BIOL 295 - Seminar in Biology

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: BIOL 111 and 113, at least junior standing and departmental consent. 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. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different.

Winter 2018, BIOL 295-01: Topics in Biology: Yellowstone Ecology (1). Prerequisites: BIOL 111 and 113, junior standing, and instructor consent. 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. This course is a prerequisite for BIOL 332: Plant Functional Ecology which goes to Yellowstone in Spring term and priority is given to students planning to enroll in BIOL 332. Hamilton.

Winter 2018, BIOL 295A-01: Topics in Biology: Case Studies in Medical Microbiology (1). Prerequisites: BIOL 111 and 113 and at least junior standing. The purpose of this course is to expose students to contemporary issues in infectious diseases in the context of prevention and treatment. The topics cover emerging as well as established diseases. We discuss the molecular basis, symptoms and therapeutic protocols for the diseases. Using case studies from primary literature, students improve their knowledge base, communication skills, collaboration abilities, and critical thinking. Wubah.