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Sub | CRSE | Title |
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ANT | 382 | Seminars in Anthropology: Renewable Natural Resources: Science & Policy (= BIO 366, ENV 366) |
BIO | 102 | Special Topics in Biology I |
Prerequisites & NotesNot open to students who have credit for BIO 111/113 or 112/114 except by permission of the chair. Introduction to the science of biology designed to meet science requirements of non-science majors. Course content and emphasis will vary with instructor. No laboratory. Satisfies the Liberal Studies requirement. |
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BIO | 103 | Microbes & Human Disease |
Prerequisites & NotesNot open to students who have credit for BIO 106, 111/113, or 112/114, except by permission of the chair.
Instructor
Satisfies the Liberal Studies requirement. |
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BIO | 106 | Microbes & Our Health |
Prerequisites & NotesNot open to students who have credit for Biology 103, 111/113, or 112/114 except by permission of the chair.
Instructor
Introduction to the science of biology by examining microscopic organisms and their influence on human health. Designed to meet science distribution requirement of non-science majors. One laboratory meeting per week. Satisfies the Natural Science requirement. |
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BIO | 107 | Special Topics in Biology II |
Prerequisites & NotesNot open to students who have credit for BIO 111/113 or 112/114 except by permission of the department chair. Introduction to the science of biology designed to meet science requirements of non-science majors. Course content and emphasis will vary with instructor. One laboratory meeting per week. Satisfies the Natural Science requirement.
Spring 2019 Topic: Biological Memory |
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BIO | 108 | Human Biology |
Prerequisites & NotesNot open to students who have credit for BIO 111/113 or 112/114 except by permission of the chair.
Instructor
Introduction to the science of biology by exploring human health, physiology, and disease. Designed to meet science requirements of non-science majors. One laboratory meeting per week. Satisfies the Natural Science requirement. |
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BIO | 109 | Biology of Plants |
Prerequisites & NotesNot open to students who have credit for BIO 105, 111/113, or 112/114, except by permission of the chair.
Instructor
Introduction to the science of biology through topics in botany. Designed to meet science requirements of non-science majors. One laboratory meeting per week. Satisfies Natural Science requirement. |
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BIO | 111 | Molecules, Genes, & Cells |
Prerequisites & NotesStudents with credit for BIO 113 may not enroll in BIO 111.
Instructors
Satisfies the Natural Science requirement. |
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BIO | 112 | Organisms, Evolution, & Ecosystems |
Prerequisites & NotesStudents with credit for BIO 114 may not enroll in BIO 112.
Instructors
Satisfies the Natural Science requirement. |
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BIO | 113 | Integrated Concepts in Biology I |
Prerequisites & NotesStudents with credit for BIO 111 may not enroll in BIO 113.
Instructors
Introduction to biology's core concepts from molecules through cells including information, evolution, cells, emergent properties, and homeostasis. The weekly laboratory emphasizes core competencies of the process of science, the interdisciplinary nature of modern biology, data interpretation, quantitative skills, communication in multiple formats, and experience with large databases. Students may take BIO 113 with either BIO 112 or BIO 114 to complete biology introductory course requirements. Satisfies the Natural Science requirement. |
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BIO | 114 | Integrated Concepts in Biology II |
Prerequisites & NotesStudents with credit for BIO 112 may not enroll in BIO 114.
Instructors
Introduction to biology's core concepts from organisms through ecological systems including information, evolution, cells, emergent properties, and homeostasis. The weekly laboratory emphasizes core competencies of the process of science, the interdisciplinary nature of modern biology, data interpretation, quantitative skills, communication in multiple formats, and experience with large databases. Students may take BIO 114 with either BIO 111 or BIO 113 to satisfy upper level prerequisites, pre-med requirements, and biology major requirements. Satisfies the Natural Science requirement. |
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BIO | 184 | Environmental Field Studies |
Prerequisites & NotesStudy at some centers meets the cultural diversity requirement. See http://www.bio.davidson.edu/sfs/ Twelve-week, four-course semester program at one of five School for Field Studies research centers. Grading is Pass/Fail. BIO 184 does not count for biology major credit. |
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BIO | 201 | Genetics |
Prerequisites & NotesBIO 111/113 is required. BIO 112/114, CHE 115, and/or CHE 250 is recommended. One laboratory meeting per week. Satisfies Group A.
