Biology

BIOL 101: Cells, Genes, and Diseases

This course is intended for the student interested in understanding the basic unit of life for all living things: the cells. Students study the human cell structure and function to better understand how they work. In addition, students explore disease processes with an emphasis on molecular, cellular, and genetic approaches to investigate human diseases. The course includes lectures, discussions, and students’ presentations. No prerequisites. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

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BIOL 102: People and the World of Plants

This course introduces students to the fascinating world of the botanical sciences, and to the long legacy of plant-human interaction. We will study traditional modes of herbal healing found in different cultures, explore the origins and development of world agriculture, and consider the effects of stimulant, depressive, and psychotropic plants on the human mind. Field trips to the Chicago Botanic Garden and local prairie and woodland restoration projects will be an important component of this course. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics and Cultural Diversity requirements.)

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BIOL 103: Human Biology

This course examines the structure and function of many of the major organ systems of the human body. In so doing, it will introduce students to a range of important topics related to human beings. These will include the nature of science as a discipline, and the biological basis of health, disease, nutrition, exercise, sensation, and reproduction. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

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BIOL 104: Human Genetics

An introduction to the inheritance of human characteristics. The nature of the genes, structure and function of chromosomes, developmental genetics, and the relationship between genes and human disease are discussed. Cloning, genetic engineering, and gene therapy are also covered. Three hours per week. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

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BIOL 105: Public Health

Food poisoning outbreaks, strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and the rise of infectious diseases including AIDS and TB have brought new awareness and the realization that public health is not just a concern of Third World countries. These and other topics including environmental factors that influence health, vaccine schedules, and how antibiotics work will be covered. Lectures, discussion, and student group projects. Three hours per week. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

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BIOL 106: Nutrition and the Human Body

American culture is obsessed with food, but what do we really know about food? This course will explore multiple biological aspects of food. The course will begin with basic nutrition and then study diets, vitamins, and other supplements to determine if they really work. The biological, genetic, and environmental aspects of disorders such as obesity, anorexia, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer will be examined. The safety of food has become a greater concern in society due to genetic engineering, irradiation of food, use of pesticides, and food-borne illness such as 'mad cow' and E. coli. These risks will be studied. The course will conclude with an exploration of the effects of meat- or grain-based diets on the environment. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

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BIOL 107: Adaptive Patterns Animal Behavior

(Adaptive Patterns of Animal Behavior) The world's diverse animal species display a fascinating variety of behaviors that sometimes seem to defy explanation. Students will learn to apply evolutionary principles and scientific inquiry to solving the puzzles of animal behavior. Using videos, popular articles, and scientific research papers, we will examine how the scientific process of posing questions, proposing hypotheses, and testing predictions leads us to understand the behavior of many species including our own. Lectures, discussion, student presentations and projects. Three hours per week. No prerequisites. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

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BIOL 109: Botany for Gardeners

Propagation and growth of plants is key to human history and survival. Students in this course gain the scientific foundation in plant biology required to understand and successfully start, grow, and maintain a variety of plants. Topics include the mechanisms behind plant light and nutrition requirements; plant defense against herbivores and pathogens; propagation of new plants from existing plants; how to grow plants from seed; the science behind garden design and care (indoor and outdoor); the biology of growing fruits and vegetables; requirements of specialty plants like orchids, bonsai, and carnivorous plants; and the effective use of plant growth hormones. This participatory, speaking-intensive course will include both classroom and extensive lab time in the greenhouse and garden, as students learn to prepare pots, mix soils, treat pests, and grow a wide variety of plants, while gaining both the scientific perspective behind why the methods they are learning are effective and the ability to communicate this perspective to a wider audience. No prerequisites. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences and Speaking requirements. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

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BIOL 112: Learning About Our World

(Learning About Our Living and Physical World) This course examines selected topics in life science, earth science, and physical science, such as the human body and its functions; ecosystems; weather; the physical and chemical properties of matter; energy and motion of objects; and components of the solar system. Designed primarily to provide elementary education majors with the necessary background for teaching in K-8 schools, the course is appropriate for other students interested in strengthening their knowledge and confidence in investigating fundamental concepts and ideas in science. Students participate in lectures, discussions, presentations and projects, and laboratory activities. Does not satisfy requirements for the Biology major. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)
cross listed: EDUC 112

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BIOL 114: Truth and Lies in Medical News

Students will learn to critically review health research from a variety of sources including professional and academic journals, popular magazines and newspapers, other media sources reporting on medical topics, and the Internet. We will apply analytic skills from a variety of disciplines including human biology, medicine and nursing, biostatistics and public health. Students will be introduced to health research, beginning with application of the scientific method, through study design data collection, quantitative analysis methods, and research reporting. Topical examples will be drawn from medicine, nursing, nutrition, alternative health care, public health, gerontology, exercise, and general health. No prerequisites. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

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BIOL 115: Science and Popular Culture

For many individuals, an understanding of science is often obtained from popular entertainments such as novels, television shows, and movies. In this course, students will examine science from a biological perspective as it is portrayed in popular culture. Students will critically assess the validity of science and scientific assumptions presented in popular culture, while also assessing how scientists are portrayed. As a result, students will better understand science both as a process and as a way of understanding the natural world. Specific topics will include genetic engineering, biological warfare, and plagues. The course will include lectures, student presentations, and papers. No prerequisites. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

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BIOL 116: Exploring the Brain

This course will address how the mind and brain work by exploring current and classical neurobiological topics, particularly those of interest to college students, through the use of professional and academic journals, textbooks, popular magazines and newspapers, as well as other media sources. Topics will include neuronal development and neuronal death; diseases of the brain, such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, depression, and psychiatric disorders; and topics such as drugs and alcoholism. No prerequisites. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)
cross listed: NEUR 116

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BIOL 117: The Tropical World

The immense biological diversity in the tropics provides scientists with a frontier for the discovery of new species, new drugs and new ecological relationships. This course will introduce non-science majors to tropical ecosystem structure and function, ecological relationships among forest species, medicinal uses of rainforest products and approaches to conservation in equatorial regions. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

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BIOL 118: Our Amazing Brain

This course will introduce students to the science behind how a human brain functions and produces behaviors. This amazing organ is composed of billions of neurons that form trillions of connections with each other. These neurons allow us to sense and perceive the world around us, integrate new experiences with old ones, form thoughts and actions, and develop consciousness and personality. In this course, students will discover how brain dysfunction is the root cause of many illnesses, including addiction, schizophrenia, depression, cancer, stroke, and Alzheimer's disease. Students will also have the opportunity to work with preserved brains. No prior experience with science is required to succeed in this course. No prerequisites. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)
cross listed: NEUR 118, PSYC 118

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BIOL 119: Microbes, Viruses and Health

Microbes and viruses are part of our daily life. What are they and what do they do? A huge variety of microorganisms play an important part in diseases; however, others are beneficial. This course will discuss the microbe-human interaction, including topics such as new disease outbreaks, antibiotic resistance, and new biotechnology tools. Lectures, discussion, and presentations. Three hours per week. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

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BIOL 120: Organismal Biology

