Courses

Biology courses are designed to teach biological principles as well as develop skills that can be applied to a variety of situations. Coursework requires students to think critically and synthesize information, to find and extract information from continually expanding databases, to formulate hypotheses, to analyze and evaluate data and draw scientifically valid conclusions from that data, and to communicate clearly and succinctly both orally and in writing. Many of the department's students continue to develop their skills by undertaking undergraduate research in collaboration with faculty.

Incoming first-year students are encouraged to apply to URISE and SMART, two of our signature programs for STEM-interested students. The University of Richmond Integrated Science Experience (URISE) program is a 2.5 week, pre-first year, summer experience that provides opportunities for scientific skills development and community building among incoming students. URISE applications are due in early May.

Science, Math, and Research Training (SMART) is a year-long course for first-year students that is taught by a team of science faculty members that combines material from introductory courses in biology, chemistry, and mathematics. SMART is also a part of the Endeavor program. Applications will be due later this summer.

Although any student is eligible to participate in URISE and SMART, we especially encourage students from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. For more information, please contact Dr. Shannon Jones, at sjones22@richmond.edu

Students who plan to enroll in BIOL 199 may read additional descriptions about course topics.

Biology

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  • BIOL 108 Environmental Biology

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): Natural Science, Biology (FSNB), HCS applied health studies (HCAH)

    Description
    Basic ecological principles and selected topics in environmental science, including worldwide impact of growing human population, patterns of energy consumption, and issues of water quality, water management, land use, and biological resources. Application of the scientific method will be incorporated in laboratory component. Will not serve as basis of further work in science nor meet entrance requirements for any health profession. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
  • BIOL 109 Introduction to Ecology

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): Natural Science, Biology (FSNB), SUST Environmental Sustain (SUEV), AI-Natural Science (AINS), IF-Quantitative Data Literacy (IFQD)

    Description
    Introduction to causes and consequences of ecological patterns at all scales: individuals, species, communities, and ecosystems. Terrestrial, aquatic, and marine systems are studied, as well as theories and the mathematical and graphical models used to understand them. Some labs require work outside. Will not serve as basis for further work in science nor meet entrance requirements for any health profession. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
  • BIOL 111 Marine Biology of the Chesapeake Bay

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): EVST electives (EVEL), Natural Science, Biology (FSNB), SUST Environmental Sustain (SUEV), AI-Natural Science (AINS)

    Description
    Introduction to the ecology and biological diversity of the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. Environmental issues facing the bay will be explored through direct data collection, observation, and hands-on activities. This is a service-learning course and students will join local 5th-grade classrooms to help teach elementary students about the bay. Will not serve as basis for further work in science nor meet entrance requirements for any health profession. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
  • BIOL 120 Modern Concepts in Biology

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): Natural Science, Biology (FSNB), AI-Natural Science (AINS)

    Description
    Scientific reasoning as applied in biology. Different sections may address different topics, but each one will study the nature of evidence and how knowledge is gained in biology through diligent observation or controlled experimentation. Assumes completion of high school chemistry and biology. Designed for students not majoring in the sciences. Does not satisfy biology requirements for graduate school or the health professions. Repeatable for credit if topics differ. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
  • BIOL 192 Science, Math, and Research Training I

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): Natural Science, Biology (FSNB), AI-Natural Science (AINS)

    Description
    year-long course provides an, interdisciplinary, integrated introduction to biology and chemistry, with an accompanying integrated lab. Based on the material in the first course of the major in each of these disciplines, this course will focus on current scientific problems facing today’s world such as HIV/AIDS or antibiotic resistance. The course is team taught by 2 faculty members, one from each discipline. Teaching will be integrated so that links between concepts are readily apparent and students are stimulated to think beyond traditional science methodology. The laboratory will be comprised of hands-on and investigation based experiences using both experimental and computer simulation approaches. The SMART course is designed for students considering a major in either biology or chemistry and also meets requirements for students who go on to study medicine or other health sciences fields. To be taken in consecutive semesters in the first year and with an accompanying year-long calculus course. Completion of the full year of SMART (CHEM 192) will substitute for CHEM141 and BIOL 199. 3 lecture and 3 laboratory hours per week.
  • BIOL 199 Introduction to Biological Thinking

