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.

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.

Computational Cancer Biology
Investigation of computational methods to analyze high-throughput biological measurements collected from hundreds to thousands of cancer samples. Biological topics include tumor classification, tumor heterogeneity, and dysregulated signaling pathways. Computational topics include algorithms and models to synthesize, integrate, and manage large-scale cancer datasets.

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.

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.

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.

Evolution’s Rainbow
This discussion section will tackle Joan Roughgarden’s Evolution’s Rainbow on its tenth anniversary. In this book, Dr. Roughgarden discusses the science behind the diversity of sex and gender across the animal kingdom, in humans, and in human culture through a feminist, gay, and transgender critique. During this class we will read chapters from this popular science book, investigate selected scientific references, and look at how Roughgarden’s and others’ critiques have or have not shaped research in these subjects. In addition to participating in and leading discussion, students will prepare a presentation on methods used in the process of making discoveries in this field and complete short and medium-length written assignments synthesizing concepts and evidence they have learned about in discussion and from reading.

Genome Evolution
A growing body of knowledge about the size, shape, content, and dynamics of genome evolution has accrued since the first genomes were sequenced almost 30 years ago. This course will focus on reading, discussing, and presenting papers from the primary literature on genome evolution, including research on the evolution of sex chromosomes, the evolution of chromosome number and size, horizontal transfer, organellar genome evolution, chromosome and genome organization, inheritance, and dynamics. Students will use reviews and perspective pieces from the secondary literature as background, in order to inform both asking and answering questions during discussion of recent research papers. In addition to participating and leading discussion, students will prepare a presentation on methods used in the process of making discoveries in this field and complete short and medium-length written assignments synthesizing concepts and evidence they have learned about in discussion and from reading.

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.

Mobile DNA
The course will focus on reading, discussing, and presenting papers from the primary literature on mobile genetic elements and viruses, including research about transposition, horizontal transfer, silencing, accumulation, and domestication.

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.