BIOL 295 - Topics in Biology

Credits: 1
When Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring

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, 2010:

BIOL 295A: Topics in Biology: The Cancer Problem. An exploration of the nature of neoplastic disease and its epidemiological, biological and psychological correlates. Student presentations of selected cancer literature, discussion based learning and a term paper on a topic important to the student. Wielgus

BIOL 295B: Topics in Biology: Stream Restoration Ecology. Prerequisites: Biology 111 and 113 and either junior standing or departmental permission. In recent decades, an increasing emphasis has been placed on restoring aquatic ecosystems to mitigate anthropogenic impacts. This course examines the ecological fundamentals underlying restoration of streams and rivers. We consider how physical characteristics of streams influence the biotic community and the overall health of these ecosystems. In particular, we look at how land-use changes in the watershed can affect in-stream dynamics of these systems. A local stream restoration project allows for placing these ideas in context and examining the functional ecology underlying contemporary restoration practice. Humston Humston

BIOL 295C: Topics in Biology: Human History through the Lens of Genetics. Prerequisites: Biology 111 and 113 and either junior standing or departmental permission. Using readings from the primary literature, we investigate questions of human history from the wealth of genetic data now available. Where and when did modern humans originate? Did Neandertals contribute to the human gene pool? Where did Native Americans, Gypsies, and other ethnic groups come from? How did agriculture affect the human genome? Why are some diseases not distributed equally across racial/ethnic lines? Cabe

BIOL 295D: Topics in Biology: Yellowstone Ecology. Prerequisites: Biology 111 and 113. Permission required. Required for students taking BIOL 332 in spring term. 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 will cover topics including soil microbes, grazing, fire, predators, and ecosystem function. Hamilton

Topics for Fall, 2009:

BIOL 295A: The Mystery of Autism (1). Autism is a serious neurological disorder affecting perhaps one in 200 children born today. Yet, autism remains largely a mystery to medical science. For instance, scientists debate whether autism is really a single condition or rather a collection of many conditions with some similar endpoints. Others debate whether the dramatic increase in autism rates is real or whether it simply represents changes in diagnosis. At a causal level, speculation for why autism rates might be increasing is all over the map. We explore the mystery of autism by reading and discussing the primary research literature on these and other controversial topics. Marsh

BIOL 295B: Medicinal Botany (1). From Taxol to Vitamin C plants provide important medicinal products for physicians as well as shamans. This course discusses the utilization of plants by humans for medicinal purposes. Hamilton

Staff.