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Spring 2010 -
Course Offerings |
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Please Note: The information contained in
the Course Atlas is subject to change. Attention Biology Majors: Please remember to make an appointment with your Biology advisor New Requirements for the Biology majors are in effect for Freshmen entering Fall 2008 and later, as well as for all other students, and are as follows: The new Fall 2008 program is currently in effect for Freshmen entering Fall 2008 and later and will also apply to all other students. The new program has a few changes from the previous Fall 2007 and Fall 2006 programs, with the main change being a simplified selection of the column A, B, and C courses. All students will now be required to follow the new Fall 2008 program; however, current Juniors and Seniors who have taken or planned column courses under their previous program (Fall 2007 or Fall 2006 respectively) will still be allowed to count them toward the biology major with approval from their advisor. Any column courses not completed by Spring 2009 must follow the new Fall 2008 columns. (3/25/2009) Another change is that one upper-level laboratory will now be required for the Biology major, instead of the two upper-level labs required under the Fall 2006 and Fall 2007 programs. 4 credit hours of Biology 495 or 499R may be counted as elective credit and as an upper-level lab only after the completion of the second semester of 495 or 499R. (3/25/2009) Introductory
Courses AP Credit Biology Major Additional Requirements |
BIOLOGY 120 000 (000): Concepts in Biology w/Lab NOTE: This course does NOT count toward the Biology major. NOTE: YOU MUST ALSO REGISTER FOR A 120 LABORATORY. Dr. Jennifer Holzman is the lab director. Dates and times are as follows: LAB: Content: The lecture and laboratory portions of this course will be organized around 4 modules that relate biology to current issues. Students in the course will help to shape the content of the course. Both the lecture and laboratory portions of the course will emphasize student-centered, collaborative, inquiry-based learning. Text: None. Assessment: This course is NOT applicable to a science major, including biology majors and the premedical program (but does meet the GER requirements for a life science laboratory). Science majors should NOT take this course. Prerequisites: None. |
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BIOLOGY 142 (000-006): Foundations of Modern Biology II: Molecular Genetics, w/Lab NOTE: YOU MUST ALSO REGISTER FOR A 142 LABORATORY. Dr. Jennifer Holzman is the lab director. Dates and times are as follows: LAB:
Content: Biology 142 will introduce evolution, population biology, molecular genetics, genomics, cell signaling, and development. The topics covered in class will address major issues in human biology and medicine. The integrated lecture and lab will emphasize the basic principles and critical thinking involved in modern biological discovery. In lab, students will design and perform experiments using several important model systems. Texts: Assessment: Biology 141 and 142 are required of all biology majors, and Biology 141, along with Chemistry 141, should be taken in the fall of the Freshman year by prospective biology majors; Biology 142 and Chemistry 142 in spring of the Freshman year. If scheduling precludes taking both, it is recommended that you take Chemistry 141 before Biology 141. Biology 141 and 142 are prerequisites for all upper level biology courses and meet the biology and genetics premedical requirements. Biology 120 is recommended for non-science majors who are not premed but who wish to satisfy the Life Science Lab requirement for the GER. Some lecture and lab exams may be administered in the evening (dates and times to be determined). Prerequisite: Biology 141. Chemistry 141 is strongly recommended. |
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BIOLOGY 160 (000): Biology for the People (This course was formerly taught as Biology 470.) NOTE: This course does NOT count toward the Biology major. Content: This course is intended to provide undergraduate students that are not Biology majors (as well as interested majors) with those elements of the biomedical sciences, ecology, evolutionary biology, and applied statistics that are of direct importance to their lives as individuals and as citizens. Its primary goal is to provide the background, tools, and approaches to the critical thinking necessary to objectively evaluate what one reads and hears about biology, medicine, and the environment and to make informed decisions for themselves and society. Other goals of the course are to improve communication skills and the ability to use computers for research, writing, understanding, evaluating numerical data, and for presentation (WWW, Word, EndNote, Excel, and PowerPoint, to be more specific).Text: Selected readings. Assessment: This course is designed to be amenable (and fully understandable) to students with little or no background in (or facility with) biology or mathematics. The only pre-requisite is that students be in their second semester of college or beyond and have an interest in and an open mind for discussing potentially controversial scientific issues of direct relevance to the health and well being of humans and our environment. There will be two lectures and one discussion period per week, with occasional and optional tutorial and problem solving sessions. For more information about this course, contact Dr. Bruce Levin at blevin@emory.edu. Prerequisites: None.
