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Biology Current Courses

Fall 2025

Course Code Title/Instructor Meets
BIOL 131-01 Introduction to Organisms, Populations, and Ecosystems Topics
Instructor: Gene Wingert
Course Description:
This introductory course spans levels of biological organization from basic multicellular microanatomy to organismal physiology and ecology, as understood through the lens of evolution. Course content will be focused around a specific theme determined by the instructor, and will include evolutionary principles of variation, selection, competition and cooperation, and how their operation at different levels of organization accounts for form and function of organisms, communities, and ecosystems. We will investigate homeostasis, reproduction and development as physiological processes that take place within organisms, and as ecological processes that interact with the environment and generate diversity of form over evolutionary time. Finally we will take stock of the existing forms and levels of biological organization and ask how their relationships establish the biosphere in which we live. Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory a week. This is one of two courses required of all Biology majors before entering the upper level. It is complementary to BIOL 132 Introduction to Molecules, Genes, and Cells, and the courses may be taken in either order.
08:30 AM-09:20 AM, MWF
JAMESR 2228
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, M
JAMESR 2228
BIOL 131-03 Introduction to Organisms, Populations, and Ecosystems: Topics in Ocean Ecology
Instructor: Mike Potthoff
Course Description:
This introductory course spans levels of biological organization from basic multicellular microanatomy to organismal physiology and ecology, as understood through the lens of evolution. Course content will be focused around a specific theme determined by the instructor, and will include evolutionary principles of variation, selection, competition and cooperation, and how their operation at different levels of organization accounts for form and function of organisms, communities, and ecosystems. We will investigate homeostasis, reproduction and development as physiological processes that take place within organisms, and as ecological processes that interact with the environment and generate diversity of form over evolutionary time. Finally we will take stock of the existing forms and levels of biological organization and ask how their relationships establish the biosphere in which we live. Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory a week. This is one of two courses required of all Biology majors before entering the upper level. It is complementary to BIOL 132 Introduction to Molecules, Genes, and Cells, and the courses may be taken in either order.
09:00 AM-10:15 AM, TR
JAMESR 1206
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, R
JAMESR 2228
BIOL 132-01 Introduction to Molecules, Genes, and Cells: Developmental Biology
Instructor: Zoe Irons
Course Description:
This introductory course approaches core biological themes from the molecular and cellular level, and is complementary to BIOL 131, Introduction to Organisms, Populations, and Ecosystems. Course content will be focused around a specific theme determined by the instructor, and will include biomolecule and cell structure and function; cell signaling and communication; chromosome and gene structure; DNA replication; transcription; and translation. The course will involve lecture, discussion, and readings from scientific literature. Laboratory exercises include both classic and modern approaches to cellular and molecular biology utilizing prokaryotic and/or eukaryotic organisms. The laboratory will stress the discovery approach in applying current techniques to biological experiments. Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory a week. This is one of two courses required of all Biology majors before completing upper level coursework. It is complementary to BIOL 131 Introduction to Organisms, Populations, and Ecosystems, and the courses may be taken in either order.
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, M
JAMESR 2218
10:30 AM-11:20 AM, MWF
TOME 115
BIOL 132-02 Introduction to Molecules, Genes, and Cells: Developmental Biology
Instructor: Zoe Irons
Course Description:
This introductory course approaches core biological themes from the molecular and cellular level, and is complementary to BIOL 131, Introduction to Organisms, Populations, and Ecosystems. Course content will be focused around a specific theme determined by the instructor, and will include biomolecule and cell structure and function; cell signaling and communication; chromosome and gene structure; DNA replication; transcription; and translation. The course will involve lecture, discussion, and readings from scientific literature. Laboratory exercises include both classic and modern approaches to cellular and molecular biology utilizing prokaryotic and/or eukaryotic organisms. The laboratory will stress the discovery approach in applying current techniques to biological experiments. Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory a week. This is one of two courses required of all Biology majors before completing upper level coursework. It is complementary to BIOL 131 Introduction to Organisms, Populations, and Ecosystems, and the courses may be taken in either order.
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, T
JAMESR 2218
10:30 AM-11:20 AM, MWF
TOME 115
BIOL 132-03 Introduction to Molecules, Genes, and Cells: Topics in the Molecular Basis of Disease
Instructor: Tiffany Frey
Course Description:
Permission of instructor required.