Instructors Integration of molecular and classical genetics, including the physical nature of genetic material, the many levels of gene and genome regulation, transmission of genetic information and patterns of inheritance, gene mapping/identification via traditional and modern methods, and genetic engineering in many contexts. |
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BIO | 202 | Microbiology |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 111/113 is required. One laboratory meeting per week. Satisfies Group A.
Instructor
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BIO | 208 | Cell Biology |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 111/113 is required. One laboratory meeting per week. Satisfies Group A. Students with credit for BIO 238 may not enroll in BIO 208.
Instructor
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BIO | 209 | Bioinformatics Programming (= CSC 209) |
Prerequisites & NotesDoes not carry Mathematics major credit.
Instructor
(Cross-listed with CSC 209.) An interdisciplinary introduction to computer science and structured programming using the Python programming language in the context of biological datasets and applications, including algorithms for analyzing genomic data. |
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BIO | 216 | Plants, Farms, & Forests |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 111/113 and 112/114 are required. One laboratory meeting per week. Satisfies Group B.
Instructor
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BIO | 217 | Insects and People |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 111/113 and 112/114
Instructor
Biology of insects and related arthropods, structured around application and investigation of the relationship between humans and insects. Significant broad topics include medical and veterinary entomology, forensic entomology, the role of insects in human history and culture, biodiversity of and ecosystem services provided by insects, and conservation. |
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BIO | 222 | Vertebrate Zoology |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 112/114, ENV 201, or permission of the instructor is required. One laboratory meeting per week. Satisfies Group B. Not open to students with credit for BIO 232
Instructor
Natural history of vertebrates (fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, birds) emphasizing phylogeny, adaptations, ecology, and behavior. Laboratory sessions involve field experiments, identification of local tetrapods, and some dissection. One weekend field trip is required. Satisfies depth or breadth course requirement in Natural Science Track of the Environmental Studies major or interdisciplinary minor.
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BIO | 223 | Animal Behavior (=PSY 323) |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 112/114 or permission of instructor is required. One laboratory meeting per week. Satisfies Group B. Counts towards the Psychology major as a Research Methods course in the Cognitive/Neuroscience column. Not open to students with credit for BIO 233.
Instructor An evolutionary approach to the study of animal behavior. Laboratories include research projects on the behavior of animals in captivity and in the natural environment. |
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BIO | 227 | Conservation Biology & Biodiversity |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO112/114, ENV 201, or permission of the instructor is required. Satisfies Group B.
Instructor
This course focuses on the scientific study of biological diversity, its rapid loss in recent decades, and approaches for its conservation. Broad topics include the definition and measurement of biodiversity, the value of biodiversity to humans, causes of biodiversity loss and extinction in the modern world, how biodiversity can be managed and conserved, as well as the challenges posed by the human dimensions of biodiversity and conservation. Students will focus intensively on the primary literature in this course, with an emphasis on the interpretation of data and the design of investigations in conservation biology. After completing this course, students should be able to apply the scientific method, data analysis, biological theory, and critical thought to real-world conflicts between human needs and the conservation of biological diversity. The laboratory focuses on biodiversity and conservation assessment including field work and occasional field trips. |
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BIO | 230 | The Host-Pathogen Interaction |
Prerequisites & NotesBIO 111 or BIO 113. General knowledge of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure and function is assumed.
Instructor
This course will focus on the co-evolution (still in progress) of the protective mechanisms of organisms against a variety of pathogens and the pathogens' evasion mechanisms of immune surveillance. Topics will include the nature of pathogens, mucosal surfaces as the first barrier to pathogens in vertebrates, evolution of the immune response to pathogens in the plant and animal kingdom, co-evolution of evasion mechanisms in viruses, bacteria, and protozoa to bypass or neutralize the immune response, diagnosis and treatment of microbial disease. Students will research a pathogen of their choice throughout the semester and will present their findings in poster format. Satisfies a major requirement in Biology. |
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BIO | 232 | Vertebrate Natural History |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 112/114, or ENV 201, or permission of the instructor is required. Not open to students with credit for BIO 222.
Instructor
Natural history of vertebrates (fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, birds) emphasizing phylogeny, adaptations, ecology, and behavior. No laboratory. |
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BIO | 233 | Behavioral Ecology |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 112/114 or permission of instructor is required. Not open to students with credit for BIO 223.
Instructor
Behavioral ecology represents the intersection of Animal Behavior, Evolutionary Biology, and Ecology. Behavioral ecologists are particularly interested in the fitness consequences (the adaptive significance) of the behavior of animals. In this course, we will investigate foraging behavior, anti-predator behavior, territorial behavior, conflict, sexual selection, mating systems, parental care, and social systems. |
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BIO | 237 | Biodiversity & Conservation |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 112 or BIO 114, ENV 201, or permission of the instructor.
