Students enroll in the SCE course during theirfinal year. Credits are awarded in the finalsemester for year-long experimental SCEs anddouble-majors, and during the semester ofcompletion for single-semester, monograph-basedSCEs.

An introduction to some of the fundamentalprinciples and concepts of modern biology.Emphasis varies with the course, which might rangein topic from forensic biology to toxicology toecology and evolution. The application ofbiological phenomena to everyday life and thescientific method are emphasized. The laboratoryexplores topics introduced in lecture and exposesstudents to investigative learning.

This course provides an introduction to livingsystems. Topics studied include biomolecules, cellstructure and function, metabolism, genetics andmolecular biology (BIO 111) and diversity of life,physiology of plants and animals, evolution, andecology (BIO 112). The laboratory complements thelecture and also provides an introduction toexperimentation and communication of experimentalresults. Successful completion of BIO 111, 112requires students to enroll in the lab sections ofGeneral Biology (BIO 113, 114) independently ofthe lecture. These courses are designed forstudents with a strong interest in the biologicalsciences and are prerequisites for upper-levelbiology courses.

This course provides an introduction to livingsystems. Topics studied include biomolecules, cellstructure and function, metabolism, genetics andmolecular biology (BIO 111) and diversity of life,physiology of plants and animals, evolution, andecology (BIO 112). The laboratory complements thelecture and also provides an introduction toexperimentation and communication of experimentalresults. Successful completion of BIO 111, BIO 112requires students to enroll in the lab sections ofGeneral Biology (BIO 113, BIO 114) independentlyof the lecture. These courses are designed forstudents with a strong interest in the biologicalsciences and are prerequisites for upper-levelbiology courses.

This is the laboratory section corresponding tothe General Biology I lecture (BIO 111). BIO 113is a required co-requisite of BIO 111. Assessmentsin BIO 113 are incorporated into the final gradeof BIO 111.

This is the laboratory section corresponding tothe General Biology II lecture (BIO 112). BIO 114is a required co-requisite of BIO 112. Assessmentsin BIO 114 are incorporated into the final gradeof BIO 112.

An internship developed by a faculty mentor andstudent in close consultation with the supervisorat the internship site. A learning contract isdeveloped prior to enrollment in the course.Evaluation of student performance is completed bythe faculty mentor based on fulfillment of thecontract terms and written evaluation by theinternship site supervisor. Graded A-F. 45 hoursper credit are required.

The study of areas in biology that are notregularly offered in the curriculum. Courses maybe interdisciplinary, seminar or winter/summerfield-type courses and will be designated asCategory I, II or III, if there is a laboratorycomponent.

Stem cells possess the ability to build newtissues or replenish depleted ones. This courseserves as an introduction to the unique biology ofstem cells and their potential clinicalapplications in the treatment of degenerativedisorders.

A study of microorganisms (viruses, bacteria,archaea, fungi, and protists). Topics includestructure/function of prokaryotic cells; microbialmetabolism, growth, genetics, and diversity;epidemiology; mechanisms of pathogenicity;selected infectious diseases; and environmentalmicrobiology. The laboratory portion of the courseemphasizes microscopy, microbial culture andenumeration, microbial metabolism, and water,food, and medical microbiology.

Part of an introductory set of courses designedfor biology majors. This course provides anintroduction to the cellular processes common tolife with central themes including metabolism,macromolecular function and the genetic basis ofcellular function. We examine the composition andfunction of membranes, how the structure ofproteins affects function, the central dogma ofinformation transfer, and how cells communicate.This course is designed to prepare students forin-depth, upper-level work in areas related tocell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry andgenetics.

A study of the fundamentals of ecology. Topicsinclude the relationships between organisms andtheir physical environment, population growth andstructure, life histories, predator-preyinteractions between species, community structureand dynamics, and ecosystem structure & function. Most of the weekly laboratories involve on oroff-campus field trips for the collection of datafrom various ecosystems, while the remaining labsinvolve processing, graphing and statisticalanalysis of field data.

