BIOL BC 1001x Revolutionary Concepts in Biology

Exploration of the major discoveries and ideas that have revolutionized the way we view organisms and understand life. The basic concepts of cell biology, anatomy and physiology, genetics, evolution, and ecology will be traced from seminal discoveries to the modern era. The laboratory will develop these concepts and analyze biological diversity through a combined experimental and observational approach.
Prerequisites: Course does not fulfill Biology major requirements or premedical requirements. Enrollment in laboratory limited to 16 students per section. Lab Required.
4.5 points

BIOL BC 1002y Contemporary Issues in Biology

Exploration of modern biology as it pertains to contemporary issues. One module examines the microbiological agents that cause disease and addresses how such agents can be used as weapons for terrorism or war. Another module considers human physiology, focusing on major health issues. The third module explores growth and resource use, emphasizing the uniqueness of human populations. Lab exercises introduce biological techniques for studying these topics.

BIOL BC 1500x Introduction to Organismal and Evolutionary Biology

Detailed introduction to biological phenomena above the cellular level; development, anatomy, and physiology of plants and animals; physiological, population, behavioral, and community ecology; evolutionary theory; analysis of micro-evolutionary events; systematics. - P. Hertz
Prerequisites: BC1001 or equivalent preparation. Course suitable for fulfillment of premedical requirements.
3 points

BIOL BC 1501x Introductory Lab in Organismal and Evolutionary Biology

A laboratory-based introduction to the major groups of living organisms; anatomy, physiology, evolution, and systematics; laboratory techniques for studying and comparing functional adaptations.

BIOL BC 1502y Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology

Detailed introduction to cellular and subcellular biology: cell structures and functions, energy metabolism, biogenesis of cell components, biology of inheritance, molecular genetics, regulation of gene expression, and genes in development. - TBD
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1001 or equivalent preparation. Course suitable for fulfillment of premedical requirements. Together with BC1500 this course is part of a yearlong introductory sequence. BC1500 and BC1502 do not need to be taken in sequence.
3 points

BIOL BC 1503y Introductory Lab in Cell and Molecular Biology

A laboratory-based introduction to cell and molecular biology. Both classic and modern approaches are used to investigate principles of heredity as well as the structure and function of cells and their molecular components. Lab exercises introduce practical techniques and data analysis.

BIOL BC 1599x or y Biology Journal Club

Students in this seminar course will be introduced to the scientific literature by reading a mix of classic papers and papers that describe significant new developments in the field. Seminar periods will be devoted to oral reports, discussion of assigned reading, and student responses.
Prerequisites: Open to first year students who scored a 4 or 5 on the AP Biology exam or a 5 or higher on the IB exam, and are enrolled in the 1500-level Biology series. Limited to 16 students.
1 point

BIOL BC 2100x and y Molecular and Mendelian Genetics

Mendelian and molecular genetics of both eukaryotes and prokaryotes, with an emphasis on human genetics. Topics include segregation, recombination and linkage maps, cytogenetics, gene structure and function, mutation, molecular aspects of gene expression and regulation, genetic components of cancer, and genome studies. - B. Morton, J. Mansfield
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BC1501, BC1502, BC1503 or the equivalent.
3 points

BIOL BC 2240x Plant Evolution and Diversity

Survey of plant biology emphasizing evolutionary and ecological perspectives on mating and reproduction, physiology, anatomy and morphology. - H. Callahan
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BC1501, BC1502, BC1503 or the equivalent.
3 points

BIOL BC 2250x or y Invertebrate Zoology

The biology and biodiversity of invertebrate animals: the internal organs of invertebrates; the development, behavior, and evolution of these animals, stressing their adaptations to marine, freshwater, and terrestrial habits; and a systematic survey of invertebrates will structure the course.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BC1501, BC1502, BC1503 or equivalent. Not offered in 2012-2013.
3 points

BIOL BC 2262y Vertebrate Biology

Systematic survey of the Phylum Chordata: fossil history, biogeography, systematics, natural history, body architecture, energetics, locomotion, feeding, and behavior. - P. Hertz
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BC1501, BC1502, BC1503 or equivalent.
3 points