10:30 AM-11:45 AM, TR
TOME 115
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, W
JAMESR 2218
BIOL 215-01 Evolution w/Lab
Instructor: Scott Boback
Course Description:
A study of the mechanics of evolutionary change and its role within populations. Topics typically covered include macroevolution vs microevolution, natural selection, adaptation, neutral theory, population genetics, speciation, extinction, and sex and sexuality. Interactive lectures, readings from the primary literature, laboratory and field investigations, and simulation exercises will be used to actively explore the principles of evolutionary change and its consequences. Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory a week. Prerequisites: 131 and 132; for Neuroscience majors only, 132 and PSYC 125.
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, T
RNORTH 1317
10:30 AM-11:20 AM, MWF
TOME 117
BIOL 216-01 Genetics w/Lab
Instructor: Kirsten Guss
Course Description:
A study of Mendelian genetics, linkage, and mutation. An introduction to basic DNA structure and function including replication, transcription, and translation. Laboratory exercises involve both classic and molecular approaches to genetic analysis utilizing prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Six hours classroom a week. Prerequisites: 131 & 132. For Neuroscience majors only, prerequisite is 132 and PSYC 125.
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, M
JAMESR 2206
09:30 AM-10:20 AM, MWF
ALTHSE 201
BIOL 216-02 Genetics w/Lab
Instructor: Dana Somers
Course Description:
Permission of instructor required. A study of Mendelian genetics, linkage, and mutation. An introduction to basic DNA structure and function including replication, transcription, and translation. Laboratory exercises involve both classic and molecular approaches to genetic analysis utilizing prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Six hours classroom a week. Prerequisites: 131 & 132. For Neuroscience majors only, prerequisite is 132 and PSYC 125.
10:30 AM-11:45 AM, TR
JAMESR 2206
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, R
JAMESR 2206
BIOL 301-02 Paleontology
Instructor: Marcus Key
Course Description:
Cross-listed with GEOS 307-01. A systematic study of the invertebrate and vertebrate fossil groups, plants, and their evolution and relationships to living forms.
09:30 AM-10:20 AM, MWF
KAUF 152
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, F
KAUF 152
BIOL 323-01 Algae, Fungi & Lichens W/Lab
Instructor: Carol Loeffler
Course Description:
Study of the systematics, morphology, ecology, evolution, physiology and development of algae, fungi, and lichens. Lecture and discussion include examples and readings from classic and recent research. Laboratories include field surveys and collections, follow-up laboratory identifications, and experimental investigations including directed individual or small-group research projects. Six hours classroom a week. Prerequisites: One 200-level Biology course. Offered every other year.
08:30 AM-09:20 AM, MW
RNORTH 2319
12:30 PM-04:30 PM, M
RNORTH 2319
BIOL 323-02 Algae, Fungi & Lichens W/Lab
Instructor: Carol Loeffler
Course Description:
Study of the systematics, morphology, ecology, evolution, physiology and development of algae, fungi, and lichens. Lecture and discussion include examples and readings from classic and recent research. Laboratories include field surveys and collections, follow-up laboratory identifications, and experimental investigations including directed individual or small-group research projects. Six hours classroom a week. Prerequisites: One 200-level Biology course. Offered every other year.
12:30 PM-04:30 PM, W
RNORTH 2319
08:30 AM-09:20 AM, MW
RNORTH 2319
BIOL 326-01 Microbiology w/Lab
Instructor: David Kushner
Course Description:
Permission of instructor required. Molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry (structure and function) of bacteria, archaea, and viruses. Includes an introduction to the immune system and mechanisms of medical control of microbes. Molecular mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis are addressed via readings from the recent primary literature. Laboratory exercises include the isolation and characterization of unknown bacteria using traditional and molecular methods, and modern genomic approaches to characterizing host response to infection. Six hours classroom a week. Prerequisites: One 200-level BIOL course. For Neuroscience majors, prerequisite is NRSC 200.
