CRN

14030

Distribution

E

Course No.

BIO 110                                       Q course

Title

Biostatistics

Professor

Robert Cutler

Schedule

Wed Fr 10:30 am - 12:30 pm  HEGEMAN 201

This course provides a background in (1) the basic methods of data analysis for biologists, (2) applications of mathematics to the description of biological phenomena, and (3) the generation of testable hypotheses from models of biological processes. The goal of this course is to give students a general idea of what statistical methods are commonly used in biology, which methods are appropriate for which types of data, and to provide an in-depth examination of how the methods work. Among topics covered are elementary probability and statistics, fitting and hypothesis testing, characteristics of frequency distributions, regression analysis, and some multivariate based methods. Prerequisite: eligibility for Q courses.

 

CRN

14423

Distribution

E/G

Course No.

BIO 140

Title

Field Studies in Natural History

Professor

William Maple

Schedule

Wed Fr          1:30 pm -  4:30 pm HEGEMAN 308

Cross-listed: Environmental Studies

This course is designed to acquaint the interested non-science student with the plants and animals that make the Bard

campus their home, including trees and shrubs in their winter condition; foliage, animals, and animal tracks,  wildflowers and birds. Although the course includes some lab work on preserved specimens, especially during severe weather, most class meetings are field trips. Participants must have clothing appropriate to the weather and terrain: good walking shoes or boots, warm clothing, and rain gear. Some Saturday field trips and early morning meetings may be required. Limited to ten students.

 

CRN

14316

Distribution

E/G

Course No.

BIO 152

Title

Biodiversity

Professor

Felicia Keesing

Schedule

Mon Wed   1:30 pm – 2:50 pm   HEGEMAN 102

Lab:  Fr     1:30 pm -  3:30 pm    ROSE 305 

Cross-listed: Environmental Studies

In this course, intended for students with a strong interest in science, and appropriate for biology majors, we will examine scientific issues related to biological diversity. In addition to studying characteristics of the major groups of organisms on Earth, we will investigate both the evolutionary causes and the ecological consequences of diversity. We will examine patterns of biodiversity through time, including developing an understanding of how the present loss of biodiversity compares in magnitude and rate to previous periods of extinction. Finally, we will evaluate methods for preserving biodiversity based on principles of conservation biology. Throughout this course, we will explore the use of statistical methods for evaluating scientific data. Prerequisite: Strong background in high school biology, and eligibility for Q-courses.

 

CRN

14031

Distribution

E/G

Course No.

BIO 206                                     Q course

Title

Evolution

Professor

Robert Cutler

Schedule

Wed Fr  1:30 pm -  3:30 pm  HEGEMAN 201

This course will examine the following areas of evolution: population and quantitative genetics, natural and sexual selection, adaptation, speciation, and the major themes in phylogenetic evolution. Basic theory as well as empirical evidence for evolutionary processes that occur in both natural and computer-modeled populations will be explored. Prerequisites: (BIO 201) or permission of the instructor.

 

CRN

14317

Distribution

E

Course No.

BIO 211

Title

Metabolic Disease: From Genetics to Diet

Professor

Robert Cutler

Schedule

Th                 1:30 pm -  3:30 pm HEGEMAN 201

(2 credits) This course will examine human metabolism through instances in which it fails to function correctly.  Some diseases with direct bearing on human metabolism include leptin deficiency, severe childhood epilepsy, hyper- and hypocholesterolemia, type I and II diabetes, hypogonadism, and more complex disease states such as Syndrome X and morbid obesity.  Although some familial instances of these diseases do occur and have been attributed to the loss of single genes, others such as Syndrome X occur in up to 25% of the population and are most likely the result of multiply interacting factors.  The environmental versus genetic components of these diseases as well as methods to regulate the metabolic system such as diet composition, exercise, and medication will also be discussed.  During the semester we will visit several researchers at Rockefeller University who have been responsible for key insights into these processes. (Limited to 11 students)

Prerequisites: BIO 201 or permission of instructor.

 

CRN

14318

Distribution

E

Course No.

BIO 212

Title

Ecology of the Hudson River

Professor

Dave Strayer

Schedule

Wed   3:00 pm -  5:00 pm    HEGEMAN 106

Cross-listed: Environmental Studies

(2 credits)  An overview of the ecology of the Hudson River estuary, based on readings and directed discussions.  Topics to be covered include the origin and morphology of the river channel; origins and fates of water, nutrients, and sediments in the estuary; characteristics of biological populations and the food web; major human impacts on the ecosystem; and comparisons with other aquatic ecosystems. Prerequisite:  college-level biology or permission of the instructor.

 

CRN

14032

Distribution

E/G

Course No.

BIO 302

Title

Molecular Biology

Professor

Michael Tibbetts

Schedule

Mon  Wed   8:30 am – 9:50 am  HEGEMAN 201

Lab: Tu   1:30 pm -  3:30 pm  ROSE 305 

This course explores molecular aspects of gene expression in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. Topics include DNA structure, replication, and repair; DNA transcription; RNA structure and processing; and polypeptide synthesis. The course also covers various mechanisms involved in the regulation of gene expression. Emphasis is placed on a review of the current literature and the experimental approaches used in modern molecular biological research. The laboratory provides practical experience in such current techniques used in molecular biology as molecular cloning, restriction enzyme mapping, DNA sequencing, and nucleic acid hybridization. Prerequisites: Biology 201, Chemistry 201‑202.

 

CRN

14033

Distribution

E/G

Course No.

BIO 306

Title

Vertebrate Zoology

Professor

William Maple

Schedule

Tu   Th       8:30 am – 9:50 am    HEGEMAN 201

Lab: Tu      1:20 pm -  4:30 pm   HEGEMAN 308 

The course surveys the natural history, evolution, and ecology of the vertebrates native to the Hudson Valley region.  Lab sessions are used for identification, taxonomy, and study techniques, with as much work as possible done in the field. Occasionally, evening or weekend classes are required.

Prerequisites: Biology 101 and 102, Upper College standing, permission of the instructor; Biology 305 recommended.

 

CRN

14036

Distribution

E

Course No.

BIO 407

Title

Diabetes Mellitus

Professor

John Ferguson

Schedule

Mon  1:00 pm -  3:00 pm HEGEMAN 300

2 credits  (senior seminar) The seminar considers the biochemistry, genetics, cell biology, and physiology of a well known disease. Readings will be largely in the primary literature, ranging from works by Arataeus the Cappadocian (A.D. 200), William Prout (1840), and Claude Bernard (1877) through descriptions of the latest developments in the field. The course is designed to provide a historical perspective on the development of current notions of the disease and to provide an opportunity for seniors to apply their knowledge of many subdisciplines of biology to a single problem.

Prerequisites: extensive course work in molecular biology, cellular, and organismal biology; senior status; permission of the instructor.