Biological Sciences

A lecture and laboratory course designed to introduce students to important ecological processes operating in coastal marine environments. The course covers synthetic topics as well as the ecology of specific marine habitats. The laboratory is designed to provide students with experience in marine research and the organisms and ecological conditions common in various marine habitats visited by the class. Prerequisites: BIOL 291 and BIOL 331 and ENGL 211C or ENGL 221C or ENGL 231C must be passed with a grade of 'C' or higher; instructor approval required.

Students will be introduced to the science underpinning mitigation of human-induced changes in the Earth system, including but not limited to climate change and sea level rise, and adaptation to the impacts of these changes. The course will cover the environmental hazards and the opportunities and limitations for conservation, mitigation and adaptation. Cross listed with OEAS 566.

A graduate seminar course in the ecological sciences. The format of the course depends on the faculty running the seminar, but most seminars involve student-led discussions on current research articles.

Doctoral students in the Biomedical Sciences program will attend seminars, learn how to properly give a seminar, and present a seminar on their own research.

An introductory, non-sequential course for nonbiology majors with laboratory. This course concentrates on major biological concepts involving classical and molecular genetics, biotechnology, evolution, and ecology. Laboratory activities enhance understanding of core biological topics. Cannot be substituted for BIOL 121N and BIOL 122N or for BIOL 123N and BIOL 124N.

A course that examines the interdependence between human health, animal health and environmental health. The One Health approach to the threat of emerging infectious diseases includes understanding the interconnectedness of human and animal pathogens, epidemic zoonoses and corresponding environmental factors, insights into mechanisms of microbial evolution towards pathogenicity, new technologies and approaches towards disease surveillance, and political and bureaucratic strategies. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisites: BIOL 291 and BIOL 293.

Discover the incredible secrets behind what makes our green friends tick. This course includes a traditional lecture covering the physiological and chemical processes occurring in plants. A laboratory, greenhouse, and/or field-oriented lab will provide hands-on opportunities to understand plant stress responses, nutrient use, cell metabolism-respiration, photosynthesis, hormones, and processes driving growth patterns.

A course that examines the interdependence between human health, animal health and environmental health. The One Health approach to the threat of emerging infectious diseases includes understanding the interconnectedness of human and animal pathogens, epidemic zoonoses and corresponding environmental factors, insights into mechanisms of microbial evolution towards pathogenicity, new technologies and approaches towards disease surveillance, and political and bureaucratic strategies. Pre- or corequisite: A Microbiology course is recommended.

An exploration of the ecology of inland and coastal wetlands and their plants. The course emphasizes wetland and aquatic plant identification, field and laboratory methods, and core concepts important to wetland plants and their ecology. Linkages to wetland delineation and wetland adjacent systems will be made. Weekly field-based laboratories are expected to local wetlands focusing on hands on opportunities and research methods. Prerequisites: BIOL 291 OR BIOL 308 must be passed with a grade of 'C' or higher; prerequisite waivers may be requested from the instructor.

A specially designed course concerning specific topics in the biological, environmental or allied health fields.