Professors Minkoff (on leave, fall semester and Short Term), Thomas (on leave, winter semester and Short Term), and Baker; Associate Professors Pelliccia (chair), Kinsman, Abrahamsen, Ambrose, and Kleckner; Assistant Professors Sommer (on leave, fall semester) and Bavis; Visiting Assistant Professor Richards; Lecturers Palin and Zottoli

Biology is the study of living systems and how they interact with the nonliving world and with one another. It is a discipline that bridges the physical and social sciences. Students who major in biology become familiar with all levels of biological organization from molecules to ecosystems, and gain practical experience in both laboratory and field studies.

Cross-listed Courses. Note that unless otherwise specified, when a department/program references a course or unit in the department/program, it includes courses and units cross-listed with the department/program.

Major Requirements. 1) Chemistry 107A or Chemistry/Environmental Studies 107B; and Chemistry 108A or Chemistry/Environmental Studies 108B; and one of Chemistry 203, 212, 218, Geology 363, or Biology 244. The Chemistry 218 option (with prerequisite of Chemistry 217) is strongly recommended for students interested in attending graduate school, and required for those planning to apply to medical school programs. Prospective majors are strongly encouraged to complete Chemistry 107A or Chemistry/Environmental Studies 107B and Chemistry 108A or Chemistry/Environmental Studies 108B in the first year.

2) At least ten courses in biology, of which a minimum of eight must be taken from the Bates faculty. Eight of the ten courses must be advanced courses (200-level and above, or the equivalent). Two introductory (100-level) courses may be applied toward the major, as long as at least one has a full laboratory component (Biology 111, 116, 121, 123, 124, 125, or 131). Chemistry 125 may be used in place of a 100-level biology course.

The ten biology courses must include:

a) The three biology core courses, which must be completed prior to beginning the senior year and may not count toward the major if taken pass/fail: Biology 201, 270, and s42. Completion of the core courses by the end of the sophomore year is strongly recommended. Core courses have prerequisites.

b) Biology 460, Junior-Senior Seminar, which may not count toward the major if taken pass/fail and must be taken during the fall or winter semester of the junior or senior year.

c) Additional electives to complete the ten courses required. The advanced courses may not include Biology 244 if Biology 244 is used to complete requirement (1) above, and may include no more than two research or thesis credits from among the following biology courses: 360, 457, 458, 470 through 478, and s50, and no more than one Short Term unit (s30-level and above) in addition to s42. Short Term internships (s26 and s46) do not count toward the major.

d) At least one elective must be a laboratory course that focuses on form and function of plants or animals. Courses that currently satisfy the form and function requirement include: 111 (Freshwater Invertebrates), 116 (Freshwater Biology), 121 (Plant Diversity), 124 (Plants and Human Affairs), 211 (Marine Invertebrates), 268 (Entomology), 311 (Comparative Anatomy of the Chordates), 337 (Animal Physiology), 380 (Plant Physiology).

Chemistry 321, Chemistry 322, Psychology 355, or Psychology 363 may be substituted for one advanced course in satisfying the requirements of the major.

Excluding one 100-level biology course, and the three biology core courses (Biology 201, 270, and s42), students wishing to double major in biology and biological chemistry, environmental studies, and/or neuroscience may apply only one biology course (or substitute course such as Chemistry 321 or 322, or Psychology 355 or 363) used for the biological chemistry requirements, the environmental studies requirements, and/or the neuroscience requirements toward the requirements for a major in biology.

3) Completion of the comprehensive examination requirement. The comprehensive examination requirement must be fulfilled by a satisfactory performance on the departmental comprehensive exam given once during the winter semester of the senior year, or by achieving a score corresponding to the twenty-sixth percentile on the Graduate Record Exam Subject Test in Biology. The GRE option must be fulfilled by the December test date of the senior year; students are encouraged to take the test early.

Planning for the Major. Prospective majors are urged to discuss course selection and scheduling with a member of the department in the first year, particularly if use of Advanced Placement credits or participation in an off-campus study program is anticipated. The department strongly encourages students to complete the required core courses before the end of their sophomore year to allow scheduling flexibility later. Completion of the core courses prior to the beginning of the senior year is required. The department also strongly advises that electives be chosen in close consultation with faculty to ensure breadth of knowledge within biology (from molecules and cells to organisms and ecosystems). Students may apply to include in the major a one-semester biology research internship at the Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine, or Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York.