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BIOLOGY 190 (000): Freshman Seminar: DNA and Forensics NOTE: This course does NOT count toward the Biology major. Content: Topics to be covered include the basics of DNA structure, the development of techniques used in modern genetic research, and how DNA is used in forensic analysis. Text: Weinberg, Samantha. Pointing From The Grave: A True Story of Murder and DNA. (2003) (Miramax Books) Assessment: Open to Freshmen only. The class will be discussion-based, with little formal lecture. Grading will be based on class participation and case-study presentations. Prerequisites: None. |
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BIOLOGY 190 (001): Freshman Seminar: 21st Century Medicine: Experiments, Ethics, and Issues NOTE: This course does NOT count toward the Biology major. Content: How are the human genome sequence, recombinant DNA, and mammalian cloning methods influencing the next generation of medicine? How will genetic disease be diagnosed and treated using this new information? Are gene therapy clinical trials worth the risks? Can human stem cells reverse spinal cord injury? Should there be restrictions on stem cell experimentation? Should fear of human cloning impact therapeutic cloning? Why are HIV and malaria such difficult global health issues? These are representative topics that will be addressed in this class. Text: None. Assessment: Open to Freshmen only. After several lecture and instructor-led discussions, the class will be largely based on student presentations and discussions. A major goal of this class is to have students learn to give an oral presentation. Primary reading will be literature reviews and Web materials. A strong interest and background in Biology is recommended. Prerequisites: None. |
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BIOLOGY 190 (002): Freshman Seminar: Of Mics and Men: Interactions Between Microorganisms and Humans NOTE: This course does NOT count toward the Biology major. Content: This seminar will explore several of the relationships, both harmful and beneficial, that exist between humans and microorganisms. Topics that will be covered include evidence for ancient microbial plagues, the impact of infectious diseases on colonization of the New World, examples of natural immunity in humans produced by microbes, microorganisms and cancer, and others. Students will learn some basic microbiology in addition to exploring societal elements of human-microbe interactions. Text: None. Assessment: Open to Freshmen only. Students will be expected to give a seminar presentation to the class, to participate in an in-class debate, to participate in class discussions, and complete at least one writing assignment. Grades will be assigned based on in-class participation, the seminar and debate presentations, and the writing assignments. Prerequisites: None. |
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BIOLOGY 205 (000): Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy w/Lab NOTE: YOU MUST ALSO REGISTER FOR A 205 LABORATORY. Dates and times are as follows: LAB: Content: This course is centered on comparative studies of phylogeny and anatomy of vertebrates from a functional, developmental, and evolutionary perspective. Cats and sharks are dissected in the laboratory portion of this course. Texts: Assessment: Course grades will be determined by two lecture exams (midterm and final) and two laboratory exams. Lecture and lab are both taught by Dr. Starnes. This course will fulfill the Column B requirement for the Biology major and meets the upper level laboratory requirement. Prerequisites: Biology 141 and 142. |
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BIOLOGY 223 (000): Developmental Biology (This course was formerly taught as Biology 323.) Content: How does a single cell embryo develop into a fully functional adult organism? In this course we will examine the basic principles underlying development at the cellular, molecular, and organismal levels. Topics covered will include body plan development, limb development, nervous system development, sex determination and germ cell development, development, and cancer. Text: Wolpert, Lewis, et al. Principles of Development, 3rd Edition. (Oxford University Press) Assessment: Two exams, plus six quizzes. This course will fulfill the Column A requirement for the Biology major. Prerequisites: Biology 141 and 142.
