Biology Courses

BIOL B110 Biological Exploration I

Fall 2022

BIOL B110 is an introductory-level course designed to encourage students to explore the field of biology at multiple levels of organization: molecular, cellular, organismal and population. Each course will explore these areas of biology through a unifying theme. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours a week. BIOL B110 will explore the ways the central dogma of molecular biology relates to the biochemical basis of human disease. The laboratory portion of the course will explore the fundamentals of molecular and cellular biology through scientific research, with an emphasis on scientific process and experimental design.

Scientific Investigation (SI)

Counts Toward Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

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BIOL B111 Biological Exploration II

Spring 2023

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. Quantitative readiness is required. Spring 2021: BIOL B111 will explore how organisms adapt to their environments. Topics to be investigated include development, physiology, photosynthesis, ecology (population, community and ecosystem), and evolution. The laboratory portion of the course will explore the fundamentals of organismal biology through scientific research, with an emphasis on the scientific process and experimental design. Topics include development, neurobiology, evolution, physiology, ecology, and ecosystems.

Quantitative Readiness Required (QR)

Scientific Investigation (SI)

Counts Toward Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

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BIOL B115 Computing Through Biology: An Introduction

Not offered 2022-23

This course is an introduction to biology through computer science, or an introduction to computer science through biology. The course will This course is an introduction to biology through computer science, or an introduction to computer science through biology. The course will examine biological systems through the use of computer science, exploring concepts and solving problems from bioinformatics, evolution, ecology, and molecular biology through the practice of writing and modifying code in the Python programming language. The course will introduce students to the subject matter and branches of computer science as an academic discipline, and the nature, development, coding, testing, documenting and analysis of the efficiency and limitations of algorithms. Three hours of lecture, three hours of lab per week.

Quantitative Methods (QM)

Scientific Investigation (SI)

Counts Toward Data Science

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BIOL B181 Introduction to Biology I: Genetics & the Central Dogma

Fall 2022

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

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BIOL B182 Introduction to Biology II: Biochemistry & Human Physiology

Spring 2023

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.

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BIOL B201 Genetics

Fall 2022

This course focuses on the principles of genetics, including classical genetics, population genetics and molecular genetics. Topics to be covered include the genetic and molecular nature of mutations and phenotypes, genetic mapping and gene identification, chromosome abnormalities, developmental genetics, genome editing and epigenetics. Examples of genetic analyses are drawn from a variety of organisms including Drosophila, C. elegans, mice and humans. Lecture three hours a week. Prerequisite: BIOL B110 and CHEM B104.

Quantitative Readiness Required (QR)

Scientific Investigation (SI)

Counts Toward Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

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BIOL B202 Neurobiology

Fall 2022

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. Prerequisite: One semester of BIOL 110-111 or permission of instructor.

Scientific Investigation (SI)

Counts Toward Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Counts Toward Neuroscience

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BIOL B210 Biology and Public Policy

Not offered 2022-23

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. This class involves considerable writing. Prerequisite: One semester of BIOL 110-111 or permission of instructor.

Counts Toward Environmental Studies

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BIOL B215 Biostatistics with R

Fall 2022

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. Suggested Preparation: BIOL B110 or B111 is highly recommended. Students who have taken PSYC B205/H200 or SOCL B265 are not eligible to take this course.

Quantitative Methods (QM)

Quantitative Readiness Required (QR)

Scientific Investigation (SI)

Counts Toward Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Counts Toward Data Science

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BIOL B216 Genomics

Spring 2023

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, with a focus on human genetics. Prerequisite: One semester of BIOL 110-111. BIOL 201 highly recommended.

Quantitative Methods (QM)

Scientific Investigation (SI)

Counts Toward Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Counts Toward Health Studies

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BIOL B217 Biomechanics

Not offered 2022-23

This course integrates anatomy, physiology, neuromechanics, and physics to understand the principles that govern animal and human movement. Concepts will highlight the interdisciplinary nature of biomechanics that must be used to study the mechanics of movement, from running, walking, flying, to swimming. Students will develop fundamental quantitative skills for biological problem-solving and be exposed to the field of comparative biomechanics. Prerequisite: One semester of BIOL 110-111, or permission of instructor.

Quantitative Methods (QM)

Quantitative Readiness Required (QR)

Scientific Investigation (SI)

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BIOL B220 Ecology

Fall 2022

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.