Pass/Fail Grading Option. Pass/fail grading may be elected for courses applied toward the major except for four required courses: Biology 201, 270, 460, and s42.

General Education. Any two courses listed below may serve as a department-designated set, provided that at least one has a full laboratory component. Courses currently designated as having full laboratory components include 111, 116, 121, 123, 124, 125, 131, 201, 211, 260, 270, 308, 311, 313, 315, 316, 336, 337, 341, 351, 362, and 380. First-Year Seminar 282 and the following units listed below may serve as partial fulfillment of the natural science requirement as a third course option: s23, s24, s27, s32, s33, s37, s42, and s45. The quantitative requirement can be satisfied by completing Biology 155, 201, 244, 270, or s45. Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or A-Level credit awarded by the department may not be used towards fulfillment of any General Education requirements.

Courses

BIO 103. Sensory Biology. This course examines the biology of sensation in humans and other organisms. It focuses on the chemical (taste, smell) and mechanical (touch, hearing) senses, and includes other topics such as electroreception in fish, magnetoreception in migrating animals, and vision in vertebrates and invertebrates. Laboratory exercises examine our own senses (why, for example, do peppers seem hotter to some humans than others?), as well as those of other organisms, such as aversive behaviors to chemical or tactile stimuli in invertebrates, and reaction to touch in carnivorous plants. Enrollment limited to 40. Normally offered every other year. N. Kleckner.

BIO 104. Learning and Teaching Biology. This course offers a way for students to investigate selected topics in biology through the development and implementation of service-learning projects at local schools. Students learn the principles, concepts, and vocabulary of selected topics in biology. Then, through work with library and Internet resources, teachers, and younger students, students design and help teach curricular units and hands-on lab experiences to younger learners. Students are encouraged to learn independently, to think beyond the college classroom, to become involved in the community, and to appreciate the interdisciplinary nature of biology. Enrollment limited to 40. Offered with varying frequency. L. Abrahamsen.

BIO 106. Animal Development. Development is a process by which a single fertilized egg grows and changes into a complex organism with trillions of cells. How do the cells of an embryo grow and become different within the constraint that the genes are the same in each type of cell? This course focuses on the mechanisms by which genes control development in animals. The course includes discussions of current political and ethical issues in reproductive technology, but focuses on the science underlying these technologies. Enrollment limited to 40. Not open to students who have received credit for Biology 316. Offered with varying frequency. J. Pelliccia.

BIO 107. Microbes in the Biosphere. Microorganisms are ubiquitous, exhibiting remarkable diversity in habitat and metabolic activity. This course explores the activities and interactions of microbial populations within their biotic and abiotic environments. Discussions and readings focus on current topics including, but not limited to, biogeochemical cycling, bioremediation, the industrial uses of microbes, and the role of microorganisms in health and disease. Enrollment limited to 40. Not open to students who have received credit for Biology 125 or 315. Offered with varying frequency. K. Palin.

BIO 108. Cancer. In this course, students examine the biological basis of cancer, including the role of oncogenes and tumor suppressors in regulating how the cell divides, how environmental agents and viruses can induce DNA mutations leading to cancerous growth, as well as the genetic basis of certain predispositions of inherited cancers. Students also examine how cancer treatments (radiation, chemotherapy drugs) work to kill cancerous cells. Finally, they explore emerging technologies that are developing new targeted cancer therapies, based on understanding the basic biological processes of cell division and blood vessel growth. Enrollment limited to 40. Offered with varying frequency. Staff.

BIO 111. Freshwater Invertebrates: Form and Function. This course is a survey of major freshwater invertebrate groups emphasizing form and function. The subject matter for each group includes anatomy, life histories, and the biology and ecology of dominant species. Laboratories supplement lectures. Enrollment limited to 40. Offered with varying frequency. R. Zottoli.

BI/GE 112. Oceanography. An integrated, interdisciplinary overview of the chemistry, physics, geology, and biology of the world's oceans. Topics include chemical and physical properties of sea water, ocean circulation, evolution of ocean basins, coastal geomorphology, the distribution and abundance of organisms in the major marine communities, the status of the world's most important fisheries, and the role of the ocean in the global carbon cycle. Enrollment limited to 40. Not open to students who have received credit for Biology 110. Offered with varying frequency. W. Ambrose.

