Biology (2022 - 2024)
Courses That Do Not Count Toward a Major or Minor in Biology
Evolution of the Earth
BIOL-UA 2 Identical to ENVST-UA 210. Does not count toward the major or minor in biology. May not be taken after BIOL-UA 11, 12. Lecture. Offered in the fall. Rampino. 4 points.
Covers the cosmic, geological, and biological history of earth. Subject matter includes the astronomical context of planet earth; the origin of earth and other similar planets; what makes a planet habitable; the major highlights in earth's development; and the origin and evolution of life and intelligence. Combines lectures, videos, and visits to the American Museum of Natural History.
Human Reproduction and Development
BIOL-UA 3 Does not count toward the major or minor in biology. May not be taken after BIOL-UA 11, 12. Lecture. Offered in the summer. Lee. 4 points.
Introduction to human reproductive anatomy, physiology and endocrinology, conception, pregnancy and development of the human embryo, childbirth, and principles of human heredity. Related topics are contraception and sexually transmitted diseases.
Human Physiology
BIOL-UA 4 Does not count toward the major or minor in biology. May not be taken after BIOL-UA 11, 12. Lecture. Offered in the summer. Lee. 4 points.
How the human body functions. Overview of cellular structure and function is followed by an in-depth study of the nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, and other organ systems.
Human Biology
BIOL-UA 6 Does not count toward the major or minor in biology. May not be taken after BIOL-UA 11, 12. Lecture. Offered in the fall. 4 points.
How to critically evaluate reports about familiar and exotic diseases, promising advertisements for dubious treatments, and contradictory opinions on the ethics and efficacy of new health technologies. Examines how the human body and select diseases operate and how our efforts to control or cure our bodies work (or fail). Also considers how treatments are tested, how news about health is reported, and how human activities influence the incidence and spread of diseases.
Practical Human Physiology
BIOL-UA 7 Does not count toward the major or minor in biology. Lecture and laboratory. Offered every semester. Tan. 4 points.
Introduces beginning health professional students to how the human body works and the close interrelationship between anatomy and physiological mechanisms. Students are introduced to both clinical and research methodologies and apply this knowledge in a laboratory setting.
Essential Molecular Biology: Dissecting the Cellular Machinery
BIOL-UA 10 Does not count toward the major or minor in biology. May not be taken after BIOL-UA 11, 12. Lecture. Offered in the summer. 4 points.
Examines how the “molecules of life” (e.g. DNA, RNA, and proteins) work together to make complex organisms, how they interact with each other, and what happens when things go wrong. Also explores how we know what we know in molecular biology, including a discussion of the experiments that led to these discoveries, questions that remain unanswered, and cutting-edge technologies that are key to bridging gaps in understanding of the molecular components of life.
Where the City Meets the Sea: Studies in Coastal Urban Environments
BIOL-UA 140 Offered every fall. 4 points.
Over half of the human population lives within 100 kilometers of a coast, and coastlines contain more than two-thirds of the world's largest cities. Uses the built and natural environments of coastal cities as laboratories to examine the environmental and ecological implications of urban development in coastal areas. Student teams use field-based studies and Geographic Information System (GIS) data to examine patterns and processes operating in coastal cities. Offered simultaneously in New York and Abu Dhabi; students collaborate extensively with students from their sister campus.
Core Courses for the Major and Minor in Biology
Principles of Biology I, II
BIOL-UA 11, 12 Corequisite for BIOL-UA 11: General Chemistry I and Laboratory (CHEM-UA 125). Prerequisite for BIOL-UA 12: BIOL-UA 11; corequisite for BIOL-UA 12: General Chemistry II and Laboratory (CHEM-UA 126). A grade of C or better is required to count a course toward any major; any student with a grade less than C in a prerequisite course must consult the director of undergraduate studies before enrolling. Potential biology and neural science majors are expected, as first-year students, to take BIOL-UA 11 and 12 with the chemistry corequisites. For other students, completion of either chemistry sequence as a prerequisite to BIOL-UA 11, 12 is strongly advised. AP or any other advanced standing credit in chemistry is not an acceptable prerequisite. Biology majors are not required to register for the 1-credit Principles of Biology Lab (BIOL-UA 123); it is intended for prehealth students not majoring in Biology. Offered in the fall (I), spring (II), and summer (I and II). Lecture and recitation. 4 points per term.
Primarily for science majors and prehealth students. Acquaints students with the fundamental principles and processes of biological systems. Subjects include the basics of chemistry pertinent to biology, biochemistry and cell biology, genetics and molecular biology, anatomy and physiology, neurobiology, ecology, population genetics, and history and classification of life forms and evolution.
Molecular and Cell Biology I, II
BIOL-UA 21, 22 Prerequisites for BIOL-UA 21: Principles of Biology I, II (BIOL-UA 11, 12) and General Chemistry I and II and Laboratories (CHEM-UA 125, 126). AP or any other advanced standing credit in chemistry is not an acceptable prerequisite. Prerequisite for BIOL-UA 22: BIOL-UA 21. A grade of C or better is required to count a course toward any major; any student with a grade less than C in a prerequisite course must consult the director of undergraduate studies before enrolling. Lecture and recitation. Offered in the fall and spring. Carmona-Fontaine, Christiaen, Desplan, Ercan, Siegal. 4 points per term.
In-depth study of cell biology, with an emphasis on the molecular aspects of cell function. Topics include: protein structure and synthesis; gene expression and its regulation; cell replication; and specialized cell structure and function. Provides an introduction to genomics and bioinformatics and examines developmental biology, evolution, and systems biology.
Principles of Biology I, II in London
BIOL-UA 9011, 9012 Identical to BIOL-UA 11, 12, with the same prerequisites/corequisites and requirements. 4 points per term.