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BIOLOGY 241 (000-003): Evolutionary Biology (Note: This course was formerly taught as Biology 341.) Content: This course is aimed at providing a firm understanding of evolutionary theory and its applications to other fields of biology and medicine. Topics inculde adaptation and natural selection, sexual selection and the evolution of sex, the evolution of conflict and cooperation, population genetics, speciation, macro-evolution, human evolution and the evolution of disease. The emphasis is on understanding and applying current theories and interpretation of scientific data. Texts: Assessment: Two tests and a comprehensive final. Discussion of current and classic literature and group presentations are required. Class will meet in small groups on Fridays (in different rooms). This class will fulfill the Column C requirement for the Biology major. Prerequisites: Biology 141 and 142. |
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BIOLOGY 250 (000): Cell Biology (This course was formerly taught as Biology 350.) Content: We will explore the structure and function of cells at the molecular level. Primary themes include: control of gene expression, the relationship between structure and function, integration of cellular functions, and the dynamic behavior of cells. We will discuss how different research approaches and experimental model systems are utilized to study the topics covered. Group oral presentations of primary (research) literature and group discussion of current research articles will be used to explore these concepts. Text: Lodish, Harvey, et al. Molecular Cell Biology, 6th Edition. (W.H. Freeman) Particulars: Two exams and a 30 minute group presentation. This course will fulfill Column A for the Biology major. Prerequisites: Biology 141 and 142.
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BIOLOGY 264 (000): Genetics: A Human Perspective (Note: This course was formerly taught as Biology 364, Human Genetics.) Content: This course will provide a fundamental understanding of genetics. We will study the origin, development, and advances of important genetic concepts, methods, and technologies. With an emphasis on aspects related to human health, we will study the genetic approaches that are applied to the understanding of genetic disorders and how better treatments of these disorders can be invented. In addition to a focus on single-gene human diseases, we will also introduce methods designed to understand genetic disorders that are caused by multiple genes. We will introduce genomic researches and the related emerging new technologies developed along or after the human genome project. Topics include classic Mendelian genetics, molecular genetics, population genetics, human origin and evolution, behavior, stem cell research, and gene therapy. Text: Griffiths, A.J.F., S.R. Wessler, R.C. Lewontin, and S.B. Carroll. Introduction to Genetic Analysis, 9th Edition. (Freeman) Assessment: PRS (Personal Response System) RF clickers will be used in class. Exams: two in-class exams and a final. This course will fulfill the Column A requirement for the Biology major. Prerequisites: Biology 141 and 142.
