Objectives

The undergraduate program in biology, leading either to the B.A. or to the B.S. degree, is designed to give students an understanding of fundamental and current biological knowledge in a variety of fields. The program offers a wide array of courses to undergraduates, ranging from introductory courses to advanced, specialized, graduate-level courses in many of these areas. The biology department has 26 full-time faculty members with teaching and research interests in the fields of genetics, molecular biology, development, immunology, neurobiology, motility, cell biology, and structural biology.

Since the interests and needs of our students vary, the concentration is designed to provide flexibility once the core courses have been completed. Students may elect undergraduate level courses in a variety of areas of biology and biochemistry, or may choose to obtain more advanced, in-depth training in one particular area. Students are also encouraged to take advantage of opportunities to become integral members of research laboratories in the department and to attend departmental colloquia.

A concentration in biology provides excellent preparation for students intent on careers in biological research who want to go to graduate school, for those seeking careers in medicine, veterinary medicine, and dentistry, and for those interested in the allied health professions such as public health, genetic counseling, physical therapy, or physician assistant. For those seeking courses concerned with ecology or environmental science, the biology department offers study in those areas and participates in a program for a residential semester in Environmental Science at the Woods Hole Biological Laboratory (see page 81 for details).

For M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in the biological sciences, see the separate listings for Molecular and Cell Biology, Biophysics and Structural Biology, Neuroscience, and Genetic Counseling programs in this Bulletin.

How to Become an Undergraduate Concentrator

Students wishing to concentrate in biology should enroll in General Chemistry during their first year. Students may elect to take BIOL 15b, an introductory course in biology in the first year, or omit it and begin the biology series with Genetics and Molecular Biology or Cell Structure and Function (BIOL 22a (Formerly BIBC 22a) or b). During their sophomore year, students typically enroll in Organic Chemistry, Cell Structure and Function, and Genetics and Molecular Biology, with associated labs. While other course schedules are possible, the one described above allows students ample time to complete the remaining requirements (calculus, physics, and five biology electives) for the biology degree during the junior and senior years and leaves students the option of enrolling in Senior Research during the senior year. Exceptionally well-prepared students may enroll in Cell Structure and Function and/or Genetics in their first year.

To learn more about the biology concentration, students should attend one of the special departmental programs held each fall or consult with the undergraduate advising head.

Faculty

RNA processing and molecular neurobiology.

Modeling of neural networks.

Developmental neurobiology.

Structural molecular biology.

Structural studies of actin, actin-containing cytoskeletal assemblies, and bacterial flagella.

Cell differentiation and selective gene expression in eucaryotic cells. Morphogenesis of cell shape and assembly of cell organelles, especially flagella.

Biochemistry and genetics of yeast cytoskeleton.

Biochemistry of synaptic plasticity.

Genetics and molecular biology of yeast meiotic and mitotic recombination. Mating-type switching. Repair of broken chromosomes.

Neurogenetics and molecular neurobiology of higher behaviors in Drosophila.

Comparative nutritional pathophysiology in man and animals. Lipoprotein metabolism and atherogenesis, cholelithiasis.

Human genetics.

Viruses and human disease.

Plant physiology. Environmental studies.

Mechanisms of phototransduction. Molecular mechanism of memory storage.

Genetics and molecular biology of bacteria and yeast. DNA repair. Recombination and mutagenesis.

Neurotransmitter modulation of neural circuits.

Synaptic integration in the visual cortex.

Ecology and biodiversity.

Developmental immunology and immunogenetics.

Signal transduction.

Molecular immunology. Transcription factors.

Developmental neurobiology in C. elegans.

Human anatomy.

Molecular immunology. Antibody transport.

Genetic counseling.

Activity-dependent regulation of neuronal properties.

Molecular controls of DNA replication in Xenopus egg.

Regulation of motor-driven transport.

Developmental neurogenetics.

Requirements for the Undergraduate Concentration

A. Required of all candidates: BIOL 22a (Formerly BIBC 22a),b; BIOL 18a,b lab; CHEM 10a,b or CHEM 11a,b or CHEM 15a,b; CHEM 18a,b or CHEM 19a,b lab; CHEM 25a,b; CHEM 29a,b lab; MATH 10a; PHYS 10a,b or PHYS 11a,b; PHYS 18a,b or PHYS 19a,b lab; and Option I or II below.

