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.

Topic One: (a) Ocean Life in a Rapidly Changing Climate. (0.5 units, ungraded) The ocean is habitat for the majority of life on the planet. In this intensive we work together to examine how various oceanographic features give rise to diverse marine ecosystems, from open ocean phytoplankton-dominated systems to coastal kelp forests. We consider how the rapidly changing climate is affecting marine ecosystems, and how other human activities such as fishing and pollution impact life in the ocean. During the second half of the semester, you will develop an individual project based on your interests. Jodi Schwarz.

Prerequisite(s): Two Biology courses at the 200 level.

Topic Two: (b) Assisted Reproductive Technologies. (1.0 unit, normal grading) This intensive examines technologies relating to human reproduction and issues of bioethics and social ethics that arise from the uses of these technologies. We explore these issues through critical analysis of sources drawn from the sciences, humanities, social sciences and law. Students will develop an individual project based on their interests. Nancy Jo Pokrywka.

Prerequisite(s): Two Biology courses at the 200 level.

Topic Three: (b) Mentored Cancer Research. (1 unit, ungraded) As part of this research intensive students work on a novel project to assess the efficacy of cancer metabolic targeting therapies in human cancer cell lines. To evaluate cancer therapies, students get hands-on experience with a variety of cellular and molecular biology laboratory techniques. Throughout the semester students familiarize themselves with the field of cancer biology and work to understand the scientific process, identify research questions, read recent and relevant primary research articles related to cancer, design experiments and analyze data. At the end of the semester students present their findings. Hayley Affronti.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.

One 1-hour period.

Course Format: INT