Courses

Courses

Spring 2008 Courses

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052. The Oceans: An Introduction to Marine Science
Kurt Bretsch T 10:00 - 11:25, TH 10:00 - 11:25
An introduction to the biological, geological, chemical, and physical processes occurring in the world's oceans. Emphasis will be placed on how these processes affect the distribution of marine organisms. Students will also explore historical and contemporary human interactions with the marine environment.

061. FROM CONCEPTION TO BIRTH
Carey Phillips M 11:30 - 12:55, W 11:30 - 12:55

076. Viruses Subverting Life
William Steinhart M 2:30 - 3:55, W 2:30 - 3:55
An introduction to the science of virology including the process of virus infection, effects on the host, epidemic spread, control and treatment, public health issues and the impact on society, the evolutionary relationship between viruses and their hosts, and the uses of viruses in new genetic technologies. Comparison of literature for the public versus the professional. Class sessions include discussions of readings and video documentaries as well as occasional laboratory work.

086. Biotechnology and Bioengineering
Peter Woodruff M 1:00 - 2:25, W 1:00 - 2:25
Scientific advances over the last few decades have greatly expanded our understanding of the natural world. Some of these discoveries have been applied to other fields to improve human health or solve problems facing society. Examines contemporary application of scientific progress in areas such as genetic engineering, stem cells, drug discovery, biofuels, and environmental remediation. Additionally, there will be an analysis of ethical concerns raised by advances in biotechnology and bioengineering.

102. Biological Principles II
Patsy Dickinson M 8:30 - 9:25, W 8:30 - 9:25, F 8:30 - 9:25
The second in a two-semester introductory biology sequence. Emphasizes fundamental biological principles extending from the physiological to the ecosystem level of living organisms. Topics include physiology, ecology, and evolutionary biology, with a focus on developing quantitative skills as well as critical thinking and problem solving skills. Lecture and weekly laboratory/discussion groups.

109. Introductory Biology
Nathaniel Wheelwright 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.

158. Perspectives in Environmental Science
John Lichter T 10:00 - 11:25, TH 10:00 - 11:25
Functioning of the earth system is defined by the complex and fascinating interaction of processes within and between four principal spheres: land, air, water, and life. Leverages key principles of environmental chemistry and ecology to unravel the intricate connectedness of natural phenomena and ecosystem function. Fundamental biological and chemical concepts are used to understand the science behind the environmental dilemmas facing societies as a consequence of human activities. Laboratory sessions consist of local field trips, laboratory experiments, group research, case study exercises, and discussions of current and classic scientific literature.

210. Plant Physiology
Barry Logan M 8:30 - 9:25, W 8:30 - 9:25, F 8:30 - 9:25
An introduction to the physiological processes that enable plants to grow under the varied conditions found in nature. General topics discussed include the acquisition, transport, and use of water and mineral nutrients, photosynthetic carbon assimilation, and the influence of environmental and hormonal signals on development and morphology. Adaptation and acclimation to extreme environments and other ecophysiological subjects are also discussed. Weekly laboratories reinforce principles discussed in lecture and expose students to modern research techniques.

214. Comparative Physiology
Patsy Dickinson M 11:30 - 12:55, W 11:30 - 12:55
An examination of animal function, from the cellular to the organismal level. The underlying concepts are emphasized, as are the experimental data that support our current understanding of animal function. Topics include the nervous system, hormones, respiration, circulation, osmoregulation, digestion, and thermoregulation. Labs are short, student-designed projects involving a variety of instrumentation. Lectures and four hours of laboratory work per week.

216. Evolution
Michael Palopoli M 10:30 - 11:25, W 10:30 - 11:25, F 10:30 - 11:25
Examines one of the most breathtaking ideas in the history of science—that all life on this planet descended from a common ancestor. An understanding of evolution illuminates every subject in biology, from molecular biology to ecology. Provides a broad overview of evolutionary ideas, including the modern theory of evolution by natural selection, evolution of sexual reproduction, patterns of speciation and macro-evolutionary change, evolution of sexual dimorphisms, selfish genetic elements, and kin selection. Laboratory sessions are devoted to semester-long, independent research projects.