General Zoology topics range from taxonomy andsystematics to the basic patterns of form andfunction that characterize the major groups ofanimals. Lecture and laboratory work includefunctional morphology, reproduction, development,evolution, and ecology from simple protozoansthrough complex vertebrate taxa. The courseemphasizes diverse adaptations of animals to theaquatic and terrestrial habitats in which theylive.

A study of heredity in cells, individuals, andpopulations, and of the molecular expression ofgenes. The course emphasizes genetic analysis inboth lab and lecture. Topics in the laboratoryinclude experiments in transmission, population,cellular, and molecular genetics using a varietyof organisms as models.

An introduction to plants emphasizing theirdiversity, structure, function, and ecology. Thelaboratory includes field trips to collect localflora and explores plant cells and tissues,physiological processes, and environmentalinfluences on growth and metabolism.

Tropical rainforests are a center of biodiversityand are of significant ecological importance. This course immerses students in the tropicalrainforests of Central America, allowing forextensive observation and explorations of topicssuch as animal behavior, ornithology, herpetology,ecosystem services, and biodiversity. In additionto two weeks in a lowland tropical rainforest, thecourse also features pre-departure and post-travelclass meetings and activities.

This summer course investigates the complex marineecology of the Bermuda Islands, the impact thathuman habitation and tourism have had on theirnatural history, and current environmentalconcerns and means of mitigating those concerns.Major areas of study include (but not be limitedto) geology of Bermuda, biogeography andcolonization, coral reef ecology, sponge and seagrass ecology, culture and history of Bermuda andits major towns, and the environmental impacts ofso many people living on and visiting such a smallarea of islands.

An in-depth study of birds with respect to theirevolutionary history, structural and physiologicaladaptations, behavior, and ecology. The laboratorycomponent of this course focuses on theidentification of local species of birds andreinforcement of lecture topics in the field. Thelab introduces research techniques used to studybirds in the field and includes visits to theRiver and Field Campus (RAFC) and local wildlifeareas.

An internship developed by a faculty mentor andstudent in close consultation with the supervisorat the internship site. A learning contract isdeveloped prior to enrollment in the course.Evaluation of student performance is completed bythe faculty mentor based on fulfillment of thecontract terms and written evaluation by theinternship site supervisor. Graded A-F. 45 hoursper credit are required.

The study of areas in biology that are notregularly offered in the curriculum. Courses maybe interdisciplinary, seminar or winter/summerfield-type courses and will be designated asCategory I, II or III, if there is a laboratorycomponent.

A ten-week on-campus summer research project to beguided by a faculty mentor. Based on mutual interests, the student and faculty mentor developa research project, supported by a reading listand involving theoretical, laboratory, or fieldinvestigations. Participants produce a finalreport detailing the findings of their research.Selection of students depends on academicbackground, scholastic achievement, and theresults of a personal interview with the facultymentor. 45 hours per credit required. Graded A-F

An individual research project chosen by thestudent in consultation with a faculty mentor. Theproject involves the design and performance of anexperiment or experimental series and submissionof a written report. 45 hours per credit arerequired. Graded A-F

A holistic, integrative investigation into themajor body systems of humans, examining humananatomy through an integrative lens. Integrationoccurs across levels of organization (frommolecules and cells up through organ systems) aswell as time (across the phylogeny ofvertebrates), with emphasis placed on systemstructure, function, and evolutionary modificationacross vertebrate phylogeny. Laboratory workconsists of detailed systems-level examination,interactive simulations, and guided dissection.

Developmental biology integrates concepts andpractices from cell biology, genetics, anatomy,neurobiology, evolutionary biology, and beyond toexamine how complex multicellular organisms arisefrom a single cell--the fertilized egg. Thiscourse discusses the events of development fromfertilization through organ development in a rangeof animal systems, focusing on the cellular andmolecular mechanisms that regulate cell and tissuegrowth and differentiation. Laboratory exercisesuse model organisms such as the embryonic seaurchin, fish, chick, and fruit fly to introducecommon experimental techniques. Class discussionsconnect basic concepts from developmental biologyto ethical debates related to reproductive,maternal, and fetal health.