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BIOLOGY 302 (000): Biochemistry II (Same as CHEM 302) Content: This course builds on principles developed in Biol/Chem 301 and will focus on how simple metabolic pathways expanded and were incorporated into more complex biochemical systems during the evolution of the eukaryotic genome. Aspects of molecular evolution, parasitic and symbiotic relations, and compartmentalization will be developed from a metabolic perspective. Specific examples will include the evolution and integration of the mitochondrian and chloroplast genomes into the eukaryotic cell, and the role of compartmentalization in gene expression, energy regulation, and anabolic/catabolic regulation. Text: Garrett, Reginald and Charles M. Grisham. Biochemistry, 3rd Edition (Thomson Publishing) Assessment: This course is the second semester of a two-semester sequence in introductory biochemistry, which is offered jointly by the Biology and Chemistry Departments. Completion of both courses should provide students with a firm foundation in biochemistry. This course will fulfill elective credit for the Biology major. Prerequisites: Biology 141 and 142; Chemistry 222. Completion of Biology/Chemistry 301 is recommended. |
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BIOLOGY 325 (000): Primate Social Psychology (Same as PSYC 325) Content: Following a general introduction to primatology, this course covers recent progress in the growing field of primate social behavior. Topics range from aggression and dominance (e.g., warfare and power politics among chimpanzees) to affiliation, sex, and peaceful coexistence (e.g., parental behavior, behavioral sex differences, conflict resolution). The evolution of the large brain and remarkable intelligence of primates has been explained as related to the complexity of their societies: survival in such societies requires sophisticated social skills and a thorough understanding of the relationship network. Course segments focus on the motivational and cognitive processes underlying coalition formation, reciprocal exchange of benefits, reconciliation following conflict, and the origin of moral systems. Parallels with human behavior will be discussed. Text: Required reading includes two books and articles assigned at the beginning of the course. Assessment: This course originates in the Psychology Department and will fulfill elective credit for the Biology major. Prerequisites: Biology 141 and 142. |
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BIOLOGY 330 (000): Chemistry, Biology, and Molecular Modeling (Same as Chem 330) Content: The course is designed to put to use what you already know about chemistry and biology and to extend it in two directions. On the one hand, we will examine the world around us as reflected by the media, the web, and encounters in your own lives. Thus, we'll examine issues around 'natural and unnatural molecules', the environment, disease, and society in the context of topics such as drugs, molecules from mars, aging, AIDS, bioterrorism, and crime in the courtroom. On the other hand, we will examine these ideas by means of computer graphics, the molecular structure of small molecules and proteins, and energy. Texts: TBA. Assessment: This course originates in the Chemistry Department and will fulfill elective credit for the Biology major. Prerequisites: Biology 141 and 142, Chemistry 171 and 172 or 221.
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BIOLOGY 336 (000-001): Human Physiology Content: A study of human physiology emphasizing homeostatic mechanisms of integrated body functions. Topics include neurophysiology, endocrinology, muscle physiology, cardiology, immunology, respiration, gastroenterology, and urology. Text: Widmaier, E., H. Raff, and K. Strang. Vander et. al's Human Physiology: The Mechanisms of Body Function, 11th Edition. (McGraw-Hill) Assessment: Four in-class tests. This class will fulfill elective credit for the Biology major. Prerequisites: Biology 141 and 142. |
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BIOLOGY 348 (000): Mechanisms of Animal Behavior Content: A survey of current topics in the neural basis of behavior. Emphasis is on research work that uses a combination of behavioral, physiological, genetic, cellular, and molecular techniques to understand neural systems and their evolution. Texts: Assessment: Two midterms and a final; exams are essay and short answer. This course will fulfill elective credit for the Biology major. Prerequisites: Biology 141 and 142; Chemistry 141 and 142; and Biology 336 or Biology 360. |
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BIOLOGY 354 (000): The Origin and Evolution of the Immune System Content: Understanding the human immune system is extremely important for developing novel treatments for persistent pathogenic diseases. However, a deep understanding of the human immune system cannot be achieved except in the light of evolution. Natural selection is a tinkerer, working with the materials available to it. By studying the origins and evolution of immunity across the history of life, and following the progression of immune system complexity across different lineages, we begin to see patterns that help explain how our immune system developed from those of our ancestors. Such comparative study will highlight the strengths and weaknesses of our immune system, and point to ways in which other organisms have overcome the same pathogenic stresses we currently face. This class will pull together data from many fields, including immunology, molecular biology, and evolution. We will first determine what it means to have an immune system, and then focus on different hypotheses for when the first immune systems evolved during the history of life. We will then focus on case studies from plants and invertebrates, going into as much depth as possible on the molecular biology of immunity in these organisms, always with comparison to vertebrate immune systems. We will also take careful note to identify when and in which lineages novel facets of the immune response, such as immune specificity and memory, have originated. Finally, we will review comparative genomic studies to gain a detailed understanding of the types of selection pressures that pathogens exert on the immune systems described above. As there is currently no suitable textbook for this class, the class will be guided by literature reviews and primary literature, and will be a combination of lectures and literature discussions. Grades will be determined by exams, quizzes, and in-class presentations of discussion papers. Text: There is no assigned textbook. Literature readings will be assembled by the instructor. Assessment: Grades will be determined by exams, quizzes, and in-class presentations. This course will fulfill elective credit for the Biology major. Prerequisites: Biology 141 and 142.