BIOL BC 2272x Ecology

Introduction to evolutionary ecology; life history strategies, population growth, competition, predator-prey interactions, population regulation, species diversity, community organization, biogeography. Lectures integrate theory with empirical studies. - S. Foerster
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BC1501, BC1502, BC1503 or the equivalent.
3 points

BIOL BC 2278y Evolution

Study of the process of evolution with an emphasis on the mechanisms underlying evolutionary change. Topics include the origins of life, rates of evolutionary change, phylogenetics, molecular evolution, adaptive significance of traits, sexual selection, and human evolution. - S. Foerster
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BC1501, BC1502, BC1503 or equivalent.
3 points

BIOL BC 2280x Animal Behavior

Introduction to animal behavior; physiological bases of behavior (sensory systems, neurophysiology of behavior, appetitive and reproductive behavior), ethological approaches to behavior (communication, territoriality, dominance, and aggression) and evolution of behavior (behavior genetics, behavioral ecology, sociobiology). - TBD
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BC1501, BC1502, BC1503 or equivalent.
3 points

BIOL BC 2286y Statistics and Research Design

Introduction to basic principles of statistics and experimental design. Topics include common statistical procedure, analysis of data, sampling populations, power analysis, and the design of experiments. This course differs from traditional statistics courses by explicitly integrating statistics into research process. - S. Foerster
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BC1501, BC1502, BC1503 or equivalent, college-level algebra or the equivalent. General Educational Requirement: Quantitative and Deductive Reasoning (QUA) General Education Requirement: Quantitative and Deductive Reasoning (QUA).
3 points

BIOL BC 2801x Laboratory in Genetics

Exercises in genetics at both the Mendelian and molecular levels. Basic principles of genetic analysis will be studied using Drosophila and bacteria. A project in molecular genetics, involving such techniques as PCR, gel electrophoresis, and cloning, will be undertaken using plant genes. - B. Morton
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1502, BC1503; and pre or corequisite, BC2100 or BC3310. Enrollment limited to 16 students per section.
3 points

BIOL BC 2841x Laboratory in Plant Evolution and Diversity

Studies of the structure, ecology, and evolution of plants. Laboratory exercises include field problems, laboratory experiments, plant collections and identification, and examination of the morphology of plant groups. - H. Callahan
Prerequisites: BIOL BC2240 or corequisite. Enrollment limited to 16.
3 points

BIOL BC 2873x Laboratory in Ecology

The definition of ecological problems in experimentally tractable ways; the design of experiments and analysis of ecological data; class projects on population ecology. Students conduct individual projects during last month of term.

BIOL BC 3388x Tropical Ecology

Focusing on tropical rain forests, the course explores the contemporary and historical ecological processes that generate and maintain species diversity in the tropics. Topics include biogeography and the latitudinal gradient of diversity, tropical climate and soils, origins of tropical ecosystems, causes and consequences of tropical deforestation, as well as unique ecological patterns and processes in specific tropical regions (Neotropics, African, and Asian tropics). - K. McGuire
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BC1501, BC1502, BC1503 or the equivalent. Not offered in 2012-2013.
3 points

BIOL BC 3303x Laboratory in Molecular Biology

Introduction to the use of molecular techniques to answer questions about subcellular biological phenomena. Techniques include isolation of genomic and plasmid DNAs, restriction enzyme analysis, DNA and protein electrophoresis, bacterial transformation, and plasmid subcloning. - TBD
Prerequisites: BIOL BC2100 OR BC3310 (which can be taken as corequisites) or permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 16.
3 points

BIOL BC 3305x Project Laboratory in Molecular Biology

A project laboratory in molecular biology of Drosophila. Experiments will include isolation of phage, plasmid, and genomic DNA: screening of DNA libraries; restriction mapping, Southern analysis, and characterization of RNA transcripts. Project will characterize a particular unknown Drosophila sequence and RNA derived in vivo from that DNA. - J. Mansfield
Prerequisites: BIOL BC2100 or permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 12. Not offered in 2012-2013.
3 points

