Biological Sciences

This course introduces students to taxonomy and systematics, i.e., the science of grouping biodiversity into species, describing the species, and classifying this diversity into higher-level taxa that reflect evolutionary history. The course has two main goals: (1) It introduces the main concepts and goals of taxonomy and systematics. (2) It teaches the qualitative and quantitative techniques that are used to describe/identify species and higher-level taxa based on the analysis of morphological and DNA sequence evidence. The course equips environmental as well as other biologists with an understanding of taxonomic/systematic units and the tools needed for evaluating and quantifying diversity in samples of plant and animal specimens.

This course discusses the biology of animals. The course covers:

• Animal form and function
• Water and Electroylyte balance in animals
• Animal nutrition
• Circulation
• Gas Exchange
• Animal Movement
• Chemical signals in animals
• Electrical signals in animals
• The Vertebrate Nervous System
• Animal Sensory Systems
• Animal Reproduction
• Animal Development
• Immune System in animals

This course provides a strong foundation in the study of protein structure and function. Topics include structures and structural complexity of proteins and methods used to determine their primary, secondary and tertiary structures; biological functions of proteins in terms of their regulatory, structural, protective and transport roles; the catalytic action of enzymes, their mechanism of action and regulation; and various approaches used in studying the structure-function relationships of proteins. The course has a prerequisite of Biochemistry.

This course provides an introduction to genetic studies on behavior, emotions, and cognition - a psychological discipline known as "behavior genetics." The course covers basic concepts in quantitative and molecular genetic sciences, and how these can be applied to study animal behavior, human traits and disorders, and socioeconomic outcomes. This includes studies of genetic and environmental contributions and how statistical models of complex traits are analyzed with computer software. The course covers development of research skills for practical implementation of quantitative genetic statistical methods applicable throughout the life sciences.

This course focuses on the Eukaryotic cell structure, its basic components, and their functions. Eukaryotic cells are characterized by membrane-bound compartments called Organelles. The class focuses on Organelles, Membrane Structure and Composition, Membrane Transport, Vesicles Trafficking, and Cell Energy, applying these basic ideas to current biological questions. For instance, the class will relate dysfunctions in various cellular processes to human diseases. Furthermore, the course covers methods utilized by researchers to uncover current information about Eukaryotic cells. 

This course is recommended to be taken after FOUNDATION OF BIOLOGY or INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY. 

The subject provides a broad introduction to plants' development, function, and interactions with other organisms. Emphasis is placed on the connection from genes and genomes to cells and organs in different plant types, and how the evolution, development and function of plants is understood in such a perspective. In an overall focus, the role of plants in society is highlighted in this perspective, such as domestication, agriculture, environment, climate, and genetic engineering.

This course explores the human microbiome and its effect on development and disease and explores the role of pre- and pro-biotics in health. Topics include mechanistic insights into microbial communities through more controlled studies focusing on experimental biofilms. The course requires students to take prerequisites.

This course examines how animals interact with each other and with their environment. It covers the control, development, adaptive significance and evolution of behavior. 

This course studies and discusses different aspects of modern science using some of the magical short stories of the Argentinian writer Jorge Luis Borges. It uses Borges' work as a vehicle for discussing how our views of the world have been affected by the advances made by science in the last 100 years. In particular, the course focuses on the foundations of disciplines such as cosmology, quantum theory, statistical physics, neuroscience, and computing, as well as mathematical concepts such as combinatorics and the idea of infinity, and other notions such as the concept of time.