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 Biology CoursesAll Biology Department courses are described below. For more information on courses offered during the current semester, please see: 100--Introductory Biology(BSL) 4 cr 101--Introductory Biology(BSL) 4 cr 102--Introductory Animal Biology(BSL) 4 cr 103--Plant Biology(BS) 4 cr 105--Biology of Social Issues(BS) 106--Human Biology(BS) 108--Biodiversity(BS) 127H—Introductory NeurobiologyThis course will cover the breadth of neuroscience by exploring selected issues in systems, cellular, molecular, and developmental neurobiology. Lectures will be coordinated with student oral and written presentations. We will emphasize the principals that govern how the nervous system works and becomes assembled with a focus on the nerve cells and their molecules as well as the resulting circuitry of the brain. Topics will include: learning, memory, neurological disease, simple behavior, and sleep. 190A--Cosmos: From the Origin of the Universe to the Evolution of Life and Intelligence(SI)
192B—Biology First Year Seminar1 cr 197Q/R – Quantitative Biology of the Cell4 cr 270H-Cosmos & Humanity - From the Big Bang to the Space Age4 cr 280--Evolution: Diversity of Life Through TimeProcess 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 & 101. 283--General GeneticsLecture, discussion. Introduction to genetics including classical, cytological, molecular, biochemical and populational aspects, in a wide variety of organisms. Quizzes, hour exams, final. Prerequisite: Completion of BIOL. 285 recommended; a grade of C or better in BIOL. 100 & 101. 284--Genetics Lab2cr 285--Cell & Molecular BiologyCourse designed for sophomore-level majors in life sciences. Building upon
concepts introduced in BIOL 100/101, consideration is given to structure and
function at the cellular, subcellular, and molecular levels. The course is equally
divided between aspects of molecular and cellular biology. Prerequisites: a
grade of C or better in Biology 100 & 101. An Honors section will be offered. 287--Introductory EcologyLecture. 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. 297A--Introductory PhysiologyLectures cover the physiology of humans and other vertebrates on a system by
system basis (e.g. circulatory system, respiratory system, digestive system,
etc.). Emphasis is placed on understanding fundamental physiological concepts
such as diffusion, membrane potentials, biomechanics and biocontrol. Problem
sets and exams give students practice working with physiological concepts. This
course concentrates primarily on human physiology, but examples from other vertebrate
animals are used to illustrate some physiological phenomena. Prerequisites:
Grades of C or better in BIOL 100 & 101. 297B--Introductory Ecology 297B--Marine VertebratesA 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. 391H--Cellular & Molecular Biology, A Problems Approach
This course is intended as a companion to the large Biol. 285 lecture course and is designed to approach the material covered in BIOL. 285 from an experimental perspective. Given the large amount of information that needs to be covered in BIOL. 285, often the experimental evidence that supports our current views of the topics are left out. BIOL. 391H will fill in some of those gaps and also will provide the opportunity for motivated students to discover how scientists made their discoveries and learn how scientists use current methods to answer fundamental questions in Cell and Molecular Biology using “real life” problems, some from faculty research on the UMass campus. The course will use the text “Molecular Biology of the Cell: A Problems Approach” along with the text “Essential Cell”, that is used in BIOL. 285. Enrollment is limited to sophomores concurrently enrolled in BIOL. 285 or juniors who recently took BIOL. 285 or by instructor’s permission. 397AH/BH-Gene & Genome AnalysisIn 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: Biol/Biochem
285. 421--Plant Ecology4 cr 426--New England FloraLecture, lab, field trips. Learn the vascular plants of the region in their
natural habitats through field trips and in the laboratory with the use of botanical
keys and manuals. Field experience will include some collecting and pressing
of specimens. The class also visits the herbarium and greenhouses. Recognition
of certain plant families and familiarity with terminology will be gained. Prerequisite:
Intro. BIOL. or consent of instructor. 485--Aquatic Vascular PlantsAfternoon field trips, laboratory, and lectures. Plants are studied in the
field and collected on weekly trips to local ponds and wetlands. Lab work consists
of further identification and discussion of plants found on trips. Approximately
150 species are learned from live specimens, herbarium collections, and photographs.
