University Bulletin (2020-2021)

• Major (BA/BS)
• Combined (BS/MS)

Undergraduate Major

The undergraduate program in biology, leading either to the BA or to the BS 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 to advanced, specialized, and graduate-level courses in many subject areas. The biology department has more than twenty-five full-time faculty members with teaching and/or research interests in the fields of genetics, molecular biology, development, cancer, microbiology, neurobiology, motility, cell biology, structural biology, animal behavior, and ecology.

Because the interests and needs of our students vary, the major 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. Some students also become integral members of research laboratories and attend departmental research colloquia.

A major in biology provides excellent preparation for students intent on careers in biological research; 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, nursing, or physician assistant. The Biology department also offers courses concerned with ecology or environmental science. See "Special Note G" below for additional programs in ecology and conservation biology.

Graduate Programs in the Biological Sciences

For MS and PhD degrees in the biological sciences, see the separate listings for molecular and cell biology, biochemistry and biophysics, biotechnology, neuroscience, and genetic counseling programs in this Bulletin.

Biology is the science of life. We may study biology for its practical applications in fields that include research, medicine, and biotechnology, or simply because of what E.O. Wilson terms "biophilia", our innate fascination with living organisms. BA and BS programs build upon fundamental concepts to give an understanding of major areas of modern biology, including molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, evolution, physiology, neurobiology, and ecology. Courses for non-majors introduce aspects of the biology of our everyday lives. They provide background for students to make choices in areas such as diet and immunization, and to be informed participants in broader debate of issues such as stem cell research and human impact on the environment.

The learning goals for the Biology major focus on three areas – content, skills, and attitudes:

Content

1. Structure/Function – The relationship between structure and function at different scales of chemical and biological organization, including molecules, cells, tissues, organs, populations, and ecosystems.
2. Homeostasis – The maintenance of a stable internal environment compatible with life for cells and organisms.
3. Information – Storage, flow, expression, and inheritance of genetic information.
4. Evolution – Genetic variation, mechanisms of evolutionary change, and patterns that result from evolutionary process, including biodiversity.
5. Systems – Flow of matter and energy, interactions, and emergent properties, from networks to cells to organisms to ecosystems.

Skills

1. Scientific process – Ability to make observations, ask questions, formulate hypotheses, design and carry out experiments, perform techniques, collaborate with others, and collect, analyze, interpret, and present data.
2. Scientific information – Ability to find and cite sources, read and evaluate scientific papers, and distinguish between well supported and unsupported scientific claims.
3. Quantitative reasoning – Ability to read and interpret numerical and graphical data, perform statistical analysis of data, and create visual representations of data.
4. Communication – Ability to convey scientific ideas, concepts, and experiments in written, graphical, and oral forms.
5. Application – Ability to relate biological concepts to situations outside of the classroom, including popular science, current events, and personal health.

Attitudes

1. Interest, enthusiasm, and engagement in science and biology.
2. Ability to approach novel biological problems with curiosity, creativity, and confidence.
3. Appreciating and understanding the interdisciplinary nature of the life sciences.
4. Understanding the ethical issues surrounding scientific research.
5. Understanding the role of science in addressing societal and environmental issues.

Upon graduation

The flexible bachelor's degree program educates biology graduates for a variety of careers, which may depend upon the elective courses taken. Some will enter the workforce in technical positions in biological research in academic, medical or industrial laboratories. Others will go on to graduate study in dentistry, medicine, veterinary medicine, and allied health professions such as genetic counseling, physical therapy, physician assistant, or public health. Some students will enter Master's or Doctoral programs in the life sciences. Still others will bring their scientific backgrounds to other professions, including business, secondary and post-secondary education, and law.

The introductory biology sequence consists of three required courses BIOL14a (Genetics and Genomics), BIOL15b (Cells and Organisms),and BIOL16a (Evolution and Biodiversity), which can be taken in any order. One or more of these courses are required for the biology, biochemistry, and HSSP BA majors. Two of these courses are required of pre-medical, pre- dental, and pre-veterinary students, so most students with these academic and/or professional interests enroll in at least one during their first year.

The most important course to take in the first year is BIOL 15b (offered both fall and spring), because it is a prerequisite for the lab course (BIOL 18b) that students typically take in the fall of their second year. Many students opt to wait until the spring semester, and begin the biology series with BIOL 15b in spring, and BIOL 14a the following fall. This may work well for students who want to ease in by starting with only a chemistry class (below) in their first semester. Other students choose to take both BIOL 15b and BIOL 14a in their first year, because one or both of these are prerequisites for most biology electives. Alternatively, students may begin the biology series with BIOL 16a in fall, BIOL 15b in spring, and BIOL 14a the following fall. This is a good option for students who are most interested in organismal biology, ecology or evolution.

Students receiving an AP or IB score of 5 or higher may elect to pass out of BIOL15b. You should be aware, however, that a high AP score does not necessarily indicate readiness to continue with upper-level biology electives. For this reason, we strongly recommend all students considering opting out of BIOL15b take the Biology placement exam available on the registrar’s placement exam site to determine preparedness for opting out of BIOL15b. Please note that most medical, dental and veterinary schools require two semesters of in-residence introductory biology. If you elect to pass out of BIOL15b, these schools will require you to take both BIOL14a and another biology lecture course, such as BIOL16a, to fulfill this requirement.

Students who do not have a strong background in Math are encouraged to enroll in MATH 5a, precalculus, in their first semester.

Typically, students take the introductory laboratory series, BIOL 18b and 18a, in their sophomore year. Students should note that BIOL 15b must be taken before the fall lab course, BIOL 18b; and BIOL 14a must be taken before the spring lab course, BIOL 18a.

Lizbeth Hedstrom, Chair
Enzyme structure-function. Chemical biology. Mechanisms of retinal degeneration.

Susan Birren (Volen National Center for Complex Systems)
Developmental neurobiology.

Alexandre Bisson
Cell biology of archaea and evolution of self-organizing biological systems.

Paul Garrity (Volen National Center for Complex Systems)
Neural development and behavior.

Bruce Goode (Rosenstiel Center) (on leave spring 2021)
Biochemistry and genetics of yeast cytoskeleton.

Leslie Griffith (Director, Volen National Center for Complex Systems)
Biochemistry of synaptic plasticity.

James Haber (Director, Rosenstiel Center)
Genetics and molecular biology of yeast meiotic and mitotic recombination. Mating-type switching. Repair of broken chromosomes.

Colleen Hitchcock
Citizen science. Ecology, conservation and science education.

Sebastian Kadener (Volen National Center for Complex Systems, Rosenstiel Center)
Control of RNA metabolism in the brain.

Melissa Kosinski-Collins
Protein biochemistry and biology education.

Amy Lee
Control of mRNA translation in cell proliferation, differentiation, and disease.

Susan Lovett (Assistant Director, Professional Science Master's Program in Biotechnology; Rosenstiel Center)
Genetics and molecular biology of bacteria and yeast. DNA repair. Recombination and mutagenesis.

Michael Marr (Rosenstiel Center)
Mechanisms controlling gene expression.

Eve Marder (Volen National Center for Complex Systems) (on leave spring 2021)
Neurotransmitter modulation of neural circuits.

Maria Miara
Science Education. Comparative anatomy and physiology.

Paul Miller (Volen National Center for Complex Systems)
Computational and theoretical neuroscience.

James Morris (on leave fall 2020)
Epigenetics and biology education.

Sacha Nelson (Volen National Center for Complex Systems)
Synaptic integration in the visual cortex.

Suzanne Paradis (Volen National Center for Complex Systems)
Molecular mechanisms of synapse development.

Kene Piasta
Protein structure-function and science education.

Guillermina Rochelle Ramirez San Juan
Assistant Professor of Biology.

Ruibao Ren (Rosenstiel Center)
Signal transduction.

Avital Rodal (Rosenstiel Center, Volen National Center for Complex Systems)
Endosomal Membrane Traffic in Neurons.

Michael Rosbash (Volen National Center for Complex Systems)
RNA processing and molecular neurobiology and circadian rhythms.

Piali Sengupta (Volen National Center for Complex Systems)
Behavioral and neuronal development in C. elegans.

Neil Simister, BIOL 93a and BIOL 99/199 Senior Honors Coordinator (Director, Professional Science Master’s Program in Biotechnology; Rosenstiel Center)
Molecular immunology. Antibody transport.