Principles of Biology II in Sydney
BIOL-UA 9012 Identical to BIOL-UA 12, with the same prerequisites/corequisites and requirements. 4 points.
Molecular and Cell Biology II in Tel Aviv
BIOL-UA 9022 Identical to BIOL-UA 22, with the same prerequisites/corequisites and requirements. 4 points.
Upper-Level Courses for the Major and Minor in Biology
Ecological Field Methods
BIOL-UA 16 Prerequisites: Principles of Biology I, II (BIOL-UA 11, 12); prerequisite or corequisite: Fundamentals of Ecology (BIOL UA-63). Lecture. Offered in the fall. Schneider-Paolantonio. 4 points.
Teaches the skills needed to design and implement field experiments, interpret data, and present ecological research. While investigating real habitats (forests, salt marshes, urban landscapes), students perform biological surveys and measure abiotic parameters. Ecological techniques are nested within questions in biodiversity and community structure, invasion biology, urban ecology, habitat alteration, and climate change. Course meets at off-campus field sites approximately half the time.
Vertebrate Anatomy
BIOL-UA 23 Prerequisite: Molecular and Cell Biology I (BIOL-UA 21). Lecture and laboratory. Offered in the spring. Galifianakis. 4 points.
Study of the evolutionary development of backboned animals, with emphasis on the mammals. Treats the major organ systems of vertebrate groups, with stress on structural-functional interpretations. Laboratory work includes detailed dissection of representative vertebrates. Field trips to the American Museum of Natural History help illustrate some of the topics.
Physiology
BIOL-UA 25 Prerequisite: Molecular and Cell Biology II (BIOL-UA 22). Lecture and laboratory. Offered in the fall. Galifianakis. 4 points.
Comparative approach to vertebrate and invertebrate physiology. Focus on the physiological integration of organ systems, underlying cellular/molecular mechanisms, and adaptation. Special topics include: human physiology in extreme environments (high-altitude and diving), a detailed analysis of mammalian vision, animal sleep and hibernation, and the comparative physiology of animals that live at deep-sea hydrothermal vents. The laboratory includes traditional physiology experiments, as well as an introduction to bioinformatics.
Developmental Biology
BIOL-UA 26 Prerequisite: Molecular and Cell Biology I (BIOL-UA 21). Offered in the spring. Birnbaum. 4 points.
Covers the cellular and molecular basis for patterns in the embryo; the determination of cell fate; cell differentiation; the genes controlling these events, and how they are identified and studied; the cellular proteins that affect shape, movement, and signaling between cells. Special emphasis on the experimental basis for knowledge of these subjects from studies in fruit flies, nematodes, frogs, plants, and mice.
At the Bench: Physiology
BIOL-UA 27 Prerequisite: Principles of Animal Physiology (BIOL-UA 25). Offered in the spring. Galifianakis. 4 points.
Covers three themes in experimental physiology: molecular and cellular systems; nervous and endocrine control of systems; organ and body systems. The basic structure and function for each system is examined in an experimental setting to demonstrate how a particular system contributes to maintaining homeostasis. Through student-designed experiments, introduces the technical foundations of experimental design, critical data analysis, and modeling.
Genetics
BIOL-UA 30 Corequisite: Molecular and Cell Biology I (BIOL-UA 21). Lecture and recitation. Offered in the fall. Rushlow. 4 points.
Introductory coverage of classical genetics, chromosome structure and mutation, gene function and regulation, and aspects of molecular and developmental genetics. Recent studies in human genetics and their applications are also discussed.
At the Bench: Genetics and Genomics
BIOL-UA 31 Prerequisite or corequisite: Molecular and Cell Biology I (BIOL-UA 21) and Genetics (BIOL-UA 30). Laboratory. Offered in the fall. Osmundson. 4 points.
Students characterize mutants genetically and phenotypically. Analyses of dominance, linkage, recombination, dosage effects, and complementation, followed by genetic approaches made possible by the availability of complete genome sequences (genomics). Special note: although the class is held at the listed hours (as described on Albert) and attendance at the start of each class session is mandatory, the biological nature of the work may require some laboratory time outside the scheduled laboratory session.
Gene Structure and Function
BIOL-UA 32 Prerequisite: Molecular and Cell Biology I (BIOL-UA 21). Offered in the spring. Broyde. 4 points.
Intermediate examination of the molecular basis of gene action in viruses, prokaryotes, and eukaryotes. Covers topics drawn from the following areas or other current work: structure and organization of the genetic material, replication, repair, transcription, translation, recombination, oncogenesis, and regulation of gene expression.
At the Bench: Applied Cell Biology
BIOL-UA 37 Prerequisite: Molecular and Cell Biology II (BIOL-UA 22). Laboratory. Offered in the spring. Tan. 4 points.
Introduction to the methodology used to study cell structure and function. The fundamentals of cell biology and the experimental approaches used to examine the cell. Experimental topics cover cellular, subcellular, and macromolecule localization; biochemical analysis of the cell; and cell culture techniques.
Genome Biology
BIOL-UA 38 Prerequisite: Molecular and Cell Biology II (BIOL-UA 22). Offered every year. Gunsalus. 4 points.
Thanks largely to the Human Genome Project, the ability to collect vast amounts of genome-scale sequence and functional data (genomics) and to analyze them computationally (bioinformatics) allows new approaches to unanswered questions and the posing of new questions about the biology of genomes. Familiarity with these fields is crucial for the next generation of scientists and thinkers in areas such as public policy, medicine, health, and the environment.
Biostatistics
BIOL-UA 42 Prerequisite: Principles of Biology II (BIOL-UA 12). Offered in the fall and spring. 4 points.