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BIOLOGY 360 (000): Introduction to Neurobiology (Same as NBB 301; MAX: 26) Content: The first part of this course will focus on the electrophysiological properties of neurons, a crucial first step for understanding brain function. We will discuss the generation and propagation of action potentials, neurotransmitter release, and how ion channels and receptors determine the membrane potential and ultimately whether or not the action potential is passed to the next neuron. Also, we will examine the plasticity of this system and how the synapse is changed by learning. The second part of this course will expand upon these neuronal properties to investigate the processing of somatosensory and motor information. Text: Kandel, Schwartz, and Jessell. Principles of Neural Science, 4th Edition. (McGraw-Hill) Assessment: Exams: Three 1-1/2 hour in-class exams and a comprehensive final. There will also be a required review session for one hour each week. Cross listed as NBB 301. This course will fulfill the Column B requirement for the Biology major. Prerequisites: Completion of Chemistry 141 and 142 and Biology 141 and 142 is required; completion or concurrent enrollment in Intro Physics is strongly recommended.
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BIOLOGY 370 (000 and 00P): Introduction to Microbiology NOTE: Nursing students must obtain approval from Andrea Clark (andrea.clark@emory.edu) at the Nursing School prior to being enrolled by the Biology Department. Content: This course will present the basic elements of microbiology, including the study of viruses but emphasizing bacteriology. Topics to be covered will include the following: the tools of microbiology, microbial taxonomy and evolution, microbial physiology, microbial biochemistry, microbial genetics, and microbial pathogenesis. The implications of microbiology on medicine, environment, basic research, and biotechnology will be discussed.There is an optional 2-credit hour lab associated with the course (Biology 370L-Introduction to Microbiology Laboratory). Text: Madigan, Martinko, Dunlap, and Clark. Brock Biology of Microorganisms, 12th Edition. (Prentice-Hall) Assessment: There will be three exams, two homework assignments, and a final project. This course will fulfill elective credit for the Biology major, and if taken together with Biology 370L, meets the upper level laboratory requirement for the Biology major. Prerequisites: Biology 141 and 142.
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BIOLOGY 370L* (00C and 00D): Laboratory in Microbiology (2 Credit Hours) (*Formerly Biology 375) Content: This 2-credit hour course will introduce students to some of the basic techniques used in the study of physiology, biochemistry, and genetics of microorganisms. Students will isolate a soil microorganism at the beginning of the term and study its properties in subsequent periods. The organisms will also be examined for the presence of plasmids and for their susceptibility to bacterial viruses. Text: None. Prerequisites: Biology 141 and 142.
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BIOLOGY 371 (000): Ecology of the Tropics (2 credit hours) (Same as ENVS 371 (000); MAX: 12) Content: This 2-credit hour lecture course will explore the diverse biomes of the tropics. Focus will be on tropical forests and grasslands with an emphasis on ecological processes, biodiversity, human impact on the tropics, indigenous people, and ethnobotany.Text: A variety of published papers and selected readings from books will be utilized. Assessment: Grading is based on class participation, short written assignments, and a final exam. 2 credit hours. Cross-listed as ENVS 371. This course will fulfill half of a Biology elective. Prerequisites: Biology 141 and 142.