Gina Turrigiano (Volen National Center for Complex Systems)
Activity-dependent regulation of neuronal properties.

Stephen Van Hooser (Volen National Center for Complex Systems) 
Development and function of cortical circuits.

Rachel Woodruff, Undergraduate Advising Head
Science Education and DNA Damage Tolerance.

1. Core Courses required of all candidates: BIOL 14a; BIOL 15b; BIOL 16a; BIOL 18a,b lab; CHEM 11a,b or CHEM 15a,b; CHEM 18a,b or CHEM 19a,b lab; CHEM 25a,b; CHEM 29a,b lab; and Option I or II below.
   

   Option I: The BA Degree in Biology

   The BA is the standard biology option that provides students with a general background in biology. In addition to the Core courses required of all candidates (listed above), students must complete one course from the Quantitative Course List below. Also, students must complete a total of five Elective Courses, at least three of which must be taken at Brandeis. At least three electives must come from the Biology Elective Group; up to two may be chosen from the General Science Elective Group.

   Courses required of all BA candidates or those used to fulfill the Quantitative Course requirement cannot also be used for Elective credit.

   Option II: The BS Degree in Biology

   The BS is the intensive biology option that provides students with a strong background in several areas of biology. In addition to the Core courses required of all candidates (listed as in A above), students must complete two courses from the Quantitative Course List. They must also complete PHYS 10a,b or PHYS 11a,b or PHYS 15a,b; and PHYS 18a,b or PHYS 19a,b lab. In addition, students must complete six elective courses, at least four of which be taken at Brandeis. At least four electives must come from the Biology Elective Group; up to two may be chosen from the General Science Elective Group.

   Courses required of all BS candidates or those used to fulfill the Quantitative Course requirement cannot also be used for Elective credit.

   Quantitative Course List

   Statistics (one of BIOL 51a, ECON 83a, or PSYC 51a)
   BIOL 107a
   any COSI course numbered 10 or higher
   ECON 181b
   ECON 184b
   HSSP 100b
   any MATH course numbered 10 or higher
   NBIO 136b
   any QBIO course
   PSYC 148a

   Biology Electives

   Only one of BIOL 51a, ECON 83a, or PSYC 51a may be used towards the major, either as a quantitative course or BIOL 51a towards the Biology electives.

   BIOL 17b
   any BIOL course numbered 23 or higher (excluding courses numbered 90-99)
   ANTH 116a
   BCHM 88b or 100a (one but not both)
   COSI 178a
   any BIBC course
   any CBIO course
   any NBIO course
   any QBIO course
   PHYS 105a

   Two semesters of supervised research (BIOL 93 plus BIOL 99; BIOL 95 plus BIOL 99 or BIOL 93; or two semesters of BIOL 99), if both supervised by the same Brandeis professor, may count as one elective in biology.

   General Science Electives (no more than 2 full course electives can come from this group): Any course from BCHM, CHEM, COSI, EBIO, MATH, PHYS numbered 10 or higher (excluding courses numbered 90-99 and courses in the Biology Elective Group). Lab courses not listed as a requirement for A. Option I (BA) or A. Option II (BS) can be used as electives in the General Science elective group.

   Note: Two-credit laboratory courses are counted as one-half of a regular semester course and 4-credit laboratory courses will be counted as a full semester course.

   AP credit cannot be used to satisfy the quantitative requirement or the elective requirement. The Biology AP cannot be used to fulfil BIOL 14a or 16a.

2. Foundational Literacies: As part of completing the Biology major, students must: 
   • Fulfill the writing intensive requirement by successfully completing: BIOL 18b.
   • Fulfill the oral communication requirement by successfully completing: BIOL  18a.
   • Fulfill the digital literacy requirement by successfully completing one of the following: BIOL 51a, BIOL 107a, COSI 178a, HSSP 100b, PSYC 51a, or NBIO 136b.
3. Independent Research (BIOL 93)
   Any junior or senior majoring in biology may enroll in BIOL 93 (Independent Research). This course on its own does not count as an elective but may be used for course credit. This on-campus internship may be done during the summer or during one academic semester. No more than one BIOL 93 course may be taken. Students must petition the department for participation in BIOL 93. Petitions and information about the research internships are available online.
4. Senior Research
   Any senior majoring in biology may enroll in senior research. This two-semester program is taken as a combination of two courses, which can be either BIOL 93 and BIOL 99, or BIOL 99a and BIOL 99b. 
   
   In the first option, the student can do the BIOL 93 research internship in the summer of junior year followed by BIOL 99a in fall semester of senior year; or the student may do the BIOL 93 research internship in fall semester, followed by BIOL 99 in spring semester of senior year. 
   
   In the second option, the student enrolls in BIOL 99a in fall semester and BIOL 99b (or BIOL 99e) in spring semester of the senior year. The combination of BIOL 93 and BIOL 99, or the combination of BIOL 99a and BIOL 99b, may be used as one elective in biology. No more than 3 courses (combinations of BIOL 93, BIOL 99) may be taken for course credit. Students petition the department for participation in BIOL 93 or BIOL 99. Information about the research internship and senior research are available on the petition forms for BIOL 93 and BIOL 99.
5. Senior Honors Program
   Seniors can receive credit for senior research in biology by petitioning the biology honors coordinator during the fall of their senior year. Candidates must enroll in BIOL 99a and 99b to carry out a senior research project and submit a thesis. Candidates interested in honors must state this in their petition and also present an oral defense of their thesis upon completion of BIOL 99b. Students must meet university eligibility for honors, and, in addition, a minimum grade of B+ must be earned in BIOL 99a and BIOL 99b to be eligible for honors.
6. No course offered for major requirements in either Option I or II may be taken on a pass/fail basis.
7. Satisfactory grades (C- or above) must be earned in all Biology Core courses with BIOL designations (BIOL 14a, 15b, 16a, 18a, 18b), all Quantitative courses and in all Elective courses from the Biology Elective and the General Science Elective groups offered for the major in Biology. No more than one D or D+ may be earned in any other courses offered for the major. No grade of D- will be allowed.

Four-year Combined BS/MS Program in Biology

An undergraduate student majoring in Biology may be admitted to the four-year BS/MS program upon recommendation by the faculty research sponsor. In addition the student must meet with and receive approval from the Biology BS/MS Advising Head. It is recommended that this meeting take place no later than February 1 of the student’s junior year.

In order to complete the BS/MS program in biology, students must successfully complete courses earning 152 credits. These courses must include those needed to satisfy the requirements for the Biology BS degree, two additional biology electives chosen from the electives listed in the Bulletin, and BIOL 199a and 199b (BS/MS Senior Research). Of the 8 electives (not including two quantitative electives, and not including BIOL 199a,b) required for the BS/MS degree, at least 6 must be at the graduate level, and completed with a grade of B- or above. One of the 6 can be a general science elective. BS/MS students must complete a senior thesis (BIOL 199a and BIOL 199b Senior Research). The award of the MS is dependent on students achieving departmental honors in biology.

1. Biology majors wishing to study ecology and conservation may wish to look into the environmental studies program described in this Bulletin, as well as the following programs:
   

   School for Field Studies: SFS offers programs at a number of different sites around the world, including East Africa, Costa Rica, Baja Mexico, Australia, and the West Indies.

   School for International Training: SIT offers programs around the world in ecology, conservation, and sustainable development.

   Denmark's International Studies Program: DIS offers a range of programs in marine biology and ecology, environmental biology, medical practice and policy, and molecular biology and genetics.

   Students should see Mr. D.L. Perlman for further information on these programs, including information on the transferability of course credits as biology electives.

2. AP exam credit: Students receiving an AP or IB score of 5 or higher may elect to pass out of BIOL 15b. You should be aware, however, that a high AP score does not necessarily indicate readiness to continue with upper-level biology electives. For this reason, we strongly recommend all students considering opting out of BIOL 15b take the Biology placement exam available on the registrar’s placement exam site to determine preparedness for opting out of BIOL 15b. Please note that most medical, dental and veterinary schools require two semesters of in-residence introductory biology. If you elect to pass out of BIOL 15b, these schools will require you to take both BIOL14a and another biology lecture course, such as BIOL 16a, to fulfill this requirement.
   
   Students receiving AP credit as per university guidelines may use these to satisfy the general chemistry (CHEM 11) or physics (PHYS 10, 11) requirements. However, neither AP Math AB scores of 4, 5 nor AP Math BC scores of 3, 4, 5 may be used to satisfy the quantitative course requirement for the biology major.

