Courses
This page displays the schedule of Bryn Mawr courses in this department for this academic year. It also displays descriptions of courses offered by the department during the last four academic years.
For information about courses offered by other Bryn Mawr departments and programs or about courses offered by Haverford and Swarthmore Colleges, please consult the Course Guides page.
For information about the Academic Calendar, including the dates of first and second quarter courses, please visit the College's master calendar.
Spring 2013
| COURSE |
TITLE |
SCHEDULE/
UNITS |
MEETING TYPE TIMES/DAYS |
LOCATION |
INSTRUCTOR(S) |
| BIOL B102-001 |
Introduction to Biology II: Biochemistry & Human Physiology: Biochem & Human Physiology |
Semester / 1 |
Lecture: 9:00 AM-10:00 AM MWF |
Park 25 |
Wien,M. |
| BIOL B102-00A |
Introduction to Biology II: Biochemistry & Human Physiology |
Semester / 1 |
Laboratory: 9:45 AM-12:45 PM T |
Park 20 |
Wien,M. |
| BIOL B102-00B |
Introduction to Biology II: Biochemistry & Human Physiology |
Semester / 1 |
Laboratory: 9:45 AM-12:45 PM TH |
Park 20 |
Wien,M. |
| BIOL B102-00C |
Introduction to Biology II: Biochemistry & Human Physiology |
Semester / 1 |
Laboratory: 1:30 PM- 4:30 PM TH |
Park 20 |
Wien,M. |
| BIOL B210-001 |
Biology and Public Policy |
Semester / 1 |
Lecture: 8:15 AM- 9:45 AM TTH |
Park 229 |
Greif,K. |
| BIOL B215-001 |
Experimental Design and Statistics |
Semester / 1 |
Lab/Lec: 10:00 AM-11:00 AM MWF |
Park 10 |
Shapiro,J. |
|
Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM W |
Park 10 |
|
| BIOL B255-001 |
Microbiology |
Semester / 1 |
Lab/Lec: 9:45 AM-11:15 AM TTH |
Park 126 |
Chander,M. |
|
Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM TH |
Park 126 |
|
| BIOL B271-001 |
Developmental Biology |
Semester / 1 |
Lab/Lec: 10:00 AM-11:00 AM MWF |
Park 229 |
Davis,G. |
|
Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM W |
Park 126 |
|
| BIOL B309-001 |
Biological Oceanography |
Semester / 1 |
|
|
|
| BIOL B310-001 |
Philosophy of Science |
Semester / 1 |
LEC: 1:00 PM- 3:30 PM W |
Bettws Y Coed 100 |
Krausz,M. |
| BIOL B321-001 |
Neuroethology |
Semester / 1 |
Lecture: 9:45 AM-11:15 AM TTH |
Park 259 |
Brodfuehrer,P. |
| BIOL B327-001 |
Evolutionary Genetics and Genomics |
Semester / 1 |
Lecture: 11:30 AM- 1:00 PM MW |
Park 227 |
Shapiro,J. |
| BIOL B332-001 |
Global Change Biology |
Semester / 1 |
LEC: 11:15 AM-12:45 PM TTH |
Park 10 |
Mozdzer,T. |
| BIOL B354-001 |
Basic Concepts and Special Topics in Biochemistry |
Semester / 1 |
Lecture: 9:45 AM-11:15 AM TTH |
Park 180 |
Porello,S. |
| BIOL B364-001 |
Developmental Neurobiology |
Semester / 1 |
Lecture: 10:00 AM-11:30 AM MW |
Park 227 |
Greif,K. |
| BIOL B376-001 |
Integrated Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II |
Semester / 1 |
Lecture: 11:00 AM-12:00 PM MWF |
Park 229 |
Davis,T. |
|
Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM T |
Park 126 |
|
| BIOL B391-001 |
Senior Seminar in Biochemistry |
Semester / 1 |
LEC: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM M |
Park 259 |
Chander,M. |
| BIOL B394-001 |
Senior Seminar in Evolutionary Developmental Biology |
Semester / 1 |
Discussion: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM M |
Park 10 |
Davis,G. |
| BIOL B399-001 |
Senior Seminar in Laboratory Investigations |
Semester / 0.5 |
Lecture: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM M |
Park 229 |
Dept. staff, TBA |
| BIOL B401-001 |
Supervised Research in Neuroscience |
Semester / 1 |
|
|
Dept. staff, TBA |
| BIOL B401-001 |
Supervised Research in Neuroscience |
Semester / 1 |
|
|
Dept. staff, TBA |
| BIOL B403-001 |
Supervised Laboratory Research in Biology |
