The College Catalogue

Introductory, Intermediate, and Advanced Courses

057 {1057} a - INS. Senses in the Ocean. Fall 2012. Trevor Rivers.

How do marine organisms sense their surroundings? Topics primarily focus on light and sound, and how animals both perceive and produce signals. Examples include exploring how bioluminescence is used for communication, camouflage, and predation, and how sound is used for both communication and locating prey. Other topics may include chemical, tactile, and electrical signals.

61 {1061} a - INS. Your First Nine Months: From Conception to Birth. Spring 2013. Carey R. Phillips.

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.

85 {1085} a - INS. From Brain to Behavior. Fall 2013. Hadley Wilson Horch.

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. Surveys the biology underlying these nervous system functions. Diseases of the brain, drug actions, injury and repair are also discussed. Includes comparative examinations of nervous systems in other organisms.

101 {1101} a - MCSR, INS. Biological Principles I. Fall 2012. Anne E. McBride.

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. To ensure proper placement, students must take the biology placement examination and must be recommended for placement in Biology 101. Students continuing in biology will take Biology 102, not Biology 109, as their next biology course.

102 {1102} a - MCSR, INS. Biological Principles II. Spring 2013. Barry A. Logan.

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.

Prerequisite: Biology 101.

109 {1109} a - MCSR, INS. Scientific Reasoning in Biology. Every semester. Fall 2012. Jack R. Bateman and Patsy S. Dickinson. Spring 2013. Bruce D. Kohorn and Nathaniel T. Wheelwright.

Lectures examine fundamental biological principles, from the sub-cellular to the ecosystem level with an emphasis on critical thinking and the scientific method. Laboratory sessions will help develop a deeper understanding of the techniques and methods used in the biological science by requiring students to design and conduct their own experiments. Lecture and weekly laboratory/discussion groups. To ensure proper placement, students must take the biology placement examination and must be recommended for placement in Biology 109.

154 {1154} a - INS. Ecology of the Gulf of Maine and Bay of Fundy. Fall 2012. Damon P. Gannon.

The Gulf of Maine/Bay of Fundy system is a semi-enclosed sea bordered by three U.S. states and two Canadian provinces. It supports some of the world’s most productive fisheries and played a key role in European colonization of North America. Investigates how the species found in this body of water interact with each other and with the abiotic components of their environment. Topics include natural history; geological and physical oceanography; characteristics of major habitats; biology of macroinvertebrates, fishes, seabirds, and marine mammals; biogeography; food webs; and fisheries biology. Examines how human activities such as fishing, aquaculture, shipping, and coastal development affect the ecology of the region. Includes lectures, discussions of the primary literature, and field excursions. (Same as Environmental Studies 154 {1154}.)

Prerequisite: One of the following: Biology 102 or 109, Environmental Studies 101 or 102 (same as Earth and Oceanographic Science 102).

158 {1158} a - MCSR, INS. Perspectives in Environmental Science. Every spring. Spring 2013. John Lichter and Dharni Vasudevan.

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. (Same as Chemistry 105 {1105} and Environmental Studies 201 {2201}.)

Prerequisite: One 100-level or higher course in biology, chemistry, earth and oceanographic science, or physics.

174 {1174} a - MCSR. Biomathematics. Every fall. Fall 2012. Mary Lou Zeeman.

A study of mathematical modeling in biology, with a focus on translating back and forth between biological questions and their mathematical representation. Biological questions are drawn from a broad range of topics, including disease, ecology, genetics, population dynamics, and neurobiology. Mathematical methods include discrete and continuous (ODE) models and simulation, box models, linearization, stability analysis, attractors, oscillations, limiting behavior, feedback, and multiple time-scales. Three hours of class meetings and 1.5 hours of computer laboratory sessions per week. Within the biology major, this course may count as the mathematics credit or as biology credit, but not both. Students are expected to have taken a year of high school or college biology prior to this course. (Same as Mathematics 204 {2108}.)

Prerequisite: Mathematics 161 or higher, or permission of the instructor.

202 {2002}. 3-D Digital Animation Studio. Fall 2012. Carey R. Phillips.

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 filmmaking and use of high-end three-dimensional animation software. Concludes with a team effort to create a three-dimensional animated film of the science problem. (Same as Visual Arts 255 {2701}.)

210 {2210} a - MCSR, INS. Plant Physiology. Fall 2012. Samuel H. Taylor.

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. (Same as Environmental Studies 210 {2223}.)

Prerequisite: Biology 102 or 109.

212 {2112} a - MCSR, INS. Genetics and Molecular Biology. Every spring. Jack R. Bateman.

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, techniques of molecular biology, and human genetic variation. Laboratory sessions are scheduled.

Prerequisite: Biology 102 or 109.

213 {2135} a - MCSR, INS. Neurobiology. Every fall. Hadley Wilson Horch.

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.

