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Catalogue 2019-2020 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Course Descriptions
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Biochemistry |
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BIOC 377 - Senior Capstone Project Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1 unit(s)
The intensive experience can include an individual project, multiple students working on different aspect of the same project, group work on a single laboratory project, or an individual library thesis under the supervision of a member of the Faculty. The Department.
Course Format: INT
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BIOC 399 - Senior Independent Research Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
0.5 to 1 unit(s)
Students perform independent biochemical research under the direction of a faculty member for Intensive credit. Attendance at regularly scheduled department seminars/events is required to satisfactorily complete the course. The Department.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.
Open only to seniors.
Course Format: INT
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Biology: I. Introductory |
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BIOL 106 - Introduction to Biological Investigation Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
Investigation of biological questions via extended laboratory or field projects. Emphasis is placed on observation skills, development and testing of hypotheses, experimental design, data collection, statistical analysis, and scientific writing and presentation. The department.
Prerequisite(s): For all students wishing to take BIOL 106 one of the following is required: BIOL 105 , a 4 or 5 in AP Biology, or a 5, 6, or 7 in IB Biology (HL). Students with other advanced biology content or any other concerns should confer with the department chair regarding placement into 106.
One 75-minute period and one 4-hour laboratory.
Course Format: CLS
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BIOL 107 - Energy Flow in Biological Systems Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1 unit(s)
All life requires the transformation of energy, from plant growth to animal behavior. The focus of this course is to delve into the flow of energy through different levels of biological systems, from within cells to the biosphere. At a cellular level, we examine how and why eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms transform energy. We then shift to a population and community level to explore how energy is transferred between organisms, starting with photosynthesis in autotrophs (e.g., food webs and trophic interactions). At an ecosystem level, we discuss the flow of energy in biogeochemical cycles and the implications for energy flow in the biosphere under global change. The Department.
Three 50-minute periods.
Course Format: CLS
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BIOL 108 - Information Flow in Biological Systems Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
What is information, and what is its role in biological systems? The focus of this course is on the flow of information through different levels of biological systems, from within cells to the biosphere. At a cellular level, we examine the flow of information within cells (e.g., gene expression) and between cells (e.g., hormones). We then shift to the population and community levels to explore how information is transferred between organisms (e.g., communication, trophic interactions). At an evolutionary level, we discuss the flow of information between (e.g., reproduction) and across generations (e.g., evolutionary mechanisms), as well as the implications for information flow in the biosphere under global change.
BIOL 108 has a 2-hour lab per week. The overarching theme of the laboratory experience is the consequence of global change on energy flow (e.g., photosynthesis) and information flow (e.g., gene expression). In lab, students acquire basic laboratory skills (e.g., microscopy, molecular techniques) by working with a plant species (duckweed) and also with a marine anemone. Students design an experiment, collect and analyze data with basic statistics, connect findings to the primary literature, and present findings in a professional written format. The Department.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 107
Three 50-minute periods and one 2-hour lab.
Course Format: CLS
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BIOL 141 - Introduction to Statistical Reasoning Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1 unit(s)
(Same as MATH 141 ) The purpose of this course is to develop an appreciation and understanding of the exploration and interpretation of data. Topics include display and summary of data, introductory probability, fundamental issues of study design, and inferential methods including confidence interval estimation and hypothesis testing. Applications and examples are drawn from a wide variety of disciplines. When cross-listed with biology, examples will be drawn primarily from biology.
Prerequisite(s): Three years of high school mathematics.
Not open to students with AP credit in statistics or students who have completed ECON 209 or PSYC 200 .
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BIOL 172 - Microbial Wars
1 unit(s)
(Same as STS 172 ) This course explores our relationship with microbes that cause disease. Topics including bioterrorism, vaccinology, smallpox eradication, influenza pandemics, antibiotic resistance, and emerging diseases are discussed to investigate how human populations are affected by disease, how and why we alter microorganisms intentionally or unintentionally, and how we study disease causing microbes of the past and present. The use of new technologies in microbiology that allow us to turn harmful pathogens into helpful medical or industrial tools are also discussed. David Esteban.
Not offered in 2019/20.
Course Format: CLS
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BIOL 178 - Special Projects in Biology Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
0.5 unit(s)
Execution and analysis of a laboratory or field study. Project to be arranged with individual instructor. The department.
Open to first-year students and sophomores only.
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BIOL 198 - Faculty Mentored Research Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
0.5 1 unit(s)
Small groups of students will work closely with a faculty mentor on special projects or topics in Biology. The projects might involve travel to research sites or might involve individualized writing or data analysis projects, grouped around a common theme. The Department.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.
Course Format: INT
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Biology: II. Intermediate Prerequisites for 200-level courses are BIOL 106 and either BIOL 105 , AP Biology with a 4 or 5 AP score, or IB higher level 5, 6 or 7 test score, unless otherwise noted.
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BIOL 202 - Plant Physiology and Development Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
An examination of the cellular and physiological bases of plant maintenance, growth, development, and reproduction; with emphasis on the values of different plants as experimental systems. To get a complete introduction to the biology of plants, you should also take BIOL 208 . Dianne Pater.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 106 .
Three 50-minute periods; one 4-hour laboratory.
Course Format: CLS
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BIOL 205 - Introduction to Microbiology Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
An introduction to the world of microbes, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The study of bacteria is stressed. Studies of the morphology, physiology, and genetics of bacteria are followed by their consideration in ecology, industry, and medicine. David Esteban.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 106 .
Two 75-minute periods; two 2-hour laboratories.
Course Format: CLS
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BIOL 208 - Plant Diversity and Evolution Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
Plant structure and function is examined in a phylogenetic context. Emphasis is placed on adaptations to novel and changing environments as well as plant-animal and plant-fungal coevolution, including plant-pollinator and plant-herbivore interactions. Laboratories include comparative study of the divisions of plants and the identification of locally common plants and fungi in the field. Margaret Ronsheim.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 106 , or ENST 124 , or permission of the instructor prior to registration.
Two 75-minute periods; one 4-hour laboratory.
Course Format: CLS
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BIOL 217 - Human Physiology
1 unit(s)
What happens when you go on a ski trip and stay at high altitude? How do diuretics help with the regulation of blood pressure? How do we maintain our body temperature or respond to an infection? This course considers the fundamental principles of physiology using the human body as the model system. We examine genetic, cellular, organismal and evolutionary aspects of how our bodies operate to enable us to eat, sleep, move, breathe and reproduce. We consider how our mammalian bodies tackle the problems of terrestrial life. The laboratory includes independent, experimental investigations with an emphasis on experimental design, data collection and analysis. Kathleen Susman.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 106 and either BIOL 105 , AP Biology with a 4 or 5 AP score, or IB higher level 5, 6 or 7 test score, unless otherwise noted.
Two 75-minute periods and one 4-hour laboratory
Not offered in 2019/20.
Course Format: CLS
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BIOL 218 - Cellular Structure and Function Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
An introduction to cell biology, with a focus on subcellular organization in eukaryotes. The regulation and coordination of cellular events, and the specializations associated with a variety of cell types are considered. Topics include organelle function, the cytoskeleton, and mechanisms of cell division. Laboratory work centers on investigations of cell function with an emphasis on biological imaging. Nancy Pokrywka.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 106 .
Two 75-minute periods; one 4-hour laboratory.