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): Natural Science, Biology (FSNB), AI-Natural Science (AINS)

    Description
    An introduction to how biologists pose questions, design experiments, analyze data, evaluate evidence, and communicate scientific information. Individual sections will have different topics and formats, but all sections will involve intensive student-directed investigation and include a laboratory component. Required for prospective biology majors. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
  • BIOL 200 Integrated Biological Principles I

    Units: 1

    Description
    First of two-part series on the fundamental principles of biology. Examines genetics, cellular and molecular biology, and physiology within the context of biological evolution. Builds upon the competencies and skills learned in BIOL 199. Serves as preparation for upper level biology courses and beyond. Intended for majors in biology and biochemistry and molecular biology. Lab component required.
  • BIOL 202 Integrated Biological Principles II

    Units: 1

    Description
    Second of two-part series on the fundamental principles of biology. Examines organismal physiology and ecology within the context of biological evolution. Builds upon the competencies and skills learned in BIOL 199 and 200. Serves as preparation for upper level biology courses and beyond. Intended for majors in biology and biochemistry and molecular biology. Lab component required.

     

    Prerequisites

    BIOL 200 with a minimum grade of C-

  • BIOL 206 Cell Biology SA

    Units: 1.1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): Biology elective w/lab (BILB)

    Description
    Introduction to general aspects of animal cell structure and associated physiology. Overview of cell shape and form, and cell and tissue types, along with intracellular organelles. Investigates the function cell membranes in maintaining homeostasis. Investigates in more detail the cellular function of nerve, muscle, and blood cells, and signaling by endocrine and immune system cells. Taught at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland. Fall semester only.
  • BIOL 219 Human Anatomy with Lab

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): HS-Elective (HSEL)

    Description
    Survey of basic human anatomy, with an emphasis on the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and nervous systems. For students in allied health fields. Does not count toward the Biology major or minor. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 219 and BIOL 308: Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy.
  • BIOL 220 Human Physiology with Lab

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): Biology elective w/lab (BILB)

    Description
    A study of the human nervous, sensory, skeletal muscle, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and reproductive systems. Emphasis will be placed on forging conceptual links between biology at the molecular, cellular, tissue, and organ levels and the function (and dysfunction) of the human body. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
  • BIOL 303 Biodiversity of Plants, Algae, and Fungi with Lab

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): Biology elective w/lab (BILB)

    Description
    Structure, life histories, and phylogeny of major divisions of algae, fungi, and terrestrial plants. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
  • BIOL 304 Medical Botany

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): Biology elective (BIEL)

    Description
    Medically significant plants, the biologically active compounds that they make, and how plant-derived drugs and poisons modulate human biochemistry, cell biology, and/or physiology.
  • BIOL 305 Plant Anatomy with Lab

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): Biology elective w/lab (BILB)

    Description
    Microscopic structure of vascular plants with thematic emphases on growth, development, physiological function, ecological adaptation, evolution, and systematics. Two lecture and three and a half laboratory hours per week.
  • BIOL 306 Systematic Botany with Lab

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): EVST electives (EVEL), Biology elective w/lab (BILB)

    Description
    Identification and classification of vascular plants; emphasis on local flora, principles of systematics. Two lecture and four laboratory hours per week.
  • BIOL 307 Advanced Cell and Molecular Biology

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): Biology elective (BIEL)

    Description
    Analysis of molecular mechanisms by which cells interact with each other and the environment. Topics include signal transduction, cell cycle regulation, and molecular models of cancer and microbial pathogenesis. Three lecture hours per week.
  • BIOL 308 Compartive Vertebrate Anatomy with Lab

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): Biology elective w/lab (BILB)

    Description
    Comparative anatomy and biology of several systems of organs of representative vertebrates in an evolutionary context. Two lecture and four laboratory hours per week.
  • BIOL 310 The Science of Poisoning

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): BMB-Structure/function elect (BCSF), Biology elective (BIEL), Neuroscience-related biology (NRSB), HS-Natural Science (HSNS)

