BIO 390 Special Topics in Biology
This seminar course will teach students skills needed to read and critically analyze original journal articles. Some lectures will be given, but the bulk of the course will consist of student-led discussions and analysis of scientific papers. Students will improve their communication skills by discussing papers and leading discussions, by writing a research paper and peer-editing, and by preparing oral presentations as an aid for leading discussions. May be taken more than once for credit as the topics will differ each semester, but can only be used to fulfill one of the requirements for the Biology major. Cannot be used to fill the Biology requirement of the Biochemistry major.
Biology of Sleep
Sleep is a universal, life-sustaining behavior, yet the fundamental mechanisms that shape sleep need, habits, and function are pressing topics in modern biology with relevance spanning across fields - biochemistry, immune function, evolution, neuroscience, kinesiology, and psychology. Building on material learned in 100-level Cell and Molecular courses, the course will address fundamental concepts about the cellular/molecular function of sleep, such as: how genotype drives phenotype (ex. What are the genetic origins of morning birds, night owls, and insomniacs?); sleep and an overactive immune system; and comorbidities of sleep and psychological disease. Additionally, we will explore the evolution and conservation of sleep, the interaction of muscle recovery and gains/losses during sleep, and models of sleep. Students will gain skills in the evaluation of methods including electrophysiology, fMRI, calcium imaging, CRISPR genome editing, Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS), including applications ranging from academic study to biotech industry advancements.
Prerequisite
BIO 130 and either a 200-level BIO or 300-level BIO course