BIOL 14a Genetics and Genomics
[ qr sn ]
Studies fundamentals of genetics, molecular biology and genomics through analytical thinking and problem-solving. Topics include heredity, meiosis, molecular basis of phenotypic variations, and an introduction to tools and techniques used by past and current researchers in genetics. Usually offered every semester.
Rachel Woodruff

BIOL 15b Cells and Organisms
[ sn ]
Introduces contemporary biology with an emphasis on cells, organs, and organ systems. Topics include the forms and functions of macromolecules, organelles, and cells, the integration of cells into tissues, and the physiology of fundamental life processes. The course is intended to prepare students to understand the biology of everyday life, and to provide a strong foundation for those who continue to study the life sciences. Usually offered every semester.
Neil Simister and Maria Miara

BIOL 16a Evolution and Biodiversity
[ qr sn ]
"Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution," the geneticist Theodosius Dobzhansky said famously. Evolution is the unifying theory of biology because it explains both the unity and diversity of life. This course examines processes and patterns of evolution, including the sources and fate of variation, natural selection and genetic drift, species and speciation, biogeography, and the history and diversity of life on Earth. We end with a discussion of human evolution and the impact we are having on the planet. Usually offered every fall.
James Morris

BIOL 17b Conservation Biology
[ sn ]
Considers the current worldwide loss of biological diversity, causes of this loss, and methods for protecting and conserving biodiversity. Explores biological and social aspects of the problems and their solutions. Usually offered every year.
Colleen Hitchcock

BIOL 18a General Biology Laboratory
[ oc sn ]
Prerequisite: BIOL 14a, BIOL 18b and sophomore standing. Yields full-course credit. Laboratory fee: $150 per semester. This lab is time-intensive and students will be expected to come in to lab between regular scheduled lab sessions. In order to accommodate students with time conflicts it may be necessary to re-assign students without conflicts to another section of the course. Students' section choice will be honored if possible.
Provides firsthand experience with a wide array of organisms and illustrates basic approaches to experimental design and problem solving in genetics and genomics. Usually offered every year.
Melissa Kosinski-Collins

BIOL 18b General Biology Laboratory
[ sn wi ]
Prerequisite: BIOL 15b and sophomore standing. Yields full-course credit. Laboratory fee: $150 per semester. This lab is time-intensive and students will be expected to come to lab between regular scheduled lab sessions. In order to accommodate students with time conflicts it may be necessary to re-assign students without conflicts to another section of the course. Students' section choice will be honored if possible.
Provides firsthand experience with modern molecular biology techniques and illustrates basic approaches to experimental design and problem solving in molecular and cellular biology including applications of biochemical techniques. Usually offered every year.
Kene Piasta

BIOL 23a Ecology
[ sn ]
Prerequisites: BIOL 16a, or a score of 5 on the AP Biology Exam, or permission of the instructor.
Illustrates the science of ecology, from individual, population, and community-level perspectives. Includes citizen science ecological research to contextualize theory. Usually offered every year.
Colleen Hitchcock

BIOL 26a Plant Biology
[ sn wi ]
Prerequisites: BIOL 14a and BIOL 15b.
Adopts a molecular and chemical approach as we explore various concepts in plant biology including plant metabolism, structure-function, development, genetics and taxonomy. Intended for students who are familiar with central dogma, structure-function relationship and genetic inheritance, but have not yet applied those concepts in plant systems. Usually offered every second year.
Melissa Kosinski-Collins

BIOL 32a Field Biology
[ sn ]
Introduces students to the biodiversity of southern New England, emphasizing woody plants. Course work primarily takes place on field trips to various terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Usually offered every year.
Staff

BIOL 39b Biology of Global Climate Change
[ dl oc sn ]
Prerequisites: ENVS 2a, BIOL 16a or BIOL 17b.
Examines the biology of global climate change from how biology informs understanding climate change to the evolutionary and ecological responses to climate change. This course includes an exploration of the primary literature. Usually offered every year.
Colleen Hitchcock

BIOL 42a Physiology
[ sn ]
Prerequisites: BIOL 14a and BIOL 15b.
Introduces basic physiological principles. Topics include the physiology of human nervous and endocrine systems, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, water and electrolyte regulation, digestion and absorption, the musculoskeletal system, reproduction, and immunology. Usually offered every year.
Staff

BIOL 42b Human Physiology Lab
Prerequisite: BIOL 42a. BIOL 42b may be taken concurrently with BIOL 42a. Yields half-course credit.
Students will be introduced to laboratory techniques used to study human physiology including electromyography, electrocardiography, exhaled gas analysis, and spirometry. Students will set up equipment, make predictions, record results and analyze how their observations reveal physiological principles. Usually offered every year.
Maria Miara

BIOL 43b Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
[ sn ]
Prerequisite: BIOL 15b. Yields six semester-hour credits towards rate of work and graduation.
Focuses broadly on vertebrate anatomy. The gross and microscopic morphology of each organ system is considered in depth. Comparative anatomy, embryology, and relationships between structure and function are explored. Lectures, laboratory dissections, and clinical cases are used to illustrate the structure and function of vertebrates, with an emphasis on humans. Usually offered every spring.
James Morris

BIOL 43bj Comparative Anatomy
[ sn ]
Prerequisite: BIOL 15b.
Drawing from comparative anatomy and functional morphology, this course is designed to provide an overview of the form and function of organisms and provide a base on which to build further study organismal biology. Students will be introduced to the basics of the development, cellular make-up, evolution and function of the anatomy of many eukaryotes including vertebrates, fungi and plants anatomy. While the focus will be to examine these topics at the level of organs, organ systems and whole organisms, connections will be made to the molecular and cellular levels of organization. It is expected that students who pass this course will understand all concepts such that they may integrate them with each other and apply them to novel situations. Laboratory dissections, an end-of-term oral presentation and short answer tests will aid in this goal. Offered as part of JBS program.
Maria Miara

BIOL 44a The Biology of Human Sports and Exercise
[ sn ]
Prerequisite: BIOL 42a or BIOL 43b. BIOL 42a or 43b may be taken concurrently.
Examines the physiology and anatomy behind exercise science looking specifically at how the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems respond to physical activity. We will consider how the body reacts differently depending on activity type, environment and age. Usually offered every third year.
Maria Miara

BIOL 46aj Biomechanics
[ sn ]
Prerequisites: BIOL 15b and BIOL 16a or BIOL 23a.
Introduces biomechanics at all scales and within a variety of taxonomic groups. Students will explore fluid and solid mechanics applying their knowledge to understand how physical properties impact our day-to-day lives. Offered as part of JBS program.
Maria Miara

BIOL 50b Animal Behavior
[ sn ]
Prerequisites: BIOL 23a or BIOL 16a.
Examines a wide range of animal behavior, including mating and reproductive tactics, territoriality, and social behaviors. Why does an animal perform a given behavior? We will explore the approaches to answering this question and learn a logical framework to examine the various aspects of animal behavior. Class meetings will focus on understanding behavior from both an ecological and evolutionary perspective. We will start the term by understanding how to study behavior and end the term examining key topics in behavior. Usually offered every second year.
Colleen Hitchcock

BIOL 51a Biostatistics
[ dl sn ]
Prerequisites: BIOL 14a and BIOL 15b.
An introductory level biostatistics class providing an overview to statistical methods used in biological and medical research. Topics include descriptive statistics, elementary probability theory, commonly observed distributions, basic concepts of statistical inference, hypothesis testing, regression, as well as analysis of variance. Basic statistical analysis using the R software package will be introduced. Usually offered every semester.
Kene Piasta

BIOL 53a Introduction to Animal Science and Nutrition
[ sn ]
Prerequisites: BIOL 14a and BIOL 15b.
Designed for students interested in learning the fundamentals of animal science. The course is intended for students who are familiar with central dogma, cellular structure and genetic inheritance, but have not yet applied those concepts in animal systems. Usually offered every second year.
Melissa Kosinski-Collins

BIOL 55b Diet and Health
[ sn ]
Prerequisite: BIOL 15b must be successfully completed prior to taking BIOL 55b.
Examines current evidence about the role of nutrition in human health and diseases, ranging from cardiovascular disease to diabetes. We also examine how specific nutrients – proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, fiber and water – influence our well-being. We seek optimal, planet-friendly food choices to support healthy lives, as well as understanding the role of nutrigenomics and microbiota. Usually offered every second year.
Elaine Lai