Prerequisite: Biology 102 or 109.

214 {2214} a - MCSR, INS. Comparative Physiology. Every spring. Patsy S. Dickinson.

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.

Prerequisite: Biology 102 or 109.

215 {2315} a - MCSR, INS. Behavioral Ecology and Population Biology. Fall 2012. Nathaniel T. Wheelwright.

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. (Same as Environmental Studies 215 {2224}.)

Prerequisite: Biology 102 or 109.

216 {2316} a - MCSR, INS. Evolution. Every spring. Michael F. Palopoli.

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.

Prerequisite: Biology 102 or 109.

217 {2175} a - MCSR, INS. Developmental Biology. Every fall. William R. Jackman.

An examination of current concepts of embryonic development, with an emphasis on experimental design. Topics include cell fate specification, morphogenetic movements, cell signaling, differential gene expression and regulation, organogenesis, and the evolutionary context of model systems. Project-oriented laboratory work emphasizes experimental methods. Lectures and three hours of laboratory per week.

Prerequisite: Biology 102 or 109.

218 {2118} a - INS. Microbiology. Every spring. Anne E. McBride.

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 microorganisms and environmental interactions are also discussed. Laboratory sessions every week. Chemistry 225 is recommended.

Prerequisite: Biology 102 or 109.

219 {2319} a - MCSR, INS. Biology of Marine Organisms. Fall 2012. Michael T. Nishizaki.

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 four hours of laboratory or field trip per week. One weekend field trip included. (Same as Environmental Studies 219 {2229}.)

Prerequisite: Biology 102 or 109.

224 {2124} a - MCSR, INS. Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Every fall. Bruce D. Kohorn.

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. Chemistry 225 is recommended.

Prerequisite: Biology 102 or 109.

225 {2325} a - MCSR, INS. Biodiversity and Conservation Science. Fall 2013. John Lichter.

People rely on nature for food, materials, medicines, and recreation; yet the fate of Earth’s biodiversity is rarely given priority among the many pressing problems facing humanity today. Explores the interactions within and among populations of plants, animals, and microorganisms, and the mechanisms by which those interactions are regulated by the physical and chemical environment. Major themes are biodiversity and the processes that maintain biodiversity, the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem function, and the science underlying conservation efforts. Laboratory sessions consist of student research, local field trips, laboratory exercises, and discussions of current and classic ecological literature. (Same as Environmental Studies 225 {2225}.)

Prerequisite: Biology 102 or 109, or Environmental Studies 201 (same as Biology 158 and Chemistry 105).

253 {2553} a. Neurophysiology. Every fall. Patsy S. Dickinson.

A comparative study of the function of the nervous system in invertebrate and vertebrate animals. Topics include the mechanism that underlie both action potentials and patterns of spontaneous activity in individual nerve cells, interactions between neurons, and the organization of neurons into larger functional units. Lectures and four hours of laboratory work per week.

Prerequisite: Biology 102 or 109; and Biology 213, 214, or Psychology 218.

254 {2554} a - MCSR, INS. Biomechanics. Spring 2014. Amy S. Johnson.

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 the 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.

Prerequisite: Biology 102 or 109, or one 100-level course in chemistry, earth and oceanographic science, mathematics, or physics.

257 {2557} a. Immunology. Fall 2012. Anne E. McBride.

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 also considered.

Prerequisite: Biology 212, 217, 218, or 224, or permission of the instructor.

258 {2558} a. Ornithology. Spring 2013. Nathaniel T. Wheelwright.

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.

Prerequisite: Biology 215 (same as Environmental Studies 215) or 225 (same as Environmental Studies 225).

266 {2566} a. Molecular Neurobiology. Spring 2013. Hadley Wilson Horch.

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.

Prerequisite: Biology 102 or 109; and one of the following: Biology 212, 213, 224, 253, or Psychology 218.

271 {2571} a. Biology of Marine Mammals. Fall 2014. Damon P. Gannon.

Examines the biology of cetaceans, pinnipeds, sirenians, and sea otters. Topics include diversity, evolution, morphology, physiology, ecology, behavior, and conservation. Detailed consideration given to the adaptations that allow these mammals to live in the sea. Includes lecture, discussion of primary literature, lab, field trips, and student-selected case studies. Laboratory and field exercises consider anatomy, biogeography, social organization, foraging ecology, population dynamics, bioacoustics, and management of the marine mammal species found in the Gulf of Maine. (Same as Environmental Studies 271 {2271}.)

Prerequisite: One of the following: Biology 154 (same as Environmental Studies 154), 158 (same as Chemistry 105 and Environmental Studies 201), 215 (same as Environmental Studies 215), 216, 219 (same as Environmental Studies 219), or 225 (same as Environmental Studies 225).

274 {2574} a - MCSR, INS. Marine Conservation Biology. Fall 2013. Damon P. Gannon.

