Fall 2023

Course Code Title/Instructor Meets
BIOL 131-01 Introduction to Organisms, Populations, and Ecosystems: Interactions of Animals, Plants, and Fungi
Instructor: Carol Loeffler
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.
09:30 AM-10:20 AM, MWF
ALTHSE 106
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, M
RNORTH 2319
BIOL 131-02 Introduction to Organisms, Populations, and Ecosystems: Interactions of Animals, Plants, and Fungi
Instructor: Carol Loeffler
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.
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, T
RNORTH 2319
09:30 AM-10:20 AM, MWF
ALTHSE 106
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.
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, W
JAMESR 2228
09:00 AM-10:15 AM, TR
TOME 115
BIOL 132-01 Introduction to Molecules, Genes, and Cells: Microbiology and Immunology
Instructor: John Henson
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, W
JAMESR 2218
10:30 AM-11:20 AM, MWF
ALTHSE 106
BIOL 132-02 Introduction to Molecules, Genes, and Cells: Microbiology and Immunology
Instructor: John Henson
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
ALTHSE 106
BIOL 132-03 Introduction to Molecules, Genes, and Cells: Microbiology and Immunology
Instructor: David Kushner, Erica Hollister
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.
09:30 AM-10:20 AM, MWF
TOME 122
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, M
JAMESR 2218
BIOL 201-01 Natural History of the Cumberland Valley
Instructor: Gene Wingert
Course Description:
The Cumberland Valley is just a segment of the Ridge and Valley Appalachians. The Great valley runs from Southeastern New York through northwestern New Jersey, westward into Pennsylvania through the Lehigh Valley and southward into Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama. The Ridge and Valley form a broad arc between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Appalachian Plateau. The unique geology of this valley running north south has produced an interesting blending of organisms of both southern and northern origins. The Cumberland Valley has been occupied by humans for the last 10,000 years. The impact of past and present populations has had significant impacts on the ecology of the Valley. If we are to sustainable manage the Cumberland Valley for our descendants, we must understand the valley's ecology. This course will explore the geology of the Cumberland Valley portion of the Great Valley and how geology and climate determines the various ecologic communities that can be found in this region. Labs will be field oriented with hands on experience with the various flora and fauna of the region.
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, R
RNORTH 2319
09:00 AM-10:15 AM, TR
RNORTH 2319
BIOL 216-01 Genetics w/Lab
Instructor: Michael Roberts
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.
09:00 AM-10:15 AM, TR
KAUF 186
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, R
RNORTH 1316
BIOL 216-02 Genetics w/Lab
Instructor: Tiffany Frey
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.
10:30 AM-11:45 AM, TR
KAUF 186
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, W
JAMESR 2206
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.
08:30 AM-09:20 AM, MWF
TOME 122
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, W
RNORTH 1316
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 333-01 Physiology w/Lab
Instructor: Crystal Reynaga
Course Description:
A study of physiological mechanisms in the animal kingdom, stressing the structural and functional bases of biological activities. Emphasis is on vertebrate organs and organ systems. Laboratory includes experimental physiological studies of selected organisms. Six hours classroom a week. Prerequisites: One 200-level BIOL course. For Neuroscience majors, prerequisite is NRSC 200.
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, M
JAMESR 1228
11:30 AM-12:20 PM, MWF
ALTHSE 207
BIOL 335-01 Microanatomy
Instructor: Chuck Zwemer
Course Description:
An integrated lecture and laboratory course focused on the functional microanatomy/histology of mammals. This course will examine the microscopic anatomy of cells, tissues, organ, and organ systems and the crucial relationship between form and function. The laboratory portion of the course will emphasize the process of microscopic examination and cover methods of contemporary histologic technique. Prerequisites: One 200-level BIOL course. For Neuroscience majors, prerequisite is NRSC 200.
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, T
RNORTH 1317
09:00 AM-10:15 AM, TR
ALTHSE 110
BIOL 343-01 Metabolism
Instructor: Thomas Arnold
Course Description:
Cross-listed with CHEM 343-01. A survey of the metabolic processes in animals and plants, including signal transduction, aerobic and anaerobic respiration, and photosynthesis, as well as the biosynthesis of the major types of biomolecules. For each metabolic pathway, we will examine the regulation of enzymes and related genes, their energetic requirements, and the function of pathway end products. Both the normal functioning of metabolic pathways and common metabolic malfunctions, e.g., human inborn errors of metabolism, will be considered. Selected readings from the primary literature and the popular press are required. Students will complete detailed case studies focusing on human metabolism and metabolic disorders. Three hours classroom a week. Prerequisite: CHEM 242. This course is cross-listed as CHEM 343.
09:30 AM-10:20 AM, MWF
TOME 117
BIOL 401-01 Precision Medicine
Instructor: Michael Roberts
Course Description:
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), precision medicine is "an emerging approach for disease treatment and prevention that takes into account individual variability in genes, environment, and lifestyle for each person." This departure from the "one-size-fits-all" approach to patient care has been made possible by advances in molecular medicine that have created an "-omics" era of large-scale data-rich biology. We will explore these new -omics methods and their applications in preventing, diagnosing, and treating human disease. Living in the "age of accelerations", we will also consider how accelerating technologies in healthcare may provide personalized cures for some while creating health disparities for others. Students will investigate primary literature, produce a research grant proposal, and conduct a research project exploring their own genome. This course will fulfill the Biology major research requirement.
10:30 AM-11:45 AM, TR
KAUF 187
BIOL 412-01 Contemporary Problems in Muscle Physiology
Instructor: Crystal Reynaga
Course Description:
This course explores the broad historical approaches, and current advances and challenges in muscle physiology. The hierarchical complexity for muscle tissue from the molecular level to the neuromuscular level provide ample opportunities to explore concepts in energetics, metabolism, biochemistry, and biophysics. We will investigate the effects of exercise, age, and disease on muscle function. By the end of the course, students will gain a deep appreciation for the complexity of muscle function and adaptation through evaluation of scientific publications and familiarity with experimental methods in muscle physiology.
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, W
KAUF 187
BIOL 550-01 Designing a Method to Evaluate Real-Time Metabolic Costs of Women's Lacrosse Players by Position
Instructor: Chuck Zwemer
Course Description:

BIOL 550-02 Advanced Techniques in Scientific Writing and Communication
Instructor: Tiffany Frey
Course Description:

BIOL 560-01 Botanical Research
Instructor: Carol Loeffler
Course Description:

BIOL 560-02 Kinematics of Saltatory Feeding in American Toads
Instructor: Chuck Zwemer
Course Description:

BIOL 560-03 Mevalonate Pathway Regulation of MicroRNAs that Control Innate Immunity
Instructor: Tiffany Frey
Course Description:

BIOL 560-04 The effect of plant defense chemicals on epigenetic systems in insects
Instructor: David Kushner
Course Description:

BIOL 560-05 Investigating trade-offs in locomotion: comparing hoppers and jumpers in variable environments
Instructor: Crystal Reynaga
Course Description:

BIOL 560-06 Investigating the Architecture and Regulation of the Cytokinetic Contractile Ring
Instructor: John Henson
Course Description:

BIOL 560-07 Plant Natural Products in Ecology and Medicine
Instructor: Thomas Arnold
Course Description:

BIOL 560-08 Analysis of Six years of Nesting Data for Northern Snapping turtles and Eastern Musk Turtles
Instructor: Gene Wingert
Course Description:

BIOL 560-09 Reprogramming Human Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells
Instructor: Michael Roberts
Course Description:

BIOL 560-10 Biomechanics of Locomotor Specialization
Instructor: Crystal Reynaga
Course Description: