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BIOL B110 Biological Exploration I

Fall 2026

BIOL B110 is an introductory-level course designed to encourage students to explore the field of biology at multiple levels of organization: molecular, cellular, organismal and population. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours a week. BIOL B110 explores the ways the central dogma of molecular biology relates to the biochemical basis of human traits through the lens of biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, and molecular biology. The laboratory portion of the course will explore the fundamentals of molecular and cellular biology through scientific research, with an emphasis on scientific process and experimental design. Topics include genetically modified organisms, stem cell biology, and molecular biological techniques.

Scientific Investigation (SI)

Counts Toward: Biochemistry & Molecular Bio; Biochemistry Molecular Biology; Biochemistry Molecular Biology; Neuroscience.

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BIOL B111 Biological Exploration II

Not offered 2026-27

BIOL B111 is an introductory-level course designed to encourage students to explore the field of biology at multiple levels of organization: molecular, cellular, organismal and ecological. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours a week. Spring 2023: BIOL B111 will explore how organisms interact with and adapt to their environments, both abiotic and biotic. Topics to be investigated include development, physiology, photosynthesis, ecology (population, community and ecosystem), and evolution. The laboratory portion of the course will explore the fundamentals of organismal biology through scientific research, with an emphasis on the scientific process and experimental design.

Scientific Investigation (SI)

Counts Toward: Biochemistry & Molecular Bio; Biochemistry Molecular Biology; Biochemistry Molecular Biology; Neuroscience.

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BIOL B181 Introduction to Biology I: Genetics & the Central Dogma

Fall 2026

For post-baccalaureate premedical students only. A comprehensive examination of topics in genetics, molecular biology and cancer biology. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours a week

Course does not meet an Approach

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BIOL B182 Introduction to Biology II: Biochemistry & Human Physiology

Not offered 2026-27

For post-baccalaureate premedical students only. A comprehensive examination of topics in biochemistry, cell biology and human physiology. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours a week. BIOL B101 is strongly recommended.

Course does not meet an Approach

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BIOL B201 Genetics

Fall 2026

This course focuses on the principles of genetics, including classical genetics, population genetics and molecular genetics. Topics to be covered include the genetic and molecular nature of mutations and phenotypes, genetic mapping and gene identification, chromosome abnormalities, developmental genetics, genome editing and epigenetics. Examples of genetic analyses are drawn from a variety of organisms including Drosophila, C. elegans, mice and humans. Lecture three hours a week. Prerequisite: BIOL B110 and CHEM B104.

Quantitative Readiness Required (QR)

Scientific Investigation (SI)

Counts Toward: Biochemistry & Molecular Bio; Biochemistry Molecular Biology; Biochemistry Molecular Biology; Health Studies; Health Studies.

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BIOL B202 Neurobiology

Fall 2026

This course provides a cellular and molecular lens on foundational topics in neuroscience, such as electrophysiology, synaptic transmission, plasticity, and neural circuit development and function. Students will develop skills necessary to read primary literature in neuroscience. Lecture and activities three hours per week. Prerequisite: One semester of BIOL 110-111, Neuroscience 100, or permission of instructor.

Scientific Investigation (SI)

Counts Toward: Neuroscience; Neuroscience.

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BIOL B215 Biostatistics with R

Fall 2026

An introductory course in statistical analysis focusing on biological data. This course is structured to develop students' understanding of statistics and probability and when to apply different quantitative methods. The lab component focuses on how to implement those methods using the R statistics environment. Topics include summary statistics, distributions, randomization, replication, and probability. The course is geared around problem sets, lab reports, and interactive learning. No prior experience with programming is required. Suggested Preparation: BIOL B110 or B111 is highly recommended. Students who have taken PSYC B205/H200 or SOCL B265 are not eligible to take this course.

Quantitative Methods (QM)

Quantitative Readiness Required (QR)

Scientific Investigation (SI)

Counts Toward: Biochemistry & Molecular Bio; Biochemistry Molecular Biology; Biochemistry Molecular Biology; Data Science; Health Studies; Health Studies.

