Courses

Courses

Spring 2006 Courses

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082. Conserving Biodiversity
Loraine Kohorn T 11:30 - 12:55, TH 11:30 - 12:55
An introduction to biological conservation. Topics addressed include the diversity of life, the nature of species, speciation, threats to biological diversity, and extinction. Examination of the biological principles governing populations of plants and animals, how human actions can effect natural population dynamics, the nature of habitat, how landscapes change over time, how we prioritize what places and species are most important to conserve, and what tools we use to accomplish conservation. Discussions explore social implications and legal policies.
104. Introductory Biology
Nathaniel Wheelwright Anne McBride M 8:30 - 9:25, W 8:30 - 9:25, F 8:30 - 9:25
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 Nathaniel Wheelwright Anne McBride 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 Nathaniel Wheelwright Anne McBride 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 Nathaniel Wheelwright Anne McBride 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.
105. Investigations in Biology
Amy Johnson Marney Pratt 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.
105. Investigations in Biology
Amy Johnson Marney Pratt 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.
105. Investigations in Biology
Amy Johnson Marney Pratt 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.
158. Perspectives in Environmental Science
John Lichter Dharanija Vasudevan 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.
LAB
John Lichter Dharanija Vasudevan Nancy Olmstead W 1:00 - 4:55
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.
LAB
John Lichter Dharanija Vasudevan Nancy Olmstead TH 1:00 - 4:55
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 9:30 - 10:25, W 9:30 - 10:25, F 9:30 - 10:25
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.
LAB
Barry Logan Jaret Reblin T 1:00 - 3:55
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.
LAB
Barry Logan Jaret Reblin TH 1:00 - 3:55
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.
LAB
Barry Logan Jaret Reblin F 1:30 - 4:25
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 T 10:00 - 11:25, TH 10:00 - 11:25
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.
LAB
Patsy Dickinson Stephen Hauptman T 1:00 - 4:55
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.
LAB
Patsy Dickinson Stephen Hauptman W 1:00 - 4:55
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.
LAB
Patsy Dickinson Stephen Hauptman TH 1:00 - 4:55
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
An examination of the theory of evolution by natural selection, the central theory in the study of biology. The course provides a broad overview of evolutionary ideas, including the development of Darwin’s theory; the modification and elaboration of that theory through the modern synthesis and present-day controversies over how evolution works; the evidence for evolution; evolutionary insights into processes at the molecular, organismal, behavioral, and ecological levels; patterns of speciation and macro-evolutionary change; the evolution of sex; and sexual selection. Laboratory sessions introduce students to artificial selection experiments, phylogenetic analysis, and other topics in evolutionary biology.
LAB
Michael Palopoli Lesley Brown W 1:00 - 3:55
An examination of the theory of evolution by natural selection, the central theory in the study of biology. The course provides a broad overview of evolutionary ideas, including the development of Darwin’s theory; the modification and elaboration of that theory through the modern synthesis and present-day controversies over how evolution works; the evidence for evolution; evolutionary insights into processes at the molecular, organismal, behavioral, and ecological levels; patterns of speciation and macro-evolutionary change; the evolution of sex; and sexual selection. Laboratory sessions introduce students to artificial selection experiments, phylogenetic analysis, and other topics in evolutionary biology.
LAB
Michael Palopoli Lesley Brown TH 1:00 - 3:55
An examination of the theory of evolution by natural selection, the central theory in the study of biology. The course provides a broad overview of evolutionary ideas, including the development of Darwin’s theory; the modification and elaboration of that theory through the modern synthesis and present-day controversies over how evolution works; the evidence for evolution; evolutionary insights into processes at the molecular, organismal, behavioral, and ecological levels; patterns of speciation and macro-evolutionary change; the evolution of sex; and sexual selection. Laboratory sessions introduce students to artificial selection experiments, phylogenetic analysis, and other topics in evolutionary biology.
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.
LAB
Anne McBride Elizabeth Richards W 1:00 - 3:55
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.
LAB
Anne McBride Elizabeth Richards TH 1:00 - 3:55
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. Cell and Molecular Biology
Jennifer Morgan 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.
LAB
Peter Schlax Jr Jennifer Morgan T 1:00 - 3:55
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.
LAB
Peter Schlax Jr Jennifer Morgan W 1:00 - 3:55
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.
LAB
Peter Schlax Jr Jennifer Morgan TH 1:00 - 3:55
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.
254. Biomechanics
Amy Johnson T 8:30 - 9:55, TH 8:30 - 9:55
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.
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.
LAB
Nathaniel Wheelwright M 9:30 - 12:25
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.
LAB
Nathaniel Wheelwright M 1:00 - 3:55
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 - 3:25
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.
303. Virology
William Steinhart M 11:30 - 12:55, W 11:30 - 12:55
A study of the viruses of eukarotes, 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.
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.
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.

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