Instructor
Focused on the peer-reviewed scientific literature, in this course we focus on understanding important patterns of biodiversity and the processes that lead to these patterns. We consider the function and value of biodiversity to humans and the natural world and evaluate the efficacy of approaches to the conservation of biodiversity at local, regional, and global scales. Students acquire transferable skills including data analysis, experimental design, and the interpretation of statistical results. Satisfies a depth and breadth course requirement in the Natural Science track of the Environmental Studies major and minor.
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BIO | 238 | Cell Biology & Signaling |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 111/113 is required. Students with credit for BIO 208 may not enroll in BIO 238.
Instructor
In order to coordinate function within multicellular eukaryotic organisms, organelles and cells utilize an array of molecular transport and communication mechanisms. Students compare wild type and altered signaling from phenotype to changes in the signaling mechanism. Examples draw from human genetic variation and changes due to exposure to environmental toxicants. No laboratory. |
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BIO | 240 | Biostatistics for Life Scientists |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 111/113 and 112/114, or ENV 201, or permission of the instructor is required.
Instructors
Probability, descriptive statistics, and proper application, interpretation, and reporting of inferential statistics for biological research. Instruction in experimental design and use of statistical and graphics software. Recommended for pre-med and pre-veterinary students as well as those who plan to enroll in Biology group investigation or independent study courses. Satisfies Mathematical & Quantitative Thought distribution requirement. |
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BIO | 250 | Group Investigations |
Prerequisites & NotesPrerequisites and/or permission of the instructor vary by course. Series of courses numbered BIO 250-259 & BIO 350-359 introducing students to methods and techniques of biological research. Courses may serve as background to student decisions for optional research experiences. |
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BIO | 251 | Light Microscopy |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 111/113 is required.
Instructor
This group investigation course is a research-based, collaborative experience to build practical and theoretical knowledge of tissue preparation techniques and foundational light microscopy techniques such as brightfield, phase, fluorescence, and confocal microscopy. Emerging methodologies such as superresolution and light sheet microscopy are also considered. |
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BIO | 252 | Avian Behavioral Ecology |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 112/114 or BIO 223/233 is required.
Instructor
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BIO | 256 | Applied Insect Ecology |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 112/114, ENV 201, or permission of instructor is required.
Instructor
This group investigation course examines applied ecology problems in insect pollinator communities and/or populations of urban forest pests. Pollinator communities may be adversely affected in an urbanizing landscape, while a forest pest may actually benefit in the same landscape. Students investigate the effects of park size, location, surrounding land use, and plant diversity on insect pollinator diversity. Students may also investigate the spatial and temporal dynamics of the fall cankerworm as well as assess the effectiveness of control efforts. Projects have community-based learning and outreach components. Students study insect population and community ecology, learn basic GIS and other digital skills, insect identification, and hone skills in experimental design, data analysis, and science communication. |
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BIO | 257 | Tree Taxonomy & Identification: Dendrology |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 112/114, ENV 201, or permission of instructor is required.
Instructor
This group investigation course provides a survey of the taxonomy of woody plants and an introduction to the major forest biomes of the mountain and piedmont regions of North Carolina and southwestern Virginia. Students learn how to identify trees, shrubs, and woodly vies using summer and winter characteristics. Class meetings emphasize time spent in the field. |
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BIO | 260 | Perspective on Darwinism |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 112/114 or permission of the instructor is required.
Instructor
This seminar course focuses on the historical importance of the Darwinian revolution in biology. To understand more fully Darwin's accomplishments, students study evolutionary and anti-evolutionary thinkers who came before him. In doing so, students come to understand more deeply the resistance to the Origin of Species at the time of its publication and similar resistance to evolutionary thinking before the Darwinian era. Post-Darwinian controversies of the late 19th and early 20th century are considered as well as those emerging in contemporary biology. |
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BIO | 261 | Neuroscience of Exercise |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 111/113 plus at least one other Biology course or CHE 115 are required. Restricted to sophomores and juniors.
Instructor
A seminar course examining the research investigating how physical activity influences the brain at multiple levels (molecular, cellular, physiology, behavioral). Emphasis is placed on developing strategies for identifying, reading, analyzing, and discussing a variety of literature on the topic (reviews, basic research, government documents, clinical research, public health studies, popular press reports, etc.). Oral communication, visual communication, and/or writing skills are also emphasized as ways to share scientific research with audiences of scientists and non-scientists. |
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BIO | 262 | Forensic Serology |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 111/113 and at least one upper level group A biology course are required. Permission of the instructor required to register for the course.