218. Microbiology
Anne McBride M 10:30 - 11:25, W 10:30 - 11:25, F 10:30 - 11:25
An examination of the structure and function of microorganisms, from viruses to bacteria to fungi, with an emphasis on molecular descriptions. Subjects covered include microbial structure, metabolism, and genetics. Control of microoganisms and environmental interactions are also discussed. Laboratory sessions every week.

224. Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Bruce Kohorn T 8:30 - 9:55, TH 8:30 - 9:55
Focuses on the structure and function of cells as we have come to know them through the interpretation of direct observations and experimental results. Emphasis is on the scientific (thought) processes that have allowed us to understand what we know today, emphasizing the use of genetic, biochemical, and optical analysis to understand fundamental biological processes. Covers details of the organization and expression of genetic information, and the biosynthesis, sorting, and function of cellular components within the cell. Concludes with examples of how cells perceive signals from other cells within cell populations, tissues, organisms, and the environment. Three hours of lab each week.

232. Biochemistry
Danielle Dube T 11:30 - 12:55, TH 11:30 - 12:55
Focuses on the chemistry of living organisms. Topics include structure, conformation, and properties of the major classes of biomolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids); enzyme mechanisms, kinetics, and regulation; metabolic transformations; energetics and metabolic control.

258. Ornithology
Nathaniel Wheelwright W 10:00 - 11:25, F 10:00 - 11:25
Advanced study of the biology of birds, including anatomy, physiology, distribution, and systematics, with an emphasis on avian ecology and evolution. Through integrated laboratory sessions, field trips, discussion of the primary literature, and independent research, students learn identification of birds, functional morphology, and research techniques such as experimental design, behavioral observation, and field methods. Optional field trip to the Bowdoin Scientific Station on Kent Island.

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.

266. Molecular Neurobiology
Hadley Horch T 10:00 - 11:25, TH 10:00 - 11:25
Examination of the molecular control of neuronal structure and function. Topics include the molecular basis of neuronal excitability, the factors involved in chemical and contact-mediated neuronal communication, and the complex molecular control of developing and regenerating nervous systems. Weekly laboratories complement lectures by covering a range of molecular and cellular techniques used in neurobiology and culminate in brief independent projects.

303. Virology
William Steinhart T 11:30 - 12:55, TH 11:30 - 12:55
A study of the viruses of eukaryotes, beginning with lectures on fundamental virology and followed by student-led seminars based on the primary literature. Covers taxonomy, structure, replication, pathogenesis, epidemiology, and public health aspects of viruses.

306. Free Radicals and Antioxidants
Barry Logan M 11:30 - 12:55, W 11:30 - 12:55
Ordinary cellular metabolism in aerobic environments results in the production of free radicals, and free radical-mediated cellular damage underlies many human diseases. In response to the danger they pose, organisms evolved elaborate antioxidant systems that detoxify free radicals. The biology of free radicals and antioxidants in organisms ranging from bacteria to plants to humans is discussed, along with the importance of free radicals in disease processes. Time is devoted to discussing the primary literature and occasional laboratory sessions.

307. Evolutionary Developmental Biology
William Jackman W 6:30 - 9:25
Advanced seminar investigating the synergistic but complex interface between the fields of developmental and evolutionary biology. Topics include the evolution of novel structures, developmental constraints to evolution, evolution of developmental gene regulation, and the generation of variation. Readings and discussions from the primary scientific literature.

308. Marine Larval Ecology
Jon Allen M 11:30 - 12:55, W 11:30 - 12:55
Advanced seminar focused on the evolution and ecology of marine invertebrate larvae. Lectures and discussions of the primary literature examine the assumptions and predictions of current life-history theory as applied to marine invertebrate animals and their offspring. Field trips introduce students to the diverse assemblage of larvae along the coast of Maine. Student projects investigate the form and function of larvae as it relates to their ecology and evolution.

320. Ichthyology: The Biology of Fishes
Kurt Bretsch M 2:30 - 3:55, W 2:30 - 3:55
Course will explore how this diverse group of vertebrates has occupied nearly every aquatic habitat. Topics include the classification, morphology, physiology, behavior, and ecology of fishes. Students will read scientific literature and participate in directed discussions/presentations as well as in occasional laboratory activities. Fisheries case studies will be discussed in the context of life histories and population dynamics.