    Description
    Introduction to the basic concepts of toxicology as they apply to the effects of environmental agents (i.e. chemicals, metals, and biological molecules) on public health. Discussion of the distribution, metabolism, and elimination of toxic agents, as well as the fundamental laws that govern the interaction of foreign chemicals with biological systems. Examines the effects of classic toxicants on the major organ systems. Focus on the application of concepts to the understanding and prevention of morbidities and mortalities that result from environmental exposures to toxic substances. Uses case studies and published scientific literature.
  • BIOL 312 Developmental Biology with Lab

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): Biology elective w/lab (BILB), BMB-Gene regulaton elective (BCGR), Neuroscience-related biology (NRSB)

    Description
    Development of animals, concentrating on fertilization and early embryonic development. Emphasizes mechanisms of cell differentiation and pattern formation. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
  • BIOL 313 Microbial Pathogenesis with Lab

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): Biology elective w/lab (BILB), HCS elective (MEDE)

    Description
    Exploration of the general mechanisms used by pathogens to cause disease. Topics include entry into the host, attachment to and invasion of host cells, cell and tissue damage, and microbial elimination/dissemination, as well as the techniques used to study these processes. Students will examine these topics in detail in context of several specific pathogens to more thoroughly appreciate the clinical disease that results from infection. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
  • BIOL 314 Molecular Biology with Lab

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): Biology elective w/lab (BILB)

    Description
    Exploration of the molecular mechanism of genome maintenance, expression, and evolution in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Mechanisms of gene regulation will be emphasized, using primary literature to introduce new discoveries in the field. Topics include transcription and translation regulation, genome editing, and epigenetics. The lab will focus on using modern molecular techniques to address novel questions. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
  • BIOL 315 Landscape Ecology

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): Biology elective (BIEL), EVST electives (EVEL), Geography elective (GOEL), SUST Environmental Sustain (SUEV)

    Description
    (See Geography 315.)
  • BIOL 316 Biogeography and Global Change

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): Integrated Science elective (INSC), Biology elective w/lab (BILB)

    Description
    Study of the Earth’s biological diversity, the spatial distribution of species, and how these distributions change over time. Combining basic concepts in ecology and geography, this course provides a foundational understanding of biogeography and critically examines how these concepts can be used to understand and conserve biodiversity during a time of increasing human impact, globalization, and climate change.
  • BIOL 317 Mechanochemical Cell Biology with Lab

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): Biology elective w/lab (BILB), BMB-Structure/function elect (BCSF), Neuroscience-related biology (NRSB)

    Description
    Focuses on the chemical and physical nature of cellular function, and the approaches used to study cells. Topics include biophysical principles, kinetics, macromolecular self-assembly, and the impact of regulatory mechanisms on cellular properties. Laboratory component includes an active research project studying the machinery of cell division, including quantitative microscopy approaches. Three lecture hours and three laboratory hours per week.
  • BIOL 320 Experimental Design and Biostatistics

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): Biology elective (BIEL)

    Description
    Introductory course in designing, analyzing, and interpreting biological experiments. This course is structured to develop students’ understanding of when to apply different quantitative methods, how to implement those methods using statistical software, and how to effectively communicate the analyses. Topics include summary statistics, distributions, randomization, replication, parametric and nonparametric tests. Additional topics may include multivariate methods, randomization tests, and Bayesian statistics.
  • BIOL 322 Cancer Biology and Tumorigenesis with Lab

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): BMB-Gene regulaton elective (BCGR), Biology elective w/lab (BILB)

    Description
    Examination of the past, present, and future of cancer biology. This course will survey the molecular/cellular mechanisms that drive cancer and tumor formation through analysis of primary literature and student-led discussions.
  • BIOL 324 Molecular Virology with Lab

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): Biology elective w/lab (BILB)

    Description
    Exploration of the molecular biology of viruses. Topics include virus entry, viral gene expression, genome replication, assembly, and exit. Each step of the viral life cycle will be illustrated through examples of well-studied viruses, accompanied by primary literature readings. Laboratory involves development of a virologist skill set and designing and carrying out self-directed experiments.
  • BIOL 325 Evolution with Lab

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): EVST electives (EVEL)

