Biology Courses

Second semester of a full semester course for science majors. Lecture: Topics in organismal and evolutionary biology: evolution; the diversity of life; plant and animal structure and physiology, ecology. Lab: plant anatomy and development; animal diversity; excretion, rat dissection, ecology. Hour exams, final; lab quizzes and reports; lab practical. Prerequisite: Biology 100 with grade of C or higher.

An introduction to plant biology with emphasis on the flowering plants. Selected topics from anatomy, cell biology, evolution, genetics, molecular biology, morphology, physiology, and systematics. Labs illustrate principles discussed in lecture and include a survey of the plant kingdom. Lecture exams, lab quizzes, and lab practical. Not for Biology major credit.

Physiology of the major systems of the human body in health and disease. Intricacy of the human body; good health practices. Collateral issues include birth control, sexually transmitted diseases, nutrition, and health risks associated with drugs and smoking. For nonscience majors; not for Biology major credit.

Team-taught course with faculty from Departments of Physics, Astronomy, Geosciences, Microbiology, Biology, Anthropology, Psychology, Computer Science, Philosophy, and History. Lecture topics include Cosmic Fundamentals: space, time and relativity; matter, energy and the Standard Model. The Universe: cosmology; dark matter and dark energy; origin and evolution of galaxies, stars, the elements, the solar system, and the Earth. Life: its nature and origin; the microbial world; origin and evolution of plants and animals. Intelligence: behavior and the mind; origin and evolution of biological intelligence; artificial intelligence and robotics; life and intelligence in the universe. “Friday Forum” topics include Albert Einstein: “Indisputably One of the Greatest Men of Our Time” –George Bernard Shaw; Quantum Weirdness: “Nobody Understands Quantum Physics” –Nobel Laureate Richard Feynman; Quantum Gravity and String Theory and the Anthropic Principle and the Multiverse; Meteorites: Messengers from Space; Paradigm Shift: From a Fixed Crust to Continental Drift and Plate Tectonics; Charles Darwin: “Most Important Person Who Ever Lived” –Nobel Laureate James D. Watson; Extremophiles: Life on the Edge; Debate: Are Viruses Alive?; Debate: What Is the Mind?; Debate: Will Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Robots Ever Surpass Human Beings?; Debate: Is Extraterrestrial Intelligence Common? and The Grandest Finale: How Will It All End? Two lectures/week and a “Friday Forum” with faculty-faculty, faculty-student, and student-student discussions and debates. Not for Biology major credit.

Process of biological evolution and the evolutionary history of life on earth. Historical framework of evolutionary thought from pre-Darwinian times to Darwin and through the development of the modern evolutionary synthesis (Neo-Darwinism). Major features of biological evolution including microevolution (the evolution of biological populations), speciation (the origin of species), and macroevolution (evolution above the species level). Biological systematics, including phylogeny reconstruction and classification. Cosmic or inorganic evolution-- the origin and evolution of the physical universe, including evolution of the elements, stars, the earth's crust, atmosphere, and oceans. Chemical evolution and the origin of life. Geologic time and the fossil record. Microbial, plant, and animal evolution. Primates and the evolution of humans; cultural evolution. Origin of major evolutionary innovations stressed, including evolution of photosynthestic, oxygen-releasing bacteria, nucleated cells, sexual reproduction, true roots and leaves, woody plants, the seed and flowers, animals with a true body cavity, insects and their societies, and the vertebrate jaw, the transition from fins to limbs, the evolution of the shelled land egg, vertebrate flight and warm bloodedness, and bipedalism and the human mind. Prerequisites: a grade of C
or better in Biology 100 and 101.

The basic objective of this laboratory is to introduce the methods and pleasures of genetic investigations, using a variety of organisms. It also reinforces Introductory Genetics (Biology 283). Topics include: Mendelian genetics, gene maps, variation in both DNA and in proteins, mutation induction and selection and DNA polymerase chain reaction. Prerequisite: BIOL 283 (may be concurrent).

A course in general ecology designed for undergraduate majors in biology. The course will cover the following topics: how the world works, its structure, history, and evolution; the Earth in space and extra-terrestrial influences; the energy budget and atmospheric circulation (weather); ecosystems and the flow of energy; biomes of the Earth; biogeochemical cycling; adaptations of plants and animals to their environments; population dynamics; interactions between organisms including the concepts of symbiosis and succession; human technology and ecological problems; and ideas for developing new relationships between human technology and ecological problems; and ideas for developing new relationships between humans and the natural systems we need for future survival. Prerequisite: a grade of C or better in BIOL 100 &101 or 102 & 103.

A lecture series introducing the natural history, reproductive biology, functional morphology, and evolution of the major groups of marine vertebrates. Species native to the North Atlantic and Caribbean will be emphasized, including selected sharks, teleosts, turtles, birds and mammals. Grading will be based on two multiple choice exams. A note set must be purchased (at cost), but no other text is required. Prerequisites: grades of C or higher in Biology 100 & 101.

In this class we will discuss concepts and applications of modern DNA technology including an introduction to the basic concepts pertaining to the emerging field of genomics. We will begin by describing key molecular methods (cloning, sequencing, blotting, PCR) and how they are used in gene analysis. We will then move on to consider how entire genomes are analyzed, and will familiarize ourselves with some of the basic bioinformatics' tools that are commonly used by working biologists. Finally we will consider the methods used to manipulate genomes as a means to determining gene function. This course is intended for sophomores and juniors, and should serve as a bridge between 200-level courses and more advanced, specialty courses (e.g., 500-level courses). Prerequisite: Biology 285 or Biochem 285.

This fundamental ecology course emphasizes the quantitative skills needed to understand and conduct field research. The lectures introduce major ecological concepts, local vegetation types, and methods and techniques of gathering and analysing data. In laboratories, students collect original data at sites in the Connecticut Valley and write an original scientific paper. Prerequisite: an introductory biology course or consent of instructor.

