Life Sciences Concentration

This course was formerly named BIO 141

This course is designed as an introductory biology course that will provide foundational knowledge for upper division Life Sciences electives such as Evolution, Evolutionary Genetics PBL, Zoology, Human Physiology, and Marine Ecophysiology PBL. This course is also designed for those students who are interested in science courses offered in Environmental Studies. This course, combined with BIO 150L, and BIO 151 (Integrated Biology and Chemistry), is equivalent to the material in a year-long Introductory Biology sequence.

This course focuses on the five fundamental characteristics of life:

1. All living things evolve
2. All living things are made of cells
3. All living things reproduce/replicate themselves
4. All living things process information, either information encoded in their genes or information from their environment
5. All living things acquire, use, store, and transport energy

This is an introductory biology course-based research experience intended to teach experimental design, data collection, and basic laboratory skills appropriate for students concentrating in Life Sciences.

This course was formerly named IBC 200-BIO.

Students will learn how proteins are encoded and the impact of genomic instability on protein structure and function; alterations of normal metabolism in cancer cells; and basic pathways of cell division and death.

BIO 151 and CHEM 151 are co-taught and integrated into one course. In this interdisciplinary course, students will learn both chemistry and biology topics in an integrated way to understand the cell and molecular biology of cancer. 
 

This course is an introduction to statistics, a field which involves the collection, organization, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of continuous or categorical data. This course will focus specifically on biological and chemical examples and datasets.

This course will take an in-depth analysis of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genetics at the level of molecular, cellular, organismal, and population genetics. Data analysis will rely on a quantitative approach. An integrated laboratory project will utilize basic genetic techniques.

Bioinformatics is the use of computer databases and algorithms to analyze biological data. This course will apply bioinformatics to the field of genomics: the study of the protein, mRNA, and DNA sequences that comprise an organism’s genome. Topics will include sequence databases, pairwise and multiple sequence alignments, genome browsers, genome assembly and annotation, molecular evolution, phylogenetic analysis, and population genetics. The computer-based laboratory component will provide students with training in several command-line and web-based bioinformatics tools.

This course will explore the fascinating workings of the human body in both form and function. We will examine the major organ systems including nervous, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, renal, and reproductive systems, and understand how they work together to maintain homeostasis. Students will also examine metabolism and energy balance within the human body. This course will use a combination of pre-recorded lectures, class discussions, interactive polling, laboratory activities (in-person labs and lab simulations), and case studies to enhance mastery of course material. This course will be useful for those who are planning on pursuing a career in health sciences.

Prevents co- or later enrollment in BIO 120.

Theodosius Dobzhansky famously said, “Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution.”  Evolution is genetic change over time, and as genes change, so does the organism.  This course will explore microevolution, which is evolution at the population level, and macroevolution, which is evolution at the species level and higher.  An example microevolutionary question is: Why does a male peacock have such a large tail when it makes him more vulnerable to predation?  An example macroevolutionary question is: Why do some modern humans have gene variants that originated in Neanderthals?

This course will enable students to describe cellular contents in terms of membranes, organelles, and intracellular trafficking; recognize amino acids, their modifications, and the implications on protein structure and function; describe cellular biochemistry including basic enzyme kinetics, glycolysis, TCA cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, photosynthesis, fermentation, and alternative pathways; manipulate signaling pathways from extracellular or intracellular stimuli to generate a cellular response; describe how cells divide and die, specifically in terms of protein regulation of these pathways; and apply all these normal cellular processes to neurobiology and its pathology. A laboratory component will practice basic tissue culture techniques by imaging cellular proteins under different signaling conditions.

This course will explore the evolution, physiology, behavior, and ecology of major phyla within Kingdom Animalia as well as the phylogenetic relationships between animal taxa. We will learn how natural selection and genetic drift have made modest changes to the “operating instructions” of the animal genetic toolbox that have resulted in major variations to body form. We will examine how key morphological innovations define major branches on the animal tree of life and we will determine how representatives from each branch sense their environment, exchange gases, acquire nutrition, excrete wastes, reproduce, and move about. Students will explore these topics through lectures and group activities that include dissections, live animal observations, field trips, and group projects.