The standard biology option that provides students with a general background in biology. In addition to the courses required of all candidates (listed above), students must complete five elective courses chosen from BIOL, BIBC, BCHM, and NBIO offerings above the 22-level (excluding courses numbered 90-99). The following may also serve as electives: ANTH 116a, BIOL 15b, BIOL 17b, CHEM 41a, CHEM 41b. One of the following math or quantitative methods courses may also serve as an elective: MATH 10b, NPHY 115a, NPSY 137a, or PSYC 51a. Two semesters of BIOL 99 can count as one elective for the B.A. in biology.

The intensive biology option that provides students with a strong background in several areas of biology. In addition to the courses required of all candidates (listed above), students must complete BCHM 100a plus an additional course in calculus (MATH 10b) or quantitative methods (NBIO 136b, NPHY 115a, NPSY 137b, PSYC 51a). Students must also complete five elective courses chosen from BIOL, BIBC, BCHM, and NBIO offerings above the 22-level. NBIO 136b can be used either to satisfy the quantitative methods requirement or to count as one of the required electives; it cannot be used for both. The following may also serve as electives: ANTH 116a, BIOL 15b, BIOL 17b, CHEM 41a, and CHEM 41b. Two semesters of BIOL 99 can count as one elective for the B.S. in biology.

No course offered for concentration requirements in either Option I or II may be taken on a pass/fail basis. Satisfactory grades (C- or above) must be maintained in all biology and biochemistry courses offered for concentration and in all elective courses offered for concentration in biology. No more than one D will be allowed in any other course offered toward the requirements in this department.

B. Senior Research

Any senior, regardless of grade point average, may enroll in laboratory research (BIOL 99d and/or 99e). Students petition the department during the beginning of their senior year for participation in Senior Research. Petitions and information about Senior Research are available in the biology department office. See BIOL 99d course description for details.

C. Senior Honors Program

Laboratory research is a major component of the senior honors program. Enrollment in BIOL 99 (Senior Research) is obligatory; students must fulfill the BIOL 99 requirements (see B above). At the conclusion of their second semester of BIOL 99 (Senior Research), candidates for senior honors will give an oral defense of their senior honors thesis to a designated faculty research committee. At the conclusion of their senior year, candidates for senior honors must either have a 3.30 grade point average in all courses offered for the biology concentration, or have a 3.00 grade point average in courses offered for the biology concentration and have achieved an average of B+ or better in three biology electives. Petitions and information about the senior honors program are available in the biology department office.

Candidates for departmental honors may be admitted to a special four-year B.S./M.S. program upon recommendation of the department and approval by the Graduate School. Application must be made by May 1 preceding the senior year; applications should include a proposed course of study, specifying how all degree requirements will be met, a transcript, and a brief description of the proposed research project. To qualify for the B.S./M.S. degree in biology, students must complete a total of 38 courses; these courses must include those needed to satisfy requirements A, option II, and B, as indicated above plus three additional electives in biology or biochemistry or as listed under requirement A, option II, above. Of the eight electives required for the B.S./M.S. degree, at least six must be at the graduate level (and completed with a grade of B- or above) and they must include courses from at least three of the research areas of the biology department. Research areas include genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, structural biology, immunology, and neurobiology. In addition, a substantial research contribution is required and students must submit a research thesis to the biology department Graduate Committee for review. A thesis submitted for the master's degree may also be submitted to the biology department for departmental honors.

Special Notes Relating to the Undergraduate Program

A. Premedical and Predental Students:

BIOL 12a,b or BIOL 18a,b (labs); and either BIOL 22a (Formerly BIBC 22a), b, or BIOL 14a,b will satisfy the general biology entrance requirements of most medical schools.

B. Five courses are offered each fall as part of a full residential Semester in Environmental Science at the Woods Hole Biological Laboratory. The program consists of three required courses and two electives.

The three required courses are:

1. Analysis of Aquatic Ecosystems

2. Analysis of Terrestrial Ecosystems

3. Independent Research Project

Plus two electives chosen from a list that may include:

Aquatic Chemistry

Mathematical Modeling in Ecosystems

Microbial Methods in Ecology

Role of Animals in Ecosystems

Issues in Global Ecology

Prerequisites for program participation are BIOL 22a (Formerly BIBC 22a) and b, a competitive application process, and permission of the department. Up to four semester-course credits may be earned toward the Brandeis degree and three semester course credits may be counted toward the biology B.A. or B.S. elective requirement.

