BIO 200/201 Animal Physiology [every FALL]
In this course students learn how animal bodies function from the molecular to the organismal level and how the physiology of animals, including humans, has been shaped by evolution to enable survival in a wide range of environments. Course content is organized by body system (cardiovascular, respiratory, reproductive, etc.). Assignments provide opportunities for students to practice applying their knowledge of physiology to real-life situations, predicting the outcomes of experiments, and interpreting and writing about the primary literature. Prerequisites: BIO 132, BIO 133; and CHM 111 or CHM 118. Corequisite: BIO 201 is recommended but not required.
BIO 360sr Seminar: Topics in Integrative Biology – Sex and Sexual Reproduction [FALL; variable]
“Sex” is often used to describe a suite of traits – such as gamete type, morphology, physiology and behavior – that are related to reproduction. These traits are not binary, and there is extensive diversity in sex and sexual reproduction among animals including humans. This seminar explores our current understanding of variation in sex, gonadal determination, reproductive physiology and sexual behavior in the natural world. The course creates a broader conceptualization of sex by integrating the evidence in primary research articles, reviews, books and essays by feminist and queer authors. Students complete an independent research project on a topic of their choice. Prerequisites: BIO 200, BIO 230 or BIO 232, or equivalent. Juniors and seniors only. Instructor permission required.
NSC 230 Experimental Methods in Neuroscience [every SPRING]
A laboratory course exploring anatomical research methods, neurochemical techniques, behavioral testing, design of experiments and data analysis. Prerequisites: CHM 111 or 118, and PSY 130 or NSC 125 or NSC 210 (can be taken concurrently). Normally offered every semester.
NSC 318 Systems Neurobiology [SPRING; alternate years]
Systems neurobiology is the study of how networks of neurons function, and how these networks mediate sensation, movement, and higher-order functions such as attention, decision-making, language, and emotion. Course material focuses primarily on the neuroanatomy and functional organization of the vertebrate brain. Students demonstrate their mastery of course material through group work, discussions of the primary literature, and short writing projects. Prerequisites: NSC 210, or permission of the instructor. Normally offered alternate years.
NSC 328 Research in Systems Neurobiology [SPRING; variable]
Understanding how organisms sense the external world, how they move around their environment, and why they exhibit complex behaviors requires studying nervous system function at many levels of biological organization — from genes to whole animals, and everything in between. In this course, you will gain experience with methods that enable neuroscientists to ask questions at the systems level. Students will begin the semester reading and discussing relevant literature and developing research proposals. The second part of the semester will focus on testing student-generated hypotheses about neural system function. Prerequisites: BIO 132 or equivalent and NSC 230. Enrollment limit of 12. Normally offered alternate years.
NSC 313 Seminar in Organismal Neuroscience, Topic: Neuroethology [SPRING; variable]
This seminar approaches studying the nervous system by examining the mechanisms that have evolved to solve problems encountered by animals in their natural environment. Topics covered include behaviors related to orientation and migration, social communication, feeding and reproduction. Final project requires students to research and communicate a topic in neuroethology to a general audience via audio/video Podcasts. Prerequisites: NSC 230 or BIO 363 and either BIO 200, NSC 210 or permission of the instructor. BIO 362 is recommended but not required.