BIOL 105 - Introduction to Biological Processes

Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1 unit(s)

Topic for 2018/19a: Genetically Modified Organisms. From corn engineered to be herbicide-tolerant to salmon engineered to grow at twice the usual rate, genetically engineered organisms (or GMOs in common parlance) have continued to be in the news and spark controversies. In this course we use examples of GMOs to explore key principles in biology, though for the purposes of this class we use the term “GMO” very loosely.  We study examples of both human engineered and random changes to DNA and their outcomes.  We cover the key principles of genetics, evolution, ecology, and cellular metabolism by exploring “GMOs” in the context of biofuel production, agriculture and the spread of malaria. Jennifer Kennell.

Topic for 2018/19a: Let’s talk about sex. What does it mean to be “male” or “female”? What about transgendered or intersex? In this course we learn fundamental biological principles and processes by examining the evolution, cell biology, endocrinology, genetics, and physiology of mechanisms underlying sexual determination and differentiation. We also explore current topics in sex determination and differentiation across non-human vertebrates to examine differences in mechanisms underlying the development of sex. Kelli Duncan.

Topic for 2018/19a: Pets, Crops and Livestock:  Biology of Animal and Plant Domestication. For at least nine tenths of its existence, our species survived by hunting wild animals and gathering wild plants. Then, about eight to 10 thousand years ago, our ancestors from at least seven different regions of the world independently domesticated certain species of wild animals and plants. These transitions from foraging to farming were the greatest events in our cultural history. From a biological perspective, domestication is an evolutionary process, a long-term selection experiment, that has affected both domesticates and ourselves. By examining domestication from a biological point of view, you should gain a better understanding of central biological concepts and improve your abilities to obtain, understand, critically evaluate, and communicate biological information. Mark Schlessman.

Topic for 2018/19a and b: Wild Canids and Domestic Dogs. This course explores the evolutionary diversity of dogs, both wild and domestic. We discuss the evolution of dogs from wolves as well as the artificial selection used to develop different dog breeds. To fully understand these evolutionary changes we explore topics such as the bio-chemical pathways involved in aggression and the genetics of coat color. Specific dog breeds are used to examine topics such as the physiology of performance and the genetic basis of disease. We also examine the diversity of wild canids from a conservation perspective, examining how their ecology interfaces with current population and genetic constraints. Meg Ronsheim.

Topic for 2018/19b: The Biology of the Human Microbiome. The human microbiome consists of the bacteria, eukaryotic cells and viruses that inhabit our bodies. These microbes outnumber our human cells by as much as ten to one and their genes may outnumber human genes by over a hundred to one. Once ignored, increasing evidence indicates that an appropriate balance of these microbes plays an essential role in human health. This course focuses on the interactions of the bacterial microbiome and their hosts as a framework for understanding basic biological principles. These include the biochemistry, structure, and function of cells, metabolism, genetic variation, evolution of the host-bacterial relationship, antibiotic resistance, and biodiversity, as well as the impact of diet and antibiotic use on the microbiome and consequences for health and disease. Elizabeth Collins.

Topic for 2018/19b: The Biology and Biomechanics of Spiders.Spiders are amazing due to their ability to stick to walls, spin incredibly strong webs, and create mass hysteria when found in your bedroom. This diverse set of predators have evolved to survive in nearly all environmental conditions and serve as a wonderful model to study biology and material sciences. In this course, we learn about the fundamental principles of biology such as cellular structure, physiology, genetics and inheritance, ecology and evolution in order to shed light on these misunderstood critters. In addition, we discuss the scientific method and how we are presently using it to make human life easier through biomimicry, learning from nature. Could a spider web stop a bullet? Which spiders can kill us? How realistic are Spider man’s powers? Would Gwen Stacy have really died? Which spiders are the best dancers? These are only a few of the questions we answer. Candido Diaz.

Three 50-minute periods.