Undergraduate Course Catalog

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81.100	Research Experience I	Credits: 1
83.100	Introduction to Biology	Credits: 3
Presents environmental and organismal structural interrelationships and relates these to the chemical evolutionary basis of life. Not suitable for credit towards any degree in the Division of Sciences.
83.101	Life Science I	Credits: 3
Presents environmental and organismal structural interrelationships and relates these to the chemical evolutionary basis of life. Suitable as a Natural Science Elective for a degree in the Division of Sciences.
83.102	Life Science II	Credits: 3
Emphasis is on systems structure and function. The cellular organization of plants and animals leads into physiological processes of higher organisms with great emphasis on humans. Among topics considered are nutrition and digestion, cellular metabolism, circulation, respiration, excretion, nervous and skeletal-muscular systems. Also considered are the chemical interactions of these systems with immunity, hormonal and reproductive processes. Suitable as a Natural Science Elective for a degree in the Division of Sciences.
83.103	Life Science I Laboratory	Credits: 1
Concerned with experimentation and interpretation of some of the concepts of Life Science I. Suitable as a Natural Science Elective for a degree in the Division of Sciences.
81.103	Environmental Biotechnology	Credits: 3
This UML TEAMS Academy course will investigate the chemical and biological impact of human activity on aquatic environments. A specific focus of this course will be to observe the behavior of microorganisms impacted by pollutants introduced into the environment by humans. Students will explore possible engineering solutions to alleviate the problems caused by pollutants. This course can be described as "inquiry based discovery" and will rely heavily on laboratory investigations and laboratory based projects analyzing environmental samples collected in the field. This course is open only to high school students accepted to the UML-TEAMS Academy. Instructor permission required.
83.104	Life Science II Laboratory	Credits: 1
Involved with experimentation and interpretation of some of the concepts of Life Science II. Suitable as a Natural Science Elective for a degree in the Division of Sciences.
83.105	Introduction to Biology Lab	Credits: 1
Concerned with experimentation and interpretation of some of the concepts of Life Science I. Not suitable for credit towards any degree in the Division of Sciences.
81.111	Principles of Biology I	Credits: 3
Introduces topics such as the chemical and physical basis of life, its evolution, diversity, distribution, and interrelationships of life forms. The central theme of genetic replication, translation, expression, and selection will be emphasized as a unifying principle which determines and integrates structure and function at the cellular, individual population, and community levels of organization. Designed for those students who intend to pursue career options in the biological sciences, biotechnology or related areas such as medicine, biomedical research, radiological sciences or environmental sciences. It is the first-semester course of a two-semester sequence.
81.112	Principles of Biology II	Credits: 3
Serves as a continuation of the 81.111/81.112 sequence for those students who intend to pursue career options in the biological sciences or related professional areas such as medicine, biomedical research or environmental sciences. Molecular energy exchange in organisms (photosynthesis and respiratory metabolism), the common functional needs of support, locomotion, nutrition, internal communication and the maintenance of homeostasis are considered. Control and regulation of organisms at levels beyond the individual are considered through discussions of population and community ecology.
81.113	Introduction Experimental Biology I	Credits: 1
Presents a series of field trips and laboratory exercises designed to introduce the student to concepts of the distribution and maintenance of life. Specific consideration is given to the diversity and organization of local ecosystems; the continuation of life is considered through exercises covering mitosis, meiosis, genetics, and evolutionary biology.
81.114	Principles of Biology II Laboratory	Credits: 1
Provides laboratory experiments, analyses, and dissections designed to introduce the student to biological techniques and processes at the sub-cellular, cellular, and organ systems levels.
81.115	Introduction To Biology Seminar	Credits: 1
Freshman Seminar in Biology (Honors section available) This course offers a small group seminar format for problem solving and discussion with faculty and staff. It is designed for individual participation in exploring concepts related to material considered in Principles of Biology I and II (81.111 and 81.112). Required of freshman students; optional, with permission of instructor, to others registered in lecture section.
81.116	Freshman Seminar:Biology	Credits: 1
Freshman Seminar in Biology (Honors section available) This course offers a small group seminar format for problem solving and discussion with faculty and staff. It is designed for individual participation in exploring concepts related to material considered in Principles of Biology I and II (81.111 and 81.112). Required of freshman students; optional, with permission of instructor, to others registered in lecture section.
