Discusses the major features of the evolutionary process, including the fossil record, basic population genetics, variation, natural selection, adaptation and speciation.

Ecology is the scientific study of interactions between organisms and their environment in a hierarchy of levels of individuals, organizations, populations, communities and ecosystems. This course is designed to provide a comprehensive survey of general concepts that can stand alone or serve as preparation for advanced courses in ecology. Labs emphasize the collection, analysis and interpretation of data from ecological experiments to illustrate and complement the lecture material. Examples will be drawn from a broad range of organisms and systems.

The course covers chromosomal and molecular basis for the transmission and function of genes. The construction of genetic and physical maps of genes and genomes. Strategies for the isolation of specific genes. Examples of regulatory mechanisms for the expression of the genetic material in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

A structural and functional dissection of a eukaryotic cell with emphasis on the techniques of modern cell biology. Detection of specific molecules at the ultrastructural level; plasma membrane structure and function; cytoskeletal involvement in intracellular transport, mitosis and cytokinesis; the endomembrane system, protein targeting, exocytosis and endocytosis; nuclear structure and function; cell cycle control and cancer.

This course examines the major lineages of life on Earth. It provides an overview of evolutionary principles and classification, the history of life, and the key adaptations of prokaryotes, protists, fungi, plants, and animals. Laboratories survey the diversity of biological form and function, and introduce students to data collection and scientific writing.

All life functions are based on cells, and this course will provide an introduction to cell structure and function. Major topics will include the origin of life, the development of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell lineage, energy conversions, the compartmentation of biochemical functions within a cell and communication from cell to cell. The genetic control of cell activities is examined through methods of molecular genetic analysis and their application in genetic engineering and biotechnology.

A study of biological concepts and mechanisms illustrated by current examples of medical and environmental problems.

The concepts in this course include nervous and endocrine systems; human reproduction and development; cell division, genetics, and molecular biology; populations and community dynamics.

The major concepts in this course include human systems (digestion, respiration, circulation, immune, excretory and motor systems); energy and matter exchange in the biosphere; population change; photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

An introduction to the fundamental principles of biochemistry, protein structure and function: lipids and the structure of biological membranes, nucleotides and the structure of nucleic acids, bioenergetics and the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and nitrogen; the integration and regulation of cellular metabolism. This course is intended for students who require a one-term introduction to the fundamental principles of biochemistry and for students who intend to take further courses in biochemistry.