Molecular, Cell & Developmental Biology

BIOL 20A

Session 1

Introduction to biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, and genetics. Prerequisite(s): Chemistry 1A; students with a chemistry AP score of 4 or higher who wish to start their biology coursework prior to completing the Chemistry 1A, may enroll by permission of the instructor. (General Education Code(s): IN.)

BIOL 20L

Session 1

Provides biology majors with the theory and practice of experimental biology. A wide range of concepts and techniques used in the modern laboratory are included in the exercises. Designed to satisfy the introductory biology lab requirement of many medical and professional schools. Students are billed a materials fee. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A and previous or concurrent enrollment in BIOE 20B. 

BIOL 100

Session 1

An introduction to biochemistry including biochemical molecules, protein structure and function, membranes, bioenergetics, and regulation of biosynthesis. Provides students with basic essentials of modern biochemistry and the background needed for upper-division biology courses. Students who plan to do advanced work in biochemistry and molecular biology should take the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 100 series directly. Students cannot receive credit for this course after they have completed any two courses from the BIOC 100A, 100B, and 100C sequence. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A and BIOE 20B; and CHEM 108A or 112A

BIOL 101L

Session 1 

Laboratory course providing hands-on experience with, and covering conceptual background in, fundamental techniques in molecular biology and biochemistry, including DNA cloning, PCR, restriction digest, gel electrophoresis, protein isolation, protein quantification, protein immunoblot (Western) analysis, and use of online bioinformatics tools. Students are billed a materials fee. (Formerly Biochemistry Laboratory.) Previous or concurrent enrollment in BIOL 100, 101, or BIOC 100A is required. Students cannot receive credit for this course and BIOL 20L.

BIOL 105

Session 2

Mendelian and molecular genetics; mechanisms of heredity, mutation, recombination, and gene action. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A and BIOE 20B.

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BIOL 105L

Session 1

Classical and newly developed molecular-genetic techniques used to explore genetic variation in wild populations of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Topics include Mendelian fundamentals, mapping, design of genetic screens, bio-informatic and database analysis, genetic enhancers, and population genetics. Students are billed a materials fee. Enrollment restricted to biological sciences and affiliated majors; biology minors; non-majors by instructor permission. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100 or BIOC 100A; BIOL 100K or BIOL 20L or BIOL 101L; BIOL 105; satisfaction of Entry Level Writing and Composition Requirements. (General Education Code(s): W.)

BIOL 109L

Session 2

Using budding yeast as an experimental organism, this laboratory provides practical experience in classic and modern molecular biology and in genetic and epigenetic methods, and develops strong scientific communication skills. Topics include mendelian genetics, linkage, gene replacement, chromatin immunoprecipitation and epigenetics. Students are billed a materials fee. Enrollment restricted to biological sciences and affiliated majors; biology minors. Non-majors enroll by instructor permission. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100 or BIOC 100A; and BIOL 100K or BIOL 20L or BIOL 101L, and BIOL 105. Satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. (General Education Code(s): W.)

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BIOL 115L

Session 1

A laboratory designed to provide students with direct training in basic molecular techniques. Each laboratory is a separate module which together builds to allow cloning, isolation, and identification of a nucleic acid sequence from scratch. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 187L or 287L. Students are billed a materials fee. Restricted to biological sciences/affiliated majors; biology minors; other majors by permission. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100 or BIOC 100A or CHEM 103, and BIOL 100K or BIOL 20L or BIOL 101L, and previous or concurrent enrollment in BIOL 101 or 115. Satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. (General Education Code(s): W.) 

BIOL 189

10-Week 

Structured off-campus learning experience providing experience and pre-professional mentoring in a variety of health-related settings. Interns are trained and supervised by a professional at their placement and receive academic guidance from their faculty sponsor. Students spend 8 hours per week at their placement, participate in required class meetings on campus, and keep a reflective journal. Enrollment by application. Students interview with health sciences internship coordinator; applications are due one quarter in advance to the Health Sciences Internship Office. Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements; concurrent enrollment in course 189W is required. 

BIOL 189W

10-Week 

Writing-intensive course offered in conjunction with the health sciences internship. Weekly class meetings include academic guidance and mentoring as well as discussion of the mechanisms and conventions of academic writing about heath and health care. Students complete multiple writing assignments, culminating in a term paper in the format of a scholarly article. Enrollment by application. Students interview with the health-sciences internship coordinator; applications are due one quarter in advance to the Health Care Sciences Internship Office. Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Previous or concurrent enrollment in course 189 is required.