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BIOL 801 - Genetics |
A study of the principles governing heredity in all living things, including microorganisms,
plants, and animals. Topics covered include Mendelian inheritance, molecular genetics, cytogenetics, human hereditary disease, and population genetics. Laboratory. Prerequisites: Introductory courses in biology and chemistry or permission of advisor.
1.000 Credit hours 4.000 Lecture hours 2.000 Other hours Levels: Graduate, Non-Matriculated, Post-Baccalaureate Tchr Lcnse Schedule Types: Lecture/Lab, Lecture, Lab, Independent/Directed Study Biology Department |
BIOL 802 - Processes of Organic Evolution |
A study of the historical development of evolutionary thought in the pre-and post-Darwinian
periods; the interplay among mutations, recombination, gene flow, natural selection and
genetic drift in determining the direction of evolutionary change; isolating mechanisms and the
origins of species; the role of polyploidy in plant evolution; the significance of hybridization in
evolution and speciation; evidence of evolution from various disciplines. No laboratory. Prerequisite: An introductory course in genetics or permission of the advisor.
1.000 Credit hours 4.000 Lecture hours Levels: Graduate, Non-Matriculated, Post-Baccalaureate Tchr Lcnse Schedule Types: Independent/Directed Study, Lecture Biology Department |
BIOL 810 - Cell Biology |
A study of the structure and function of cells and their major organelles. Topics covered include
the nucleus, mitochondria, Golgi, lysosome, endoplasmic reticulum, protein trafficking, signal
transduction, cellular energetics, and gene expression. Laboratory exercises are mostly experimental. Prerequisites: Introductory courses in biology and chemistry or permission of advisor.
1.000 Credit hours 4.000 Lecture hours 2.000 Lab hours Levels: Graduate, Non-Matriculated, Post-Baccalaureate Tchr Lcnse Schedule Types: Lecture/Lab, Lecture, Lab, Independent/Directed Study Biology Department |
BIOL 815 - Cetacean Biology and Conservation |
An examination of the biology and conservation of cetaceans: whales, dolphins, and porpoises.
Topics include physiology, population biology and life history analysis, molecular genetics,
morphology, distributional ecology, and social behavior. Early lectures focus on the biology of
cetaceans and how they are adapted to the marine environment. Later lectures use case studies
to review how biological principles can be applied to the conservation of a wide range of cetacean
species. This course is offered through the Marine Studies Consortium, and is taught at an
off-campus location. Additional course fees apply. Prerequisites: One year of general biology and two upper level biology courses.
1.000 Credit hours 4.000 Lecture hours Levels: Graduate, Non-Matriculated, Post-Baccalaureate Tchr Lcnse Schedule Types: Independent/Directed Study, Lecture Biology Department |
BIOL 816 - Wetlands: Hydrology, Ecology, Restoration |
A study of wetlands and their role in the hydrology and ecology of global landscapes. Course
topics include the function of inland and coastal marshes, swamps and bogs in water and
nutrient cycles, and the role of wetlands in the support of biodiversity, from microbes to
vertebrates. The biological links between wetlands and human activities, such as agriculture,
coastal development, and fisheries, and the legal framework for the protection and restoration
of endangered wetlands are also examined. This course is offered through the Marine Studies
Consortium, and is taught at an off-campus location. Additional course fees apply. Prerequisites:
One year of introductory science (e.g. biology, geology, chemistry, or engineering) and
two upper level (elective) science courses.
1.000 Credit hours 4.000 Lecture hours Levels: Graduate, Non-Matriculated, Post-Baccalaureate Tchr Lcnse Schedule Types: Independent/Directed Study, Lecture Biology Department |
BIOL 817 - Introduction to Marine Mammals |
An exploration of the biology and natural history of marine mammals in the North Atlantic,
including whales, dolphins, and seals. Topics include evolution, anatomy, behavior, field
identification, and the history of whaling and contemporary conservation issues. Demonstration
laboratory work focuses on smaller marine mammals. There is one Saturday field trip on
Massachusetts Bay. This course is not open to Biology majors. This course is offered through
the Marine Studies Consortium, and is taught at an off-campus location. Additional course fees
apply. Prerequisite: One college biology course.
