Courses: Fall 2009

Biology 003 Fundamentals of Biology.
An introductory course for potential biology majors who do not have a strong high-school background who are interested in a general introduction to biology. Selected topics in cell structure and function, energy-transformations in living systems, genetics and molecular biology. Two lectures and required recitation per week. Dr. Cyr. Block E+: M-W, 10:30-11:45AM. Barnum 104. Call #00127. Required Recitation: Block EF: Friday, 10:30-11:20am. Barnum 104. Call #00125.
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Biology 004 Gross Anatomy.
(Cross listed as Occupational Therapy 102). Call Boston School of Occupational Therapy (617-627-5720) for information about this course.

Biology 007 Environmental Biology.
An examination of major natural and created ecosystems and human influences on them. Biological bases for species distributions, human population size, and conservation. Ecological bases for sound land use and pollution abatement. Dr. Ambrogio. Block C: T-W-F, 9:30 – 10:20AM Barnum 008. Call #00131.
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Biology 009 Physiology
(Cross listed as Occupational Therapy 101). Call Boston School of Occupational Therapy (627-5720) for information about this course.

Biology 011 Kinesiology
(Cross listed as Occupational therapy 104). Call Boston School of Occupational Therapy (627-5720) for information about this course.

Biology 13L Cells and Organisms with Lab.
An introductory course primarily for prospective biology majors. This course must be taken with the lab -- enroll in one of the laboratories in Biology 13L A-M below. General biological principles and widely used methods related to current advances in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, genetics, plant and biomedical sciences. Three lectures per week. Three exams + final; no papers. Dr. McLaughlin and members of the department. Block D: Monday 9:30-10:20AM, Tuesday + Thursday 10:30-11:20AM. Cohen Auditorium. Call #00134.
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Biology 13L Laboratory A - M.
Members of the department. This is the laboratory component to Bio. 13L, which meets once every week. Laboratory exercises are designed to reinforce lecture material as well as to present new topics. A good initial exposure to ways of thinking about and working with living organisms. Homework assignments will emphasize scientific writing and data presentation. NOTE: Turnitin.com will be used to monitor originality of assignments.

Barnum 200:   Barnum 216:
Lab A M 1:20-4:20 Call#00135   Lab B M 1:20-4:20 Call#00136
Lab C T 1:25-4:25 Call#00137   Lab D T 1:25-4:25 Call#00138
Lab E W 1:20-4:20 Call#00139   Lab F W 1:20-4:20 Call#00140
Lab H M 6:00-9:00 Call#00142   Lab G Th 1:25-4:25 Call#00141
Lab J T 6:00-9:00 Call#00144   Lab I M 6:00-9:00 Call#00143
Lab L W 6:00-9:00 Call#00146   Lab K T 6:00-9:00 Call#00145
Lab M W 6:00-9:00 Call#00147

Optional Recitation: Block KM: M 4:30-5:20PM, Barnum 008. Call #00148.