Provides an introduction to the use of statistical methods for analyzing biological data. Introduces methods for describing and displaying data, the role and use of probability in describing and understanding living systems, hypothesis testing, and how to design experiments. Biological data and R—a free, open-source statistical software package—are used to gain proficiency with these tools.
Microbiology and Microbial Genomics
BIOL-UA 44 Prerequisite: Molecular and Cell Biology I (BIOL-UA 21). Offered in the fall. Eichenberger. 4 points.
Intended for majors and minors in biology as a comprehensive description of microbes, the most abundant and diverse organisms on the planet. Organized into four modules: the microbial cell, microbial genomics, microbial development and adaptation, and microbial interactions with the host and the environment. Through lectures and critical analysis of primary literature students examine how the advent of genomics has revolutionized microbiology, a scientific discipline that is more than a century old.
Biostatistics and Human Genetics
BIOL-UA 45 Formerly Quantitative Methods in Human Genetics. Prerequisite: Molecular and Cell Biology I (BIOL-UA 21). Offered every year. Gresham. 4 points.
Introduction to the human genome and the statistical methods that are required for its study. Fundamental concepts in human genetics: inheritance of Mendelian disease, population genetics, multifactorial disease, and functional genomics. Introduction to the statistical concepts and tools that are required to study inheritance, genes, and gene function, including probability and conditional probability, hypothesis testing, ANOVA, regression, correlation, likelihood, and principal component analysis. Integrates weekly exercises using the statistical programming language R.
Immunology
BIOL-UA 50 Prerequisite: Molecular and Cell Biology II (BIOL-UA 22). Offered in the fall. Galifianakis. 4 points.
Introduction to immunology, with attention to the genetics and molecular and cell biology of antibody production; T-cell mediated immune responses; and innate immunity. Topics include the nature of antigens, hypersensitivities, transplantation, cytokines, autoimmunity, cancer, response to infection, and vaccines.
Evolution
BIOL-UA 58 Prerequisite: Molecular and Cell Biology I (BIOL-UA 21). Offered in the fall. Fitch. 4 points.
Introduction to a broad range of topics in modern evolutionary thought and practice, including ecological context of evolutionary change, interpretation of the fossil record, patterns of extinctions, speciations and biogeographic distributions, genetic variation and population structure, natural selection and adaptations, reconstruction of evolutionary history and phylogeny, molecular evolution, evolutionary novelties and the evolution of developmental systems, and human evolution and social issues.
Fundamentals of Ecology
BIOL-UA 63 Prerequisite: Principles of Biology II (BIOL-UA 12). Offered in the fall. Schneider-Paolantonio. 4 points.
Investigates the relationship between abiotic and biotic components of an ecosystem. Building upon an introduction to environmental factors, students examine the interplay between these components at the organismal, population, community, and ecosystem levels. Discusses current ecological applications and issues, such as habitat destruction, sustainability, disease, invasive species, and global climate change. Intended for students majoring in biology (ecology track) and environmental studies.
Ecological Analysis with Geographic Information Systems
BIOL-UA 64 Prerequisite: Principles of Biology II (BIOL-UA 12). Offered in the spring. Killilea. 4 points.
Geographic information systems (GIS) are computerized systems for the capture, storage, management, analysis, and display of geographically referenced data and their attributes. Emphasizes mastery of the basic principles and applications of GIS, including coordinate systems, data transformations, spatial analysis, and accuracy assessment. Laboratory exercises analyze ecological data and examples and provide extensive hands-on experience with ArcGIS, a professional GIS software package.
Biogeochemistry of Global Change
BIOL-UA 66 Identical to ENVST-UA 370. Prerequisite: Principles of Biology II (BIOL-UA 12) or Environmental Systems Science (ENVST-UA 100). Offered in the spring. Killilea. 4 points.
Biogeochemistry is the study of biological controls on the chemistry of the environment and geochemical regulation of ecological structure and function. Utilizes the scientific literature from peer-reviewed journals to explore specific case studies (e.g., acid precipitation, nitrogen deposition, eutrophication of the oceans, etc.).
At the Bench: Microbiology
BIOL-UA 70 Prerequisite: Microbiology and Microbial Genomics (BIOL-UA 44) or Immunology (BIOL-UA 50). Offered every spring. Carrozza. 4 points.
For students majoring in biology and those seeking to fulfill requirements for entrance into advanced degree programs. Students culture bacteria from soil and fermented food products. Bacteria are isolated from these sources and identified using a variety of microbiological techniques. Data obtained from microbiological techniques and comparison of DNA sequences with computer databases used to identify the unknown bacterial isolates. Also treats such applied microbiology as microbial analysis of water and antimicrobial sensitivity testing.
Introduction to Neural Science
BIOL-UA 100 Identical to NEURL-UA 100. Prerequisite: Principles of Biology I (BIOL-UA 11). May not be used for the major or minor in biology if BIOL-GA 1110 or BIOL-GA 1111 is taken. Offered in the spring. Glimcher, Movshon. 4 points.
See description under neural science.
Bioinformatics in Medicine and Biology
BIOL-UA 103 Prerequisite: Molecular and Cell Biology I (BIOL-UA 21). Offered every fall. Katari. 4 points.
Due to recent advancements in High Throughput Genomics technology, we can study the function of many genes and can compare genes in normal vs. diseased cells so as to better understand the molecular mechanisms of different diseases. Students learn how to program in R (a powerful statistical programming language), use statistical methods to analyze real biomedical data, and learn how to interpret the results.
Special Topics: Computing with Large Data Sets
BIOL-UA 120 Identical to CSCI-UA 480. Prerequisites: Molecular and Cell Biology I (BIOL-UA 21) and Calculus I (MATH-UA 121). Bonneau. 4 points.
See description under computer science.
Principles of Biology Laboratory
BIOL-UA 123 Corequisite: Principles of Biology II (BIOL-UA 12). Offered every spring and summer session II. 1 point.
Intended for non-biology majors on the prehealth track. Acquaints the student with the fundamental principles and processes of biological systems through application of modern experimental techniques. Laboratory exercises illustrate the basics of experimental biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and physiology, as well as the diversity of life forms.
Fundamentals of Bioinformatics
BIOL-UA 124 Prerequisite: Molecular and Cell Biology I (BIOL-UA 21). Offered every year. 4 points.
Bioinformatics is the development and application of computational and statistical methods to analyze large data sets from biological and medical experiments. Introduction to the fundamental concepts of major branches of bioinformatics, from the study of DNA sequences to the study of macromolecular structure to the detection of differential gene activity. Students perform hands-on analyses of publicly available data. There is no computer programming; open-source software applications are used to illustrate concepts and teach students basic skills.
At the Bench: Epigenetics
BIOL-UA 130 Formerly At the Bench: Biological Chemistry—Genomes to Molecular Machines. Prerequisites: Molecular and Cell Biology I (BIOL-UA 21) and Organic Chemistry I, II and Laboratories (CHEM-UA 225, 226). Offered every fall. 4 points.
Using biochemical and genetic approaches with the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, students characterize a large multisubunit protein complex that modifies chromatin and is involved in gene regulation. Affinity chromatography is used to produce purified preparations of wild-type and mutant protein complexes. Biochemical techniques include: silver-stained SDS-PAGE, western blot, colorimetric enzymatic assay, and protein interaction assays. Genetic experiments evaluate the importance of the protein complex in cell growth and gene regulation in the cell.
At the Bench: Immunology
BIOL-UA 150 Prerequisites: Molecular and Cell Biology II (BIOL-UA 22) and one of the following: Principles of Animal Physiology (BIOL-UA 25) or Microbiology and Microbial Genomics (BIOL-UA 44) or Immunology (BIOL-UA 50). Offered in the fall. Galifianakis. 4 points.
Lectures provide information about immune cells and their role in innate and adaptive immune responses; the function, structure, types, and development of antibodies and the mechanisms behind their effects; the mechanism of stress; and the role of cortisol and the nervous system in stress response. Laboratories focus on immunological methods employing antibodies. Students collect and analyze data, carry out a research project, and develop the requisite skills for reading, presenting, and writing scientific papers.
Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
BIOL-UA 201 Identical to NEURL-UA 210. Prerequisites: Molecular and Cell Biology I (BIOL-UA 21), Introduction to Neural Science (BIOL-UA 100), and Organic Chemistry I and Laboratory (CHEM-UA 225). Offered in the fall. Aoki, Carter, Klann, Reyes. 4 points.
See description under neural science.
Behavioral and Integrative Neuroscience
BIOL-UA 202 Identical to NEURL-UA 220, PSYCH-UA 52. Prerequisites: Molecular and Cell Biology I (BIOL-UA 21) and Introduction to Neural Science (BIOL-UA 100). Offered in the spring. Constantinople, Kiani, Peron, Pesaran. 4 points.
See description under neural science.
Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory
BIOL-UA 223 Corequisite: Molecular and Cell Biology I (BIOL-UA 21). Offered every fall. 1 point.
Applies concepts learned in the Molecular and Cell Biology course (BIOL-UA 21) to a molecular biology research project. Introduces students to such standard genetic and biochemical techniques as DNA isolation, agarose-gel electrophoresis, and transformation. Provides students with a hands-on understanding of how modern DNA sequencing technology, along with bioinformatic tools, can be used to discover genetic differences and understand cellular function.
Mathematics in Medicine and Biology
BIOL-UA 255 Identical to MATH-UA 255. Prerequisites: Molecular and Cell Biology I (BIOL-UA 21) and one semester of calculus. Peskin, Tranchina. 4 points.
Discussion of topics of medical importance using mathematics as a tool: control of the heart, optimal principles in the lung, cell membranes, electrophysiology, countercurrent exchange in the kidney, acid-base balance, muscle, cardiac catheterization, and computer diagnosis. Material from the physical sciences is introduced and developed.
Computers in Medicine and Biology
BIOL-UA 256 Identical to MATH-UA 256. Prerequisite: Mathematics in Medicine and Biology (BIOL-UA 255). Recommended: familiarity with a programming language. Peskin, Tranchina. 4 points.
Introduces students of biology or mathematics to the use of computers as tools for modeling physiological phenomena. Each student constructs two computer models selected from the following: circulation, gas exchange in the lung, control of cell volume, and the renal countercurrent mechanism.
Neurobiology: Genes, Neurons, and Behavior
BIOL-UA 310 Prerequisites: Principles of Biology I, II (BIOL-UA 11, 12) and Molecular and Cell Biology I (BIOL-UA 21). Offered every other summer. 4 points.
Begins with an introduction to neuronal function and communication and then turns to a study of how neurons function in sensory perception (e.g., olfaction) and behavior (e.g., circadian rhythms). Highlights the role of genetics in identifying key genes and in manipulating specific neurons to understand their function by introducing classic papers from the primary literature. Students also learn how to design novel experiments that build on these papers. Concludes with examples of human nervous system pathologies with their genetic bases.
New York Underground
BIOL-UA 327 Identical to ENVST-UA 327. Prerequisite: Principles of Biology II (BIOL-UA 12) or Environmental Systems Science (ENVST-UA 100). Offered in the spring. Schneider-Paolantonio. 4 points.
