03118 Beer: A Yeast's Perspective
Instructor: Natalie McGuier, Ph.D.
TR 6:30 – 9:20 PM / Second Half Mini
Description: This is a combined lecture and laboratory course in which students will investigate the biochemistry of fermentation using strains of yeast commonly used in brewing science. Lectures and readings will cover all necessary information to succeed in the course, including topics like yeast metabolism, fermentation at the micro and industrial levels, and a history of fermentations influence on society. Lab experiments will investigate yeast growth and fermentation processes in various strains used in brewing, and quantitative assessments of beer at the molecular level. The course puts a focus on microbiology lab techniques and yeast biochemistry; however, no previous lab experience or biology coursework is required, and anyone with an interest in the science behind brewing yeast can succeed in the class.
03128-A Environmental Science
Instructor: Veronica Hinman, Ph.D.
MWF 3:30 – 4:20 PM
Description: Environmental science is a highly interdisciplinary field that integrates knowledge and modes of inquiry from across the sciences to understand some of the most important challenges of 21st century. This course provides a foundational background in scientific method, critical thinking and problem solving strategies used to study and evaluate the environment. Modules include, principles of ecology and eco-systems, biological diversity, biogeochemical cycles, endangered species management, human population growth, atmosphere, climate and global warming. Assessment will include class attendance, quizzes, individual and small group projects, in class exams. Projects may involve visits to local sites.
03125-A Evolution
Instructor: Veronica Hinman, Ph.D.
TR 9:00 – 10:20 AM
Description: Evolutionary theory is the unifying principle of biology. A good comprehension of the concepts that underlie this theory is therefore important to properly appreciate and understand any biological process. This course is designed for students intending to continue studies in biology so that they may gain an understanding of the evolutionary framework in their more advanced courses, and also non-biology majors who want to extend their knowledge of biology at an introductory level. The lectures will include (i) an examination of the history and development of evolutionary theory, (ii) consideration of some of the facts that have established the theory, (iii) an introduction to the concepts of phylogenetics, (iv) discussion of the patterns and mechanism that lead to the diversity and origins of the groups of life, (v) an introduction to genetics and population genetic theory, and (vi) discussion of and how this applies to natural selection and speciation. The course will also include some more specialist topics, including evolution of development, sexual selection, evolutionary applications to medicine and conservation biology, and genome evolution. Assessment will be based on several in-class exams and quizzes, homework assignments, a written term paper, and a final exam.
03120-A1 Germs: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Instructors: Brooke McCartney, Ph.D. & Luisa Hiller, Ph.D.
TR 12:00 – 1:20 PM / First Half Mini
Description: Bacteria are a scourge to humankind, causing life-threating infections like tuberculosis, meningitis, and pneumonia to the less severe ear infections and strep throats that plague many childhoods. On the other hand, the healthy human microbiota is a community of microorganisms dominated by trillions of bacteria that reside everywhere from our skin to nasal passages and gut. This "virtual organ" is estimated to weigh as much as the human brain and contributes to essential bodily functions like food metabolism and defense against infection, while also impacting memory, anxiety, and depression. Changes in the gut microbiota are also associated with diseases including autism, obesity, allergies, and inflammatory bowel disease. Why the incidence of these chronic diseases is increasing is unclear, but it may be the result of excessive antibiotic use, dietary changes that harm our gut microbes, or both. This century will be marked by both the challenge of antibiotic resistant infectious "bad" bacteria, and the possibilities to harness "good" bacteria to promote human health. In this course, we explore how bacteria make you healthy and what we can do to nurture our microbiota, and how bacteria make you sick and what we can do to stop them.
03121-A Modern Biology
Instructors: Sandra Kuhlman, Ph.D. & Stephanie Wong-Noonan, Ph.D.
MWF 1:30 – 2:20 PM
Description: This is an introductory course that provides the basis for further studies in biochemistry, cell biology, genetics and molecular biology. This course emphasizes the chemical principles underlying biological processes and cell structures as well as the analysis of genetics and heredity from a molecular perspective. This is the introductory biology course for all science and non-science majors.
03135-A Structure and Function of the Human Body
Instructor: Jason D'Antonio, Ph.D.
MWF 2:30 – 3:20 PM
Description: Structure and Function of the Human Body is a non-majors course designed to explore fundamental relationships between form and function of the human body. The anatomy and physiology of major organ systems will be studied in the context of normal and disease states. Because no prerequisite knowledge is required, students will learn about critical biological processes such as the central dogma, membrane diffusion and transport, cell signaling, gas exchange, blood flow, nutrient absorption, blood pH balance, and action potential generation and propagation. Students will then apply this knowledge to understand how organs respond to various inputs in maintaining homeostasis. Hands-on demonstrations will be incorporated to provide a practical framework for the information presented in lectures. At the culmination of the semester, students will gain a broad understanding of how the body systems function at the cellular, tissue and organ levels and be able to relate simple physiological processes to better understand highly prevalent diseases in society.
03132-A Basic Science to Modern Medicine
Instructor: Brooke McCartney, Ph.D.
TR 9:30 – 10:20 AM
Description: This course will focus on the genetics, cell biology, and developmental biology behind human biology and human disease, as well as the growing opportunities for novel therapeutic options that basic science delivers. This is a topics based course, with topics chosen to cover aspects of human biology and health that students are likely to encounter in their daily lives such as cancer, stem cells, genome sequencing, and the human microbiota. Students will explore these topics from both a basic science and a human health perspective.
03133-A Neurobiology of Disease
Instructor: DJ Brasier, Ph.D.
TR 9:00 – 10:20 AM
Description: This course will explore the biological basis of several neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases, with an emphasis on medical diagnostic tools and techniques. It will include discussions of the anatomical basis of neurological diseases as well as recent research into understanding the mechanisms of disease. This course is intended to broaden students understanding of how diseases are diagnosed and studied. Students will also learn how basic neurological and psychiatric evaluations are conducted and gain proficiency in these evaluation techniques. We will begin with a discussion of clinical neuroanatomy to serve as a basis for understanding brain structures and functional alterations in a variety of developmental, degenerative, neurological, and psychiatric disorders. Specific diseases covered may vary from year to year.