Introduction to experimental methods in neural development research using zebrafish as a model system. Lectures focus on vertebrate nervous system development and teratogens. Labs build skills in brightfield and fluorescence microscopy, morphological and behavioral analysis, and histology. Course begins with guided inquiry labs and progresses to student-developed scholarly research projects, culminating in presentations of novel research findings.

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.

This course focuses on how relatively simple model systems provide the clues as to how certain synaptic connections form and lead to specific behaviors. This will be followed by discussion of how this knowledge can be applied to the understanding and treatment of human neural disorders. 25% of the course is standard lectures and the rest, student-led discussion of primary literature. Prereqs: BIOL 3000 & BIOL 3010; BIOL 3050 or PSYC 2200 or 3200

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.

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 discussion and workshop co-organized by participating faculty to provide guidance and advice to students on completing their research or independent study and writing their thesis. Occasional seminars and opportunities to meet outside speakers will continue in this semester. 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.