Courses

Courses

Fall 2006 Courses

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055. Science of Food and Wine
Richard Broene Barry Logan T 8:30 - 9:55, TH 8:30 - 9:55
Methods of food and wine preparation and production emerged from essentially controlled scientific experiments, even if the techniques of cooking are often carried out without thought of the underlying physical processes at play. This course considers the science behind food and wine using bread baking, cooking techniques, the role of microbes in our diet, and wine making and appreciation to explore the chemistry and biology that underlie our gastronomy. Molecular structures and complex interactions central to cooking and wine will be examined in integrated laboratory exercises. Not intended for students who have previously had more than one college-level science course.
LAB
Richard Broene Barry Logan W 1:00 - 3:55
Methods of food and wine preparation and production emerged from essentially controlled scientific experiments, even if the techniques of cooking are often carried out without thought of the underlying physical processes at play. This course considers the science behind food and wine using bread baking, cooking techniques, the role of microbes in our diet, and wine making and appreciation to explore the chemistry and biology that underlie our gastronomy. Molecular structures and complex interactions central to cooking and wine will be examined in integrated laboratory exercises. Not intended for students who have previously had more than one college-level science course.
061. Your First Nine Months: From Conception to Birth
Carey Phillips M 11:30 - 12:55, W 11:30 - 12:55
Bio 61 will cover the biological events from the process of fertilization through early development and the birth of a human. The course is intended for those who have had little biology or do not intend to major in biology. We will explore the formation of the major organ systems and how the parts of your body are constructed in the correct places and at the correct times. We will also discuss topics such as cloning and the effects of prenatal use of drugs as they relate to the biological principles involved in early human development. There will be a few in-class laboratory sessions where students will learn to do experiments, collect, analyze and interpret data.
085. From Brain to Behavior
Jennifer Morgan T 10:00 - 11:25, TH 10:00 - 11:25
All human social, cognitive and sexual behaviors require complex functions of the nervous system. For example, the brain and spinal cord together work to control body movements, senses, learning and memory, language, emotions, dreaming, and all other complex thought processes. This survey course focuses on the biology underlying these nervous system functions. Diseases of the brain, drug actions, injury and repair will also be discussed. Includes comparative examinations of nervous systems in other organisms.
101. Biological Principles I
Bruce Kohorn M 8:00 - 9:25, W 8:00 - 9:25
The first in a two-semester introductory biology sequence. Topics include fundamental principles of cellular and molecular biology with an emphasis on providing a problem solving approach to an understanding of genes, RNA, proteins, and cell structure and communication. Focuses on developing quantitative skills, as well as critical thinking and problem solving skills. Lecture and weekly laboratory/discussion groups. First-year students are required to take the biology placement examination during orientation.
LAB
T 1:00 - 3:55
The first in a two-semester introductory biology sequence. Topics include fundamental principles of cellular and molecular biology with an emphasis on providing a problem solving approach to an understanding of genes, RNA, proteins, and cell structure and communication. Focuses on developing quantitative skills, as well as critical thinking and problem solving skills. Lecture and weekly laboratory/discussion groups. First-year students are required to take the biology placement examination during orientation.
LAB
W 1:00 - 3:55
The first in a two-semester introductory biology sequence. Topics include fundamental principles of cellular and molecular biology with an emphasis on providing a problem solving approach to an understanding of genes, RNA, proteins, and cell structure and communication. Focuses on developing quantitative skills, as well as critical thinking and problem solving skills. Lecture and weekly laboratory/discussion groups. First-year students are required to take the biology placement examination during orientation.
LAB
TH 1:00 - 3:55
The first in a two-semester introductory biology sequence. Topics include fundamental principles of cellular and molecular biology with an emphasis on providing a problem solving approach to an understanding of genes, RNA, proteins, and cell structure and communication. Focuses on developing quantitative skills, as well as critical thinking and problem solving skills. Lecture and weekly laboratory/discussion groups. First-year students are required to take the biology placement examination during orientation.