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BIOL B216 Genomics

Not offered 2026-27

An introduction to the study of genomes and genomic data. This course will examine the history of this exciting field, the types of biological questions that can be answered using large biological data sets and complete genome sequences as well as the techniques and technologies that make such studies possible. Topics include genome organization and evolution, comparative genomics, and analysis of transcriptomes, with a focus on animal genomics and humans in particular. Prerequisite: One semester of BIOL 110. BIOL 201 highly recommended.

Writing Attentive

Quantitative Methods (QM)

Scientific Investigation (SI)

Counts Toward: Biochemistry & Molecular Bio; Biochemistry Molecular Biology; Biochemistry Molecular Biology; Data Science; Health Studies; Health Studies.

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BIOL B220 Ecology

Not offered 2026-27

A study of the interactions between organisms and their environments. The scientific underpinnings of current environmental issues, with regard to human impacts, are also discussed. Students will also become familiar with ecological principles and with the methods ecologists use. Students will apply these principles through the design and implementation of experiments both in the laboratory and the field. Lecture three hours a week, laboratory/field investigation three hours a week. There will be optional field trips throughout the semester. Prerequisite: One semester of BIOL B110 or B111 or permission of instructor.

Writing Attentive

Scientific Investigation (SI)

Counts Toward: Environmental Studies.

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BIOL B221 Invasion Biology

Not offered 2026-27

The negative impact of biological invasions is recognized as one of the key drivers of biodiversity loss. We will study how biological invasions come to be, what makes invasive species so successful, and how the ecology and evolution of invasive populations redefine the ecosystems in which they become established. The course will explore the interaction between invasive species and other global change factors such as urbanization, globalization of trade, and climate change. For each topic, we will examine the theoretical background, consider case studies, and develop a deeper understanding through class discussions, readings, and assignments. Prerequisite: BIOL B111 or instructor permission.

Scientific Investigation (SI)

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BIOL B228 Drosophila as a model for neurogenetics

Not offered 2026-27

This course will allow students to gain firsthand experience in how to use the Drosophila melanogaster model to perform original research in neurogenetics. Students will be provided with a novel gene to study and assess the role of these genes in a diversity of behavioral assays. The course will be a mixture of lecture, laboratory activity, paper discussion, and student presentation. One semester of BIOL B110-111 or permission of instructor.

Writing Attentive

Scientific Investigation (SI)

Counts Toward: Neuroscience.

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BIOL B236 Evolution

Not offered 2026-27

A lecture/discussion course on evolutionary biology. This course will cover the history of evolutionary theory, population genetics, molecular and developmental evolution, paleontology, and phylogenetic analysis. Lecture three hours a week.

Scientific Investigation (SI)

Counts Toward: Anthropology; Biochemistry & Molecular Bio; Biochemistry Molecular Biology; Geology.

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BIOL B238 Ethics in Biology

Not offered 2026-27

Students will read and discuss various text to understand the intersection of ethics with biology in the modern world in light of the history of questionable morality and ethics in science. We will specifically focus on the medical sciences, environmentalism, and how settler colonialism is an intrinsic part of most scientific research practices. Prerequisites: A college-level intro science class like BIOL 110 or 111, ENVS 101 or GEOL 101

Course does not meet an Approach

Power, Inequity, and Justice (PIJ)

Counts Toward: Health Studies; Health Studies.

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BIOL B255 Microbiology

Not offered 2026-27

Invisible to the naked eye, microbes occupy every niche on the planet. This course will examine how microbes have become successful colonizers; review aspects of interactions between microbes, humans and the environment; and explore practical uses of microbes in industry, medicine and environmental management. The course will combine lecture, discussion of primary literature and student presentations. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 110 and CHEM B104.

Writing Attentive

Scientific Investigation (SI)

Counts Toward: Biochemistry & Molecular Bio; Biochemistry Molecular Biology; Biochemistry Molecular Biology; Environmental Studies; Health Studies; Health Studies.