Course Format: CLS
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BIOL 226 - Animal Structure and Diversity Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
The members of the animal kingdom are compared and analyzed in a phylogenetic context. Emphasis is placed on the unique innovations and common solutions evolved by different taxonomic groups to solve problems related to feeding, mobility, respiration, and reproduction. Laboratory work centers on the comparative study of the anatomy of species representative of the major animal phyla. The Department.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 106 .
Two 75-minute periods; one 4-hour laboratory.
Course Format: CLS
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BIOL 228 - Animal Physiology Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1 unit(s)
A comparative examination of the mechanisms that animals use to move, respire, eat, reproduce, sense, and regulate their internal environments. The physiological principles governing these processes, and their ecological and evolutionary consequences, are developed in lecture and applied in the laboratory. Kelli Duncan, Megan Gall, John Long.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 106 .
Recommended: PSYC 200 or MATH 141 ; CHEM 125 and PHYS 113 .
Two 75-minute periods; one 4-hour laboratory.
Course Format: CLS
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BIOL 232 - Developmental Biology Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
The study of embryonic development including gametogenesis, fertilization, growth, and differentiation. Molecular concepts of gene regulation and cell interactions are emphasized. The laboratory emphasizes classical embryology and modern experimental techniques. Straus.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 106 .
Two 75-minute periods; one 4-hour laboratory.
Course Format: CLS
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BIOL 238 - Molecular Genetics Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
Principles of genetics and methods of genetic analysis at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels. Emphasis is placed on classical genetic experiments, as well as modern investigative techniques such as recombinant DNA technology, gene therapy, genetic testing, and the use of transgenic plants and animals. Jennifer Kennell, Nancy Jo Pokrywka.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 106 .
Three 50-minute periods; one 4-hour laboratory.
Course Format: CLS
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BIOL 241 - Ecology Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
Population growth, species interaction, and community patterns and processes of species or groups of species are discussed. The course emphasizes these interactions within the framework of evolutionary theory. Local habitats and organisms are used as examples of how organisms are distributed in space, how populations grow, why species are adapted to their habitats, how species interact, and how communities change. Field laboratories at Vassar Farm and other localities emphasize the formulation of answerable questions and methods to test hypotheses. Carol Christenson, Megan Gall, Margaret Ronsheim.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 106 .
Three 50-minute periods; one 4-hour field laboratory.
Course Format: CLS
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BIOL 244 - Genetics and Genomics Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
From understanding the role of a single gene in a single organism to understanding how species evolve, the field of genomics provides a lens for studying biology at all scales. In this course we develop a foundational understanding of genetics concepts and processes, and then deploy this foundation to probe some of the hottest questions in genomics. How do genomes evolve? What makes us human? How can we combat emerging diseases? In the lab component, students learn molecular biology and bioinformatics techniques, design and engineer a synthetic bio-machine from standard genomic parts, and use genomic approaches to understand how organisms interact with the environment. Jodi Schwarz.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 106 .
Three 50-minute periods; one 4-hour laboratory.
Course Format: CLS
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BIOL 248 - Evolutionary Genetics Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
This course focuses on the genetic bases of evolutionary processes and the applications of genetics in evolutionary studies. Topics include reviews of transmission (Mendelian) genetics, DNA replication, transcription, and translation; the origin of meiosis and sexual reproduction; the microevolutionary processes of mutation, selection, genetic drift, and gene flow; the genetics of speciation; the origins of new genes; gene regulation and macroevolution; epigenetics and evolution; evolutionary genomics; and applications of evolutionary genetics to pressing societal concerns such as antibiotic, herbicide, and pesticide resistance; conservation biology; GMOs; and climate change. This course is especially appropriate for Biology majors focusing on ecology and evolution, Environmental Studies majors doing biology concentrations, and Neuroscience majors focusing on behavioral ecology and evolution. Myra Hughey.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 106 or ENST 124 , or permission of the instructor.
Three 50-minute periods; one 4-hour laboratory.
Course Format: CLS
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BIOL 254 - Environmental Science in the Field Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
(Same as ENST 254 and ESCI 254 ) The environment consists of complex and often elegant interactions between various constituents so that an interdisciplinary approach is required to understand how human interactions may affect it. In this course, we study a variety of aspects of a specific environment by considering how biological, chemical, geological, and human factors interact. We observe these interactions first hand during a weeklong field trip. Some of the questions we may consider are: How does a coral polyp create an environment that not only suits its particular species, but also helps regulate the global climate? How has human development and associated water demands in the desert Southwest changed the landscape, fire ecology, and even estuary and fisheries’ health as far away as the Gulf of California? How have a variety of species (humans included) managed to survive on an island with the harsh environment of the exposed mid-ocean ridge of Iceland? The course is offered every other year, and topics vary with expertise of the faculty teaching the course. Kirsten Menking and Mark Schlessman.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the Instructor.
Two 75-minute periods.
Course Format: CLS
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BIOL 272 - Biochemistry Semester Offered: Spring
0 or 1 unit(s)
(Same as CHEM 272 ) Basic course covering protein structure and synthesis, enzyme action, bio-energetic principles, electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation, selected metabolic pathways in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Colin Aitken, Eric Eberhardt, Krystle McLaughlin, Straus.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 244 and BIOL 106 or 108 .
Three 50-minute periods; one 4-hour laboratory.
Course Format: CLS
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BIOL 275 - Paleontology and the Fossil Record Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
(Same as ESCI 275 ) Paleontology isn’t just a “dead science”- by studying processes that have occurred in the past, we can deepen our understanding of the current biota inhabiting the Earth. Conversely, by studying the modern distribution of organisms and the environmental, taphonomic, and ecological processes that impact their distribution and preservation, we can enhance our understanding of the processes that have controlled the formation and distribution of fossils through time. In this course, we explore the methodology used to interpret the fossil record, including preservational biases and how we account for them when studying fossil taxa. We also explore large-scale ecological changes and evolutionary processes and discuss how they manifest across geologic time, and how these relate to Earth’s changing fauna. We additionally learn about how paleontology has developed as a field in the context of different historical and social perspectives. Lab exercises focus on applying paleontological methods to a variety of different fossil and recent samples.
Two 75-minute periods and one 4-hour laboratory period.
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BIOL 276 - Plants and Plant Communities of the Hudson Valley Semester Offered: Fall
0.5 unit(s)
(Same as ENST 276 ) Plants are the most conspicuous components of terrestrial ecosystems. In this course, you learn how to observe and describe variation in plant form so you can recognize locally common plant species and determine their scientific names. You also learn to recognize the characteristic plant communities of the Hudson Valley. This course is structured around weekly field trips to local natural areas. Locations are chosen to illustrate the typical plant species and communities of the region, the ecosystem services provided by plants, environmental concerns, and conservation efforts. This course is appropriate for students interested in biology, environmental science, and environmental studies, and anyone wishing to learn more about our natural environment. Mark Schlessman.
Environmental Studies majors may take this course instead of ENST 291 .
Two 75-minute periods; one 4-hour laboratory.
Course Format: CLS
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BIOL 284 - Orthodox Versus Traditional Medicine Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
(Same as STS 284 ) There have been age long debates about orthodox versus traditional medicine. In this intensive, students will investigate issues surrounding orthodox versus traditional approaches to medical care. Topics may include treatment of diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, cholera, cancer, infertility and hypertension, investigating the veracity of health benefit claims of dietary supplements and probiotics, or exploring medical controversies related to genetically modified organisms and stem cells sourcing. Funmilola Ayeni
One 3-hour period.