This course will address the organization and function of multicellular organisms. Although focused primarily on plants and animals, other kinds of organisms will be discussed. Regulation, homeostasis, and integration of function; nutrient acquisition, processing, and assimilation; photosynthesis; gas exchange; reproductive patterns; and development are all topics that are included in this course. Readings from an introductory text and the secondary and primary scientific literature will be required. Students must also register for a lab. Prerequisite: Science placement test required. Please see Requirements page on the Biology Department website for details. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

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BIOL 128: Medical Mysteries of the Mind

(Introduction to Neuroscience: Medical Mysteries of the Mind.) This course is for beginning students interested in the study of neuroscience and in exploring the human brain in a rigorous interdisciplinary way. If you are intensely interested in how your brain helps you think, feel, sense, read, write, eat, sleep, dream, learn and move, this course is for you. You learn how brain dysfunction causes complex medical illnesses, like Alzheimer's, Stroke, Depression, and Schizophrenia. You meet Chicago's world-class neuroscientists through guest seminars and class-trips to famous laboratories. You debate ethical dilemmas that face society and dissect human brains. Lastly, you present your research on a brain topic at an interdisciplinary symposium and teach elementary children about how the brain works. One year each of high school biology and chemistry is recommended. Students who have taken BIOL130 will not receive credit for this course. Two discussion/lecture and two laboratory hours per week. No prerequisites. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences and Speaking requirements.)
cross listed: NEUR 128, PSYC 128

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BIOL 130: Deadly Shapes, Hostage Brains

Age-related neurological diseases that hold our brain hostage are major 21st-century global health burdens and are among the most actively funded areas of medical research. In this course, students delve into primary literature through research projects that investigate how deadly protein shapes underlie complex neurodegenerative illnesses, like Alzheimer's, Huntington disease, and Parkinson disease and discover how little we still know, despite astonishing advances. Students dissect human brains to understand the underlying brain pathology. Trips to Chicago to visit neurology laboratories, neuroscience research centers, and attend a major neuroscience conference present the latest advances in neurological research. Additionally, students debate ethical dilemmas that face society as neuroscientists race towards solving current medical mysteries and experiment with potential new treatments. Students who have taken FIYS106 will not receive credit for this course. Two discussion/lecture and two laboratory hours per week. No prerequisites. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences and Speaking requirements. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)
cross listed: NEUR 130, PSYC 130

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BIOL 131: Bio Inq: Invasion Ecology

(Biological Inquiry Seminar: Invasion Ecology) This course will introduce students to the study of invasive species. The course will demonstrate how invasive species are used to address complex issues in ecology, evolution, and biogeography, and how invasive species can affect habitat structure, community composition, and ecosystem services. Invasion ecology is integrative by its very nature and students will have the chance to explore numerous aspects in invasion ecology from local examples of species of economic and ecological concern, to species considered global epidemics. Specific examples will be driven by student interest. The course may include local field trips. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 120, or with instructor approval. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences and Speaking requirements. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

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BIOL 132: Bio Inq: Plant-Animal Interactions

(Biological Inquiry Seminar: Plant-Animal Interactions) This course will introduce students to the ecological and evolutionary relationships between plants and the animals that eat them, defend them, or carry their pollen or seeds. The course will address chemical and physical plant defenses against animals, ecological interactions among plants and animals, and relationships in a community context, using examples from tropical, temperate, and marine ecosystems. The course includes local field trips. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 120, or with instructor approval. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences and Speaking requirements. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

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BIOL 133: Bio Inq: Tropical Forest Biology

(Biological Inquiry Seminar: Tropical Forest Biology) The immense biological diversity in tropical forests provides scientists with a frontier for the discovery of new species, new drugs and new ecological relationships. This course will address tropical forest structure and function, ecological relationships among forest species and issues surrounding the conservation of tropical forests. The course may include local field trips. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 120, or with instructor approval. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences and Speaking requirements. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

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BIOL 134: Bio Inq: Emerging World Diseases

(Biological Inquiry Seminar: Emerging World Diseases) In this age of antibiotics and vaccines, why do millions die each year from infectious diseases worldwide? With new viruses and pathogens continually emerging, can we ever hope to win the battle? This course addresses the biological mechanism of infectious and non-infectious disease and the socio- economic, cultural, political and ecological factors that influence the existence of disease in various world populations. Emerging (e.g. SARS, Ebola, West Nile, COVID19) and re-emerging (e.g. tuberculosis, polio) diseases are studied, as well as other major threats to global public health both infectious (e.g. malaria, dengue) and non-infectious (e.g. diabetes, obesity and cancer). Format includes discussion, lecture and student presentations. Prerequisite or co-requisite: BIOL 120, or with instructor approval. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Global Perspectives and Speaking requirements. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics and Cultural Diversity requirements.)

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BIOL 135: Bio Inq: Human Ecology

(Biological Inquiry Seminar: Human Ecology) Human beings are some of the most interesting, complicated, self serving, expressive, destructive, and beautiful organisms to evolve on Earth. Participants in Human Ecology will investigate the many ways in which the Earth is an ecosystem for humans, with the principal goal of this course to compare and contrast how humans have changed the Earth to better suit its needs as a species, and the consequences that have and are arising from such ecosystem modification. Topics covered through the course include human evolution, food acquisition, economics, and climate change among many others. Participants will be required to attend multiple field trips throughout the semester. One 3-hour meeting per week. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 120, or with instructor approval. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

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BIOL 136: Bio Inq: Sensing the Environment

(Biological Inquiry Seminar: Sensing the Environment) Animals must make decisions when faced with the tasks required for survival and reproduction, such as foraging, avoiding predators, selecting a habitat and finding mates. Their decision-making process is based on information their sensory systems obtain from their environment. This information gathering can range from relatively simple detection of temperature and light cues to complex communication systems. This course will focus on how animals acquire and use information from their abiotic and biotic environments to survive, grow and reproduce. We will explore how organisms sense the environment from both mechanistic and evolutionary standpoints, focusing on the physiological aspects of sensory modalities, the adaptive values of obtaining and processing information, and the evolution of sensory systems as they are shaped by natural selection and properties of the physical environment. Specific topics will be driven by student interest. This course includes reading of primary literature, writing, discussion sections, and student presentations. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 120, or with instructor approval. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences and Speaking requirements. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

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BIOL 137: Bio Inq: Diet & Disease

(Biological Inquiry Seminar: Diet & Disease) The leading causes of disability and death in developed countries are multifactoral diseases that have a strong behavioral component, including: diabetes, heart disease, obesity and cancer. Are we truly what we eat? This course will examine the relationship between diet and human diseases. The semester will begin with a foundation of basic nutritional concepts including metabolism, daily requirements during growth, development and athletic training, as well as digestion and energy needs. In addition, we will examine the genetic, endocrine and neurological controls of eating and hunger and learn the cellular and physiological basis of the major food related diseases. We will critically analyze some popular diets and food supplements, in addition to analyzing different eating habits from around the world and assess if food groups promote or prevent different types of diseases. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 120, or with instructor approval. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

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BIOL 138: Bio Inq: Human Evolution

