• BIOL 3000

    Cell Biology
     Rating

    3.64

     Difficulty

    4.00

     GPA

    2.73

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    Examines the fundamental principles of eukaryotic cell biology at the molecular level. Topics will include: structure and function of the plasma membrane, transport of small molecules, ions and macromolecular complexes across membranes, protein trafficking, the cytoskeleton, signal transduction pathways , and the control of cell division and cellular proliferation. Prerequisites: Must have completed BIOL 2010 or BIOL 2100 or BME 2104 and any two of the following classes CHEM 1410, 1420, & 1820. BIOL 3000 is not repeatable.

  • BIOL 3010

    Genetics and Molecular Biology
     Rating

    2.91

     Difficulty

    4.05

     GPA

    2.96

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    What makes humans different from fruit flies? Why does your brain have neurons and not liver cells? This course is all about the answer to these questions: It's the genes! This course covers the chemical make-up of genes, how they're passed on through generations, how they're expressed and how that expression is regulated, how disruption in the structure and expression of genes arise and how those disruptions lead to cellular defects and disease. Prerequisite: Must have completed BIOL 2010 or BIOL 2100 or BME 2104 and either CHEM 1410 or CHEM 1810 or CHEM 1610. BIOL 3010 is not repeatable.

  • BIOL 4190

    Biological Clocks
     Rating

    3.10

     Difficulty

    4.20

     GPA

    3.05

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    Introduces biological timekeeping as used by organisms for controlling diverse processes, including sleep-wakefulness cycles, photoperiodic induction and regression, locomotor rhythmicity, eclosion rhythmicity, and the use of the biological clock in orientation and navigation. Prerequisite: BIOL 3000 or 3010 or 3020

  • BIOL 3050

    Introduction to Neurobiology
     Rating

    4.39

     Difficulty

    3.72

     GPA

    3.09

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    Analyzes the concepts of general neurobiology, including basic electrophysiology and electrochemistry, origin of bioelectric potentials, sensory, motor, integrative and developmental neurobiology, and conceptual models of simple learning. Prerequisite: Must have completed BIOL 2010 or BIOL 2100 or BME 2104 and BIOL 2020 or BIOL 2040. May not take if previously completed BIOL 3170.

  • BIOL 2100

    Introduction to Biology with Laboratory: Cell Biology & Genetics
     Rating

    3.89

     Difficulty

    3.83

     GPA

    3.12

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    BIOL 2100 is one of two semester courses that together provide an intensive introduction to biology for prospective Biology majors and pre-health (med, vet, dental) students. This course focuses on the fundamentals of cell biology and genetics with an emphasis on classical and modern experimental approaches. Lecture topics and concepts are reinforced and extended during once-weekly laboratory/small group discussions.

  • BIOL 3030

    Biochemistry
     Rating

    2.16

     Difficulty

    4.23

     GPA

    3.14

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    Biochemistry underlies nearly every biological process, from environmental science to medicine. When living systems are in chemical and energetic balance, organisms thrive. When they're out of balance, as in disease or unpredictable environments, life is compromised. This course will explain how simple chemical and physical principles apply to the major classes of biological macromolecules that maintain life.Prerequisite: BIOL 2010 or BIOL 2100 or BME 2104 and BIOL 2020 or BIOL 2040 and either CHEM 2410 or CHEM 1820

  • BIOL 4150

    Evolution of Sex
     Rating

    5.00

     Difficulty

    3.67

     GPA

    3.19

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    Despite the many benefits of asexual reproduction, the vast majority of eukaryotic organisms reproduce sexually. How sex evolved, and how it persists despite its many associated costs, are major unanswered questions in biology. We will explore the diversity of sexual reproduction and associated evolutionary phenomena with a focus on critically evaluating current research and theory in this field.Prerequisite: BIOL 3020 or permission from Instructor

  • BIOL 3410

    Human Anatomy and Physiology I
     Rating

    2.49

     Difficulty

    3.30

     GPA

    3.31

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    This course, the first in a two-course sequence, is an introduction to the structure and function of the human body. Review of the structure and physiology of cells and tissues leads to in-depth study of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Control mechanisms and the contributions of each system to overall homeostasis are emphasized.

  • BIOL 3450

    Biodiversity and Conservation
     Rating

    4.12

     Difficulty

    2.82

     GPA

    3.34

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    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.

  • BIOL 4250

    Human Genetics
     Rating

    4.31

     Difficulty

    3.71

     GPA

    3.37

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    Focuses on the fundamental knowledge about organization, expression, and inheritance of the human genome. Reviews classical Mendelian genetics and human genetic (pedigree) analysis. Emphasizes understanding human genetics in molecular terms. Includes gene mapping procedures, methodologies for identifying genes responsible for inherited diseases, the molecular basis of several mutant (diseased) states, the human genome project, and discussions about genetic screening and gene therapy. Prerequisite: BIOL 3010.

