• BIOL 3420

    Human Anatomy and Physiology II
     Rating

    2.56

     Difficulty

    3.17

     GPA

    3.43

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    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 3430

    Physiological Mechanisms in Health and Disease
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    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 4012

    Evolution and Ecology of Infectious Diseases
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.84

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    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 4014

    Cellular Origins of Animal Diversity
     Rating

    4.00

     Difficulty

    2.00

     GPA

    3.86

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    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 4017

    The Immortal Germ Line
     Rating

    5.00

     Difficulty

    3.00

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    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 4030

    The Study of Neuroscience from Molecules to Minds Laboratory
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    This course introduces students to foundational and modern neuroscience research techniques through laboratory investigations. Neuroscience is explored at the molecular, systems, and behavioral level. Topics covered include neuroanatomy, electrophysiology, biopotentials, development, histology, and microscopy. An emphasis is placed on structure-function relationships, experimental design, and application of techniques in research.

  • BIOL 4070

    Developmental Biology Laboratory
     Rating

    4.21

     Difficulty

    2.19

     GPA

    3.91

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    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.

  • BIOL 4260

    Cellular Mechanisms
     Rating

    3.67

     Difficulty

    3.00

     GPA

    3.82

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    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 4310

    Sensory Neurobiology
     Rating

    4.17

     Difficulty

    3.50

     GPA

    3.27

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    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 4330

    Wiring the Brain
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.91

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    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