BIO 115. Discover Neuroscience. Neuroscience as a discipline is relatively new, but scientific investigation into brain and nervous system function has taken place for centuries. In this course students explore the major discoveries and ideas that have contributed to our current understanding of the nervous system. Topics may include, but are not limited to, Galen's philosophy of brain function, the contributions of women to discovery in neuroscience, comparisons of early techniques for visualizing brain tissue with modern noninvasive imaging techniques (such as PET scans), and the future of discovery in neuroscience. Enrollment limited to 40. Not open to students who have received credit for Neuroscience 115. Normally offered every year. N. Kleckner.

BIO 116. Freshwater Biology. A lecture and laboratory survey of major freshwater ecosystems including lakes, ponds, and streams. Topics for each ecosystem include identifications, life histories, and the biology/ecology of dominant plant and animal species. Enrollment limited to 40. Offered with varying frequency. R. Zottoli.

BIO 118. Bugs in the System. Insects — numerous, ubiquitous, diverse, and uniquely equipped — strongly influence ecosystem processes and human health, culture, and history. This course introduces insects' biology and diversity and explores insects' ecological roles and consequent impacts on human affairs. Selected topics — colonial and postcolonial medical entomology, typhus and war, the historical silk and contemporary cotton industries, discourses on sociobiology and biodiversity, twentieth-century popular culture, and the politics of pesticides — illustrate how insect-human interactions contribute to social history in ways both obvious and obscure. Enrollment limited to 40. Not open to students who have received credit for Biology 168 or 268. Offered with varying frequency. S. Kinsman.

BIO 120. Toxins. Issues and potential problems related to toxic materials are reported almost daily by the mass media. Misunderstandings raised by the reports are often due to a lack of basic knowledge about toxicology. This course introduces basic principles of toxicology by discussing topics such as the Woburn, Massachusetts, leukemia cluster and trichloroethylene groundwater contamination that was publicized by A Civil Action. The majority of the course emphasizes principles essential to assessing risks chemicals pose to humans but also discusses the impacts of chemicals on organisms at the population, community, and ecosystem level. Enrollment limited to 40. Normally offered every other year. R. Sommer.

BIO 121. Plant Diversity. A survey of marine and freshwater algae, the fungi, mosses, ferns, fern allies, and seed plants. Lecture and laboratory studies emphasize comparative structures, functions, habitats, and evolutionary relationships. Enrollment limited to 40. Normally offered every year. R. Thomas.

BIO 124. Plants and Human Affairs. A survey of economically and historically important plants, with emphasis on aspects of agronomy, forestry, plant biochemistry, and ethnobotany. Plant products studied include perfumes, spices, medicinals, fermentation products, oils, rubber, textiles, wood, sugar, cereals, and legumes. Enrollment limited to 40. Normally offered every year. R. Thomas.

BIO 125. Environmental Microbiology. Microorganisms live in a variety of habitats. This course explores the relationships between microorganisms, particularly the bacteria, fungi, and algae, and their biotic and physical environments. Among the topics for discussion are soil microbiology and biogeochemical cycles, bioremediation, and aquatic microbiology. Consideration is given to human health and disease. Laboratory investigations focus on microbial habitats and metabolic diversity. Not open to students who have received credit for Biology 107 or 315. Enrollment limited to 40. Normally offered every year. K. Palin.

BIO 127. Emerging Infections across the Globe. Emerging infections are those that are newly described, appear in different geographic regions, or move into new host populations. In this course students examine the biology of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other organisms that cause these infections as well as the mechanisms by which they produce disease. They study transmission patterns, treatments, and preventions. Topics include infections of global concern such as malaria, tapeworms, dengue fever, HIV-AIDS, polio and other childhood diseases, cholera, and tuberculosis. Enrollment limited to 40. Offered with varying frequency. K. Palin.

BIO 131. Human Genetics and Biotechnology. How does DNA function to produce the traits seen in animals? How are these traits passed on from generation to generation? How can the study of human genetic disease give us insight into answering these questions? This laboratory and lecture course in genetics begins with a review of Mendelian inheritance and ends with a discussion of modern molecular research and its enormous impact on humankind. DNA fingerprinting, in vitro manipulation of embryos, and the production of transgenic animals are discussed. Special attention is given to the ecological and ethical impacts of genetic technology. This course presumes that students have a background in genetics from high school biology. Enrollment limited to 40. Offered with varying frequency. J. Pelliccia.