Instructor
This seminar focuses on the science behind the courthouse headlines as we discuss the biological theory and analytical techniques that form forensic serology's basics. Topics include the composition of blood and semen, the molecular basis for enzymatic and antibody based analytical techniques, DNA analysis (RFLPs, VTNRs, and SNPs), and modes of inheritance of different markers (nuclear or mitochondrial DNA and protein). We will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of applying these techniques to samples collected in 'real life' situations and the potential ethical implications of DNA databases such as CODIS. In addition to participating in discussions of technical literature, students will give multiple oral presentations to the class and to public audiences. |
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BIO | 264 | Evolutionary Medicine |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 111/113 and 112/114.
Instructor
Evolutionary concepts help explain why we remain vulnerable to disease, how pathogens and cancer cells evolve, and how the diseases that affected our evolutionary ancestors have shaped our biology. In this seminar, we will read and discuss a new book by Stearns and Medzhitov (2015): Evolutionary Medicine. Topics include defense mechanisms, pathogen evolution, cancer, reproductive medicine, mismatch, and mental disorders. |
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BIO | 266 | Synthetic Biology Discoveries |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO111/113.
Instructor
Students will read primary literature from the transdisciplinary field of synthetic biology. This relatively new discipline integrates molecular biology, chemical engineering, mathematics, and computer science. |
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BIO | 267 | Cases in Environmental Health |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 111/113, BIO 112/114, or ENV 201 is required.
Instructor
Environmental health focuses on the factors external to people that have health implications. In this seminar students develop skills in literature research, critical analysis, and communication exploring the intersection between cell biology, public health, and the environment. Broad topics include regional and global examples investigating air quality, water quality, and exposure to environmental chemicals. In groups, students define sub areas of interest such as home air quality, water purification byproducts, or mercury. Students use research, creativity, and communication skills to compile materials and write case studies that are appropriate for use in undergraduate cell biology courses. Satisfies depth or breadth course requirement in Natural Science Track of the Environmental Studies major or interdisciplinary minor. |
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BIO | 303 | Biochemistry |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 111/113 and CHE 250 are required. One laboratory meeting per week.
Instructor
Satisfies a requirement in Group A of the Biology major. |
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BIO | 305 | Microanatomy of Vertebrates (Histology) |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 111/113 and 112/114 or permission of the instructor is required. One laboratory meeting per week. Satisfies Group B.
Instructor
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BIO | 306 | Developmental Biology |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 111/113 is required. BIO 201 or 208/238 recommended. Not open to students with credit for BIO 336. Satisfies Group A.
Instructor
Investigates cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate animal development covering topics such as fertilization, cleavage, gastrulation, axis specification, and organogenesis via analysis of classical and modern experiments. Laboratory sessions emphasize experimental manipulations of early embryos culminating in student-designed research projects. |
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BIO | 307 | Immunology |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 111/113, CHE 115, and one of the following: BIO 201, 202, or 208/238 are required. Not open to students with credit for BIO 337. Limited to sophomores, juniors, and seniors or permission of instructor. One laboratory meeting per week. Satisfies Group A.
Instructor
Introduction to the immune system with an emphasis on mammalian models. Course focuses on the cellular and molecular levels of the immune system in health and disease. Topics include recognition of antigens, development of lymphocyte repertoires, and adaptive immune responses. |
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BIO | 309 | Genomics |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful compeletion of BIO 111/113 and 112/114 and one of the following: BIO 201, 202, 208/238, 209, 303, 306/336, 307/337, 333, or 343 are required. Satisfies group A only in combination with BIO 343.
Instructor
Students use published resources to understand how genome-scale information (e.g., DNA sequences, genome variations, transcriptomes, proteomes, and clinical studies) can provide a systems biology perspective. Students also use databases and bioinformatics tools to analyze data and post their analyses online. May be taken simultaneously with BIO 343. Counts as an elective in the Data Science interdisciplinary minor. |
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BIO | 310 | Human Physiology |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 111/113, BIO 112/114, and CHE 115 are required. Successful completion of at least one of the following is recommended: BIO 208/238, BIO 303, CHE 220, CHE 230, PHY 120 and 220, or PHY 130 and 230.