109. Introductory Biology
Michael Palopoli Anne McBride M 8:30 - 9:25, W 8:30 - 9:25, F 8:30 - 9:25
Lectures examine fundamental biological principles, from the subcellular to the ecosystem level. Topics include bioenergetics, structure-function relationships, cellular information systems, physiology, ecology, and evolutionary biology. Laboratory sessions are intended to develop a deeper understanding of the techniques and methods of science by requiring students to design and conduct their own experiments. Lecture and weekly laboratory/discussion groups.
LAB
Pamela Bryer T 8:30 - 11:25
Lectures examine fundamental biological principles, from the subcellular to the ecosystem level. Topics include bioenergetics, structure-function relationships, cellular information systems, physiology, ecology, and evolutionary biology. Laboratory sessions are intended to develop a deeper understanding of the techniques and methods of science by requiring students to design and conduct their own experiments. Lecture and weekly laboratory/discussion groups.
LAB
Pamela Bryer T 1:00 - 3:55
Lectures examine fundamental biological principles, from the subcellular to the ecosystem level. Topics include bioenergetics, structure-function relationships, cellular information systems, physiology, ecology, and evolutionary biology. Laboratory sessions are intended to develop a deeper understanding of the techniques and methods of science by requiring students to design and conduct their own experiments. Lecture and weekly laboratory/discussion groups.
LAB
Pamela Bryer W 1:00 - 3:55
Lectures examine fundamental biological principles, from the subcellular to the ecosystem level. Topics include bioenergetics, structure-function relationships, cellular information systems, physiology, ecology, and evolutionary biology. Laboratory sessions are intended to develop a deeper understanding of the techniques and methods of science by requiring students to design and conduct their own experiments. Lecture and weekly laboratory/discussion groups.
LAB
Pamela Bryer TH 1:00 - 3:55
Lectures examine fundamental biological principles, from the subcellular to the ecosystem level. Topics include bioenergetics, structure-function relationships, cellular information systems, physiology, ecology, and evolutionary biology. Laboratory sessions are intended to develop a deeper understanding of the techniques and methods of science by requiring students to design and conduct their own experiments. Lecture and weekly laboratory/discussion groups.
202. The Art of Scientific Illustration: Using 3-D Animations in Education
Carey Phillips M 1:00 - 3:55, W 1:00 - 3:55
Explores the uses of art and three-dimensional animations in communicating complex dynamic and spatial relationships, primarily as they pertain to explaining scientific concepts. Students use primary literature to explore a science problem in a seminar-type format. Study of film-making and use of high-end three dimensional animation software. Concludes with a team effort in creating a three-dimensional animated film of the science problem.
212. Genetics and Molecular Biology
William Steinhart M 10:30 - 11:25, W 10:30 - 11:25, F 10:30 - 11:25
Integrated coverage of organismic and molecular levels of genetic systems. Topics include modes of inheritance, the structure and function of chromosomes, the mechanisms and control of gene expression, recombination, mutagenesis, the determination of gene order and sequence, and genetic engineering applications. Laboratory and problem-solving sessions are scheduled.
LAB
Peter Schlax Jr W 1:00 - 3:55
Integrated coverage of organismic and molecular levels of genetic systems. Topics include modes of inheritance, the structure and function of chromosomes, the mechanisms and control of gene expression, recombination, mutagenesis, the determination of gene order and sequence, and genetic engineering applications. Laboratory and problem-solving sessions are scheduled.
LAB
Peter Schlax Jr TH 1:00 - 3:55
Integrated coverage of organismic and molecular levels of genetic systems. Topics include modes of inheritance, the structure and function of chromosomes, the mechanisms and control of gene expression, recombination, mutagenesis, the determination of gene order and sequence, and genetic engineering applications. Laboratory and problem-solving sessions are scheduled.