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, W
RNORTH 1316
09:30 AM-10:20 AM, MWF
STUART 1113
BIOL 327-01 Developmental Neurobiology w/Lab
Instructor: Missy Niblock
Course Description:
This course explores the development of the nervous system, from the early patterning of the neural plate, through the differentiation of embryonic cells into diverse neuronal subtypes, and culminating with the integration of multiple neuronal subtypes into the complex wiring circuits that underlie our sensory, motor, and cognitive abilities. We will study the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neural specification, the formation of neuronal connections, neural patterning by programmed cell death, and experience-dependent modulation of neural circuits. We also will examine the ways that neural development can go awry. In the laboratory we will explore topics such as neural induction, cell lineage and fate determination, neuronal migration, axon guidance, activity-dependent development and critical periods, and the development of behavior. The focus of the course will be on the development of the mammalian nervous system, but the contributions of simpler animal models to our understanding of the human brain will be a secondary emphasis. Prerequisites: One 200-level BIOL course. For Neuroscience majors, prerequisite is NRSC 200.
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, R
JAMESR 1228
10:30 AM-11:45 AM, TR
JAMESR 1228
BIOL 334-01 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy w/lab
Instructor: Chuck Zwemer
Course Description:
An integrated lecture and laboratory course exploring the functional morphology and evolution of vertebrates. Students will apply foundational content from lecture and intensive techniques of manual tissue dissection in the laboratory to fully evaluate the structure & function integrative design of selected, preserved specimens. Six hours classroom a week. Prerequisites: One 200-level BIOL course. For Neuroscience majors, prerequisite is NRSC 200.
10:30 AM-11:45 AM, TR
RNORTH 1317
09:00 AM-10:15 AM, TR
RNORTH 1317
BIOL 336-01 Human Anatomy
Instructor: BIOL STAFF, Tiffany Frey
Course Description:
Permission of instructor required. This course is a comprehensive regional examination of the gross structure, organization, and function of the human body with an emphasis on clinical case studies. The laboratory includes regional examination of human gross anatomy, histology, and dissection of select organs. Six hours of classroom/laboratory per week. Prerequisites: One 200-level BIOL course. For Neuroscience majors, prerequisite Biology 132 and Neuroscience 200.
10:30 AM-11:20 AM, MWF
JAMESR 2206
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, F
JAMESR 2206
BIOL 401-01 Research in Animal-Plant Interactions
Instructor: Carol Loeffler
Course Description:
We will carry out research projects in local forests and in the laboratory on several topics related to herbivory and other plant-animal interactions. Topics can follow student interest but examples may include whether local forests contain hemlocks resistant to the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid (an insect from Japan that is a serious, often lethal pest on eastern hemlocks), on characterization of levels of impact from white-tailed deer on plant species composition of local forests, on movements of plant-seeking wildlife and their consequences for seed dispersal, on pollination rates of fall wildflowers in different habitats, and others. Field trips and data collection will be coupled with data analysis, collection of information from the scientific literature, oral presentations, and reports of results.
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, T
RNORTH 2319
BIOL 412-01 The Physiology of Prehospital Emergency Care
Instructor: Chuck Zwemer
Course Description:
Through detailed study of the primary biological literature, students acquire an understanding of the methodology and philosophy of scientific research. Includes study of the formulation of hypotheses, the design of experiments or observations to test these hypotheses, and the interpretation of results. This course will normally require a major research-based presentation and/or paper and may also involve the conduct of research by students. This course satisfies the requirement for a research experience for the biology major. Prerequisites: one 200-level Biology course and one upper-level Biology course.
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, W
JAMESR 1228
BIOL 425-01 The Biology of Cancer w/lab
Instructor: Michael Roberts
Course Description:
Cancer is a genetic disorder that affects some 10 million people worldwide. In the United States, cancer is a close second to heart disease as the leading cause of death. This course will examine the molecular basis of cancer including the genes and signaling pathways involved in malignant transformation and the physiological consequences of uncontrolled cell growth. Current methods in cancer research and recent advances in cancer treatment will also be discussed. Specific topics covered will include: oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, oncogenic mutation, tumor viruses, apoptosis, angiogenesis, metastasis, tumor immunology, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and biological therapy. Six hours classroom/laboratory a week. Prerequisite: One of the following: 216, 313, 316, 318, 326, 327, 380, or permission of the instructor.
09:00 AM-10:15 AM, TR
TOME 213
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, M
RNORTH 1316
BIOL 560-01 Role of Cholesterol Pathway Metabolites in Inflammation
Instructor: Tiffany Frey
Course Description:

BIOL 560-03 Prenatal Development of Respiratory Control in the Mouse
Instructor: Missy Niblock
Course Description: