Spring 2013 Courses

027. Evolutionary Links
Seminar exploring our deep evolutionary history from the first multicellular animals to Homo sapiens. Emphasizes the living and fossil species that illustrate important transitions that resulted in the evolution of new anatomical features, physiology, and behavior. Includes an embryo observation unit with data collection and analysis. Readings from online media, popular science books, and primary scientific articles. Frequent writing with an emphasis on styles used in modern biology.
056. Ecology and Society
Vladimir Douhovnikoff T 1:00 - 2:25, TH 1:00 - 2:25 Druckenmiller-020
Presents an overview of ecology covering basic ecological principles and the relationship between human activity and the ecosystems that support us. Examines how ecological processes, both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living), influence the life history of individuals, populations, communities, and ecosystems. Encourages student investigation of environmental interactions and how human-influenced disturbance is shaping the environment. Required field trips illustrate the use of ecological concepts as tools for interpreting local natural history.
059. Plants and Symbiosis
Samuel Taylor M 8:00 - 9:25, W 8:00 - 9:25 Druckenmiller-241
Interdependence between organisms is a ubiquitous feature in biology with important consequences for how we think about the world. Plant biology is used as a starting point to explore a variety of inter-species, particularly symbiotic, interactions observed in nature.Theories of the origin, maintenance and persistence of symbioses are discussed. Biological examples include ancient intracellular symbioses underlying photosynthesis and respiration, plus interactions between plants, pathogens, parasites and symbionts, including nitrogen fixers and nutrient scavengers important to human food supply. An experimental research project in plant biology demonstrates the scientific process.
063. Where the Wild Things are: Wading through Waves, Whelks and Whales
The world has become increasingly coastal with some 3.2 billion people now living within 120 miles of the sea. Examines ocean ecosystems from sandy shores to coral reefs to kelp forests, and considers the consequences of this human population explosion - habitat loss, overfishing, pollution, invasive species, and ocean acidification. Also explores the potential the ocean holds for a sustainable future - biofuels, renewable power generation from waves or tides, and ecotourism. Presents material through a combination of lectures, assigned readings and group presentations. Semester-long team projects examine a variety of current controversies in marine science. Evaluation process includes exams and an end of semester term paper. Assumes no background in science.
102. Biological Princiiples II
109. Scientific Reasoning in Biology
158. Perspectives in Environmental Science
212. Genetics and Molecular Biology
Jack Bateman T 11:30 - 12:55, TH 11:30 - 12:55 Druckenmiller-020
214. Comparative Physiology
216. Evolution
218. Microbiology
An examination of the structure and function of microorganisms, from viruses to bacteria to fungi, with an emphasis on molecular descriptions. Subjects covered include microbial structure, metabolism, and genetics. Control of microorganisms and environmental interactions are also discussed. Laboratory sessions every week. Chemistry 225 is recommended.
258. Ornithology
Nathaniel Wheelwright M 1:00 - 2:25, W 1:00 - 2:25 Druckenmiller-110
Advanced study of the biology of birds, including anatomy, physiology, distribution, and systematics, with an emphasis on avian ecology and evolution. Through integrated laboratory sessions, field trips, discussion of the primary literature, and independent research, students learn identification of birds, functional morphology, and research techniques such as experimental design, behavioral observation, and field methods. Optional field trip to the Bowdoin Scientific Station on Kent Island.
266. Molecular Neurobiology
Hadley Horch M 11:30 - 12:55, W 11:30 - 12:55 Druckenmiller-004
280. Plant Responses to the Environment
Samuel Taylor M 2:30 - 3:55, W 2:30 - 3:55 Hatch Library-210
307. Evolutionary Developmental Biology
William Jackman W 6:45 - 9:25 Druckenmiller-110
317. Molecular Evolution
Michael Palopoli W 2:30 - 3:55, F 2:30 - 3:55 Druckenmiller-110
Examines the dynamics of evolutionary change at the molecular level. Topics include neutral theory of molecular evolution, rates and patterns of change in nucleotide sequences and proteins, molecular phylogenetics, and genome evolution. Students read and discuss papers from the scientific literature, and complete independent projects in the laboratory.
333. Advanced Cell and Molecular Biology
Bruce Kohorn T 6:45 - 9:25 Druckenmiller-110
363. Marine Ecomechanics
Michael Nishizaki T 2:30 - 3:55, TH 2:30 - 3:55 Druckenmiller-110
Explores the interaction between marine organisms and their physical environment. Examines the physical ecology of marine ecosystems across a variety of spatial and temporal scales. Emphasis placed on critical readings of primary scientific literature and the incorporation of works from the fields of ecology, evolution, development, physiology, and biomechanics. Material presented through assigned readings, class discussion and oral presentations. Evaluation process includes an end of semester term paper.