Instructor
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BIO | 311 | Comparative Anatomy |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 111/113 and 112/114 or permission of the instructor is required. One laboratory meeting per week. Satisfies Group B.
Instructor
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BIO | 317 | Entomology |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 111/113 and 112/114, ENV 201, or permission of instructor is required. One laboratory meeting per week. Satisfies Group B.
Instructor
Biology of insects and related arthropods, structured around application and investigation of issues such as medical entomology, evolutionary history, biodiversity and systematics of insects, forensic entomology, conservation, and ecology. Major emphasis in the laboratory involves an independent research project, field trips, and the making of a collection of local insects. Satisfies depth or breadth course requirement in Natural Science Track of the Environmental Studies major or interdisciplinary minor. |
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BIO | 321 | Ecology |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 111/113 and 112/114, or ENV 201, or permission of the instructor is required. One laboratory meeting per week. Satisfies Group B.
Instructors
Satisfies depth or breadth course requirement in Natural Science Track of the Environmental Studies major or interdisciplinary minor. |
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BIO | 331 | Behavioral Neuroscience (= PSY 303) |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of PSY 101 or BIO 111/113 and 112/114 as well as permission of the instructor are required.
Instructor
(Cross-listed as PSY 303) Role of the nervous system; sensory and motor mechanism; physiological bases of motivation and emotion; sleep and arousal; and physiological bases of learning, memory, and language. Extensive laboratory training. Work with animals is required. |
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BIO | 332 | Functional Neuroanatomy (= PSY 324) |
Prerequisites & NotesPsychology 303 (=Biology 331) or Psychology 289 and permission of the instructor.
Instructor
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BIO | 333 | Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience |
Prerequisites & NotesBIO 111/113 and one of the following: BIO 201 (strongly recommended), 208/238, 306/336, 309, or 331 are required. Not open to first-year students. Satisfies Group A.
Instructor
An advanced examination of neurons at the cellular and molecular levels. Topics include the structure of neurons and glia, neurogenesis, synapse formation, and the molecular basis of neuronal signaling and communication. Special attention is paid to nervous system development, degeneration, and the molecular basis of common neurological disorders. Laboratory projects will utilize the nematode C. elegans to investigate molecular and cellular neurobiology questions using genetic methods. |
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BIO | 336 | Animal Development |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 111/113 is required with BIO 201 and/or 208/238 recommended. Students with credit for BIO 306 may not enroll in BIO 336.
Instructor
Investigates cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate animal development from fertilization to organogenesis, emphasizing classical and modern experiments. No laboratory |
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BIO | 337 | Principles of Immunology |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 111/113 and one of the following: BIO 201, 202, or BIO 208/238 are required. Students with credit for BIO 307 may not enroll in BIO 337.
Instructor
Introduction to the immune system with an emphasis on mammalian models. The course focuses on the cellular and molecular levels of the immune system in health and disease. Topics include recognition of antigens, development of lymphocyte repertoires, and adaptive immune responses. No laboratory. |
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BIO | 342 | Evolutionary Biology |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 111/113 and 112/114 is required.
Instructor
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BIO | 343 | Laboratory Methods in Genomics |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 111/113 and 112/114, plus one of the following: BIO 201, 202, 208/238, 209, 303, 306/336, 307/337, 309, or 333 are required. Satisfies group A only in combination with BIO 309.
Instructor
In this lab-only course, students participate in a real genome sequencing project (sequencing performed off-site). Students analyze sequences and annotate genes in the genome. This original research is computer intensive and contributes to the growing body of knowledge in genomics. Students participate in collaborative research projects and generate reports of their findings. May be taken simultaneously with BIO 309. Counts as an elective in the Data Science interdisciplinary minor. |
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BIO | 352 | Genetics of Mitochondrial Shaping |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 111/113 and permission of the instructor are required. BIO 201 is strongly recommended.
Instructor
This group investigation course addresses unanswered questions concerning genes associated with mitochondrial dynamics in developing sperm of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster using molecular biology, classical genetics, and microscopy. |
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BIO | 355 | Genome Editing |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 111/113 is required.
Instructor
Very recently revolutionary new techniques made it possible to edit the genomes of living organisms directly. Scientists can now, theoretically, engineer any living cell in very specific manners. This group investigation course explores the technical literature on genome editing and current uses of the methods in research and in the repair of genetic diseases. In parallel, students design experiments to edit the genome of C. elegans animals and engineer worms for research purposes. |
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BIO | 356 | Diversity & Extinction Analysis (= ENV 356) |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 112/114 and BIO 227 or 321 is required. Completion of BIO 240 is recommended.