(Biological Inquiry Seminar: Human Evolution) This course will introduce students to basic concepts of evolution as they apply to the evolution of our own species, Homo sapiens. We will consider what fossil and molecular evidence tell us about the origin of the human species; how adaptive evolution has shaped human populations morphologically, physiologically, and behaviorally; how human evolution has been intertwined with the evolution of other organisms and diseases; and the ways in which humans are currently evolving and are likely to evolve in the future. Class sessions will combine discussion, short lectures, student presentations, and other formats. This course will emphasize development of abilities to critically read scientific literature, communicate effectively about science, appreciate how and why we do science, and use electronic tools to search scientific literature. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 120, or with instructor approval. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

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BIOL 139: Bio Inq: Biology Aging

(Biological Inquiry Seminar: Biology Aging) From yeast to humans, virtually all organisms change with time. Various explanations have been proposed for aging and senescence, including environmental factors such as accumulated DNA damage, metabolism, and oxidative stress, as well as genetic factors regulating molecular clocks, cellular repair, and homeostasis. This course will investigate the physiology and underling mechanisms of aging focusing on current research. Students will explore the topics through reading of primary literature, discussion, writing assignments, and presentations. Three discussion/lecture hours per week. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 120, or with instructor approval. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

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BIOL 140: Bio Inq: Gene Editing

(Biological Inquiry Seminar: Gene Editing.) For years, scientists have been able to modify the food we eat, construct better vaccines, and improve cancer treatment through genetic manipulations. However, within the past few years, we have entered an new era where even the genes of our children can be edited, due to a new technique called CRISPR that is incredibly precise, efficient, and relatively inexpensive. This technique may have positive outcomes, like allowing mosquitoes that are malaria-resistant to survive in the wild and enabling us to eat beef or chicken without ever raising an animal. This course explores the molecular basis for how genes are cut and edited; the basis of the CRISPR system which originated as an immune response in bacteria; the myriad potential uses of CRIPSR in current and future research; and the ethical dilemmas that certainly will result. Students have an opportunity to cut bacterial genes themselves in the laboratory. The course includes discussions, lectures, and a special emphasis on student presentations. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 120, or with instructor approval. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences and Speaking requirements.)

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BIOL 141: Bio Inq: Health Science Reporting

(Biological Inquiry Seminar: Health Science Reporting) The scientific method requires researchers to build upon knowledge generated by others. Much of this knowledge is disseminated through scholarly articles in scientific journals. Because scientific papers are often complex, including technical terms and statistical analyses, misunderstandings are common. News and popular media broadcast medical and health findings to the general public, frequently oversimplifying or misinterpreting the science. In this course, students will critique medical journalism and medical research by comparing popular reporting to original scientific sources. Emphasizing reading and understanding of scholarly literature in medicine, students will develop their capacity to recognize, comprehend, and critique medical research. Class activities will include lectures, discussion, student presentations, and written exercises. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 120, or with instructor approval. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

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BIOL 142: Bio Inq: The Biology of Dogs

(Biological Inquiry Seminar: The Biology of Dogs) Dogs are not only 'man's best friend,' but are increasingly used as biological models for research. Our familiarity with their behavior, diseases, and pedigree has made them central to the study of many aspects of biology, including genetics, neurology, and evolution. In this course, students will explore the biology of dogs and what this tells us about ourselves. By the end of the course, students will have developed an understanding of the scientific process and the capacity to recognize the relevance of research on non-human models. Class activities will include lectures, discussions, student presentations, written exercises, laboratories, and field trips. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 120, or with instructor approval. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

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BIOL 143: Bio Inq: The Biology of Sex

(Biological Inquiry Seminar: The Biology of Sex) The ability to reproduce is a defining quality of life yet the diversity of methods used by organisms to replicate is staggering. In this course we explore the many ways that organisms reproduce, both sexually and asexually; how these different modes of reproduction evolved; the influence these modes of reproduction have on animal form and function; and what an understanding of the biology of sex tells us about human sex and sexuality. The course will address the misconception that gender roles (the 'promiscuous' male versus the 'coy' female) are biologically universal, and relate the diversity of sexual systems evident in biology to the diversity of human gender roles and sexuality. Class activities will include lectures, discussion, student presentations, written exercises, laboratories, and field trips. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 120, or with instructor approval. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics and Cultural Diversity requirements.)

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BIOL 144: Bio Inq: Brain That Changes Itself

(Biological Inquiry Seminar: The Brain That Changes Itself) Our brains are able to reshape themselves over time, through a remarkable process known as neuroplasticity. This process is constantly occurring and extremely important, because it allows our brains to adapt to new experiences and remember novel information. In this course students will learn how neuroplasticity contributes to learning and memory. This will begin with a discussion of how nerve cells in the brain are organized and how they communicate to transfer information. Students will then explore how these cells and connections change over time, with an emphasis on how neuroplasticity contributes to learning and memory. The course will conclude with a discussion of how aging and neurodegenerative diseases impair plasticity and cognition. Students will use the primary literature to learn about cutting-edge electrophysiological, molecular, genetic, and imaging techniques used in the study of neuroplasticity. Discussion, lecture, research projects, and student presentations. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 120, or with instructor approval. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

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BIOL 145: Bio Inq: Patterns Animal Behavior

(Biological Inquiry Seminar: Adaptive Patterns of Animal Behavior) The world's diverse animal species display a fascinating variety of behaviors that sometimes seem to defy explanation. Students will learn to apply evolutionary principles and scientific inquiry to solving the puzzles of animal behavior. Looking at videos, primary research articles, and popular writing, we will examine how the scientific process of posing questions, proposing hypotheses, and testing predictions leads us to understand the behavior of many species including our own. Lectures, discussion, student presentations, and projects. Three hours per week. Pre-requisite: BIOL 120 or permission of the instructor. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

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BIOL 146: Bio Inq: Darwinian Medicine

(Biological Inquiry Seminar: Darwinian Medicine.) Evolution is the backbone of biology, but only in the past few decades has modern evolutionary theory been used to understand human health and disease. The application of evolutionary theory to medicine has driven important advances in our understanding of topics such as cancer, obesity and infectious diseases, with significant health applications. This course focuses on how evolution shaped humans to be susceptible to disease and how we can apply this knowledge to public health. Specific topics are driven by student interest, and may include cancer, allergies and autoimmune diseases, aging-related diseases, and the coevolution of humans and novel pathogens such as HIV and SARS-CoV-2. This is a seminar course that includes reading of primary literature, writing, discussion sections, and student presentations. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 120, or with instructor approval. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences and Speaking requirements.)

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BIOL 147: Bio Inq: Viruses and Evolution

This course will introduce students to the relationship between viruses and their hosts, from bacteria to humans. It will cover the molecular, cellular, and organismal events that occur when a virus infects a host. The course will focus on the ways viruses evolve to adapt to different selective pressures, and how viruses can induce evolutionary change, in addition to disease, in their hosts. The course will also discuss the societal implications of this fascinating biology, including public health policy, vaccines, and virus-based therapies. Specific topics will be driven by student interest. This course includes lectures, discussions, reading primary research articles, writing, and student presentations. No prerequisites. Corequisite: BIOL 120 or permission of the instructor. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences and Speaking requirements.)

