• BIOL 3000

    Cell Biology
     Rating

    3.65

     Difficulty

    4.01

     GPA

    2.73

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    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 2100 or BME 2104 and any two of the following classes CHEM 1410, 1420, 1810 and 1820. BIOL 3000 is not repeatable.

  • BIOL 3020

    Evolution and Ecology
     Rating

    3.13

     Difficulty

    3.63

     GPA

    2.88

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    Examines the mechanisms of evolutionary change, with an emphasis on the genetic and evolutionary principles needed to understand the diversification of life on earth.  Covers the ecology of individuals and population dynamics.  Major topics include the genetics and ecology of natural populations, adaptation, molecular evolution and macroevolution, and the application of evolutionary and ecological concepts to conservation biology.  Required for all Biology majors. Prerequisite: Must have completed BIOL 2200. BIOL 3020 is not repeatable.

  • BIOL 3010

    Genetics and Molecular Biology
     Rating

    2.91

     Difficulty

    4.05

     GPA

    2.96

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    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 3240

    Introduction to Immunology
     Rating

    4.40

     Difficulty

    4.16

     GPA

    3.01

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    Studies the genetics and cell biology of the vertebrate immune system, with a focus on adaptive immunity. Classic and current experimental systems are emphasized. Prerequisite: Must have completed or be currently taking BIOL 2010 or BIOL 2100 or BME 2104

  • BIOL 2100

    Introduction to Biology with Laboratory: Cell Biology & Genetics
     Rating

    3.88

     Difficulty

    3.82

     GPA

    3.12

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    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 3180

    Introduction to Plants and Society
     Rating

    2.67

     Difficulty

    3.00

     GPA

    3.15

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    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.

  • BIOL 2200

    Introduction to Biology w/Laboratory: Organismal & Evolutionary Biology
     Rating

    3.19

     Difficulty

    3.79

     GPA

    3.15

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    BIOL 2200 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 evolution, physiology and development. Lecture topics and concepts are reinforced and extended during once-weekly laboratory/small group discussions. The Introductory courses are not sequenced and may be taken in either order.

  • BIOL 3040

    Developmental and Regenerative Biology
     Rating

    3.71

     Difficulty

    3.63

     GPA

    3.16

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    Are developmental biology and regenerative biology one and the same? Throughout this course, we will emphasize both classical and modern experimental approaches that have been used to unravel the genetic, molecular and celluar mechanisms of development. Additionally, the practical value of understanding development is enormous, and the relationship between embryology and clinical applications will be a theme that runs throughout the course.

  • BIOL 3250

    Introduction to Animal Behavior
     Rating

    3.54

     Difficulty

    3.16

     GPA

    3.17

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    An introduction to comparative studies of animal behavior from neuroethological and evolutionary prospectives. The first deals with proximate causes of behavior, with emphasis on motor, sensory and central aspects of the nervous system. The second deals with ultimate causes, with emphases on natural selection, natural history, and adaptive aspects of behavior.

  • BIOL 3270

    General Microbiology with Laboratory
     Rating

    4.24

     Difficulty

    3.14

     GPA

    3.17

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    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.

  • BIOL 4310

    Sensory Neurobiology
     Rating

    4.07

     Difficulty

    3.20

     GPA

    3.27

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    This two-lectures-per-week course explores the basic principles of sensory neurobiology. The course consists of four modules. Each module represents one of the senses & consists of an introductory lecture, one or several lectures that will delve into the details of that sense, a current topic lecture on some recent finding, & finally, a guest lecture from a UVa researcher. Completion of BIOL 3050 or PSYC 2200 or PSYC 3200 strongly recommended.

  • BIOL 3260

    Editing Genes and Genomes
     Rating

    3.33

     Difficulty

    4.00

     GPA

    3.38

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    Genome databases contain a wealth of information that enable us to answer myriad questions in biology. Working with genome data requires foundational knowledge in molecular genetic concepts, as well as technical knowledge of how to read and analyze sequence data. This class will provide students with the skills to understand genomic data and its applications in biology and medicine.

  • BIOL 4040

    Laboratory in Cell Biology
     Rating

    3.53

     Difficulty

    2.40

     GPA

    3.40

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    Introduces students to experimental approaches, including mammalian cell culture, gel electrophoresis, western blotting and immunofluorescence microscopy, that are used to study both normal and pathological processes at the level of individual cells. The biological theme of the course will be Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related neurodegenerative disorders. One laboratory lecture and one afternoon laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BIOL 3000

  • BIOL 3420

    Human Anatomy and Physiology II
     Rating

    2.56

     Difficulty

    3.17

     GPA

    3.43

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    This course, the second in a two-course sequence, examines structures and functions of the endocrine, cardiovascular, urogenital, respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal and reproductive systems. Control mechanisms and functional integration of these systems in overall homeostasis is emphasized.

  • BIOL 3090

    Our World of Infectious Disease
     Rating

    3.72

     Difficulty

    2.92

     GPA

    3.49

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    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.