  • BIOL 4130

    Population Ecology and Conservation Biology
     Rating

    3.83

     Difficulty

    2.75

     GPA

    3.52

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    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

  • BIOL 1040

    The DNA Revolution in Science and Society
     Rating

    3.62

     Difficulty

    2.08

     GPA

    3.53

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    Imagine a world where your DNA is sequenced for free and any human gene can be altered at will. The goal of this course is to address the question: can our society be better prepared for this transformation in science? Is genetic privacy achievable or genetic discrimination avoidable? Who owns your genes? Do your genes drive your medical future? Classes involve student perspectives and discussions with experts in science, policy, ethics and law.

  • BIOL 4270

    Animal Behavior Laboratory
     Rating

    4.31

     Difficulty

    2.33

     GPA

    3.68

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    This laboratory course provides hands-on experiences with experimental approaches used to study animal behavior. The laboratory exercises explore visual and auditory sensory perception, biological clock, reproductive and aggressive behaviors using actively behaving animals such as hamsters, cichlid fish, crickets and electric fish. Students are given opportunities to design hypothesis-testing experiments in some laboratories.

  • BIOL 4045

    Neurodegenerative Diseases
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.74

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    This course for advanced undergrads will focus mainly on research about Alzheimer's disease, and will meet once/week for 3 hours. The first 3 weeks will be primarily didactic, and the remainder of the course will be a "journal club" in which primary research paper discussions will be led by teams of students. Assessments will be based on how well students lead and participate in discussions, and on exams.

  • BIOL 4012

    Evolution and Ecology of Infectious Diseases
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.81

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    In this course, we'll dive into our current understanding of the evolution and ecology of parasitic interactions through primary literature, modeling, and experimental design. Throughout, we will focus on generating and testing hypotheses, evaluating theoretical models with evidence, drawing parallels between diverse domains of life, and connecting evolutionary and ecological ideas to today's past, present, and future epidemics.

  • BIOL 4900

    Independent Study in Biology
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.82

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    Independent study under the direction of a Biology faculty member for students to read and critically assess primary research papers and current reviews in a focused area of the life sciences. Directed readings and discussions can be used to explore how contemporary topics and research areas can be incorporated into other formal courses. Students will have the opportunity to develop both scientific writing and oral presentation skills.

  • BIOL 4920

    Independent Research in Biology
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.84

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    Independent research for qualified undergraduates under the direction of a faculty member within the Biology Department. Prerequisite: Instructor Permission

  • BIOL 4585

    Selected Topics in Biology
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.85

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    Periodic seminar offerings to provide intensive study of the scientific literature in focused areas of Biology.

  • BIOL 8260

    Writing in Science: creating grant and research proposals
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.90

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    Developing skill in communicating scientific principles and writing compelling research proposals is essential for successful graduate training in the biological sciences. This seminar and workshop course will focus on how to create effective grant and research proposals in preparation for thesis research. Students will be actively involved by presenting their research progress and plans, and critiquing each other's written proposals.

  • BIOL 4910

    Independent Research in the Life Sciences
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.91

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    Undergraduate research under the direction of a UVA Professor who doesn't belong to the Biology Department. Despite the 'Closed' status of BIOL4910 on SIS, the course is open for enrollment. For application instructions, see the section 'How to Enroll in Independent Research with a Faculty Member Outside of the Biology Department' at: https://bio.as.virginia.edu/undergraduate/research. Prerequisite: Instructor Permission

  • BIOL 4070

    Developmental Biology Laboratory
     Rating

    4.21

     Difficulty

    2.19

     GPA

    3.91

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    The goal of this course is to provide an original, unknown outcome research experience in developmental biology. After training in basic methods and descriptions of selected research problems, students form teams and investigate a problem of their choosing. Team members work together in the lab, but each writes an independent research proposal, a notebook, and a final project report on which they are graded. Prerequisite: BIOL 3000 or 3010.

  • HBIO 4998

    Thesis Research in Human Biology I
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.94

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    Independent research/independent study under the guidance of a primary mentor within the College of Arts and Sciences. Research/study forms the basis for the DMP thesis to be submitted at the end of the fourth year. This course must be taken in the first semester of the fourth year and should encompass the majority of the research for the thesis. Prerequisite: First-semester fourth-year DMP in Human Biology.