Investigates the life and resources underneath New York, with a focus on energy, transportation, and water (potable and waste). Concludes with the biotic components of New York’s fascinating dendritic underground environment. Features hands-on data collection and field trips (including one all-day field trip).
Current Topics in Earth System Science: Mass Extinctions, Geologic Processes, and Evolution
BIOL-UA 332 Identical to ENVST-UA 332. Prerequisite: Principles of Biology II (BIOL-UA 12). Offered in the spring. Rampino. 4 points.
See description under environmental studies.
Urban Ecology
BIOL-UA 390 Identical to ENVST-UA 390. Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Ecology (BIOL-UA 63/ENVST-UA 325). Offered in the spring. Schneider-Paolantonio. 4 points.
Cities are unique from other systems in terms of hydrology, temperature, noise, air quality, and many other abiotic factors. Investigates the consequences of urban constructs on ecological systems. Topics: nutrient cycling, organismal behavior and phenology, disease, drivers and patterns of biodiversity in urban systems, green spaces, urban planning, and the future of these expanding manmade landscapes.
At The Bench: Disease Ecology
BIOL-UA 500 Formerly Environmental and Molecular Analysis of Disease. Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Ecology (BIOL-UA 63) or Molecular and Cell Biology I (BIOL-UA 21). Laboratory. Offered in the fall. Killilea, Nikolai. 4 points.
Environmental determinants of disease vectors and the molecular techniques used to measure prevalence of a pathogen in these vectors. Students conduct a semester-long research project on Lyme disease, the most prevalent vector-borne disease in the United States, to determine the prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi (the Lyme disease causative agent) in tick populations from local forests. Combines field collection, lab work, and epidemiological models.
Viral Biodiversity and Evolution
BIOL-UA 505 Prerequisite: Molecular and Cell Biology I (BIOL-UA 21). Offered in the spring. 4 points.
The most dominant entity on the planet is viruses. Viruses are the ultimate parasites but also play a unique role in remodeling genomes of the hosts they infect. Through a combination of lecture and discussion of the scientific literature, this course will survey the diversity that exists in the virosphere, including the latest virus discoveries. Covers principles of virus evolution, emergence of novel strains, adaptation to new hosts, and transmission dynamics.
Cancer Biology
BIOL-UA 530 Prerequisite: Molecular and Cell Biology II (BIOL-UA 22). Offered in the spring. 4 points.
Covers fundamental mechanisms of cancer emergence and evolution. This has led to significant discoveries and therapeutic improvements, but a definitive cure remains elusive. Topics include: fundamental molecular and cellular mechanisms behind tumor initiation; how tumors evolve; how the evolutionary process is largely responsible for difficulties in eradicating cancer; how basic research has enabled novel therapeutic approaches that are bringing us a step closer to curing cancer.
Plant Science and Biotechnology
BIOL-UA 560 Prerequisite: Molecular and Cell Biology I (BIOL-UA 21). Offered in the spring. Birnbaum. 4 points.
Focuses on the organismal and molecular biology of plants with emphasis on subjects that have a direct impact on imminent societal challenges. Aims to provide a scientific basis to understand often controversial approaches, like the introduction of C4 photosynthesis into crops to stabilize food production. Material incorporates concepts in genetics and molecular biology. Emphasizes development of rigorous scientific communication skills needed for a career in research and medicine.
Evolutionary Zoology
BIOL-UA 700 Prerequisite: Molecular and Cell Biology II (BIOL-UA 22) or Fundamentals of Ecology (BIOL-UA 63) or Introduction to Neural Science (BIOL-UA 100). Lecture. Rockman. 4 points.
Introduction to the diversity of animal form and function in the context of phylogeny and evolution, with focus on invertebrates, the majority of animals. Attention devoted alternately to individual branches of the tree of animals and to common themes in the ways animals have evolved to fit and shape their environments. Topics: morphology, physiology, reproduction, development, and ecology; genomic and molecular characteristics of each branch of animal life; and intersections of animals with human interests, including economic zoology, ecosystem services, and medicine.
Signaling in Biological Systems
BIOL-UA 970 Prerequisite: Molecular and Cell Biology I (BIOL-UA 21). Offered in the spring. Blau. 4 points.
Introduces reading and analyzing papers on signaling from the primary literature. These papers cover a wide range of different biological model systems. Considers scientific ethics, writing fellowship proposals and papers, giving presentations, and lab safety. Equips students with the skills needed for independent research.
Principles of Biology Laboratory in London
BIOL-UA 9123 Identical to BIOL-UA 123, with the same prerequisites/corequisites and requirements. 1 point.
Principles of Biology Laboratory in Sydney
BIOL-UA 9123 Identical to BIOL-UA 123, with the same prerequisites/corequisites and requirements. 1 point.
Special Courses (Including Honors)
Fall Special Topics Courses: Standard Biology Track
BIOL-UA 910, 912, 914, 916 Prerequisites and format vary by topic. Each may be repeated once for credit (may be taken two times in total) as topics change. 4 points.
Special topics may vary from semester to semester, and can be broad in scope or focused on some aspect of biology. A detailed course description is available when topics are announced. These courses satisfy upper-level elective requirements for students on the standard biology track as follows: 910, advanced biology; 912, reasoning; 914, quantitative; 916, laboratory.
Spring Special Topics Courses: Standard Biology Track
BIOL-UA 920, 922, 924, 926 Prerequisite for BIOL-UA 920: Molecular and Cell Biology II (BIOL-UA 22). Prerequisite for BIOL-UA 922: Molecular and Cell Biology II (BIOL-UA 22) OR (for ecology track majors only) Fundamentals of Ecology (BIOL-UA 63). Prerequisite for BIOL-UA 924, 926: Molecular and Cell Biology II (BIOL-UA 22) and permission of the instructor. Format varies per topic. Each may be repeated once for credit (may be taken two times in total) as topics change. 4 points.
