First semester of a full year course for science majors. Introduction to biochemical basis of living systems, cell and molecular biology, mitosis and meiosis, principles of genetics, developmental biology. Includes lecture and discussion sections.. Gen Ed: BS.

This course is a 2 credit laboratory experience that allows students to apply the biological concepts covered in Biology 151 and 152 Introductory Biology in laboratory and field settings. Students will develop and practice scientific research skills while exploring the areas of genetics, cell and molecular biology, evolution, and ecology. To enroll, students must be co-enrolled in Biology 152 (Introductory Biology II) or have completed the 2 semester Introductory Biology Sequence (Biology 151 and 152).

A lecture series introducing the natural history, reproductive biology, functional morphology, and evolution of the major groups of marine vertebrates. Species native to the North Atlantic and Caribbean will be emphasized, including selected sharks, teleosts, turtles, birds and mammals. Grading will be based on two multiple choice exams. A note set must be purchased (at cost), but no other text is required. Prerequisites: Grades of C or better in Biology 151, 152 & 153.

Introduction to genetics including Mendelian and molecular developmental. Examples from a wide variety of organisms. Satisfies major requirements in Biology.

Course designed for sophomore-level majors in life sciences. Building upon concepts introduced in BIOL 100/101, consideration is given to structure and function at the cellular, subcellular, and molecular levels. The course is equally divided between aspects of molecular and cellular biology. Prerequisites: a grade of C or better in Biology 151, 152 & 153 and in Chemistry 111 & 112.

Lectures cover the physiology of humans and other vertebrates on a system by system basis (e.g. circulatory system, respiratory system, digestive system, etc.). Emphasis is placed on understanding fundamental physiological concepts such as diffusion, membrane potentials, biomechanics and biocontrol. Problem sets and exams give students practice working with physiological concepts. This course concentrates primarily on human physiology, but examples from other vertebrate animals are used to illustrate some physiological phenomena. Prerequisites: Grades of C or better in Biology 151, 152, & 153.

In this class we will discuss concepts and applications of modern DNA technology including an introduction to the basic concepts pertaining to the emerging field of genomics. We will begin by describing key molecular methods (cloning, sequencing, blotting, PCR) and how they are used in gene analysis. We will then move on to consider how entire genomes are analyzed, and will familiarize ourselves with some of the basic bioinformatics' tools that are commonly used by working biologists. Finally we will consider the methods used to manipulate genomes as a means to determining gene function. This course is intended for sophomores and juniors, and should serve as a bridge between 200-level courses and more advanced, specialty courses (e.g., 500-level courses). Prerequisite: Biology 285 or Biochem 275.

Cellular and Molecular Biology Lab is a hands-on project-based course where students explore aspects of cell biology, particularly how proteins within cells are targeted to their correct intracellular location. The class will focus on targeting proteins to intracellular organelles. To approach this cell biological question, students will be using a host of current tools in the life sciences including, bioinformatics, DNA cloning, cell transformation, and microscopy. This course is meant to provide a laboratory perspective to many of the concepts taught in Biology 285. It is NOT necessary to have taken Biology 285, but students must at least be enrolled in Biology 285 concurrently with this course.

Introduction to experimental methods in ecology with an emphasis on rigorous experimental design, hypothesis testing, methods of data collection, and introductory data analysis. Laboratory will involve field trips, greenhouse experiments, and computer time.

Vertebrate collections are indispensable to the teaching of all whole organism biology courses. They are the repositories of Study of DNA, study skins, hides, preserved specimens, and comparative osteological material. Collections contain regional and global reference collections, provide secure storage for specimens of regional and historic importance, support a library of DNA samples and the specimens from which they were collected and also serve as the repository for type specimens. Maintenance of biological collections not only requires space and money but also require a highly dedicated and trained staff in order to be useful. Without constant maintenance even the smallest collections will deteriorate to the point of uselessness. Today many collections are being orphaned and/or discarded by colleges and universities. Qualified preparators, collections managers and curators are few and far between. During the course of this semester we will learn how to legally obtain, prepare, catalogue, and store new specimens and maintain an historic collection of vertebrate specimens. There will be one weekly lecture and at least 3 additional hours of lab per week. Lectures meet for 2.5 hrs. (6:00 ¬ 8:30 PM).