Course Format: INT
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BIOL 288 - Epidemiology Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
This course focuses on the fundamental concepts and methods of epidemiology. Introduction to the principles of the quantitative approaches to clinical and public health problems are presented. Study design and validity of epidemiologic research, measures of frequency and association, and methods of data analysis are discussed and applied in the laboratory. Critical interpretation of epidemiologic evidence and literature are emphasized throughout the course. Leroy Cooper.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 106 or permission of the instructor.
Two 75-minute periods; one 4-hour laboratory.
Course Format: CLS
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BIOL 290 - Community-Engaged Learning Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
0.5 to 1 unit(s)
Course Format: INT
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BIOL 294 - Le Labo: The Culture and Language of the French and Francophone Labs Semester Offered: Spring
0.5 unit(s)
(Same as FFS 294 ) This half-unit intensive meets several times over the course of the semester to prepare students wishing to enroll in a course in the sciences while on a Francophone program abroad. Students learn to navigate francophone laboratory setting and cultures while reading scientific articles in the French language and work on building technical vocabulary in a field of their choice. Texts studied depend on student interest, but may include readings from any of the disciplines in the natural sciences and mathematics. Students also learn to write scientific material in the target language. Independent work between course meetings is emphasized. Offered in conjunction with the department of Biology/French and Francophone Studies. Colin Aiken (Biology), Tom Parker (French and Francophone Studies).
Prerequisite(s): FFS 210 or the equivalent recommended; can be taken simultaneously with 210.
Course Format: INT
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BIOL 297 - Faculty Mentored Research Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
0.5 1 unit(s)
Faculty Mentored Research experiences enable a small group of students to work with faculty on research projects. Students may be engaged in individual research projects or work in teams under the guidance and direction of the faculty member. These may involve fieldwork, lab work, literature reviews, data collection, data analysis, research design, etc. and will vary depending on the discipline and area of research. The Department.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.
Course Format: INT
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BIOL 298 - Independent Work Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
0.5 to 1 unit(s)
Execution and analysis of a field, laboratory, or library study. The project, arranged with an individual instructor, is expected to have a substantial paper as its final product.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.
Course Format: OTH
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Biology: III. Advanced Two units of 200-level biology are prerequisites for entry into 300-level courses; see each course for specific courses required or exceptions. |
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BIOL 303 - Senior Research Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
1 unit(s)
Critical analysis, usually through observation or experimentation, of a specific research problem in biology. A student electing this course must first gain, by submission of a written research proposal, the support of a member of the biology faculty with whom to work out details of a research protocol. The formal research proposal, a final paper, and presentation of results are required parts of the course. A second faculty member participates both in the planning of the research and in final evaluation.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.
Course Format: INT
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BIOL 312 - Peer Mentoring in Biology Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
0.5 1 unit(s)
This half-unit intensive offers senior biology majors with an interest in teaching to be in charge of a recitation/discussion section taken by introductory biology students. The faculty member holds meetings throughout the semester to help the peer mentors plan their course and develop instructional materials. These peer-mentored sessions are modeled off of the graduate student TA experience. Each student enrolled in BIOL 107 is required to register for a recitation/discussion section taught by the senior, meeting once a week for an hour. The Department.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 107.
Course Format: INT
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BIOL 316 - Seminar in Neurobiology Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
A multi-level examination of nervous systems, this course is an advanced and integrative evaluation of current topics in neurobiology. Topics vary but may include glia, evolution of nervous systems, neuroimmune interactions, mechanisms of neural communication and plasticity. Emphasis is placed on current thinking and research and course material is drawn from the recent neurobiological literature. Kathleen Susman.
Prerequisite(s): Two units of 200-level Biology or one unit of 200-level Biology and NEUR 201 .
Recommended: BIOL 217 or BIOL 228 .
Two 75-minute periods
Course Format: CLS
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BIOL 323 - Seminar in Cell and Molecular Biology
1 unit(s)
An intensive study of selected topics at the cellular and subcellular level. Topics vary, but may include organelle structure and function, advanced genetics, and mechanisms of cellular organization. Emphasis is placed on current models, issues, and research areas, and course material is drawn largely from primary literature.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 244 and one unit of Genetics (BIOL 238 , BIOL 244 , or BIOL 248 ), and one other 200-level Biology course (or NEUR 201 ).
Two 2-hour periods.
Not offered in 2019/20.
Course Format: CLS
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BIOL 324 - Molecular Biology Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
(Same as CHEM 324 ) An examination of the macromolecular processes underlying storage, transfer, and expression of genetic information. Topics include the structure, function, and synthesis of DNA; mutation and repair; the chemistry of RNA and protein synthesis; the regulation of gene expression; cancer and oncogenes; the molecular basis of cell differentiation; and genetic engineering. Colin Aitken.
Prerequisite(s): One unit of any 200-level biology and one unit of biochemistry (BIOL 272 /CHEM 272 or CHEM 325 ).
Two 75-minute periods.
Course Format: CLS
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BIOL 340 - Experimental Animal Behavior Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
Examination of the relationship between behavior and the individual animal’s survival and reproductive success in its natural environment. Evolutionary, physiological, and developmental aspects of orientation, communication, foraging, reproductive tactics, and social behavior are considered. Methodology and experimental design are given particular emphasis. Aude Lochet, Justin Touchon.
Prerequisite(s): One unit of any 200-level biology and one of the following: BIOL 226 , BIOL 228 , NEUR 201 , PSYC 221 , or PSYC 229 .
Recommended: BIOL 238 , BIOL 244 , BIOL 248 or PSYC 200 .
Two 75-minute periods.
Course Format: CLS
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BIOL 352 - Conservation Biology
1 unit(s)
(Same as ENST 352 ) Conservation Biology uses a multidisciplinary approach to study how to best maintain the earth’s biodiversity and functioning ecosystems. We examine human impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem function and discuss how to develop practical approaches for mitigating those impacts. We start the semester by assessing the current human footprint on global resources, asking questions about what we are trying to preserve, why we are trying to preserve it, and how we can accomplish our goals. We critically examine the assumptions made by conservation biologists throughout, using case studies from around the world to explore a range of perspectives. Discussion topics include conservation in an agricultural context, the efficacy of marine protected areas, the impact of climate change on individual species and preserve design, restoration ecology, the consequences of small population sizes, conservation genetics, the impacts of habitat fragmentation and invasive species, and urban ecology. Margaret Ronsheim.
Prerequisite(s): Two units of 200-level biology or one unit of 200-level biology and one of the following: ESCI 221 , ESCI 361 , GEOG 224 , GEOG 260 , or GEOG 356 .
Recommended: BIOL 241 , BIOL 208 , or BIOL 226 , GEOG 260 , GEOG 224 , or GEOG 356 ; or permission of the instructor.
Not offered in 2019/20.
Course Format: CLS
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BIOL 353 - Bioinformatics Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
(Same as CMPU 353 ) DNA is the blueprint of life. Although it’s composed of only four nucleotide “letters” (A, C. T, G), the order and arrangement of these letters in a genome gives rise to the diversity of life on earth. Thousands of genomes have been partially sequenced, representing billions of nucleotides. How can we reach this vast expanse of sequence data to find patterns that provide answers to ecological, evolutionary, agricultural, and biomedical questions? Bioinformatics applies high-performance computing to discover patterns in large sequence datasets. In this class students from biology and computer science work together to formulate interesting biological questions and to design algorithms and computational experiments to answer them. Jodi Schwarz.