C. Biology concentrators who wish to enroll in PHYS 11a,b (Basic Physics) of PHYS 15a,b (Honors Basic Physics), rather than PHYS 10a,b (Physics for the Life Sciences), must complete both MATH 10a and b as prerequisites.

D. Brandeis is also affiliated with the Marine Studies Consortium (MSC). MSC courses are sometimes over-subscribed and enrollments must be redistributed among member schools. Enrolling through Brandeis does not guarantee final acceptance into MSC courses. Students taking MSC courses through cross-registration at Brandeis must pay MSC through their home institution.

Courses of Instruction

(1-99) Primarily for Undergraduate Students

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This course will discuss the basic features of the brain and nervous system needed to understand the current state of knowledge concerning neurological and mental illnesses. The etiology and biological bases for treatment for depression, schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's disease will be discussed. Usually offered every third year. Last offered in the spring of 1997.

Ms. Marder

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Appropriate for students interested in a broad range of fields including biology, environmental studies, and the social sciences. Progresses from the molecular and cellular biology of human reproduction, to a demographic view of human population explosion, to a consideration of some of the very complex problems arising from the presence of 6 billion people (and counting) on Earth today. Readings include scientific papers appropriate to students with high school backgrounds in biology and chemistry, essays in the social sciences, and a wide variety of other texts. Usually offered in the spring semester of even years.

Mr. Wangh

Examines the concepts and principles of scientific research with examples from its Greek beginnings to modern times. Topics from evolutionary biology, neuroscience, biophysics, and molecular biology are used to describe the nature of scientific advances. Concepts related to experimental design and critical thinking are considered. Usually offered every second year.

Mr. Farber

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An exploration of basic biological functions such as nutrition, energy metabolism, reproduction, and locomotion in organisms. Usually offered every third year. Last offered in the spring of 1997.

Mr. Klein

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An exploration of what genes are, how they are inherited, and how they work. Focuses on human genetics, including why changes in certain genes cause inherited diseases, recent technological developments such as gene therapy and the human genome project. Usually offered every second year.

Staff

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Explores the biology of viruses that cause important human diseases such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, influenza, infectious mononucleosis, and cancer as well as emerging viruses like Ebola. Focuses on HIV replication and the immune system it destroys. Other topics include antiviral therapy and vaccine development. Usually offered every year.

Ms. Kaplan

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Oscillating phenomena in biology will be presented and discussed. The rhythmic attributes include behavior, physiology, and biochemistry (involving recently discovered gene products). The organisms studied range from microbes to insects and other invertebrates; to mammals including humans. Topics include the many ways in which rhythms can be monitored, mechanisms of biological "pacemaking," and the relevance of these clocks to human health. Usually offered every third year. Last offered in the spring of 1996.

Mr. Hall

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The impact on human health of environmental contamination with toxic, carcinogenic, or pathogenic agents. Tools of toxiology, epidemiology, and risk assessment are applied to specific environmental issues such as air and water quality, petroleum, metal, and other chemical contaminations. Usually offered every second year. Last offered in the spring of 2001.

Mr. Stewart

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After a basic review of cells and cell structures, the course introduces the immune system, including the cell types involved, genetics, structure and function of antibodies and T cell receptors, B vs. T cell immunity, and the concepts of vaccines. We also discuss specific diseases caused by viral and bacterial pathogens, including influenza and AIDS. Usually offered every third year. Last offered in the fall of 1996.

Ms. Press

This course provides firsthand experience with a wide array of organisms and illustrates basic approaches to problem solving in biology. Usually offered every summer.

Staff

See BIOL 12a for course description. Usually offered every summer.

Staff

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An introduction to the biology of organisms and populations. Topics include evolution of life, biological diversity, and the physiology of plants and animals. Usually offered every summer.

Staff

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An introduction to the principles of modern cellular and molecular biology. Also includes selected topics in genetics, biochemistry, and developmental biology. Usually offered every summer.

Staff

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Introduction to the biological sciences. Stresses the fundamentals of the cell biology and genetics of living organisms and explores the diversity of life, including microorganisms, animals and plants. Evolution, population ecology and basic human physiology are emphasized. Usually offered every year. Will be offered in the spring of 2002.