In this interdisciplinary course, we will explore the topic of imaging biological material, beginning with optics and basic microscopy. Students will perform hands-on exercises in the use of the light microscope, digital cameras, and image processing and quantification. Common pitfalls in imaging biological samples will be covered. Students will perform experiments to test and quantify various aspects of cell migration, cell cycle regulation, mitosis and endocytosis. Using the methods learned in the first portion of the class, students will design and complete a hypothesis-based experiment of their own design and present their findings. Bioimaging is a laboratory-based course. Enrollment is limited and requires permission of the instructor.

This course focuses on the ecology, physiology, taxonomy, and behavior of organisms that inhabit the New World tropics. The centerpiece of the course is a nine-day field trip to Belize. The trip takes place over spring break and includes intensive exploration of marine and coastal habitats. Pre-requisite: At least one year of college biology courses, on-line application, and permission of instructor.

In this course we will investigate the integrative biology of animal movement, with in depth investigations into migration. We will begin by characterizing animal movements and locomotory styles among various taxa of animals and we will investigate the origins, underlying physiology, energetics, biomechanics, and ecology of complex animal movements.

This course focuses on the processes affecting the distribution of genetic variation in populations of organisms, through space and time. The processes studied are the ones that operate during evolutionary change. Topics covered will include the Hardy-Weinberg principle, gene flow, genetic drift, recombination and linkage disequilibrium, natural selection, the effect of mating systems on diversity, and the neutral theory of evolution. Examples illustrating key concepts will be drawn from various kingdoms of life. The course will consist of lectures and occasional in class discussion. Prerequisites: Biology 280 or 283, plus Math 127 or 128 or Statistics 111 or 240 or ResEcon 211 or 212.

In this course we explore the cellular structure and function of human tissues and organ systems. The laboratory component offers a unique opportunity for you to develop and refine your skills in microscopy and visual identification of cells, tissues, and organs as well as tissue sectioning, staining, immunohistochemistry, and imaging. This includes a semester-long group project where you will prepare samples, section, stain, and analyze an organ of your choice and explore how the histology of this organ is altered by disease. This course provides a strong background for those interested in pursing a career in health sciences or graduate school in cell biology, morphology, or physiology.

An advanced course focused on the evolution of macromolecules and the reconstruction of evolutionary history of genes, proteins and organisms. Potential topics include databases and sequence matching, molecular phylogenetics, gene duplication and divergence, genome evolution, and horizontal gene transfer. The course will consist of lectures, computer demonstrations and class discussions. Text: Molecular Evolution, W.-H. Li, 1997 and readings from primary literature. 2 hour-exams and 1 term paper. Prerequisite: Biology 280 or equivalent course.

This is an introductory course designed to familiarize students with the diversity of fishes. We will provide an overview of the biology, evolution and ecology of fishes. A phylogenetic approach will be used to look at major primitive to advanced fish groups. No prior coursework is required to take this course, but students are expected to have a general biology background and be enthusiastic in learning about this diverse group of organisms. The textbook to be used is “The Diversity of Fishes” by Helfman, Collete and Facey 2004. Only selected portions of the text will be required during the course. The lab is designed to supplement the lecture course with hands-on dissection, anatomy of preserved specimens and dry skeletons and identification of major lineages. 1 essay exam, final, 2 lecture quizzes, 2 lab practicals.

Lectures and readings on comparative biology, phylogenetic relationships and evolution of mammalian groups. Lab involves a detailed introduction to the New England mammals and study of selected representatives of most mammalian orders, emphasizing systematics, function and morphology. 2 hour exams, 2 lab exams, and final. Prerequisite: any life science course beyond the introductory level.