The course examines marine and estuarineecosystems. The course focuses on coastalcommunities common in the mid-Atlantic region(rocky intertidal, sandy beach, salt marsh, etc.),but also addresses more exotic marine communities(deep sea, coral reef, mangrove, etc.). Lecturesfocus on the biological, chemical and physicaloceanographic processes influencing theseecosystems and the ecology of interacting speciesin these communities. Labs provide an introductionto marine invertebrate zoology for the first halfof the semester and independent research projectsworking with marine invertebrate species duringthe second half of the semester. One of the labsinvolves a day-long trip to sandy beach, dune,maritime forest, and salt marsh communities inLewes, DE.

An overview of the field of neurobiology. Thestructure and components of the nervous system arediscussed. In addition, the methods ofcommunication within the nervous system andincluding an overview of some of the sensorysystems that relay environmental cues forprocessing in the CNS are examined. The purpose ofthis laboratory is to become familiar withneuroanatomy as well as experimental techniquesused in the field of neuroscience both by hands onexperience and reading/ presenting journalarticles.

Wetlands Ecology provides an in-depth examinationof the function and types of wetlands with anemphasis on ecosystem services, biodiversity andconservation. Lecture includes a broad overview ofthe role wetlands play in larger ecosystems aswell as the hydrology, geology, chemistry, trophicinteractions, and species common to these uniqueaquatic systems. Laboratories include a largefield-based component where students will learn toidentify wetlands and their associated flora andfauna.

This course introduces the tools and techniques ofbiotechnology. While the discipline ofbiotechnology is founded in molecular biology, itstools can be applied to tackle problems in allbranches of biology from cell biology toevolution. This course provides the conceptualbackground for understanding the basis ofbiotechnology and emphasizes laboratory activitiesrelated to DNA and DNA-RNA-proteininterconnections. Student learn standardtechniques in DNA analysis and cloning.

This course examines how organisms' physiologicalresponses have evolved in response to ecologicalchallenges, such as fluctuating or extremeconditions in their environment. Discussions ofphysiological adaptations integrate topics from avariety of fields, including behavior, ecology,and molecular biology. Interactions betweenvertebrate animals and their biotic and abioticenvironments are emphasized. The laboratorycomponent of the course includes both in-lab andfield activities.

This course addresses how animal behavior hasevolved in response to ecological pressures in theenvironment. Topics covered in the course includecompetition, sexual selection, parent-offspringconflict, social interactions, and game theory.Laboratory work includes discussions of primaryliterature, activities in the classroom, and fieldexcursions.

Fish are the oldest, largest, and most diversegroup of vertebrates on Earth. Humans have 5senses, but most fish have 6 and some have 7. Thephysiology, anatomy, behavior, and ecology offishes are discussed are discussed. Topics includelocomotion, feeding, sensory biology,predator/prey interactions, communication,reproduction and extreme habitats like the deepsea and polar waters. Laboratory work is splitbetween identification of specimens to becomefamiliar with the major fish families of theChesapeake region and investigations of fishbehavior, including a multi-week independentproject. Lab includes two all-day field trips, oneto the largest fish collection in the world at theSmithsonian Museum of Natural History SupportFacility and one to the Baltimore Aquarium.

An introduction to the interdisciplinary field oftoxicology at the molecular, environmental, andregulatory level. Basic concepts of toxicologyincluding the history of poisons, dose-response,routes of exposure, and mechanisms of toxicitythat pertain to human health and the environmentare covered. Emphasis is placed on informationliteracy to support problem-based andevidence-based learning and case studies are usedto delve into the social, political, and globalissues involved.

