The pre-reqs listed here for each class are the most up-to-date. Note that a course cannot be counted as a pre-req if it is taken in the same semester as the desired 300-level seminar unless you have permission of the instructor.
BIOL/ENST 358 Plants, Climate, and Society — Dianne Pater
Tues and Thurs 9-10:15am
pre-reqs: Two units of any 200-level science (including ENST and STS) or permission of the instructor.
BIOL 382 Molecular Mechanisms of Therapeutics: From Small Molecules to Biologics# — Prerna Masih
Mon and Wed 1:30-2:45pm
pre-reqs: CHEM 244 and either BIOL 218 or BIOC/BIOL/CHEM 272.
BIOL 383 The ecology and evolution of adaptation* — Jesse Delia
Mon and Wed 12-1:15pm
pre-reqs: Two units of 200-level Biology CLS or one unit of 200-level Biology CLS and one of the following: PSYC/NEUR 229, 241, or 249.
BIOL 385 Insect Behavior* — Tim Lampasona
Mon and Wed 12-1:15pm
pre-reqs: Two units of 200-level Biology CLS or one unit of 200-level Biology CLS and one of the following: PSYC/NEUR 229, 241, or 249.
* Course approved for the Neuroscience and Behavior program
#Course meets cell and molecular biology requirement for Biochemistry major
Course descriptions not yet in the 2025/2026 course catalog
BIOL 382 Molecular Mechanisms of Therapeutics: From Small Molecules to Biologics An in-depth exploration of the molecular principles underlying modern therapeutic strategies while bridging foundational concepts in biochemistry and cell biology is crucial to understand cutting-edge advances in today’s therapeutic discovery. This course examines how both small-molecule drugs and biologics — modulate their specific molecular targets and cellular pathways to produce therapeutic effects. Emphasis is placed on understanding drug–receptor kinetics, protein–protein interactions, and the cellular pathways that govern efficacy, specificity, and resistance in targeted therapies.Topics include modulation of ion channels, regulation of cell cycle checkpoints, signaling through G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), and intracellular signaling cascades. In addition, emerging therapeutic modalities such as monoclonal antibodies, antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs), RNA-based therapeutics, and gene therapy approaches will be explored.
Through a combination of lectures, primary literature analysis, and student presentations and collaborative discussions, the course investigates the mechanisms of action of major therapeutic classes. A central goal of the course is to develop the ability to critically evaluate current research and understand how molecular mechanisms inform the design and application of contemporary therapeutics, building upon and extending their prior courseworks in biochemistry, cell biology and molecular biology.
BIOL 383 The ecology and evolution of adaptation This course explores the interplay between evolutionary processes and ecological interactions, focusing on how organisms respond and adapt to their environments. We will cover research that integrates comparative and experimental approaches to understand the form, function, and mechanisms underlying adaptive phenotypes across diverse ecosystems. Topics may include the origins of phenotypic novelty, coevolutionary dynamics of parental care and family life, coloration and camouflage, sensory systems, animal behavior, and additional topics determined by students.