BI/MA 155. Mathematical Models in Biology. Mathematical models are increasingly important throughout the life sciences. This course provides an introduction to deterministic and statistical models in biology. Examples are chosen from a variety of biological and medical fields such as ecology, molecular evolution, and infectious disease. Computers are used extensively for modeling and for analyzing data. Recommended background: a course in biology. Enrollment limited to 30. Not open to students who have received credit for Biology 155 or Mathematics 155. Normally offered every other year. M. Greer.

BIO 158. Evolutionary Biology. Evolution is the great unifying theory in biology. It is the context into which all other biological subjects fit. The course examines various aspects of evolution, including the origin of life, the major events in the evolution of life on Earth, the processes that result in evolutionary change, the nature of the fossil record, the history of evolutionary theories, and creationist objections to these theories. Enrollment limited to 40. Normally offered every other year. E. Minkoff.

BI/GE 181. Introduction to Paleontology. The evolution of the vertebrates above the species level is treated in both biological and geological contexts. Enrollment limited to 40. Not open to students who have received credit for Biology 181. Normally offered every year. E. Minkoff.

BIO 201. Biological Principles. The methods and principles of biology are introduced in the context of an issues-oriented approach that emphasizes coherent understanding of the origin and cellular basis of life, mechanisms of evolution, genetics, and biological diversity. Other selected issues, which may vary from year to year, may include cancer, AIDS, drugs, sociobiology, plant adaptations, and conservation biology. Laboratories involve design and execution of experiments in cooperative groups and a collaborative project on organismal diversity. Quantitative analysis of data and peer-reviewed scientific writing are emphasized. Students experience the connections among the fields of biology, the interdisciplinary nature of today's biology, and the connections between biological and social issues. Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): any 100-level course in biology, or designated First-Year Seminar (215, 226, 243), or Neuroscience 200, or Chemistry 125 or s32, or Advanced Placement credit. Enrollment limited to 21 per section. Normally offered every year. J. Pelliccia.

BIO 211. Marine Invertebrates. A survey of the varieties, morphology, development, evolution, and behavior of invertebrates with an emphasis on marine animals. Laboratory work includes the study, through dissection and experiment, of representative organisms. The course includes field trips to local marine habitats. Prerequisite(s): Biology 101s or 201. Enrollment limited to 14 per section. Normally offered every other year. W. Ambrose.

BIO 240. Introduction to Epidemiology. Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of disease, injuries, and "health-related occurrences" within populations. This course examines the frequencies and types of illnesses and injuries within various groups and the multiple factors that influence their distribution. Students consider infectious, chronic, emerging, and reemerging diseases of historic and current importance. Models and preventions are discussed. Prerequisite(s): Biology 201. Offered with varying frequency. K. Palin.

BIO 244. Biostatistics. A course in the use of both descriptive and inferential statistics in the biological sciences, including such topics as types of data, population structure, probability distributions, common types of statistical inference (t-, F-, and chi-square tests), correlation and regression, analysis of variance, and an introduction to nonparametric statistics. Prerequisite(s): one college biology course. Open to first-year students. Enrollment limited to 50. Normally offered every year. E. Minkoff.

BIO 260. Environmental Toxicology. Environmental toxicology is the study of the impacts of pollutants upon organisms and the structure and function of ecological systems. It draws from a variety of disciplines, including ecology, chemistry, organismal and developmental biology, genetics, epidemiology, and mathematics. This course provides an overview of the field by discussing toxicant introduction, movement, distribution, and fate in the environment; toxicant sites and mechanisms of action in organisms and ecosystems; and toxicant impact upon organisms and ecosystems. Basics of toxicity testing design and analysis are an important part of the laboratory. Prerequisite(s): Chemistry 108A and Biology 201; or Chemistry/Environmental Studies 108B and Biology 201; or Environmental Studies 203. Open to first-year students. Enrollment limited to 24. Normally offered every other year. R. Sommer.

BIO 268. Entomology. A study of insects, the largest group of animals. Lectures and laboratories emphasize insect morphology and physiology, evolution and classification, as well as behavior, ecology, and field study. Selected topics may include flight, development and hormones, variations in life cycles and reproductive modes, courtship and parental care, and evolution of mutualisms, defense, and social behavior. Certain laboratories are scheduled as weekend afternoon field trips. In addition, one overnight museum field trip may be scheduled. Prerequisite(s): Biology 101s or 201. Enrollment limited to 14 per section. Not open to students who have received credit for Biology 168. Offered with varying frequency. S. Kinsman.