Instructor
This group investigation course focuses on the analysis of patterns of biodiversity and biodiversity loss. Students conduct literature reviews to compile data on biodiversity and/or extinction events to identify patterns of biodiversity, biodiversity function, and extinctions, with the goal of understanding the causes and consequences of biodiversity variation and loss. An emphasis is placed on the analysis of biodiversity data and the development of novel analyses to address issues such as sampling effects, extinction bias, random extinction, and emergent properties of biodiversity. The course culminates with a group project that addresses student-driven questions via the application of analyses developed during the semester. Counts as an elective in the Data Science interdisciplinary minor. |
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BIO | 357 | Biotoxicity of Hookah Tobacco Smoke |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of CHE 115, BIO 111/113, and at least one BIO 200+ course are required. Instructor permission is required to register for the course. Restricted to juniors and seniors
Instructor
Pairs of students will investigate whether altering hookah configurations changes the resulting smoke's affect on cultured lung cells, as measured by biochemical analysis of cellular viability metrics. The group investigation will include significant experimental design and bench research as well as oral presentations to different audiences, preparing and presenting a scientific poster, and writing a research article. |
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BIO | 360 | Biology of HIV/AIDS |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 201, 202, or 208/238 and permission of the instructor are required.
Instructor
In this upper-level seminar course, students read and discuss primary journal articles related to HIV/AIDS in a chronological fashion, beginning with the first scientific reports of HIV/AIDS from 1981 and progressing through the most recent articles. Through this in-depth analysis of the scientific literature, students see how current advances in the field are predicated on earlier knowledge and begin to learn how technological advancements have led to new scientific knowledge. Throughout the semester, students also examine popular press accounts of major scientific advancements and investigate the role of reportage in this pandemic. Satisfies the Justice, Equality, and Community requirement. |
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BIO | 362 | Issues in Reproductive Medicine |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 111/113 and 112/114 or permission of instructor are required.
Instructor
Advances in medical science give us an ever-increasing mastery of our "natural" reproductive processes. Technologies for controlling our fertility, diagnosing and treating the fetus, and allowing premature neonates to complete their development ex-utero challenge our traditional ideas of parenthood, family, and even personal identity. This seminar course addresses a myriad of economic, sociocultural, ethical, and legal questions by the new reproductive technologies. The course is discussion-based, includes a semester-long project, and involves technology applications. |
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BIO | 363 | Human Genetics |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 201 and permission of the instructor are required.
Instructor
This upper-level seminar focuses on different human genetic disorders with primary research papers as the main resource. Students explore 1) the methods by which the genes associated with each disorder were identified; 2) the biology of the disorder at the organism, tissue, cell, and molecular level; and 3) strategies to treat each condition with gene therapy and other methods. |
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BIO | 364 | Immune System Dysfunction |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 201, 202, 208/238, 303, 306/336, or 307/337 is required. Restricted to juniors and seniors.
Instructor
This seminar course builds upon the knowledge from Immunology (BIO 307/337) in which basic immunology vocabulary and concepts are first introduced. Students use case studies of immunological disorders to synthesize and apply knowledge to actual cases, become familiar with the techniques used to investigate immune system dysfunction in clinical research and in animal models of human disease, and learn to evaluate experimental design critically by presenting and evaluating scientific arguments from the primary literature. Students integrate these newly acquired skills by writing a short proposal for a clinical or research study. |
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BIO | 365 | Biology of Cancer |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 111/113 and 112/114 plus one of the following: BIO 201, 202, 208/238, 303, 306/336, 307/337, 309 + 343, or 333.
Instructor
Investigates the molecular basis of cancer through a study of the hallmarks of cancer, signal transduction pathways, cancer critical genes, and current therapeutic approaches. Seminal experiments in the field of cancer biology are discussed throughout.
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BIO | 366 | Renewable Natural Resources: Science & Policy (= ANT 382, ENV 366) |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 112/114, ANT 101, ENV 201, or ENV 202 is required.