All tests, except final, are given and graded in the field. Salt water plants
are studied on a weekend trip to Cape Cod. Discussions include the adaptations
and ecology of aquatic plants, wetland values, and application of the Mass.
Wetlands Protection Act. Texts: Magee, D., Fresh Water Wetlands, and Tiner,
R., Coastal Wetland Plants. Prerequisite: Biol. 426 or equivalent course in
taxonomy. 491H—Molecular Biology of Model SystemsThe 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 of faculty 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 sophisiticated, state-of-the-art molecular methods and will tackle a variety of current biological questions. Prerequisites: BIOL. 283 or BIOL. 285. 497C--Plant Cell BiologyThis 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: BIOL 285. 497H--Tropical Field BiologyHonors course in Caribbean 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 on a tropical island. Students will participate in a field
trip to the US Virgin Islands during the Spring Break. Prerequisite: permission
of instructors. 504--Plant Morphology4 cr 510--Plant PhysiologyLecture. Structure and function of components of the plant cell, including the wall, membranes, vacuoles, the cytoskeleton and various organelles. Aspects of development at the molecular, tissue and whole plant level. Current theories pertaining to how plants react to hormones, light and daylength. Responses to stresses such as drought, temperature and touch, and the nature of plant defenses against predation and disease. Prerequisite: BIOL. 103 or 100-101. 511--Plant Physiology Lab1 cr 514—Population GeneticsThis 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: BIOL 280 or equivalent: MATH 127 or 128 or STATIS 111 or equivalent. 521--Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy4 cr 522--Vertebrate Fossils and EvolutionLecture, lab. 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. 523--HistologyLecture, lab. The relation of cell, tissue, and organ microscopic and submicroscopic
structure (mammals primarily) with function. Cell fine structure and function;
microscopy; tissues (epithelial, connective tissue, nerve and muscle) and selected
organs (lymphatic, endocrine and other glands, circulatory, and digestive).
Lab includes light microscope identification, related electron micrographs,
introduction to microtechnique, demonstrations in the Electron Microscopy and
Image Analysis facility. 3 exams, multiple quizzes, final; 2 1-hour lab practicals.
Prerequisite: BIOL. 100 or equivalent. 528--Principles of EvolutionAn 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: BIOL 280 or equivalent course. 530--Biology of Invertebrates4 cr 540--HerpetologyThe course provides an overview of the systematics, anatomy, and evolution
of all the major, living lineages of amphibians and reptiles, with an emphasis
on the herpetofauna of Eastern North America and New England. The laboratory
is organized around three approaches: anatomical studies; studies of live organisms;
and studies of regional and global amphibian and reptile diversity. If weather
permits, there will be one field trip near the end of the semester. Some dissection
is required and there is a laboratory fee to cover the cost of specimens and
other materials. Enrollment will be limited to 20 students. Prerequisite: BIOL.
521 or permission of the instructor. 542--Ichthyology4 cr 544--Ornithology4 cr 548--Mammalogy4 cr 550--Animal BehaviorAnimals have evolved a remarkable diversity of behavioral patterns, used in
a wide range of ecological and social contexts. Our first goal in this course
will be to examine the mechanisms responsible for the expression of behavior:
for example, how do birds locate prey; how do crayfish avoid becoming prey;
and how to crickets and birds develop species-specific communication signals?
To help answer these questions we will make use of neurobiological, hormonal,
genetic, and developmental perspectives. Our next goal in the course will be
to examine the evolutionary bases of behavior, asking for example why animals
move, forage, hide, communicate, and socialize as they do. To address these
questions we make use of optimality theory and other behavioral ecological perspectives.