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BIOL 150: Reasoning & Statistical Inference

(Reasoning and Statistical Inference in Biology) This course is designed to develop and expand students' understanding of quantitative biological information. The focus of the course is on quantitative literacy. Specific topics will include interpretation of descriptive statistics, graphical representations of biological data, bivariate statistics, and the results of hypothesis testing. Examples will be drawn from published and unpublished data sources, including and faculty and student research. Students will also work with practice datasets. Strongly recommended for first-year students interested in the Biology Major. Three lecture/discussion hours per week. No prerequisite. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Quantitative Reasoning requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

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BIOL 152: Global Health Issues

Global Health Issues is designed to foster an understanding of major causes of morbidity and mortality around the world. Using the context of important global health issues including infectious diseases such malaria, dengue fever, and HIV as well as obesity and cancer, students develop the ability to locate, analyze, and present primary literature in Biology. Students gain experience with reviewing primary research articles, interpreting figures, and communicating scientific research in both oral and written formats. The course is intended to be a skills-building and preparatory course for subsequent enrollment into BIOL 220 or BIOL 221 particularly for students who have not taken (or would like additional support in) a laboratory-based introduction to biology science course. No prerequisites. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences and Global Perspectives requirements. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

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BIOL 203: Spring Flora of the Great Lakes

(Spring Flora of the Western Great Lakes.) This course introduces students to the identification, systematics, ecology, and natural history of the spring flora of the Western Great Lakes. This course includes extensive field work in the greater Chicago area and eastern Wisconsin. Students learn to identify between 150 and 200 species of wildflowers, grasses, trees, shrubs, and other plants, and learn the characteristics of 15 to 20 plant families. No prerequisites. This Summer Session course in 2022 is held in the afternoons on Tuesdays and Fridays plus full field days 8:00am-6:00pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays. An overnight trip to Wisconsin takes place on May 25-26. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences and Experiential Learning requirements. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)
cross listed: ES 203

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BIOL 204: Summer Flora of the Great Lakes

(Summer Flora of the Western Great Lakes.) This course introduces students to the identification, systematics, ecology, and natural history of the summer flora of the Western Great Lakes. This course includes extensive field work in the greater Chicago area, eastern Wisconsin, and Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Students learn to identify between 150 and 200 species of wildflowers, grasses, trees, shrubs, and other plants, and learn the characteristics of 15 to 20 plant families. No prerequisites. This Summer Session course in 2022 is held in the afternoons on Mondays and Thursdays plus full field days 8:00am-6:00pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. An overnight trip to Wisconsin takes place June 21-22. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences and Experiential Learning requirements. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)
cross listed: ES 204

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BIOL 205: Prairie Flora of the Great Lakes

(Prairie Flora of the Western Great Lakes.) This course introduces students to the identification, systematics, ecology, and natural history of the late summer flora of the Western Great Lakes. This course includes extensive field work in the greater Chicago area, northern Indiana, and eastern Wisconsin. Students learn to identify between 150 and 200 species of wildflowers, grasses, trees, shrubs, and other plants, and learn the characteristics of 15 to 20 plant families. No prerequisites. This Summer Session course in 2022 will be held in the afternoons on Tuesdays and Fridays plus full field days 8:00am-5:00pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays. An overnight trip to Wisconsin takes place on July 20-21. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences and Experiential Learning requirements. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)
cross listed: ES 205

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BIOL 208: Human Anatomy

This course introduces the structure of mammalian bodies, with particular emphasis on the human body. All of the major body systems (skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, etc.) are covered. Lab includes dissection and study of representative mammalian specimens, as well as study of human skeletons and models. Class meets five hours per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 120, CHEM 115. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences requirement.)
cross listed: HPPC 208

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BIOL 209: Human Physiology

This course begins with a review of the cellular processes that influence the survival of all physiological systems in the human body. Following that foundation, a deeper exploration into the function of each major system is emphasized. The lecture component includes the functional study of muscular, neurophysiological, special sensory, immune, endocrine, hematologic, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Metabolomics, fluid-electrolyte and acid-base balance is incorporated into their respective physiological systems. Lab focuses on physiological experimentation and application. This course is intended primarily for students who aspire to enter into health fields. Prerequisites: BIOL120, CHEM115, and BIOL 208.
cross listed: HPPC 209, NEUR 209

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BIOL 210: Microbiology

This course introduces health science students to the core concepts in microbiology. Microorganisms, including viruses, fungi, and protists with a particular emphasis on bacteria, are examined with regard to their structure, growth, heredity, and diversity. Topics include microbial growth, antibiotic mechanisms and resistance, epidemiology, interaction of pathogenic microbes with humans, nosocomial diseases, new disease outbreaks, and the immune response. The laboratory portion includes microscopy and bacterial identification. Three lecture and 2 laboratory hours per week. Students must also register for a lab. This course is intended primarily for students who aspire to enter into health fields. Students who have taken BIOL 323 will not receive credit for this course. Prerequisites: BIOL 120, CHEM 115. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences requirement.)
cross listed: HPPC 210

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BIOL 220: Evolution and Ecology

The roles of ecological and evolutionary processes in shaping life's diversity are examined. Specific topics may include adaptive evolution, origins of species, reconstruction of evolutionary history, population dynamics and extinction, species interactions, community processes, conservation, and the importance of these topics to humanity. Lab sessions combine group work in field research projects with quantitative analyses and synthesis of your findings in terms of published results from the primary literature. These projects result in a written and/or oral presentation of your findings. This is an intermediate-level biology course that assumes prior experience with the primary scientific literature, analysis of quantitative data and mathematical models, and rigorous laboratory work. Three lecture hours plus one four-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BIOL 120. Corequisite: CHEM 115, and Biological Inquiry (13x-14x). (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences and Technology requirements. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

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BIOL 221: Molecules, Genes, and Cells

This course will examine cells as the fundamental units of life. Topics will include the structure and function of the cell and its molecular constituents; energy relationships at the cellular level; and an introduction to the nature and organization of the genetic material. Laboratory sessions will emphasize student-designed projects. Classroom sessions will involve group work, discussions, seminars, problem-solving sessions, and lectures. Three lecture and four laboratory hours per week. Prerequisite: BIOL 120. Corequisite: CHEM 116. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

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BIOL 250: Clinical Problem Solving in Biology

(Clinical Problem Solving in Biological Sciences) This course focuses on real-world clinical problem solving in musculoskeletal biology with an applications based emphasis. Through the use of medical literature, classroom lectures, and group discussion and collaboration, students learn and apply fundamentals of physiology, histology, cell biology and pathology to solve clinical problems in two organ systems (skin and bone). The seminar series focuses on developing self-directed learning skills in medical sciences through the use of medical literature, case studies, and group discussion and projects. Prerequisites: CHEM 116 and BIOL 120. Corequisite: BIOL 221. This 0.50-credit course meets six times per semester and is graded Pass-Fail.