    Description
    Introduction to biological evolution, including history of field and mechanisms of evolution that result in biological diversification, speciation, extinction, and the fossil record. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
  • BIOL 327 Genetics of Biodiversity

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): BMB-Gene regulaton elective (BCGR), Biology elective w/lab (BILB)

    Description
    This course will explore how changes at the genetic level lead to organismal adaptation and diversity using recent primary literature to study how modern revolutions in genetic technology have led to a deeper understanding of the diversity of life on earth. Assessments will emphasize quantitative problem solving, critical reading of research articles, and scientific writing for a variety of purposes and audiences. The lab component will primarily consist of bioinformatics and computational biology (programming in R and UNIX) for an independent exploration of genetic diversity in local species.
  • BIOL 328 Vertebrate Zoology with Lab

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): Biology elective w/lab (BILB), EVST electives (EVEL)

    Description
    Introduction to the study of aquatic environments, including their ecology, evolution, and relevant conservation considerations. This is a hands-on, field-lab based class, where each week integrates classroom material on core concepts with field sampling experiences on local water bodies. Some comfort level with being outdoors and on the water is assumed.

     

    Prerequisites

    BIOL 202 with a minimum grade of C-

  • BIOL 329 Microbiology

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): Biology elective w/lab (BILB), HCS applied health studies (HCAH)

    Description
    Microorganisms are everywhere and an integral part of our world. This course introduces a broad range of topics in the field, including microbial cell structure and function, microbial growth and nutrition, unique aspects of microbial metabolism, viruses, microbial ecology, and microbial pathogenesis. The contributions of microbes to the world, both positive and negative, will be highlighted throughout the course. Laboratory investigations will allow students to explore microbiological-based questions. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
  • BIOL 330 Urban Ecology and Evolution

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): Biology elective (BIEL), EVST electives (EVEL)

    Description
    Introduction to arguably the most interesting biodiversity shift of our time. Surveys the ecological and evolutionary patterns and processes experienced by organisms in cities. Exploration of the patterns across Richmond’s urban core, using species surveys, GIS exercises, and genomic assessments of adaptation to understand how species persist or thrive in this new urban environment.
  • BIOL 331 Molecular Ecology with Lab

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): EVST electives (EVEL), Biology elective w/lab (BILB)

    Description
    Examines how molecular genetic techniques are used to study ecological and evolutionary processes in natural populations. Relying heavily on the primary literature, explores methods for evaluating population genetic structure, studying the adaptation of organisms to changing environments, and assessing quantitative predictions from ecological and evolutionary theory. Applied topics covered include molecular identification, hybridization, conservation genetics, transgene escape, the evolution of invasive species, and environmental genomics. The laboratory will emphasize experimental design and training in molecular techniques commonly used in molecular ecology.
  • BIOL 333 Microbial Ecology with Lab

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): EVST electives (EVEL), Biology elective w/lab (BILB)

    Description
    Community dynamics play an important role in organismal interactions. Examines the role of microorganisms in terrestrial, freshwater, and marine habitats, as well as animal-plant systems. The laboratory will emphasize molecular techniques used to study microorganisms in situ and includes independent research project. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
  • BIOL 334 Oceanography with Lab

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): EVST electives (EVEL), Biology elective w/lab (BILB)

    Description
    Integrated introduction to biological, geological, chemical, and physical oceanography. Multidisciplinary approach to ocean processes. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week, plus field trips.
  • BIOL 335 Structural Biology

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): Integrated Science elective (INSC)

    Description
    Introduction to the study of molecular structures of macromolecules using techniques such as X-ray crystallography, molecular dynamics simulations, and electron microscopy. Covers mathematical theory behind X-ray and electron diffraction phenomena and computational modeling of macromolecules. Three lecture hours per week.
  • BIOL 336 Eco-Epidemiology with Lab

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): Integrated Science elective (INSC), HCS elective (MEDE), Biology elective w/lab (BILB)

    Description
    Explores various ways environmental heterogeneity influences disease risk in humans, with specific emphasis on diseases harbored by wildlife species and transmitted by arthropod vectors. Molecular, field-based, computational, and geospatial approaches to characterizing and studying infectious disease dynamics. Readings draw heavily from primary scientific literature. Development of research ideas and implementation of group investigations.
  • BIOL 338 Comparative Animal Physiology with Lab

