Click on the titles to see example syllabi and other course materials.
Biology 103 - Sensory Biology This course examines the biology of sensation in humans and other organisms. It focuses on the chemical (taste, smell) and mechanical (touch, hearing) senses, and includes other topics such as electroreception in fish, magnetoreception in migrating animals, and vision in vertebrates and invertebrates. Laboratory exercises examine our own senses (why, for example, do peppers seem hotter to some humans than others?), as well as those of other organisms, such as aversive behaviors to chemical or tactile stimuli in invertebrates, and reaction to touch in carnivorous plants.
Biology/Neuroscience 308 - Neurobiology
This course is designed to teach students about the cellular basis of signaling in the nervous systems of vertebrate and invertebrate animals. Laboratory exercises are included in which students can test for themselves what variables control neuron function. Check out the new neurobiology laboratory by clicking an image.
Biology/Neuroscience 338 - Drug Actions on the Nervous System
In this lecture and discussion class students learn about how drugs interact with neurotransmitter systems in the brain and nervous system. Students help design the course by choosing topics of interest and presenting information to the class about their topics.
Biology 476 - Seminar and Research in Neurobiology
This seminar and research course is designed to allow students to do independent or group research projects in collaboration with the instructor. A small number of students (up to 6) work in the research laboratory of the instructor to gain experience in laboratory science. Project topics include those that are similar to the instructor's research interests.
First Year Seminar 243 - Science of Alternative Medicine
The use of alternative medical practices by Americans has increased dramatically in the past several years. This course investigates the scientific basis of these therapies, which include Traditional Chinese Medicine and herbal medicine. Students of this course also examine alternative practices within their original cultural context and how they have changed with adoption by Americans.
Biology s42 - Cell and Molecular Biology (links to Biology web site)
This lecture and laboratory course is affectionately known as "Cell Hell". It is taught during the short term by two faculty members and two laboratory assistants. All biology, neuroscience and biochemistry majors are required to take this course. In a way, it serves as a bonding experience for students and the participating faculty and staff. Check out the photos on the "Cell Hell" web page!