An in-depth examination of various components ofevolutionary biology. Topics include (but are notlimited to) evolutionary mechanisms, genetics,speciation, adaptation, extinction, evolutionaryhistory, and analysis of evolutionaryrelationships. Laboratory exercises emphasize thediscussion and analysis of primary literaturearticles supplemented by laboratory- andfield-based observations.

An internship developed by a faculty mentor andstudent in close consultation with the supervisorat the internship site. A learning contract isdeveloped prior to enrollment in the course.Evaluation of student performance is completed bythe faculty mentor based on fulfillment of thecontract terms and written evaluation by theinternship site supervisor. Graded A-F. 45 hoursper credit are required.

Biology students participate with faculty in thedepartment's weekly Biology Seminar in the springsemester of the junior year. Instruction focuseson searching the biological literature, reading ofprimary literature, and preparing students to beengaged in the Senior Capstone Experience. Zerocredits.

The study of areas in biology that are notregularly offered in the curriculum. Courses maybe interdisciplinary, seminar or winter/summerfield-type courses and will be designated asCategory I, II or III, if there is a laboratorycomponent.

A ten-week on-campus summer research project to beguided by a faculty mentor. Based on mutual interests, the student and faculty mentor developa research project, supported by a reading listand involving theoretical, laboratory, or fieldinvestigations. Participants produce a finalreport detailing the findings of their research.Selection of students depends on academicbackground, scholastic achievement, and theresults of a personal interview with the facultymentor. 45 hours per credit required. Graded A-F

An individual research project chosen by thestudent in consultation with a faculty mentor. Theproject involves the design and performance of anexperiment or experimental series and submissionof a written report. 45 hours per credit arerequired. Graded A-F

The in-depth study of an area of particularinterest to a student and faculty mentor notcovered by the regular curriculum. 45 hours percredit are required. Graded A-F.

An overview of host defense systems. Topicsinclude lymphoid organs, hematopoiesis, leukocytestructure and function, innate and adaptiveimmunity, antigens, antibodies; lymphocytereceptors, immunogenetics, the majorhistocompatibility complex, complement, vaccines,and immune disorders. The laboratory focuses onantigen-antibody interactions.

The chemistry and metabolism of biologicalmolecules. Students learn about the structure,function and metabolism of proteins,carbohydrates, and fats. Thermodynamics andenzyme-mediated catalysis are addressed, with anemphasis on how reaction rates and energeticsaffect biological processes and pathways. Alaboratory is conducted weekly to introducestudents to experimental techniques and molecularmodeling.

A holistic, integrative investigation into themajor body systems of humans, examining humanphysiology through an integrative lens. Topicsinclude gas exchange, circulation, water and ionbalance, and excitable cells. Laboratory workconsists of hands-on explorations of physiologicalphenomena, research techniques and technologies,and data analysis.

An internship developed by a faculty mentor andstudent in close consultation with the supervisorat the internship site. A learning contract isdeveloped prior to enrollment in the course.Evaluation of student performance is completed bythe faculty mentor based on fulfillment of thecontract terms and written evaluation by theinternship site supervisor. Graded A-F. 45 hoursper credit are required.

The study of areas in biology that are notregularly offered in the curriculum. Courses maybe interdisciplinary, seminar or winter/summerfield-type courses and will be designated asCategory I, II or III, if there is a laboratorycomponent.

A ten-week on-campus summer research project to beguided by a faculty mentor. Based on mutual interests, the student and faculty mentor developa research project, supported by a reading listand involving theoretical, laboratory, or fieldinvestigations. Participants produce a finalreport detailing the findings of their research.Selection of students depends on academicbackground, scholastic achievement, and theresults of a personal interview with the facultymentor. 45 hours per credit required. Graded A-F

An individual research project chosen by thestudent in consultation with a faculty mentor. Theproject involves the design and performance of anexperiment or experimental series and submissionof a written report. 45 hours per credit arerequired. Graded A-F

The in-depth study of an area of particularinterest to a student and faculty mentor notcovered by the regular curriculum. 45 hours percredit are required. Graded A-F.