Courses

Courses

Spring 2009

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061. Your First Nine Months: From Conception to Birth
Carey Phillips M 11:30 - 12:55, W 11:30 - 12:55
Covers the biological events from the process of fertilization through early development and birth of a human. Intended for those who have had little biology or do not intend to major in biology. Explores the formation of the major organ systems and how the parts of the body are constructed in the correct places and at the correct times. Also discusses topics such as cloning and the effects of prenatal use of drugs as they relate to the biological principles involved in early human development. Includes a few in-class laboratory sessions in which students learn to do experiments, and collect, analyze, and interpret data.

079. Agriculture: Ancient and Modern
Barry Logan T 10:00 - 11:25, TH 10:00 - 11:25
Though nearly all people presently living on earth depend upon some form of agriculture to feed themselves, farming is a recent innovation when considered in the context of human evolution. The last century witnessed profound changes in agricultural technology and practices. Examines the ecological forces that influenced the establishment and proliferation of agriculture, studies the scientific underpinnings of the “Green Revolution” and contemporary methods of genetic modification. Compares “high-input” conventional farming with organic approaches in terms of productivity and ecological impacts.

102. Biological Principles II
Amy Johnson T 8:30 - 9:55, TH 8:30 - 9:55
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.

214. Comparative Physiology
Patsy Dickinson T 8:30 - 9:55, TH 8:30 - 9:55
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 11:30 - 12:55, W 11:30 - 12:55
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 10:00 - 11:25, TH 10:00 - 11:25
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.

254. Biomechanics
Amy Johnson T 11:30 - 12:55, TH 11:30 - 12:55
Examines the quantitative and qualitative characterization of organismal morphology, and explores the relationship of morphology to measurable components of an organism’s mechanical, hydrodynamic, and ecological environment. Lectures, labs, field trips, and individual research projects emphasize (1) analysis of morphology, including analyses of the shape of individual organisms as well as of the mechanical and molecular organization of their tissues; (2) characterization of water flow associated with organisms; and (3) analyses of the ecological and mechanical consequences to organisms of their interaction with their environment. Introductory physics and calculus are strongly recommended.

263. Laboratory in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Kate 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 M 8:00 - 9:25, W 8:00 - 9:25
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.

284. Coral Reef Biology
Daniel Thornhill M 8:00 - 9:25, W 8:00 - 9:25
An exploration of the ecology and evolution of coral reef environments. Topics covered include biodiversity, reef formation and energy flow, community ecology, phylogeography, symbiosis, marine diseases, ocean acidification, coral bleaching, global climate change, and conservation of coral reefs. Time primarily devoted to lectures, discussions of the primary literature, student presentations, and occasional laboratory or field sessions.

314. Advanced Genetics and Epigenetics
Jack Bateman TH 1:00 - 3:55
A seminar exploring the complex relationship between genotype and phenotype, with an emphasis on emerging studies of lesser known mechanisms of inheritance and gene regulation. Topics include transvection, paramutation, meiotic silencing of unpaired DNA, repeat-induced point mutation, parental imprinting, dosage compensation, monoallelic expression, ultraconserved elements, and strand-specific segregation. Reading and discussion of articles from the primary literature.

325. Topics in Neuroscience
Patsy Dickinson T 11:30 - 12:55, TH 11:30 - 12:55
An advanced seminar focusing on one or more aspects of neuroscience, such as neuronal regeneration and development, modulation of neuronal activity, or the neural basis of behavior. Students read and discuss original papers from the literature.

329. Neuronal Regeneration
Hadley Horch W 1:00 - 3:55
The consequences of neuronal damage in humans, especially in the brain and spinal cord, are frequently devastating and permanent. Invertebrates, on the other hand, are often capable of complete functional regeneration. This course examines the varied responses to neuronal injury in a range of species. Topics include neuronal regeneration in planaria, insects, amphibians, and mammals. Students read and discuss original papers from the literature in an attempt to understand the basis of the radically different regenerative responses mounted by a variety of neuronal systems.

397. Advanced Winter Field Ecology
John Lichter F 9:30 - 5:25
Exploration of advanced concepts in ecology and evolutionary biology, and the natural history of plants, animals, and ecosystems in winter in Maine. Structured around group research projects in the field. Each week, field trips focus on a different study site, set of questions, and taxon (e.g., host specificity in wood fungi, foraging behavior of aquatic insects, estimation of mammal population densities, winter flocking behavior in birds). Students learn to identify local winter flora and fauna, evaluate readings from the primary literature, analyze data from field research projects, and present their results each week in a research seminar. Field trip to the Bowdoin Scientific Station on Kent Island.