81.117	Experimental Biology I	Credits: 1
81.118	Experimental Biology II	Credits: 1
83.123	Nutrition and Disease	Credits: 3
Serves as an interdisciplinary survey course for students not majoring in Biology, which deals with human nutrition as it relates to various chronic disease states. Methods of detection and treatment of the disorders will be considered as well as general concepts of health promotion/disease prevention. Specific topics covered include the role of nutrition in: heart disease, diabetes, alcoholism, obesity, senility-geriatrics, gallbladder disease, cancer, anorexia nervosa-bulimia, and pregnancy. Not suitable for credit towards any degree in the Division of Sciences.
83.125	Plants and Human Society	Credits: 3
This course is designed primarily to fulfill the science elective requirement for the non-science major. Its purpose is to provide the undergraduate student who is not majoring in the biological sciences with an introduction to the study of plants and their importance in our everyday world. The importance of plants in agriculture, medicine and industry will be emphasized. Not suitable for credit towards any degree in the Division of Sciences.
83.127	Plants & Human Society Lab	Credits: 1
Not suitable for credit towards any degree in the Division of Sciences.
83.130	Genes, Man and Technology	Credits: 3
Not suitable for credit towards any degree in the Division of Sciences.
81.201	General Microbiology	Credits: 3
A study of the general properties of bacteria and viruses (anatomy, physiology, genetics,metabolism, cultivation, and growth); discussions include major microbial infections in man (etiologic agent, antibiotics and chemotherapy) and an examination of the role of the microbes in the environment.
81.203	General Microbiology Laboratory	Credits: 2
A series of laboratory exercises covering basic qualitative and quantitative techniques commonly employed in a microbiology laboratory.
83.214	Human Ecology	Credits: 3
Designed to reveal and discuss the increasing problems of overpopulation in regard to environmental deterioration, living space, limits of natural resources and the adverse effects of human alteration on destruction of the natural ecosystem. The implications of current literature and news items will be emphasized. Not suitable for credit towards any degree in the Division of Sciences.
81.215	Introduction to Marine Biology	Credits: 3
Introduces the marine environment with major consideration given to the biological and ecological aspects. Emphasis is on the flora and fauna of New England. Corequisite: 81.217
81.217	Introduction to Marine Biology Laboratory	Credits: 1
A series of laboratory exercises and field trips designed to emphasize the material covered in 81.215. Corequisite 81.215
81.252	Physiology	Credits: 3
Presents a comprehensive study of the fundamental mechanisms governing mammalian physiology. The role of cell physiology in determining systemic functions and coordinating biological control systems will be emphasized. Maintenance of homeostasis will be discussed in terms of biochemical, cytological, anatomical, and physical principles.
81.254	Physiology Laboratory	Credits: 2
81.300	Directed Research Experience II	Credits: 2
81.306	Invertebrate Zoology	Credits: 3
A survey of the phyla of invertebrate animals. Discussions include their physiology, development, morphology, behavior, ecology and adaptations. Corequisite: 81.308
81.308	Invertebrate Zoology Lab	Credits: 1
A broad spectrum of living and preserved specimens are studied in the laboratory with regard to both structure and function. Corequisite 81.306
81.315	Principles of Ecology	Credits: 3
A series of lectures concerned with the interrelationships of organisms with their abiotic environment with emphasis on the New England area. Selected current topics will supplement the text.
81.317	Principles of Ecology Laboratory	Credits: 1
A series of laboratory exercises to supplement and illustrate lectures of 81.315. Field trips are an integral part of the course involving sampling and analysis of such ecosystem components as water, soil, invertebrate fauna and characteristic flora of various habitats. Directed readings, quizzes, practical exam and oral presentation of a research topic are integral parts of the course.
81.320	Botany	Credits: 3
Serves as an introduction to the study of the plant kingdom dealing with the structure, function, and diversity of plants with an emphasis on seed plants. The physiology, morphology, and taxonomy of plants is emphasized.
81.322	Botany Laboratory	Credits: 1
Emphasizes material covered in 81.320 using field and laboratory exercises.
81.335	Principles of Genetics	Credits: 3
The theories of both classical and molecular genetics are explored with emphasis on the experimental evidence which has laid the foundation for contemporary understanding of genetics. Included is the nature of the genetic material, gene action, genetic recombination, gene regulation, gene interaction, the production and inheritance of genetic phenotypes, chromosomal mechanics, and the behavior of genes in populations.
81.337	Experimental Genetics	Credits: 1
Techniques of genetic analysis using molecular, prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. There is an emphasis on problem solving and statistical methods.
