The mathematical foundations of population dynamics and species interactions as applied to population and community ecology and problems in conservation biology. One semester of calculus is recommended. Prerequisite: BIOL 3020 or EVSC 3200

Introduction to the fundamental principles of conservation biology (e.g., global species numbers, value of biodiversity, causes of extinction, genetic diversity, island biogeography, priority setting) and current topics of debate (including zoo versus field conservation, effects of global change on species extinction). Conservation case studies will allow students to judge the relevance of biological theory to practical problems in conservation.

Infectious disease impacts every human, plant and animal on earth. What is the most deadly disease in human history? What is killing our ocean's turtles? Why is Zika so scary? We will explore questions related to the biology, transmission, and pathogenicity of infectious agents across the world. We will also place special emphasis on what it takes to successfully control an infectious disease.

This is an introductory course that takes a multidisciplinary approach to studying the relationship between plants and people. The course focuses on providing students foundational information on the growth, development, physiology and genetics of plants and explores the connection between plants and people by looking at the use of plants as sources of food, shelter, medicinals and manufactured goods.

One of the most important characteristics of life is the ability to reproduce. In order to produce new life, multicellular organisms evolved specialized cells whose only purpose is reproduction ¿ the germ cells. Germ cells are the only cells that persist from one generation to the next and are often called immortal. We will decipher how these totipotent stem cells function in order to faithfully create the next generation of organisms.

This course uses a case study approach to examine cellular processes that underlie diverse diseases and to identify the relevant molecular components that have been validated or that may serve as new therapeutic targets. We will discuss both established, transformative drugs as well as novel, emerging therapies under development. We will consider socio-economic and demographic issues that impact the accessibility and affordability of new drugs.

This seminar course revolves around student-led presentations of primary literature in the field of cancer therapy using novel approaches including immunotherapies. Objectives include providing the student with significant exposure to primary literature and the development of critical thinking skills. Prerequisite: BIOL 3240.

How has a bioluminescent jellyfish saved lives? What does a Himalayan pond fish have to do with research into the origins of psychiatric disorders? Innovative methods in biomedical research have played a significant part in the development of revolutionary disease cures, treatments and diagnostics. This course will examine many of these technical approaches and how they have led to such significant discoveries in basic biomedical research.Prerequisite: BIOL 3010

MLBS sits on the Eastern Continental Divide providing an incredible diversity of freshwater habitats. Proficiency in ichthyology will be developed through field trips and lab work. Themes include: fish ID; patterns and drivers of diversity; interactions on individual, population, community and ecosystem levels; evolution; and influences of human activities. Students will design and conduct a research project and present at a class symposium.

Microbes rule. In this course, we will explore how microbes rule the world and how genomics has revolutionized the way we study them. Fundamental principles of microbiology will be introduced. Topics include microbial cell structure, metabolism, genetics, diversity, evolution and infectious disease. Laboratory work will complement lecture topics and cover the core themes & concepts, as recommended by the American Society of Microbiology.