Instructors
This interdisciplinary seminar course focuses on developing a scientific understanding of renewable natural resources such as fisheries and forests and how resources are then used, overused, managed, and conserved by humans. The course primarily consider smodern methods of resource management, including adaptive and ecosystem-based management. The course builds upon knowledge gained in the foundation courses of Anthropology, Biology, or Environmental Studies. It addresses natural resource and environmental issues from ecosystem and policy perspectives. Through case studies, readings, class discussions, and knowledge construction, students gain deep knowledge of ecosystem ecology and management policies and approaches. Students then apply their knowledge to identify management principles that are consistent with a more holistic ecosystem approach and develop a case study of one natural resource and how it is managed. Satisfies depth or breadth course requirement in Natural or Social Science track of the Environmental Studies major or interdisciplinary minor or the breadth requirement of the Humanities track. |
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BIO | 367 | Ecotoxicology (= ENV 367) |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 111/113 and 112/14 or ENV 201 is required as well as permission of the instructor. CHE 115 is recommended.
Instructor
Ecotoxicology is the science that examines the fate and effects of toxicants in and on ecological systems. Although toxicology examines effects at molecular, cell, and organism levels, effects at higher levels are not always predictable based on findings at lower levels. Ecotoxicology integrates effects at multiple levels of biological organization. Satisfies depth or breadth course requirement in Natural Science Track of the Environmental Studies major or interdisciplinary minor. |
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BIO | 368 | Health Care Issues in Zambia |
Prerequisites & NotesPermission of the instructor is required. Fee.
Instructor
An interdisciplinary examination of the impact of disease on the people in sub Saharan Africa. The course includes a one-month cultural and medical experience in Mwandi, Zambia during the summer, preceded by preparatory meetings during the spring semester and culminating in a seminar in the fall semester following the trip. Students submit applications and are interviewed for the course during the fall semester preceding the next summer's trip. |
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BIO | 370 | Directed Reading in Biology |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of at least one course above BIO 200. This course allows a student with a substantial background in biology (usually a junior or senior major) to pursue intensive readings of the original scientific literature in a specific area of study not represented in the Biology curriculum or not offered during the student's attendance at Davidson. The course frequently culminates in a substantial paper and/or oral presentation. Admission is by consent of a faculty member who reviews and approves the topic then closely supervises and evaluates the student's work. The student develops a written plan of study (syllabus) in collaboration with the faculty member following the guidelines on the Independent Course Contract form available through the Registrar. BIO 370 may be repeated on a different topic with the chair's permission. |
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BIO | 371 | Research in Biology I |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of at least one course above BIO 200. Field, bench, or modeling laboratory investigative work or other original research under the direction and supervision of a Biology faculty member who reviews and approves the research topic and methodology. Research is presented at the end of the semester in a scientific paper, poster, and/or oral presentation. Admission is by consent of the supervising faculty member who also evaluates the student's work. The student develops a written plan of study (syllabus) in collaboration with the faculty member following the guidelines on the Independent Course Contract form available through the Registrar. BIO 371 may be repeated on a different project in a different research lab. |
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BIO | 372 | Research in Biology II |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 371. A second semester of continued original field, bench, or modeling laboratory investigative work or other original research under the direction and supervision of a Biology faculty member who reviews and approves the research topic and methodology. Research is presented at the end of the semester in a scientific paper, poster, and/or oral presentation. Admission is by consent of the supervising faculty member who also evaluates the student's work. The student develops a written plan of study (syllabus) in collaboration with the faculty member following the guidelines on the Independent Course Contract form available through the Registrar. |
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BIO | 373 | Research in Biology III |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 371 and BIO 372. A third semester of continued , original field, bench, or modeling laboratory or other original research under the direction and supervision of a Biology faculty member who reviews and approves the research topic and methodology. Research is presented at the end of the semester in a scientific paper, poster, and/or oral presentation. Admission is by consent of the supervising faculty member who also evaluates the student's work. The student develops a written plan of study (syllabus) in collaboration with the faculty member following the guidelines on the Independent Course Contract form available through the Registrar. |
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BIO | 374 | Research in Biology IV |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 371, BIO 372, and BIO 373. A fourth semester of continued field, bench, modeling, or other original research under the direction and supervision of a Biology faculty member who reviews and approves the research topic and methodology. Research is presented at the end of the semester in a scientific paper, poster, and/or oral presentation. Admission is by consent of the supervising faculty member who also evaluates the student's work. The student develops a written plan of study (syllabus) in collaboration with the faculty member following the guidelines on the Independent Course Contract form available through the Registrar. |