BIO 270. Ecology. An introduction to ecological and evolutionary patterns, principles, and processes. Topics include life history and adaptation, speciation, population dynamics and interactions, community structure, and ecosystem processes. Laboratories include experimental investigations of several levels of biological organization using cooperative lab groups. Prerequisite(s): Biology 101s or 201. Open to first-year students. Normally offered every year. S. Kinsman.

BIO 285. Primates and Human Origins. A course in primatology and physical anthropology for students of biology, psychology, anthropology, and other fields. Topics include primate evolution, paleoanthropology, primate sociobiology, primate behavior, human diversity, and the physical prerequisites for culture. Conflicting views on phylogeny, race, intelligence, and behavior are also discussed. Prerequisite(s): Biology 101s or 201. Offered with varying frequency. E. Minkoff.

BI/NS 308. Neurobiology. The course is an introduction to the molecular and cellular principles of neurobiology, and the organization of neurons into networks. Also included are the topics of developmental and synaptic plasticity, and the role invertebrate systems have played in our understanding of these processes. Laboratories include electrical recordings of nerve cells, computer simulation and modeling, and the use of molecular techniques in neurobiology. Recommended background: Neuroscience/Psychology 200. Prerequisite(s): Biology s42. Enrollment limited to 12 per section. Not open to students who have received credit for Biology 308 or Neuroscience 308. Normally offered every year. N. Kleckner.

BIO 311. Comparative Anatomy of the Chordates. An introduction to the comparative anatomy of the vertebrates and their kin, with laboratory study of both sharks and mammals. Prerequisite(s): Biology 101s or 201. Enrollment limited to 18. Offered with varying frequency. E. Minkoff.

BIO 313. Marine Ecology. An examination of the complex ecological interactions that structure marine systems. Habitats studied include intertidal, estuary, coral reef, deep sea, salt marsh, and pelagic. Laboratories include work in local marine communities and require occasional weekend trips. Prerequisite(s): Biology 170 or 270. Enrollment limited to 12 per laboratory section. Normally offered every other year. W. Ambrose.

BIO 314. Virology. A lecture and seminar examination of the molecular biology of viruses, including viroids and bacteriophages. Topics include viral infection and replication cycles, morphology, oncogenesis, and virus-host interactions. Viruses of epidemiologic and biotechnologic importance are emphasized. Prerequisite(s): Biology s42. Enrollment limited to 30. Normally offered every other year. L. Abrahamsen.

BIO 315. Bacteriology. A survey of the structure and physiology of bacteria, emphasizing adaptations of these organisms to specific environmental niches. Particular attention is given to organisms of medical, ecological, or industrial interest. Prerequisite(s): Biology s42. Enrollment limited to 25. Normally offered every year. L. Abrahamsen.

BIO 316. Molecular Aspects of Development. An investigation of developmental processes in complex plants and animals. The course focuses on embryonic development and includes the roles of genetic and environmental determinants. There is an emphasis on cell communication processes mediating such processes as cell fate specification, differentiation, pattern formation, and sex determination. The similarities and differences among these processes in organisms are highlighted. Prerequisite(s): Biology s42. Offered with varying frequency. J. Pelliccia.

BIO 320. Pharmacology. Pharmacology is the study of the actions and effects of drugs within a living organism. It studies all drugs, whether they are illegal, legal, prescription, or over-the-counter. This course places an emphasis on treatment of illness and disease in mammals and presents mechanisms of action, and therapeutic uses and toxicities of important drugs, including medications that affect the peripheral nervous system, cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, endocrine system, reproductive system, and agents used to treat cancer. Prerequisite(s): Biology s42. Recommended background: Biology 337. Offered with varying frequency. R. Sommer.

BIO 323. Forest Ecology. Study of terrestrial plants' population dynamics, community patterns, and adaptations to physical and biological environments, with an emphasis on the North Woods. Field trip learning is central. Topics include alpine and subalpine vegetation of Mount Washington, adaptations to selected wetland conditions, plant-animal interactions, reproduction and demography, forest disturbance dynamics, and plant communities of the historically forested landscapes of northern New England. Some Saturday field trip laboratories are required. Prerequisite(s): one of the following: First-Year Seminar 226, Biology 124, 201, Environmental Studies 203, 302. Enrollment limited to 12. Offered with varying frequency. S. Kinsman.