Semester / 1 |
|
|
Dept. staff, TBA |
| BIOL B403-001 |
Supervised Laboratory Research in Biology |
Semester / 1 |
|
|
Dept. staff, TBA |
| BIOL B425-001 |
Praxis III |
Semester / 1 |
|
|
Dept. staff, TBA |
Fall 2013
| COURSE |
TITLE |
SCHEDULE/
UNITS |
MEETING TYPE TIMES/DAYS |
LOCATION |
INSTRUCTOR(S) |
| BIOL B101-001 |
Introduction to Biology I: Genetics & the Central Dogma |
Semester / 1 |
Lecture: 9:00 AM-10:00 AM MWF |
Park 25 |
Wien,M. |
| BIOL B101-00A |
Introduction to Biology I: Genetics & the Central Dogma |
Semester / 1 |
Laboratory: 9:45 AM-12:45 PM T |
Park 20 |
Wien,M. |
| BIOL B101-00B |
Introduction to Biology I: Genetics & the Central Dogma |
Semester / 1 |
Laboratory: 9:45 AM-12:45 PM TH |
Park 20 |
Wien,M. |
| BIOL B101-00C |
Introduction to Biology I: Genetics & the Central Dogma |
Semester / 1 |
Laboratory: 1:30 PM- 4:30 PM TH |
Park 20 |
Wien,M. |
| BIOL B110-001 |
Biological Exploration I: Biology of Cancer |
Semester / 1 |
LEC: 9:00 AM-10:00 AM MWF |
Park 20 |
Greif,K. |
| BIOL B110-002 |
Biological Exploration I: Genetic Control of Phenotype |
Semester / 1 |
LEC: 10:00 AM-11:00 AM MWF |
Park 20 |
Davis,T. |
| BIOL B110-003 |
Biological Exploration I: Genetically Modified Organisms |
Semester / 1 |
LEC: 11:00 AM-12:00 PM MWF |
Park 20 |
Shapiro,J. |
| BIOL B110-00A |
Biological Exploration I |
Semester / 1 |
LEC: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM M |
Park 20 |
Skirkanich,J. |
| BIOL B110-00B |
Biological Exploration I |
Semester / 1 |
LEC: 1:30 PM- 4:30 PM T |
Park 20 |
Skirkanich,J. |
| BIOL B110-00C |
Biological Exploration I |
Semester / 1 |
LEC: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM W |
Park 20 |
Skirkanich,J. |
| BIOL B110-00D |
Biological Exploration I |
Semester / 1 |
LEC: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM F |
Park 20 |
Skirkanich,J. |
| BIOL B201-001 |
Genetics |
Semester / 1 |
Lecture: 11:15 AM-12:45 PM TTH |
Park 229 |
Davis,T. |
| BIOL B202-001 |
Introduction to Neuroscience |
Semester / 1 |
Lecture: 8:15 AM- 9:45 AM TTH |
Park 229 |
Greif,K. |
| BIOL B220-001 |
Ecology |
Semester / 1 |
Lecture: 10:00 AM-11:30 AM MW |
Park 259 |
Mozdzer,T. |
|
Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM F |
Park 20 |
|
| BIOL B262-001 |
Urban Ecosystems |
Semester / 1 |
LEC: 11:30 AM- 1:00 PM MW |
Park 259 |
Caplan,J. |
| BIOL B271-001 |
Developmental Biology |
Semester / 1 |
Lecture: 10:00 AM-11:00 AM MWF |
Park 229 |
Davis,G. |
|
Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM TH |
Park 126 |
|
| BIOL B321-001 |
Neuroethology |
Semester / 1 |
Lecture: 9:00 AM-10:00 AM MWF |
Park 227 |
Brodfuehrer,P. |
| BIOL B361-001 |
Emergence |
Semester / 1 |
Lecture: 10:00 AM-11:30 AM MW |
Park 354 |
Blank,D. |
| BIOL B375-001 |
Integrated Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I |
Semester / 1 |
Lecture: 9:45 AM-11:15 AM TTH |
Park 278 |
Porello,S., White,S. |
|
Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM W |
Park 126 |
|
| BIOL B394-001 |
Senior Seminar in Evolutionary Developmental Biology |
Semester / 1 |
Discussion: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM M |
Park 10 |
Davis,G. |
| BIOL B398-001 |
Senior Seminar in Science and Society |
Semester / 1 |
Lecture: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM M |
Park 227 |
Dept. staff, TBA |
| BIOL B399-001 |
Senior Seminar in Laboratory Investigations |
Semester / 0.5 |
Lecture: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM M |
Park 259 |
Dept. staff, TBA |
| BIOL B403-001 |
Supervised Laboratory Research in Biology |
Semester / 1 |
|
|
Dept. staff, TBA |
| BIOL B403-001 |
Supervised Laboratory Research in Biology |
