Biological Sciences

This course covers mechanisms of DNA repair during replication and transcription, as well as the process of transcription as performed through RNA polymerases I, II, and III, including all cofactors and molecules involved. Various epigenetic modification processes are covered as well. All concepts are also evaluated in their role in cancer and other various pathologies.

This course investigates the cognitive correlates (information processing) and neurobiological mechanisms of declarative, or explicit memory. It discusses several cognitive models, including Baddeley's Working Memory model, the Modal model, and the interference theory in forgetting. In addition, the role of long-term potentiation (LTP) in memory is discussed, as well as how different brain areas contribute to memory. Throughout the course, relevant methodological issues regarding memory research are covered. Importantly, brain anatomy and function are an important part of this course; an interest in and understanding of these fields at the level of Introduction to Psychology or higher is highly recommended. In addition to the tutorial meetings, students complete a practical and paper assignment in which the memory performance of real subjects is assessed. Prerequisites for this course are an Introduction to Psychology course; a course on Brain and Action is highly recommended.

Training in microbiological practice and laboratory skills is an essential and important part of the course. This includes both regular practicals and a project that runs throughout the course. The project is independently planned and carried out by groups of 2-3 students and gives training in many aspects of microbiology, as well as in general laboratory practice and project planning. The theoretical parts are treated both in lectures and in problem-solving seminars. The first part of the course deals with physiology and diversity of microbes. It gives a modern view of the microbial world and its phylogeny. The structure and function of the prokaryotic cell is discussed in detail. Growth of microorganisms is analyzed from several aspects. Metabolic diversity of microbes. 

This course covers the fossil record, origin, and evolution of mammal-like reptiles; evolution of monotremes and marsupial adaptive radiation; evolution and classification of eutherian mammals, cladistics, molecular approaches to phylogeny reconstruction; adaptation in the main orders of eutherian mammals; evolution of hominids; and the evolution of reproductive strategies and social evolution (the origins of societies; kinds of societies; evolution of cooperation; mammal vs complex insect societies; skew theory as a unified approach to social evolution; genetic, phylogenetic, and environmental factors and social evolution). 

This course cover major topics in deep-sea ecology including the physical environments and history, sampling techniques, adaptations of deep-sea organisms, community composition and functions, major habitats, and anthropogenic effects. Other focus include guest lectures to explore Taiwan's deep-sea environments and living resources. Assessment: participation 920%), discussion (20%), presentation (30%), final (30%).

This course focuses on the ecological and evolutionary patterns and processes that drive biotic and abiotic interactions at population and community levels. A major focus of the course is to use ecological theory to understand basic and applied questions in plant ecology with relevance to global sustainability objectives. It covers the basic principles in plant population and community ecology that will help to address the challenges for plant population ecology (demography, population dynamics, dispersal), biotic interactions (plant-plant, plant-microbe, and plant-herbivore interactions and their impacts on plant populations, communities, and co-evolution), evolutionary ecology (life history, local adaptation, population, and ecological genetics), and plant community ecology (community structure, succession, species diversity). The course also explores the importance of basic plant ecology for addressing current global agri-environmental and sustainability challenges (zero hunger, life on land, responsible consumption and production, climate action) through lectures and seminars, student- and teacher-led classroom discussion, literature criticism, and project work. Case studies include plant invasions, pest management, plant ecology and evolution in human-influenced environments, plant diversity, big data, and citizen science for plant ecology.