BIO 331. Molecular Biology. A laboratory and lecture introduction to the molecular biology of genes and chromosomes. The course emphasizes current research about gene structure and function, experimental techniques, and eukaryotic genetics. Prerequisite(s): Biology s42. Offered with varying frequency. S. Richards.

BIO 337. Animal Physiology. The major physiological processes of animals, including digestion, circulation, respiration, excretion, locomotion, and both neural and hormonal regulation. Examples are drawn from several species and include a consideration of the cellular basis of organ-system function. Prerequisite(s): Biology s42. Enrollment limited to 12 per section. Normally offered every year. R. Bavis.

BIO 338. Drug Actions on the Nervous System. This course focuses on the biochemistry and physiology of neural tissues. An emphasis is placed on neurotransmitter systems, and on drugs thought to act on these systems. The relationships between the actions of drugs at molecular, cellular, and behavioral levels are also discussed. Prerequisite(s): Biology s42. Recommended background: Neuroscience 200, Biology/Neuroscience 308, or Psychology 363. Offered with varying frequency. N. Kleckner.

BIO 341. Electron Microscopy. An introduction to the principles of electron optics, with emphasis on biological applications. Topics covered in lecture or laboratory include preparation of specimens for transmission and scanning electron microscopy; use of the scanning electron microscope; use of associated photographic, X-ray dispersive, cytochemical, immunological, and autoradiographic techniques; and interpretation of data. Special-interest topics are chosen by students for independent research projects. Prerequisite(s): Biology s42. Enrollment limited to 6. Offered with varying frequency. R. Thomas.

BIO 351. Immunology. The immune system is studied as an example of the body's chemical communication networks and as one mechanism for memory. Topics include production of an immune response, immune surveillance in the maintenance of health, the effects of psychological and environmental factors on the immune system and on health, and the effects of immune dysfunctions (autoimmune diseases and immune deficiencies including AIDS). The course emphasizes the human immune system but briefly covers comparative immunology. The course includes a laboratory. Prerequisite(s): Biology s42. Normally offered every year. S. Richards.

BIO 352. Membrane and Receptor Biology. A detailed examination of the structure and function of biological membranes drawing on examples from the six kingdoms. Topics include the biophysical properties of cell and organelle membranes, and their biological functions, including signaling, adhesion, trafficking and transport. Prerequisite(s): Biology s42 or Chemistry 321. Offered with varying frequency. P. Baker.

BIO 360. Independent Study. Students, in consultation with a faculty advisor, individually design and plan a course of study or research not offered in the curriculum. Course work includes a reflective component, evaluation, and completion of an agreed-upon product. Sponsorship by a faculty member in the program/department, a course prospectus, and permission of the chair are required. Students may register for no more than one independent study per semester. Normally offered every semester. Staff.

BIO 365. Special Topics. Offered at irregular intervals by a faculty member in an area of contemporary interest.

BIO 368. Seminar on the Evolution of Sex. For more than 150 years, scientists have asked why the vast majority of living organisms reproduce sexually, when asexual reproduction (reproducing without mating) offers a much more efficient means of producing offspring. There is still little agreement among scientists as to why sex persists and why most organisms do it. In this course, students examine the many hypotheses put forward to explain sex. They study the enormous variety of reproductive modes exhibited by living creatures and investigate their ecological, evolutionary, and genetic consequences. Prerequisite(s): Biology 201. Recommended background: some background in evolution and/or genetics. Enrollment limited to 15. Written permission of the instructor is required. Offered with varying frequency. Staff.

BIO 380. Plant Physiology. A study of organismal and cellular functions important in the life of green plants. Topics include mineral nutrition, water relations, metabolism, and regulatory processes. Prerequisite(s): Biology s42. Enrollment limited to 20. Offered with varying frequency. R. Thomas.

BIO 457, 458. Senior Thesis. Permission of the department and the thesis advisor are required. Students register for Biology 457 in the fall semester and for Biology 458 in the winter semester. Majors writing an honors thesis register for both Biology 457 and 458. Written permission of the instructor is required. Normally offered every year. Staff.

