Courses

Courses

Spring 2005 Courses

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064. Coastal Marine Life
Marney Pratt M 2:30 - 3:55, W 2:30 - 3:55 Druckenmiller-020
Not open to Biology majors. A study of coastal marine life with emphasis on the Gulf of Maine. The course will be split in three parts: (1) diversity, (2) ecology, and (3) human influences. The diversity section will cover different kinds of coastal habitats (rocky shore, sandy beach, mudflat, salt marsh, coral reef), the animals and plants found in each habitat, and the challenges of living in each kind of habitat. The ecology section will focus on how marine organisms interact with each other and their environment through competition, predation, disturbance, and facilitation. The final section on human impacts will concentrate on overfishing, pollution, introduced species, and marine protected areas.
073. Being Green: Life According to Plants
Kristy Duran T 11:30 - 12:55, TH 11:30 - 12:55 Searles-313
Essential concepts in Biology will be examined using plants as a model system. Students will be introduced to basic principles of evolution, plant anatomy and ecology. First, plant diversity and variation will be examined in the context of evolution. Discussions of natural selection and adaptation will lead to the examination of plant form and function. Finally, a study of plant-animal interactions will provide an introduction to ecology. Students will learn to identify several native plants and gain an understanding of the scientific method in field and lab exercises.
104. Introductory Biology
Patsy Dickinson Barry Logan M 8:30 - 9:25, W 8:30 - 9:25, F 8:30 - 9:25 Druckenmiller-016
Examines fundamental biological principles extending from the subcellular to the ecosystem level of living organisms. Topics include bioenergetics, structure-function relationships, cellular information systems, physiology, ecology, and evolutionary biology. Lecture and weekly laboratory/discussion groups.
LAB
Pamela Bryer T 8:30 - 11:25
Examines fundamental biological principles extending from the subcellular to the ecosystem level of living organisms. Topics include bioenergetics, structure-function relationships, cellular information systems, physiology, ecology, and evolutionary biology. Lecture and weekly laboratory/discussion groups.
LAB
Pamela Bryer T 1:00 - 3:55
Examines fundamental biological principles extending from the subcellular to the ecosystem level of living organisms. Topics include bioenergetics, structure-function relationships, cellular information systems, physiology, ecology, and evolutionary biology. Lecture and weekly laboratory/discussion groups.
LAB
Pamela Bryer W 1:00 - 3:55
Examines fundamental biological principles extending from the subcellular to the ecosystem level of living organisms. Topics include bioenergetics, structure-function relationships, cellular information systems, physiology, ecology, and evolutionary biology. Lecture and weekly laboratory/discussion groups.
LAB
Pamela Bryer TH 1:00 - 3:55
Examines fundamental biological principles extending from the subcellular to the ecosystem level of living organisms. Topics include bioenergetics, structure-function relationships, cellular information systems, physiology, ecology, and evolutionary biology. Lecture and weekly laboratory/discussion groups.
105. Investigations in Biology
Michael Palopoli William Steinhart M 1:00 - 2:25 Druckenmiller-016
A laboratory-centered course that involves students in all aspects of biological investigations, from asking questions and developing hypotheses to analyzing and presenting data. Students develop a deeper understanding of the techniques and methods of science by designing and conducting their own experiments. Because science is conducted in the context of previous research, the course includes an introduction to reading and discussing journal articles/primary literature in biology.
LAB
Darlene Woodman T 1:00 - 4:55
A laboratory-centered course that involves students in all aspects of biological investigations, from asking questions and developing hypotheses to analyzing and presenting data. Students develop a deeper understanding of the techniques and methods of science by designing and conducting their own experiments. Because science is conducted in the context of previous research, the course includes an introduction to reading and discussing journal articles/primary literature in biology.
LAB
Darlene Woodman W 1:00 - 4:55
A laboratory-centered course that involves students in all aspects of biological investigations, from asking questions and developing hypotheses to analyzing and presenting data. Students develop a deeper understanding of the techniques and methods of science by designing and conducting their own experiments. Because science is conducted in the context of previous research, the course includes an introduction to reading and discussing journal articles/primary literature in biology.
LAB
Darlene Woodman TH 1:00 - 4:55
A laboratory-centered course that involves students in all aspects of biological investigations, from asking questions and developing hypotheses to analyzing and presenting data. Students develop a deeper understanding of the techniques and methods of science by designing and conducting their own experiments. Because science is conducted in the context of previous research, the course includes an introduction to reading and discussing journal articles/primary literature in biology.
202. The Art of Scientific Illustration: Using 3-D Animations in Education
Carey Phillips M 1:00 - 3:55, W 1:00 - 3:55 Druckenmiller-024
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 Druckenmiller-004
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
None None 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
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.
215. Behavioral Ecology and Population Biology
Nathaniel Wheelwright T 8:30 - 9:55, TH 8:30 - 9:55 Druckenmiller-020
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
Nicole Theodosiou T 11:30 - 12:55, TH 11:30 - 12:55 Druckenmiller-020
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.
LAB
Elizabeth Richards T 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 T 10:00 - 11:25, TH 10:00 - 11:25 Druckenmiller-016
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 Druckenmiller-110
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 W 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 TH 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 Druckenmiller-020
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 8:30 - 9:55, TH 8:30 - 9:55 Kanbar Hall - 109
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 T 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 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.
257. Immunology
Anne McBride M 11:30 - 12:55, W 11:30 - 12:55 Chase Barn-Chamber
Covers the development of the immune response, the cell biology of the immune system, the nature of antigens, antibodies, B and T cells, and the complement system. The nature of natural immunity, transplantation immunology, and tumor immunology are also considered.
263. Laboratory in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Katherine Farnham M 2:30 - 3:55 Druckenmiller-110
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 T 1:00 - 4:55 Druckenmiller-221
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 Druckenmiller-221
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.
317. Molecular Evolution
Michael Palopoli M 1:00 - 2:25 Druckenmiller-110
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.
329. Neuronal Regeneration
Hadley Horch T 1:30 - 4:25 Druckenmiller-241
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 class will examine the varied responses to neuronal injury in a range of species. Topics covered 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 system.
333. Advanced Cell and Molecular Biology
Bruce Kohorn T 10:00 - 11:25, TH 10:00 - 11:25 Hatch Library-012
An exploration of the multiple ways cells have evolved to transmit signals from their external environment to cause alterations in cell architecture, physiology, and gene expression. Examples are drawn from both single-cell and multi-cellular organisms, including bacteria, fungi, algae, land plants, insects, worms, and mammals. Emphasis is on the primary literature, with directed discussion and some background introductory remarks for each class.
394. The Ecology and Environmental History of Merrymeeting Bay
John Lichter F 1:30 - 4:25 Druckenmiller-224
Merrymeeting Bay, a globally rare, inland freshwater river delta and estuary that supports productive and diverse biological communities, is home to numerous rare and endangered species and is critical habitat for migratory and resident waterfowl, as well as anadromous fish. This seminar explores the ecology and environmental history of Merrymeeting Bay in order to understand how its rare natural habitats might best be managed. Students participate in a thorough review of the scientific and historical literature related to Merrymeeting Bay, and help plan, conduct, and analyze a group study investigating some aspect of the ecology and/or environmental history of the bay, with the intent of submitting a manuscript for publication in an appropriate scientific journal

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