Biological Sciences

This course provides instruction and practical experience in conducting and analyzing experiments and in experimental techniques that are commonly applied across various subjects.  

Topics include preparation of microbial media; cultivation of bacteria; water quality; microscopic examination; biochemical characterization; microbiome analyses; genomic DNA extraction & PCR; gel electrophoresis & PCR purification & Sanger sequencing; DNA fingerprinting; Bioinformatic analysis. 

CIEE supports qualified students who wish to pursue an academically rigorous independent research project while abroad. In order to enroll, students must submit a research proposal including a clearly defined research topic,
explanation of research plans, description of preparation in the planned area of study, list of resources, tentative outline of a final paper, and suggested schedule of progress. Students complete a total of 100-120 hours of
research and meet regularly with an advisor to complete an academically rigorous, ethically sound, and culturally appropriate research project and final research paper. Approval for participation in Directed Independent Research
must be obtained from CIEE and the student's home institution prior to arrival on the program.

This course examines the major conservation issues facing threatened marine wildlife globally with a particular focus on Australia. It covers how marine wildlife research, management and conservation is conducted using ecological, population and life history data, and how threats may be managed. 

This is an independent research course with research arranged between the student and faculty member. The specific research topics vary each term and are described on a special project form for each student. A substantial paper is required. The number of units varies with the student’s project, contact hours, and method of assessment, as defined on the student’s special study project form.

This course examines how infectious agents interact with human hosts at the molecular, cellular, individual patient and community levels to cause diseases and how the hosts attempt to combat these infections. 

This course builds an advanced understanding of major topics in the field of microbiology, exploring topics such as Microbial Cells, Energy Metabolism of Bacterial Cells, Virulence Determinants of Bacterial Pathogens, Metabolism and Virulence Linked Together, Recent Trends in Microbiome Research, Antibiotics, Bacterial Genetics / Synthetic Biology, Helicobacter pylori infection, and Pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori.

This course examines applied animal behavior theory, and the responses of animals to common interventions that arise in the context of interacting with humans and the environment. It covers a framework for animal welfare assessment, and applies it across a range of contexts for domesticated, wildlife and captive animals. Animal welfare will be critically evaluated through the integration of behavioral, physiological, cognitive and emotional responses. Methods for assessing and enhancing animal environments and husbandry systems are explored. Finally, the design and conduct of scientific experiments are assessed with a focus on animal ethics and current welfare issues.

This course examines ecology & conservation of marine and estuarine plants and animals. It covers the dynamics & interactions of populations; assemblages & communities in marine environments, including an examination of theory, methods & approaches used to study these systems (including field activities); threats that impact marine ecosystems and how this can affect people; the degree to which evolutionary adaptation can build resilience to the effects of climate change; and cutting-edge conservation issues and practices including marine reserve design and the importance of blue carbon.

This course is offered through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program in Science (UROPS). The intent of UROPS is to formally involve undergraduate students in research activities under the supervision of faculty members in their respective fields of study. UROPS aims to enhance undergraduate students’ knowledge of, and acquire the skills required for, the intellectual process of inquiry. 

This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to introduce how complex biological phenomena can emerge from simple rules. Through interactive lectures, guided reading and hands-on tutorials and simulations, students learn to appreciate how basic concepts like feedback and robustness generate biodiversity across multiples scales. The course requires a prerequisite of General Biology.