Biology & Biotechnology
BB 1001. Introduction to Biology.
Cat. I
This course consists of an overview of the major concepts of Biology, including: cell theory, bioenergetics, molecular biology, reproduction, nutrition, growth, development, homeostatic controls, and ecological issues. This course is intended for students seeking a broad overview of contemporary Biology with emphasis on human issues and current topics. Recommended background: high school or introductory college level chemistry.
BB 1002. Environmental Biology.
Cat. I
This course provides an introduction to natural ecosystems, population growth, and the interaction between human populations and our environment. Major areas of discussion include Ecosystems, Populations, Biodiversity, Pollution, and Environmental Economics. This course is designed for students seeking a broad overview of ecological systems and the effect of humans on the ecosystems.
Recommended background: High School biology.
BB 1035. Introduction to Biotechnology.
Cat. I
Current topics and issues in Biotechnology will be investigated. Some examples of topics which may be investigated in detail include: cloning, DNA fingerprinting and molecular forensics, transgenic organisms, "green" engineering and bioremediation, bioprocess and metabolite engineering, bioinformatics, and mathematical modeling of biological systems.
Recommended background: high school biology and chemistry.
Cat. I
This course is an integrated survey of the five kingdoms which stresses general concepts and economically important species. Particular attention will be paid to special structures and mechanisms evolved by selected representatives of major phyla of plants and animals for solving problems of life in various environments. Recommended background: high school biology or equivalent.
Cat. I
This course will focus on unicellular organisms with special reference to those of the domain Bacteria, and describe their taxonomy, morphology, and physiology. Special attention will be given to those organisms that are of ecological concern or serve a useful industrial purpose. The importance of microbes and viruses in public health will be presented. This course is designed for all biology majors and other students who seek a good general education in modern biology.
Recommended background: A basic understanding of cell biology and elementary biochemical processes is desired.
BB 2030. Plant Diversity.
Cat. I
An introductory course stressing general concepts related to the vast array of plant species, taxonomic links, and uses of major plant phyla in both society and industry. Some emphasis will be given to economically important species chosen from agronomic and non-agronomic situations.
Recommended background: BB 1045. Students may not receive credit for both BB 2030 and BB 1040.
BB 2040. Principles of Ecology.
Cat. I
This course is designed to give the student a basis for understanding the abundance and distribution of plants and animals from the level of the individual to that of the ecosystem. Topics may include population ecology, competition, community ecology, patterns of species diversity, and energy flow. Recommended background: BB 1045, and MA 1021-1022.
BB 2550. Cell Biology.
Cat. I
This entry level course, recommended for all BIO, BC, and pre-professional majors, presents the fundamental aspects of cell structure and function, and is the foundation of all fields of modern biology. Topics include: cell complexity and organizational hierarchy, evolution of the cell, cell surface, plasma membrane, single and double cytoplasmic membrane systems, nuclear fusion and hybridomas, cytoskeleton, cell growth, and differentiation. Recommended background: BB 1001, BB 1035, or equivalent.
BB 2920. Genetics.
Cat. I
This course presents the principles and experimental evidence leading to our understanding of the gene concept and the role of DNA as genetic material. Patterns of inheritance, the relationship between genotype and phenotype, and transmission, coding, and expression of genetic information are considered in a variety of organisms. A quantitative, problem-solving approach and the use of genetic analysis as a tool to study biological phenomena are emphasized throughout the course. The course is designed for all biology and pre-professional majors.
Recommended background: BB 1035.
BB 3040. Experimental Design and Data Analysis.
Cat. II
This applied course introduces students to the design of experiments and analysis of data. We will cover a number of experimental situations occurring frequently in biology, including testing the fit of data to theoretical distributions, comparisons of groups, and regression analysis. Emphasis will be placed on formulating the hypothesis of interest, designing experiments so that the subsequent analysis will have enough power to test the hypothesis, and choosing the appropriate analysis to perform. We will discuss the importance of pilot studies, and some of the most common errors made in choosing and performing statistical tests. Both parametric and non-parametric tests will be discussed. Students will use computer packages to analyze data from the literature and/or their own experimental data. Recommended background: MA 2611, and any 3000 or 4000 level BB course. Offered in 2008-09 and in alternating years thereafter. Note: Students who have credit for BB 4040 may not receive credit for BB 3040.
BB 3055. Microbial Physiology.
Cat. I
This course will focus on the metabolic (enzymatic) pathways by which microorganisms obtain, process, and store substances and energy used for synthesis; and on the synthetic pathways by which these substances and energy are utilized. The occurrence of biological reactions in the light of the particular organism and its environment will be emphasized, as will those organisms and metabolic schemes of current or potential usefulness in bioprocess technology. Recommended background: BB 2002, BB 2550.