Prerequisite(s): For students registering under the BIOL prefix, the prerequisites are one unit of any 200-level biology and one unit of Genetics (BIOL 238 , BIOL 244 , or BIOL 248 ); BIOL students do not need to have any Computer Science background.
For students registering under the CMPU prefix, the prerequisite is CMPU 203 or permission of the instructor; CMPU students do not need to have any Biology background.
Two 2-hour periods.
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BIOL 355 - Ecology and Evolution of Sexual Reproduction
1 unit(s)
Sex: “nothing in life is more important, more interesting - or troublesome.” This quotation from Olivia Judson, Ph.D., (a.k.a. Dr. Tatiana) is just one recent example of the long-standing fascination that ecologists and evolutionary biologists have had with sexual reproduction. This course begins with the question: What is sex? We then examine the current status of competing hypotheses for the evolution of sex, and then turn our attention to the myriad ecological and evolutionary consequences of sexual reproduction. We consider such questions as: Why are there only two sexes? Why do males and females look and behave differently? When is it advantageous to produce more sons than daughters (or vice versa)? When is it advantageous to be a hermaphrodite or to change sex? To address such questions in a biologically rigorous way, we need to draw on a wide range of theoretical work and empirical evidence from cellular and molecular biology, genetics, developmental biology, ecology, and evolutionary biology. Mark Schlessman.
Prerequisite(s): One unit of any 200-level Biology and One of the following: BIOL 208 , BIOL 226 , BIOL 241 , or Genetics (BIOL 238 , BIOL 244 or BIOL 248 ).
Two 2-hour periods.
Not offered in 2019/20.
Course Format: CLS
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BIOL 356 - Topics in Plant Physiology Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
A consideration of physiological aspects of primary production, including the biogeochemical cycling of nutrients through plant systems. Topics will focus on the recent primary literature in the field.
Topic for 2018/19a: The Secret Lives of Plants. Plants are amazing survivalists. They have evolved myriad strategies to solve complex problems associated with terrestrial conquest and their stationary lifestyles. For instance, plants have become remarkable chemists capable of mounting full-scale biological warfare to fend off pathogen attacks, and master plumbers that carefully harness water power for transport and growth. This course examines how plants regulate their physiology through cellular and molecular adaptations, with emphasis on exploring open research questions. Topics may include environmental stress and defense responses, determinants of plant morphology, factors driving sexual reproduction, and agricultural themes ranging from identification of the genes underlying thousands of years of plant domestication to modern genetic engineering technologies that mark the next wave of the green revolution. Robert Augustine.
Prerequisite(s): Two units of any 200-level Biology.
Two 75-minute periods.
Course Format: CLS
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BIOL 360 - Animal Communication
1 unit(s)
All animals use communication to navigate interactions with other individuals. At its most basic animal communication is a feedback loop. Senders produce signals which travel through the environment and are picked up by a receiver. The reception of the signal changes the behavior of the receiver through either voluntary or involuntary neural and hormonal changes; this, in turn, changes the behavior of the sender. In this course we discuss (1) how animal signals are produced, transmitted, and received; (2) how information transfer has evolved and been optimized; (3) how animals use communication in mate attraction, social integration, and predator-prey interactions; and (4) the controversy surrounding the definition of communication. Animal communication is a highly interdisciplinary field and we explore the chemical and physical properties of signals, as well as the mathematical models, neural and hormonal control, and the ecological and evolutionary underpinnings of animal communication. This course also examines animal communication in the wild and thus some self-scheduled field work is required. Megan Gall.
Prerequisite(s): Two 200-level courses with at least one of the following: BIOL 226 , BIOL 228 , or BIOL 241 .
One 3-hour period plus one 75-minute period.
Not offered in 2019/20.
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BIOL 370 - Immunology Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
An examination of the immune response at the cellular and molecular levels. Topics include innate and adaptive immunity, the role of the microbiome in immunity, and the structure, function, and synthesis of antibodies. Mechanisms for recognition, communication, and cooperation between different classes of lymphocytes in producing immune responses are also stressed, as are the genetic basis of immunological diversity and the cellular definition of “self” which makes each individual unique. Immune tolerance, the immunological basis of transplantation, allergic responses, tumor immunology, and immune deficiency diseases are discussed.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 244 and two units of 200-level Biology.
Recommended: BIOL 218 , BIOL 238 , BIOL 244 , BIOL 248 , or BIOL 272 .
Two 75-minute periods.
Course Format: CLS
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BIOL 374 - Microbial Ecology Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
Microbes are the tiniest organisms on Earth, yet they have a huge impact on us and on our environment. This course builds your knowledge and appreciation of the ubiquity and importance of microbial life. Topics may include biodiversity of the microbial world; how ‘omics’ methods have revolutionized microbial ecology; microbial diversity and ecosystem function; microbial community assembly, succession, and population dynamics; microbial symbionts; and how humans are harnessing the power of microbes. Myra Hughey.
Recommended: BIOL 205 , BIOL 241 .
One 2-hour period.
Course Format: CLS
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BIOL 375 - Sensory Ecology Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
There are many behaviors that are critical to the survival and reproduction of animals including finding food, avoiding predators, attracting mates, and raising offspring. The ability to successfully engage in these behaviors is dependent on the ability of organisms to acquire and respond to information in their environment. In this course we will discuss the concept of information, the types of information available in the environment, the diversity of sensory systems animals have evolved to exploit that information, and how sensory information and processing influence behavior. Sensory ecology is a highly interdisciplinary field and we make use of mathematical, physical, chemical and biological principals. The class is divided among traditional lectures, student led discussions of the primary literature, and hands-on experiences with sensory ecology data collection and analysis. Megan Gall.
Prerequisite(s): One unit of any 200-level Biology and One of the following: BIOL 226 , BIOL 228 , BIOL 241 , or NEUR 201 .
Two 75-minute periods.
Course Format: CLS
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BIOL 379 - Today’s News in Biology Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
This course explores trending topics in the media that are related to biology. We examine how the topic is portrayed by different media sources, research the scientific literature to develop an independent understanding of the topic, and discuss related social and ethical issues. Possible topics may include: emergence of antibiotic resistance; probiotics; overfishing; sports-related head injuries; genetic engineering; climate change; degradation of natural ecosystems; emerging infectious diseases; vaccines. Myra Hughey.
Prerequisite(s): Two units of any 200-level Biology.
Two 2-hour periods.
Course Format: CLS
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BIOL 381 - Topics in Ecosystem Ecology - Ecosystem Structure and Function Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
(Same as ENST 381 ) Topic for 2019/20b: Structure and Function of Ecosystem. Ecosystems are complex systems, where biotic and abiotic factors interact to create the world we see around us. Understanding the nature of ecosystems is fundamental to understanding how disturbance and change in a dynamic world will influence ecosystem stability. This is especially critical as we enter the Anthropocene; a time in our planets history where one species, modern humans, dominate. Major changes brought about by increased human activity include changing climate regimes, invasive species spread and biodiversity loss. This course explores how ecosystems, both aquatic and terrestrial, are assembled (structured) and how different ecosystems process energy and matter (function). We use our understanding of structure and function to explore how different ecosystems respond to changes in the environment (including climate change, invasive species introductions, loss of biodiversity and pollution). A class project explores an ecosystem scale problem, and students develop a plan for effectively communicating the scientific understanding of the problem to multiple stakeholders. Lynn Christenson.