Special topics may vary from semester to semester, and can be broad in scope or focused on some aspect of biology. A detailed course description is available when topics are announced. These courses satisfy upper-level elective requirements for students on the standard biology track as follows: 920, advanced biology; 922, reasoning; 924, quantitative; 926, laboratory.
Fall Special Topics Courses: Ecology Track
BIOL-UA 930, 932, 934, 936 Prerequisites and format vary by topic. Each may be repeated once for credit (may be taken two times in total) as topics change. 4 points.
Special topics may vary from semester to semester, and can be broad in scope or focused on some aspect of biology. A detailed course description is available when topics are announced. These courses satisfy upper-level elective requirements for students on the ecology track as follows: 930, advanced biology; 932, reasoning; 934, quantitative; 936, laboratory.
Spring Special Topics Courses: Ecology Track
BIOL-UA 940, 942, 944, 946 Prerequisites and format vary by topic. Each may be repeated once for credit (may be taken two times in total) as topics change. 4 points.
Special topics may vary from semester to semester, and can be broad in scope or focused on some aspect of biology. A detailed course description is available when topics are announced. These courses satisfy upper-level elective requirements for students on the ecology track as follows: 940, advanced biology; 942, reasoning; 944, quantitative; 946, laboratory.
Advanced Research: Microbiology
BIOL-UA 954 Corequisites: Molecular and Cell Biology I, II (BIOL-UA 21, 22 or 9022), a minimum GPA of 3.2 overall and in all science and mathematics courses required for the major, and permission of a sponsor and the director of undergraduate studies. Intended only for biology majors. Offered in the fall and spring. 4 points.
Investigates the functional and structural properties of Bacillus subtilis, which is readily amenable to genetic manipulation. Students conduct hands-on experiments in the Eichenberger laboratory, learning classic molecular microbiology techniques and familiarize themselves with fluorescence microscopy. Requires an independent project characterizing mutant bacteria.
Advanced Research: Synthetic Biology
BIOL-UA 957 Corequisites: Molecular and Cell Biology I, II (BIOL-UA 21, 22 or 9022), a minimum GPA of 3.2 overall and in all science and mathematics courses required for the major, and permission of a sponsor and the director of undergraduate studies. Intended only for biology majors. Offered in the fall and spring. 4 points.
Students contribute to the international research project Sc2.0 with members of the Boeke laboratory at NYU Langone. The project’s goal is to build the first synthetic eukaryotic organism using a “bottom up” approach. Students gain hands-on experience with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, known as the “budding yeast.”
Internship in Biology
BIOL-UA 980, 981 Prerequisites: Molecular and Cell Biology I, II (BIOL-UA 21, 22), a minimum GPA of 3.2 overall and in all science and mathematics courses required for the major, and permission of a sponsor and the director of undergraduate studies. Intended only for biology majors. Offered in the fall and spring. 0, 2 or 4 points per term (must be 4 points to count as a laboratory skills course for the major).
Field or laboratory research with a sponsor at an organization or institution in the metropolitan area other than the Department of Biology. Students with the necessary background in course work and who, in the opinion of the sponsor, possess intellectual independence and ability may register for an internship in some field of biology. Student must approach an individual at the organization or institution to obtain sponsorship and agreement to provide counsel and any necessary space and facilities for the research project. Student must submit a lab or research notebook and final paper.
Becoming a Scientist
BIOL-UA 995 Open to senior biology majors who are pursuing honors and engaging in independent laboratory research. Non-honors students require permission of the director of undergraduate studies. Offered every fall. 2-4 points.
Succeeding in a scientific career requires intelligence and expertise in the laboratory, but also skills in scientific writing, oral communication, and ethics. Undergraduate biology majors conducting independent laboratory-based research projects read scientific papers and communicate scientific results in both oral and written reports. Topics: inspiring science and scientists, choosing a good scientific problem, defining your scientific strategy (grant writing), giving scientific presentations, scientific ethics, and career paths.
Independent Study
BIOL-UA 997, 998 Prerequisites: Molecular and Cell Biology I, II (BIOL-UA 21, 22), a minimum GPA of 3.2 overall and in all science and mathematics courses required for the major, permission of a faculty member in the Department of Biology who will act as a sponsor, and approval of the director of undergraduate studies. Intended primarily for biology majors. Offered in the fall and spring. 2 or 4 points per term (must be 4 points to count as a laboratory skills course for the major).
Field or laboratory research with a faculty sponsor in the Department of Biology. Students with the necessary background in course work and who, in the opinion of a faculty sponsor, possess intellectual independence and ability may register for independent study in some field of biology. Student must approach a faculty member in his or her field of interest to obtain sponsorship and agreement to provide counsel and any necessary space and facilities for the research project. Requires a written report on the research.
Undergraduate Research Thesis
BIOL-UA 999 Prerequisites: Independent Study (BIOL-UA 997 or 998) or Internship in Biology (BIOL-UA 980 or 981); a minimum GPA of 3.65 overall; a minimum GPA of 3.65 in all science and mathematics courses required for the major; and permission of a sponsor and the director of undergraduate studies. Open to biology majors only. May not be used for biology major requirements. May be repeated once for credit. Offered in the fall and spring. 2 points.
For biology majors who have completed at least one semester of laboratory research (BIOL-UA 997 or 998, or BIOL-UA 980 or 981) and are able to expand this work into a thesis. Requires a full literature search of the subject and a formal written report on the research in publication form.
Internship in Biology in Tel Aviv
BIOL-UA 9980 Identical to BIOL-UA 980, with the same prerequisites/corequisites and requirements. 2 or 4 points (must be 4 points to count as a laboratory skills course for the major).
