Dr. Hank Bestman

An introduction to the structure and function of cells in organisms. Topics include the origin of life, the development of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, biological energy conversions, compartmentation of biochemical functions within the cell, inter- and intra-cellular communications. Molecular genetic analysis will be used to examine the control of cellular activities and their application in genetic engineering and biotechnology will be discussed. Students with credit in BIOL 261 or BIOL 262 cannot receive credit in BIOL 210.

Prerequisites: Biology 30 or Science 30 (Students who intend to use Science 30 as a prerequisite must consult with and have the consent of the instructor.)

Organisms of all the major groups are affected by their environment and exert their influence on their environment and on each other. Topics will include a description of these relationships, of their development over time, and of theories of evolutionary development of these organisms. Students with credit in BIOL 261 or BIOL 262 cannot receive credit in BIOL 211.

Basic principles of plant physiology including water relations, mineral nutrition, xylem and phloem transport, gas exchange, photosynthesis, respiration, growth and development. The influence of the environment on these processes will receive special attention.

This course is designed to introduce students to biochemistry. The focus of the lectures is on the structure and function of the chemical constituents of living organisms. The lectures cover such topics as the energetics of biochemical reactions, amino acids and peptides, protein structure and function, enzyme kinetics, bioenergetics, carbohydrates and carbohydrate metabolism. Same as CHEM 400.

This course is a continuation of BIOL 470. The topics covered include electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation, lipids and lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, nucleic acids and their metabolism, photosynthesis, the chemical structure of genes and chromosomes, protein synthesis, and the structure and function of biological membranes. Same as CHEM 401.

An opportunity to do advanced study of a special topic of particular interest to a student. Students work with a member of the biology faculty. Students must apply in advance to a member of the biology faculty.