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): Biology elective w/lab (BILB)

    Description
    Introduction to major characteristics of animal function at level of whole organism and component structures and organ systems. Emphasis on physiological function and processes related to survival in natural environment. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
  • BIOL 340 Introduction to Immunology with Lab

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): Biology elective w/lab (BILB)

    Description
    Overview of immunology. Current theories and their explanation of pertinent contemporary issues included. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
  • BIOL 341 Animal Physiological Ecology with Lab

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): Biology elective w/lab (BILB)

    Description
    Introduction to animal physiological adaptation to the natural environment. Emphasis will be on physiological responses of animals to both biotic and abiotic factors and interaction with ecology and population dynamics of species. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
  • BIOL 342 Neurodevelopment

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): BMB-Gene regulaton elective (BCGR), Neuroscience-related biology (NRSB), Biology elective (BIEL)

    Description
    Interdisciplinary and integrative area of biology that studies the cellular, molecular and physiological processes by which a field of (ectodermal) cells give rise to a multicellular, three-dimensional nervous system with specialized cell types that are organized into tissues with sensory, motor and cognitive functions.
  • BIOL 343 Neurobiology with lab

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): Biology elective w/lab (BILB), HCS applied health studies (HCAH)

    Description
    Broad course focusing on study of neurons and neuronal systems. Topics to be explored include the neuron and its mechanisms for the transmission of signals, neuronal organization, sensory perception, integration, behavioral output, development, and basic neurogenetics. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
  • BIOL 344 Behavioral Ecology with Lab

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): EVST electives (EVEL), Biology elective w/lab (BILB)

    Description
    Introduction to analysis of behavior of organisms, including humans, by study of how behavior affects survival and reproduction. Behaviors studied include foraging, aggression, cooperation, and reproduction. Verbal, graphical, and mathematical models to describe and predict behavior are studied and tested. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week; may include overnight field trips.
  • BIOL 346 Medical Entomology with Lab

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): HCS elective (MEDE), Biology elective w/lab (BILB)

    Description
    Introduces students to biology of medically important arthropods, life cycles of transmitted pathogens, disease symptoms and epidemiology. Discusses the economic and social impact of these arthropods and strategies for their control; covers unorthodox points of intersection between entomology and medical sciences, including psychiatry, surgery and forensic medicine.
  • BIOL 348 Drugs & Genetics: An Introduction to Personalized Medicine

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): BMB-Structure/function elect (BCSF), Neuroscience-related biology (NRSB)

    Description
    In Drugs & Genetics you’ll learn about the core principles of pharmacology and pharmacogenomics. We’ll discuss topics such as the mechanisms of drug action, drug metabolism, polymorphisms and genome-wide association studies. We’ll examine how genetic information is utilized to inform disease prevention and treatment, including ethical and practical considerations. The laboratory will involve using pharmacological, molecular and genetic approaches to explore concepts discussed in lecture. You will have the opportunity to use zebrafish to rank drug potency and efficacy, and based on clinical information, you will create and characterize larval zebrafish epilepsy models for small-scale drug screening studies.
  • BIOL 351 Special Topics

    Units: 1

    Description
    Special course areas covered when sufficient interest exists. Considers subject matter not covered in other biology courses.
  • BIOL 354 Biological Basis of Neurodegenerative Diseases w/ Lab

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): Biology elective w/lab (BILB), HCS elective (MEDE), Neuroscience-related biology (NRSB)

    Description
    Examines the biological mechanisms that underlie human neurodegenerative diseases. Also examines the genetic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms of diseases like Alzheimer, Huntington, and Parkinson diseases by discovering how normal biological processes fail and lead to neuronal death. Also examines the biological basis of potential cures.
  • BIOL 360 Human Evolutionary Genomics with Lab

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): Biology elective w/lab (BILB)

    Description
    Focus on how genomic tools have helped to elucidate human migration patterns, reveal admixture with closely related populations (i.e. Neanderthals), uncover selective pressures, and clarify our place within the Primate order. Covers some basic population genetic and phylogenetic theory and examines the social context of research in the field of human evolutionary genomics. Lab uses human genomic datasets to introduce computational tools used in these fields and address questions related to human evolution.
  • BIOL 380 Philosophical Issues in Evolutionary Biology