Mr. Fulton

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A broad exploration of natural environments and the adaptations of organisms found in them. Flow of energy and materials through food webs; populations and communities; predation and competition; impact of agriculture, industries, and other anthropogenic forces on ecosystems and on biodiversity. Usually offered every second year.

Staff

[ wi ]

Provides firsthand experience with a wide array of organisms and illustrates basic approaches to problem solving in genetics and molecular biology. Usually offered every year.

Ms. Tsipis

Provides firsthand experience with a wide array of organisms and illustrates basic approaches to problem solving in cell biology. Usually offered every year.

Ms. Tsipis

(Formerly BIBC 22a)

[ qr sn ]

An introduction to the current understanding of hereditary mechanisms and the cellular and molecular basis of gene transmission and expression. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Haber

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An introduction to the architecture of cells, organelles, and their macro-molecular components. Topics include fundamental processes that are common to all cells, and the functions of specialized cells. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Simister

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A discussion of movement at the cellular level. We analyze how molecular motors generate motion and how their action is controlled in the cell. Topics include intracellular vesicle transport, muscle contraction, rotary motion, and cell division. Usually offered every second year.

Mr. Welte

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Analysis of biotic and abiotic factors that govern life in lakes and streams. Topics include hydrology, food webs, special aquatic habitats, conservation and restoration, and principles of monitoring the health of fresh waters. Field and laboratory work is included. Usually offered every second year.

Mr. Klein

(Formerly ENVS 28a)

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Survey of the basic biology, behavior, and life history of marine biota. Review of physical habitats from polar to tropical waters. Focus is on the evolution of adaptive responses to the physical and biological factors in marine communities. Weekly laboratory consists of field trips to different habitats and examination of specimens from several marine phyla. Usually offered every fall (at Brandeis).

Mr. Pearlman (Brandeis coordinator)

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Examines the biology and conservation of whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Topics include physiology, morphology, population biology, life history, molecular genetics, distributional ecology, and social behavior. Usually offered every year (at Brandeis).

Mr. Pearlman (Brandeis coordinator)

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Evolution, systematics, anatomy, physiology, and behavior of freshwater, marine, and anadromous fishes from temperate and tropical environments. Fish interactions in communities: predator/prey, host/symbiont relationships, and fish as herbivores. The ecology of fish populations. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Pearlman (Brandeis coordinator)

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A study of molecular, metabolic, and physiological mechanisms of adaptations to extreme environments, such as hot springs, polar regions, and deserts. We examine the limits to which biological systems can be modified by nature and human manipulation. Usually offered every second year.

Mr. Klein

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Basic physiological principles will be introduced with an overview of neural and hormonal control mechanisms. The topics will include physiology of cardiovascular and respiratory systems, electrolyte regulation, digestion and absorption, and the reproductive system. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Hayes

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Designed to provide a sound basis for an understanding of human (mammalian) anatomy. The gross and microscopic morphology of each organ system is discussed in depth. Correlations between structure and function are emphasized. Usually offered every semester.

Mr. Silen

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Examines the biological and behavioral mechanisms underlying drug addiction. Topics like reinforcement, motivation and reward, adaptation, the use of animal models, and the major drugs of abuse will be covered; current theories of addiction will be discussed. Special one-time offering. Will be offered in the fall of 2001.

Ms. Watt

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Behavior is explored by considering the overt actions of and interactions among animals as well as the mechanisms underlying such behaviors. Topics encompass: relatively simple interactions between organisms: more complex behaviors, such as experience-dependent ones; interactions between social organisms. Usually offered every second year. Will be offered in the spring of 2002.

Mr. Hall

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Reviews the current evidence concerning the dietary impact on the chronic diseases of humans. Topics include genetics and nutrition, cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, and cancer. Students also examine the involvement of specific nutrients, e.g., fat and cholesterol, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and alcohol in these disease processes. Usually offered every third year. Last offered in the spring of 1999.

Staff

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An introduction to evolution, with in-depth exploration of selected topics in evolutionary biology. These topics will range from molecular evolution as revealed by DNA sequencing to the origin and evolution of primates. Usually offered every second year.

Mr. Fulton

Open to exceptionally well-qualified students. This is a tutorial course with readings in a specified biological field. The student will be given a reading list, including current literature and reviews of the topic to be discussed. Course requirements include weekly discussions and the writing of several papers. Usually offered every year.