Students who have taken BB 4050 for credit will not receive credit for BB 3055.
BB 3080. Neurobiology.
Cat. I
An introduction to neurobiology, with emphasis on the cellular and molecular basis of neural development and function. Topics will range from electrical and biochemical signaling between neurons, to higher order functions of the nervous system, such as sensation, movement, and memory. Human neurological diseases and disorders will be discussed. Some guided reading of the primary literature will be included. Recommended background: BB 2550, BB 2920, and BB 3101. Students may not receive credit for both BB 4080 and BB 3080.
BB 3101. Human Anatomy & Physiology: Movement and Communication.
Cat. I
The form and function of the systems that are responsible for the support, movement, internal communication, and interaction of the human body with its environment will be presented and discussed: Integumentary, Skeletal, Muscular, Nervous (including the senses), and Endocrine. Recommended background: BB 2550 Cell Biology or BB 1001, Introduction to Biology. Suggested background: Concurrent Laboratory Module: BB 3511 (Nerve and Muscle Physiology). Students who have received credit for BB2130 (Human Anatomy) may not take BB3101 for credit.
BB 3102. Human Anatomy & Physiology: Transport and Maintenance.
Cat. I
The form and function of the systems of the human body that provide for the intake, distribution, and processing of nutrients, water, and oxygen, and the systems that safeguard health by elimination of wastes, regulation of metabolism, and surveillance against disease will be presented and discussed. Digestive, Respiratory, Circulatory, Lymphatic, Endocrine, Urinary, and Reproductive. Recommended Background: BB 2550 (Cell Biology); either BB 1001 (Introduction to Biology) or BB 1035 (Introduction to Biotechnology); CH 1010 and CH 1020 (General Chemistry). Suggested background: Concurrent Laboratory Module: BB 3514 (Circulatory and Respiratory Physiology). Students who have received credit for BB3110 (Animal Physiology) may not take BB 3102 for credit.
BB 3120. Plant Physiology and Cell Culture.
Cat. I
The relationship of structure and function of multicellular plants will be examined at the biochemical level. Topics include (but are not limited to): water relations, mineral nutrition, intra- and inter-cellular transport, hormones, photosynthesis, in vitro culture of plant cells/tissues/organs, and environmental responses. Recommended background: BB 1045, BB 2550, CH 1020.
BB 3140. Evolution: Pattern and Process.
Cat. II
We will explore several theoretical constructs of evolutionary processes. Topics will range from microevolutionary patterns to global extinctions and speciation. We will examine the causes of evolutionary trends from the molecular to the group level. Readings from current research into the units and levels of selection will be included. Recommended background: BB 2550, BB 2920, at least one of (BB 1045, BB 2040). This course will be offered in 2009-10 and in alternating years thereafter.
Cat. I
This course will deal with the interface among the fields of animal behavior, ecology, and evolution. Adaptive advantage (or disadvantage) conferred by behaviors at the individual and social level will be studied. Topics will include individual decision-making in response to the environment, cooperation and conflict among individuals, kin selection, parental investment theory, sexual and natural selection and the evolution of social behavior, and sensory systems and the design of signals. Recommended background: BB 1045, BB 2040, BB 3140.
BB 3170. Plant Morphology and Development.
Cat. II
This course will focus on the form and function of developing plant structures. Beginning with the unique aspects of plant cells, the course will progress to include tissue and organ anatomy and will cover the phenomena responsible for defining the gross morphology of the organism. Coverage of these topics will culminate in an understanding of the integrated development of the whole plant. Some guided reading of the primary literature will be included. Recommended background: BB 2030 and BB 2550. This course will be offered in 2008-09 and in alternating years thereafter.
BB 3620. Developmental Biology.
Cat. II
This advanced level course provides a detailed survey of the processes of animal development, including fertilization, cleavage, gastrulation, and organogenesis. These processes are examined in the context of concepts such as differentiation, determination, induction, intercellular signaling, morphogenesis, and pattern formation. Emphasis is placed on current techniques for studying development, such as genetic analysis of mutations, recombinant DNA technology, molecular probing of gene expression, and gene transfer. The experimental focus is on model organisms such as nematodes, fruit flies, frogs, and mice. Offered in 2009-10 and in alternating years thereafter. Recommended background: BB 2002, BB 2550, BB 2920.
BB 3920. Immunology.