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BIOL B265 Animal Behavior

Not offered 2026-27

This course explores how animal behavior evolves within both physical and social environments. We will investigate how animals forage for food, attract mates, avoid predators, and ensure the survival of their offspring. By examining how particular behaviors provide evolutionary advantages, and how multiple strategies can persist within a population, we will gain insight into the diversity of behavioral adaptations. We will do this by both studying the primary scientific literature and designing, conducting, and analyzing our own experiments during the lab portion of the class. Prerequisites: BIOL B111 or BIOL B220 or permission of instructor.

Writing Attentive

Scientific Investigation (SI)

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BIOL B271 Developmental Biology

Fall 2026

An introduction to embryology and the concepts of developmental biology. Concepts are illustrated by analyzing the experimental observations that support them. Topics include gametogenesis and fertilization, morphogenesis, cell fate specification and differentiation, pattern formation, regulation of gene expression, neural development, and developmental plasticity. The laboratory focuses on observations and experiments on living embryos. Lecture three hours, laboratory three scheduled hours a week; some weeks require additional hours outside of the regularly scheduled lab. Prerequisite: one semester of BIOL 110-111 or permission of instructor.

Writing Attentive

Scientific Investigation (SI)

Counts Toward: Biochemistry & Molecular Bio; Biochemistry Molecular Biology; Biochemistry Molecular Biology; Health Studies; Health Studies.

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BIOL B312 Biodiversity Conservation in a Changing World

Not offered 2026-27

How is biodiversity responding to human-induced global change, and how can ecological knowledge be applied to conservation? This course explores pressing ecological challenges such as endangered species management, invasive species spread, and climate-driven range shifts. Through case studies and primary literature, we will examine how conservation biologists, invasion ecologists, and population biologists use data-driven approaches to understand ecological dynamics, inform decision-making, and propose real-world solutions. Students will explore quantitative methods by analyzing and discussing scientific papers, gaining insight into the role of data and models in conservation science. By the end of the course, students will design a research proposal detailing how to collect and analyze data for forecasting ecological change or modeling biodiversity threats. Prerequisites: Any 200-level BIOL course OR ENVS 201 OR permission of instructor. Students should have completed at least one QM course.

Counts Toward: Data Science; Environmental Studies.

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BIOL B318 Sex in Modern Healthcare

Not offered 2026-27

A primary goal of this course is to explore the spectrum of biological sex, a concept that is usually described as entirely binary, but is highly variable with as many as 1% of individuals born with differences in sex development. We will also study topics specific to people with uteruses including menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause to gain a more comprehensive understanding of these physiological processes. In addition, this course will engage with societal issues affecting patients who identify as women including access to reproductive and gender affirming healthcare, and the of historical understudying of female physiology. Prerequisite: BIOL 110 and any 200-level biology course

Power, Inequity, and Justice (PIJ)

Counts Toward: Health Studies; Health Studies.

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BIOL B319 The Biology of Cancer

Fall 2026

A seminar course focused on the molecular and cellular biology of cancer, with an emphasis on fundamental research in cancer biology and efforts to translate those discoveries into therapeutics. Learning strategies include interactive lectures focused on core concepts in the field, problem solving, and critical discussion of the primary literature. The goal of the course is to enable each student to build an integrated, systems-level understanding of this fast-moving, interdisciplinary field. We will begin the semester with a broad introduction to the molecular and cellular basis of common types of cancer and the origins of modern cancer research. Subsequent topics include: cellular and viral oncogenes; growth factor signaling; tumor suppressors; genomic instability; cancer stem cells; tumor invasion and metastasis; cancer immunology; emerging immunotherapies and the concept of a "new human"; interactions between mRNA vaccines and anti-cancer immunity. Eligible to fulfill the Senior Capstone Experience (SCE) in Biology. Prerequisites: Biological Explorations I (BIOL B110) and any 200-level course in Biology or permission of instructor.