    Units: 1

    Description
    Philosophical problems within evolutionary biology and its influence on society. Issues studied include how natural selection works, evolution and human behaviors, and the influence of evolutionary theory on our ethical and legal codes. Lecture/seminar format, with student presentations and term paper. Three lecture hours per week.
  • BIOL 381 Advanced Topics in Ecology

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): EVST electives (EVEL)

    Description
    Discussion-based course exploring the development of ecological theories in scientific literature from the foundations of the discipline through contemporary research and cutting-edge approaches. Readings draw from contemporary and foundational scientific research articles; critical analysis and discussion of the methods, data, and ideas found in each paper. Culminates in the development of one or more synthetic projects such as a synthesis paper that approaches current and historical thinking on a foundational ecological theory, and or a team-developed educational lab module that could hypothetically be used to teach undergraduate ecology students. The specific topical content of this course will vary by semester.
  • BIOL 382 Conservation Biology

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): EVST electives (EVEL), Biology elective (BIEL)

    Description
    Study of biological diversity (species, habitats, ecosystems) and efforts to conserve it. Specific topics may include ecological models of population regulation, coexistence, maximum sustainable harvest rates and minimum viable population size. Study of local, national and/or international policies for the conservation of biodiversity. Three lecture hours per week.
  • BIOL 383 Tropical Biology and Conservation

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): Biology elective w/lab (BILB), EVST electives (EVEL)

    Description
    Introduction to principles of tropical biology and conservation, including historical and economic components. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
  • BIOL 385 The Biology of Memory and Forgetting

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement(s): Biology elective (BIEL)

    Description
    Explores groundbreaking scientific discoveries about the complex biological mechanisms of memory and forgetting. Focuses on the physiology of synapses and neural circuits to understand how memories form, how some are forgotten, and how scientists can modify memory and forgetting in experimental studies. Evaluates ethical issues regarding the physiological manipulation of memory and forgetting.
  • BIOL 387 Biology Seminar

    Units: 0.25

    Description
    Regular attendance in program seminars and written analysis of presentations. May be repeated for credit, normally taken in junior year. Meets one hour per week.
  • BIOL 388 Internship

    Units: 0.25-1

    Description
    Supervised independent work under field conditions. Designed to give student applied experience in biological specialty. No more than 1.5 units of internship in any one department and 3.5 units of internship overall may be counted toward required degree units. Does not count towards the biology major or minor.
  • BIOL 389 Independent Study in Biology

    Units: 0.25-1

    Description
    An in-depth study of biological topics not included in other courses. Students work independently, but under the supervision of a faculty member. Must be approved by department chair and instructor.
  • BIOL 390 Advances in Biology

    Units: 0.5

    Description
    Engages students with discoveries at the boundaries of traditional biology disciplines and examine the kinds of questions researchers ask about living systems. The course builds upon foundational concepts in introductory biology courses and studies research fields for which an interdisciplinary approach is needed to advance our understanding. No individual topic may be repeated for credit.
  • BIOL 391 Honors Seminar I

    Units: 0.25

    Description
    Special topics for junior and senior students with emphasis on topics presented in the Biology Seminar Series. One lecture hour per week.
  • BIOL 392 Honors Seminar II

    Units: 0.25

    Description
    Special topics for junior and senior honors candidates. One lecture hour per week.
  • BIOL 394 Undergraduate Research

    Units: 0.5

    Description
    Independent research conducted with faculty supervision. May be repeated eight times for credit.
  • BIOL 395 Undergraduate Research

    Units: 1

    Description
    Laboratory or field-centered independent study. May be taken twice for credit.
  • BIOL 406 Summer Undergraduate Research

    Units: 0

    Description
    Documentation of the work of students who receive summer fellowships to conduct research [or produce a creative arts project] in the summer. The work must take place over a minimum of 6 weeks, the student must engage in the project full-time (at least 40 hours per week) during this period, and the student must be the recipient of a fellowship through the university. Graded S/U.