BIOL 62a Genes and Human Evolution
[ sn ]
Prerequisites: Two courses in biology.
Discusses hominin evolution, Homo sapien evolution, and repeated migration out of Africa. Consequently people today carry genes from Neanderthals and Denisovans. How did we spread out and how are we now causing extinction of many plants and animals? Usually offered every year.
Lawrence Wangh

BIOL 72a Genetics Principles and Applications
[ sn ]
Prerequisite: BIOL 14a.
Extends from the basic principles students learned in BIOL 14a Genetics and Genomics, to give them a deeper understanding of genetics, including molecular genetics, transmission genetics, population genetics, and genomics. Usually offered every second year.
Rachel Woodruff

BIOL 78b The Pipeline of Drug Development
[ oc sn ]
Prerequisites: BIOL 14a and BIOL 15b.
Explores the drug development pipeline from basic research to drug accessibility. The course will focus on biological pathways targeted by chemotherapeutic and antiviral drugs, drug specificity, and ethical concerns. Students will develop oral communications and writing skills through writing assignments, article discussions, and presentations of scientific topics within the field of the drug development. Special one-time offering, fall 2018.
Laura Laranjo

BIOL 93a Research Internship and Analysis
Supervised biological research experience in a Brandeis University laboratory. In consultation with a Brandeis faculty member, the student will design and execute an individual research project, culminating in an oral and written presentation. Students seeking to do biology research in Brandeis laboratories outside the biology department must obtain sponsorship of a biology department faculty member as well as permission of the departmental BIOL 93a coordinator. This course is not intended to and will not provide credit for off-campus internships. BIOL 93a is offered both semesters but is a one-semester course and may be taken only once. Students must petition the department for permission to enroll in BIOL 93a. Course requirements include laboratory research, a written report and an oral presentation, as specified in the BIOL 93a petition. Students wishing to do a summer internship for academic credit must obtain permission from the BIOL 93 coordinator and their biology department sponsor prior to commencing the internship; complete the summer internship (a minimum of 10 weeks full-time); and complete the appropriate academic work. Credit will be awarded via the student enrolling in BIOL 93a in the subsequent fall term. BIOL 93a may also be used as one of the two courses needed for Senior Research (see BIOL 99). Usually offered every semester.
Staff

BIOL 95a Laboratory Research Internship (Study Abroad)
Prerequisites: BIOL 14a, BIOL 15b and BIOL 18a and b.
Intended for students who wish to conduct independent laboratory research at a pre-approved study abroad institution. Enrollment in this course requires a petition through the Biology department and approval from the Biology Undergraduate Advising Head (UAH). Usually offered every year.
Staff

BIOL 98a Readings in Biology
Prerequisites: BIOL 14a, BIOL 15b. Does NOT meet requirements for the major in biology. May not be taken for credit by students who have satisfactorily completed BIOL 98b. Students must petition the department for permission to enroll in BIOL 98a and receive permission from the departmental Undergraduate Advising Head as well as the faculty sponsor.
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

BIOL 98b Readings in Biology
Prerequisites: BIOL 14a, BIOL 15b. Does NOT meet the major requirement in biology. May not be taken for credit by students who have satisfactorily completed BIOL 98a. Students must petition the department for permission to enroll in BIOL 98b and receive permission from the departmental Undergraduate Advising Head as well as the faculty sponsor.
See BIOL 98a for course description. Usually offered every year.
Staff

BIOL 99a Senior Research
The first of a 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 99a (fall) followed by BIOL 99e (spring). The combined enrollments for BIOL 93 and BIOL 99 may not exceed three semester course credits. Two semesters of BIOL 99 may be used as one elective for the biology major. Students may also use one semester of BIOL 93 and one semester of BIOL 99 to count as senior research and one elective. 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 (or, fulfill the BIOL 93 requirements), 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. Students must petition the department for permission to enroll in BIOL 99. Usually offered every year.
Staff

BIOL 99b Senior Research
A continuation of BIOL 99a. See BIOL 99a for course description.
Staff

BIOL 99e Senior Research
See BIOL 99a for course description. Usually offered every semester.
Staff

BISC 5a Pathogens and Human Disease
[ sn ]
Prerequisite: High school chemistry and biology. Does not meet the requirements for the major in Biology.
This course discusses the life cycle, pathogenesis, transmission, and epidemiology of certain organisms (bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi) that cause important human diseases. Other topics include emerging diseases, host defense mechanisms, vaccines, and public health concerns. Usually offered every year.
Joan Press

BISC 5b Diseases of the Mind
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Prerequisite: High school chemistry. May not be taken by students who have completed BIOL 15b. Does not meet the requirements for the major in Biology.
An exploration of biology of several protein folding diseases including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, ALS, and mad cow disease and their effect on normal brain function. Examines the medical and ethical challenges of therapies, drug design, and clinical trials on patients afflicted with these disorders. Usually offered every second year.
Melissa Kosinski-Collins

BISC 8b Drugs that Changed the World
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Prerequisite: High school chemistry and biology. Does not meet the requirements for the major in Biology.
Introduces the science underlying drug discovery and development. Students learn basic principles of microbiology, chemistry, biology, pharmacology and statistics while learning how a drug progresses from bench to bedside. Students learn to decipher a drug packaging insert. Topics include landmarks in antibiotic and cancer chemotherapy, featuring recently approved drugs such as Herceptin and Gleevec. Readings are drawn from the original scientific literature, FDA rulings, patent law, and the popular press. Usually offered every third year.
Ms. Hedstrom

BISC 10b The Biology of Women's Health
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Does not meet the requirements for the major in Biology.
Diseases such as HPV, breast cancer, and Zika are global health concerns. Have you ever wondered why certain diseases seem to impact women more often than men? How are they diagnosed and when? Vaccinations, screenings and treatments exist for some of these diseases, but are they effective? How do they work and what are the ethical concerns? In this nine-week course, we will explore the molecular, genetic, medical and clinical basis of several diseases impacting women’s health. We will conduct laboratories looking at viral structure and assembly, model clinical procedures for diagnosis, and begin to develop an understanding of how governmental policy is designed surrounding these concerns. Usually offered every year.
Melissa Kosinski-Collins and Sumana Sett

BISC 11a Biodiversity Connections
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Does not meet the requirements for the major in Biology.
Explores the evolution, extinction, and conservation of biodiversity. We will focus on the interactions among the world's biodiversity inclusive of humans. Usually offered every second year.
Colleen Hitchcock

EBIO 33b Citizen Science: Bridging Science, Education and Advocacy
[ sn ss ]
Citizen science (the public generation of science knowledge) from both a practical (through direct participation in research) and theoretical application will be explored as the basis for examining how research, scientific literacy, education, and advocacy projects are complementary. Usually offered every second year.
Colleen Hitchcock and Rachel Theodorou

EBIO 98b Readings in Science Education
Prerequisites: BIOL 14a, BIOL 15b, and BIOL 16a. Does NOT meet the major requirement in biology. May not be taken for credit by students who have satisfactorily completed EBIO 98a.
See EBIO 98a for course description. Usually offered every year.
Staff

NBIO 79b Neurobiology of Reward and Substance Use Disorders
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Prerequisite: NBIO 140b.
Explores the neurobiology of brain circuits that process reward. We will focus on how drugs of abuse hijack the reward system, and on the behavioral aspects of addiction and how these are studied using animal models. Special one-time offering, spring 2020.
Katherine Kimbrell and Alejandro Torrado Pacheco

BIBC 126b Molecular Mechanisms of Disease
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Prerequisite: BCHM 88b or BCHM 100a. May not be taken for credit by students who took BIOL 126b in prior years.
Explores biochemical changes—in proteins, enzymes and metabolic pathways—that underlie human diseases. Examines molecular mechanisms for a variety of diseases, with a particular focus on molecular mechanisms for therapies. Draws heavily on current literature. Usually offered every second year.
Emily Westover

BIOL 100b Advanced Cell Biology
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Prerequisites: BIOL 14a and BIOL 15b.
An advanced course on cell biology. Topics include structure and organization of the cell, principles of signal transduction, and cell division and proliferation. Usually offered every year.
Avital Rodal

BIOL 101a Molecular Biotechnology
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Prerequisite: BIOL 14a.
Develops knowledge and skills to research, choose and interpret the bext experimental approaches for answering research questions in molecular biology. Studies molecular biology techniques such as PCR, DNA sequencing, genomics, cloning, microarrays, and CRISPR, and their research applications. Usually offered every year.
Rachel Woodruff