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BIOLOGY 372 (00P): Ecology of the Tropics - Field Course (Same as ENVS 372 (00P); MAX: 6) NOTE: This course will now be part of the Center for International Programs Abroad (CIPA). Content: This is the field course (2 credit hours) to accompany the lecture course on tropical ecology (BIOL 371 / ENVS 371) and will take place during Spring Break (March 5-14, 2010). The field class is taught in the Amazon Rainforest of Peru. The upper Amazon basin is home to the greatest expression of life (biodiversity) on the entire planet.Text: Krichner, J. and W.E. Davis. A Neotropical Companion, 2nd Edition - Revised (1999). (Princeton University Press). Assessment: Students who completed BIOL 371 / ENVS 371 in Spring 2009 or are enrolled in the Spring 2010 semester are eligible for this course. Eligible students will need to pick up a packet from Barbara Shannon in the Biology Department (room 2006, O. Wayne Rollins Research Center) during preregistration. The registration form and deposit for the field trip ($1200) are due by noon, December 1st, 2009. Total cost is $3000. Remaining balance will be due when the Spring semester begins in January. Grading for the course is based on a field journal and a field project. This course will fulfill half of a Biology elective. Prerequisites: Biology 141, 142, and 371. Permission of instructor is required.
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BIOLOGY 430 (000): Human Genome Project and Diseases NOTE: This course is not the same as Biology 470, Human Genome: Promise & Perils, taught by Dr. John Lucchesi. Content: In 1980, it was proposed to construct a genetic linkage map of the human genome. Since then, the nucleotide sequence of the entire genome has been almost completely characterized. This course examines the historical background and process of completion of the human genome project. We will then not only study how the linkage map and massive DNA sequence can be used in identifying the genes that cause various human diseases, but also how these diseases are maintained in human populations. Text: None. Assessment: The course will have lectures, student presentations of original literature, and class discussions. All students are expected to read roughly one original paper every 2-3 weeks. Grades will be based on presentations and class participation. This course will fulfill elective credit for the Biology major. Prerequisites: Biology 141 and 142, and an interest in quantitative methods.
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BIOLOGY 440 (00P): Animal Communication (Same as PSYC 440) Content: From the dance of the honey bee, the "honest advertising" of frogs, and the question of why birds sing, to the symbolic abilities of primates and dolphins, recent studies of animal communication have provided considerable insight into the evolutionary origins of human language. What do animals communicate about? How do signals and displays originate? Do animals deceive one another? How do social and physical environments influence communication? Does communication provide a window on the cognitive abilities of animals? These and other questions will be explored in the seminar. Text: Original source material, discussed in seminar format. Assessment: Grades will be based on class participation and one paper (approximately 15 pages). There will be a large amount of reading for the course. Permission of instructor is required prior to enrollment and priority is given to students who have taken PSYC 320/BIOL 320. This course originates in the Psychology Department, fulfills the continuing writing requirement, and will fulfill elective credit for the Biology major. Prerequisites: Biology 141 and 142.
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BIOLOGY 450 (00P): Computational Neuroscience (Same as IBS 534) Content: Exploration of single neurons and biological neural networks with computer simulations and Matlab-based data analysis. Each class consists of an introductory lecture followed by a computer lab using neural simulation software and Matlab. Specific topics include passive cable theory, Hodgkin-Huxley channel modeling, compartmental modeling, motor pattern generation, cortical sensory processing, information theory, and analysis of network activity patterns..Text: Bower, James M. and David Beeman. The Book of GENESIS. (Free on-line at www.genesis-sim.org.) Assessment: Grades will be determined through homework exercises and a final exam. Please contact Dr. Ron Calabrese at ronald.calabrese@emory.edu or Dr. Dieter Jaeger at djaeger@emory.edu for permission. This course will fulfill elective credit for the Biology major. Prerequisites: Biology 141, 142, and 360/NBB 301. Permission of instructor is required prior to enrollment.