Semester / 1 |
|
|
Dept. staff, TBA |
Spring 2014
| COURSE |
TITLE |
SCHEDULE/
UNITS |
MEETING TYPE TIMES/DAYS |
LOCATION |
INSTRUCTOR(S) |
| BIOL B102-001 |
Introduction to Biology II: Biochemistry & Human Physiology |
Semester / 1 |
Lecture: 9:00 AM-10:00 AM MWF |
Park 25 |
Wien,M. |
| BIOL B102-00A |
Introduction to Biology II: Biochemistry & Human Physiology: Biochem & Human Physiology |
Semester / 1 |
Laboratory: 9:45 AM-12:45 PM T |
Park 20 |
Wien,M. |
| BIOL B102-00B |
Introduction to Biology II: Biochemistry & Human Physiology: Biochem & Human Physiology |
Semester / 1 |
LEC: 9:45 AM-12:45 PM TH |
Park 20 |
|
| BIOL B102-00C |
Introduction to Biology II: Biochemistry & Human Physiology: Biochem & Human Physiology |
Semester / 1 |
LEC: 1:30 PM- 4:30 PM TH |
Park 20 |
|
| BIOL B111-001 |
Biological Exploration II: Biological Invasions |
Semester / 1 |
Lecture: 10:00 AM-11:00 AM MWF |
Park 20 |
Mozdzer,T. |
| BIOL B111-002 |
Biological Exploration II: Behavior and Physiology |
Semester / 1 |
Lecture: 9:00 AM-10:00 AM MWF |
Park 20 |
Brodfuehrer,P. |
| BIOL B111-003 |
Biological Exploration II: Development and Evolution |
Semester / 1 |
Lecture: 11:00 AM-12:00 PM MWF |
Park 20 |
Davis,G. |
| BIOL B111-00A |
Biological Exploration II |
Semester / 1 |
Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM M |
Park 20 |
Skirkanich,J. |
| BIOL B111-00B |
Biological Exploration II |
Semester / 1 |
LEC: 1:30 PM- 4:30 PM T |
Park 20 |
Skirkanich,J. |
| BIOL B111-00C |
Biological Exploration II |
Semester / 1 |
LEC: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM W |
Park 20 |
Skirkanich,J. |
| BIOL B111-00D |
Biological Exploration II |
Semester / 1 |
LEC: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM F |
Park 20 |
Skirkanich,J. |
| BIOL B210-001 |
Biology and Public Policy |
Semester / 1 |
Lecture: 8:15 AM- 9:45 AM TTH |
Park 229 |
Greif,K. |
| BIOL B215-001 |
Experimental Design and Statistics |
Semester / 1 |
Lecture: 10:00 AM-11:00 AM MWF |
Park 10 |
Shapiro,J. |
|
Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM W |
Park 10 |
|
| BIOL B216-001 |
Genomics |
Semester / 1 |
Lecture: 11:15 AM-12:45 PM TTH |
Park 10 |
Shapiro,J. |
| BIOL B236-001 |
Evolution |
Semester / 1 |
Lecture: 9:45 AM-11:15 AM TTH |
Park 25 |
Davis,G. |
| BIOL B303-001 |
Human Physiology |
Semester / 1 |
Lecture: 9:45 AM-11:15 AM TTH |
Park 259 |
Brodfuehrer,P. |
|
Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM TH |
Park 127 |
|
| BIOL B332-001 |
Global Change Biology |
Semester / 1 |
Lecture: 11:30 AM- 1:00 PM MW |
Park 227 |
Mozdzer,T. |
| BIOL B340-001 |
Cell Biology |
Semester / 1 |
Lecture: 9:00 AM-10:00 AM MWF |
Park 227 |
Greif,K. |
|
Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 5:00 PM T |
Park 128 |
|
| BIOL B376-001 |
Integrated Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II |
Semester / 1 |
Lecture: 11:00 AM-12:00 PM MWF |
Park 229 |
Davis,T. |
|
Laboratory: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM T |
Park 126 |
|
| BIOL B399-001 |
Senior Seminar in Laboratory Investigations |
Semester / 0.5 |
Lecture: 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM M |
Park 227 |
Dept. staff, TBA |
| BIOL B403-001 |
Supervised Laboratory Research in Biology |
Semester / 1 |
|
|
Dept. staff, TBA |
| BIOL B403-001 |
Supervised Laboratory Research in Biology |
Semester / 1 |
|
|
Dept. staff, TBA |
2013-14 Catalog Data
BIOL
B101
Introduction to Biology I: Genetics & the Central Dogma
Fall 2013
For post-baccalaureate premedical students only. A comprehensive examination of topics in genetics, molecular biology and cancer biology. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours a week.