BIOL 102b Structural Molecular Biology
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Prerequisites: BIOL 14a and BIOL 15b, or permission of the instructor.
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, their folding and assembly, and the means whereby we visualize these structures. Usually offered every second year.
Melissa Kosinski-Collins

BIOL 103b Mechanisms of Cell Functions
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Prerequisite: BIOL 100b.
Focuses on the mechanistic basis of cell biological processes, with a heavy emphasis on how they are elucidated experimentally. Classic and modern research papers are used to illustrate a range of genetic, biochemical, and imaging-based experimental approaches. Topics include cell compartmentalization, membrane traffic, cytoskeleton, cell motility, and cell division. The primary learning goal is to understand how the scientific method is applied in cell biology research. Intended for graduate students and advanced undergraduates. Usually offered every year.
Bruce Goode

BIOL 105b Molecular Biology
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Prerequisites: BIOL 14a and BIOL 15b.
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.
Amy Lee

BIOL 107a Data Analysis and Statistics Workshop
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The interpretation of data is key to making new discoveries, making optimal decisions, and designing experiments. Students will learn skills of data analysis and computer coding through hands-on, computer-based tutorials and exercises that include experimental data from the biological sciences. Knowledge of very basic statistics (mean, median) will be assumed. Usually offered every year.
Stephen Van Hooser

BIOL 111a Developmental Biology
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Prerequisites: BIOL 14a, BIOL 15b, and BIOL 18b.
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. Students will learn material from class lectures and assigned readings from a textbook. To foster students’ ability to critically assess the primary scientific literature, the class will also read and discuss a number of recently published original scientific articles pertinent to class material. Usually offered every second year.
Suzanne Paradis

BIOL 112b Evolutionary Developmental Biology
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Prerequisite: BIOL 14a and BIOL 16a.
Examines both the evolution of developmental processes and the impact of development on evolution. This course will draw on the many sub-disciplines that feed into Evo-Devo including developmental biology, evolution, genetics, molecular biology, ecology and paleontology. Usually offered every second year.
Maria Miara

BIOL 122a Molecular Genetics
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Prerequisite: BIOL 14a. Recommended prerequisite: BIOL 72a or another upper-level course in genetics, genomics, or molecular biology.
A lecture- and literature-based course for students who have already taken a basic course in genetics and molecular biology. Organized somewhat historically, we will explore how genetic approaches have elucidated the nature of the gene and its regulation and the analysis of gene function. In other words, it’s a course about “genetic thinking,” with increasingly large doses of molecular biology added in as we progress. Recent advances in genomics and proteomics will be discussed. Students will be assigned one or more papers that will form the basis of part of the next lecture/discussion. To facilitate this discussion, students will be required to post questions about the reading prior to class. In addition, each student will be responsible to identify and present to the rest of the class, a topic that they found particularly creative in using genetic approaches to delve into the mysteries of cell growth and development. A written introduction to the chosen topic will also be required. Usually offered every second year.
James Haber

BIOL 125a Immunology
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Prerequisites: BIOL14a and BIOL 15b. CHEM 25a is recommended. May not be taken for credit by students who took BIOL 70a in prior years.
Topics include properties and functions of cells involved in innate and adaptive immunity; genes, structure and function of immunoglobulins, B cell receptors and T cell receptors; lymphocyte differentiation; genetic regulation; MHC restriction; cell interactions and signaling; pathogen immunity (bacteria, viruses) and vaccines; tolerance and autoimmunity. Usually offered year.
Joan Press

BIOL 127b Introduction to Systems Biology
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Prerequisites: BIOL 14a and BIOL 15b.
Exposes students to the design principles that underlie complex biological systems. We will cover a wide range of topics, including biological networks, network motifs, dynamics in transcriptional circuits, designing and engineering synthetic circuits, prey-predator models, bacterial and animal navigation strategies. Special one-time offering, spring 2020.
Alon Zaslaver

BIOL 128a Human Genetics
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Prerequisites: BIOL 14a and BIOL 15b.
Survey of topics, including: overview of the human genome; variation; mutation and polymorphism; reproductive genetics; single-gene inheritance and complexities thereof; multifactorial conditions;risk assessment including Bayesian analysis; gene mapping including linkage analysis and genome wide association studies (GWAS); molecular methodology in genetics and genomics; cytogenetics; hemoglobinopathies; population genetics; cancer genetics; genetics of development;biochemistry of selected genetic diseases; treatment including pharmacogenetics and gene therapy; ethical considerations in genetics and genomics. Usually offered every year.
Nikkola Carmichael

BIOL 131b Introduction to Genomics
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Prerequisites: BIOL 14a and BIOL 15b.
Focuses on the recently developing field of Genomics. During the course, the students will be introduced to general concepts and approaches for generating and analyzing large genomic datasets in the context of biological questions. Usually offered every year.
Sebastien Kadener

BIOL 132a General Microbiology
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Prerequisites: BIOL 14a, BIOL 15b, and CHEM 25a. May not be taken for credit by students who took BIOL 71a in prior years.
Topics include the physiology and properties of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms; microbial nutrition, metabolism, growth; bacterial genetics; horizontal gene transfer; microbial pathogenesis; immunity; antibiotics and other means of microbial control. Usually offered every year.
Susan Lovett

BIOL 134b Topics in Ecology
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Prerequisites: BIOL 23a, or permission of the instructor. Topics may vary from year to year. Please consult the Course Schedule for topic and description. Course may be repeated once for credit with permission of the instructor.
Annually, a different aspect of the global biosphere is selected for analysis. In any year the focus may be on specific ecosystems (e.g., terrestrial, aquatic, tropical, arctic), populations, system modeling, restoration ecology, or other aspects of ecology. Usually offered every year.
Dan Perlman

BIOL 151a Project Laboratory in Protein Biochemistry
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Prerequisites: BCHM 88b or BCHM 100b (recommended), BIOL 14a, BIOL 15b, BIOL 18a and 18b, and BIOL 156a.
Features experiments in protein biochemistry that are fundamental to the field of biotechnology. These include protein purification, characterization and quality assessment. Focus is placed on designing purification protocols for both tagged and untagged proteins using biochemical knowledge. The designed protocols are tested by purifying known proteins. As part of the course, students will contribute to research projects of unknown outcome by purifying and assaying novel proteins. Usually offered every year.
Kene Piasta

BIOL 152b Virus Hunter Lab
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Prerequisites: BIOL 14a, BIOL 15b, BIOL 18a, and BIOL 18b.
During this course, students will learn about a common type of virus called bacteriophage. They will isolate novel bacteriorphage from the marine environment and using modern molecular biology and bioinformatic techniques, they will sequence and annotate the viral genome. Usually offered every year.
Susan Lovett and Michael Marr

BIOL 153aj Project Lab in Biomimetics / Bioinspiration
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Prerequisites: BIOL 15b and BIOL 16a or BIOL 23a.
Explores how the natural world has been used to inspire designs solving real-world problems, identify a problem themselves, learn techniques to plan and build their own bio-inspired designs and present their products in a clear and accessible manner. Offered as part of JBS program.
Maria Miara

BIOL 156a Project Laboratory in Biotechnology
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Prerequisite: BIOL 18a and b, BIOL 14a and BIOL 15b or equivalents. Course fee: $150.
Encompasses the many facets that may present themselves to a researcher working in a laboratory setting. The primary goal of this course is to teach current methods in molecular biology in order to establish a foundational skill set that makes a student viable in today's research market. Along with this, enhancing the written format of acquired data, the art of presenting this data and scientific writing is also emphasized. Though the course meets during its scheduled time, the experimental designs contribute to real research projects from laboratories in the Biology department so that additional work will be required during off days and weekends depending on your time management. This time commitment simulates a research environment where students are responsible for their own experiments in order to prepare them for both a career in science and allow them to fully understand what attributes are necessary to be competent in the field of research. Students will be required to perform tasks when the class is not in session. Some of the techniques taught will include DNA isolation, DNA sequence analysis, generation of mutations, recombinant DNA cloning, RNA isolation, polymerase chain reaction including real-time quantitative PCR, yeast two hybrid systems, screening chemical libraries, Gateway & Gibson cloning techniques, bacterial & yeast strain constructions and DNA/RNA hybridization methods. There is a possible option of continuing the project as an independent researcher in the spring depending on the student and nature of the project. Currently we are massing useable data from past classes for publication purposes. This class has a large time commitment both during and outside of class time and should not be taken in conjunction with other research laboratories or internships. Please note that one of the goals of this course is to help place you in or on the career path you desire. Usually offered every year. Usually offered every year.
Vincent Sutera