Prerequisite(s): One course in Ecology, e.g., BIOL 241 or BIOL 356 .
Two 75-minute periods.
Course Format: CLS
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BIOL 382 - Topics in Biology Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
A multi-level examination of advanced topics in biology, this course is an integrative evaluation of current topics in biology, particularly topics in animal or human biology. Emphasis is placed on current thinking and research and course material is drawn from the recent biological literature.
Topic for 2019/20b: Animal Migration. From zooplankton, to monarch butterfly, to humpback whale, migration is a widespread phenomenon among taxa that has fascinated humans for centuries. While migrating is vital for some organisms, it comes with many challenges to overcome. This course provides an introduction to the study of animal migration and explores fundamental questions (e.g., “why do animals migrate?”, “How do they migrate?”) by focusing on some major physiological, behavioral, and ecological components of migration. In particular, participants examine 1) how organisms balance the energetic needs of migration, 2) how organisms navigate their journey, 3) the mechanisms triggering migration, and 4) the contribution of migratory organisms to the functioning of ecosystems. Upon completion of the course, participants should be able to a) understand and explain major concepts and theories in animal migration, b) be familiar with key scientific literature in the field, c) critically evaluate research studies in the field and lead discussion, and d) appreciate the interdisciplinary aspect of the study of animal migration. Aude Lochet.
Prerequisite(s): Two units of 200-level Biology.
Two 75-minute periods.
Course Format: CLS
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BIOL 383 - Hormones and Behavior Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
This course is a comparative examination of hormones and behavior in animals. We take an evolutionary approach to this topic by emphasizing (1) the common selective pressures that act on all animals and the common hormonal and behavioral responses to these pressures, and (2) how extreme selective pressures drive the evolution of unique mechanisms in the field of behavioral endocrinology. Half lecture, half student-led discussions from the primary literature. Kelli Duncan.
Prerequisite(s): Two units of 200-level Biology or one unit of 200-level Biology and NEUR 201 .
Two 75-minute periods.
Course Format: CLS
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BIOL 384 - The Ecology of Evolution
1 unit(s)
This course explores the causes of adaptive radiation, possibly the most common syndrome of proliferation of taxa, through evidence that has accumulated since the formulation of the theory. The course reviews the ecological theory of adaptive radiation, the progress of adaptive radiation and phenotypic evolution, the origins of ecological diversity, divergent natural selection between environments, the ecological basis of speciation, and ecological opportunity. Primary literature is used to develop a richer understanding of the theory of adaptive radiation, whose origins trace back to Darwin (1859).
Prerequisite(s): Two units of 200-level Biology courses.
Two 75-minute periods.
Not offered in 2019/20.
Course Format: CLS
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BIOL 385 - Beneficial Microbes: Their Role in Human Health and the Environment Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
Microbes are known for their disease causing potential, but the majority of bacteria have the potential to improve human health. This class will focus on the discovery, application, and development of microbial products and whole microorganisms for human use. Topics include nutraceutical as antimicrobial agents, production and applications of microbial products (such as antibiotics, enzymes, organic acids), recombinant DNA technology for producing vaccines, enzymes, and agricultural products, use of live microorganisms as bio-pesticides, in bioremediation, as probiotics and in gut microbiota manipulation. Funmilola A. Ayeni
Prerequisite(s): Two 200 level Biology classes.
Recommended: Biol 205 Introduction to Microbiology or Biol 244 Genetics and Genomics
Two 75-minute periods.
Course Format: CLS
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BIOL 386 - Stem Cell Biology Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
Stem cell biology lies at the intersection of developmental/cell biology and medicine. This fast-moving field brings together many aspects of basic and applied biology and medicine including development, regeneration/repair, and cancer. This course covers a broad range of topics relevant to stem cell biology. We also consider the potential consequences and limitations of stem cell therapy, particularly the connection between stem cells and cancer. The format gives students both a broad background and the opportunity to apply critical thinking skills to recent data in this field. Since this is an upper level course, it assumes a basic understanding of genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology, and so concepts drawing from these fields will not be covered in depth. This means that some students may find additional background reading necessary. Class material draws from primary literature and students participate in active discussion and presentations. Nancy Pokrywka.
Prerequisite(s): Two 200-level courses including one of the following: BIOL 218 , 238 , 244 , 248 , or 272 , and at least one semester of organic chemistry.
Two 75-minute periods.
Course Format: CLS
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BIOL 387 - Symbiotic Interactions
1 unit(s)
From the evolution of eukaryotic cells to the creation of entire ecosystems, endosymbiosis is a driving force in biology. This course provides an integrative perspective on host-symbiont interactions in diverse endosymbioses. We spend the first half of the semester examining the critical roles of symbiosis in ecology, evolution, and human systems. Then, we examine the underlying cellular and molecular processes that lead to an integrated host-symbiont partnership, for example mechanisms of host-symbiont recognition, regulation of nutrient exchange, and genomic interactions. Jodi Schwarz.
Prerequisite(s): Two 200-level Biology courses, including one of the following: BIOL 205 , BIOL 218 , BIOL 238 , BIOL 244 , BIOL 248 .
Two 2-hour periods.
Not offered in 2019/20.
Course Format: CLS
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BIOL 388 - Virology
1 unit(s)
Viruses cause significant diseases in humans, such as AIDS, influenza, and ebola. On the edge between living and non-living things, viruses invade, take over and alter cells in order to reproduce and transmit. Virus structure, replication and pathogenesis, major viral diseases, the immune response to viruses, and vaccination are major topics of discussion. David Esteban.
Prerequisite(s): Two units of 200-level biology, including one of BIOL 205 , BIOL 218 , BIOL 238 , BIOL 244 , BIOL 248 , BIOL 272 ; or permission of the instructor.
Two 2-hour periods.
Not offered in 2019/20.
Course Format: CLS
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BIOL 393 - Special Topics in Biology Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
0.5 to 1 unit(s)
A variety of current and timely topics in Biology is considered by these intensive mentored experiences. Each of these involve close mentored work in small groups of students around a key topic in biology. A variety of formats is used, including field experiences, field trips, different types of media and different approaches. Topics and instructors vary each semester. The Department. The Department.
Topic One: Getting the Word Out. This intensive focuses on communicating about biology research and concepts for different non-science audiences using blogs, podcasts and other current media. We work as a media team developing a series of articles relevant to human impacts, including climate change, on biological organisms and systems. We visit a large media organization and conduct video interviews as well as more traditional literature-based research. Kate Susman.
Topic Two: Advanced Biostatistics. The goal of this course is to teach students how to analyze common types of data collected in the life sciences. Students will learn the statistical programming language R and will gain skills in 1) basic coding, 2) understanding various data structures, 3) data manipulation and 4) plotting data. Students will learn specific statistical techniques including linear models (ANOVA, regression, etc.), generalized linear models, and mixed-effects models. The intensive will end with an independent project to explore in depth a dataset of the students choosing (or one can be provided if necessary). Justin Touchon.
