. Lecture: introduction to biochemical basis of living systems, cell biology, mitosis and meiosis, principles of genetics, developmental biology. Lab selected exercises on such topics as enzymes, cell structure, photosynthesis, mitosis, genetics, and embryology. Required for biology majors. 101 Introductory Biology II (BS) With lab. Second semester of a full year course for majors in the life sciences. Lecture: introduction to animal physiology, survey of animals representing the diversity of life; plant and animal structure and physiology, evolution, and ecology. Lab: selected exercises on such topics as excretion, animal, plant anatomy and development, animal diversity, rat dissection, and ecology. Required for biology majors. Recommended prerequisite: BIOL 100. 102 Introductory Animal Biology for Non-Biological Science Majors (BSL) (2nd sem) 4 cr With lab. Survey of cellular biology, genetics, human physiology, evolution, behavior, and ecology. Lab includes dissection of invertebrate and vertebrate groups. Students majoring in a biological science should take BIOL 100-101. 103 Plant Biology (BSL) (1st sem) 4 cr With lab. For science majors and others who want an in-depth introduction to plants. Selected topics differ in each lecture section; one may emphasize evolutionary trends while another stresses form/function relationships. Labs include survey of major plant groups and aspects of anatomy, cytology, and physiology of flowering plants. 104 General Botany (BS) (both sem) For non-science majors; not for Biology major credit. An introduction to plant biology. Emphasis on flowering plants. Topics include cell and molecular biology, plant structure, growth, development, reproduction, and genetics. 105 Biology of Social Issues (BS) (both sem) For non-science or science majors; not for Biology major credit. Aspects of biology of current social concern: organic evolution as fact, fertility, embryogenesis, birth defects, genetic engineering, race, population growth, and other topics. 106 Human Biology (BS) (1st sem) For non-science or science majors; not for Biology major credit. Physiology of the major systems of the human body in health and disease. Intricacy of the human body; good health practices. Collateral issues include smoking, birth control, sexually transmitted diseases, nutrition, and physiological effects of drugs. 190H Experiments in Modern Biology (BS) (2nd sem) Recommended for first-year non-majors. Through hands-on experiments, introduces some molecular, biochemical, and physiological aspects of modern biology. Theory and practice related to newsworthy subjects such as DNA extraction, DNA fingerprinting to determine the innocence or guilt of a crime suspect, the detection of HIV virus in simulated blood samples, and the transformation and cloning of a strain of bacteria that glows in the dark. 197A Introductory Neuroscience (2nd sem) A topical introduction to neuroscience through the examination of selected issues in the study of nervous systems. Emphasis on how brains work in terms of nerve cells, and of functional interaction of brain circuits. Topics include: neuron signaling, synapses, visual information processing, brain imaging, mechanisms of animal behavior, brain disease and disorders, learning, memory, and consciousness. 250 Sociobiology and Behavior (BS) For non-science or science majors; not for Biology major credit (see BIOL 550). Survey of contemporary studies of animal behavior, particularly to illustrate 1) the natural history, field-study based approach comprising the field of ethology, and 2) the more recent attempts at a synthesis with ecology and evolutionary biology, comprising the field of sociobiology. Broad, general approach; includes examples and studies from all levels of the animal kingdom. Emphasis on human implications. 263 Avian Field Studies I (2nd sem) 2 cr For non-science or science majors; not for Biology major credit. Weekly 7-9:30 a.m. field trips or laboratory study; one all-day trip to the coast. For those with an interest in field studies of birds (any level of competence). Emphasis on identification, seasonal changes, ecology, census techniques, behavior, etc. Field guide required; grade based on field journal and attendance. Prerequisite: introductory biology. 276 Human Ecology (BS) (2nd sem) For non-science or science majors; not for Biology major credit. Human interactions with, and perceptions of, the natural environment. Problems of population, pollution, resources, and human behavior in relation to ecological theory. Broad ecological and evolutionary perspective; practical aspects needed for informed citizenship. Prerequisite: course in biological science. 280 Evolution: Diversity of Life Through Time (both sem) Diversity of living things: microbes, plants, and animals. Evolutionary history of life forms and their interactions with the physical environment stressed. Prerequisites: a grade of C or better in BIOL 100 and 101. 283 General Genetics (both sem) Introduction to genetics including Mendelian, cytological, molecular, developmental, and population genetics. Examples from a wide variety of organisms. Satisfies major requirements in Biology. Prerequisite: a grade of C or better in BIOL 100 and 101; BIOL 285 recommended. Optional 1 credit lab. 284 Genetics Laboratory (both sem) 2 cr Lab. Introduces the methods and pleasures of genetic investigations, using a variety of organisms; reinforces General Genetics. Topics include: Mendelian genetics, gene maps, variation in both DNA and proteins, two-dimensional electrophoresis, and mutation induction and selection. Prerequisite: BIOL 283 (may be concurrent). 