The goal of this laboratory course is to explore how researchers address modern biological questions through the use of model organisms. The course will be taught by a team offaculty whose own research employs these model systems to answer a diverse range of biological problems, including molecular evolution, plant development, embryonic development and population genetics. Students will be introduced to several different model organisms that may include representative bacterial, plant, invertebrate, and vertebrate species. Lab exercises will employ sophisticated, state-of-the-art molecular methods and will tackle a variety of current biological questions. Prerequisites: Biology 283 or 285.

This course will cover the cell biological aspects of several plant cellular processes, including cytokinesis, cell expansion, tip growth, cell-to-cell communication, and intracellular protein sorting. An emphasis will be made on experimental approaches used to understand these processes at the molecular level. A discussion of model organisms and cell types will be included. Formats will include lectures, discussions, and in-class student presentations. Prerequisite: Biology 285.

Honors course in Tropical Biology. Introduction to the ecology, behavior, taxonomy, and physiology of tropical organisms, with emphasis on close observation of living organisms in nature. Includes hands-on investigation of coastal and marine ecosystems. Students will participate in a field trip to Costa Rica during the Spring Break. Prerequisite: permission of instructors.

This course focuses on the processes affecting the distribution of genetic variation in populations of organisms, through space and time. The processes studied are the ones that operate during evolutionary change. Topics covered will include the Hardy-Weinberg principle, gene flow, genetic drift, recombination and linkage disequilibrium, natural selection, the effect of mating systems on diversity, and the neutral theory of evolution. Examples illustrating key concepts will be drawn from various kingdoms of life. The course will consist of lectures and occasional in class discussion. Prerequisites: Biology 280 or equivalent; Math 127 or Statistics 240 or equivalent.

Introduction to vertebrate history emphasizing fossil forms. Topics include: changes in locomotory, feeding, and defense structures, modes of life of extinct animals, such as dinosaurs, faunal changes over time, and relationships among the various groups of vertebrates. Lectures at Amherst College Pratt Museum, with study in lab of display and other fossil specimens. Requirements: 2 hour exams, final, lab quizzes. Prerequisite: introductory course in biology, geology, or physical anthropology.

An advanced course for students who have already taken an introductory course in evolution and who are willing to make an active contribution to classroom discourse. We will discuss both evolutionary mechanisms and evolutionary history. Potential topics include evolutionary genetics, the role of chance in evolution, speciation and species concepts, the origin of life, the tempo of evolution, extinction, the evolution of behavior, evolutionary history of selected groups, research methods in evolution. Prerequisite: Biology 280 or equivalent course.

This is an introductory course designed to familiarize students with the diversity of fishes. We will provide an overview of the biology, evolution and ecology of fishes. A phylogenetic approach will be used to look at major primitive to advanced fish groups. No prior coursework is required to take this course, but students are expected to have a general biology background and be enthusiastic in learning about this diverse group of organisms. The textbook to be used is “The Diversity of Fishes” by Helfman, Collete and Facey 2004. Only selected portions of the text will be required during the course. The lab is designed to supplement the lecture course with hands-on dissection, anatomy of preserved specimens and dry skeletons and identification of major lineages. 1 essay exam, final, 2 lecture quizzes, 2 lab practicals.

Lectures and readings on comparative biology, phylogenetic relationships and evolution of mammalian groups. Lab involves a detailed introduction to the New England mammals and study of selected representatives of most mammalian orders, emphasizing systematics, function and morphology. 2 hour exams, 2 lab exams, and final. Prerequisite: any life science course beyond the introductory level.

Discussion of cell structure and function; emphasis will be placed on the properties of individual molecules that contribute to cell function. Topics will include the mechanism and regulation of cell division; interactions of cells with each other and with the extracellular environment; cell motility; and the organization of membrane systems. Techniques used to study cells will also be discussed. Format will include both lectures and class presentations; quizzes, mid-term exams and written assignments will be included. Prerequisite: Biology 285.

Lectures cover the physiology of vertebrates and invertebrates on a system by system basis (e.g. circulatory system, digestive system, etc.). Comparisons between animals within each system and adaptations to "extreme" environments are emphasized. Weekly problem sets provide practice in physiological reasoning for each system covered. Animal design projects involve modeling the physiological systems of an extinct animal. Prerequisite: a grade of C or better in Biology 100 & 101.

Biology of nerve cells and cellular interactions in nervous systems. Lectures integrate structural, functional, developmental, and molecular approaches. Topics include neuronal anatomy and physiology, membrane potentials, synapses, development of neuronal connections, visual system, control of movement, and neural plasticity. Text: Essentials of Neural Science, Kandel et al.; reserve readings, 2 hour-exams, final, short critique paper. Prerequisite: Biology 285 or 523; or both Psychology 330 and Biology 100.

This course will explore animal communication from several biological perspectives. We will explore how animals use different modalities of communication (sound, smell, electricity, etc.) and how these modes of sending and receiving information are limited by environmental constraints and their functions. We will look at the physiological and anatomical aspects of signal production and perception. The class will discuss the different types of messages encoded in signals and how they evolved. We will explore the evolution of sexually selected forms of communication (antlers, bird song, etc.) and the theories that attempt to explain their function and evolution. The lectures/discussions will draw on examples from a diverse selection of animals (insects, fish, birds, and mammals). Students will also work on projects where they will learn how to analyze and interpret different forms of vocal and visual communication.

Earth's environment from Archean times to the present; the planetary impact of the origin and evolution of life. Microbial communities, metabolic and cell evolution. International faculty accessible via the interactive lecture-electrowriter system. Class discussion and oral presentation. Limited to senior science majors.