Biology 41 General Genetics.
Concepts of classical and molecular genetics. A knowledge of basic genetics and cell structure as covered in Bio 13 is essential for Bio 41 students. Grading is based on two tests and an exam. The exam will be at the assigned final exam time. Prerequisites: Bio 13. Dr.Siegel & Dr. Gaudette. Block H+TTh: Tuesday & Thursday 1:30-2:45 Barnum 008. Call #00151. Optional Recitation: Block K: Wed 4:30-5:20pm. Barnum 008. Call #00150.
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Biology 49-A Experiments in Physiology.
Investigation of several laboratory problems drawn from various areas of physiology at cellular, tissue and organismal levels. Prerequisite is Biology 13, 14 or equivalent. Dr. Trimmer. Block ARR: Lab - Monday 1:30-4:30PM, Barnum 001 Call#00152; Recitation – Thurs. 4:30-5:25PM, Barnum 114. Call #00154.
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Biology 49-B Experiments in Physiology.
Investigation of several laboratory problems drawn from various areas of physiology at cellular, tissue and organismal levels. Prerequisite is Biology 13, 14 or equivalent. Dr. Trimmer. Block ARR: Lab - Tuesday 1:30-4:30PM, Barnum 001 Call #00153; Recitation – Thurs. 4:30-5:25PM, Barnum 114. Call #00154.
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Biology 51A Experiments in Ecology.
Introduction to ecological research. Emphasis on acquiring skills in taxonomic identification, sampling techniques, hypothesis testing and experimental design, data analysis and interpretation, oral and written communication. Opportunity for student-designed group research projects on ecological questions. One laboratory session per week plus one discussion period. Prerequisites: Biology 14L or equivalent. Dr. Ellmore and other members of the department. Block ARR: Lab - Wednesday 1:30 – 5:00PM . Barnum 208 Call #00155; Recitation -Tuesday 4:30-5:20PM Barnum 114. Call #00157.
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Biology 51B Experiments in Ecology.
Introduction to ecological research. Emphasis on acquiring skills in taxonomic identification, sampling techniques, hypothesis testing and experimental design, data analysis and interpretation, oral and written communication. Opportunity for student-designed group research projects on ecological questions. One laboratory session per week plus one discussion period. Prerequisites: Biology 14 or equivalent. Dr. Ellmore and other members of the department. Block ARR: Lab - Thursday 1:30 – 5:00PM. Barnum 208 Call #00156. Recitation - Tuesday 4:30-5:20PM Barnum 114. Call #00157.
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Biology 75 Comparative Physiology.
A comparative study of vertebrate function. Physiology of selected systems, including digestion, circulation, excretion, respiration, and temperature regulation. Emphasis on physiological adaptions to the environment. Three lectures. Prerequisites: Biology 13/14 or equivalent. (Group B) Dr. Bernheim. Block G+: Monday & Wednesday, 1:30-2:45. Barnum 104. Call#03718.
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Biology 93 Introduction to Research.
At least 10 hours per week of guided laboratory research, generally including one hour of consultation or seminar with the research sponsor, and a research paper. Details of the individual project to be arranged with the research sponsor. Provides students with an opportunity to participate in biological research - usually at the Tufts campus in Medford or Boston, but sometimes at other institutions by special arrangement. Cannot be counted as one of the eight graded courses required for a biology major. Pass/Fail grading. In order to register for this course you must see the director of undergraduate research in the Biology Department, Dr. Ellmore. Refer to “Blackboard” site for additional information and forms for this course. Prerequisites: Three biology courses and prior consent of course coordinator. Call #00158.

Biology 102 Human Genetics.
Applications of the principles and methods of genetics to problems in human heredity: human genome organization, gene therapy and transgenics, multifactorial inheritance and behavioral genetics, diagnosis and screening, and cancer. Reading of current literature emphasized. Grading based on four open book tests. Prerequisite: Biology 41. (Group A) Dr. Siegel. Block E+: M & W 10:30-11:45AM, Barnum 113. Call #00161.
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Biology 103 Developmental Biology.
Concepts of animal developmental biology, with emphasis on the molecular events underlying the morphological changes that occur going from egg to adult. Examples drawn from several of phyla will illustrate developmental mechanisms, patterns of gene expression and gene regulatory networks involved in gametogenesis, fertilization, cell differentiation, cell signaling, cell-cell interactions and organ formation. The concepts and technology of modern molecular biology will be discussed, as they apply to the study of developing systems. Topics include issues of human cloning, stem cell research, gene therapy, and evolution and development. Two hour exams and a final. Prerequisite: Biology 41 or 46, or permission. (Group A) Dr. Ernst. Block - C: T-W-F 9:30-10:20. Barnum 114. Call #00162.
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Biology 104 Immunology.
Concepts of modern immunology and their importance in biology. Topics include humoral and cellular immune responses, antibody structure and biosynthesis, antigen-antibody interactions, cellular immunology, immunological tolerance, auto-immunity, and tumor immunology. Prerequisite: Biology 41, or equivalent. (Group A) Dr.Bernheim. Block – J+: Tues. & Thurs 3:00-4:15. Barnum 104. Call #00163.
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Biology 110 Endocrinology.
A comprehensive introduction to the chemical and physiological principles of hormonal integration in vertebrates. Topics include: endocrine regulation of metabolism, growth and development, reproduction, neural functions, mineral and water balance, behavior and nutrition. Prerequisites: Biology 13 and 14 or equivalent. (Group B) Dr. Cyr. Block P+: Mon. & Wed. 7:30-8:45pm. Barnum 008. Call #03993.
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Biology 132 Biostatistics.
Learning how to describe and interpret experimental results and observations is a critical skill in many disciplines. In this course, students will learn statistical methods for summarizing and analyzing biological data. Topics include descriptive statistics, experimental design, probability, parameter estimation, inference, correlation, regression, analysis of variance, and nonparametric methods. Prerequisites: Biology 13 and 14 and one additional Biology course. Dr. Lewis. Block – D+: Tues. & Th 10:30-11:45. Barnum 104. Call #00166.
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Biology 143 Evolutionary Ecology.
Theory and evidence on mechanisms of evolutionary change in natural populations. Population genetics, speciation, biogeography, biochemical coevolution, life history strategies, sexual selection, and genetics of endangered species. Prerequisites: Bio 14 or equivalent.(Group C) Drs. Orians and Dopman. Block E+: Wed. & Fri. 10:30-11:45. Barnum 114. Call #03719.
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Biology 171 Biochemistry I.
(Cross-listed as Chemistry 171) First course in a two-course sequence. Chemistry of biological molecules: proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, etc. Mechanisms of enzyme and ribozyme catalysis. Metabolic pathways, integrated metabolic systems, and molecular physiology. Prerequisites: Bio 13, Chem 52. (Group A) Chemistry Staff. Block E+. Call #00168.