Are you fascinated by the incredible way the tiniest organisms (microorganisms) can impact our lives? They are small but mighty impacting health (human and animals), environment, food, energy, water, and industries. This course begins with an overview of microbial groups, their physiology, growth, metabolism, and genetics. We will learn how these concepts enable microbes to cause disease and how they can be controlled. The understanding of how microbes feed, grow, utilize nutrients, acquire and alter their genes, and the ability to function effectively as pathogens will provide the foundation in microbiology for the subsequent study of infectious diseases, their use in sustaining the environment, food production, and safety and the synthesis of various useful products. The laboratory sessions will equip students with basic technical skills required for growing, identifying, and studying antibiotic sensitivity of microorganisms using cultural, microscopic, biochemical, and molecular methods.

This course is a lecture- and laboratory-based introduction to human anatomy featuring a strong clinical perspective. Students learn anatomical structures and functions from drawings, images, virtual learning tools, 3D models, physical exam techniques, medical imaging (e.g., x-ray, ultrasound, CT, MRI, and PET), and images/video of clinical interventions (e.g., open surgeries, laparoscopy, bronchoscopy, endoscopy, cystoscopy, hysteroscopy, and colonoscopy). The course covers the musculoskeletal system, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, head, neck, brain, and spinal cord, and explores topics that facilitate understanding of anatomical structures and functions in healthy and diseased or injured states.  Throughout the course, students also engage in discussions on what makes someone human beyond the structures and functions of their human body. 

Every second of the day, the human body encounters a myriad of non-self agents that could hamper human health, however, the body is able to fight and maintain its integrity through a collection of cells, tissues and organs called the immune system.  The course will explore the immunologic sites on the human body and elucidate the mechanisms underlying the immune system’s recognition and eradication of invading pathogens. It will also shed light on the ways in which pathogens have evolved strategies to evade destruction, which has sometimes resulted in misperceptions that the immune system is not functioning effectively. The course will provide insight into how allergies and autoimmune disorders can arise from the immune system as a result of mistakenly attacking self-cells. Furthermore, students will gain an understanding of the critical role of vaccines in boosting the immune system’s ability to combat invading pathogens.

The objectives of this course are to introduce students to the theories and empirical research currently addressing the neuronal basis of human behavior. This combination lecture/seminar-based course, including bioinformatics research projects, will provide introductions to the basic concepts of brain neuroanatomy and biochemistry, molecular neurogenetics, evolutionary psychology, and human genomics, with readings and discussions from selected books, reviews and research articles. Emphasis will be placed on how disruptions of typical brain function, resulting in disorders such as autism, Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia, and depression, can reveal how the brain mediates our most fundamental experiences.

This course satisfies the advanced writing skills course requirement.

In this course, we will study the interdisciplinary field of human nutrition by first examining the biological processes of human digestion, metabolism, and energy balance, then exploring the connection between improper nutrition and metabolic dysfunction and disease, and finally, examining cultural and societal impacts on nutrition and associated health outcomes. This course will use a combination of pre-recorded lectures, live lectures, class discussions, group activities, and student presentations to enhance mastery of course material.

Students will study the symbiotic relationship of the aggregating anemone, A. elegantissima and its zooxanthellae symbionts in the genus Breviolum. Students will design controlled experiments to elucidate how a chosen environmental variable can affect this delicate symbiosis, altering cellular and/or physiological characteristics in the symbiont and/or host.
Students will measure multiple dependent variables in the symbionts and/or hosts (anemones). Students will learn laboratory skills associated with cellular and physiological research techniques associated with quantifying symbiont and host characteristics including differential centrifugation, microscopy, flow cytometry, spectrophotometry, colorimetric protein assays, fluorometry, etc. Students will also learn seawater aquaria maintenance, anemone husbandry, experimental design, how to keep a scientific lab notebook, statistical data analysis, and how to write like a scientist. 