BIOL 159a Project Laboratory in Microbiology
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Prerequisites: BIOL 18a and b. Laboratory fee: $150 per semester.
A discovery-based laboratory to study the diversity of microorganisms in particular environments. We will isolate microbes with ability to metabolize complex compounds from special environments, characterize their properties and identify them by DNA sequence analysis. This course will teach the fundamentals of microbiology through hands-on activities. Usually offered every year.
Deanni Cooper

BIOL 160b Human Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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Prerequisites: BIOL 14a and BIOL 15b.
Course deals with hormonal, cellular, and molecular aspects of gametogenesis, fertilization, pregnancy, and birth. Pathological and abnormal variations that occur and the available medical technologies for intervention, correction, and facilitation of these processes are discussed. Usually offered every year.
Judith Jackson

BIOL 162b DNA: Mechanisms and Research
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Prerequisites: BIOL 14a, BIOL 15b and CHEM 25a. May not be taken for credit by students who took BIOL 150b in prior years.
Explores DNA, and a multitude of proteins that interact with the DNA. Examines mechanisms that allow genomes to be maintained and used in cells and organisms: DNA replication, repair and multigenesis, chromatin, cohesion and segregation, DNA modifications, and more. Usually offered every second year.
Rachel Woodruff

BIOL 163b Repairing and Editing the Genome
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Prerequisites: BIOL 14a and BIOL 15b.
DNA damage must be repaired to maintain genome integrity and prevent mutations and chromosome rearrangements associated with cancer. Understanding of these repair mechanisms has opened the door to precisely modify genes, for gene therapy or even to recreate extinct mammals. Usually offered every second year.
James Haber

BIOL 172b Growth Control and Cancer
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Prerequisites: BIOL 14a and BIOL 15b, and CHEM 25a.
Examines the fundamental rules of behavior of cells in multicellular organisms. Examines the research that has revealed the molecular basis of cancer development, including the cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern cell growth, differentiation and survival in normal cells, and how this regulation is disrupted in cancer. Usually offered every second year.
Rachel Woodruff

BIOL 176b RiboNucleicAcids (RNA)
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Prerequisite: BIOL 105b.
Examines the versatility and biological functions of RiboNucleicAcides (RNA) in an upper-level seminar and primary-literature based course.Topics include splicing and the spliceosome, the ribosome, ribozymes and the RNA World Hypothesis, RNA editing, RNA interference, and long non-coding RNAs. Usually offered second every year.
Nelson Lau and Michael Rosbash

BIOL 199a Senior Research
The first of a two-semester course for students pursuing the combined BS/MS in Biology, this is an intensive research experience. The student conducts an independent research project under the supervision of a faculty member. To fulfill the BIOL 199 requirements, students must (1) submit to their research sponsor, at the conclusion of their first BIOL 199 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 199 semester, a senior thesis that includes an abstract, an introduction, a review of materials and methods, results, discussion, and references. Students enrolled in this course must defend their thesis, receive Departmental Honors, and submit their thesis to GSAS. If a student drops out of the BS/MS program, BIOL 199 will be replaced with BIOL 99. Students must petition the department for permission to enroll in BIOL 199. Usually offered every semester.
Staff

BIOL 199b Senior Research
A continuation of BIOL 199a. See BIOL 199a for course description.
Staff

CBIO 101a Chemical Biology
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Prerequisites: A satisfactory grade (C- or better) in BIOL 14a, BIOL 15b, and CHEM 25a and b, or the equivalent.
Explores how scientific work in chemistry led to fundamental understanding of and ability to manipulate biological processes. Emphasis is placed on chemical design and synthesis as well as biological evaluation and utility. Content based on scientific literature readings. Usually offered every second year.
Thomas Pochapsky

CBIO 106b Chemical Biology: Medicinal Enzymology
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Prerequisites: Satisfactory grade in BIOL 14a, BIOL 15b, CHEM 25a and 25b, and BCHM 100a or the equivalent.
Introduces students to the conceptual framework and experimental methods in medicinal chemistry. Topics include mechanisms of drug-target interactions, strategies for lead optimization and issues in metabolism, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Readings drawn from textbooks and the original scientific literature. Usually offered every second year.
Lizbeth Hedstrom

NBIO 136b Computational Neuroscience
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Prerequisite: MATH 10a and either NBIO 140b or PHYS 10a or approved equivalents.
An introduction to concepts and methods in computer modeling and analysis of neural systems. Topics include single and multicompartmental models of neurons, information representation and processing by populations of neurons, synaptic plasticity and models of learning, working memory, decision making and neural oscillations. The course will be based on in-class computer tutorials, assuming no prior coding experience, with reading assignments and preparation as homework. Usually offered every second year.
Paul Miller

NBIO 140b Principles of Neuroscience
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Prerequisites: Sophomore standing, BIOL 15b, one additional BIOL, BCHM, NBIO or NPSY course and one of the following: One year of college-level chemistry with lab, one year of college-level physics with lab, or any math course above 10a,b. AP scores are not accepted to meet the prerequisite. Junior standing recommended.
Examines the fundamental principles of neuroscience. Topics include resting potentials, action potentials, synaptic transmission, sensory systems, motor systems, learning, neural circuits underlying behavior, neurological diseases, and mental illness. Usually offered every year.
Eve Marder

NBIO 142b Circadian Rhythms and Sleep
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Prerequisite: NBIO 140b or BIOL 105b.
Explores via some lecturing, but predominantly discussion of papers from the primary literature, what we know about circadian rhythms and sleep in different organisms. We will discuss the molecular, cellular and circuitry control of rhythms and sleep as well as their behavioral and physiological consequences. Usually offered every second year.
Leslie Griffith and Michael Rosbash

NBIO 143b Developmental Neurobiology
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Prerequisite: BIOL 14a and BIOL 15b or permission of the instructor.
Discusses the molecular mechanisms used in the development of the nervous system in both invertebrate and vertebrate experimental systems. Topics include determination of neuronal cell fates, axon growth and guidance, plasticity during development, and mechanisms responsible for generation of connectivity in the nervous system. This course emphasizes reading of original scientific research papers and class discussion and oral presentations. Usually offered every second year.
Suzanne Paradis

NBIO 145b Systems Neuroscience
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Prerequisite: NBIO 140b.
Explores fundamental questions in circuit-and systems-level neuroscience. We will take a systems-level perspective to explore how the brain supports behavior and cognition. Students will read and discuss seminal and current findings to understand how the brain represents and perceives the external environment, adapts and learns, executes control, and uses internal representations to make decisions and drive behavior. The focus will in particular be on underlying circuits, neural representations and neurophysiological mechanisms. The course will follow an arc that covers sensory systems, perception and behavior, neural coding, cognition, and motor control. Emphasis will be on bridging across these levels, and on critical analysis and synthesis. Usually offered every year.
Shantanu Jadhav

NBIO 146a The Neurobiology of Human Disease
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Prerequisite: Any of the following BIOL 100b, BIOL103b, BIOL 105b, BIOL 122a, BIOL 123b, BIOL 128a, NBIO 140b, or NBIO 143b.
A lecture- and literature-based overview of the neurobiological underpinnings of neurological and psychiatric disorders including autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other developmental and degenerative disorders. Usually offered every second year.
Susan Birren

NBIO 147a Neurogenetics
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Prerequisites: BIOL 18a and BIOL 14a.
Topics include function of genes, neurons and neuronal circuits in the generation of behavior. The use of genetics and genetic manipulations in the study of behavior will be emphasized. Model organisms to be discussed will include Drosophila, C. elegans, zebrafish and mammals.Usually offered every third year.
Piali Sengupta

NBIO 148b Cellular Mechanisms of Neuronal Excitability and Plasticity
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Prerequisite: NBIO 140b or permission of the instructor. Graduate students may take this course concurrently with NBIO 140b.
Neurons are complex computing devises that transmit and store information. This course will explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms of excitability, as well as the plasticity mechanisms that allow neurons and synapses to store information. Students will examine classic experiments on action potentials and synaptic transmission, as well as the contemporary literature on our evolving understanding of the cellular mechanisms of regulation of excitability and learning-related plasticity. The course emphasizes reading from original papers and extensive class discussion. Usually offered every year.
Leslie Griffith