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BIO | 379 | Thesis in Biology |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 371 and prior departmental acceptance of a thesis proposal. A student with prior departmental approval of a biology thesis proposal registers for this course during the semester in which the research is completed and the thesis is written, presented, and defended (all following department thesis guidelines delineated in the Biology Major Handbook and in consultation with Biology's Thesis Coordinator). Admission is by consent of the primary reader/supervising faculty member who also evaluates the student's work. The student develops a written plan of study (syllabus) in collaboration with the faculty member following the guidelines on the Independent Course Contract form available through the Registrar. |
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BIO | 381 | Environmental Field Studies |
Prerequisites & NotesSee bio.davidson.edu/sfs. Twelve-week, four-course semester program (BIO 184, 381, 382, and 383) at one of five School for Field Studies research centers. Grading is Pass/Fail. BIO 381 may be counted for major credit. |
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BIO | 382 | Environmental Field Studies |
Prerequisites & NotesSee bio.davidson.edu/sfs. Twelve-week, four-course semester program (BIO 184, 381, 382, and 383) at one of five School for Field Studies research centers. Grading is Pass/Fail. BIO 382 may be counted for major credit. |
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BIO | 383 | Environmental Field Studies |
Prerequisites & NotesSee bio.davidson.edu/sfs. Twelve-week, four-course semester program (BIO 184, 381, 382, and 383) at one of five School for Field Studies research centers. Grading is Pass/Fail. BIO 383 may be counted for major credit. |
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BIO | 385 | Techniques in Environmental Field Research |
Prerequisites & NotesPermission of the instructor required. See bio.davidson.edu/programs/sfs/sfshome.htm. One-month intensive field work course for science majors during the summer in selected School for Field Studies locations around the world. Grading is pass/fail but may be counted for major credit. |
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BIO | 391 | RNA Worlds |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 201 or permission of the instructor is required.
Instructor
Non-protein-coding ribonucleic acids (RNAs) serve as genomes, catalysts, adaptors, regulators, structural components, and evolutionary substrates to control a diverse range of biological processes in all three domains of life. In this seminar course, discussions of primary literature and subsequent writing assignments reveal and explore our current understanding of the evolution and roles of non-coding RNAs. |
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BIO | 392 | Medical Biotechnology |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 201, 202, 208/238, 303, 306/336, 307/337, or 333 is required.
Instructor
This seminar course explores the biological and chemical principles behind the newest biotechnology tools in medicine. Topics such as nanotechnology based drug delivery approaches, 3D organ printing for transplantation, cancer immunotherapy approaches, and molecular diagnostic tools will be selected based on student interest. Students will analyze primary literature, then organize and present findings in oral presentations and term papers. |
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BIO | 393 | Advances in Genome Editing |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO111/113 is required, BIO 201 is recommended. Not open to students who have credit for BIO 355. Instructor El Bejjani Revolutionary new techniques that make direct genome editing in living organisms allow scientists the potential to engineer any living cell in very specific manners. This seminar course explores the technical literature on genome editing as well as the rapidly expanding uses of genome editing methods in research and the repair of genetic diseases. |
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BIO | 394 | Molecular Machines |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO111/113 and BIO303 or CHE230; or permission of instructor.
Instructor
How do ribosomes really synthesize proteins? How do proteins transport cargo-filled vesicles along the cytoskeleton? How do some bacteria manage to swim in solution? The answers to these questions are provided by the study of molecular machines. In this seminar class, students will analyze primary literature to learn how tiny molecular machines power so many essential biological processes |
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BIO | 395 | Biochemistry Seminar (= CHE 430) |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 303, CHE 230, or permission of instructor is required.
Instructors
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BIO | 396 | Ecology of Disease |
Prerequisites & NotesSuccessful completion of BIO 111/113 and 112/114 are required.
Instructor
This upper-level seminar examines on how ecological theory can contribute to understanding and preventing the emergence and progression of disease. Students use literature from ecology, epidemiology, microbiome research, and physiology to explore diseases of vertebrate animals. Writing intensive. Satisfies depth or breadth course requirement in Natural Science track of the Environmental Studies major or interdisciplinary minor. |
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CHE | 230 | Introduction to Biological Chemistry |
CHE | 430 | Seminar in Biological Chemistry (= BIO 395) |
CSC | 209 | Bioinformatics Programming (= BIO 209) |
ENV | 356 | Diversity & Extinction Analysis (= BIO 356) |
ENV | 366 | Renew Natural Resources: Science and Policy (= BIO 366, ANT 382) |
ENV | 367 | Ecotoxicology (= BIO 367) |
PSY | 303 | Psychological Research-Behavioral Neuroscience (= BIO 331) |
PSY | 323 | Animal Behavior (= BIO 223) |
PSY | 324 | Functional Neuroanatomy (= BIO 332) |