BIOL 431 - Seminar in Biology: Contemporary Topics

An examination of current topics and areas in biology with an emphasis on primary literature. Participants will lead group discussions and/or make oral presentations. Not all topics offered every year.

Advances in Forest Canopy Research
Most research to understand the forest ecosystem has taken place from the forest floor. Yet many of the ecological and physiological processes that drive forest ecosystem function take place far above the ground in the complex intersection of branches that forms the forest canopy environment. This class will explore the history of, common techniques in, and recent advances for studying this unique and important environment through study of the academic literature and hands-on investigation of canopy access techniques, including tree climbing and canopy sampling using drone-based technology.

Animal Communication
This class explores the diverse ways animals communicate, from vocalizations and body language to chemical signals and electrical impulses. We will examine the mechanisms, evolution, and ecological significance of communication across species, considering how animals convey information for mating, social bonding, warning signals, and territorial defense. Through an interdisciplinary approach, we will integrate concepts from ethology, neurobiology, and evolutionary biology to understand the role of communication in survival and reproduction. Additionally, we will discuss the similarities and differences between animal communication systems and human language, including the limits of nonhuman cognition and expression. By the end of the course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the adaptive significance and complexity of communication in the animal kingdom.

Bacterial Pathogenesis
An examination of how bacterial pathogens interact with host organisms in order to cause disease. Topics include adhesion, colonization, invasion, toxins, subversion of host cell signaling events, immune evasion, and bacteria-to-bacteria communication as they pertain to pathogenesis.

Bridging Science and Society with Developmental Neurobiology
An exploration of our current understanding of how brains and eyes form. Our investigations will focus on patterning, size determination, morphogenesis, neuronal connectivity, regeneration, stem cells, and developmental/degenerative diseases. This course is designed to help students break down barriers between scientists and nonscientists, providing a forum to develop neurobiology-informed community engagement projects.

Computational Image Analysis of Cells and Tissues
Biological image analysis is undergoing a computational revolution driven by advances in microscopy, machine learning, and the availability of large-scale datasets. This course will explore current computational methods for quantifying and analyzing microscopy images and movies of cells and tissues, illustrating how these approaches lead to biological discoveries. Students will use open-source tools to analyze publicly available and in-house microscopy datasets. Hands-on image analysis will be coupled with readings to build familiarity with the field through a combination of review articles, methodological papers, and primary literature.Topics may include automated cell segmentation and tracking, spatial organization of tissues, and cell migration during development and disease.

Conservation Genetics
An exploration of issues of current controversy and active research in conservation biology, highlighting places where molecular genetic techniques and data are providing new insights for classical problems in the management and conservation of rare and threatened species.

Cytoskeletal Dynamics
An exploration of our current understanding of the cytoskeleton and its role in cell migration, morphogenesis, and disease. We will explore the primary literature and discuss how the cytoskeleton (actin, microtubules, and intermediate filaments) is regulated and how the molecular motors (kinesin, dynein, and myosin) contribute to cellular function.

Development of Sensory Systems
An exploration of how sensory systems develop across the tree of life, focusing on animals. We will interrogate review articles, contemporary science writing, and primary literature to build a shared understanding of animal sensory system biology. In this course, our reading, writing, and discussions will be guided by questions about developmental lineages, spatial organization, transcriptional profiles, and neural circuit formation. Previous cell and/or developmental biology coursework is highly recommended. Familiarity with genetics, molecular biology, and/or evolution may be beneficial.

Ecology and Evolution of Plant-Human Interactions
Ecological and evolutionary contexts of interactions between plants and humans. Potential topics include agricultural ecology, grazing, plant-resource extraction, crop evolution and their diseases/pests, plant breeding, transgenic species, and invasive plants.

Global Change Ecology
In light of ongoing environmental change, how are the Earth’s ecological systems likely to respond? We will discuss and present primary literature related to advanced basic and applied concepts in ecology to 1) explore the theories and tools for understanding the ecological response to environmental change and 2) identify sources of uncertainty for accurately understanding such issues.

Neuroethology
Exploration of modern and classic research aimed at understanding the neural basis of behavior. Neuroethologists investigate how the brains of diverse species generate natural behaviors, with the goal of elucidating fundamental principles of brain function. Topics may include animal communication, learning and memory, locomotion, prey capture, and escape behavior.

Unit(s): 0.5
Group Distribution Requirement(s): Distribution Group III
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 101 and BIOL 102, two additional units of biology with laboratory, and junior or senior standing
Instructional Method: Conference
Grading Mode: Letter grading (A-F)
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken up to 6 times for credit if different topics.
Notes: Not all topics offered every year. Review schedule of classes for availability.
Group Distribution Learning Outcome(s):

Use and evaluate quantitative data or modeling, or use logical/mathematical reasoning to evaluate, test or prove statements.
Given a problem or question, formulate a hypothesis or conjecture, and design an experiment, collect data, or use mathematical reasoning to test or validate it.