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BIOL 322: Molecular Biology

Molecular biology is the theory that biological phenomena have molecular explanations. Communicating molecular biology results is critical for health professionals and researchers who will need to interpret and communicate the results of molecular tests and discover molecular mechanisms. This course focuses on student abilities to communicate results to answer five biological questions: "what is the evidence DNA is the genetic material?", "How does genetic information become a trait?", "How are DNA, RNA, and protein measured?", "How are genes regulated?", and "How is the genome maintained?" In lab, students will conduct a course-based undergraduate research experience to study the effect of an anti-cancer drug on the DNA of colorectal cancer cells. The lab report connects the lecture and lab as the final. Three lecture and four laboratory hours per week. Prerequisites: Chem 116 and Biol 221. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Speaking requirement.)
cross listed: BMB 322, NEUR 322

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BIOL 323: Microbiology

This course focuses on the biology of single-celled organisms, with emphasis on bacteria and infectious disease. Topics include antibiotic mechanisms and resistance, bacterial gene swapping, epidemiology, host-microbe interactions, and the immune response. Several weeks of independent study allow students to isolate, research, and identify three bacterial species. Three lecture and four laboratory hours per week. This course fulfills the pre-requisite for microbiology in the health professions. Prerequisites: BIOL 221, and either BIOL 220 or Junior status. Students must also register for a lab.
cross listed: BMB 323

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BIOL 324: Advanced Cell Biology

The structure and function of the cell and its organelles, with emphasis on membrane-related processes including transport, energetics, cell-to-cell signaling, and nerve and muscle cell function. Research reports will include extensive library and Internet exploration and analysis. Three lecture and four laboratory hours per week. Prerequisites: Biol 221, and either Biol 220 or Junior status. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Writing requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)
cross listed: NEUR 324, BMB 324

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BIOL 325: Topics in Disease and Cell Biology

This course examines the structure and function of the cell and its organelles, and how these relate to disease, with emphasis on the extracellular matrix, membrane-related processes including transport, cell-to-cell signaling, protein processing, and post-transcriptional regulation. Current techniques are explored in the context of primary research literature. Research reports include extensive library and Internet exploration and analysis. Three lecture hours per week. Prerequisites: Biol 221, and either Biol 220 or Junior status. Not open to students who have taken BIOL 324. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)
cross listed: BMB 325, NEUR 327

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BIOL 326: Immunology

This course introduces students to the major players of innate and adaptive immunity at the cellular and molecular levels. Topics include immune receptors and signal transduction, cell migration, development of lymphocyte subsets, humoral and cellular immunity, and immunological disorders. Students are expected to develop a semester-long research project that will tackle one of the current challenges that affect the human immune response.Three lecture hours per week. Prerequisites: Biol 221, and either Biol 220 or Junior status. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)
cross listed: NEUR 326, BMB 326

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BIOL 330: Applied Data Analy for Biologists

(Applied Data Analysis for Biologists) This course introduces students to statistical analysis procedures as they are applied in biological research. Statistical content will introduce univariate and bivariate methods, moving on to multi-variable approaches. Classroom sessions will consist of lectures, discussions, and demonstrations. In addition to these more-formal sessions, a supervised laboratory in which students conduct hands-on computer-assisted statistical analyses, will take place weekly. Sample data will be drawn from multiple sub-disciplines within biology. These may include any of the following topics: cellular and molecular biology, organismal research, ecology, evolutionary biology, human physiology and medicine. Two 80-minute classroom and one four-hour laboratory meeting per week. Prerequisites: Math 150 or equivalent, Biol 220, and either Biol 221 or Junior status. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

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BIOL 340: Animal Physiology

This course focuses on mechanisms of homeostasis in vertebrates and invertebrates. A particular emphasis is placed on examining specific adaptations (functional, morphological, and behavioral) to different environmental conditions, as well as problems associated with physical size. Topics include integration and response to stimuli, gas exchange, circulation, movement, buoyancy, metabolism, thermal regulation, osmoregulation, and excretion. Three lecture and four laboratory hours per week. This course fulfills the pre-requisite for physiology in the health professions. Prerequisites: BIOL 221 and BIOL 220 or permission of the instructor. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)
cross listed: NEUR 340, BMB 340

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BIOL 342: Developmental Biology

Analysis of the genetic, molecular, cellular, and structural changes that occur between fertilization and the development of the adult form. This course examines many concepts including establishment of cell fates, stem cells, morphogenesis, and sex determination. Students also analyze key experiments and methods through primary literature that have provided an understanding of development. The laboratory demonstrates important developmental principles, allowing students to engage in projects of their own design to examine environmental and genetic contributions to development through the use of invertebrate organisms. Three discussion and four laboratory hours per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 221, and either BIOL 220 or Junior status. Students must also register for a lab. (Cross listed as BMB 342 and NEUR 342) (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)
cross listed: NEUR 342, BMB 342

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BIOL 344: Animal Behavior

A study of current ideas about the biological basis and evolution of animal behavior. Topics will include molecular, hormonal, and genetic bases of behavior; adaptive behavior patterns; mating systems and reproductive behavior; and evolution of altruism and helping behavior. Three lecture and four laboratory hours per week. Prerequisites: Biol 220, and either Biol 221 or Junior status. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)
cross listed: NEUR 344

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BIOL 346: Neuroscience: Neuron to Brain

Neuroscience, the scientific study of the nervous system, is an inherently interdisciplinary field involving multiple levels of analysis. This course serves biology students, as an elective, and neuroscience students, as the first course in the two-part core neuroscience sequence. The course explores basic concepts in brain, mind, and behavior from a sub-organismal perspective. Current issues are examined within a broad integrative framework that begins with the cellular and molecular physiology of individual neurons. This lays the groundwork for the study of how molecules control the development of neuronal pathways and networks that underlie sensory, integrative, and motor systems. In addition, the course explores the molecular genetic basis of complex brain functions including learning, memory, affect, sleep, homeostasis, and ultimately, cognition. The accompanying laboratory provides students with hands-on experiences in the contemporary methods and experimental approaches of cellular and integrative neurophysiology. Three discussion and four laboratory hours per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 221, CHEM 116. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)
cross listed: NEUR 301, BMB 346

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BIOL 351: Personal Genetics

The human genome comprises roughly 21,000 genes, each with its own variants and intricacies of function. A student chooses one gene in which they are personally interested (perhaps the gene causing celiac disease or breast cancer), researches and discusses the function of the gene with their peers, designs a way to clone the gene from their own cells (or from an anonymous donor), and obtains the DNA sequence of part of their gene. The project culminates in a grant proposal. The decision on which gene is studied is entirely student-driven. Other topics include the use of model organisms or cell cultures in the study of human disease, advanced mechanisms of gene editing like CRISPR-Cas9, or state of the art cancer treatments like CAR T-cell therapy. This course is a combination of four hours seminar and laboratory, and senior capstone experience will be earned with one 300-level course as prerequisite and advanced work. Prerequisites: BIOL 221, CHEM 116, and either BIOL 220 or Junior status.
cross listed: BMB 351, NEUR 351

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BIOL 352: From Genotype to Phenotype

A study of the molecular basis for inheritance, particularly with respect to human traits and disorders. Topics include the structure, expression, and segregation of genes and chromosomes, the use of model organisms in the study of human disease, genetic engineering, gene therapy, and principles of genome science. The laboratory will apply current molecular techniques to an original course-based undergraduate research experience. Three lecture and four laboratory hours per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 221, and either BIOL 220 or Junior status. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)
cross listed: NEUR 352, BMB 352

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BIOL 360: Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration

This course will examine the cellular and physiological basis of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and prion disease. A special emphasis will be placed on investigating the primary causes of neurodegenerative diseases, such as the role of protein misfolding, genetics, and neurotransmitters. Cutting-edge primary literature will be used to provide a current understanding of neurodegeneration, as well as insights into the techniques and methods used in this field. Three lecture hours per week. Prerequisites: Biol 221, and either Biol 220 or Junior status. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

