printer friendly pageBIO 117: Biology and Global Change (EARTHSYS 111, ESS 111)
The biological causes and consequences of anthropogenic and natural changes in the atmosphere, oceans, and terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. Topics: glacial cycles and marine circulation, greenhouse gases and climate change, tropical deforestation and species extinctions, and human population growth and resource use. Prerequisite: Biology or Human Biology core or graduate standing.
Terms: Win
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA
BIO 118: Genetic Analysis of Biological Processes
Focus is on using mutations and genetic analysis to study biological and medical questions. The first portion of the course covers how the identification and analysis of mutations can be used in model systems to investigate biological processes such as development and metabolism. In the second portion of the course, we focus on the use of existing genetic variation in humans and other species to identify disease-associated genes as well as to investigate variation in morphological traits such as body size and shape.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: WAY-SMA, GER: DB-NatSci
BIO 121: Biogeography
Global distributions of organisms through the Phanerozoic, with emphasis on historical causes. Topics: plate tectonics, island biogeography, climatic change, dispersal, vicariance, ecology of invasions, extinction, gradients, diversity. Satisfies Central Menu Area 4.
Last offered: Spring 2009
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA
BIO 129A: Cellular Dynamics I: Cell Motility and Adhesion
Cell motility emphasizing role of actin assembly and dynamics coupling actin organization to cell movement. Interaction of cells with extracellular matrix, and remodelling of extracellular matrix in development and disease. Directed cell migration by chemotaxis (neuronal path-finding, immune cells). Cell-cell adhesion, formation of intercellular junctions and mechanisms regulating cell-cell interactions in development and diseases. Emphasis is on experimental logic, methods, problem solving, and interpretation of results. Students present research papers. Satisfies Central Menu Area 2. Prerequisite: Biology core.
Last offered: Winter 2015
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-AQR, WAY-SMA
BIO 129B: Cellular Dynamics II: Building a Cell
Principles of cell organization; how common biochemical pathways are modified to generate diversity in cell structure and function. Roles of actin and microtubule cytoskeletons in cellular architecture. Mechanisms of protein sorting and trafficking, and protein modules and switches in regulating cell polarity. Yeast to polarized epithelial cells and neurons. Emphasis is on experimental logic, methods, problem solving, and interpretation of results. Students present research papers. Satisfies Central Menu Area 2. Prerequisite: Biology core. Recommended: 129A.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci
Instructors:
Nelson, W. (PI)
BIO 132: Advanced Imaging Lab in Biophysics (APPPHYS 232, BIO 232, BIOPHYS 232, GENE 232)
Laboratory and lectures. Advanced microscopy and imaging, emphasizing hands-on experience with state-of-the-art techniques. Students construct and operate working apparatus. Topics include microscope optics, Koehler illumination, contrast-generating mechanisms (bright/dark field, fluorescence, phase contrast, differential interference contrast), and resolution limits. Laboratory topics vary by year, but include single-molecule fluorescence, fluorescence resonance energy transfer, confocal microscopy, two-photon microscopy, microendoscopy, and optical trapping. Limited enrollment. Recommended: basic physics, Biology core or equivalent, and consent of instructor.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci
BIO 136: Evolutionary Paleobiology
A paleontological approach to evolutionary theory. Topics: history of life, speciation, heterochrony, evolutionary constraint, coevolution, macroevolution, the Cambrian Explosion, mass extinctions, taphonomy, life on land, life in the sea, life in the air. Satisfies Central Menu Area 4. Prerequisite: Biology Core.
Last offered: Winter 2011
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA
BIO 137: Plant Genetics
Gene analysis, mutagenesis, transposable elements; developmental genetics of flowering and embryo development; biochemical genetics of plant metabolism; scientific and societal lessons from transgenic plants. Satisfies Central Menu Area 2. Prerequisite: Biology core or consent of instructor. Satisfies WIM in Biology.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3-4
| UG Reqs: WAY-SMA, GER: DB-NatSci
Instructors:
Walbot, V. (PI)
;
Cai, L. (TA)
BIO 143: Evolution
Principles of evolution. Adaptation and natural selection. Darwin and the history of evolutionary thought. Population genetics, including genetic variation and mutation, and effects of migration, drift, linkage, and recombination. Evolutionary phenomena: developmental evolution, life history evolution, molecular evolution, sexual selection, social evolution, and speciation. Pattern and process in biological diversity. Case studies, including human evolution. Satisfies central menu area 4, ecology & evolution.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci
BIO 144: Conservation Biology: A Latin American Perspective (BIO 234, HUMBIO 112)
Principles and application of the science of preserving biological diversity. Conceptually, this course is designed to explore 4 major components relevant to the conservation of biodiversity, as exemplified by the Latin American region. The conceptual frameworks and principles, however, should be generally applicable, and provide insights for all regions of the world, including those of lesser biodiversity. Satisfies Central Menu Area 4 for Bio majors. Prerequisite:
BIO 101, or
BIO 43 or
HUMBIO 2A with consent of instructor. Graduate level students will be expected to conduct a literature research exercise leading to a written paper, addressing a topic of their choosing, derived from any of the themes discussed in class.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci
Instructors:
Dirzo, R. (PI)
;
Schroeder, J. (TA)
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