213. Neurobiology
Jennifer Morgan T 8:30 - 9:55, TH 8:30 - 9:55
Examines fundamental concepts in neurobiology from the molecular to the systems level. Topics include neuronal communication, gene regulation, morphology, neuronal development, axon guidance, mechanisms of neuronal plasticity, sensory systems, and the molecular basis of behavior and disease. Weekly lab sessions introduce a wide range of methods used to examine neurons and neuronal systems.
LAB
The Department M 1:00 - 3:55
Examines fundamental concepts in neurobiology from the molecular to the systems level. Topics include neuronal communication, gene regulation, morphology, neuronal development, axon guidance, mechanisms of neuronal plasticity, sensory systems, and the molecular basis of behavior and disease. Weekly lab sessions introduce a wide range of methods used to examine neurons and neuronal systems.
LAB
The Department T 1:00 - 3:55
Examines fundamental concepts in neurobiology from the molecular to the systems level. Topics include neuronal communication, gene regulation, morphology, neuronal development, axon guidance, mechanisms of neuronal plasticity, sensory systems, and the molecular basis of behavior and disease. Weekly lab sessions introduce a wide range of methods used to examine neurons and neuronal systems.
215. Behavioral Ecology and Population Biology
Nathaniel Wheelwright T 10:00 - 11:25, TH 10:00 - 11:25
Study of the behavior of animals and plants, and the interactions between organisms and their environment. Topics include population growth and structure, and the influence of competition, predation, and other factors on the behavior, abundance, and distribution of plants and animals. Laboratory sessions, field trips, and research projects emphasize concepts in ecology, evolution and behavior, research techniques, and the natural history of local plants and animals. Optional field trip to the Bowdoin Scientific Station on Kent Island.
LAB
Nancy Olmstead M 1:00 - 4:55
Study of the behavior of animals and plants, and the interactions between organisms and their environment. Topics include population growth and structure, and the influence of competition, predation, and other factors on the behavior, abundance, and distribution of plants and animals. Laboratory sessions, field trips, and research projects emphasize concepts in ecology, evolution and behavior, research techniques, and the natural history of local plants and animals. Optional field trip to the Bowdoin Scientific Station on Kent Island.
LAB
Nancy Olmstead T 1:00 - 4:55
Study of the behavior of animals and plants, and the interactions between organisms and their environment. Topics include population growth and structure, and the influence of competition, predation, and other factors on the behavior, abundance, and distribution of plants and animals. Laboratory sessions, field trips, and research projects emphasize concepts in ecology, evolution and behavior, research techniques, and the natural history of local plants and animals. Optional field trip to the Bowdoin Scientific Station on Kent Island.
217. Developmental Biology
Stephanie Richards M 8:30 - 9:25, W 8:30 - 9:25, F 8:30 - 9:25
An examination of current concepts of embryonic development, with emphasis on their experimental basis. Topics include morphogenesis and functional differentiation, tissue interaction, nucleocytoplasmic interaction, differential gene expression, and interaction of cells with hormones and extracellular matrix. Project-oriented laboratory work emphasizes experimental methods. Lectures and three hours of laboratory per week.
LAB
Elizabeth Richards W 1:00 - 3:55
An examination of current concepts of embryonic development, with emphasis on their experimental basis. Topics include morphogenesis and functional differentiation, tissue interaction, nucleocytoplasmic interaction, differential gene expression, and interaction of cells with hormones and extracellular matrix. Project-oriented laboratory work emphasizes experimental methods. Lectures and three hours of laboratory per week.
LAB
Elizabeth Richards TH 1:00 - 3:55
An examination of current concepts of embryonic development, with emphasis on their experimental basis. Topics include morphogenesis and functional differentiation, tissue interaction, nucleocytoplasmic interaction, differential gene expression, and interaction of cells with hormones and extracellular matrix. Project-oriented laboratory work emphasizes experimental methods. Lectures and three hours of laboratory per week.