NBIO 157a Project Laboratory in Neurobiology and Behavior
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Prerequisites: BIOL 18a and b, BIOL 14a, and BIOL 15b. A statistics class (e.g. BIOL 51a or PSYC 51a) is recommended but not required. Laboratory fee: $150 per semester.
Focuses on neurobiology, the study of the function of the nervous system. Research conducted by students will address unanswered biological questions in this field. This course will focus on temperature sensation and regulation, using the fruit fly Drosophila as a model system. Students will learn: techniques for studying animal behavior in a rigorous lab setting, experimental design and analysis, and the fundamentals of reading and writing scientific research papers. Usually offered every year.
Staff

BIOL 200a Proseminar
Required seminar for first-year graduate students in MCB and Neuroscience PhD programs.
Emphasizes the reading, analysis, and presentation of scientific papers. We will examine published research on multiple topics that will cover a broad range of experimental approaches. The course will place a strong emphasis on developing writing skills and in preparing effective oral presentations. Students will be guided toward preparing a mock research proposal that will serve as a model for the first-year PhD qualifying exam. Not offered to MCB or Neuroscience MS students. Usually offered every year.
Piali Sengupta

BIOL 202d Introduction to Genetic Counseling
A two-semester sequence that provides the historical and theoretical foundations for the practice of genetic counseling and the role of genetic services within the health care delivery system. Introduces students to some of the practical aspects of genetic counseling, including case preparation, pedigree construction/interpretation, risk assessment, psychological assessment and support, patient education and medical documentation. Usually offered every year.
Hetal Vig

BIOL 203a Lab Testing: Applications in Clinical Practice
Provides students with the opportunity to learn about the various types of laboratory testing and their application in clinical patient care. Content will be presented by a wide variety of individuals from both the clinical and laboratory settings who have expertise in the field. Usually offered every year.
Hetal Vig

BIOL 204b Clinical Genetics I
Introduces students to the elements of a pediatric/general genetic evaluation and counseling, the approach patients referred for a variety of reasons, and the features, natural history, management and genetics of a subset of conditions commonly seen in clinical practice. The course includes didactic lectures, case discussions and additional group activities that enhance student learning. Usually offered every year.
Gretchen Schneider

BIOL 205a Masters Proseminar
Enrollment limited to Life Science Masters students.
In the life sciences, theories, methods and discoveries must be communicated effectively. Equally important is the ability to interpret and evaluate the work done by others. Students will have opportunities to learn, practice and evaluate oral and written methods of scientific communication. Usually offered every year.
Maria Miara and Neil Simister

BIOL 205b Counseling Theory and Technique
A comprehensive overview of counseling theory and practice. Topics include listening, observation, and interview skills and strategies; family dynamics and development; coping and adaptation processes; referral and consultation procedures; and ethical principles. Students are provided an opportunity to integrate clinical experiences with the coverage of topics. Usually offered every year.
Terri Queler

BIOL 206d Genetic Counseling Journal Club
Noncredit.
Weekly meeting at which second year students formally present papers from the recent genetics and genomics scientific literature to their peers and faculty. Usually offered every year.
Gretchen Schneider

BIOL 207a Application of Counseling Theory in Genetic Counseling Practice
Examines case studies providing the basis for discussion of a variety of genetic disorders and the application of counseling modalities. Students have an opportunity to share experiences gained during clinical internships. Discussions emphasize the interplay of medical, psychological, ethical, legal, social, and cultural factors in genetic counseling. Usually offered every year.
Terri Queler

BIOL 211a Disability Awareness and Genetic Counseling
Students will gain knowledge on the history of disability in America, disability rights and special education law, learn about typical human development and listen to and reflect upon stories written or told by individuals or families who have a disability or genetic condition. Students will also spend one day per week in an organization, school or clinic to further increase awareness of disability-related issues and the variety of community-based services for individuals with special needs. Finally students will be assigned a family pal to delve deeper into understanding the impact of a genetic condition on all members of a family. Usually offered every year.
Gretchen Schneider

BIOL 211b Introduction to Genetic Counseling Research
Students will learn about the research process, hear from genetic counselors who have done research and begin to explore their own interests and ideas that will culminate in their Master’s thesis topic. Usually offered every year.
Cassandra Buck

BIOL 212a Genetic Counseling Internship I
Students complete a 30 contact day clinical genetic fieldwork rotation under the supervision of a genetic counselor or other qualified clinician. Students will utilize and increase their genetics knowledge and master genetic counseling skills by offering genetic counseling services in a prenatal, pediatric, or cancer clinic setting. Usually offered every summer.
Hetal Vig

BIOL 212b Genetic Counseling Internship II
Students complete 2 14 day fieldwork rotations per semester under the supervision of a genetic counselor or other qualified clinician. Students will utilize and increase their genetic knowledge and master genetic counseling skills by offering genetic counseling services in a prenatal, pediatric, cancer, general, adult, or specialty clinic or rotating through a laboratory, research, advocacy or other industry setting. Usually offered every year.
Hetal Vig

BIOL 213a Genetic Counseling Research I
In the summer semester students chose a research project, do a review of the literature and summarize key findings, and write a research proposal for a thesis project (to be done in the following fall/spring semesters). Usually offered in the summer.
Cassandra Buck

BIOL 213b Genetic Counseling Research II
Prerequisite: BIOL 213a.
Students are introduced to the principles and basic techniques of social science research in a series of seminars while they implement their thesis research projects. Usually offered fall and spring.
Cassandra Buck

BIOL 214c Professional Development
Students will prepare for their genetic counseling careers by examining their aspirations and identifying goals for their career path, exploring the job market and applying to and interviewing for open positions, learning how to get involved in the profession and creating a framework for studying for and passing the certification exam. Usually offered every year.
Gretchen Schneider

BIOL 216b Peer Supervision Group
This is a noncredit seminar required for all genetic counseling students.
Students meet once a week for discussions facilitated by a local genetic counselor involved in a peer supervision group. Student will utilize a group setting to process difficult cases, discuss personal and professional challenges and provide support to each other in a safe space. Usually offered every year.
Gretchen Schneider

BIOL 220a Clinical Genetics II
Prerequisite: BIOL 204b.
Continuation of BIOL 204b with emphasis on the genetic and developmental disorders categorized by major organ systems or other grouping. Learning will involve didactic lectures, case discussion and other group activities.
Gretchen Schneider

BIOL 236b Genetics, Law, and Social Policy
Explores legal doctrines, developing skills in analyzing legal and policy issues arising in professional practice and preparing students to actively participate in the development of institutional and public policies. Topics covered include confidentiality, patient autonomy, regulation of genetic, reproductive rights, and genetic discrimination. Usually offered every second year.
Alice Noble

BIOL 296a Master's Research Lab
Prerequisite: Permission of the Program Director.
Students engage in biological research by working in the laboratory of a faculty member for a minimum of 10 hours per week for one semester. Intended for students in the MS Program in Molecular and Cell Biology. Usually offered every semester.
Staff

BIOL 297a Readings in Molecular and Cell Biology
Usually offered every year.
Staff

BIOL 298a Independent Study in Molecular and Cell Biology
Usually offered every year.
Staff

BIOL 299a Master's Research Project
Usually offered every year.
Staff

BIOL 300a Biological Research
Primarily for the first-year student, with the purpose of introducing him or her to biological research and to the work in progress in the laboratories of a number of faculty members. In consultation with the graduate adviser, the student plans a sequence of such tenures, each comprising nine weeks, and then carries out experimental investigations under the guidance of the faculty members involved. Usually offered every year.
Staff

BIOL 300b Biological Research
Primarily for the first-year student, with the purpose of introducing him or her to biological research and to the work in progress in the laboratories of a number of faculty members. In consultation with the graduate adviser, the student plans a sequence of such tenures, each comprising nine weeks, and then carries out experimental investigations under the guidance of the faculty members involved. Usually offered every year.
Staff

BIOL 301b Biological Research
Yields half-course credit.
See BIOL 300a for course description.
Staff

BIOL 305a Topics in Molecular Genetics and Development
Usually offered every year.
Staff

BIOL 305b Topics in Molecular Genetics and Development
Usually offered every year.
Staff