Cat. I
This is a survey course in immunology which assumes a background in cell biology, genetics and biochemistry. Topics to be covered will include cells of the immune system, antigen/antibody immunochemistry, immunogentics and immune responses. Readings from research literature will be assigned. Recommended background: BB 2550, BB 2920, CH 4110, and CH 4120.
BB 4008. Cell Culture Theory and Applications.
Cat. I
The use of cultured animal cell systems for research and production will be explored. Concepts, including media design, the effects of extracellular matrices, scaling up of cell cultures, and biochemical and morphologic assessment of cell function, will be discussed as a basis for readings from the literature. Recommended background: BB 2550, BB 2920, CH 4110, and CH 4120. Students who have received credit for BB 4007 may not take BB 4008 for credit.
BB 4010. Advanced Molecular Genetics.
Cat. I
Topics in molecular genetics are presented using microbial systems as models. The structure, function and synthesis of DNA and the results of mutation, recombination and repair are emphasized. Simple bacteria and their plasmids, transposable elements and phages are discussed as experimental models. Recommended background: BB 2002, BB 2550, BB 2920, BB 4910.
BB 4065. Virology.
Cat. I
This advanced-level course uses a seminar format based on research articles to discuss current topics related to the molecular/cell biology of viral structure, function, and evolution. Particular emphasis is placed on pathological mechanisms of various human disorders, especially emerging diseases, and the use of viruses in research. Recommended background: BB 2550.
BB 4070. Separation of Biological Molecules.
Cat. I
This course provides a detailed survey of state-of-the-art methods employed by the biotechnology industry for the purification of products, proteins in particular, from fermentation processes. Focus is on methods which offer the best potential for scale-up. Included are the theory of the design as well as the operation of these methods at the laboratory scale. It is intended for biology/ biotechnology majors, chemical engineering and biochemistry students. Recommended background: knowledge of the topics in CH 4110 and CH 4120. Students who have received credit for BB 4060 may not take BB 4070 for credit.
BB 4160. Population Genetics and Phylogeography.
Cat. II
In this course we will explore how evolutionary and geographic processes contribute to the diversity of organisms. Topics will include gene flow and population structure, empirical measures of genetic variation, the roles of genetic drift and natural selection in population genetics, theoretical modes of speciation, species concepts and definitions, and molecular phylogenetics. The course will be presented in a combination of lecture and seminar format, with readings from texts and the primary literature. Recommended background: BB 2040, BB 2920, BB 3140, and MA 1021-1022. This course will be offered in 2008-09 and in alternating years thereafter.
Cat. II
This course will emphasize the application of molecular genetic techniques to basic and applied research in ecology. The format for this course will be primarily reading- and writing-intensive seminar, with student-led study and discussion of cutting-edge primary literature. A strong background in both molecular genetics and ecology is recommended. Topics may include the use of genetic markers for studies of social evolution, molecular population genetics and phylogeography, conservation genetics, and the ecological impacts of biotechnology. Recommended background: BB 2040, BB 2920, BB 4010 and BB 4060. This course will be offered in 2009-10 and in alternating years thereafter.
BB 4550. Advanced Cell Biology.
Cat. I
This advanced-level course uses a seminar format based on research articles to discuss current topics related to the molecular biology of cellular function. Particular emphasis is placed on biological mechanisms of autoimmune disorders, Alzheimers disease, DNA vaccines, stem cells, animal cloning, neurotropic factors, and gene therapy. Recommended background: BB 2550.
BB 4910. Advanced Molecular Biology.
Cat. I
This advanced level course explores the molecular mechanisms by which cells use genetic information to produce RNAs and proteins. Mechanisms and regulation of transcription in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes will be studied with an emphasis on protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions. The structure, organization, evolution and expression of the eukaryotic genome will be emphasized. This course is intended for students who seek an in-depth understanding of gene function. Recommended background: BB 2550, BB 2920, BB 4955, CH 4110, 4120 and 4130.
BB 4955. Recombinant DNA Principles and Applications.
Cat. I
This course surveys both theory and applications in recombinant DNA methodology. Topics covered include enzymology of DNA manipulation; construction and isolation of recombinants; plasmid and bacteriophage vectors; structural analysis of cloned DNA. Recommended background: prior knowledge of BB 2002, BB 2550, BB 2920, BB 4010, and basic molecular biology will be assumed.
IS4 BB. Special Topics.
Cat. I
Experimental courses, special conferences and seminars are offered by advance arrangement only.
Biology and Biotechnology Lab Courses
BB 2901. Molecular Biology, Microbiology, and Genetics.