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Counts Toward: Biochemistry Molecular Biology.

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BIOL B326 From Channels to Behavior

Fall 2026

Introduces the principles, research approaches, and methodologies of cellular and behavioral neuroscience. Prerequisites: one semester of BIOL 110-111 and one of the following: BIOL 202 or PSYC B218 or PSYC H217.

Writing Attentive

Counts Toward: Neuroscience.

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BIOL B327 Evolutionary Genetics and Genomics

Not offered 2026-27

This seminar course will discuss evolution primarily at the level of genes and genomes. Topics will include the roles of selection and drift in molecular evolution, evolution of gene expression, genomic approaches to the study of quantitative variation, evolutionary history of humans, and evolutionary perspectives on the study of human disease. Students will read papers from the primary literature, lead and participate in class discussions and debates, and write reviews of research articles. Quantitative proficiency required. Pre-requisites: One semester of BIOL B110, B111 and BIOL B201 or B216 or BIOL B236 or permission of instructor.

Counts Toward: Biochemistry & Molecular Bio; Biochemistry Molecular Biology; Biochemistry Molecular Biology.

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BIOL B337 Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine

Fall 2026

In this course we will explore the molecular and cellular biology of stem cells and regeneration, and examine experimental evidence demonstrating the underlying mechanisms and clinical applications of stem cell biology. Topics will include stem cell physiology, niches, embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells, limb/tissue regeneration, therapeutics, and regenerative bioengineering. Content information in this class will be supplemented by a student-driven journal club that will discuss experimental techniques and findings from recent primary research articles. Eligible to fulfill the Senior Capstone Experience (SCE) in Biology. Prerequisites: Biological Explorations I (BIOL B110) and any 200-level course in Biology or permission of instructor.

Course does not meet an Approach

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BIOL B344 Sensory Physiology

Not offered 2026-27

How do animals sense the world around them? How does an animal's physiology shape its experience of the world? In this class, we will cover the processes underlying animal sensing, including the senses familiar to us - vision (seeing), audition (hearing), somatosensation (touch), olfaction (smell), and gustation (taste) - as well as those we lack, such as electroreception and magnetoreception. The course will focus on the structures and transduction mechanisms that convert sensory signals in the outside world to neural signals. We will highlight commonalities across sensory systems in divergent organisms, as well as examine how animals have evolved unique sensory systems suited to their particular environments.

Writing Attentive

Counts Toward: Neuroscience.

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BIOL B354 Basic Concepts and Special Topics in Biochemistry

Not offered 2026-27

For post-baccalaureate premedical students and non-majors with instructor permission. Course does not count toward the Biology, Chemistry or BCMB Majors; students majoring in Biology, Chemistry or BCMB should take BIOL B375 or CHEM B242. Prerequisites: BIOL B110 and CHEM 211, or permission of the instructor.

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BIOL B375 Biochemistry

Fall 2026

This course will focus on the structure and function of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids, enzyme kinetics, and central metabolic pathways. Students will explore these topics via lecture, critical reading and discussion of primary literature and laboratory experimentation. Three hours of lecture, three hours of lab per week. Prerequisites: BIOL B110 and two semesters of Organic Chemistry (CHEM B211/B212).

Writing Attentive

Counts Toward: Biochemistry & Molecular Bio; Biochemistry Molecular Biology; Biochemistry Molecular Biology.

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BIOL B376 Molecular Biology

Not offered 2026-27

This course focuses on the analysis of nucleic acids and gene regulation through lecture, critical reading and discussion of primary literature and laboratory experimentation. Three hours of lecture, three hours of lab per week. Prerequisite: BIOL 201 or BIOL B375 or permission of instructor.

Writing Attentive

Counts Toward: Biochemistry & Molecular Bio; Biochemistry Molecular Biology; Biochemistry Molecular Biology.

