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. Recommended prerequisites: BIOL 3000 and 3010.

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

Why do some diseases become global pandemics, while others die out? What happens to a food web when a species goes extinct? What roles do different organisms have within a social network? How does the structure of brain networks relate to cognitive function? Networks are all around us; we just need to learn to see them. This course will introduce network analysis as a tool for answering fundamental and applied questions across biological disciplines. Coding experience is strongly recommended.

The process of speciation is fundamental to understanding life's diversity, with implications for how we study evolution, how we define species in nature, and the processes by which they form. In this course, we will explore models of adaptive and non-adaptive speciation and how we test and distinguish among these processes. We will explore examples from biological systems in nature, including syntheses of broad knowledge gained about the speciation process from studying each group of organisms.

New course in the subject of biology.

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

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.

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.

This course will explore paths towards careers in biology and the skills and training required to pursue them. The course will include visits from professional biologists and UVA alumnae, who will provide advice on navigation of their careers in biology. The course will also offer guidance on additional training, advanced degrees, and internships. Skills are cultured by scientific abstracts, peer and mentor interaction, and interest statements. Prerequisites: BIOL 3000, 3010 and 3020. Students who have not completed these courses may be able to take them concurrently with permission.

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.