  • BIOL 8240

    Professional Skills for the Life Sciences I
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.94

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    Introduces professional skills to first-year graduate students in the life sciences. This includes personal skills such as research management, ethics training and career awareness. Skills for communicating in science include small grant writing, poster creation and presentation. Emphasis will be placed on developing a scientific community that recognizes and values diversity.

  • HBIO 4950

    Independent Research for Human Biology
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.97

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    Independent research/independent study under the guidance of a primary mentor within the College of Arts and Sciences. Prerequisite: DMP in Human Biology.

  • BIOL 4019

    Psychopharmacology of Plants
     Rating

    3.00

     Difficulty

    1.00

     GPA

    3.97

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    This course begins with discussion of pharmacological principles and normal function of the nervous and endocrine system. As we continue, we will describe how exogenous substances derived from plants (like drugs) impact the nervous system to restore normal or near-normal function, or alter normal function, in humans. The use of agents from plants in the alleviation of depression and anxiety will be emphasized.

  • HBIO 4810

    Capstone Seminar in Human Biology I
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.97

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    A weekly seminar co-organized by participating faculty to integrate students' independent research and coursework with contemporary issues at the intersection of biology, the humanities and social sciences. Students will have the opportunity to present their ongoing research and meet with outside speakers. This course will be taken in the fourth year. Prerequisite: DMP in Human Biology.

  • BIOL 9910

    Rotation Research
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.97

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    An exposure to the working techniques and interactions of the modern Biological Laboratory. Required of all first-year biology graduate students.

  • BIOL 4810

    Distinguished Major Seminar in Biological Research I
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.99

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    Two-hour, weekly discussion of recent advances in biology; attend biology seminars, interact with seminar speakers, explore the philosophy and practice of science, and learn skills in oral and written research presentation. Prerequisite: Fourth-year DMP in Biology.

  • BIOL 4020

    Computational Evolutionary Biology
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    The evolutionary history of a population can be studied by examining patterns of genetic variation among individuals. Using information about genetic variation, we can infer historical evolutionary events like migration and adaptation. In this lab course, you will learn to utilize genomic data to conduct evolutionary inference. We will learn fundamentals of population genetics, bioinformatic skills, and research methods applied to real short-read sequencing data.

  • BIOL 4080

    Advanced Hormones and Behavior
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    From plants to humans, hormones shape various aspects of organismal form and behavior over contemporary and evolutionary time. Delve into endocrine pathways, hormones' influence on development, and their role in coordinating responses to environmental and physiological stimuli. Gain a deep understanding endocrinology theories, concepts, and methods, and the ability to critically evaluate hormonal impacts on ecosystem and human health.

  • BIOL 7994

    Independent Study in Biology
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    Independent research for qualified graduates under the direction of a faculty member within the Biology Department.

  • BIOL 8010

    Integrative Biology Colloquium
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    A weekly conference in which students present reports covering various aspects of Integrative Biology. May be repeated for credit.

  • BIOL 8070

    Colloquium in Population Biology
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    A weekly conference arranged around a current topic. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.

  • BIOL 8081

    Advanced Ecology and Evolution 1
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    This course introduces grad students to a breadth and depth of concepts and theories in modern ecology and evolutionary biology. The couse is co-taught by two BIOL faculty each fall, with different faculty rotating into the course in alternate years, providing expertise in molecular population genetics, genomics, phylogenetics, integrative biology, speciation, microevolution, life-history evolution, and mating systems.

  • BIOL 8300

    Integrative Studies of the Phenotype
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    This course will explore case studies of research on phenotypes that emphasize the insights and advances gained by bringing a multilevel integrative approach to a target question. Students will learn to apply an integrative perspective to their own research topics by developing a research proposal that expands across levels. This class is open to all life science PhD students with recommendation for those in their 1st or 2nd year.

  • BIOL 8310

    Career Design for Life Sciences
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    This course uses a student-centered approach to explore the diverse careers available to life science PhD students. Students will identify their skills and experiences that match with professional opportunities, and they will develop a career individual development plan to guide their career planning. This class is open to all life science PhD students after the 2nd year in their program. This class is part of the PhD Plus Career Design series.

  • BIOL 8559

    New Course in Biology
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    New course in the subject of biology.

  • BIOL 8999

    Non-Topical Research
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    For master's thesis, taken under the supervision of a thesis director.

  • BIOL 9995

    Topical Research in Biology
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    Independent research with a member of the Biology faculty in preparation for thesis or dissertation research.

  • BIOL 9998

    Non-Topical Research, Preparation for Doctoral Research
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    For doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director has been selected.

  • BIOL 9999

    Non-Topical Research
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Fall 2024

    For doctoral dissertation, taken under the supervision of a dissertation director.