285 Cell and Molecular Biology (both sem) Follows and builds upon concepts of cell structure and function introduced in BIOL 100. Emphasis upon cellular com-partmentation, membrane structure and function, cytoskeleton, cell movement, and synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins. Prerequisite: a grade of C or better in BIOL 100 and 101. 297B Introductory Ecology (both sem) The scope of ecology; how organisms cope with environmental challenges; population dynamics; species interactions of competition, predation, and mutualism; community ecology; biodiversity; biogeochemical cycles; selected topics in evolutionary and behavioral ecology. Basic concepts related to practical applications in harvesting, biological control, conservation, pollution, and global change. Prerequisite: a grade of C or better in BIOL 100 and 101 or BIOL 102 and 103. 297C Cellular and Molecular Biology Lab 2 cr Basic laboratory methods in cell and molecular biology. Labs equally divided between cellular and molecular methods. Experiments include use of microscope, immunofluorescence, subcellular fractionation, and electrophoresis. Molecular methods include restriction enzyme, digestion, plasmid isolation, bacterial transformation, and polymerase chain reaction. Prerequisite: BIOL 285 or consent of instructor. 312 Writing in Biology (both sem) 2 cr Satisfies Junior Year Writing requirement for Biology majors. Students write and revise short papers on subjects likely to be encountered by biologists. Class discussion of papers. Prerequisites: 3 biological science courses, for declared Biology majors only. 339 Human Anatomy and Physiology (1st sem) 5 cr Not for Biology major credit. With lab. The normal physiology and appropriate anatomy of the major organ systems of the human body. Labs: dissection and physiological concepts. Prerequisite: semester of biological science with lab or semester of general chemistry. Not for credit after BIOL 564 or 565. 397 Neuroanatomy Laboratory Lab. Modern approaches to the study of the nervous system, including immunofluorescence, receptor labeling, retrograde labeling, use of enhancer traps. All methods used in conjunction with computer-aided imaging techniques, including signal enhancement, morphometric analysis, and analysis of images acquired with laser confocal microscopy. Prerequisite: BIOL 100 or equivalent and consent of instructor. 421 Plant Ecology (1st sem) 4 cr With lab. Principles of ecology, emphasizing plants. Students explore local habitats, collect and analyze original data, and write results in publication form. Topics include vegetation analysis, plant-plant and plant-animal interactions, ecosystem processes, and hypothesis testing. Prerequisite: an introductory biology or botany course or consent of instructor. 426 New England Flora Identification of New England plants in the lab and on field trips. Emphasis on the minimum terminology needed to identify plants and to use keys. Students learn to recognize the common plant families in the area. Prerequisite: introductory biology or consent of instructor. 485 Aquatic Vascular Plants (1st sem) With weekly field trips. Identification of approximately 200 common vascular plants found in New England wetlands (fresh and salt). Topics include adaptations and ecology of aquatic plants, values of wetlands, and introduction to legal aspects, specifically the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act. Prerequisite: BIOL 426 or equivalent course in taxonomy. 504 Plant Morphology (2nd sem) 4 cr 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. 511 Plant Physiology (1st sem) 4 cr Lecture, lab. Structure and function of components of the plant cell, including the wall, membranes, vacuoles, various organelles, and the cytoskeleton. Characteristics of development at the molecular, tissue, and whole plant level, including genetic engineering. Current theories pertaining to how plants react to hormones, light, and daylength. Responses to stresses such as drought, temperature and touch, and the nature of plant defenses against predation and disease. Laboratory exercises implement the lectures and provide a basis for designing experiments and interpreting results. Prerequisites: BIOL 103 or BIOL 100-101. (Non-majors may enroll in 510-lecture only-3 cr.) 521 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (both sem) 4 cr 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 or 101. 522 Vertebrate Fossils and Evolution (alt yrs) 4 cr 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. 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. 524 Coastal Plant Ecology (alt 2nd sem) 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: general botany and any ecology course. Previous course in oceanography recommended. 526 Plant Geography (alt 2nd sem) 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: introductory biology or introductory plant biology, and plant ecology or equivalent, or consent of instructor. 528 Principles of Evolution (alt 2nd sem) 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. 