81.340	Environmental Biological Elecectives	Credits: 3
Environmental Biological Elecectives
81.401	Supervised Teaching Biology I	Credits: 1
Through observation, preparation of material and presentation of demonstrations in selected courses offered by the Department of Biological Sciences, the student becomes familiar with the materials and teaching/learning situations in biology.
81.402	Supervised Teaching Biology II	Credits: 1
Through observation, preparation of material and presentation of demonstrations in selected courses offered by the Department of Biological Sciences, the student becomes familiar with the materials and teaching/learning situations in biology.
81.404	Enviromental Microbiology	Credits: 3
Examination of microbial communities in natural and artificial environments and interactions between microorganisms and their abiotic environments. Consideration is given to the role of microorganisms in the flux of energy and matter through ecosystems at molecular, ecosystem, and global scales; microbial consortia and symbioses; and modern techniques in environmental microbiology.
81.405	Bioinformatics	Credits: 3
Lectures cover the biological and computational basis of approaches to sequence alignment, gene detection, protein structure prediction, phylogenetic inference, analysis of microarray gene expression data, gene mapping and comparative genomics. permission of instructor.
81.407	Bioinformatics Laboratory	Credits: 1
Computer-based exercises and independent projects designed to showcase the capabilities and limitations of available computational tools used in genome research.
81.411	Senior Research Biology	Credits: 4
An individual, directed one-year research program for senior biology majors selected on the basis of previous academic performance at the end of the junior year. A topic will be chosen after consultation with a faculty member. A report of the research in the form of a thesis is required. Students may not receive credit for either 81.411 or 81.412 alone.
81.412	Senior Research: Biology	Credits: 4
An individual, directed one-year research program for senior biology majors selected on the basis of previous academic performance at the end of the junior year. A topic will be chosen after consultation with a faculty member. A report of the research in the form of a thesis is required. Students may not receive credit for either 81.411 or 81.412 alone.
81.413	Invertebrate Zoology II	Credits: 3
An in depth exploration of the deutorostome phyla with a focus on anatomy, ecology and evolution of the lophophorates, Echinodermata, Chaetognatha, Hemichordata and Chordata. Includes readings from the primary literature.
81.415	Invertebrate Zoology Lab II	Credits: 1
The laboratory study of live and preserved specimens of invertebrate animals with a focus on anatomy and functional morphology.
81.419	Biochemistry	Credits: 3
Studies the structure and properties of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids which combined with a discussion of elementary enzymology allows for detailed descriptions of several important degradative and biosynthetic pathways, their integration and regulation. Throughout the course, emphasis is on methods and practical application of fundamental information to the solution of problems of current biomedical interest.
81.420	Biochemistry II	Credits: 3
A continuation of 81.419 which will include the following topics: a) biosynthesis and degradation of amino acids, purine and pyrimidine nucleotides, and regulation of these metabolic pathways, b) structure and function of chromatin DNA and RNA, and c) mechanism of DNA, RNA, d) mechanism of DNA, RNA and protein biosynthesis and regulation of gene expression.
81.421	Biochemistry Techniques	Credits: 2
A series of discussions and "hands on" laboratory exercises emphasizing techniques and use of equipment most commonly employed in biochemicaI-biomedicaI research laboratories. Techniques to be mastered include: cell culture, cell fractionation, enzyme purification, ultracentrifugation, UV-visible spectrophotometry, spectrofluorometry, various types of chromatography (thin layer, gas, gel exclusion, ion exchange), electrophoresis, liquid scintillation spectrometry, and the safe handling and application of radioisotopes to problems in biochemistry. Wherever possible, the principles presented in 81.419 will be used as a basis for experimentation using the above techniques.
81.423	Biology of Global Change	Credits: 3
An examination of the role of life processes in controlling the cycling of elements on the surface of the Earth and atmosphere from the molecular to the global level. Students will learn how the different physical components of Earth interact, how these interactions are influenced by life, and how they affect Earth's habitability now and in the future.
81.440	Advances in Plant Biology	Credits: 3
Examination of a range of topics in plant biology with an emphasis on processes that are unique to plants. The course will focus first on the role of plants in human affairs, and basic plant anatomy, physiology and genetics followed by three or more topics at an advanced level. Typical focus areas may include biosynthesis and regulation of fatty acids, metabolism of aromatic amino acids, studies of pathways leading to the synthesis of useful natural plant products and the genetic manipulation of plants to promote plant improvement.