BIO 460. Junior-Senior Seminar. Reading original biological literature is an essential skill for biology majors. Focusing on the topics addressed by invited speakers for the semester's biology seminar program, students review articles, write analyses, and contribute oral presentations in a small group format. Students attend afternoon and/or evening seminars and discuss the content, context, and presentation of original investigations. This course is required of all biology majors beginning with the class of 2004 and may replace the extracurricular seminar requirement for all other majors. Prerequisite(s): Biology 201, 270, and s42. One of these courses may be taken concurrently, only by permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited to 40. Normally offered every semester. Staff.

BIO 470. Seminar and Research in Ecology. Laboratory, field, or library study of a current research topic in experimental ecology. A topic is selected with reference to the research interests of the instructor. Prerequisite(s): Biology 270. Enrollment limited to 6. Written permission of the instructor is required. Offered with varying frequency. Staff.

BIO 471. Seminar and Research in Experimental Botany. Laboratory, field, or library study of a current research topic in experimental botany. A topic is selected with reference to the research interests of the instructor. Enrollment limited to 6. Written permission of the instructor is required. Offered with varying frequency. R. Thomas.

BIO 472. Seminar and Research in Evolution and Physiology. Laboratory or library study of a current research topic in animal physiology. Students may select a topic with reference to the research interests of the instructor. Recommended background: Biology 176, 276, or 337. Enrollment limited to 6. Written permission of the instructor is required. Offered with varying frequency. Staff.

BIO 473. Seminar and Research in Cell Biology. Laboratory and library study of a current research topic in the experimental study of biology at the cellular level. A topic is selected with reference to the research interests of the instructor. Recommended background: Biology s42. Enrollment limited to 6. Written permission of the instructor is required. Offered with varying frequency. Staff.

BIO 474. Seminar and Research in Marine Ecology. Laboratory, field, and library study of advanced topics in marine ecology. Topics are selected in relation to research interests of the instructor and students. Prerequisite(s): Biology 244 and 270. Recommended background: Biology 211. Enrollment limited to 6. Written permission of the instructor is required. Offered with varying frequency. W. Ambrose.

BIO 475. Seminar and Research in Environmental Toxicology. Laboratory and library study of a current research topic in environmental toxicology. Topics are selected in relation to research interests of the instructor and students. Recommended background: Biology s42. Enrollment limited to 6. Written permission of the instructor is required. Not open to students who have received credit for Biology s41. Offered with varying frequency. R. Sommer.

BIO 476. Seminar and Research in Neurobiology. Laboratory or library study of a current research topic in molecular or cellular neurobiology. A topic is selected in reference to the research interests of the instructor. Prerequisite(s): one of the following: Biology/Neuroscience 308, Biology 337, 338, or Psychology/Neuroscience 363. Enrollment limited to 6. Not open to students who have received credit for Biology s44. Offered with varying frequency. N. Kleckner.

Short Term Units

BIO s23. Understanding Cancer. As a cause of mortality in the Western world, cancer is second only to cardiovascular disease. What causes cancer? How is cancer diagnosed and classified? How do flaws in fundamental biological processes drive cancerous growth? What are current therapeutic options and potential new treatments in the fight against cancer? These questions and more are explored in the classroom and the laboratory. Enrollment limited to 30. Offered with varying frequency. R. Sommer.

BIO s24. Experimental Biology. This unit introduces students to how scientific knowledge is produced. In the unique setting of the Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, an internationally known research facility, students design and carry out lab and field research projects. Students learn the fundamentals of data collection, interpretation, and presentation. Through discussions and attendance at formal scientific seminars, students also consider the nature and social value of the scientific process. Enrollment limited to 16. Written permission of the instructor is required. Offered with varying frequency. P. Baker, L. Abrahamsen.

BIO s26. Work-Study Internship in the Natural Sciences. Participation by qualified students in the work of a local or distant institution or organization concerned with the application of scientific knowledge 35-40 hours per week. Such institutions include, but are not limited to, hospitals, medical or veterinary offices, biotechnology firms, aquaria, environmental education centers, agricultural and aquaculture farms. Internships require departmental approval via application. Application to the department must be made prior to Short Term registration. More information is available on the department's Web page. Interns are supervised by a staff member. Not open to students who have received credit for Biology s36. Written permission of the instructor is required. Normally offered every year. Staff.

