Biological Sciences

This course provides the key concepts and principles of food microbiology with special emphasis on the interaction between microorganisms and food. Microbial food spoilage and foodborne diseases are also discussed in detail. This course covers detection and enumeration of microbes in foods, factors that influence microbes in foods, spores and their significance, physical methods of food preservation, chemical preservation and natural antimicrobials, and foodborne pathogens. Prerequisites: BIOC2600 or BIOL2220 or MEDE2301.

This is an elective course on entomology. This course exposes students to general concepts of entomology and the biology of insects. It covers insect biology, anatomy, physiology, classification, behavior, ecology, plant-insect interactions, insect and human society, and methods in entomology. This course's teaching and learning activities include lectures, discussions, group projects, and a field visit. The course activities emphasize critical thinking skills, communication, and applying knowledge to real-world situations.

This course introduces basic metabolic knowledge at the cellular level to understand the organic metabolic physiology of the human body and focuses on changes in metabolic pathways in various physiological situations. In addition, the course introduces the latest research trends and related analysis techniques for various pathological metabolic pathway imbalances that are pointed out as the core pathogenesis of modern chronic diseases. 

Topics include Introduction to metabolism, Glycolysis, Mitochondria, NADPH-The forgotten reducing equivalent, Carbohydrates, Lipids, Amino acids, Nucleotides, Signaling and metabolism, Metabolism of proliferating cells, Future pathways of metabolism research, Analyzing metabolism in biological systems.  

This course focuses on topics related to the processes and functions carried out during the lifetime of a cell. Topics including the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons as well as molecular motor proteins and cell motility are covered in detail. We also focus on cell-cell communication, signal transduction and cell signaling in the context of unicellular and multicellular organisms. In addition, we spend time discussing the cell cycle with an emphasis on the regulation of transitions between cell cycle stages.

Each process covered in class plays a role in some important aspect of cell physiology and we touch on examples of defects in these systems that can lead to disease. Each topic includes discussions of experimental strategies and laboratory techniques.

Prerequisites: General Chemistry (at least 1 semester), General Biology (at least 1 semester), Biochemistry I

This survey course covers the plant kingdom, diversity and ecology of plants, plant structure, function and behavior. Demonstrations and practical exercises are included. Prerequisites: ICBI 121 Biology I.

Study the development of cognition through a neuroscientific lens, examine how the nervous system starts out wired for every possible contingency to eventually prune (tune) itself towards an efficient functioning for the environment it resides it, study the neural network structure and functioning of the brain, its common properties that support efficient cognitive functioning, and how disruptions to these networks can impair cognition. The course also covers the theory of neuroplasticity, focusing on the role of the brain’s lifelong ability to rewire itself. In addition, study mirror neurons, atypical developmental processes (including autism, schizophrenia, and trauma), and the intersection between developmental cognitive neuroscience and society. A mandatory field trip to Amsterdam is included, where the Van Gogh museum is visited to study Van Gogh’s art as a clinical case and experience immediate neuroplasticity first-hand by dining in complete darkness during a three-course meal. Motivated and dedicated students have the opportunity to co-author a paper with the course coordinator for potential publication in well-respected journals (topics of interest can be discussed). Students should have completed at least two Psychology courses and should be interested in brain development and neuroscientific methods that can be used to uncover developmental processes.

This is the concurrent lab course for BIOL 125 HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY. It provides a comprehensive overview of the gross and microstructure and function of the major organs and systems. Activities investigate the respiratory, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and nervous system structure and functions.

The course is designed to equip students with experience, knowledge, and skills for succeeding in globally interdependent and culturally diverse workplaces. Throughout the course, students will be challenged to question, reflect upon, and respond thoughtfully to the issues they observe and encounter in the internship setting and local host environment. Students will have the opportunity to cultivate professional and personal development skills as defined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). Assignments focus on building a portfolio that highlights those competencies and their application to workplace skills. Students complete 45 hours of in-person and asynchronous online learning activities and 225-300 hours at the internship placement.

The course builds on foundational biology and ecology knowledge to explore the structure, dynamics, and interactions of populations and communities. It provides essential skills in ecological data analysis, experimental design, and fieldwork. Students apply ecological theory to conservation, ecosystem management, and biodiversity assessment.

Students learn about the basic cellular mechanisms underlying common human diseases and understand how drugs act on cellular and tissue dysfunctions to treat these diseases. Students study topics including autoimmune disease, cancer, and arthritis.