Staff

See BIOL 98a for course description. Usually offered every year.

Staff

A year-long, two-semester course involving the student in an independent research project conducted under the supervision of a staff member and serving as an intensive introduction to specific methods of biological research. In cases where students are able to do unusually long, intensive work in the laboratory, they may request a third course credit during the petition process; if this request is approved by the senior honors coordinator, students should register for BIOL 99d (fall) followed by BIOL 99e (spring). The combined enrollments for Senior Research may not exceed three semester course credits. To fulfill the BIOL 99 requirements, students must (1) submit to their research sponsor, at the conclusion of their first BIOL 99 semester, a paper that reviews the literature pertinent to their field of research, and (2) submit to their research sponsor, at the conclusion of their second BIOL 99 semester, a senior thesis that includes an abstract, an introduction, a review of materials and methods, results, discussion, and references. Usually offered every year.

Staff

See BIOL 99d for course description. Usually offered every semester.

Staff

(100-199) For Both Undergraduate and Graduate Students

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Cells are filled with machines that carry materials about the cell, that chemically transform molecules, that transduce energy, and much more. Our understanding of how these machines work depends on understanding their structures. This introduction to the structural basis of molecular biology examines the designs of proteins and nucleic acids, their assembly into macromolecular complexes, and the means whereby we visualize these structures. Considers the physical and chemical basis for specificity in molecular recognition. Usually offered every year.

Mr. DeRosier

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An advanced course focusing on a mechanistic understanding of cell biological processes and the methods by which these processes are elucidated. Papers are chosen to illustrate a variety of experimental approaches including genetics, biochemistry, microscopy, and the design and use of in vitro assays. Topics include cell cycle, signal transduction, cytoskeleton and cell movement, membrane traffic, intercellular transport, and organelle functions. Usually offered every second year.

Messrs. Goode and Welte

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The purpose of this course is to rigorously develop the foundations of structural cell biology. The first part of this course reviews the mathematical methods and physical principles required to understand how the structure of macromolecules and macromolecular assemblies are determined. The second part of the course deals specifically with individual methods, including light microscopy, higher resolution electron microscopy of macromolecules, and protein crystallography. Usually offered every third year. Last offered in the fall of 1996.

Mr. DeRosier

(Formerly BIBC 105b)

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Examination of molecular processes in replication and expression of genetic information and techniques by which this understanding has been achieved. Topics include recombinant DNA and other molecular biological techniques, structure and organization of DNA in chromosomes, DNA replication, transcription and regulation of gene expression, RNA structure and processing, mRNA stability, and other mechanisms of post-translational control. Usually offered every year.

Messrs. Rosbash and Sen

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How do complex organisms build themselves starting from single cells? Examines how processes such as fertilization, embryogenesis, cell differentiation, and tissue-specific gene expression occur; what is known about the key molecules and genes that orchestrate these processes; and how genetic changes affecting these processes underlie the evolution of body form. Usually offered every second year.

Ms. Birren

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Our understanding of genes in chromosomes has been radically transformed by the complete sequencing of the genomes of several prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms and by the continuing Human Genome Project. Explores new techniques to examine the arrangement of genes and chromosomes in the nucleus, CHIP and SAGE analysis of global gene expression, enhancer trapping and tissue-specific gene expression, and transformation and gene modification in bacteria, yeast, fruit flies, worms, mice, and humans. Usually offered every second year.

Messrs. Haber and Sen

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A lecture and literature-based course concerning mechanisms that control genetic change and genetic stability. Lectures cover the topics of genetic mutation, genetic recombination, repair of genetic damage, and chromosome structure and transmission. Research papers of current and historical interest will be discussed. Usually offered every second year.

Ms. Lovett

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Topics include properties, functions of cells involved in immunity; genes, structure, function of immunoglobins and T cell receptors; cell interactions; antigen recognition; lymphokines; tolerance; lymphocyte differentiation; genetic regulation; viral immunity; autoimmunity; AIDS; vaccines. Usually offered every year.

Ms. Press

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Reviews the basic principles of protein structure, so that the functional aspects of different protein designs may be understood. Examines various protein mutations related to certain molecular diseases and the architecture of some key viruses and their infectivity. Consideration of drug design is an integral part of the course. Student presentations are essential to the course. Usually offered every third year. Last offered in the spring of 1998.