Division II with Lab
Back to top
BIOL
B102
Introduction to Biology II: Biochemistry & Human Physiology
Section 001 (Spring 2013): Biochem & Human Physiology
Section 00A (Spring 2014): Biochem & Human Physiology
Section 00B (Spring 2014): Biochem & Human Physiology
Section 00C (Spring 2014): Biochem & Human Physiology
Spring 2014
For post-baccalaureate premedical students only. A comprehensive examination of topics in biochemistry, cell biology and human physiology. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours a week. BIOL B101 is strongly recommended.
Division II with Lab
Back to top
BIOL
B110
Biological Exploration I
Section 001 (Fall 2013): Biology of Cancer
Section 002 (Fall 2013): Genetic Control of Phenotype
Section 003 (Fall 2013): Genetically Modified Organisms
Fall 2013
BIOL B110 is an introductory-level courses designed to encourage students to explore the field of biology at multiple levels of organization: molecular, cellular, organismal and ecological. Each course will explore these areas of biology through a unifying theme. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours a week. This is a topics course, course topic varies.
Current topic description: This year Biology B110-001 will explore areas of biology through a unifying theme. It will center on the reading of "The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer" by Siddhartha Mukherjee and will examine the biology of Cancer from perspectives of biochemistry, cell biology, genetics and genomics and physiology.
Current topic description: This year Biology B110-002 will investigate the relationship between genotype and phenotype through analysis of inheritance patterns in families and populations and examination of the regulation and decoding of genetic information that ultimately produces whose structure/function dictates cellular activity.
Current topic description: This course will explore the ways that the genomes of various organisms have been altered by nature and by human interventions, focusing on the mechanisms and effects of those genetic modifications.
Division II with Lab
Quantitative Readiness Required (QR)
Scientific Investigation (SI)
Counts toward Neuroscience
Back to top
BIOL
B111
Biological Exploration II
Section 001 (Spring 2014): Biological Invasions
Section 002 (Spring 2014): Behavior and Physiology
Section 003 (Spring 2014): Development and Evolution
Spring 2014
BIOL B111 is an introductory-level course designed to encourage students to explore the field of biology at multiple levels of organization: molecular, cellular, organismal and ecological. Each course will explore these areas of biology through a unifying theme. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours a week. This is a topics course, course topic varies.
Current topic description: Taking an ecological approach, we will use invasive species as our central theme in order to predict how organisms can affect multiple levels for biological organization from the organismal to the ecosystem level.
Current topic description: This course will examine the underlying physiology associated with specific animal behaviors such as bat echolocation, and thermoregulation and bee foraging.
Current topic description: This course will introduce the basic principles underlying the development of organisms and how development evolves to meet various environmental challenges.
Division II with Lab
Quantitative Readiness Required (QR)
Scientific Investigation (SI)
Counts toward Neuroscience
Back to top
BIOL
B201
Genetics
Fall 2013
An introduction to heredity and variation, focusing on topics such as classical Mendelian genetics, linkage, and recombination, chromosome abnormalities, population and developmental genetics. Examples of genetic analyses are drawn from a variety of organisms, including bacteria, Drosophila, C. elegans and humans. Lecture three hours. Prerequisites: One semester of BIOL 110-111 and CHEM 103, 104.
Division II: Natural Science
Quantitative Readiness Required (QR)
Scientific Investigation (SI)
Back to top
BIOL
B202
Introduction to Neuroscience
Fall 2013
An introduction to the nervous system and its broad contributions to function. The class will explore fundamentals of neural anatomy and signaling, sensory and motor processing and control, nervous system development and examples of complex brain functions. Lecture three hours a week. Prerequisites: One semester of Bio 110-111 or permission of instructor.