Topic Three: Restoration and management on the VFEP. Working in collaboration with Keri Van Camp, Field Station and Ecological Preserve Manager, we work as a team to implement one or more of the projects outlined in the Conservation Action Plan for the Vassar Ecological Preserve. Possible projects include management of invasive species to protect vulnerable areas, developing outreach materials on restoration and management opportunities for local landowners, working with Grounds to develop new practices to further support conservation efforts on campus, working to support pollinator networks in the Hudson Valley, and planting native species for restoration and to improve visitor experience, among others. The specific project(s) is chosen by the participants in the Intensive. Relevant prior coursework, e.g., BIOL 241 , 208 , ENST 124 is desirable but not required. Special permission. Margaret Ronsheim.
Topic Four: Plant Biodiversity – Floras and Herbaria. Participants in this intensive work on two projects: documentation of the plant biodiversity of the Vassar College Ecological Preserve, and curation of the Vassar College Herbarium. You learn how to apply the international rules for assuring that each plant species has only one accepted scientific name; the science behind plant classification, and why the correct name and classification for a species can change; how to properly identify, collect, and prepare herbarium specimens; how to make digital images of herbarium specimens and digitize specimen metadata. If you elect a full unit, you conduct a personal mini-project involving either curation of a specific portion of the herbarium, or answering a research question using the herbarium. Satisfactory completion of this intensive prepares you for an internship or an entry level position at an herbarium. Relevant prior course work, e.g., BIOL 241 , 208 , ENST 124 is desirable but not required. Special permission. Mark Schlessman.
Topic Five: Investigating chronic disease. (Same as STS 393 ) An examination of ME/CFS, a chronic disease with an unknown cause, no known biomarkers, and no specific treatments. We explore recent research to identify the underlying basis of the disease and explore the historical and social factors that underlie the stigmatization and insufficient understanding of the disease. Students help plan and organize a documentary film screening and panel discussion for local healthcare providers. David Esteban.
Topic Six: Biology in the Community: Public Health. (Same as STS 393 ) Students partner with staff at the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health (or another local public health organization) to identify a current public health issue, design and execute an intervention, and assess its effectiveness. Supplemental readings are required in order to provide a framework to successfully engage with the community and complete the work. In addition, weekly group meetings encourage students to formulate and refine goals and to actively monitor the proposed initiative to help the Department or organization realize its vision. Leroy Cooper.
Topic Seven: Biology in Board Games. (Same as NEUR 393 ) Board games are growing in popularity and there are a number that feature biological themes from disease spread, to cell biology, to evolution. Biology is complicated: so can you make a game that is both fun to play and accurately represents biological processes? In this intensive we interrogate the representation and simulation of biological processes in board games by reading primary literature, discussing scientific concepts, and playing games. Following gameplay we evaluate the ways in which the scientific concepts are or are not accurately represented by the mechanics, art and overall presentation of the game. For the final project, students work in teams to design a board game that represents a biological process of their choosing, with a rulebook that includes an analysis of the biology and the design choices that were used to represent the process. Megan Gall.
Course Format: INT
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BIOL 395 - Faculty Mentored Research Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
0.5 to 1 unit(s)
Faculty Mentored Research experiences enable a small group of students to work with faculty on research projects. Students may be engaged in individual research projects or work in teams under the guidance and direction of the faculty member. These may involve fieldwork, lab work, literature reviews, data collection, data analysis, research design, etc. and will vary depending on the discipline and area of research. The Department.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.
Course Format: INT
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BIOL 399 - Senior Independent Work Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
0.5 to 1 unit(s)
Execution and analysis of a field, laboratory, or library study. The project, to be arranged with an individual instructor, is expected to have a substantial paper as its final product.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.
Course Format: OTH
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Chemistry: I. Introductory |
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CHEM 121 - Chemical Fundamentals Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
This course is designed to provide the fundamentals of chemistry in the context of an instructor-specific theme; it is appropriate for students with limited previous exposure to chemistry. Students may take this course so as to be exposed to chemistry and the topic chosen, to meet the QA requirement, and/or to continue from this course into CHEM 125 Chemical Principles . Chemical topics covered include units; uncertainty; significant figures; dimensional analysis; estimation; atomic theory and symbols; the periodic table; chemical nomenclature; stoichiometry; solution chemistry including an introduction to acids and bases, solubility and precipitation, and oxidation-reduction chemistry; gases; and thermochemistry. These topics are presented in the context of the instructor-specific theme. There is no lab associated with this course. Alison Keimowitz and Miriam Rossi.
Theme 1: When you burn one gallon of gas, how much does that increase the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere? In order to answer this and other questions crucial to climate change and the global carbon cycle, an understanding of chemical fundamentals is necessary. This course allows students to more fully understand these issues using the chemical topics listed above.
Theme 2: What are the chemical reactions involved when you brew a cup of coffee or make bread? Food science utilizes basic chemical fundamental principles involved in cooking, nutrition and food safety. This course allows students to achieve an understanding of these food science concepts using the chemical topics listed above.
Three 50-minute periods or two 75-minute periods.
Course Format: CLS
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CHEM 125 - Chemical Principles Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
0 or 1 unit(s)
This course is designed to cover the important aspects of general chemistry in one semester, and is appropriate for students who have previously studied chemistry. The material covered includes chemical reactions, stoichiometry, atomic and molecular structure, and general chemical physics, emphasizing the fundamental aspects of and connections between equilibria, electrochemistry, thermodynamics, and kinetics. The department.
Three 50-minute periods; one 4-hour laboratory.
Course Format: CLS
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CHEM 135 - Introduction to Forensic Chemistry
1 unit(s)
Forensic chemistry is the application of chemistry in the study of evidence in criminal or civil cases. This course covers underlying chemistry concepts and scientific methods as applied to the study of the forensic evidence. An introductory level of organic and polymer chemistry relevant to the study of forensic evidence is also included. Students apply modern analytical methods in the study of glass samples, fingerprints, hair and fibers, paints, drugs, trace metals, and arson investigations. The analytical methods include thin layer chromatography (TLC), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, gas chromatography, GCMS, inductively coupled plasma (ICP), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The format of the course is based on lectures, laboratory exercises, case study discussions, and several guest speakers on select topics in forensics science. Sarjit Kaur.
Not offered in 2019/20.
Course Format: CLS
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CHEM 145 - Chemistry Research Techniques
0.5 or 1 unit(s)
This course provides an introduction to modern research instrumentation and techniques in chemistry through multiple-week laboratory projects. Students get experience with the use of advanced instrumentation, and in interpreting and analyzing the experimental results. Topics may include: structural characterization with X-ray crystallography; materials analysis with scanning probe microscopies; polymer synthesis and characterization; synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials; computational chemistry to perform theoretical ab initio calculations and computer modeling of biomolecules. Zachary Donhauser.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 125 .
Enrollment by permission of the instructor.
One 50-minute period; one 4-hour laboratory.
Not offered in 2019/20.
Course Format: CLS
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CHEM 146 - The Culture and Chemistry of Cuisine
1 unit(s)
(Same as STS 146 ) A basic biological need of all organisms is the ability to acquire nutrients from the environment; humans accomplish this in many creative ways. Food is an important factor in societies that influences population growth, culture, migration, and conflict. Humans discovered the science and art of food preparation, topics that are explored in this course, not in a single step but rather as an evolving process that continues to this day. This course develops the basic chemistry, biochemistry and microbiology of food preparation; explores the biochemical basis of certain nutritional practices; covers social and political aspects of foods throughout world history. It covers controversies like genetically modified organisms, the production of high-fructose corn syrup, and the historic role of food commodities such as salt, rum, and cod in the world economy. Course topics are explored through lectures, student presentations, and readings from both popular and scientific literature. The course includes a few laboratories to explore the basic science behind food preparation. Miriam Rossi.