BIO s29. Nature Photography. A study of photographic techniques used by biologists in the field and laboratory, with emphasis on close-up photography of plants and animals. Additional areas covered include landscape and aerial photography, photomicrography, and preparation of photographs for lectures or publication. Required: access to a 35mm single-lens reflex camera. Recommended background: one course in biology at the 100 level. There is a materials fee of $120.00 per student. Enrollment limited to 15. Written permission of the instructor is required. Offered with varying frequency. R. Thomas.

BIO s31. Evolutionary Ecology Field Study. This field unit focuses on the ecology of freshwater invertebrates from an evolutionary perspective. Topics of study include: biotic and abiotic aspects of freshwater habitats, species interactions, life history evolution, behaviors and their evolutionary consequences, adaptation, reproductive modes, dispersal, and genetic diversity in populations. Students use a combination of field studies and simple molecular genetic techniques to address these topics. They participate in a class project and carry out individual research projects. Prerequisite(s): Biology 270. Enrollment limited to 12. Offered with varying frequency. Staff.

BIO s32. Experimental Marine Ecology. A survey of marine animals and plants, and their relationships with each other and with their environment. Students learn to identify marine flora and fauna and carry out research projects. Recommended background: Biology 270 or 211. Enrollment limited to 8. Written permission of the instructor is required. Offered with varying frequency. Staff.

BIO s37. Forest and Landscape. An investigation of the patterns and history of New England's forests and associated plant communities, with an emphasis on field study and research. Students review the influences of geological patterns, climate, unusual soil and water conditions, natural disturbances, and human activities on community type, occurrence, and history. Central to the unit are visits to a variety of field sites, and field learning to describe the structure, composition, and history of several communities. Primary literature is emphasized. Prerequisite(s): Biology 270 or Environmental Studies 302. Enrollment limited to 8. Offered with varying frequency. S. Kinsman.

BI/GE s38. Geologic and Biologic Field Studies in the Canadian Arctic. This unit examines the biology and Quaternary geology of the eastern Canadian Arctic. Research focuses on glaciology, snow hydrology, and sedimentation in fjords and lakes, and the adaptations required of terrestrial and aquatic plants and animals to survive in the Arctic. Students prepare geologic and vegetation maps, examine animal distributions, study modern fjord and lacustrine environments, and collect and analyze water and sediment samples from lake and marine environments. Emphasis is placed on the relations between biological and geological patterns. Prerequisite(s): one of the following: Biology 201 or any introductory geology course. Recommended background: field experience in biology or geology. Open to first-year students. Enrollment limited to 12. Written permission of the instructor is required. Not open to students who have received credit for Biology s38 or Geology s38. Offered with varying frequency. W. Ambrose, M. Retelle.

BIO s42. Cellular and Molecular Biology. A view of life at the cellular and molecular levels. Topics include cellular energetics, membrane phenomena, and molecular biology. Laboratory techniques include enzymology, cell fractionation, microbial genetics, and electrophoresis. Prerequisite(s): Biology 201, and Chemistry 108A or Chemistry/Environmental Studies 108B. Open to first-year students. Normally offered every year. S. Richards, L. Abrahamsen.

BIO s44. Experimental Neuro/Physiology. A study of contemporary research techniques in the fields of neurobiology, physiology, and pharmacology. Topics may include the pharmacology of recombinant neurotransmitter receptors or the physiology and pharmacology of invertebrate neurons. This unit requires extensive laboratory work in independent projects. Prerequisite(s): one of the following: Biology/Neuroscience 308, Biology 278, 337, 338, or Psychology/Neuroscience 363. Enrollment limited to 12. Not open to students who have received credit for Biology 476. Offered with varying frequency. N. Kleckner.

BIO s46. Internship in the Natural Sciences. Off-campus participation by qualified students as team members in an experimental research program 35-40 hours per week. Internships require departmental approval via application. Application to the department must be made prior to Short Term registration. More information is available on the department's Web page. Interns are supervised by a staff member. Enrollment limited to 15. Written permission of the instructor is required. Normally offered every year. Staff.

BIO s50. Independent Study. Students, in consultation with a faculty advisor, individually design and plan a course of study or research not offered in the curriculum. Course work includes a reflective component, evaluation, and completion of an agreed-upon product. Sponsorship by a faculty member in the program/department, a course prospectus, and permission of the chair are required. Students may register for no more than one independent study during a Short Term. Normally offered every year. Staff.

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