Scientific Investigation (SI)

Counts Toward Environmental Studies

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BIOL B225 Biology and Ecology of Plants

Spring 2023

Plants are critical to numerous contemporary issues, such as ecological sustainability, economic stability, and human health. Students will examine the fundamentals of how plants are structured, how they function, how they interact with other organisms, and how they respond to environmental stimuli. In addition, students will be taught to identify important local species, and will explore the role of plants in human society and ecological systems. One semester of BIOL 110/111.

Scientific Investigation (SI)

Counts Toward Environmental Studies

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BIOL B228 Drosophila as a model for neurogenetics

Spring 2023

This course will allow students to gain firsthand experience in how to use the Drosophila melanogaster model to perform original research in neurogenetics. Students will be provided with a novel gene to study and assess the role of these genes in a diversity of behavioral assays. The course will be a mixture of lecture, laboratory activity, paper discussion, and student presentation.

Scientific Investigation (SI)

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BIOL B230 Ecological Exiles and Sustainability

Not offered 2022-23

The fossil record writes a natural history of forced past migrations of organisms due to physiological intolerances of shifting climatic conditions. These paleo stories of ecological exiles provide an informative backdrop for our own species as we grapple with the potential of becoming ecological exiles ourselves within our own lifetimes based on projections by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. For instance, the 2018 World Bank Report projects that climate change could force over 140 million people to migrate by 2050. Actions in support of sustainability initiatives are imperative to the health and well being of our species as we grapple with the status quo and the challenge of environmental injustices. This workshop-based course will begin with the concept of ecological exiles then consider how local initiatives on campus and beyond can help us to work towards global goals for sustainable development. For students enrolled in the Russophone Diaspora 360 cluster, the concept of ecological exiles will be enriched by considering the literature and lived experiences of Russophone émigrés.

Scientific Investigation (SI)

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BIOL B236 Evolution

Spring 2023

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.

Scientific Investigation (SI)

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BIOL B255 Microbiology

Spring 2023

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: BIOL 110 and CHEM B104.

Scientific Investigation (SI)

Counts Toward Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Counts Toward Environmental Studies

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BIOL B262 Urban Ecosystems

Fall 2022

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. Prerequisite: BIOL B110 or B111 or ENVS B101.

Course does not meet an Approach

Counts Toward Environmental Studies

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BIOL B271 Developmental Biology

Fall 2022

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. Prerequisite: one semester of BIOL 110-111 or permission of instructor.

Scientific Investigation (SI)

Counts Toward Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

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BIOL B303 Human Physiology

Not offered 2022-23

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, or permission of instructor.

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BIOL B305 Sleep and Biological Rhythms

Fall 2022

This seminar course will survey our current understanding of chronobiology and sleep at the molecular, cellular, and organismal level. Classes will be a mixture of lecture, discussion, and student presentations based on both historical and current primary literature. Prerequisite: PSYC H217, PSYC B218, or BIOL B202 or permission of instructor.

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BIOL B317 Evolution and Medicine

Not offered 2022-23

An opportunity to apply evolutionary thinking to the prevention and treatment of human disease. Course themes include: pathogen evolution; evolution of defense mechanisms; reproductive medicine; cancer as an evolutionary process; disease-associated allele frequencies in populations; individual health versus population health. A problem-based seminar course with a focus on the primary research literature. Three hours of course meetings per week. Prerequisite: Required: BIOL 110 or 111 or permission of instructor. At least one of the following courses is recommended but not required: BIOL 201 (Genetics), BIOL 206 (Genomics), or BIOL 236 (Evolution).

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BIOL B321 Neuroethology

Not offered 2022-23

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 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

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BIOL B323 Coastal and Marine Ecology

Not offered 2022-23

An interdisciplinary course exploring the ecological, biogeochemical, and physical aspects of coastal and marine ecosystems. We will compare intertidal habitats in both temperate and tropical environments, with a specific emphasis on global change impacts on coastal systems (e.g. sea level rise, warming, and species shifts). Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours per week. In 2020 the course will have a mandatory field trip to a tropical marine field station and an overnight field trip to a temperate field station in the mid-Atlantic. Prerequisite: BIOL B220 or BIOL B225.

Counts Toward Environmental Studies

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BIOL B330 Ecological Modeling

Fall 2022

The survival of humanity depends upon natural resources and ecosystem services. To make important decisions about environmental problems, society needs to understand ecological systems. However, ecological systems are inherently complex. Statistical models coupled with empirical data and simulations provide a means of exploring the complexity of ecological systems to better inform environmental decisions. This class will introduce students to a variety of ecological models while instilling an appreciation for the types of uncertainties that may shroud models to better understand inferences made from them. The course will be taught as a hands-on integrated lab/lecture where students will be expected to program regularly, primarily in R. Prerequisite: BIOL B215 or BIOL B250.

