News and Events
“Plastics, bisphenol A (BPA), and research credibility: When a scientist collides with industry and the media”
Dr. Patricia Hunt
April 11, 2013 | 4:30pm | MBH 216
GENERAL AUDIENCE LECTURE
Click HERE for details (and for info on Friday's science talk)
Sponsored by the George B. Saul II Lecture Fund
Congratulations to Anne Runkel '11 (BIOL) who has been awarded an NSF Graduate Fellowship !!!
Caitlin Hicks getting her PhD 2012, University of Florida, Gainesville. Next stop: a post doc at the Dept of Energy Lawrence Berkeley National Lab in Berkeley, California
Moria Robinson '12 and E.O. Wilson, at the ATBI Conference in Tennessee, April 2012.
Jeremy Ward
Albert D. Mead Professor of Biology
Email: jward@middlebury.edu
Phone: work802.443.3499
Office Hours: Fall 2012:
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Courses
Courses offered in the past four years.
▲ indicates offered in the current term
▹ indicates offered in the upcoming term[s]
BIOL 0145 - Cell Biology and Genetics
Cell Biology and Genetics
In this introduction to modern cellular, genetic, and molecular biology we will explore life science concepts with an emphasis on their integral nature and evolutionary relationships. Topics covered will include cell membrane structure and function, metabolism, cell motility and division, genome structure and replication, the regulation of gene expression and protein production, genotype to phenotype relationship, and basic principles of inheritance. Major concepts will be illustrated using a broad range of examples from plants, animals, and microorganisms. Current topics in biology will be integrated into the course as they arise. 3 hrs. lect./1 hr. disc./3 hrs. lab
Fall 2009, Fall 2010, Fall 2011, Fall 2012
BIOL 0225 - Human Genetics
Human Genetics
This course incorporates both classical, molecular, and bioinformatics based approaches to study the structure of the human genome, gene function, the effects of mutation, and analysis of the genetic structure of pedigrees and populations. We will examine a collection of human genetic diseases with a focus on their molecular and biochemical basis and medical implications. Further, emphasis is placed on the study of the origin of Homo sapiens, modern genetic diversity in humans, and the molecular evolutionary changes that define humans relative to other primates and animals. (BIOL 0140 and 0145 or waiver)
Spring 2009, Spring 2010, Spring 2011, Winter 2013
BIOL 0314 - Molecular Genetics
Molecular Genetics
This course will focus on the structure and function of nucleic acids in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Lectures will center on molecular mechanisms of mutation, transposition, and recombination, the regulation of gene expression, and gene control in development, immune diversity and carcinogenesis. Readings from the primary literature will complement the textbook and classroom discussions. The laboratory will provide training in both classic and contemporary molecular-genetic techniques including nucleic acid isolation and purification, cloning, electroporation, nick-translation, Southern/Northern blotting, DNA sequencing, PCR and RT-PCR. (BIOL 0140 and BIOL 0145 or waiver) 3 hrs. lect./4 hrs. lab./1 hr. prelab.
Spring 2009
BIOL 0331 - The Genetics of Cancer
The Genetics of Cancer
In this course we will examine the molecular and cellular mechanisms that serve to regulate normal cell proliferation, survival, and senescence in order to understand how alterations in these mechanisms can lead to cancer. Students will develop and propose research projects based on their own specific interests. Topics covered may include: classification of cancers, animal models, oncogenes and tumor suppressors, mitogenic signals, genetic and epigenetic alterations, external causes of cancer, and current treatment protocols. We will also examine cancer’s far-reaching influence outside the confines of molecular and cell biology. (Approval Required; BIOL 0140 and BIOL 0145; BIOL 0314 is recommended) 10-15 hrs/ week
Spring 2010, Winter 2011, Spring 2012
BIOL 0369 - Meiosis
Meiosis
Meiosis is essential to sexual reproduction and has ancient conservation of mechanism across many taxa. It requires accurate genome duplication, proper cell signaling, chromosome synapsis, crossing over, and segregation and extensive epigenetics. Despite being considerably less efficient than asexual reproduction, meiosis has a somewhat improbably strong foothold in the tree of life. Through critical use of scientific literature and laboratory techniques we will consider meiosis from multiple perspectives and interpret its role in current themes including GMOs, plant speciation, human reproduction, and genetic diversity. 3hrs/wk seminar and 4hrs/wk lab. (BIOL 0140 and 0145; and either BIOL 0314 or CHEM 0242, or approval)
Fall 2011
BIOL 0500 - Independent Study ▲ ▹
Independent Study
In this course students complete individual projects involving laboratory and/or field research or extensive library study on a topic chosen by the student and a faculty advisor. Prior to registering for BIOL 0500, a student must have discussed and agreed upon a project topic with a member of the Biology Department faculty. Additional requirements include participation in weekly meetings with disciplinary sub-groups and attending all Biology Department seminars. This course is not open to seniors; seniors should enroll in BIOL 0700, Senior Independent Study. (Approval required) 3 hrs. disc.