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BIOL 362: Mechanisms of Brain Dysfunction

This course will examine the biochemical and molecular basis of both rare and common nervous system disorders that are at the frontiers of molecular medicine. Students will select from illnesses that disable processes as diverse as memory, language, cognition, sensation, movement, emotion, and homeostasis. A special emphasis will be placed on investigating the primary causes of dysfunction, such as the role of protein misfolding, genetics, and neurotransmitters. By discussing the latest primary literature students will gain current understanding of neurological and psychiatric illnesses, as well as insights into the techniques and methods used in this field. Students will seek to further new knowledge by authoring an original grant proposal. Finally, depending on the semester offered, students will serve as advanced peer mentors for first year students either enrolled in FIYS 106 or BIOL 130 courses. Prerequisites: Biol 221, and either Biol 220 or Junior status. Two 80-minute sessions per week. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Writing requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)
cross listed: NEUR 362, BMB 362

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BIOL 365: The Neuroscience of Sleep

The Neuroscience of Sleep. Why do we sleep? Despite the fact that we spend a third of our lives sleeping, neuroscience research has only just begun to answer this fundamental question. In this course, we delve into the fascinating field of brain-based research by investigating several sleep-related topics (e.g., sleep across species, the role of sleep in cognitive functions, sleep disorders, and dreaming). We explore these topics through the lens of contemporary neuroscientific work, so the majority of class time is dedicated to student-led presentations and discussions of primary research articles. Outside of class, students conduct independent research on a niche sleep-related topic, ultimately developing a thorough literature review and an original grant proposal. Prerequisites: BIOL 221 and PSYC 110 or permission of the instructor. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences requirement.)
cross listed: NEUR 365, BMB 365, PSYC 365

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BIOL 370: Ecology

This course examines current concepts and research in ecology at the levels of populations, communities, landscapes, ecosystems, and global processes. Emphasis will be placed on field research methods and reading of the primary literature. Lectures, discussions, and other classroom activities will be combined with field and laboratory exercises. Three classroom and four laboratory/field hours per week. Prerequisites: Biol 220, and either Biol 221 or Junior status. (Cross-listed as ES 370.) (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

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BIOL 372: Pharmacology: Drug, Brain, Behavior

In this course, we will explore ideas and principles regarding neuronal communication and drug interactions that govern behavior. We will explore communication patterns of both electrical and chemical signaling, define complex dynamics of drug distributions and identify how these processes are influenced by individual genetics. This class will also investigate the interaction between neurotransmitters and drugs at specific neuronal receptors, which will be discussed from the perspective of agonism and antagonism. We will use these principles to guide our understanding of pharmaco-therapeutics that are focused on symptom targeting. Students will also have the opportunity to discuss clinical cases and participate in the development of strategic therapeutic approaches based on current research towards the treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders. Prerequisites: PSYC110 and BIOL221 with a grade of at least C-, or permission of instructor. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)
cross listed: NEUR 372, PSYC 372, BMB 372

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BIOL 373: Community Ecology

This course will address G. Evelyn Hutchinson's foundational question: 'Why are there so many kinds of animals?' We will approach this question by studying the mechanistic drivers of biodiversity, how diversity is maintained, and the interactions between species in communities. This course will consist of a weekly seminar presentation based on a topic in community ecology interspersed with student-led discussions based on readings from foundational and modern papers related to the lecture topic. The lab will focus on quantification of biodiversity, use of computer and statistical tools to analyze ecological data, and experimental design for field studies. Lab will culminate with students designing and conducting an original field-based research project applying the skills learned in lab to a relevant hypothesis discussed in class. Three lecture and four laboratory hours per week. Prerequisites: Biol 220, and either Biol 221 or Junior status. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Experiential Learning requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

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BIOL 374: Biogeography

This course will examine patterns of biodiversity, species distributions, island biogeography, the role of the Earth's history in shaping modern species distributions, and the impact of current climate change and land use change on future species distributions. Each week students will read foundational papers in Biogeography. We will then read a recent paper that touches on the questions raised in the foundational papers, with the idea of identifying both which foundational hypotheses have been well tested and, perhaps more interestingly, which have not. By discussing the latest primary literature, students will learn how to unite concepts and information from ecology, evolutionary biology, geology, and physical geography to answer questions of importance to modern society. The lab section of the course will be focused on learning GIS techniques and how they are applied to biologically interesting questions. Students will author an original research project applying the skills learned in lab to a relevant hypothesis discussed in class. Three 50-minute discussion sessions per week plus one lab section. Prerequisites: Biol 220, and either Biol 221 or Junior status. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Technology requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

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BIOL 375: Conservation Biology

This course will examine how biological principles and information can be applied to conservation of species, ecosystems, and natural resources. Topics may include endangered species, conservation genetics, landscape and ecosystem-level conservation, restoration, biodiversity in human-influenced systems, and others. This course is scheduled to allow extended field trips and will also include lecture, discussion, and other classroom and laboratory activities. Prerequisites: Biol 220, and either Biol 221 or Junior status. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)
cross listed: ES 375L

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BIOL 383: Herpetology

This course provides a thorough knowledge and understanding of reptiles and amphibians, their evolutionary relationships, taxonomic classification, and identifying characteristics, anatomy, physiology, behavior, and ecology. Special attention is paid to local species in Illinois. An emphasis on experiential learning allows students to design experiments and work with topics pertaining to conservation and care of reptiles and amphibians. Three 50-minute lectures and one four-hour lab per week are required. Prerequisite: Biol 220 or ES 220. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Experiential Learning requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)
cross listed: ES 383

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BIOL 384: Plant Biology

This course aims to provide a thorough knowledge and understanding of land and aquatic plants, photosynthetic protists and fungi, including: molecular biology; chemical organization and genetics; structures and functions of plant cells, tissues, and organs; principles of systematic botany, nomenclature, and classification; evolutionary relationships among the major groups; and the relationship between plants and their environments. An emphasis on hands-on experimentation will allow students to design experiments, analyze data, and present their results. Three 50-minute lectures and one 3-hour lab per week are required. Prerequisites: Biol 220, and either Biol 221 or Junior status. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Experiential Learning requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)
cross listed: ES 384

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BIOL 386: Experimental Plant Ecology

This course examines the ecology of plants at population, community, and ecosystem levels. We examine the interactions of plants with each other, with other organisms, and with their environments. Topics discussed include competition among plants for common resources, how plants adapt to environmental stressors, relationships between plants, pollinators, herbivores and pathogens, and the ecology of plants in urban environments. Lab projects include experimental testing of various aspects of plant ecology using greenhouse and field experiments. Prerequisites: BIOL 220 OR ES 220. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)
cross listed: ES 386

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BIOL 388: The Malleable Brain

(The Malleable Brain: Mechanisms of Neural Plasticity) This course studies the remarkable fact that the brain is malleable or changeable. Neurons are constantly altering their behavior at a cellular and molecular level to help us learn, remember, and adapt to new situations. This neuronal plasticity is an essential mechanism of the normal functioning brain but, when plasticity is aberrant, disease is likely to occur. We will examine the mechanisms of neuronal plasticity, probe current techniques utilized by researchers, and evaluate primary research articles. We will consider how plasticity contributes to the learning and encoding of new information throughout the lifespan, as well as how aberrant plasticity contributes to disorders such as post-traumatic stress, addiction, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's disease. We also will explore how these disorders are currently treated with drugs and therapy. Prerequisites: BIOL 221 and PSYC 110 or permission of the instructor.
cross listed: NEUR 388, PSYC 388