Graduate Courses Open to Qualified Undergraduates
Prerequisites for all graduate courses: completion of Molecular and Cell Biology I, II (BIOL-UA 21, 22) and permission of both the course instructor and the director of undergraduate studies. Any additional prerequisites are noted below.
Environmental Health
BIOL-GA 1004 Identical to EHSC-GA 1004. May not be taken after BIOL-GA 2305 (EHSC-GA 2305). Lippman. 4 points.
Discusses some of the basic concepts of environmental science and major global environmental problems, such as global warming, soil erosion, overpopulation, and loss of biota. Also focuses on environmental health problems, such as exposure to lead, mercury, halogenated hydrocarbons, asbestos, and radon. Other lectures are devoted to carcinogenesis, air pollution, toxic wastes, epidemiology, and risk assessment.
Ecotoxicology
BIOL-GA 1005 Identical to EHSC-GA 1005. Prerequisites: Molecular and Cell Biology I (BIOL-UA 21) and Fundamentals of Ecology (BIOL-UA 63), or Fundamentals of Ecology (BIOL-UA 63) and one upper-level biology elective. 4 points.
Ecosystems throughout the country are polluted with a variety of toxic chemicals. Uses the Hudson River as a model to investigate the sources, transport, transformation, toxicities, management strategies, and remediation of polluted ecosystems.
Toxicology
BIOL-GA 1006 Identical to EHSC-GA 1006. Prerequisites: Principles of Animal Physiology (BIOL-UA 25) and Organic Chemistry I, II and Laboratories (CHEM-UA 225, 226). Recommended: some biochemistry. May not be taken after BIOL-GA 2310 (EHSC-GA 2310). Jaeger. 4 points.
Introduction to the science of toxicology, stressing basic concepts essential to understanding the action of exogenous chemical agents on biological systems. Principles underlying the absorption, metabolism, and elimination of chemicals are discussed. Toxicokinetics, specific classes of toxic responses, and experimental methods used to assess toxicity are also examined.
Programming for Biologists
BIOL-GA 1007 Prerequisites: Molecular and Cell Biology II (BIOL-UA 22). Lecture. Parker. 4 points.
Provides introductory theory and hands-on training in bioinformatics for graduate students or advanced undergraduates in biology who have no prior computational experience. Students learn basic computer programming as applied to bioinformatics, as well as foundational concepts and practical tools that provide a starting point for further advanced study in bioinformatics and computational biology.
Biological Databases and Data Mining
BIOL-GA 1009 Lecture. Katari. 4 points.
Students create their own biological database using MySQL and SQLite and mine biological data using machine-learning methods such as clustering, decision trees, and multiple regressions. Applications to experimental data in order to classify and predict gene function and regulation.
Advanced Immunology
BIOL-GA 1011 Prerequisite: Immunology (BIOL-UA 50) or Microbiology and Microbial Genomics (BIOL-UA 44). Lecture. Reiss. 4 points.
Introduction to immunology and its literature. Focuses on the mechanisms that govern the immune response and also trains students in reading and evaluating primary research articles that are published in peer-reviewed journals.
Advanced Topics in Cellular and Molecular Immunology
BIOL-GA 1020 Prerequisite: Immunology (BIOL-UA 50) or Advanced Immunology (BIOL-GA 1011) or permission of the instructor. Reiss. 4 points.
In-depth exploration of a topic in cellular and molecular aspects of immunity, including cellular interactions, antigen processing and presentation, pathogenesis, viral immunology, and cytokines.
Cornerstones of the Central Dogma
BIOL-GA 1022 Prerequisites: Molecular and Cell Biology II (BIOL-UA 22). Lecture. Smith. 4 points.
Critical evaluations of classic papers that made a lasting impact on molecular biology. Focus on the methodological innovations and scientific rigor that underlie these seminal works. Considers a range of research topics and emphasizes fundamental biological questions, experimental design, and the interpretation of data.
Hot Topics in Infectious Diseases
BIOL-GA 1023 Prerequisite: Microbiology and Microbial Genomics (BIOL-UA 44) or Immunology (BIOL-UA 50). Lecture. Reiss. 4 points.
A detailed survey of some of the most important human microbial pathogens. Investigates these agents in detail and includes the most cutting-edge basic research findings, as well as epidemiology, treatment, and prevention of infections. Requires an oral presentation.
Special Topics in Physiology and Disease
BIOL-GA 1031 Prerequisite: Principles of Animal Physiology (BIOL-UA 25). Galifianakis. 4 points.
Designed for students with a background in mammalian physiology. Topics include reproductive biology, regulation of ion and water excretion, maintenance and control of cardiovascular function, and respiratory physiology.
Metabolic Disorders
BIOL-GA 1032 Prerequisite: Principles of Animal Physiology (BIOL-UA 25). Galifianakis. 4 points.
During the semester, we will discuss how normal physiological processes of the human body are disrupted by disease. We will cover the cellular and molecular basis of physiological disorders such as the triad of metabolic syndrome (obesity, hypertension, and diabetes), and discuss how diseases such as cancer affect and interact with physiological systems. Class time will be a combination of lecture, discussion, and recitation.
Protein Biochemistry
BIOL-GA 1045 Prerequisites: Molecular and Cell Biology II (BIOL-UA 22). Lecture. Hochwagen. 4 points.
Ongoing advances in protein biochemistry are one of the central driving forces supporting the current revolution in cell biology and molecular medicine. Covers the fundamental concepts underlying protein structure and dynamics, as well as the astounding ability of proteins and enzymes to support and catalyze essentially all processes in living organisms. Investigates the kinetic and biophysical properties of protein function, state-of-the-art experimental approaches, and the relevance of proteins and enzymes in health and disease.
