BIOL 295 - Topics in Biology

Credits: 1
Planned Offering: Fall, Winter

Prerequisites: BIOL 111 and 113, junior standing or departmental permission.Seminar topics vary with instructor and term. Sample topics include: genetics, molecular genetics, virology, evolutionary biology, history of medicine, biology of aging, ecology, cancer, reproductive strategies, neuroendocrinology, microbiology and immunology. These are in-depth studies of restricted topics within the broad areas indicated by the titles, involving critical review of literature, discussion and oral and/or written presentation. One such seminar is required of each major pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree, and no more than two may be counted toward the 30 credits in biology required for the major. May be repeated for degree credit with permission and if the topics are different.

Topics for Winter 2011:

BIOL 295A: Topics in Biology: Yellowstone Ecology (1). Prerequisites: BIOL 111 and 113, and at least junior standing or departmental permission. This course examines the interactions of microbes, plants and animals in the world’s oldest national park. Through weekly readings, discussions, presentations and written works, we cover topics including soil microbes, grazing, fire, predators, and ecosystem function. Hamilton

BIOL 295B: Topics in Biology: The Power of Plagues (1). Prerequisites: BIOL 111 and 113, and at least junior standing or departmental permission This seminar concerns the biology of the various plagues affecting human society throughout history. Simurda.

BIOL 295C: Topics in Biology: The Cancer Problem (1). Prerequisites: BIOL 111 and 113, and at least junior standing or departmental permission. An exploration of the nature of neoplastic disease from the perspectives of epidemiology, genetics, cell biology and public policy. Included are: student presentations of selected cancer topics, group discussions and a term paper on a topic chosen by the student. Wielgus.

Topics for Fall 2010:

BIOL 295A: Silk Diversity and Evolution (1). Silk synthesis is a striking adaptation that has evolved numerous times in the history of life. In addition to spiders and silk moth caterpillars, at least five other arthropod orders have independently evolved silk production. Silk fibers spun by these different orders display striking divergence and convergence in ecological functions, material properties, and molecular architecture. This course reviews the diversity of arthropod silks from an applied and biological perspective. Ayoub

BIOL 295B: Mammalian Reproductive Strategies (1). This seminar focuses on the diversity of mating strategies exhibited by members of the mammalian class. Through critical review of the literature, individual student presentations, and group discussions, students explore the complex nature of mammals and examine how natural selection and environmental pressures have helped shape reproductive strategies.
Wallis