Other topics in the course will include sexual selection, human behavior, and
the role of behavior in establishing biodiversity. Prerequisite: introductory
biology or psychology course; or consent of instructor and at least sophomore
level standing. 559--Cellular & Molecular Biology IIDiscussion 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: Biol. 285. 564--Human Physiology3 cr 566--Comparative Animal PhysiologyLecture, lab. 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. 568--EndocrinologyLecture, lab with 569. The role of hormones in growth, metabolism and reproduction,
molecular mechanisms of hormone action, and feedback control of hormone secretion.
2 hour-exams, final, lab reports for 569 and 1 class presentation. Prerequisite:
500-level physiology course or consent of instructor. 571--Biological RhythmsLecture, discussion. The mechanisms which generate endogenous daily, tidal,
and annual oscillations in organisms will be considered at the level of physiology,
genetics and molecular and cell biology. The synchronization of these rhythms
by the physical environment and the use of the clock for photoperiodism and
orientation will be studied. Assigned readings from original scientific literature.
For junior and senior life science majors and graduate students. Prerequisite:
BIOL 285 or equivalent. 572--NeurobiologyLecture. 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: BIOL. 285
or 523; or both PSYCH 330 and Intro. Biology. 580--Developmental BiologyAnalysis of organismal development, with special attention to cell-cell interactions,
cells fate determination, gene regulation, signal transduction, pattern formation
and terminal differentiation. The emphasis will be on molecular approaches to
these problems. Prerequisites: Biol. 285 or equivalent recommended. 597D--BiometryMethods in data capture and analysis with an emphasis on using and developing approaches to specific biological problems. The R computing environment will be used as a way of accessing libraries of traditional approaches as well as developing novel approaches to biological data analysis including time series, morphometrics, DNA and protein sequence data and experimental design. Requirements: 1 hour exam, final, 1 term project. Prerequisite: Math 127, 128 or equivalent. 597E--Sex Steroids - Advanced Physiology: Communicating Current Research in Endocrine Physiology (A Community Service Learning Course)This course will provide undergraduate and graduate students an opportunity
to learn about very recent findings in endocrine research and to communicate
the excitement and importance of these findings to middle and high school age
students. In addition to learning about steroid hormone action, students will
explore such topics as: environmental pollutants as endocrine disruptors, physiological
basis of sexual differences in the brain, the link between cow’s milk and
diabetes, and effects of anabolic steroids on human physiology. Individuals
or pairs of students will learn to use PowerPoint to prepare slides and will
present a 1-hr scientific lecture on a current topic of interest to the class.
Next, groups of 3-4 students will work together to condense their talks into
a one-hour presentation formatted in a style appropriate for a middle or high
school audience. Finally, each group will present a talk to a biology class
in a local middle or high school. 597G--Environmental EvolutionEarth’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. 597J--Topics in Plant GeneticsIn this course we will study genetic approaches to understanding plant genomes
and plant growth and development. The course will focus on using examples from
the plant kingdom which illustrate global principles of eukaryotic genetics.
Possible topics will include genetic control of floral development, genetic
control of photomorphogenesis, self incompatibility systems, transposable elements,
epigenetic gene silencing, genetic engineering of crop plants, genetic control
of Agrobacterium infection, genome invasion by retrotransposons or others depending
on students' interests. Prerequisite: BIOL. 283 and 285. 597L--Principles of Molecular EvolutionAn advanced course focused on the evolution of macromolecules and the reconstruction of evolutionary history of genes, proteins and organisms. Potential topics include databases and sequence matching, molecular phylogenetics, gene duplication and divergence, genome evolution, and horizontal gene transfer. The course will consist of lectures, computer demonstrations and class discussions. Text: Molecular Evolution, W.-H. Li, 1997 and readings from primary literature. 2 hour-exams and 1 term paper. Prerequisite: BIOL 280 or equivalent course. |
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