1.000 Credit hours 4.000 Lecture hours Levels: Graduate, Non-Matriculated, Post-Baccalaureate Tchr Lcnse Schedule Types: Independent/Directed Study, Lecture Biology Department |
BIOL 820 - Introduction to Environmental Science |
A comprehensive survey of the environmental principles concerning the interactions of humans
and world resources. The role of technology in meeting problems of growth, population,
energy and agriculture is examined in the context of present capabilities and the prospect for
future development. No laboratory.
1.000 Credit hours 4.000 Lecture hours Levels: Graduate, Non-Matriculated, Post-Baccalaureate Tchr Lcnse Schedule Types: Independent/Directed Study, Lecture Biology Department |
BIOL 826 - Methods in Biological Research I |
Designed to develop a working appreciation of methods of scientific inquiry through development
of an original research proposal. Topics included are problem definition, literature survey,
resource bibliography and research design, including proposed data analysis. Prerequisite:
Biostatistics or substitution of an equivalent course with the approval of the department chair.
1.000 Credit hours 4.000 Lecture hours Levels: Graduate, Non-Matriculated, Post-Baccalaureate Tchr Lcnse Schedule Types: Independent/Directed Study, Lecture Biology Department |
BIOL 827 - Methods in Biological Research II |
A continuation of Methods I (23.826) in which the students implement their research design
under the supervision of a department faculty member. The research may be conducted off
campus with the approval of the course coordinator.
1.000 Credit hours 4.000 Lecture hours Levels: Graduate, Non-Matriculated, Post-Baccalaureate Tchr Lcnse Schedule Types: Independent/Directed Study, Lecture Biology Department |
BIOL 830 - Immunology |
A study of the principles of immunology. The immune response, antibody formation in cells
and the whole animal, immuno-suppression, blood group antigens, and the kinetics of antigen-
antibody reactions are described. The structure of the antibody and its active site are examined
at the molecular level. The roles of complement, hypersensitivity (allergy), and autoallergic reactions and transplantation immunity are discussed. Laboratory.
Prerequisite: 23.307 Principles of Microbiology or permission of the instructor.
1.000 Credit hours 4.000 Lecture hours 2.000 Lab hours Levels: Graduate, Non-Matriculated, Post-Baccalaureate Tchr Lcnse Schedule Types: Lecture/Lab, Lecture, Lab, Independent/Directed Study Biology Department |
BIOL 835 - Recombinant DNA Technology |
Designed to familiarize the student with the processes and techniques employed by the biotechnology industry to produce recombinant products. The theoretical foundations for recombinant DNA methodology, as well as medical forensic and commercial applications of genetic
engineering are considered. Laboratory exercises include DNA isolation, restriction enzyme
mapping, cloning to selectable vectors, gel electrophoresis, polymerase chain reaction, DNA
sequencing, and selected protein purification methodology. Prerequisites: 23.301 Genetics and 23.307 Principles of Microbiology.
1.000 Credit hours 4.000 Lecture hours 2.000 Lab hours Levels: Graduate, Non-Matriculated, Post-Baccalaureate Tchr Lcnse Schedule Types: Lecture/Lab, Lecture, Lab, Independent/Directed Study Biology Department |
BIOL 839 - Neurobiology |
An advanced examination of the development, structure and function of the central and
peripheral nervous systems. Topics covered include synaptic communication, neurotransmission,
sensory and motor processing, reflexes and cellular processes of learning and memory. It is designed for biology or psychology majors with an interest in neurophysiology.Laboratory. Prerequisite: 23.272 Human Anatomy and Physiology I or 23.234 Comparative Vertebrate Physiology or permission of the instructor.