Discussion of cell structure and function; emphasis will be placed on the properties of individual molecules that contribute to cell function. Topics will include the mechanism and regulation of cell division; interactions of cells with each other and with the extracellular environment; cell motility; and the organization of membrane systems. Techniques used to study cells will also be discussed. Format will include both lectures and class presentations; quizzes, mid-term exams and written assignments will be included. Prerequisite: Biology 285.

Lectures cover the physiology of vertebrates and invertebrates on a system by system basis (e.g. circulatory system, digestive system, etc.). Comparisons between animals within each system and adaptations to "extreme" environments are emphasized. Weekly problem sets provide practice in physiological reasoning for each system covered. Animal design projects involve modeling the physiological systems of an extinct animal. Prerequisite: a grade of C or better in Biology 151, 152 & 153.

The mechanisms which generate endogenous daily, tidal, and annual oscillations in organisms will be considered at the level of physiology, genetics, and molecular and cell biology. The synchronization of these rhythms by the physical environment and the use of the clock for photoperiodism, reproductive cycles and migratory orientation will be studied. Readings from original scientific literature will be assigned. For junior and senior life science majors and graduate students. Prerequisite: BIOL 285 or equivalent.

Analysis of organismal development, with special attention to cell-cell interactions, cells fate determination, gene regulation, signal transduction, pattern formation and terminal differentiation. The emphasis will be on molecular approaches to these problems. Prerequisites: Biology 285 or equivalent recommended.

This course will provide an on-site introduction to the world's epicenter for aquatic and terrestrial diversity, the Amazon Basin. We will examine the Amazon's fauna, flora and ecosystems and we will have a chance to interact with people in small villages. Via riverboat, we'll travel to Careiro Island on the Amazon river, and to Novo Airao in the Negro River. Most of the time will be sent canoeing on floodplains and forests, the best way to experience the diversity of animals and plants. Students will complete self-designed research projects comparing the biodiversity of different habitats of the black and white water river systems.

This course will explore animal communication from several biological perspectives. We will explore how animals use different modalities of communication (sound, smell, electricity, etc.) and how these modes of sending and receiving information are limited by environmental constraints and their functions. We will look at the physiological and anatomical aspects of signal production and perception. The class will discuss the different types of messages encoded in signals and how they evolved. We will explore the evolution of sexually selected forms of communication (antlers, bird song, etc.) and the theories that attempt to explain their function and evolution. The lectures/discussions will draw on examples from a diverse selection of animals (insects, fish, birds, and mammals). Students will also work on projects where they will learn how to analyze and interpret different forms of vocal and visual communication.

This course deals with evolutionary processes on a molecular and genetic level and provides training in analytical methods related to detecting genetic variation, phylogenetics, recombination, horizontal gene transfer, comparative genomics, and the analysis of microbiomes. The course contains three intellectual parts: genetic variation (mutation process, evolutionary rates, the molecular clock, and selection and neutral evolution at the molecular level), genome evolution (genome size, the evolution of chromosomes, the evolution of introns, gene/genome duplication, genome reduction, transposons, retroelements, gene conversion, and horizontal gene transfer) and evolution of genetic systems (the evolution of sex and sexual reproduction, recombination rates, sex ratios, genomic conflict, viral RNA genomes and bacterial transduction, transformation and conjugation). This course will also include discussion of the social, ethical and legal issues surrounding genetic technology and evolutionary biology.

There are a mind-boggling 400,000 species of plants on earth, with new species discovered every year. Plants have evolved over hundreds of millions of years to efficiently capture the sun's energy and cycle oxygen in the atmosphere. How did this diversity come to be, and why are plants so varied in form and function? Explore the plants of the world in a hands-on laboratory setting using live temperate and tropical plants from the UMass greenhouses and forests. You will use this new-found knowledge to study your favorite plant in an independent project for the web.