Two 75-minute periods; one 4-hour laboratory.
Not offered in 2019/20.
Course Format: CLS
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CHEM 198 - First-Year Independent Research Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
0.5 unit(s)
In this intensive course students perform independent chemistry research under the direction of a faculty member. Attendance at regularly scheduled department seminars/events is required to satisfactorily complete the course. The Department.
Open only to first-year students.
One 3-hour period and additional lab time required.
Course Format: INT
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Chemistry: II. Intermediate |
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CHEM 244 - Organic Chemistry: Structure and Properties Semester Offered: Fall
0 or 1 unit(s)
An introduction to the structure of organic molecules and to their nomenclature. Among the properties of organic compounds, shape, charge distribution, and spectroscopic properties are emphasized. Laboratory work includes isolation, physical transformations and identification of organic compounds including the application of gas chromatography and infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The Department.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 125 .
Three 50-minute periods; one 4-hour laboratory.
Course Format: CLS
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CHEM 245 - Organic Chemistry: Reactions and Mechanisms Semester Offered: Spring
0 or 1 unit(s)
A study of the reactions of organic compounds from a mechanistic point of view. Laboratory work includes synthesis, qualitative analysis, and quantitative investigation of reaction rates and equilibria which emphasize mechanistic considerations. The department.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 244 .
Three 50-minute periods; one 4-hour laboratory.
Course Format: CLS
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CHEM 255 - Introduction to Forensic Chemistry
1 unit(s)
(Same as STS 255 ) Forensic chemistry is the application of chemistry in the study of evidence in criminal or civil cases. This course covers underlying chemistry concepts and scientific methods in the analysis and evaluation of several types of forensic evidence. Topics include crime scene investigation and case studies, overview of rules of evidence, finger-printing analysis, GCMS and FTIR characterization of organic compounds and fibers, hair and glass analysis, and DNA profiling. Sarjit Kaur.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 244 .
Three 50-minute periods; one 4-hour laboratory.
Not offered in 2019/20
Course Format: CLS
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CHEM 272 - Biochemistry Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
0 or 1 unit(s)
(Same as BIOL 272 ) Basic course covering protein structure and synthesis, enzyme action, bio-energetic principles, electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation, selected metabolic pathways in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Collin Aitken, Eric Eberhardt, William Straus.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 244 and BIOL 106 or 108 .
Three 50-minute periods; one 4-hour laboratory.
Course Format: CLS
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CHEM 275 - Computational Methods in Chemistry
0.5 unit(s)
This course introduces several molecular modeling methods in computational chemistry (molecular mechanics, semi-empirical and ab-initio methods, and density functional theory) to study geometries, properties, and reactivities of organic compounds; an introductory level of theory is presented to delineate the basis of these molecular modeling methods. The course also includes computational laboratory exercises to supplement concepts covered in lectures, and project-based exercises to explore applications of computational methods in the study of chemical systems.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 245 or permission of the instructor.
Not offered in 2019/20.
Course Format: CLS
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CHEM 290 - Community-Engaged Learning Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
0.5 to 1 unit(s)
Course Format: INT
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CHEM 291 - Field Experiences in the Hudson Valley Semester Offered: Fall
0.5 unit(s)
(Same as ENST 291 ) Topic for 2019/20a: Students learn the basics of water, soil, and sediment sampling through field excursions in this Intensive course. Students then develop research projects in consultation with the instructor. These projects are conducted individually or in pairs, utilizing these sampling methods. Topics for these research projects fall under the instructor’s research interests, primarily on metal contamination in the environment, and are conducted in the Hudson Valley and surrounding areas. Alison Keimowitz.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 109 or 125 . ENST 107 , 124 or ESCI 151 .
One 4-hour period.
Course Format: INT
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CHEM 297 - Reading Course Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
0.5 unit(s)
Course Format: OTH
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CHEM 298 - Independent Research Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
0.5 to 1 unit(s)
Students perform independent chemistry research under the direction of a faculty member for Intensive credit. Attendance at regularly scheduled department seminars/events is required to satisfactorily complete the course. The Department.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.
Course Format: INT
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Chemistry: III. Advanced |
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CHEM 300 - Senior Thesis Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
The chemistry department strongly believes in the value of the undergraduate research experience, and therefore a senior thesis based upon a student’s independent research project is required of all chemistry majors. The senior thesis involves the design and execution of a substantial independent original research project under the supervision of a member of the faculty. Students are expected to complete research work throughout their senior year. The project follows a set of defined deadlines for completion of the work. The project culminates in a substantial manuscript-style thesis submitted to the research mentor and a second reader from the Faculty, and an oral presentation of the thesis research in a fashion designated by the Faculty. Consult the department for senior thesis guidelines. The Department.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.
Course Format: INT
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CHEM 323 - Protein Chemistry Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
A detailed study of the structure and function of proteins. Structure determination, mechanisms of catalysis and regulation, and the interactions of enzymes in complex systems are treated. Krystle McLaughlin.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 350 or CHEM 272 .
Corequisite(s): CHEM 350
Two 75-minute periods.
Course Format: CLS
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CHEM 324 - Molecular Biology
1 unit(s)
(Same as BIOL 324 ) An examination of the macromolecular processes underlying storage, transfer, and expression of genetic information. Topics include the structure, function, and synthesis of DNA; mutation and repair; the chemistry of RNA and protein synthesis; the regulation of gene expression; cancer and oncogenes; the molecular basis of cell differentiation; and genetic engineering. Colin Aitken.
Prerequisite(s): One unit of any 200-level biology and One unit of biochemistry (BIOL 272 /CHEM 272 or CHEM 325 ).
Two 75-minute periods.
Not offered in 2019/20.
Course Format: CLS
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CHEM 325 - Topics in Biochemistry Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
This course explores the intersection of biology and chemistry. Topics include the structure and function of proteins, bioenergetics, information flows and the molecular basis for metabolic pathways. Eric Eberhardt.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 245 , BIOL 105 or BIOL 106 .
This course does NOT meet the biochemistry major requirement. Students may not take both BIOL 272 /CHEM 272 and Chem 325.
Three 50-minute or two 75-minute periods.
Course Format: CLS
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CHEM 326 - Inorganic Chemistry Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
An introduction to structure and reactivity of inorganic, coordination, and organometallic compounds, including the following topics: chemical applications of group theory, atomic and molecular structure, theories of bonding, the solid state, coordination chemistry, inorganic reaction mechanisms, and organometallic chemistry. Miriam Rossi.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 245 or permission of the instructor.
Two 75-minute periods.
Course Format: CLS
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CHEM 342 - Advanced Organic Chemistry Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
Selected topics in organic chemistry such as stereochemistry, conformational analysis, carbanions, carbocations, radicals, kinetic and thermodynamic control of reactions, mechanisms, synthesis. Sarjit Kaur.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 245 , CHEM 350 , or permission of the instructor.
Two 75-minute periods.