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BIOL 389: Evolution

This course will focus on the mechanisms of evolutionary change, ranging from short-term microevolutionary processes within populations to the origins of new species. Topics will include evidence for evolution, short-term microevolutionary processes, natural selection, adaptation, phylogenetic reconstruction, divergence and speciation, 'evo-devo', and human evolution. Classroom sessions will consist of lectures, discussions, and student presentations. Three lecture and four laboratory hours per week (including Field Museum trips). Prerequisites: Biol 220, and either Biol 221 or Junior status. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)
cross listed: NEUR 389, BMB 389

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BIOL 415: Sr Sem: Molecular Machines

The ability to interpret protein and other biomolecular structural data is a key skill for anyone interested in molecular medicine, chemical biology, neuroscience, pharmacology, biology, evolution, and related fields. Recent technological advances in X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance imaging and machine learning have opened an abundance of new opportunities to solve how proteins and other biomolecules evolved to meet specific functions for living systems. After learning how protein structures are measured, students select recent protein structural discoveries relevant to their major or interests, present how those structures enable protein functions, depict protein structures, engage students in discussion, and propose new experiments based on new structural data. Prerequisite: Open to senior Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Neuroscience majors who have completed at least one 300-level course in the major or by permission of the instructor.
cross listed: BMB 415, NEUR 475

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BIOL 470: Sr Sem: Telomeres, Race, and Cancer

(Senior Seminar: Telomeres, Race, and Cancer.) This course examines telomeres, the tips of chromosomes, which serve a variety of protective cellular functions. Shortened telomeres may lead to decreased lifespan. Telomere length reduction can also be observed in some racial groups, lower socioeconomic groups, and chronically stressed individuals. Conversely, telomeres in some aberrant cells can be lengthened by the enzyme telomerase, leading to cell immortalization and tumor formation. Telomerase is one of the hallmarks of cancer, showing elevated levels in about 90% of tumors. Specific topics depend on student interest and consist of student-led journal clubs, discussions, and a grant proposal project. Prerequisite: Open to senior Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biology, and Neuroscience majors who have completed at least one 300-level course in the major or by permission of the instructor. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Senior Studies requirement.)
cross listed: BMB 470, NEUR 470

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BIOL 471: Sr Sem: Neuroscience of Movement

(Senior Seminar: Neuroscience of Movement and Related Disorders.) Do you remember that scene in The Matrix where Neo downloads the ability to do karate? Ever wondered what was actually "downloaded"? This senior seminar explores the neurobiological mechanisms underlying movement generation and control. We examine how the brain plans and executes movements, the changes that happen when the brain learns new movements, and what happens when these systems go awry (such as in Parkinson's Disease, stroke, spinal cord injuries, and sensory deficits). We also discuss modern techniques to rehabilitate and enhance movement such as brain stimulation and neuro-prosthetics. Precise topics depend on student interests. Students write an original grant proposal, based on which they would design, execute, and present a research project, along with in-class presentations of primary literature. Prerequisite: Open to senior biology and neuroscience majors who have completed core courses and at least one 300-level course in the major or by permission of the instructor. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Senior Studies requirement.)
cross listed: NEUR 471

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BIOL 472: Sr Sem: Data Analytics in Life Sci

(Senior Seminar: Data Analytics in Life Science Applications.) Data is increasingly becoming part of our everyday lives. Especially in the sciences, gone are the days of simply observing and instead we must be able to analyze the world around us. This senior seminar provides a foundation to working with data in the real world. Students learn to organize, analyze, visualize, and document data through hands-on experience working with existing datasets collected from biology, neuroscience, biochemistry/molecular biology and more. Students learn the basics of Python Programing Language and how to leverage it to analyze any type of dataset. Students review primary literature behind a novel data processing technique, write a registered report for their chosen dataset, then execute their analysis plan and present their findings. Prerequisite: Open to senior Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biology, and Neuroscience majors who have completed at least one 300-level course in the major or by permission of the instructor. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Senior Studies requirement.)
cross listed: BMB 472, NEUR 472

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BIOL 473: Sr Sem: Biology of Extreme Plants

(Senior Seminar: Biology of Extreme Plants.) Plants from varied evolutionary origins have colonized the most extreme environments on the planet. Some examples are the Arctic tundra with its extremely cold winters, the driest deserts in North and South America, as well as Asia and Africa, salty marshes, temperate and tropical savannas with huge fires, the highest mountains across different continents, far away islands in the middle of the ocean, and even the canopy of the tallest forests in the tropics. This course examines the mechanisms and biological adaptations that have allowed plants to live in the most extreme environments through an in-depth analysis of the primary literature. Prerequisite: Open to senior biology majors who have completed at least one 300-level course in the major or by permission of the instructor. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Senior Studies requirement.)

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BIOL 474: The Genetic Basis of Behavior

(Senior Seminar: The Genetic Basis of Behavior) This course examines the genes and underlying molecular mechanisms that contribute to behaviors exhibited across the animal kingdom. Special emphasis is placed on an integrative understanding of how molecular level change contributes to organism behavior, and how those changes were evolutionarily selected. Precise topics depend on student interests. Class is comprised of short lectures, discussions of primary literature, and student presentations, which support development of a significant written work over the semester. Prerequisites: Open to senior Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Neuroscience majors who have completed at least one 300-level course in the major or permission of the instructor.
cross listed: BMB 474, NEUR 474

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BIOL 477: Mechanisms of Neurological Disease

(Senior Seminar: Mechanisms of Neurological Disease.) This course examines our current understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie neurodevelopmental disorders (i.e. autism), psychiatric disorders (i.e. depression, schizophrenia), and neurodegenerative disease (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's). Special emphasis is placed on a comparative analysis of model organism and human clinical research. Precise topics depend on student interests. Classes involve discussions of primary literature, student presentations, and short lectures. Prerequisites: Open to senior Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Neuroscience majors who have completed at least one 300-level course in the major or by permission of the instructor. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Natural Sciences and Speaking requirements.)
cross listed: BMB 477, NEUR 477

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BIOL 478: Animal Survival Extreme Habitats

This course examines how a variety of marine, freshwater, and terrestrial animals survive in extreme habitats. The course explores physiological, sensory, and behavioral adaptations in animals by the different types of harsh environments they inhabit – the shallowest, the deepest, the coldest, the hottest, and so on – to see how life thrives under challenging conditions. This seminar not only emphasizes animal diversity and unique adaptations, but also how scientists gather information about these animals and communicate their findings to the scientific community and general public. Classes involve discussions stemming from scientific literature, student presentations, and short lectures. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Senior Studies requirement.)
cross listed: NEUR 478

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BIOL 479: Sr Sem: Receptors and Signal Transd

Senior Seminar: Receptors and Signal Transduction. This course is designed to provide a capstone experience for biology and neuroscience majors. It will focus on the neurobiology of sensory receptors and signal transduction mechanisms. Specific topics will depend on student interests, and may include photoreception, chemoreception, mechanoreception, electroreception, thermoreception, magnetoreception, and/or nociception. Classes will involve discussions of the primary literature, student presentations, and short lectures. Prerequisite: Open to senior biology majors who have completed at least one 300-level course in the major or by permission of the instructor.