Introduces key biological concepts that are essential for understanding conservation issues. Explores biodiversity in the world’s major marine ecosystems; the mechanisms of biodiversity loss at the genetic, species, and ecosystem levels; and the properties of marine systems that pose unique conservation challenges. Investigates the theory and practice of marine biodiversity conservation, focusing on the interactions among ecology, economics, and public policy. Consists of lecture/discussion, lab, field trips, guest seminars by professionals working in the field, and student-selected case studies. (Same as Environmental Studies 274 {2274}.)

Prerequisite: One of the following: Biology 154 (same as Environmental Studies 154), Biology 215 (same as Environmental Studies 215), Biology 219 (same as Environmental Studies 219), or Biology 225 (same as Environmental Studies 225), Environmental Studies 101, Environmental Studies 201 (same as Biology 158 and Chemistry 105), or permission of the instructor.

280 {2580} a. Plant Responses to the Environment. Spring 2013. Samuel H. Taylor.

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. (Same as Environmental Studies 280 {2280}.)

Prerequisite: Biology 210 or 225, or permission of the instructor.

281 {2581} a. Forest Ecology and Conservation. Fall 2012. Vladimir Douhovnikoff.

An examination of how forest ecology and the principles of silviculture inform forest ecosystem restoration and conservation. Explores ecological dynamics of forest ecosystems, the science of managing forests for tree growth and other goals, natural history and historic use of forest resources, the state of forests today, as well as challenges and opportunities in forest restoration and conservation. Consists of lecture, discussions, field trips, and guest seminars by professionals working in the field. (Same as Environmental Studies 281 {2281}.)

291–294 {2970–2973} a. Intermediate Independent Study in Biology. The Department.

299 {2999} a. Intermediate Collaborative Study in Biology. The Department.

304 {3304} a. The RNA World. Fall 2013. Anne E. McBride.

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 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.

Prerequisite: Biology 212, 218, 224, or Chemistry 232, or permission of the instructor.

307 {3397} a. Evolutionary Developmental Biology. Spring 2013. William R. Jackman.

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.

Prerequisite: Biology 216 or 217, or permission of the instructor.

314 {3314} a. Advanced Genetics and Epigenetics. Fall 2012. Jack R. Bateman.

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 dosage compensation, parental imprinting, paramutation, random monoallelic expression, gene regulation by small RNAs, DNA elimination, copy number polymorphism, and prions. Reading and discussion of articles from the primary literature.

Prerequisite: Biology 212.

317 {3317} a. Molecular Evolution. Spring 2013. Michael F. Palopoli.

Examines the dynamics of evolutionary change at the molecular level. Topics include neutral theory of molecular evolution, rates and patterns of change in nucleotide sequences and proteins, molecular phylogenetics, and genome evolution. Students read and discuss papers from the scientific literature, and complete independent projects in the laboratory.

Prerequisite: One of the following: Biology 212, 216, 217, 218, or 224, or permission of the instructor.

325 {3325} a. Topics in Neuroscience. Fall 2014. Patsy S. Dickinson.

An advanced seminar focusing on one or more aspects of neuroscience, such as neurotoxins, modulation of neuronal activity, or the neural basis of behavior. Students read and discuss original papers from the literature.

Prerequisite: One of the following: Biology 213, 253, 266, or Psychology 275 or 276, or permission of the instructor.

329 {3329} a. Neuronal Regeneration. Fall 2012. Hadley Wilson Horch.

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.

Prerequisite: One of the following: Biology 212, 213, 217, 224, 253, 266, or Psychology 275 or 276, or permission of the instructor.

333 {3333} a. Advanced Cell and Molecular Biology. Spring 2013. Bruce D. Kohorn.

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.

Prerequisite: Biology 224 or permission of the instructor.

394 {3394} a. Ecological Recovery of Maine’s Coastal Ecosystems. Fall 2014. John Lichter.

Maine’s coastal ecosystems once supported prodigious abundances of wildlife that supported human communities for millennia before succumbing to multiple anthropogenic stresses in the mid-twentieth century. Today, we need to understand the most pressing ecological and social constraints limiting recovery of these once vital ecosystems to achieve sustainable ecological recovery and provision of ecosystem services. Objective is to better understand the biophysical and social constraints limiting ecological recovery, and to rethink the failed management policies of the past. Students participate in a thorough review of the relevant scientific and historical literature and conduct a group study investigating some aspect of the ecology and/or the environmental history of Maine’s coastal ecosystems. (Same as Environmental Studies 394 {3994}.)

Prerequisite: Biology 215 (same as Environmental Studies 215), 219 (same as Environmental Studies 219), or 225 (same as Environmental Studies 225); or Environmental Studies 201 (same as Biology 158 and Chemistry 105).

401–404 {4000–4003} a. Advanced Independent Study and Honors in Biology. The Department.

405 {4029} a. Advanced Collaborative Study in Biology. The Department.