  • BIOL 4559

    New Course in Biology
     Rating

    4.44

     Difficulty

    3.33

     GPA

    3.59

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    New course in the subject of biology.

  • BIOL 4770

    Synthetic Biology
     Rating

    4.11

     Difficulty

    3.33

     GPA

    3.68

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    By applying the principles of engineering to biology, students will design molecules, viruses, and cells to solve global problems in public health, food security, manufacturing, information processing, and the environment, changing the traditional question of 'How do cells work?' to 'How can I get a cell to work for me?' Students will gain experience in writing internationally competitive research project proposals. Prerequisite: Instructor Permission

  • BIOL 5070

    Practical Aspects of Light Microscopy in the Biological Sciences
     Rating

    3.78

     Difficulty

    2.00

     GPA

    3.76

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    Practical usage of various microscopy imaging methodologies to study the morphology and cellular function in various biological systems from single cell to single molecule in cells and tissues. Topics include basics theory of microscopy, imaging and image analysis to solve various biological questions, fluorophore labeling, technical and hands on training on various microscopy techniques applied in different biological and biomedical investigations. Lectures, discussion, student presentations and laboratory.

  • BIOL 4260

    Cellular Mechanisms
     Rating

    3.67

     Difficulty

    3.00

     GPA

    3.82

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    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.

  • BIOL 4900

    Independent Study in Biology
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.82

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    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

    Spring 2025

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

  • BIOL 4014

    Cellular Origins of Animal Diversity
     Rating

    4.00

     Difficulty

    2.00

     GPA

    3.86

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    Animals are incredibly diverse, but they all evolved from the same single-celled ancestor that lived hundreds of millions of years ago. This course takes a cell-biological approach to explore key questions in animal evolution such as the origins of multicellularity and differentiation. Students will gain a cutting-edge perspective on current research that integrates cell, developmental, and evolutionary biology to explore animal origins.

  • BIOL 4910

    Independent Research in the Life Sciences
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.91

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    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 4330

    Wiring the Brain
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.91

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    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

  • BIOL 4070

    Developmental Biology Laboratory
     Rating

    4.21

     Difficulty

    2.19

     GPA

    3.91

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    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 4999

    Thesis Research for Human Biology
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.94

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    This course is designed to provide students the opportunity for hands-on learning in experimental sciences leading to a Capstone thesis project and written thesis. Students, working with a primary mentor (and in some cases a secondary mentor), design an original research study or other creative product in self-selected areas of interest, execute the study, analyze the data and report the findings in written form.

  • BIOL 4016

    Genetic Approaches to Precision Medicine
     Rating

    4.67

     Difficulty

    2.00

     GPA

    3.95

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    This course addresses the impact of the human genome project on understanding human genetic disease, focusing on the invaluable role for animal models of diseases in augmenting evaluation of genomic information to develop strategies for precision medicine. Animal models are an invaluable asset in reaching this goal because they allow experimental manipulations that go far beyond what is possible in human patients.

  • BIOL 8250

    Professional Skills for the Life Sciences II
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.96

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    Introduces professional skills to first-year graduate students in the life sciences. This includes personal skills such as time management, ethics training and professional identity. Skills for communicating in science include oral presentations to a variety of audiences. Emphasis will be placed on developing a scientific community that recognizes and values diversity.

  • HBIO 4960

    Independent Research for Human Biology
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.98

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

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

  • BIOL 4820

    Distinguished Major Seminar in Biological Research II
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.99

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    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 9920

    Rotation Research
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.99

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

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

  • HBIO 4820

    Capstone Seminar in Human Biology II
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    4.00

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    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.

  • BIOL 3430

    Physiological Mechanisms in Health and Disease
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    Emphasis on the functions and integration of human nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and renal systems in maintaining homeostasis, and by extension, health. Normal function, from cells to organs, of each system provides a foundation for study of mechanisms that lead to dysfunction and the identification of potential therapeutic targets and strategies.

  • BIOL 4017

    The Immortal Germ Line
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    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.

  • BIOL 4930

    Distinguished Major Thesis Research
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    This course is the final semester of Independent Research for participants of the Biology Distinguished Majors Program. During this semester, students will complete their laboratory investigations, ultimately presenting the sum of their work in a written thesis. Prerequisite: Instructor Permission

  • BIOL 8070

    Colloquium in Population Biology
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

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

  • BIOL 8080

    Colloquium in Fundamental Neuroscience
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    This weekly colloquium provides a forum for exploring cutting-edge research in fundamental neuroscience. The course format includes journal club discussions of recent high-impact publications, as well as presentations of ongoing research by both students and faculty members.

  • BIOL 8082

    Advanced Ecology and Evolution 2
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    This course introduces grad students to a breadth and depth of concepts and theories in modern ecology and evolutionary biology.. The course is taught by a different BIOL faculty each spring, 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 8559

    New Course in Biology
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    New course in the subject of biology.

  • BIOL 8999

    Non-Topical Research
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

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

  • BIOL 9995

    Topical Research in Biology
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    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

    Spring 2025

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

  • BIOL 9999

    Non-Topical Research
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

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