BIOL BC 3308x Genomics and Bioinformatics

Advanced topics in genetics focusing on genome-level features and methods of sequence analysis. Topics will include genome composition and structure, microarray analysis, RNA interference, and medical genomics; readings will involve case studies from the primary literature. The material will include practical applications using available computer databases. - B. Morton
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BC1501, BC1502, BC1503 and Molecular and Mendelian Genetics (BIOL BC2100).Not offered 2008-2009
3 points

BIOL BC 3310x Cell Biology

Study of structures and functions of eukaryotic cells. Cell membranes and the endomembrane system, proteins (with emphasis on enzymes and antibodies), organelle biogenesis, intracellular trafficking, cytoskeleton and motility, cell cycle control, and signaling. Methods of study and both landmark and contemporary experiments are examined. - J. Snow
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BC1501 BC1502, BC1503, or equivalent, BC2100 (which can be taken as a corequisite) and one term of organic chemistry.
3 points

BIOL BC 3311x Laboratory in Cell Biology

Introduction to cell biological techniques used to investigate structural, molecular, and physiological aspects of eukaryotic cells and their organization into tissues. Techniques include light and electron microscopy, cell culture, isolation of cellular organelles, protein electrophoresis and Western Blot analysis. - TBD
Prerequisites: BIOL BC2100 OR BC3310 (which can be taken as corequisites) or permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 16.
3 points

BIOL BC 3320x Microbiology

Survey of the diversity, cellular organization, physiology, and genetics of the major microbial groups. Also includes aspects of applied microbiology and biotechnology, the function of microorganisms in the environment, and the role of microbes in human diseases. - TBD
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BC1501, BC1502, BC1503 or the equivalent, and BC2100.
3 points

BIOL BC 3321x Laboratory in Microbiology

Provides experience in the isolation, cultivation, and analysis of pure cultures of microorganisms. Methods used for study of cell structure, growth, physiology, and genetics of microbes will be incorporated into small independent projects. - TBD
Prerequisites: BIOL BC3320 (or corequisite). Enrollment limited to 16. Not offered in 2012-2013.
3 points

BIOL BC 3340y Plant Physiology

Processes of metabolism, growth, and development in flowering plants. Photosynthesis, nutrient and water acquisition, respiration; hormones and plant movement; responses to environmental stimuli and stresses; and defenses against pathogens. Experimental approaches are emphasized.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BC1501 BC1502, BC1503, and BC2100 or the equivalent. One term of organic chemistry (or permission by instructor). Not offered in 2012-2013.
3 points

BIOL BC 3341y Laboratory in Plant Physiology

Introduction to techniques used to investigate aspects of physiology, including photosynthesis, water relations, mineral nutrition, germination, flowering, and hormone function. Methods include infrared carbon dioxide analysis, spectrophotometry, chromatography, and bioassay. Students conduct independent projects in the last month of term.

BIOL BC 3342x Plant Development

Processes of growth, differentiation, and organization in plants; major morphogenetic events in the transition from zygote to flowering plant; hormonal and environmental effects and mechanisms of action.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BC1501, BC1502, BC1503, or equivalent and one term of organic chemistry. Not offered in 2012-2013.
3 points

BIOL BC 3343x Laboratory in Plant Development

An experimental approach to patterns, processes, and control mechanisms of plant development. Meristems and cell differentiation; embryogenesis and organogenesis; responses to hormones and environmental variables. Work with whole plant, organ, and cell cultures.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC3342 (or corequisite). Enrollment limited to 16. Not offered in 2012-2013.
3 points

BIOL BC 3352x Development

Introduction to developmental biology. Topics will include: fertilization, cleavage and gastrulation, establishment of body axes, neural development, organ formation, regeneration, stem cells and cell potency, evolution of developmental programs. - J. Mansfield
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BC1501, BC1502, BC1503, and BC2100 or equivalent. Not offered in 2012-2013.
3 points

BIOL BC 3360y Animal Physiology

Physiology of major organ systems; function and control of circulatory, respiratory, digestive, excretory, endocrine, nervous, and immune systems in animals; emphasis on vertebrates.