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BIOLOGY 470 (000): Special Topics in Biology: Microbiology - Up Close and Personal Texts: Assessment: The class will be structured around lectures, discussions, and debates. Grades will be determined by 2 non-cumulative exams, active class participation, and a 7-10 page paper. This course will fulfill elective credit for the Biology major. Prerequisites: Biology 141, 142, and 370. |
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BIOLOGY 470 (001): Special Topics in Biology: Epigenetics and Human Disease Content: Epigenetics is the area of research that studies heritable characteristics that are not caused by changes in the DNA sequence of an organism. It is the study of non-genetic factors that cause the organism's genes to behave (or "express themselves") differently in different cells and different tissues. Epigenetics can also explain why identical twins that have exactly the same DNA sequence may display differences in behavior or in susceptibility to disease. New evidence suggests that the first steps in the development of many cancers may be epigenetic rather than genetic (i.e., caused by mutations). During the semester, we will discuss the nature of epigenetic inheritance and its relation to stem cell differentiation, normal development, and disease. Texts: Assessment: T he class will be structured around lectures and discussions. Grades will be determined by 3 non-cumulative exams. This course will fulfill elective credit for the Biology major. Prerequisites: Biology 141 and 142.
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BIOLOGY 470 (002): Special Topics in Biology: Mathematical Concepts in the Neurosciences (Same as NBB 370; MAX: 10) Content: This course is intended for NBB (Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology) majors and Biology majors interested in quantitative reasoning and mathematical modeling. Several mathematical concepts which are fundamentally important in multiple areas of biology will be considered. The concepts include differential and difference equations, information measures, stochastic processes, and others. The concepts will be introduced in the context of specific problems in the neurosciences to demonstrate why and how these concepts really work. The exemplary problems will be from neuronal coding, neuronal network dynamics, and learning in neuronal networks. The course will give a foundation for quantitative reasoning and mathematical modeling in the neurosciences and biology in general. The development of the course was funded by a Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Fellowship. Neuroscience Topics and Mathematical Concepts: Text: Dayan, P. and L.F. Abbott. Theoretical Neuroscience: Computational and Mathematical Modeling of Neural Systems. (2001) (MIT Press) Assessment: Grading will be based on three tests (15% each), the final exam (25%), and the homework grade (30%). There will be a discussion section every week to ensure understanding of the course material. This course will fulfill elective credit for the Biology and NBB majors. Prerequisites: Biology 141 and 142; Math 115 (Life Science Calculus I) or Math 111 (Calculus 1).
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BIOLOGY 470 (003): Special Topics in Biology: Organismal Biology ***NEW*** Content: This course will focus on the key derived evolutionary events that have led to the diversity of animal and plant species. Lectures on phylogenetics, systematics, and evolutionary biology will constitute one-third of the course. Student group presentations on specific adaptations in form and function will then serve as the basis for active learning and classroom discussions for the remainder of the semester. Text: Assigned readings. Assessment: For Seniors only. This course will fulfill elective credit for the Biology major. Prerequisites: Biology 141 and 142.
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BIOLOGY 470 (004): Special Topics in Biology: Computer Literacy for Life Sciences (Same as NBB 470; MAX: 9) Content: The purpose of this course is to provide students with a hands-on working experience using standard computer software tools and techniques of today's life science research. The students will learn how to effectively manipulate documents and data files, as well as how to efficiently manage and query data resulting from experiments or computer simulations. They will also learn how to perform simple statistical analysis of the data in order to answer the underlying scientific questions. Finally, the students will learn how to present their discoveries in the form of a short technical report or scientific article and an audio-visual presentation. Text: Smolinski, Tomasz. Computer Literacy for Life Sciences: Compiled Readings and Tutorials. (2009) Assessment: The course will be taught in a modular fashion, with each module representing one of the four stages of a "virtual" research project, to be pursued by teams of 3-5 students. The students are expected to complete readings, cooperate in the group project, prepare short group presentations for each of the first three course modules, participate in the discussions, and successfully pass three practical competency exams, each corresponding to one of the first three modules. The last and final module will be concluded by a preparation of a "mini" technical report or scientific article by each of the teams, and a group presentation of a summary of the main discoveries resulting from the entire "virtual" research project. This course will fulfill elective credit for the Biology major. Prerequisites: Biology 141 and 142 or permission of instructor.