Biology 181 Tropical Ecology/Conservation.
(Cross-listed as ENV 181) This seminar and field trip is designed to provide students with an in depth understanding of tropical ecology and first-hand experience in tropical Central America. Topics to be covered include 1) community ecology, 2) ecosystem ecology, 3) physiological ecology, 4) plant-animal interactions, 5) conservation biology, and 6) reforestation. In addition to weekly readings, discussions, and writing assignments, students will write a grant proposal and present it to the class. Over winter break we will travel to Cost Rica for an intensive two-week field experience. We will gain hands-on research experience in contrasting habitats and learn about conservation efforts in Costa Rica. A typical 2-day schedule will be a morning hike followed by meetings to design group experiments, data collection in the afternoon, an evening lecture or discussion, further data collection the next morning, data analysis in the afternoon, and oral presentations that evening. Although the conditions will often be uncomfortable (very hot and humid), this is an excellent opportunity to witness the stunning beauty and diversity of Costa Rica. Estimated cost of this trip is $1,600 (financial aid is available). This is a HIGH DEMAND course. An application must be submitted to Dr. Orians by 4/15. Prerequisite: Bio 14 or equivalent and permission of instructor. (Group C) Dr. Orians. Block C: Tuesday & Thursday 3:00-4:15PM. Barnum 113. Call#03720.
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Biology 183 Seminar in Darwinian Medicine.
In this seminar we will explore the evolutionary causes of diseases and critically evaluate modern medical practices. The subject matter will be a springboard to sharpening research skills, and to furthering our understanding and application of Darwinian thought. Students will generate and test evolutionary hypotheses, and present these results both orally and in manuscript form. Prerequisite: Bio 130. (Group C) Dr. Starks. Block 6: Tuesday 1:30-4:00PM, Barnum 114. Call#03721.
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Biology 185 Seminar in Plant Biotechnology.
Focus on current research in plant biotechnology. Topics include use of recombinant DNA to create transgenic plants, growth of Bt corn and its effect on monarch butterflies, herbicide-resistant plants, and production by plants of vaccines and antibodies to prevent human diseases. (Group A,B,C) Prerequisites: Bio 13/14 or equivalent required. Dr. Gomez. Block 8: Thursday 1:30-4:00, Barnum 114. Call#03960.
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Biology 188 Seminar in Molecular Biology & Genetics.
Current topics in molecular biology, genetics and genomics, studied through readings from the original literature. Focus will be on studies recognized by the Nobel Prize Committee as pivotal to modern molecular biology and genetics. These studies and current research directions that follow from them will be covered using a combination of lectures, class discussion, and presentations. Selected topics of current interest to be covered include genome structure and polymorphisms as related to human disease, RNA functioning in the regulation of gene expression, and cell cycle regulation and cancer. (Group A) Prerequisites: Biology 41 and junior standing or permission of instructor. Drs. Freudenreich and Mirkin. Block F+: Tues & Thurs 12 – 1:15, Barnum 113. Call #00169.
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Biology 193 Independent Research.
The department feels that the 8 biology courses required for the major should be well distributed in the field of biology. Therefore, normally one course in Biology 193, 194 will be accepted as one of these 8. The student may take courses in Biology 193, 194 beyond these limitations and count them for credit toward graduation but not toward the biology major. One course under 193, 194 can be used to fulfill the biology department requirement for laboratory courses. At the semester's end the student must deliver to his/her sponsor and members of the 193/194 review committee (4 faculty members) copies of a paper concerning his or her semester's work. This should follow the format of a scientific paper. During the reading period following the last class of the semester, the student will meet with this same review group to present and discuss his/her work, and they will jointly award the grade for the course. The presentation should be a 10-15 minute review of the work already described in the written summary followed by questions, discussion of details, etc., lasting another 5-10 minutes. The exact time for each session will be posted prior to the end of classes. The oral presentation will be open to all interested faculty and students. Normally 15 hours per week in the laboratory equals one course credit. The grade is based upon the intellectual quality of the work. In order to register for this course you must see the director of undergraduate research in the Biology department, Dr. Ellmore. See Blackboard for additional information and required forms. Prerequisite: Bio 93 or comparable experience. Prior consent of Coordinator, Dr. Ellmore. Call #00170.