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BIOL 480: Neural Frontiers

This course is designed to provide a scholarship capstone for biology and neuroscience majors. Students will explore diverse topics of their interest at the frontiers of neuroscience, one of the most active research fields of the 21st century that is regularly considered as science's final frontier. Students will select from topics as diverse as memory, language, cognition, sensation, movement, neural stem cells, and complex neurological diseases. Students will engage in the art of being a scientific scholar in three complementary ways. They will learn new knowledge by discussing the latest primary literature in journal clubs. They will seek new knowledge by authoring an original grant proposal. They will explore how a career in science extends knowledge by role-playing a world famous neuroscientist. Finally students will serve as consultants for First-Year Studies students. Prerequisite: Open to senior biology and neuroscience majors who have completed at least one 300-level course in the major or by permission of the instructor. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Speaking requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)
cross listed: NEUR 480

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BIOL 481: Sr Sem: Oncology

(Senior Seminar: Oncology) This course will examine characteristics of cancer at the cellular and organismal levels, as well as investigate the current methods of treatment and prevention of cancer. This will involve intensive library research, report writing, and student led discussions and presentations. Prerequisite: Open to senior biology and neuroscience majors who have completed at least one 300-level course in the major or by permission of the instructor. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)
cross listed: NEUR 481

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BIOL 482: Sr Sem: Sex and Evolution

(Senior Seminar: Sex and Evolution) An application of evolutionary principles to understanding phenomena related to sexual reproduction. This seminar will emphasize theory and empirical tests of theory reported in the primary literature in evolution, behavior, and genetics. Exact topics will depend on student interests. Classes will involve discussions, student presentations, and short lectures. Prerequisite: Open to senior biology and neuroscience majors who have completed at least one 300-level course in the major or by permission of the instructor. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)
cross listed: NEUR 482

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BIOL 483: Sr Sem: Plant and Animal Interact

(Senior Seminar: Plant and Animal Interactions) This course will examine the ecological and evolutionary relationships between plants and the animals that eat them, defend them, or carry their pollen or seeds. The course will address plant defenses against animals, ecological interactions among plants and animals, and relationships in a community context, using examples from tropical and marine ecosystems as well as those of North America and Europe. Particular attention will be given to changes over geological time and the central importance of these relationships in maintaining food production and conservation of biological diversity. Prerequisite: Open to senior biology majors who have completed at least one 300-level Biology course or by permission of instructor. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

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BIOL 484: Sr Sem: Biology of Extinctions

Human-induced extinctions are proceeding at an incredible rate, which will have wide-ranging effects on current biological systems. Extinctions of human diseases have been thought of as beneficial, whereas enormous effort has been expended to protect a few survivors of disappearing plants and animals. Specific topics will depend on student interests, but may include historic patterns in extinction, historic and modern causes of extinctions, and the biological and economic implications of extinctions. Topics will be studied by analysis of the primary literature and include student-selected case studies. Classes will involve discussions, student presentations, and short lectures. Prerequisite: Open to senior biology majors who have completed at least one 300-level course in the major or by permission of the instructor. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

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BIOL 485: Sr Sem: The Nobel Prizes

(Senior Seminar: The Nobel Prizes: A Century of Innovation and Discovery) Koch, Fleming, Muller, Watson, Crick, von Bekesy, Golgi, and y Cajal are all Nobel Prize winners. Why are some names known to non-science students, whereas others are not even recognizable to most scientists? Every fall the Nobel Prize committee announces their awards. While their deliberations are shrouded in secrecy, the fame of the award is such that the general public often knows the names of winners. This course will examine the work and life of select prize winners in physiology/medicine and chemistry over the past 100 years. Reading will include the original work by the Novel laureates, as well as biographies and autobiographies of the winners. Discussion, presentations and papers will examine the impact of the winners' work, including a critical analysis of how important the work was at the time and how important it remains today, and why some awards were given years after the work was conducted, while others were recognized within a few years. The course will also include a history of the prize and of Alfred Nobel, and explore controversies associated with the award, including the dearth of female recipients. The semester will conclude with nominations for next year's award winners. Prerequisite: Open to senior biology, biochemistry & molecular biology, and neuroscience majors who have completed at least one 300-level course in the major or by permission of the instructor. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)
cross listed: NEUR 485, BMB 485

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BIOL 486: Sr Sem: Biol Natural Hallucinogens

(Senior Seminar: Biology of Natural Hallucinogens) A wide range of plants, fungi, and animals produce psychoactive compounds, primarily as forms of self-defense. Peyote, khat, coca, and opium are common examples of naturally occurring substances that, when ingested by humans, alter the way in which neurons interact, creating effects that vary from medicinal to toxic. An in depth analysis of the primary literature will be used to explore and analyze the wide range of biological effects induced by these compounds, as well as the biology of the organisms producing psychoactive substances. Prerequisite: Open to senior biology majors who have completed at least one 300-level course in the major or by permission of the instructor. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

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BIOL 487: Sr Sem: Biol Impli Climate Change

(Senior Seminar: Biological Implications of Climate Change) As our global climate changes, it is expected that the effects on biological systems will be wide-ranging. Changes in temperature, atmospheric CO2 concentrations, rainfall patterns, storm frequency and sea level have the potential to alter geographic distributions of species, change the spread of infectious diseases, reset plant phenologies, drive evolutionary change and even modify plant and animal physiology and biochemistry. An in depth analysis of primary literature will be used to explore and analyze the myriad biological effects that may occur in response to global climate change. Prerequisite: Open to senior biology majors who have completed at least one 300-level Biology course or by permission of instructor. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

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BIOL 488: Sr Sem: Cellular Basis of Disease

(Senior Seminar: Cellular Basis of Disease) A study of the cellular and molecular basis of human disease, such as cancer or diabetes. Classes involve intensive library research, report writing, and student presentations. Open to senior Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Neuroscience majors who have completed at least one 300-level course in the major or by permission of the instructor. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Senior Studies requirement. Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)
cross listed: NEUR 488, BMB 488

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BIOL 489: Sr Sem: Biology of War

War can have devastating effects on human health and the environment. Factors considered in this course include nuclear fallout, widespread pesticide (e.g. Agent Orange), biological weapons, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and natural resource availability. An analysis of primary literature will be used to explore and analyze the myriad biological effects of modern and historical warfare. Prerequisite: Open to senior biology and neuroscience majors who have completed at least one 300-level course in the major or by permission of the instructor. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)
cross listed: NEUR 489

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BIOL 490: Internship

Off-campus research experience supervised by a departmental faculty member. Consult the faculty member designated as the department's internship liaison for application information. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Experiential Learning requirement.)

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BIOL 493: Research Project

Research in collaboration with a departmental faculty member. Consult with any member of the department for application information. (Under the Forester Fundamental Curriculum, this course meets the Experiential Learning requirement.)

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BIOL 494: Senior Thesis

Research guided by a departmental faculty member culminating in a senior thesis, fulfilling the College's Senior Studies Requirement. Consult any member of the department for further information.