1.000 Credit hours 4.000 Lecture hours 2.000 Lab hours Levels: Graduate, Non-Matriculated, Post-Baccalaureate Tchr Lcnse Schedule Types: Lecture/Lab, Lecture, Lab, Independent/Directed Study Biology Department |
BIOL 859 - Neighborhood Botany |
Designed to acquaint the student with the tools for identifying the flowering plants and
conifers in the local flora. The course will include vegetative and floral morphology, use and
construction of botanical keys and collecting techniques.
1.000 Credit hours 4.000 Lecture hours Levels: Graduate, Non-Matriculated, Post-Baccalaureate Tchr Lcnse Schedule Types: Independent/Directed Study, Lecture Biology Department |
BIOL 871 - Medical Microbiology |
An overview of human infectious diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Emphasis is
placed on current diagnostic techniques and microbial pathogenic mechanisms, and on contemporary issues that include newly emerging infectious diseases, vaccines, and bio-terrorism. Laboratory exercises focus on state-of-the-art procedures for the isolation and identification of pathogenic microbes and for the determination of their susceptibility to chemotherapeutic drugs. Prerequisite: An introductory course in microbiology. Note: Students cannot receive course credit for both Medical Microbiology (23.871) and Theories of Infectious Diseases (23.881).
1.000 Credit hours 4.000 Lecture hours Levels: Graduate, Non-Matriculated, Post-Baccalaureate Tchr Lcnse Schedule Types: Lecture/Lab, Lecture, Lab, Independent/Directed Study Biology Department |
BIOL 881 - Theories of Infectious Diseases |
An introduction to human infectious diseases based upon assigned readings that emphasize microbial pathogenic mechanisms and contemporary diagnostic techniques. Learning goals are centered on a series of case studies involving the most common infectious diseases affecting humankind.
Prerequisite: An introductory course in microbiology or permission of the advisor.
1.000 Credit hours 4.000 Lecture hours Levels: Graduate, Non-Matriculated, Post-Baccalaureate Tchr Lcnse Schedule Types: Independent/Directed Study, Lecture Biology Department |
BIOL 960 - Advanced Topics in Biology: Cell and Molecular Biology |
Explores special topics in cell and molecular biology. Course content varies from semester
to semester, reflecting contemporary issues in the discipline and depending upon student and
faculty interest.
1.000 Credit hours 4.000 Lecture hours Levels: Graduate, Non-Matriculated, Post-Baccalaureate Tchr Lcnse Schedule Types: Independent/Directed Study, Lecture Biology Department |
BIOL 961 - Advanced Topics in Biology: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology |
Explores special topics in ecology and evolutionary biology. Course content varies from semester
to semester, reflecting contemporary issues in the discipline and depending upon student
and faculty interest.
1.000 Credit hours 4.000 Lecture hours Levels: Graduate, Non-Matriculated, Post-Baccalaureate Tchr Lcnse Schedule Types: Independent/Directed Study, Lecture Biology Department |
BIOL 980 - Research in Biology |
An opportunity for M.Ed. students to complete independent research in an area relevant to
their special interests. Each student's experience is to be planned in cooperation with a department
member and must be approved by the department chair. Progress reports and final written
and oral reports will be required.
1.000 Credit hours 4.000 Lecture hours Levels: Graduate, Non-Matriculated, Post-Baccalaureate Tchr Lcnse Schedule Types: Independent/Directed Study, Lecture Biology Department |
BIOL 990 - Directed Study in Biology: General Science |
An opportunity for independent work in an area relevant to the student's special interest.
Each student's experience is planned in cooperation with a graduate faculty member and must
be approved by the department chair. Progress reports and final written and oral reports are
required. Prerequisite: Permission of the advisor and instructor. Open to matriculated students in the M.Ed. in Biology Program.
1.000 Credit hours Levels: Graduate, Non-Matriculated, Post-Baccalaureate Tchr Lcnse Schedule Types: Independent/Directed Study Biology Department |