Ms. Cohen

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Survey of classical and nonclassical patterns of inheritance; cytogenetics; applications of molecular genetics techniques in human genetics, analysis of variation, gene mapping, identification of candidate genes and genetic disease diagnoses; single gene vs. complex inheritance; computer databases for human genetic research; and human population genetics. Usually offered every year.

Ms. Hiller

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A survey of the physiology of bacteria and other microorganisms. Concentrates on those aspects of cell structure and function that are important for diverse microbial lifestyles. In addition, pays special attention to the biology of disease-causing organisms and microbiological problems facing medicine today. Usually offered every second year.

Ms. Lovett

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Annually, a different aspect of the global biosphere is selected for analysis using contemporary tools and approaches. In any year the focus may be on specific ecosystems (e.g., terrestrial, aquatic, tropical, arctic), populations, system modeling, or the contributions of physical or chemical factors defining a particular system. Please consult the Course Schedule for the particular topic. Usually offered every year.

Staff

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An introduction to methods and results in mathematical and computer modeling of neural systems. Topics include the basic biophysics of ion conduction, single- and multi-compartment neuron models, information theory and neural codes, the representation and processing of images by the visual system, and models of synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. Usually offered every second year.

Mr. Abbott

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Basic principles of neurobiology. Topics include ion channels and their role in generating resting and action potentials; basics of synaptic physiology and pharmacology; visual processing; learning; and brain structure. Usually offered every year.

Ms. Marder

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Discusses the mechanisms used in the development of the nervous system. Topics include determination of neuronal cell fates, neuronal differentiation and pattern formation, neuron survival and growth, and mechanisms responsible for generation of connectivity in the nervous system. Usually offered every second year.

Ms. Sengupta

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Deals with the fundamental issues relating to the function of the central nervous system. Topics covered include perception, memory, consciousness, and action. Emphasizes the insight that can be gained by multiple perspectives, in particular anatomy, cellular physiology, in vivo recordings from awake-behaving animals, psychophysics (behavior), and computational modeling. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Lisman

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Development and function of the nervous system and responses of excitable cells studied in neurological and behavioral mutants. Characterization and manipulation of genes, defined by these mutations and using molecular biological tools. Organisms: microbes, roundworms, fruit flies, mammals. Neurobiological areas: embryonic neural development, nerve cell differentiation and pattern formation, membrane excitability, responses to visual and chemical stimuli, biological rhythms, and reproductive behavior. Usually offered every third year. Last offered in the spring of 1999.

Mr. Hall

(Formerly NBCH 148b)

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Focuses on the ionic and molecular basis of action and synaptic potentials. Students examine the Hodgkin-Huxley experiments on axonal action potentials and the original research literature dealing with all aspects of synaptic transmission, neuronal excitability, and their modulation. Usually offered every year.

Ms. Griffith

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Covers the essentials of pharmacology and the study of the actions of chemical agents (drugs, toxins, neurotransmitters, and hormones) that interact with living systems. Emphasizes molecular mechanisms of neuropharmacology. Topics include pharmacokinetics, hormone action, autonomic pharmacology, and the psychopharmacology of drugs of abuse and mental disorders. Usually offered every third year. Last offered in the spring of 2001.

Ms. Griffith

[ wi sn ]

This course deals with hormonal, cellular, and molecular aspects of gametogenesis, fertilization, pregnancy, and birth. We will also discuss pathological and abnormal variations that occur and the available medical technologies for intervention, correction, and facilitation of these processes. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Wangh

[ sn ]

Covers the fundamental rules of behavior of cells in multicellular organisms. Examines cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern cell growth, differentiation and survival in normal cells as well as how this regulation is disrupted in cancer. Usually offered every second year.

Ms. Birren

Apoptosis, the programmed death of vertebrate cells, is essential for normal development and health. We examine the topic through recent research papers, lectures, and student presentations, with emphasis on the mechanism of apoptosis and its role in human diseases such as cancer and neurological disorders. Usually offered every second year.

Mr. Fulton

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A survey of recent advances in molecular immunology. Topics include hematopoietic stem cell biology, blood lineage commitment, growth factor signal transduction, the nature and specificity of antigen receptors, the regulation and mechanism of V(D)J recombination, and B and T cell development. Usually offered every second year.

Mr. Sen

Cross-Listed Courses

Human Osteology