81.442	Cell Biology	Credits: 3
Deals with the study of the cell and its cytoplasm incorporating the structure of cell membranes and the organelles they define; specialized organelles dealing with energy capture and transduction, some aspects of histochemical and biochemical studies on cytoplasmic organelles at the electron microscopic level. An introduction into cytogenetics and nuclear cytology; a brief discussion of prokaryotic cells.
81.451	Senior Seminar	Credits: 1
Seminar discussion of selected topics of current research interest. An oral seminar presentation as well as a written report are required of all biology seniors. Must be taken twice.
81.457	Advanced Invertebrate Zoology	Credits: 3
Comparative functional morphology, life histories, and phylogeny of a particular taxon (Crustacea, Molusca) of invertebrates.
81.459	Advanced Invertebrate Zoology Laboratory	Credits: 1
Classification, identification, anatomy and physiology of selected invertebrates.
81.460	Stem Cell Biology	Credits: 3
The molecular and genetic characteristics of stem cells and their developmental potential will be explored. Lectures and readings will cover the development of embryonic, fetal and adult stem cells, and will examine their use in treating human disorders receiving widesread attention, including neurodegenerative diseases, heart disease, spinal cord injury and leukemia. The ethical, legal and social implications of stem cell research will also be discussed. Additional library investigation and a term paper or seminar will be required.
81.467	Molecular Biology	Credits: 3
A study of the principles and specialized techniques of cloning, purifying, and manipulating recombinant DNA molecules.
81.468	Biology of Global Change	Credits: 3
81.469	Molecular Biology Laboratory	Credits: 2
Laboratory experiments and independent projects designed to illustrate current techniques and instrumentation used in genetic engineering. Included are restriction mapping, cloning, plasmid purification, blot hybridization, PCR, and DNA sequencing. Students are introduced to computer software utilized for DNA sequence analysis and manipulation.
81.472	Virology	Credits: 3
A study of bacterial, animal, and plant viruses, including viral structure, modes of replication, biochemistry of the infected cell, genetic properties, and viral oncogenesis. Emphasis is on viruscell interaction at the molecular level.
81.476	Cell Culture	Credits: 3
A erie of lecture and laboratory exercises that will focu on the in vitro culture and analyis of multiple cell type commonly used in biomedical research laboratories. The lecture component will review methodologies used to establish immortalized cell lines, medium component for specific cell types, and techniques for genetically manipulating and analyzing cell lines. The laboratory exercises will emphasize the mastery of sterile techniques used to grow both established cell line and primary cultures, and molecular tools used for introducing recombinant genes and for analyzing cell growth and differentiation.
81.482	Cancer Biology	Credits: 3
A study of the genes and proteins implicated in the cause of human cancer and discussion of the complex behaviors of cancer cells that differ from their normal counterparts in human tissue. Lectures and original research papers will be used.
81.490	Human Neurobiology	Credits: 3
A study of cellular and systems neurobiology with a focus on how these relate to human health and disease. Particular attention will be given to illustrating functional neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of the human CNS using investigations into the pathogenic mechanisms of a variety of human neurodegenerative diseases including epilepsy, Alzheimer's Disease, Huntington's Disease, ALS among others. Note: Graduate level enrollees will be responsible for additional reading and writing.
81.491	Senior Project: Biology	Credits: 4
Individual, directed one semester research project taken in the fall and/or spring. Presentation of an acceptable project plan at the time of registration is required. A project report is required.
81.492	Senior Project: Biology	Credits: 4
Individual, directed one semester research project taken in the fall and/or spring. Presentation of an acceptable project plan at the time of registration is required. A project report is required.
81.493	Immunology	Credits: 3
A study of the nature of the immune response with sections on antibody structure, function and production; antigen-antibody reactions; immunogenetics; and immune regulation, protection and injury.
81.495	Immunology Laboratory	Credits: 2
A series of basic laboratory exercises dealing with the preparation, isolation and characterization of antigens, antibodies and effector cells.
81.496	Practicum Experience	Credits: 3
On-campus and/or off-campus experiences are developed by the student in consultation with a member of the student's major department. Specific requirements will vary depending upon department policies and the nature of the program undertaken by the student. The intent of the practicum experience is to provide an occasion for investigation of a scientific area and for applying techniques of problem solving and/or skills which are appropriate to the student's major discipline. The practicum experience may not be substituted for a required course in the major.
81.498	Directed Study: Biology	Credits: 2