BIOL 316a Mechanisms of Recombination
Usually offered every year.
James Haber and Susan Lovett

BIOL 316b Mechanisms of Recombination
Usually offered every year.
James Haber and Susan Lovett

BIOL 350a Graduate Student Research Seminar
Usually offered every year.
Staff

BIOL 350b Graduate Student Research Seminar
Usually offered every year.
Staff

BIOL 401d Dissertation Research
Independent research for PhD candidates. Specific sections for individual faculty members as requested.
Staff

BIOT 201b Business of Biotechnology
Prerequisite: BIOT 203b or permission of the instructor.
Biotechnology industries are based upon recombinant DNA methodology. Most are in areas of medicine, agriculture, and manufacturing. Business of Biotechnology gives an overview of these sectors and introduces their research and development models, regulation, financing, and marketing. Usually offered every year.
Neil Simister

BIOT 203b Fundamentals of Management for Biotechnology
Prerequisite: BIOL 205a or permission of the instructor.
Introduces basic business concepts and tools, with an emphasis on the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. It provides an overview of accounting, alliances, entrepreneurship, ethics, finance, human capital, leadership, marketing, mergers and acquisitions, organizational behavior, project management, and strategy. Usually offered every year.
Neil Simister

BIOT 212a Biotechnology Internship
Prerequisites: BIOL 156a and BIOT 200a and permission of the instructor. Yields 12 semester-hour credits.
Biotechnology Internship is a real-world workplace experience. Students work in industrial or academic laboratories or in managerial positions in biotechnology or related industries. The internship is an opportunity to develop professional skills, explore career paths, and make connections with employers. Usually offered every year.
Neil Simister

BIOT 293a Biotechnology Research
Prerequisites: BIOL 156a and BIOT 200a. Approval of the Program Director is required. May be repeated for credit up to three times.
Students in the MS Program in Biotechnology work in industrial or academic laboratories in biotechnology or related areas for a minimum of 10 hours per week for 12 weeks. Usually offered every year.
Neil Simister

BIOT 299a Master's Thesis Research
Usually offered every year.
Staff

BIOT 299b Master's Thesis Research
Usually offered every year.
Staff

In addition to the courses listed below, the quantitative requirement is also fulfilled by any COSI course numbered 10 or higher, any MATH course numbered 10 or higher and any QBIO course.

BIOL 51a Biostatistics
[ dl sn ]
Prerequisites: BIOL 14a and BIOL 15b.
An introductory level biostatistics class providing an overview to statistical methods used in biological and medical research. Topics include descriptive statistics, elementary probability theory, commonly observed distributions, basic concepts of statistical inference, hypothesis testing, regression, as well as analysis of variance. Basic statistical analysis using the R software package will be introduced. Usually offered every semester.
Kene Piasta

BIOL 107a Data Analysis and Statistics Workshop
[ dl qr sn ]
The interpretation of data is key to making new discoveries, making optimal decisions, and designing experiments. Students will learn skills of data analysis and computer coding through hands-on, computer-based tutorials and exercises that include experimental data from the biological sciences. Knowledge of very basic statistics (mean, median) will be assumed. Usually offered every year.
Stephen Van Hooser

ECON 83a Statistics for Economic Analysis
[ dl qr ss ]
Prerequisite: ECON 2a or 10a. Students must earn a C- or higher in MATH 10a, or otherwise satisfy the calculus requirement, to enroll in this course.
A first course in statistical inference. Topics include descriptive statistics, probability, normal and binomial distributions, sampling distributions, point and interval estimation, properties of estimators, hypothesis testing, regression, and analysis of variance. Usually offered every semester.
Linda Bui, Nidhiya Menon, and Tymon Słoczyński

HSSP 100b Introduction to Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Population Health
[ dl qr ss ]
Core course for the HSSP major and minor. Open to juniors and seniors only.
Provides an orientation to the science of epidemiology, the quantitative foundation for public health policy. As a comprehensive survey course, students from varying academic backgrounds are introduced to biostatistics and major epidemiological concepts, and provided with training in their application to the study of health and disease in human populations. Case studies examine how environmental, physical, behavioral, psychological, and social factors contribute to the disease burden of populations. Usually offered every semester.
Staff

NBIO 136b Computational Neuroscience
[ dl sn ]
Prerequisite: MATH 10a and either NBIO 140b or PHYS 10a or approved equivalents.
An introduction to concepts and methods in computer modeling and analysis of neural systems. Topics include single and multicompartmental models of neurons, information representation and processing by populations of neurons, synaptic plasticity and models of learning, working memory, decision making and neural oscillations. The course will be based on in-class computer tutorials, assuming no prior coding experience, with reading assignments and preparation as homework. Usually offered every second year.
Paul Miller

PSYC 51a Statistics
[ dl qr ss ]
Prerequisite: PSYC 10a or the permission of the instructor. This course normally should be completed by the end of the sophomore year.
Covers the fundamentals of descriptive and inferential statistics. Techniques useful in the behavioral sciences will be emphasized. Students learn the theory of statistical decisions, practical application of statistical software, and how to analyze journal articles. Usually offered every semester.
Staff

PSYC 51aj Statistics
[ qr ss ]
Prerequisite: PSYC 10a or the permission of the instructor.
Covers the fundamentals of descriptive and inferential statistics. Techniques useful in the behavioral sciences will be emphasized. Students learn the theory of statistical decisions, practical application of statistical software, and how to analyze journal articles. Offered as part of JBS program.
Staff

PSYC 148a Applied Statistical Computing in R
[ qr ss ]
Prerequisite: PSYC 51a or equivalent.
Designed for graduate students and advanced undergraduates who like to learn the R statistical programming package, further their understanding of statistical modeling and its application in applied and academic research, use R to make the connection between statistical concepts, modeling, and their implementation, and use R to document their research process and enhance its reproducibility. Usually offered every second year.
Xiaodong Liu

In addition to the courses listed below, the elective requirement is also fulfilled by any BIOL course numbered 23 or higher (excluding courses numbered 90-99), any BIBC course, any CBIO course, any NBIO course and any QBIO course.

ANTH 116a Human Osteology
[ sn ss ]
Anthropology majors have priority for enrollment. Students wishing to enroll during early registration should waitlist themselves.
Skeletal anatomy and application of forensic techniques to archaeological problems. Hands-on laboratory sessions focus on methods of estimating age at the time of death, determining sex, assessing skeletal variability, detecting instances of bone remodeling, and identifying cultural and natural modifications to bony tissue. Case studies exemplify bioarchaeological approaches. Usually offered every second year.
Javier Urcid

BCHM 88b Introductory Biochemistry
[ sn ]
Prerequisite: One year organic chemistry with laboratory, BIOL 14a, and BIOL 15b. Does not meet the requirements for the major in biochemistry or chemistry.
Topics include protein and nucleic acid structure; metabolism of biologically important compounds; formation and utilization of "energy-rich" compounds; introduction to enzyme mechanism; comparison of basic biochemical and chemical processes; and biochemical basis of disease. Usually offered every year.
Emily Westover

BCHM 100a Advanced Introductory Biochemistry
[ qr sn ]
Prerequisite: One year of organic chemistry with laboratory.
Topics include protein and nucleic acid structure; chemical basis of enzyme-catalyzed reaction mechanisms and enzyme kinetics; the chemical logic of metabolic pathways, including glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation; and regulation of enzymatic pathways through allosteric control. Usually offered every year in multiple sections.
Emily Westover

BIOL 17b Conservation Biology
[ sn ]
Considers the current worldwide loss of biological diversity, causes of this loss, and methods for protecting and conserving biodiversity. Explores biological and social aspects of the problems and their solutions. Usually offered every year.
Colleen Hitchcock

COSI 178a Computational Molecular Biology
[ dl sn ]
Open to advanced undergraduate students and graduate students.
Information and computing technologies are becoming indispensable to modern biological research due to significant advances of high-throughput experimental technologies in recent years. This course presents an overview of the systemic development and application of computing systems and computational algorithms/techniques to the analysis of biological data, such as sequences, gene expression, protein expression, and biological networks. Hands-on training will be provided. Usually offered every other year.
Pengyu Hong

PHYS 105a Biological Physics
[ sn ]
Physical forces in living matter are studied from the perspective offered by statistical mechanics, elasticity theory, and fluid dynamics. Quantitative models for biological structure and function are developed and used to discuss recent experiments in single-molecule biology. Usually offered every second year.
Michael Hagan