Quantitative Readiness Required (QR)

Counts Toward Data Science

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BIOL B332 Global Change Biology

Not offered 2022-23

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 on ecosystems by critically reading and analyzing the primary literature and the latest IPCC report. In 2021, there will be a mandatory one-day field trip to the Smithsonian Global Change Research Wetland. Prerequisites: BIOL B220, BIOL 225 or BIOL B262, or permission of instructor.

Counts Toward Environmental Studies

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BIOL B338 Advanced Topics in Neurobiology: Learning and Memory

Spring 2023

This course broadly surveys the diverse array of topics, model organisms, and approaches within the field of learning and memory. The goal is to help students develop the necessary background to understand current literature in the field. This will be achieved through a combination of lectures, discussions, and presentations based on original research in the literature.

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BIOL B352 Immunology

Not offered 2022-23

An introduction to immunology with a focus on the dynamic network of molecules and cells underlying the vertebrate immune response. This problem-based workshop course uses primary research articles and a curiosity-driven, open-ended laboratory research project to make sense of complicated biology and empower each student to build a big-picture view of this fast-moving, interdisciplinary field. Key themes include: immune cell specification and development; molecular recognition and immune cell signaling; generation of immunological memory; and cancer immunotherapies. Learning strategies include problem solving, small group discussion, and critical analysis of the primary literature. Three hours of class meetings and three hours of lab per week. Prerequisite: BIOL B110.

Counts Toward Health Studies

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BIOL B354 Basic Concepts and Special Topics in Biochemistry

Spring 2023

For post-baccalaureate premedical students and non-majors who meet the prerequisites. Course does not count toward the Biology, Chemistry or BCMB Majors; students majoring in Biology, Chemistry or BCMB should take BIOL B375 or CHEM B242. Prerequisites: one semester of BIOL B110/B111 and CHEM 211, or permission of the instructor.

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BIOL B364 Developmental Neurobiology

Not offered 2022-23

A lecture/discussion course on major topics in the development of the nervous system. Lecture three hours a week. Prerequisite: BIOL 201 or 271, BIOL 202 or equivalent, or permission of instructor.

Counts Toward Neuroscience

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BIOL B375 Biochemistry

Fall 2022

This course will focus on the structure and function of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids, enzyme kinetics, and central metabolic pathways. 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. Prerequisites: BIOL B110 and two semesters of Organic Chemistry (CHEM B211/B212).

Counts Toward Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

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BIOL B376 Molecular Biology

Spring 2023

This course focuses on the 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 or BIOL B375 or permission of instructor.

Counts Toward Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

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BIOL B391 Senior Seminar in Biochemistry

Not offered 2022-23

The unifying theme of this semester's senior seminar will be Biochemical Mechanisms of Infectious Diseases. Specific discussion topics will be chosen by students enrolled in the course and will be examined with critical readings and oral presentations of work from the research literature. In addition, students will select and research a particular pathogen/infectious disease, produce a significant written document based on their research, and present their research orally to the Biology Department. Three hours of class lecture and discussion a week, supplemented by frequent meetings with individual students. Prerequisites: open to senior Biology majors only; one of the following classes: BIOL 375, CHEM 242, BIOL 255, BIOL 201, or permission of instructor.

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BIOL B398 Senior Seminar

Section 001 (Fall 2022): Climate change
Section 001 (Fall 2021): Phenotypic Plasticity
Section 002 (Fall 2021): Cancer Biology

A senior seminar investigating the relationship of biological science and society. Three hours of discussion per week, supplemented by frequent meetings with individual students. Open to senior Biology majors only.

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BIOL B400 Senior Research

Independent laboratory research in the senior year, which includes written and oral presentation of a senior paper based on this research. Typically taken both in the fall and the spring, in the spring this course will require meeting for one hour every week as a group.

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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.