Division II: Natural Science
Scientific Investigation (SI)
Counts toward Neuroscience
Back to top
BIOL
B210
Biology and Public Policy
Spring 2014
A lecture/discussion course on major issues and advances in biology and their implications for public policy decisions. Topics discussed include reproductive technologies, the Human Genome project, environmental health hazards, bioterrorism, and euthanasia and organ transplantation. Readings include scientific articles, public policy and ethical considerations, and lay publications. Lecture three hours a week. Prerequisite: One semester of BIOL 110-111, or permission of instructor.
Division II: Natural Science
Counts toward Environmental Studies
Back to top
BIOL
B214
The Historical Roots of Women in Genetics and Embryology
Not offered 2013-14
This course provides a general history of genetics and embryology from the late 19th to the mid-20th century with a focus on the role that women scientists and technicians played in the development of these sub-disciplines. We will look at the lives of well known and lesser-known individuals, asking how factors such as their educational experiences and mentor relationships influenced the roles these women played in the scientific enterprise. We will also examine specific scientific contributions in historical context, requiring a review of core concepts in genetics and developmental biology. One facet of the course will be to look at the Bryn Mawr Biology Department from the founding of the College into the mid-20th century.
Division II: Natural Science
Inquiry into the Past (IP)
Scientific Investigation (SI)
Cross-listed as HIST B214
Counts toward Gender and Sexuality Studies
Back to top
BIOL
B215
Experimental Design and Statistics
Spring 2014
An introductory course in designing experiments and analyzing biological data. This course is structured to develop students' understanding of when to apply different quantitative methods, and how to implement those methods using the R statistics environment. Topics include summary statistics, distributions, randomization, replication, parametric and nonparametric tests, and introductory topics in multivariate and Bayesian statistics. The course is geared around weekly problem sets and interactive learning.
Division II w/Lab and Quant
Quantitative Methods (QM)
Back to top
BIOL
B216
Genomics
Spring 2014
An introduction to the study of genomes and genomic data. This course will examine the types of biological questions that can be answered using large biological data sets and complete genome sequences as well as the techniques and technologies that make such studies possible. Topics include genome organization and evolution, comparative genomics, and analysis of transcriptomes and proteomes. Prerequisite: One semester of BIOL 110-111. BIOL 201 highly recommended.
Division II w/Lab and Quant
Quantitative Methods (QM)
Scientific Investigation (SI)
Back to top
BIOL
B220
Ecology
Fall 2013
A study of the interactions between organisms and their environments. The scientific underpinnings of current environmental issues, with regard to human impacts, are also discussed. Students will also become familiar with ecological principles and with the methods ecologists use. Students will apply these principles through the design and implementation of experiments both in the laboratory and the field. Lecture three hours a week, laboratory/field investigation three hours a week. There will be optional field trips throughout the semester. Prerequisite: One semester of BIOL B110 or B111 or permission of instructor.
Division II with Lab
Scientific Investigation (SI)
Counts toward Environmental Studies
Back to top
BIOL
B223
The Story of Evolution and the Evolution of Stories
Not offered 2013-14
In this course we will experiment with two interrelated and reciprocal inquiries--whether the biological concept of evolution is a useful one in understanding the phenomena of literature (in particular, the generation of new stories), and whether literature contributes to a deeper understanding of evolution. We will begin with science texts that explain and explore evolution and turn to stories that (may) have grown out of one another, asking where they come from, why new ones emerge, and why some disappear. We will consider the parallels between diversity of stories and diversity of living organisms. Lecture three hours a week.
Division II or Division III
Critical Interpretation (CI)
Cross-listed as ENGL B223
Back to top
BIOL
B225
Biology of Plants
Not offered 2013-14
In-depth examination of the structures and processes underlying survival, growth, reproduction, competition and diversity in plants. Three hours of lecture a week. Prerequisites: one semester of BIOL 110-111.
Division II and Quantitive
Counts toward Environmental Studies
Back to top
BIOL
B236
Evolution
Spring 2014
A lecture/discussion course on the development of evolutionary biology. This course will cover the history of evolutionary theory, population genetics, molecular and developmental evolution, paleontology, and phylogenetic analysis. Lecture three hours a week.
Division II: Natural Science
Scientific Investigation (SI)
Cross-listed as GEOL B236
Cross-listed as ANTH B236
Back to top
BIOL
B244
Behavioral Endocrinology
Not offered 2013-14
An interdisciplinary-based analysis of the nature of hormones, how hormones affect cells and systems, and how these effects alter the behavior of animals. Topics will be covered from a research perspective using a combination of lectures, discussions and student presentations. Prerequisites: two quarters of BIOL 110-111 or one of the following courses: B202, PSYC B218 or PSYC H217.