Course Format: CLS
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CHEM 350 - Thermodynamics and Chemical Kinetics Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
This course presents the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics and kinetics. Topics include equations of state for gases; statistical mechanics; the laws of thermodynamics; solutions and phase equilibria; chemical equilibrium and chemical kinetics. Zachary Donhauser.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 125 . It is strongly recommended that students have a foundational understanding of single variable calculus, classical mechanics, and electromagnetism. Basic knowledge of multivariable calculus is also recommended.
Two 75-minute periods.
Course Format: CLS
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CHEM 352 - Physical Chemistry: Molecular Structure Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
This course presents an introduction to quantum mechanics and its application to atomic structure and chemical bonding. Topics include foundations of quantum theory, wave mechanics, applications to simple systems, atomic structure, chemical bonding, spectroscopy, and computational chemistry. Leah Bendavid.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 125 . It is strongly recommended that students have a foundational understanding of single variable calculus, classical mechanics, and electromagnetism. Basic knowledge of linear algebra and multivariable calculus is also recommended.
Two 75-minute periods.
Course Format: CLS
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CHEM 357 - Chemical Physics
1 unit(s)
The course includes selected topics which are of interest to chemistry majors as well as biochemistry and physics majors. Possible topics include applications of group theory, interaction of radiation with matter, molecular spectroscopy, reaction kinetics, reaction rate theory, and statistical mechanics. The material covered in any particular semester depends on the mutual interests of the instructor and the students. The department.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 350 and CHEM 352 or permission of the instructor.
Not offered in 2019/20.
Course Format: CLS
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CHEM 362 - Instrumental Analysis Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
An introduction to chemical analysis, this course covers the theoretical and practical aspects of spectroscopic, electrochemical, and chromatographic -methods, including topics in instrumentation, statistics, and chemometrics. Stuart Belli.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 245 or permission of the instructor.
Three 50-minute periods.
Course Format: CLS
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CHEM 365 - Spectrometric Identification of Organic Compounds
0.5 unit(s)
This course focuses on the use of modern analytical instrumentation to identify unknown organic compounds. Students get extensive hands-on experience using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) (1H, 13C, DEPT, COSY, HETCOR), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). Working with weekly unknowns, students learn to interpret spectra and assemble the data necessary to support both a formula and structure determination. The department.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 245 .
One 4-hour laboratory.
Not offered in 2019/20.
Course Format: CLS
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CHEM 370 - Advanced Laboratory Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
0.5 or 1 unit(s)
Advanced laboratory work may be elected in the field of organic, analytical, physical, inorganic, biochemistry, or environmental chemistry. The department.
Prerequisite(s): A 300-level course in the pertinent field.
One 4-hour laboratory.
Course Format: INT
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CHEM 372 - Integrated Chemistry Laboratory Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
This course provides a comprehensive laboratory experience in chemistry. Selected experiments teach advanced chemistry techniques and reinforce principles introduced in 300 level chemistry courses. The course exposes students to chemistry as an integrated subject, tying together the sub-disciplines that are traditionally offered as independent courses. This includes: instrumental analysis, physical chemistry, biochemistry, environmental, organic chemistry and inorganic chemistry. Stuart Belli and Alison Spodek Keimowitz.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 245 .
Two 3-hour laboratories.
Course Format: CLS
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CHEM 373 - Integrated Chemistry Lab II Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
This course provides a comprehensive laboratory experience in chemistry. Selected experiments teach advanced chemistry techniques and reinforce principles introduced in 300 level chemistry courses. The course exposes students to chemistry as an integrated subject, tying together the sub-disciplines that are traditionally offered as independent courses. This includes: instrumental analysis, physical chemistry, biochemistry, environmental, organic chemistry and inorganic chemistry. Zachary Donhauser and Joseph Tanski.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 372 .
Two 3-hour laboratories.
Course Format: CLS
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CHEM 375 - Aquatic Chemistry
0.5 or 1 unit(s)
(Same as ENST 375 ) This course is a qualitative and quantitative treatment of chemical processes in atmospheric, aqueous, and soil environments. Geochemical cycles of major and trace elements through these reservoirs are explored including the magnitude of anthropogenic perturbations. General topics include isotope geochemistry, equilibrium thermodynamics, solubility and precipitation, acid-base equilibria, oxidation-reduction chemistry, and remediation of organic and inorganic pollution. Alison Keimowitz.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 245 ; PHYS 113 , PHYS 114 ; MATH 121 , MATH 126 and MATH 127 or the equivalent; or permission of the instructor.
Not offered in 2019/20.
Course Format: CLS
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CHEM 382 - Special Topics in Organic Chemistry: Introduction to Polymer Chemistry
1 unit(s)
Properties and uses of selected polymers (thermally stable, conducting, and biodegradable). This course includes organic and kinetic aspects of polymerizations, characterization techniques for structure determination, thermal and -mechanical properties, and measurement of molecular weight and distribution. Laboratory techniques and experiments leading to synthesis, characterization and physical properties of selected polymers (synthesized or commercially available polymers) are emphasized. Sarjit Kaur.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 244 /CHEM 245 or permission of the instructor.
Two 50-minute periods; one 4-hour laboratory.
Not offered in 2019/20.
Course Format: CLS
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CHEM 399 - Senior Independent Research Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
0.5 to 1 unit(s)
Students perform independent chemistry research under the direction of a faculty member for Intensive credit. Attendance at regularly scheduled department seminars/events is required to satisfactorily complete the course. The Department.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.
Open only to seniors.
Course Format: INT
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Chinese/Japanese: I. Introductory |
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CHJA 120 - Introduction to Chinese and Japanese Literature Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
China and Japan have rich cultures that have deeply influenced one another. This course introduces some of the major works of Chinese and Japanese literature, including philosophical works, novels and films. Thematically, the course is organized around the way that major intellectual trends (including Confucianism, Daoism and Buddhism) resonate in text from both cultures. Among the readings are novels dealing with love and sexuality (including China’s Dream of the Red Chamber and Japan’s The Tale of Genji), works about martial virtues (such as the Chinese novel Three Kingdoms and the Japanese play Chushingura), as well as selected poetry, short stories and films. All readings and discussions are in English.
Course Format: CLS
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Chinese/Japanese: II. Intermediate |
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CHJA 285 - Embodied Forms: Reading the Material World of East Asia Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
(Same as ASIA 285 ) This class explores the representations and discourses surrounding material objects, including physical embodiments, in East Asian contexts (Japan, China and Korea). It begins with a broad theoretical exploration of materiality – how should we talk about the physical? And what of embodiment – how can the experiences of the human body become sites of dominant ideologies and socio-political resistance. We then dive into specific examples from Japanese, Korean and Chinese cultural contexts, examining these questions more closely, and dissecting how material forms become linked to broad socio-cultural discourses. Some of the topics this class covers include: bento boxes and socialization, anime figures and ‘database’ consumption, plastic surgery and neoliberal discourses of ’becoming’ in Korean media, gender swapping and social resistance in the Chinese drama Go Princess Go, the multiple languages of food, and Japanese shitamachi ‘downtown’/ local factory dramas. Classwork includes one group project and one term paper as well as short reading response papers. Judit Kroo.
Two 75-minute periods.
Course Format: CLS
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CHJA 298 - Independent Study Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
0.5 or 1 unit(s)
One-half or one unit individual or group research project or reading course. May be elected during the academic year. Offered only pass/fail and permission of the chair is required. Open to all students. The Department.
Prerequisite(s): Two units of Chinese or Japanese.
Course Format: INT
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Chinese/Japanese: III. Advanced |
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