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BIOLOGY 470 (005): Special Topics in Biology: A Moveable Feast in Human DNA Content: Mobile elements, aka "jumping genes", make up at least 40% of the human genome. They have an important role in shaping the genome by facilitating the acquisition of new DNA as well as the loss of DNA. Mobile elements can cause mutations. Evidence is accumulating to show that they act in gene regulation. We will consider the known functions of mobile elements and the research focused on using these elements for creating targeted mutations and for gene therapy. Text: Original scientific papers and opinion statements. Assessment: This course will fulfill elective credit for the Biology major. Prerequisites: Biology 141 and 142.
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BIOLOGY 475 (000): Biology of the Eye (Same as IBS 548) Content: A course designed for juniors, seniors, and graduate students who may be interested in a basic understanding of the eye. This course will review basic principles and state-of-the-art information on ocular anatomy, embryology, biochemistry, physiology, genetics, immunology, microbiology, pharmacology, and pathology. This course will provide a fascinating insight into the overall function of the eye. Text: A course outline will be used with the appropriate text for each lecture. Assessment: The course will have three didactic lectures with discussion per week. Course grade will be determined by two mid-term exams and one final. Graduate students will be required to write a term paper. This course will fulfill elective credit for the Biology major. Prerequisites: Biology 141 and 142.
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BIOLOGY 495A* / 495BWR* (00P): Honors Research Assessment: Senior Biology Honors students should take Biology 495A in the Fall semester and 495BWR in the Spring semester. Those graduating in the Fall semester should take 495BWR in the Fall. (NOTE: Second semester juniors who will graduate in a Fall semester must register for the Honors Program the prior Fall semester. You cannot register for Honors in the Spring semester.) For more information, go to the webpage for the Honors Program in Biology. Permission of instructor is required for both Biology 495A and 495BWR. A maximum of 4 elective credits may be used to satisfy the requirements toward a Biology major after completion of the second semester. This course will also fulfill the upper level lab requirement for the Biology major after completion of the second semester. Contact Barbara Shannon via e-mail at barbara.shannon@biology.emory.edu or call 404-727-6294 to obtain a permission number. Prerequisites: Biology 141 and 142. |
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BIOLOGY 497R (00P): Supervised Reading (Permission of Barbara Shannon, Room 2006, Rollins Research Center, required.) Assessment: Variable credit, maximum 4 hours per semester. Readings are done in conjunction with a faculty member. Interested students should communicate with appropriate faculty and obtain their permission in advance of registration. This course does NOT count for the Biology major and does NOT fulfill the writing requirement. Contact Barbara Shannon via e-mail at barbara.shannon@emory.edu or call 404-727-6294 to obtain a permission number. Prerequisites: Biology 141 and 142.
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BIOLOGY 499R (00P): Undergraduate Research (Permission of Dr. Rachelle Spell required (rachelle.spell@emory.edu).) Assessment: Research participation open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors, by permission only. The student must find a faculty member to supervise the research and SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FORM TO DR. RACHELLE SPELL, DIRECTOR OF UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH, PRIOR TO REGISTRATION. ONCE THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN APPROVED, THE STUDENT MUST THEN REGISTER THROUGH NORMAL PROCEDURES. The application form and other detailed information regarding Biology 499 requirements can be obtained from the Undergraduate Education page of the Biology Department website . Variable credit, maximum 4 hours per semester. A maximum of 4 elective credits may be used to satisfy the requirements toward a Biology major after completion of the second semester. This course will also fulfill the upper level lab requirement for the Biology major after completion of the second semester. Prerequisites: Biology 141 and 142, second-semester freshman standing, and a declared major in Biology. |
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