Spring 2009, Fall 2009, Winter 2010, Spring 2010, Fall 2010, Winter 2011, Spring 2011, Fall 2011, Winter 2012, Spring 2012, Fall 2012, Winter 2013, Spring 2013, Fall 2013, Spring 2014
BIOL 0700 - Senior Independent Study ▲ ▹
Senior Independent Study
In this course students complete individual projects involving laboratory and/or field research or extensive library study on a topic chosen by the student and a faculty advisor. Prior to registering for BIOL 0700, a student must have discussed and agreed upon a project topic with a member of the Biology Department faculty. Additional requirements include participation in weekly meetings with disciplinary sub-groups and attending all Biology Department seminars. (Approval required; open only to seniors) 3 hrs. disc.
Spring 2009, Fall 2009, Winter 2010, Spring 2010, Fall 2010, Winter 2011, Spring 2011, Fall 2011, Winter 2012, Spring 2012, Fall 2012, Winter 2013, Spring 2013, Fall 2013, Spring 2014
BIOL 0701 - Senior Thesis ▲ ▹
Senior Thesis
Seniors majoring in Biology who have completed one or more semesters of BIOL 0500 or BIOL 0700 and who plan to complete a thesis should register for BIOL 0701. In this course students will produce a written thesis, deliver a public presentation of the research on which it is based, and present an oral defense of the thesis before a committee of at least three faculty members. Additional requirements include participation in weekly meetings with disciplinary sub-groups and attending all Biology Department seminars. Open to Biology and joint Biology/Environmental Studies majors. (BIOL 0500 or BIOL 0700; Approval required) 3 hrs. disc
Fall 2012, Spring 2013, Fall 2013, Spring 2014
INTD 0500 - Independent Study
MBBC 0324 - Bioinformatics and Genomics
Genomics, Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
The human Genome is both the chef and the chef's recipe for building a human body. Three interrelated fields of study help understand this recipe. Genomics is the study of all of the genes of organisms. Bioinformatics is the interdisciplinary field that uses the techniques of statistics and computer science to interpret this genetic recipe and its protein products. And finally, Systems Biology looks at how the dynamic network interaction of genes and proteins give rise to the behavior of the system as a whole. Students will utilize online resources to understand how genome-scale information (e.g., DNA sequences, genome variations, microarrays, proteomics, and clinical studies) can provide a systems biology perspective. This course is aimed at making biological inferences from national repositories of biology information. Students will use the Perl programming language, cutting-edge databases, and open-source bioinformatics tools to visualize data and post their analyses online. This course also counts toward the biology major and the biochemistry major. (CHEM 0104 or CHEM 0107 and BIOL 0145 or by waiver) 3 hrs. lect., 3 hrs. lab.
Spring 2011, Spring 2012, Spring 2013
MBBC 0700 - Senior Research ▲ ▹
Senior Thesis
Seniors conducting independent study in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry should register for MBBC 0700 unless they are completing a thesis project in which case they should register for MBBC 0701. (Approval required).
Spring 2009, Fall 2009, Winter 2010, Spring 2010, Fall 2010, Winter 2011, Spring 2011, Fall 2011, Winter 2012, Spring 2012, Winter 2013, Spring 2013, Fall 2013, Spring 2014
MBBC 0701 - Senior Thesis ▲ ▹
Senior Thesis
Students conducting independent thesis research in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry must register for MBBC 0701 while completing research projects initiated in BIOL 0500, MBBC 0700, or CHEM 0400. Students will organize and lead regular discussions of their research and research methods, and attend weekly meetings with their designated laboratory group to foster understanding of their special area, and practice the stylistic and technical aspects of scientific writing needed to write their thesis. (CHEM 0400 or BIOL 0500 or MBBC 0700) (Approval required).
Spring 2013, Fall 2013, Spring 2014
PHIL 0213 - Theories of Scientific Method
Theories of Scientific Method
The scientific method is one of humankind's best attempts at rationally uncovering the objective structure of the world. But what exactly is this method and in what sense is it rational? Studying both contemporary science and prominent episodes from the history of science, we will explore questions about (a) the defining characteristics of the scientific method; (b) the soundness of various forms of scientific reasoning (Mill's Methods, Bayesianism, hypothetico-deductive reasoning, and inference to the best explanation); and (c) the objectivity of science. We will also formulate, test, and revise hypotheses in light of the methods that we study. (Students who took PHIL 0212 may not take this course.) 4 hrs. lect.
Spring 2013