This course introduces MCB majors who did not take BIOL 211 (General Ecology) to important statistical concepts, experimental design, and data analysis tools that are covered in BIOL 211. Topics of study include: Introduction to the software R and RStudio, and introduction to basic statistical tests and data analysis and graphing using R and Excel.

An introduction to the interactions of individuals in a population, populations in a community, and communities in ecosystems. Laboratories are designed to illustrate ecological principles and give experience in approaches and techniques of ecology. Experimental design, quantitative data analysis, and statistics are emphasized throughout the course.

This course is designed to provide a general overview of natural history museum practices that support the main functions of these institutions: research and education. Natural history museums are invaluable archives of Earth's biodiversity and were the primary locus for biological research in the 18th and 19th centuries. The vast collections of specimens in natural history museums provide a temporal and geographic record of life unmatched by written or illustrated accounts.

This course introduces Biology majors to the professional activities of departmental faculty and staff. It includes a series of presentations by Biology faculty relating their interests in both teaching and research, with a description of current research projects. It also includes orientation to the research support facilities provided by the Biology Department.

This course explores the mechanisms of evolution and the vast diversity of life to which it gave rise. The characteristics that define different groups of organisms, and the evolutionary relationships among these groups are explored. Structure and function relationships are emphasized throughout the course. Laboratory is required. Some labs involve the dissection of plants, animals, and fungi. Some labs may involve the collection and sacrificing of zooplankton and insects as well as the handling of plant and animal parts obtained from a supermarket.

Molecular Biology focuses on the structure, organization, and regulation of genetic material at the molecular level. This course emphasizes modern analyses of genomes and transcriptomes while also introducing students to contemporary techniques used to manipulate gene expression or edit the genome.

Contemporary theories on differentiation and descriptive patterns of development with emphasis on animals. The laboratory deals with a variety of invertebrates and vertebrates including some experiments with living materials. Alternative exercises are provided for students who prefer not to work with living animals.

This course focuses on biological concepts and techniques fundamental to the science of conservation biology. To understand mechanisms that drive the loss of biological diversity and approaches to address those threats, the course explores a variety of topics including extinction processes, population dynamics, population genetics, habitat fragmentation, invasive species, protected area design, and restoration ecology. The laboratory component involves field work, including a full weekend field trip, and quantitative computer simulations.

This course deals with the structure and function of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and nucleic acids at the cellular and molecular levels. The course emphasizes both the interrelationships among major metabolic pathways, and how modern techniques are applied to study biomolecular structure and function. The course is suitable for students interested in health-related fields as well as those interested in broader applications. There is no laboratory associated with this course.

This course introduces students to the principles of classical and modern genetics. The laboratory illustrates major concepts in genetics through directed inquiry experiments.