This course satisfies the advanced writing skills course requirement.

This project-based, laboratory-intensive course will focus on primary literature, experimental design and techniques, data collection and analysis, and science communication in the context of cell biology. Students will do a structured, skills-building experiment to examine cell signaling using tissue culture techniques and then design their own novel experiment to understand subcellular localization or protein-protein interactions inside a cell.

This course satisfies the advanced writing skills course requirement.

Using techniques relevant to evolutionary genetics, this laboratory-intensive course will focus on primary literature, experimental design, data collection and analysis, and science communication.  In this course you will gain research experience in the field, in the laboratory, and in silico.  We will start by collecting marine invertebrates at local marinas, then extract DNA from tissue, amplify genes using PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), visualize the PCR products using agarose gel electrophoresis, sequence the genes, edit and align the sequences, and finally analyze the sequences.  First, we will determine the population structure of the species using population genetics software.  Population structure is driven by the combined effects of the processes that disrupt Hardy Weinberg equilibrium: genetic drift, gene flow, non-random mating, mutation, and natural selection.  Next, we will build phylogenetic trees and haplotype networks to visualize the relationships between the individuals of these species.

This course satisfies the advanced writing skills course requirement.

The goal of this course is to address real-world problems pertaining to microbiology. Students will gain experience in microbiological research related to aseptic technique, antimicrobial strategies, microbial isolation, and identification using microscopy, biochemical, and molecular techniques. Throughout the course, students will analyze data, make inferences, and communicate their findings both orally and written. This course satisfies the advanced writing skills course requirement.

This course is an introduction to general chemistry with an emphasis on developing problem- solving skills for students planning a professional career in science, engineering, and medical fields. We will explore basic concepts of chemistry along with the mathematics required for quantitative problem solving. The topics include elements and compounds, chemical calculations, atomic structure, bonding, stoichiometry, chemical equations, reactions in aqueous solutions, oxidation-reduction, energy and chemical changes, quantum mechanical atom, chemical equilibrium, and acids & bases & buffers. This course can be taken at the same time or before CHEM 150L. 

This course, combined with CHEM 150L and CHEM 151 (Integrated Biology and Chemistry), is equivalent to the material in a year-long Introductory Chemistry sequence.

This laboratory is a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) to complement Foundation of Chemistry (CHEM 150) course and will build upon the basic general chemistry knowledge. The CURE project is designed to challenge students to frame real-life practical research questions and design viable approaches to acquire meaningful data. This is a student-centered, guided, and inquiry-based research project that will allow students to engage in activities with greater decision-making and collaborative work.

This course was formerly named IBC-200 CHEM.

Students will learn chemical structure and bonding, polymerization, gas laws, thermodynamics (1st law, 2nd law, and equilibrium), kinetics (reaction rates, rate laws, and transition state theory), and redox reactions (redox potentials and Nernst equation).

CHEM 151 and BIO 151 are co-taught and integrated into one course. In this interdisciplinary course, students will learn both chemistry and biology topics in an integrated way to understand the cell and molecular biology of cancer. 

This course provides a fundamental overview of organic chemistry to students interested in pursuing careers in the sciences, engineering, or medical fields. We will explore the relationship between the structure and function of molecules, the major classes of organic compounds, and their reactions and reaction mechanisms. Students will learn how to determine molecular structure via spectroscopic techniques. In the laboratory, students will be introduced to some techniques and procedures for the isolation, purification, and characterization of organic compounds and to some of the reactions used in the organic chemistry laboratory such as the Grignard, elimination, and substitution reactions.

This course is continuation of CHEM 301 that provides a deeper overview of organic chemistry to students interested in pursuing careers in the sciences, engineering, or medical fields. We will specifically explore the synthesis and reaction mechanisms of aromatic compounds and organic molecules with carbonyl and carboxylic acid functional groups. Students will learn how to plan for multi-step synthetic pathways to form a given organic molecule and the reaction mechanisms involved. A complementary laboratory will reinforce content.