Cat. I (1/6 unit)
The lab exercises in this course are designed to provide foundation skills needed for the study of living organisms and systems at the both the organismal and molecular scales. Students will gain experience with procedures, equipment, techniques and skills common to all areas of biology. In particular this course will focus on:
The use and identification of bacteria in the laboratory
Handling- Restriction digestion- and visualization- of DNA
Plasmid purification and cloning
Examples of classic genetics
Recommended background: One or more 1000/2000 BB courses
BB 2902. Enzymes, Proteins, and Purification.
Cat. I (1/6 unit)
The lab exercises in this course are designed to provide foundation skills needed for the study of living organisms and systems at the both the organismal and molecular scales. Students will gain experience with procedures, equipment, techniques and skills common to all areas of biology. In particular this course will focus on:
The action and optima of enzyme action
Quantification and detection techniques for proteins
Extraction and purification of protein from biological material
Recommended background: One or more 1000/2000 BB courses
BB 2903. Anatomy and Physiology.
Cat. I (1/6 unit)
The lab exercises in this course are designed to provide foundation skills needed for the study of living organisms and systems at the both the organismal and molecular scales. Students will gain experience with procedures, equipment, techniques and skills common to all areas of biology. In particular this course will focus on:
Comparative and general anatomy of several organisms
Physiology and function of body systems , processes and organs.
Recommended background: One or more 1000/2000 BB courses
BB 2904. Ecology, Environment, and Animal Behavior.
Cat. I (1/6 unit)
The lab exercises in this course are designed to provide foundation skills needed for the study of living organisms and systems at the both the organismal and molecular scales. Students will gain experience with procedures, equipment, techniques and skills common to all areas of biology. In particular this course will focus on:
Observing, recording, understanding, and analyzing animal behaviors
Environmental and Ecological assessment and sampling
Observations of population dynamics
Recommended background: One or more 1000/2000 BB courses
BB 3511. Nerve and Muscle Physiology.
Cat. I (1/6 unit)
Computer and laboratory studies of nerve and muscle function. Recommended background: BB 2940, or BB 2903. Concurrent or prior registration in BB 3101 is recommended.
BB 3512. Molecular Genetics Lab.
Cat. I (1/6 unit)
The topic of gene therapy will be used to familiarize the student with computer manipulations of biological sequence information. Recommended background: BB 2920, BB 2550 and BB 4910/CH 4130.
BB 3513. Cell Culture Techniques for Animal Cells.
Cat. I (1/6 unit)
Basic laboratory skills in mammalian cell culture to include cell counting, freezing and thawing cell lines, culture of suspension and attached cells. Recommended background: BB 2940 or BB 2901, BB 2550 and knowledge of aseptic techniques. Concurrent or prior registration in BB 4008 is recommended.
BB 3514. Circulatory and Respiratory Physiology.
Cat. I (1/6 unit)
Computer and laboratory studies of circulatory and respiratory physiology. Recommended background: BB 2940, or BB 2903. Concurrent or prior registration in BB 3102 is recommended.
BB 3516. Separation Techniques in Biotechnology.
Cat. I (1/6 unit)
A laboratory course in chromatographic and electrophoretic separation of proteins; plasmid isolation, restriction digestion and electrophoretic separation of DNA. Recommended background: BB 2940, or BB 2902. Concurrent or prior registration in Biochemistry (CH 4110) and BB 4910 is recommended.
BB 3517. Fermentation.
Cat. I (1/6 unit)
An introductory laboratory course in basic fermentation techniques. Recommended background: BB 2940 or BB 2901, BB 2002, or knowledge of aseptic techniques. Concurrent or prior registration in BB 3055 is suggested.
BB 3518. Molecular Biology.
Cat. I (1/6 unit)
Laboratory investigations of select molecular characteristics of proteins and DNA. Recommended background: BB 2940 or BB 2901, BB 2550, and CH 4110. Concurrent, or prior registration in BB 4910 or CH 4130 is recommended.
BB 3519. Protein Purification.
Cat. I (1/6 unit)
A laboratory course in protein purification techniques. Recommended background: BB 2940 or BB 2902, CH 4110. Concurrent or prior registration in BB 4070 is recommended.
BB 3520. Recombinant DNA Technology.
Cat. I (1/6 unit)
A laboratory course in the construction, isolation and mapping of recombinants, and use of the polymerase chain reaction. Recommended background: BB 2940 or BB 2901, BB 2550, CH 4110 and BB 4910. Concurrent or prior registration in BB 4955 is recommended.
BB 3521. Microscopy.
Cat. I (1/6 unit)
A laboratory course in the theory and operation of light and electron microscopes, including specimen preparation, operation of equipment, and microphotography. Recommended background: BB 2940 or BB 2901, and BB 2550.
