Undergraduate Research - Independent Study

Bio 200 (Freshman/Sophomore) Introduction to Research (spring/fall)

An introduction to laboratory and field research in biology for first- and second-year students.  Students work under the supervision of a sponsor in a setting of established, ongoing research.  Prerequisites:  less than 60 units completed, permission of sponsor and the department.  Credit/No Credit only.  Credit 3 units.  

Bio 500 (junior/Senior) Independent Work (spring/fall)

Research under the supervision of a faculty sponsor.  Prerequisites: junior or senior standing and permission of sponsor and the department (K. Miller).  Credit/No Credit only, credit to be determined in each case, usually 3 units/semester.  If work is to be submitted for Honors, see Page 9, Honors in Biology.  Arrangements for registration should be completed during the pre registration period, if at all possible.

Instructor Lead Courses -

Bio 3191 Molecular Mechanisms in Development (fall)

One of the most exciting areas of modern biology is the study of embryonic development.  The use of genetic engineering/recombinant DNA technology has revolutionized the way in which questions are asked and answered in this rapidly advancing field.  Recent studies in model systems such as Drosophila, nematode, and Xenopus (among others) have provided new insights into the molecular mechanisms utilized to establish cellular identities and generate the pattern of differentiation that is critical to multicellular organisms.  Information being gained and experimental tools being developed in these model systems are leading to important advances in our understanding of developmental mechanisms used in all organisms, including mammals.  This course provides an up-to-date and in-depth view of ongoing research in selected areas of developmental biology.  Topics are introduced by lectures, but substantial class time is devoted to discussion.  Reading assignments from the current scientific literature highlight the experimental approaches being used.  How information from model systems is being applied to mammalian embryos is discussed.  Prerequisite:  Biol 2970 or permission of instructor.  Enrollment limited to 20 students; writing intensive. Credit 3 units.

Bio 1810 Freshman Seminar in Imaging Science

An introduction to the breadth and depth of imaging sciences across Arts & Sciences, Medicine and Engineering, on topics from radiology to cell biology.  Seminars will be provided by experts in these fields to acquaint students with advances in imaging sciences and research opportunities in these areas.  No prerequisites, primarily for freshmen, but open to all students.

For a complete listing of biology courses click here
For the Department of Biology Handbook for Majors and Prospective Majors click here