Biology 199 Senior Honors Thesis.
Two semesters of research. Prior consent must be obtained from the course coordinator (Dr. Lynch) at the end of the junior year. In order to register for this course you must see the director of undergraduate research in the Biology department. Dr. Ellmore. In addition, you must register with Carol Downing in Dowling Hall by the middle of September. These two steps are essential. Without completing them, you are not registered. See Blackboard for additional information and required forms. Prerequisite: Bio 193 or 194 and consent. See catalog for other prerequisites. Call #00173.

Biology 243-01 Topics in Molecular/Cellular Biology.
Topics will be drawn from several of the following areas: regulation of gene expression, chromatin structure and epigenetic regulation, mechanisms of chromosome segregation, DNA replication, recombination and repair, genome structure and genome stability, intra- and inter-cellular signaling pathways. Students will read and present papers from the current literature. Novel experimental techniques used to answer central questions will be emphasized. (Group A) Prerequisite: Biology 105 or equivalent OR permission of the instructor. Drs. Freudenreich, Fuhrman, Ernst & Levin. Block 7+: Wednesday 1:20-4:20PM. Barnum 113. Call #00174.
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Biology 253-01 Graduate Student Research Rotation.
A research rotation is an opportunity to explore a new area of Biology, to learn new techniques, and to become acquainted with some of the research ongoing in our department as students conduct intensive laboratory or field investigation, including independent design of experiments ending with a final oral report. Students will normally present their findings the Friday before the start of spring semester. Rotation Duration: Oral reports will be given to a group consisting of other students who have just finished a rotation, the sponsoring research mentors, members’ of the students' committees, graduate students, and other interested persons. Dr. McLaughlin. 1 graded credit. Prerequisite: consent. Call #00175.

Biology 260-01 Teaching Biology: Pedagogy and Practice.
This course aims to enhance the professional development of graduate students by preparing them to teach biological sciences in academic venues that range from community colleges to Research I universities. Graduate student participants will be introduced to issues related to teaching in both lab and lecture settings and will apply effective teaching techniques in their own classrooms. Program participants will learn about pedagogy, gain practical teaching experience, and receive mentoring and formal evaluation of their teaching. The course requirements are designed to be flexible enough to be pursued alongside full-time disciplinary studies, yet ensure that participants are rigorously trained in biology-specific pedagogy. Drs. McLaughlin and McVey. Block EF: Friday 10:30-11:20AM. Barnum 113. Call #00176. 1 graded credit. Prerequisite: consent/BIO13L Teaching Assistants. Must also register for Bio 260-02.
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Biology 260-02 Teaching Biology: Pedagogy and Practice.
Dr. Gaudette. Block 13+: Thursday 6:00-9:00PM. Barnum 200. Call #03961.
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Biology 291-01 Graduate Seminar.
Dr. Freudenreich. Block ARR: Thursday 8:30-10:20. Barnum 114. Call #00177.




Department of Biology, Tufts University, 163 Packard Ave., Medford, MA
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