BIOL BC 3361y Laboratory in Animal Physiology

Provides a hands-on introduction to the different physiological systems in vertebrates and invertebrates. Emphasizes the operation of a variety of physiological monitoring devices and the collection and analysis of physiological data. - J. Glendinning
Prerequisites: Pre- (or co-) requisite is a physiology lecture class (e.g., BIOL BC3360). Enrollment limited to 16.
3 points

BIOL BC 3362y Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience

Structure and function of neural membranes; ionic basis of membrane potential and action potential; synaptic transmission and neurochemistry; sensory transduction and processing; reflexes and spinal cord physiology; muscle structure and function; neuronal circuitry; nervous system development. - TBD
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BC1501, BC1502, BC1503 or the equivalent and one term of organic chemistry.
3 points

BIOL BC 3363y Laboratory in Molecular and Cell Neuroscience

Introduction to techniques commonly used in current neurobiological research, including intracellular and extracellular recording of action potentials, neuroanatomical methods, and computer simulation of the action potential.

BIOL BC 3364y Advanced Neurobiology

Analysis of molecular aspects of neuronal function, emphasizing recent discoveries. Topics include molecular mechanisms of synaptic transmission, synaptic plasticity and synaptic formation, and relationship between structure and function for ion-channels, neurotransmitter receptors, and neurotoxins.
Prerequisites: One of the following: BIOL BC3362 Neurobiology, BIOL BC3360 Animal Physiology, PSYC BC1119 Behavioral Neuroscience, or the equivalent. Not offered in 2012-2013.
3 points

BIOL BC 3380x Applied Ecology and Evolution

Ecological and evolutionary models of populations (exponential and density-dependent growth; species interactions; genetic differentiation resulting from mating, random drift, and selection) applied to problems resulting from human-induced environmental change (endangered species; use of pesticides and antibiotics; escaping transgenic organisms; global climate change; emerging pathogens; other invaders; etc.) - H. Callahan
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BC1501, BC1502, BC1503 or equivalent. Not offered in 2012-2013.
3 points

BIOL BC 3590x and y Stress in Primates (Senior Seminar)

Required of all majors who do not select Senior Thesis (BIOL BC3593 / BC3594) to fulfill the senior requirement, these seminars allow students to explore the primary literature in the Biological Sciences in greater depth than can be achieved in a lecture course. Attention will be focused on both theoretical and empirical work. Seminar periods are devoted to oral reports and discussion of assigned readings and student reports. Students will write one extensive literature review of a topic related to the central theme of the seminar section. Topics vary per semester and include:1. Plant Development 2. Animal Development and Evolution 3. Molecular Evolution 4. Microbiology and Global Change 5. Genomics 6. Stress in Primates.
Prerequisites: BC1500, BC1501, BC1502, BC1503, and BC2100.
4 points

BIOL BC 3591x-BC3592y Guided Research and Seminar

An independent research project in Biology under the guidance of a faculty member and suiting the needs of the individual student. Projects conducted outside of the Barnard Biology Department must have a member of the Department acting as a sponsor. Attendance at a weekly seminar is required. By the end of the year, students write a scientific paper and orally present their results to the Barnard Biology Department. Completion of both BIO BC3591 and BIOL BC3592 fulfills one upper-level laboratory requirement in the major. Must be taken in sequence, beginning in the fall. - S. Foerster
Prerequisites: Permission of a faculty sponsor and the department. Cannot be taken concurrently with BIOL BC3593 or BIOL BC3594.
3 points Per Semester

BIOL BC 3593x-BC3594y Senior Thesis Research

Same as BIOL BC3591-BC3592, including the weekly seminar. Completion of both BIOL BC3593 and BC3594 fulfills the senior requirement in the major. Must be taken in sequence, beginning in the fall. - S. Foerster
Prerequisites: Permission of a faculty sponsor and the department. Cannot be taken concurrently with BIOL BC3591 or BIOL BC3592.
3 points Per Semester

BIOL BC 3597xy Guided Research

Similar to BIOL BC3591/ BC3592 but a variable point course without seminar or an oral presentation. Does not fulfill Biology major requirements. - H. Callahan
Prerequisites: Permission of a faculty sponsor.
1-4 points.