219. Biology of Marine Organisms
Amy Johnson M 11:30 - 12:55, W 11:30 - 12:55
The study of the biology and ecology of marine mammals, seabirds, fish, intertidal and subtidal invertebrates, algae, and plankton. Also considers the biogeographic consequences of global and local ocean currents on the evolution and ecology of marine organisms. Laboratories, field trips, and research projects emphasize natural history, functional morphology, and ecology. Lectures and three hours of laboratory or field trip per week. One weekend field trip included.
LAB
Lesley Brown T 1:00 - 4:55
The study of the biology and ecology of marine mammals, seabirds, fish, intertidal and subtidal invertebrates, algae, and plankton. Also considers the biogeographic consequences of global and local ocean currents on the evolution and ecology of marine organisms. Laboratories, field trips, and research projects emphasize natural history, functional morphology, and ecology. Lectures and three hours of laboratory or field trip per week. One weekend field trip included.
LAB
Lesley Brown W 1:00 - 4:55
The study of the biology and ecology of marine mammals, seabirds, fish, intertidal and subtidal invertebrates, algae, and plankton. Also considers the biogeographic consequences of global and local ocean currents on the evolution and ecology of marine organisms. Laboratories, field trips, and research projects emphasize natural history, functional morphology, and ecology. Lectures and three hours of laboratory or field trip per week. One weekend field trip included.
225. Community and Ecosystem Ecology
John Lichter M 10:30 - 11:25, W 10:30 - 11:25, F 10:30 - 11:25
Community ecology is the study of the dynamic patterns in the distribution and abundance of organisms. Ecosystem ecology is the study of the flow of energy and cycling of matter through ecological communities across multiple spatial scales. Explores the multitude of interactions among populations of plants, animals, and microbes, and between those populations and the physical and chemical environment. Topics include the creation and function of biodiversity, the complexity of species interactions in food webs, the role of disturbance in ecosystem processes, the relative magnitude of top-down versus bottom-up controls in ecosystems, and much more. Laboratory sessions consist of local field trips, team research exercises, and independent field research projects. Time is also set aside for discussions of current and classic scientific literature.
LAB
Jaret Reblin T 1:00 - 4:55
Community ecology is the study of the dynamic patterns in the distribution and abundance of organisms. Ecosystem ecology is the study of the flow of energy and cycling of matter through ecological communities across multiple spatial scales. Explores the multitude of interactions among populations of plants, animals, and microbes, and between those populations and the physical and chemical environment. Topics include the creation and function of biodiversity, the complexity of species interactions in food webs, the role of disturbance in ecosystem processes, the relative magnitude of top-down versus bottom-up controls in ecosystems, and much more. Laboratory sessions consist of local field trips, team research exercises, and independent field research projects. Time is also set aside for discussions of current and classic scientific literature.
LAB
Jaret Reblin M 1:00 - 4:55
Community ecology is the study of the dynamic patterns in the distribution and abundance of organisms. Ecosystem ecology is the study of the flow of energy and cycling of matter through ecological communities across multiple spatial scales. Explores the multitude of interactions among populations of plants, animals, and microbes, and between those populations and the physical and chemical environment. Topics include the creation and function of biodiversity, the complexity of species interactions in food webs, the role of disturbance in ecosystem processes, the relative magnitude of top-down versus bottom-up controls in ecosystems, and much more. Laboratory sessions consist of local field trips, team research exercises, and independent field research projects. Time is also set aside for discussions of current and classic scientific literature.
232. Biochemistry II: Enzymes and Metabolism
David Page M 11:30 - 12:25, W 11:30 - 12:25, F 11:30 - 12:25
An introduction to metabolism. Topics include pathways in living cells by which carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, and other important biomolecules are broken down to produce energy and biosynthesized. Previously known as Biology 262.
253. Neurophysiology
Patsy Dickinson T 10:00 - 11:25, TH 10:00 - 11:25
A comparative study of the function of the nervous system in invertebrate and vertebrate animals. Topics include the physiology of individual nerve cells and their organization into larger functional units, the behavioral responses of animals to cues from the environment, and the neural mechanisms underlying such behaviors. Lectures and four hours of laboratory work per week.