Division II: Natural Science
Scientific Investigation (SI)
Counts toward Neuroscience
Back to top
BIOL
B250
Computational Methods in the Sciences
Not offered 2013-14
A study of how and why modern computation methods are used in scientific inquiry. Students will learn basic principles of simulation-based programming through hands-on exercises. Content will focus on the development of population models, beginning with simple exponential growth and ending with spatially-explicit individual-based simulations. Students will design and implement a final project from their own disciplines. Six hours of combined lecture/lab per week.
Division II and Quantitive
Quantitative Methods (QM)
Quantitative Readiness Required (QR)
Scientific Investigation (SI)
Cross-listed as GEOL B250
Cross-listed as CMSC B250
Counts toward Environmental Studies
Back to top
BIOL
B255
Microbiology
Not offered 2013-14
Invisible to the naked eye, microbes occupy every niche on the planet. This course will examine how microbes have become successful colonizers; review aspects of interactions between microbes, humans and the environment; and explore practical uses of microbes in industry, medicine and environmental management. The course will combine lecture, discussion of primary literature and student presentations. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: One semester of BIOL 110 and BIOL 111 or permission of the instructor.
Division II with Lab
Scientific Investigation (SI)
Back to top
BIOL
B262
Urban Ecosystems
Fall 2013
Cities can be considered ecosystems whose functions are highly influenced by human activity. This course will address many of the living and non-living components of urban ecosystems, as well as their unique processes. Using an approach focused on case studies, the course will explore the ecological and environmental problems that arise from urbanization, and also examine solutions that have been attempted. Prerequisites: BIOL B110 or B111 or ENVS B101.
Division II: Natural Science
Cross-listed as CITY B262
Counts toward Environmental Studies
Back to top
BIOL
B271
Developmental Biology
Fall 2013
An introduction to embryology and the concepts of developmental biology. Concepts are illustrated by analyzing the experimental observations that support them. Topics include gametogenesis and fertilization, morphogenesis, cell fate specification and differentiation, pattern formation, regulation of gene expression, neural development, and developmental plasticity. The laboratory focuses on observations and experiments on living embryos. Lecture three hours, laboratory three scheduled hours a week; most weeks require additional hours outside of the regularly scheduled lab. Prerequisites: one semester of BIOL 110-111 or permission of instructor.
Division II with Lab
Scientific Investigation (SI)
Back to top
BIOL
B303
Human Physiology
Spring 2014
A comprehensive study of the physical and chemical processes in tissues, organs and organ systems that form the basis of animal and human function. Homeostasis, control systems and the structural basis of function are emphasized. Laboratories are designed to introduce basic physiological techniques and the practice of scientific inquiry. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours a week. Prerequisites: One semester of BIOL 110-111, CHEM 103, 104 and one 200-level biology course.
Back to top
BIOL
B309
Biological Oceanography
Not offered 2013-14
A comprehensive examination of the principal ecosystems of the world's oceans, emphasizing the biotic and abiotic factors that contribute to the distribution of marine organisms. A variety of marine ecosystems are examined, including rocky intertidal, and hydrocarbon seeps, with an emphasis on the distinctive characteristics of each system and the assemblage of organisms associated with each system. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours a week. One required three-day field trip, for which an extra fee is collected, and other occasional field trips as allowed for by scheduling. Prerequisites: two quarters of BIOL 110-113 and one 200-level science course, or permission of instructor.
Counts toward Environmental Studies
Back to top
BIOL
B310
Philosophy of Science
Not offered 2013-14
An examination of positivistic science and its critics. The topics of this course will include: the demarcation between science and non-science; falsificationism vs. verificationism; the structure of scientific revolutions and research programs; criticism and growth of scientific knowledge; interpretive ideals in science; scientific explanation; truth and objectivity; the effect of interpretation upon that which is interpreted in modern physics; constructivism vs. realism in philosophy of science.
Division III: Humanities
Cross-listed as PHIL B310
Back to top
BIOL
B313
Integrative Organismal Biology I
Not offered 2013-14
The first semester of a two-semester course focusing on how organisms cope with environmental challenges by investigating the requirements for life at the level of individual cells and multi-cellular organisms, the anatomical and physiological properties of cells, tissues and organ systems, and how these properties allow organisms to interact successfully with their environment. Two three-hour lecture/laboratory sessions per week. Prerequisites: one semester of BIOL 110-111 and one 200-level biology course.