BB 3522. Transmission Electron Microscopy.
Cat. I (1/6 unit)
This laboratory module will provide the student with the basic theory and practice of transmission electron microscopy. The course will include sample handling and preparation methods, use of the TEM, and photographic recording of observations made with the instrument. Recommended background: BB 1001 or BB 2550, and BB 2940 or BB 2950 or BB 2901 or BB 2903.
BB 3524. Bioinformatics Lab.
Cat. I (1/6 unit)
Laboratory course investigating some of the basic tools currently available for sequence date mining, comparison of nucleotide and/or protein sequences, and the analysis of nucleotide and protein sequences. Course will be primarily computer based, but may have a small wet lab component. Recommended background: BB2920, BB2901, and CH4110. Concurrent or prior registration in BB4910 or CH4130 is recommended. Students who have received credit for BB324X may not receive credit for BB3524.
BB 3525. Plant Physiology.
Cat. I (1/6 unit)
Basic studies in the biochemical and physical systems plants use to sustain life; includes an introduction to plant cell culture techniques. Recommended background: BB1045 and BB2903. Concurrent or prior registration in BB3120 is recommended. Students who have received credit for BB 325X may not receive credit for BB3525.
Graduate Biology and Biotechnology Courses of Interest to Undergraduates
The following courses are open to advanced undergraduates with special written permission of the course instructor and department head.
BB 509. Scale-up of Bioprocessing.
Strategies for optimization of bioprocesses for scale-up applications. In addition to the theory of scaling up unit operations in bioprocessing, students will scaleup a bench scale bioprocess (5 liters) including fermentation and downstream processing to 55 liters. Specific topics include the effects of scaling-up on: mass transfer and bioreactor design, harvesting techniques including tangential flow filtration and centrifugation, and chromatography (open column and HPLC). Recommended courses include BB 3055 Microbial Physiology and BB 4070/560 Separations of Biological Molecules, as a working knowledge of the bench scale processes will be assumed. Otherwise, instructor permission is required.
BB 542. Ecological Simulation Modeling.
This course will cover computer simulation modeling of populations, bioenergetics, behavior of individuals, and ecosystem dynamics. Modeling techniques covered will range from simple linear models of populations and interactions between ecosystem components to individual-based models of populations in complex environments. Students successfully completing the course should be capable of understanding models used in today's study of populations and ecosystems and of developing original models. Knowledge of a programming language is assumed.
BB 560. Separation of Biological Molecules.
This course provides a detailed hands-on survey of state-of-the-art methods employed by the biotechnology industry for the purification of products, proteins in particular, from fermentation processes. Focus is on methods which offer the best potential for scale-up. Included are the theory of the design as well as the operation of these methods both at the laboratory scale as well as scaled up. It is intended for biology, biotechnology, chemical engineering, and biochemistry students. A knowledge of basic biochemistry is assumed.
BB 565. Virology.
This advanced-level course uses a seminar format based on research articles to discuss current topics related to the molecular/cell biology of viral structure, function, and evolution. Particular emphasis is placed on pathological mechanisms of various human disorders, especially emerging diseases, and the use of viruses in research.
BB 570. Special Topics.
Specialty subjects are offered using the research expertise of the department faculty. Content and format varies to suit the interest and needs of the faculty and students. This course may be repeated for different topics covered.
BB 575 Advanced Genetics & Cell Biology.
Topics in this course focus on the basic building blocks of life; molecules, genes and cells. The course will address areas of the organization, structure, function and analysis, of the genome and of cells. Required Background: Students in the course should be familiar with the fundamentals of recombinant DNA and molecular biological techniques as well as cell biology.
BB 576. Advanced Integrative Bioscience.
This course concentrates on the organization of cells into biological systems and into individual organisms. Discussion will center on the development and function of specific model systems such as the nervous and immune systems. Required background: Students in the course should be familiar with the fundamentals of developmental biology, genetics and cell biology.
BB 577. Advanced Ecological & Evolutionary Bioscience.
This course will explore the organization of individuals into communities, and the evolution of individual traits and behaviors. Problems discussed will range from those of population harvesting and the effect humans have on the environment to the evolution of disadvantageous traits. Required background: Students should be familiar with fundamentals of population interactions, evolution and animal behavior.
BB 578. Advanced Applied Biotechnology.
This course examines the use of biotechnological advances towards solving real world problems. Students will discuss problem-solving strategies from the current literature in the areas of medicine, agriculture, environmental protection/ restoration and industrial biotechnology. Required background: Students should be familiar with biochemistry, microbiology, and plant and animal physiology.