Drug design and development is a complex interdisciplinary enterprise that draws upon many disciplines in science, engineering, and business. The cost to develop the average FDA-approved drug is estimated to be as much as $1.5 billion. This course will explore core medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and molecular biology topics related to drug design and development. Using a case study-focused approach, students will study and present on traditional small molecules, biologically derived larger drugs, and next-generation gene therapies. Topics for discussion include receptor theory, common drug targets, lead molecule discovery and development, pharmacokinetics, ADMET, monoclonal antibody therapies, vaccines, nucleic acid-based drugs, CRISPR, and more.

We will learn, in detail, how the cell uses just a few types of raw materials to construct complex structures. Some have evolved to catalyze chemical reactions with a high degree of selectivity and specificity; we will uncover their enzymatic strategies. Living things harvest energy from their environment to fuel metabolic processes, reproduce, and grow; we will keep account of these transactions and consider the exquisite control that permits a cell to be responsive and adapt its responses to inputs from the environment. Key topics: protein structure and function, thermodynamics, enzyme mechanisms, transport, signaling, intermediary metabolism, and regulation. (Recommended prerequisite for medical school admissions.)

This project-based, laboratory-intensive course will focus on completing an authentic semester-long research project within the field of protein molecular biology and biochemistry. Students will propose and then use molecular cloning techniques to generate a novel protein mutant. They will then express and purify both the mutant and a wild-type control protein for comparative analysis. Through biochemical and biophysical experiments, students will gain new insights into how protein sequence dictates assembly and function. Students will gain experience with key molecular biology lab techniques such as molecular cloning, protein expression, and protein purification, Biochemical and biophysical methods including SDS-PAGE, UV-Vis spectroscopy, light scattering, and microscopy. Students will communicate their novel results through a final oral presentation and research paper. 

This course satisfies the advanced writing skills course requirement.
 

This is a project-based laboratory course focusing on the fundamental and practical aspect of analytical instrumentation typically employed in chemical and biochemical research laboratories. Through assigned projects, students will make new organic and inorganic compounds and apply various instrumental methods for separation, purification, and identification. 

This project-based laboratory course provides theoretical and practical training of fundamental organic laboratory techniques. Students will be guided through experimental design process of an organic chemistry-based project. Synthesis, isolation, and purification of the organic compounds will be carried out by utilizing techniques including distillation, liquid-liquid extraction, recrystallization, thin layer chromatography, and column chromatography. Characterization of the purified products will be done by spectroscopic techniques including IR, 13C NMR, 1H NMR, and Mass spectroscopy. Students will also practice fundamentals of effective scientific writing according to the American Chemical Society guidelines. The laboratory techniques and the student effort in this course are equivalent to what is offered and expected in traditional Organic Chemistry Laboratory I & II combined.

This project-based, laboratory-intensive course will focus on primary literature, experimental design and techniques, data collection and analysis, and science communication in the context of biochemistry. Students will express, purify, detect, quantify, and perform biochemical assays of recombinant enzymes to gain new insights into their mechanism of action and how they may be inhibited. Students will gain experience with lab techniques such as sonication/homogenization, column chromatography, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, immunoblotting, etc. Students will communicate their results and ideas through oral presentations, research proposals, and research articles.

This course satisfies the advanced writing skills course requirement.

This interdisciplinary course will focus on the molecular biology of cancer and the underlying chemistry of cell biology. Students will learn how proteins are encoded and the impact of genomic instability on protein structure and function; alterations of normal metabolism in cancer cells; and basic pathways of cell division and death. Complementary chemistry topics include chemical structure and bonding, biological polymerization, thermodynamics, enzyme kinetics, and redox reactions. Laboratory research will use model systems to understand cancer biology. Prevents co- or later enrollment in BIO 115 and BIO 130.

This interdisciplinary course will focus on the molecular biology of cancer and the underlying chemistry of cell biology. Students will learn how proteins are encoded and the impact of genomic instability on protein structure and function; alterations of normal metabolism in cancer cells; and basic pathways of cell division and death. Complementary chemistry topics include chemical structure and bonding, biological polymerization, thermodynamics, enzyme kinetics, and redox reactions. Laboratory research will use model systems to understand cancer biology. Prevents co- or later enrollment in BIO 115 and BIO 130.