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BIOL B380 Ecological Restoration and Sustainability

Not offered 2026-27

This course will explore the science and practice of ecological restoration with a focus on transforming our own campus into a model of sustainability. Students will engage in hands-on projects to restore local ecosystems, reduce environmental impact, and reimagine the campus as a living laboratory for ecological resilience. Prerequisite(s): BIOL B220, or BIOL B225, or BIOL B262 or permission of instructor

Quantitative Readiness Required (QR)

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BIOL B385 Phenotypic Plasticity and Evolution

Not offered 2026-27

The ability to respond adaptively to challenges posed by the environment is a fundamental feature of life, but such responses often occur within short, non-evolutionary timeframes, without genetic change. From predator-induced defenses to seasonally induced changes in behavior or morphology, all are examples of phenotypic plasticity. In this seminar we will explore the genetic and developmental basis of plasticity, how plasticity evolves, and how plasticity affects evolutionary change. Prerequisite(s): BIOL B201, or BIOL B216, or BIOL B236, or BIOL B271.

Writing Attentive

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BIOL B400 Senior Research

Independent laboratory research in the senior year, which includes written and oral presentation of a senior paper based on this research. Typically taken both in the fall and the spring, in the spring this course will require meeting for one hour every week as a group.

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BIOL B403 Supervised Laboratory Research in Biology

Laboratory research under the supervision of a member of the department. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

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ANTH B208 Human Biology

Not offered 2026-27

This course will be a survey of modern human biological variation. We will examine the patterns of morphological and genetic variation in modern human populations and discuss the evolutionary explanations for the observed patterns. A major component of the class will be the discussion of the social implications of these patterns of biological variation, particularly in the construction and application of the concept of race. Prerequisite: ANTH 101 or permission of instructor.

Power, Inequity, and Justice (PIJ)

Counts Toward: Biology; Health Studies; Health Studies.

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ANTH B317 Disease and Human Evolution

Fall 2026

Pathogens and humans have been having an "evolutionary arms race" since the beginning of our species. In this course, we will examine how natural selection and other evolutionary forces shape our susceptibility to disease, and how we have adapted to resist disease. We will also address how concepts of Darwinian medicine impact our understanding of how people might be treated most effectively. We will focus on infectious and chronic diseases, and the anthropogenic effects contributing to the observed distribution of various diseases and illnesses, such as climate change and racism, and their interactions.

Counts Toward: Biology; Health Studies.

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CHEM B103 General Chemistry I

Fall 2026

This is an introductory course in chemistry, open to students with no previous chemistry experience. Topics include aqueous solutions and solubility; the electronic structure of atoms and molecules; chemical reactions and energy; intermolecular forces. Examples discussed in lecture and laboratory include applications of the material to environmental sciences, material science and biological chemistry. Lecture three hours, recitation one hour and laboratory three hours a week. Prerequisite: Quantitative Readiness Required.

Quantitative Methods (QM)

Quantitative Readiness Required (QR)

Scientific Investigation (SI)

Counts Toward: Biochemistry & Molecular Bio; Biochemistry Molecular Biology; Biochemistry Molecular Biology; Biology; Neuroscience.

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CHEM B104 General Chemistry II

Section 001 (Spring 2026): Enriched Section

Not offered 2026-27

For students who have completed General Chemistry I or have some previous work in chemistry. Topics include chemical kinetics; aqueous solutions and solubility; chemical equilibrium; electrochemistry; thermochemistry. Examples discussed in lecture and laboratory workshop include nuclear chemistry, geochemistry, environmental sciences, material sciences and biological chemistry. One section of the course is designed for students considering a major in the sciences and takes an interdisciplinary approach to the course topics. Lecture three hours, recitation one hour and laboratory three hours a week. Prerequisite: CHEM B103 with a grade of at least 2.0 or permission of the instructor.

Quantitative Methods (QM)

Quantitative Readiness Required (QR)

Scientific Investigation (SI)

Counts Toward: Biochemistry & Molecular Bio; Biochemistry Molecular Biology; Biochemistry Molecular Biology; Biology.

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