530 Biology of Invertebrates 4 cr With lab. Field trips. Survey of structural and functional diversity, phylogeny, classification, ecology and development of the invertebrate phyla and "lower chordates." Prerequisite: introductory biology. 534 Biological Limnology (1st sem) 4 cr With lab, field trips. The community 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. 537 Ecology (1st sem) 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. 540 Herpetology Synopsis of the anatomy, evolution, systematics, and behavior of major living lineages of amphibians and reptiles; special attention to the New England herpetofauna. Lab: diversity, morphology and behavior; some dissecting required. Prerequisite: BIOL 521 or consent of instructor. 542 Ichthyology (1st sem) 4 cr 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 habitats, etc. Lab: anat-omy, diversity, systematics and functional morphology of major lineages. Prerequisite: BIOL 521 or consent of instructor. 544 Ornithology (2nd sem) 4 cr 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. 548 Mammalogy 4 cr 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. 550 Animal Behavior (both sem) For majors in biology, zoology, animal science, wildlife, fisheries, entomology, psychology, and related fields. Survey of recent developments emphasizing current research and its interpretations. Review of "classical" ethological approach and more recent developmental, physiological, ecological, and evolutionary approaches. Also developments, both experimental and theoretical, in sociobiology. Implications with respect to human behavior. Prerequisite: introductory biology or psychology course; or consent of instructor and at least sophomore level standing. 565 Human Physiology 4 cr With lab. Physiology of organs and organ systems of vertebrates; circulatory, respiratory, digestive, excretory, reproductive, nervous, and endocrine systems. Prerequisites: BIOL 285 or equivalent and at least one semester of organic chemistry. (Non-majors may enroll in 564-lecture only-3 cr.) 567 Comparative Animal Physiology 4 cr With lab. Students learn to analyze physiological systems and then apply these techniques in reverse to design imaginary animals. The physiology of vertebrates and invertebrates on a system-by-system basis. Comparisons between animals within each system and adaptations to "extreme" environments emphasized. Pro-jects involve designing an animal which incorporates elements of physiological systems from different animals. Prerequisites: a grade of C or better in BIOL 100, 101. 569 Endocrinology 4 cr With lab. The role of hormones in the growth, metabolism and reproduction of vertebrates; mechanisms of hormone action, environmental and feedback control of secretion, and evolution of endocrine systems. Prerequisite: 500-level physiology course, or consent of instructor. (Non-majors may enroll in 568-lecture only-3 cr.) 571 Biological Rhythms (2nd sem) 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. 572 Neurobiology (1st sem) 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 523, 285; or BIOL 100 or 102 and PSYCH 330. 573 Sensory Physiology Function and structure of sensory receptors and sense organs. Emphasis on mechanisms of receptor action, sensory coding of information about environmental stimuli, and sensory roles in behavior. Topics include: photoreception and vision, mechanoreception, equilibrium reception, hearing, chemoreception (taste and olfaction), electroreception, thermo-reception, and orientation behavior. Prerequisite: introductory biology or psychology. 574 Cell Motility and the Cytoskeleton (alt yrs) 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 microfilaments and microtubules. Prerequisite: biochemistry recommended. 580 Developmental Biology Physiological and biochemical aspects of development. Labs include discussions, demonstrations, computer modeling and experimental work. Prerequisite: BIOL 285 or equivalent recommended. 581 Angiosperm Systematics (alt 2nd sem) 4 cr 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 world scale. 597 Special Topics Molecular Systematics and Evolution Readings and discussions on current theory and practice in molecular evolution and use of molecular data in systematics. Plant Development A comprehensive treatment of the development of higher plants from the embryo to the flowering plant. Topics include embryogenesis, pattern formation, cell to cell interactions, fate mapping, leaf, root, and flower development, and the use of mutants in developmental analysis. Prerequisite: Introductory Biology (BIOL 100 or equivalent) or General Botany (BIOL 104 or equivalent). Sexual Reproduction of Plants The breeding system of plants, especially cultivated plants. Pollen biology, pollination systems, gene flow, self-incompatibility, self-fertilization, dioecy, polyploidy, heterosis, and apoximis as viewed by plant breeders and population biologists. Prerequisite: course in genetics. Sex Steroids-Advanced Physiology: Communicating Current Research in Endocrine Physiology (A Community Service Learning Course) (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. Genomics and Bioinformatics (2nd sem) Lecture and computer exercises. Discussion 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. | |
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