Students will continue from IBC200 to learn protein structures, excretory systems (kidney structure, nephron structure, urine formation), and homeostasis (thermoregulation and osmoregulation). IBC 201-BIO and IBC 201-CHEM are integrated into one course. In this interdisciplinary course, students will learn both chemistry and biology topics in an integrated way and then apply these topics to understand the homeostasis, particularly the excretory system, of cells and human bodies. 

Students will continue from IBC200 to learn structures of organic molecules, intermolecular forces, metal-ion complexes, thermodynamics, phase diagram, and chemical equilibrium, and colligative properties.
IBC 201-CHEM and IBC 201-BIO are integrated into one course. In this interdisciplinary course, students will learn both chemistry and biology topics in an integrated way and then apply these topics to understand the homeostasis, particularly the excretory system, of cells and human bodies. 
 

The first of two courses covering the usual introductory physics topics but re-ordered to follow the timeline of the universe: evolution of the cosmos, evolution of life on earth, and evolution of human social reality. Computer labs will promote modeling and simulation skills using Python. Biological, chemical, medical, or health-related contexts or applications will be used where suitable as are connections to enduring questions of humanity or modes of inquiry. The courses are algebra-based, though a few essential calculus concepts will be introduced via computer labs.

The second of two courses covering the usual introductory physics topics but re-ordered to follow the timeline of the universe: evolution of the cosmos, evolution of life on earth, and evolution of human social reality. Computer labs will promote modeling and simulation skills using Python. Biological, chemical, medical, or health-related contexts or applications will be used where suitable as are connections to enduring questions of humanity or modes of inquiry. The courses are algebra-based, though a few essential calculus concepts will be introduced via computer labs.

This course examines how epidemiology informs global health policy and governance. Students will develop the ability to design, critique, and interpret epidemiological studies, with direct application to human health, disease, and clinical medicine in global contexts. They will practice integrating scientific evidence into policy and governance decisions, producing professional work such as policy memos, consulting presentations, and grant proposals modeled on the application structure required by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The course emphasizes critical analysis, clear communication, and the integration of liberal arts perspectives to address complex challenges in global health.

This course satisfies the advanced writing skills course requirement.

The Capstone research project, consisting of Capstone 390, 400, and 450, is a culminating experience that draws upon the skills and knowledge students have developed through their liberal arts education and their chosen concentration. Each student works with a faculty mentor to develop a research project related to the student’s declared concentration. Students meet regularly with their Capstone mentor for support and feedback. Work completed in Capstone 390 includes the development of a proposal that outlines a body of work to be completed through the full Capstone sequence and that aligns with the Undergraduate Capstone Policy, the Capstone Learning Objectives, and the standards set by the student’s concentration.

The Capstone research project, consisting of Capstone 390, 400, and 450, is a culminating experience that draws upon the skills and knowledge students have developed through their liberal arts education and their chosen concentration. Each student works with a faculty mentor to carry out a research project related to the student’s declared concentration. Students meet regularly with their Capstone mentor for support and feedback. Work completed in Capstone 400 develops the Capstone 390 proposal toward the final body of work to be submitted in Capstone 450 and must meet the criteria set in the Undergraduate Capstone Policy as well as standards set by the student’s concentration.

The Capstone research project, consisting of Capstone 390, 400, and 450, is a culminating experience that draws upon the skills and knowledge students have developed through their liberal arts education and their chosen concentration. Each student works with a faculty mentor to complete a research project related to the student’s declared concentration. Students meet regularly with their Capstone mentor for support and feedback. The final Capstone project submitted at the end of Capstone 450 constitutes a unified body of work commensurate with the 6 units awarded for the entire Capstone sequence and must meet the criteria set in the Undergraduate Capstone Policy as well as standards set by the student’s concentration.