LAB
Stephen Hauptman W 1:00 - 4:55
A comparative study of the function of the nervous system in invertebrate and vertebrate animals. Topics include the physiology of individual nerve cells and their organization into larger functional units, the behavioral responses of animals to cues from the environment, and the neural mechanisms underlying such behaviors. Lectures and four hours of laboratory work per week.
LAB
Stephen Hauptman TH 1:00 - 4:55
A comparative study of the function of the nervous system in invertebrate and vertebrate animals. Topics include the physiology of individual nerve cells and their organization into larger functional units, the behavioral responses of animals to cues from the environment, and the neural mechanisms underlying such behaviors. Lectures and four hours of laboratory work per week.
263. Laboratory in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Katherine Farnham M 2:30 - 3:55
Comprehensive laboratory course in molecular biology and biochemistry that reflects how research is conducted and communicated. Includes sequential weekly experiments, resulting in a cohesive, semester-long research project. Begins with genetic engineering to produce a recombinant protein, continues with its purification, and finishes with functional and structural characterization. Emphasis is on cloning strategy, controlling protein expression, and protein characterization using techniques such as polymerase chain reaction, affinity chromatography, isoelectric focusing and high-performance liquid chromatography. Students also learn to manipulate data using structural and image analysis software.
LAB
Katherine Farnham W 1:00 - 4:55
Comprehensive laboratory course in molecular biology and biochemistry that reflects how research is conducted and communicated. Includes sequential weekly experiments, resulting in a cohesive, semester-long research project. Begins with genetic engineering to produce a recombinant protein, continues with its purification, and finishes with functional and structural characterization. Emphasis is on cloning strategy, controlling protein expression, and protein characterization using techniques such as polymerase chain reaction, affinity chromatography, isoelectric focusing and high-performance liquid chromatography. Students also learn to manipulate data using structural and image analysis software.
LAB
Katherine Farnham TH 1:00 - 4:55
Comprehensive laboratory course in molecular biology and biochemistry that reflects how research is conducted and communicated. Includes sequential weekly experiments, resulting in a cohesive, semester-long research project. Begins with genetic engineering to produce a recombinant protein, continues with its purification, and finishes with functional and structural characterization. Emphasis is on cloning strategy, controlling protein expression, and protein characterization using techniques such as polymerase chain reaction, affinity chromatography, isoelectric focusing and high-performance liquid chromatography. Students also learn to manipulate data using structural and image analysis software.
280. Plant Responses to the Environment
Barry Logan T 1:00 - 2:25, TH 1:00 - 2:25
Plants can be found growing under remarkably stressful conditions. Even your own backyard poses challenges to plant growth and reproduction. Survival is possible only because of a diverse suite of elegant physiological and morphological adaptations. The physiological ecology of plants from extreme habitats (e.g., tundra, desert, hypersaline) is discussed, along with the responses of plants to environmental factors such as light and temperature. Readings from the primary literature facilitate class discussion. Excursions into the field and laboratory exercises complement class material.
304. Topics in Molecular Biology
Anne McBride M 11:30 - 12:55, W 11:30 - 12:55
Seminar exploring the numerous roles of ribonucleic acid, from the discovery of RNA as a cellular messenger to the development of RNAs to treat disease. Topics covered also include: RNA enzymes, interactions of RNA viruses with host cells, RNA tools in biotechnology, and RNA as a potential origin of life. Focuses on discussions of papers from the primary literature.
317. Molecular Evolution
Michael Palopoli M 1:00 - 2:25
The dynamics of evolutionary change at the molecular level are examined. Topics include: neutral theory of molecular evolution, rates and patterns of change in nucleotide sequences and proteins, molecular phylogenetics, and genome evolution. Explores the evolution of development and the application of molecular methods to traditional questions in evolutionary biology.

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