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BIOL B403 Supervised Laboratory Research in Biology

Laboratory research under the supervision of a member of the department. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

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BIOL B403 Supervised Laboratory Research in Biology

Laboratory research under the supervision of a member of the department. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

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ANTH B207 Becoming Human: Evolutionary Perspectives on Human Anatomy

Not offered 2022-23

Millions of years of evolution have shaped human anatomy, creating a unique bipedal ape with a very large brain. What can our bones, muscles, and physiology tell us about our evolutionary past? In this course you will learn about human biology from an evolutionary perspective by considering humans as primates with a unique evolutionary trajectory. We will consider both how humans are biologically unique and how our primate origins have shaped who we are today. Topics will include human osteology and odontology, functional anatomy, energetics, reproduction, and diversity. Furthermore, we will explore current hypotheses and evidence regarding important questions in human origins and evolution, including whether bipedalism is an efficient and effective form of locomotion, why human reproduction can be a difficult and dangerous process, and which modern day health issues are a result of a mismatch between our current lifestyles and our evolutionary adaptations.

Inquiry into the Past (IP)

Scientific Investigation (SI)

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ANTH B208 Human Biology

Not offered 2022-23

This course will be a survey of modern human biological variation. We will examine the patterns of morphological and genetic variation in modern human populations and discuss the evolutionary explanations for the observed patterns. A major component of the class will be the discussion of the social implications of these patterns of biological variation, particularly in the construction and application of the concept of race. Prerequisite: ANTH 101 or permission of instructor.

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ANTH B209 Human Evolution: Debates in Paleoanthropology

Not offered 2022-23

This course explores the biological and cultural evolution of humans as viewed from the fossil and archaeological record, beginning with our earliest ancestors and continuing to the dispersal of modern humans around the globe. We will use comparative, functional, and evolutionary anatomy to interpret past behaviors and relationships among fossil hominins, as well as their relationship to modern humans. Furthermore, we will use geology, archaeology, and paleoecology to reconstruct behavioral aspects of fossil hominins and their environmental influences. Throughout the course, we will focus our discussions on major debates in paleoanthropology. Prerequisite: ANTH 101 or permission of instructor.

Scientific Investigation (SI)

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ANTH B317 Disease and Human Evolution

Spring 2023

Pathogens and humans have been having an "evolutionary arms race" since the beginning of our species. In this course, we will examine how natural selection and other evolutionary forces shape our susceptibility to disease, and how we have adapted to resist disease. We will also address how concepts of Darwinian medicine impact our understanding of how people might be treated most effectively. We will focus on infectious and chronic diseases, and the anthropogenic effects contributing to the observed distribution of various diseases and illnesses, such as climate change and racism, and their interactions.

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CHEM B103 General Chemistry I

Fall 2022

This is an introductory course in chemistry, open to students with no previous chemistry experience. Topics include aqueous solutions and solubility; the electronic structure of atoms and molecules; chemical reactions and energy; intermolecular forces. Examples discussed in lecture and laboratory include applications of the material to environmental sciences, material science and biological chemistry. Lecture three hours, recitation one hour and laboratory three hours a week. Prerequisite: Quantitative Readiness Required.

Quantitative Methods (QM)

Quantitative Readiness Required (QR)

Scientific Investigation (SI)

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CHEM B104 General Chemistry II

Section 001 (Spring 2022): Enriched Section
Section 001 (Spring 2023): Enriched Section

Spring 2023

For students who have completed General Chemistry I or have some previous work in chemistry. Topics include chemical kinetics; aqueous solutions and solubility; chemical equilibrium; electrochemistry; thermochemistry. Examples discussed in lecture and laboratory workshop include nuclear chemistry, geochemistry, environmental sciences, material sciences and biological chemistry. One section of the course is designed for students considering a major in the sciences and takes an interdisciplinary approach to the course topics. Lecture three hours, recitation one hour and laboratory three hours a week. Prerequisite: CHEM B103 with a grade of at least 2.0 or permission of the instructor.

Quantitative Methods (QM)

Quantitative Readiness Required (QR)

Scientific Investigation (SI)

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CHEM B377 Biochemistry II: Biochemical Pathways and Metabolism

Spring 2023

This course is a continuation of CHEM B242 or BIOL B375. Biochemical pathways involved in cellular metabolism will be explored in molecular detail. Energy producing, degradation, and biosynthetic pathways involving sugars, fats, amino acids, and nucleotides will be discussed with an emphasis on structures and mechanisms, experimental methods, regulation, and integration. Additional topics, drawn from the primary research literature, may be covered. Readings will be drawn from textbooks and from the primary literature and assessments may include oral presentations, problem sets, written examinations, and writing assignments. This is a second course in Biochemistry and assumes a strong foundation in the fundamentals of Biochemistry. Prerequisite: BIO 375 or CHEM 242, or permission of instructor.

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