Cell Biology
BIOL-GA 1051 Prerequisites or corequisites: Organic Chemistry I, II and Laboratories (CHEM-UA 225, 226), Molecular and Cell Biology II (BIOL-UA 22), and written permission of the instructor. 4 points.
Examination of the molecular mechanisms underlying cell proliferation and differentiation. Topics: signal transduction, regulation of cell cycle, cytoskeleton, cell-cell and cell-matrix interaction, and intracellular transport. The importance of these issues in the understanding of development, immunity, and cancer is emphasized.
Frontiers in Microbiology
BIOL-GA 1052 Prerequisite: one semester of college-level calculus. Rojas. 4 points.
Examines the principles of genetic circuit design in microbes by comparing a variety of naturally occurring genetic circuits that perform various functions: logic gates, oscillators, switches, memory, etc., to engineered, synthetic circuits that perform similar functions. Coursework includes a quantitative review of gene regulation, reading of the primary literature concerning natural and synthetic genetic circuits, and mathematical/computational modeling of simple genetic circuits.
Principles of Evolution
BIOL-GA 1069 Prerequisite: Evolution (BIOL-UA 58). Fitch. 4 points.
Patterns of evolution and adaptation as seen in the paleontological record; speciation, extinction, and the geographic distribution of populations; the basics of population genetics and molecular evolution. Elements of numerical taxonomy and recent developments in phylogenetic systematics.
Molecular Controls of Organismal Form and Function
BIOL-GA 1072 Coruzzi, Desplan. 4 points.
Covers metabolism, signaling, and development, highlighting use of molecular and genetic studies in model plant and animal systems.
Viral Diseases
BIOL-GA 1080 Prerequisite: Microbiology and Microbial Genomics (BIOL-UA 44) or Immunology (BIOL-UA 50). Reiss. 4 points.
Details the molecular life cycles of viruses that infect mammalian cells. Topics include disease pathogenesis, immune evasion mechanisms, vaccination, and genetic immunization vectors.
Genes and Animal Behavior
BIOL-GA 1082 Prerequisite: senior standing. Lecture. Blau. 4 points.
Survey of principles and patterns of animal behavior. Covers classical ethological research of Lorenz and others and modern research on the molecular basis of behavior, especially in model systems. Topics include reproductive behavior, rhythmic behavior, learning and memory, and feeding behavior.
Neuroplasticity and Disease
BIOL-GA 1101 Azmitia. 4 points.
Survey of neuronal plasticity and the principles of neuroanatomy, pharmacology, and development of the brain and spinal cord. Presents various forms of plasticity from regeneration to neuronal transplantation. Topics include dynamic instability, addiction, depression, hibernation, spinal injury, and Alzheimer's disease. Covers the role of neurotransmitters and growth factors in regulating brain plasticity. Stresses interactions between neurons, astroglial cells, and other nonneuronal cells. Summarizes animal and human studies of functional and structural recovery.
Bioinformatics and Genomes
BIOL-GA 1127 Bonneau. 4 points.
Bioinformatics is becoming a cornerstone of modern biology, especially in fields such as genomics. The recent explosion in the availability of whole genome sequences and microarray data has led to a vast increase in bioinformatics research and tool development. Emphasizes not only an understanding of existing tools, but also programming and statistics skills for problem solving.
Systems Biology
BIOL-GA 1128 Lecture. Vogel. 4 points.
Introduction to genomic methods for acquiring and analyzing genomic DNA sequences. Topics: genomic approaches to determining gene function, including determining genome-wide expression patterns; the use of genomics for disease-gene discovery and epidemiology; the emerging fields of comparative genomics and proteomics; and applications of genomics to the pharmaceutical and agbiotech sectors. Stresses computational methods for analysis of genomic data.
Evolutionary Genetics and Genomics
BIOL-GA 1129 Prerequisites: Molecular and Cell Biology II (BIOL-UA 22). Purugganan. 4 points.
Explores the genetic and genomic mechanisms underlying evolutionary change. Emphases are on complex trait evolution and its quantitative analysis, and the impact of modern mapping and genomic techniques on evolutionary biology. Topics include: the genetics of adaptation and character regression; the evolution of complex characters and traits such as organ systems, the senses, and patterns of behavior; methods for the study of quantitative trait locus (QTL) variation and multifactorial systems.
Applied Genomics: Introduction to Bioinformatics and Network Modeling
BIOL-GA 1130 Katari, Parker. 4 points.
Fundamental methods of analyzing large data sets from genomics experiments, including hands-on computational training. Analysis focuses on data from genome-wide studies of gene expression using microarrays and from genome-wide studies of molecular interactions. Methods covered include clustering, multiple-hypothesis testing, and network inference.
Biophysical Modeling of Cells and Populations
BIOL-GA 1131 Prerequisite: Molecular and Cell Biology II (BIOL-UA 22). Kussell. 4 points.
Develops the biophysical approach to modeling biological systems, applied to classic problems of molecular biology, as well as to systems of recent interest. Progresses from models of cooperativity in binding and of promoter recognition and activation, proceeds through models of simple and complex networks, and works toward a population-level description of various systems.
Genomics of Human Populations
BIOL-GA 1132 Prerequisites: Molecular and Cell Biology II (BIOL-UA 22) and Genetics (BIOL-UA 30). 4 points.
Covers topics in the field of human population genetics including human ancestry and admixture, linkage disequilibrium, natural selection in the human genome, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), genetic architecture of human traits and diseases, and application of population genomics to the study of cancer and disease. Includes lecture and recitation components with the latter geared to teaching students fundamental skills in population genomic data analysis.