Back to top
BIOL
B314
Integrative Organismal Biology II
Not offered 2013-14
The second semester of Integrative Organismal Biology. Two three-hour lecture/laboratory sessions per week. Prerequisite: BIOL 313 or permission of instructor.
Back to top
BIOL
B320
Evolutionary Ecology
Not offered 2013-14
This course will examine how phenotypic variation in organisms is optimized and constrained by ecological and evolutionary factors. We will cover concepts and case studies in life history evolution, behavioral ecology, and population ecology with an emphasis on both mathematical and experimental approaches. Recommended Prerequisites:One semester of BIOL B110-111 or BIOL 220.
Quantitative
Quantitative Methods (QM)
Scientific Investigation (SI)
Counts toward Environmental Studies
Back to top
BIOL
B321
Neuroethology
Fall 2013
This course provides an opportunity for students to understand the neuronal basis of behavior through the examination of how particular animals have evolved neural solutions to specific problems posed to them by their environments. The topics will be covered from a research perspective using a combination of lectures, discussions and student presentations. Prerequisite: BIOL 202, PSYC 218 or PSYC 217 at Haverford.
Counts toward Neuroscience
Back to top
BIOL
B326
From Channels to Behavior
Not offered 2013-14
Introduces the principles, research approaches, and methodologies of cellular and behavioral neuroscience. The first half of the course will cover the cellular properties of neurons using current and voltage clamp techniques along with neuron simulations. The second half of the course will introduce students to state-of-the-art techniques for acquiring and analyzing data in a variety of rodent models linking brain and behavior. Prerequisites: one semester of BIOL 110-111 and one of the following: PSYC 218, PSYC 217 at Haverford, or BIOL 202.
Cross-listed as PSYC B326
Counts toward Neuroscience
Back to top
BIOL
B327
Evolutionary Genetics and Genomics
Not offered 2013-14
This seminar course will discuss evolution primarily at the level of genes and genomes. Topics will include the roles of selection and drift in molecular evolution, evolution of gene expression, genomic approaches to the study of quantitative variation, evolutionary history of humans, and evolutionary perspectives on the study of human disease. Students will read papers from the primary literature, lead and participate in class discussions and debates, and write reviews of research articles. Quantitative proficiency required. Pre-requisites: One semester of BIOL 110-111 and BIOL 201, or BIOL 236, or permission of instructor.
Division II: Natural Science
Back to top
BIOL
B328
Analysis of Geospatial Data Using GIS
Not offered 2013-14
Analysis of geospatial data, theory, and the practice of geospatial reasoning.
Cross-listed as CITY B328
Cross-listed as GEOL B328
Back to top
BIOL
B332
Global Change Biology
Spring 2014
Global changes to our environment present omnipresent environmental challenges. We are only beginning to understand the complex interactions between organisms and the rapidly changing environment. Students will explore the effects of global change in depth using the primary literature. Prerequisites: Biology B220 (Ecology) or permission of instructor.
Division II: Natural Science
Scientific Investigation (SI)
Counts toward Environmental Studies
Back to top
BIOL
B340
Cell Biology
Spring 2014
A lecture course with laboratory emphasizing current knowledge in cell biology. Among topics discussed are cell membranes, cell surface specializations, cell motility and the cytoskeleton, regulation of cell activity and cell signaling. Laboratory experiments are focused on studies of cell structure, making use of techniques in cell culture and immunocytochemistry. Lecture three hours, laboratory four hours a week. Prerequisites: One semester of Organic Chemistry, BIOL 201 or 271, or permission of instructor.
Back to top
BIOL
B354
Basic Concepts and Special Topics in Biochemistry
Not offered 2013-14
For post-baccalaureate premedical students and non-majors who meet the prerequisites. Course does not count toward the biology major, majors should take BIOL B375. Prerequisites: one semester of BIOL 110-111 or equivalent, CHEM 211 or permission of the instructor.
Back to top
BIOL
B361
Emergence
Fall 2013
A multidisciplinary exploration of the interactions underlying both real and simulated systems, such as ant colonies, economies, brains, earthquakes, biological evolution, artificial evolution, computers, and life. These emergent systems are often characterized by simple, local interactions that collectively produce global phenomena not apparent in the local interactions.
Cross-listed as CMSC B361
Back to top
BIOL
B364
Developmental Neurobiology
Not offered 2013-14
A lecture/discussion course on major topics in the development of the nervous system. Some of the topics to be addressed are cell generation, cell migration, cell survival and growth, axon guidance and target specificity, synapse formation and behavioral development. Lecture three hours a week. Prerequisite: BIOL 201 or 271, BIOL 202 or equivalent, or permission of instructor.
Counts toward Neuroscience
Back to top
BIOL
B375
Integrated Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I
Fall 2013
The first semester of a two-semester course that focuses on the structure and function of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids, enzyme kinetics, metabolic pathways, gene regulation and recombinant DNA techniques. Students will explore these topics via lecture, critical reading and discussion of primary literature and laboratory experimentation. Three hours of lecture, three hours of lab per week. Prerequisite: one semester of BIOL 110, and two semesters of organic chemistry.
Division II with Lab
Cross-listed as CHEM B242
Back to top
BIOL
B376
Integrated Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II
Spring 2014
This second semester of a two-semester sequence will continue with analysis of nucleic acids and gene regulation through lecture, critical reading and discussion of primary literature and laboratory experimentation. Three hours of lecture, three hours of lab per week. Prerequisite: BIOL 201, BIOL B375 or permission of instructor.
Division II with Lab
Back to top
BIOL
B391
Senior Seminar in Biochemistry
Not offered 2013-14
Topics of current interest and significance in biochemistry are examined with critical readings and oral presentations of work from the research literature. In addition, students write, defend and publicly present one long research paper. Three hours of class lecture and discussion a week, supplemented by frequent meetings with individual students. Prerequisites: BIOL 375 or permission of instructor.
Back to top
BIOL
B392
Senior Seminar
Not offered 2013-14
An advanced course in the study of the organization and function of physiological systems from the molecular level to the organismal level. Specific topics related to the organization and function of physiological systems are examined in detail using the primary literature. In addition, students write, defend and publicly present one long research paper. Three hours of class lecture and discussion a week, supplemented by frequent meetings with individual students.
Back to top
BIOL
B393
Senior Seminar in Molecular Genetics
Not offered 2013-14
This course focuses on topics of current interest and significance in molecular genetics, such as chromatin structure and mechanisms of gene regulation. Students critically read, present and discuss in detail primary literature relevant to the selected topic. In addition, students write, defend and publicly present one long research paper. Three hours of class lecture and discussion a week, supplemented by frequent meetings with individual students. Prerequisite: BIOL 201 or 376, or permission of instructor.
Back to top
BIOL
B394
Senior Seminar in Evolutionary Developmental Biology
Fall 2013
Topics of current interest and significance in evolutionary developmental biology are examined with critical readings and oral presentations of work from the research literature. In addition, students write, defend and publicly present a research paper based on their readings. Three hours of class lecture and discussion a week, supplemented by frequent meetings with individual students. Prerequisite: BIOL 201, 236 or 271, or permission of instructor.
Back to top
BIOL
B396
Topics in Neuroscience
Not offered 2013-14
A seminar course dealing with current issues in neuroscience. It provides advanced students minoring in neuroscience with an opportunity to read and discuss in depth seminal papers that represent emerging thought in the field. In addition, students are expected to make presentations of their own research.
Cross-listed as PSYC B396
Counts toward Neuroscience
Back to top
BIOL
B398
Senior Seminar in Science and Society
A seminar that addresses a variety of topics at the interface of biology and society. Students write, defend and publicly present a major scholarly work. Three hours of discussion a week, supplemented by frequent meetings with individual students.
Back to top
BIOL
B399
Senior Seminar in Laboratory Investigations
This seminar provides students with a collaborative forum to facilitate the exchange of ideas and broaden their perspective and understanding of research approaches used in various sub-disciplines of biology. There will be a focus on the presentation, interpretation and discussion of data, and communication of scientific findings to diverse audiences. In addition, students write, defend and publicly present a paper on their supervised research project. Three hours of class discussion each week. Co-requisite: enrollment in the second semester of BIOL403.
Back to top
BIOL
B401
Supervised Research in Neuroscience
Laboratory or library research under the supervision of a member of the Neuroscience committee. Required for those with the concentration. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
Counts toward Neuroscience
Back to top
BIOL
B401
Supervised Research in Neuroscience
Laboratory or library research under the supervision of a member of the Neuroscience committee. Required for those with the concentration. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
Counts toward Neuroscience
Back to top
BIOL
B403
Supervised Laboratory Research in Biology
Laboratory research under the supervision of a member of the department. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
Back to top
BIOL
B403
Supervised Laboratory Research in Biology
Laboratory research under the supervision of a member of the department. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
Back to top
BIOL
B425
Praxis III
Counts toward Praxis Program
Back to top