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BIO 110N - Introductory Biology |
An introduction to the content, methods, and philosophy of science with an emphasis on the principles of biology and their application to topics in research and current issues in science. Each instructor will focus on a specific area of biology and use inquiry in the field and laboratory to allow more in-depth study of a particular sub-discipline or interdisciplinary topic. Topics of focus may include such areas as Aquatic Biology, Human Biology, Microbiology, Animal Behavior, Marine Biology, or Ecology (students should check course listings for current offerings). Cannot be used as elective credit toward the biology major. This course may be repeated for General Elective credit when the topic differs. Every year.
Credit: 4 |
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BIO 130N - Tropical Nature: Exploring Costa Rica |
For two weeks, we will explore the astonishing diversity of many of Costa Rica's ecosystems, including rain forests, cloud forests, mangrove swamps, and beach ecosystems. The course will emphasize natural history, field studies of ecological patterns, tropical conservation, and reflecting on and writing about your experiences. Cross-listed with ENV 130N. Students may receive credit for only one of the courses. Pass/Fail only. Winter term, in odd years.
Credit: 4 |
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BIO 141 - The Living Earth: Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity |
This course explores the diversity of life from the perspectives of ecology and evolutionary biology, as well as the application of those concepts to environmental problems. General principles are illustrated with case studies from the geological record, the functioning of plants in comparison to other organisms, the behavior of animals, earth system science, and the ecological impacts of environmental change. The course emphasizes skills critical to biology, especially field identification, the process of science, analysis, and writing. Prerequisite(s): science and secondary education science majors or permission of instructor. Every year.
Credit: 4 |
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BIO 142 - The Living Earth: The Cellular and Molecular World |
An introduction to the molecular and cellular processes common to life, with an emphasis on systems biology. Central themes include cell structure and function, energy flow through living systems, and the central dogma of information transfer from DNA replication to protein synthesis. The application of these principles to organismal and evolutionary biology is emphasized through primary literature and class discussion. The laboratory is experiential and supports student learning of these important principles. Prerequisites: Science and secondary education science majors or permission of instructor. Every spring.
Credit: 4 |
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BIO 150N - Human Anatomy and Physiology I |
This course provides an overview of the structure and functions of the human body, including the cellular and tissue organizations, as well as the integumentary (skin), skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Other body systems, such as the endocrine, cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory, urinary, and reproductive systems will be covered in a second semester course. The laboratory portion follows lectures closely. This course is designed for pre-professional track students and also for students wishing to acquire general education science requirements, or to explore the biology major. Every year.
Credit: 4 |
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BIO 152 - Human Anatomy & Physiology II |
This course is a continuation of BIO 150N Human Anatomy & Physiology I and will focus on the endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. The laboratory portion closely follows lecture content. This course is not designed to fulfill the science general education requirement and is designed for Pre-Professional tracks. Pre-requisites: BIO 150N. Every other spring.
Credit: 4 |
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BIO 212 - Principles of Ecology |
Ecology investigates the interrelationships between species and their physical environment. These interactions form the foundation of our understanding of how the natural world functions, and thus are of fundamental importance to the study and conservation of natural systems. Students will be introduced to the theoretical underpinnings of ecology. Topics include, but are not limited to: hierarchical organization of biodiversity into populations, communities, and ecosystems; foraging; predation; competition; disease; parasitism and mutualism; food webs; successional processes; and nutrient cycling. Course content emphasizes both ecological literacy and experiential learning, with a focus on scientific inquiry. Intensive field labs and group research projects accelerate hands-on learning opportunities in skills such as study design, data collection, data analysis, and scientific communication. Field trips may be required. Students should plan to take this course in their second year. Prerequisites(s): BIO 141 and BIO 142, or permission of instructor. Every year.
Credit: 4 |
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BIO 232 - Landscape Ecology |
Habitat fragmentation and degradation is one of the driving forces of global biodiversity loss – as well as one of the drivers of naturally occurring biodiversity patterns. Landscape ecology investigates the influence of landscape heterogeneity, habitat fragmentation, and landscape permeability on species richness, community composition, dispersal, and functional connectivity. In addition, landscape ecologists provide practical solutions for mediating the effects of habitat fragmentation and reduced connectivity in an increasingly altered natural world. In this course, we will explore the fundamental concepts that inform landscape ecology, review the application of landscape ecology to contemporary conservation challenges such as reserve design, corridor identification and protection, and assess the role of landscape ecology in studying population and community adaptation to climate change and continued habitat loss. Course content is delivered via a combination of lecture, in-class discussion of scientific articles, guest speakers who will present their experience(s) applying landscape ecology to conservation projects, and a combination of field-based and computer labs. Students will engage in some of the standard analytical tools used by landscape ecologists, such as ArcGIS, Circuitscape, and R. Cross-listed with ENV 232. Students may receive credit for only one of the courses. Prerequisites: BIO 141, BIO 142, BIO 212 or permission of instructor. Every 2 to 3 years.
Credit: 4 |
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BIO 252 - Genetics |
Designed to relate the mode of gene expression at the molecular, cellular, organism, and population levels. Laboratory experience introduces basic laboratory techniques and requires students to design and carry out small-scale research projects in genetics. Prerequisite(s): BIO 141 and BIO 142. Odd fall semesters.
Credit: 4 |
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BIO 265 - Ecological Restoration |
Ecological restoration seeks to aid ecosystems and their associated species in recovery after human-caused disturbance or degradation. While the process of ecological restoration is often focused on the recovery of degraded ecosystems, in this class we will broaden the scope to include species-specific restoration. Students will explore the biological and ecological foundations of restoration as well as the practical considerations of planning and implementing restoration projects, and what makes restoration projects succeed or fail. Special attention will be granted to ecological restoration in the context of sustainability and climate change. Students will also engage with the political and social aspects of restoration project development and implementation. Class content includes lecture, peer-to-peer teaching, review and discussion of scientific literature and restoration project planning documents, field trips to local restoration projects, guest speakers involved in ecological restoration programs, and team development of restoration planning documents. Limited (1-3) day-long field trips are required. Cross-listed with ENV 265. Students may receive credit for only one of the courses. Prerequisites: BIO 141, BIO 142, BIO 212 or permission of instructor. Every 2 to 3 years.
Credit: 4 |
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BIO 277 - Special Topics |
Covers specialized topics not covered in the biology curriculum. May be repeated for credit when the topic differs. Prerequisite(s): BIO 141 and BIO 142. Varies.
Credit: 2-4 |
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BIO 294 - Forest Ecology and Conservation |
A study of the ecology, management, and conservation of plant species and forest ecosystems. Focus on ecological principles and their application to sustaining biological diversity in exploited and pristine habitats. Field work and examples will emphasize Maine forests and controversies. Field trips, writing, oral presentations, and group and independent inquiry are required. Overnight weekend field trip possible. Prerequisite(s): BIO 141 and BIO 142 or permission of instructor. Every two years.
Credit: 4 |
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BIO 351 - Microbiology |
This course emphasizes microbial genetics and physiology, and the complex interrelationship of pathogen and host. Sub-topics covered include bacteriology, virology, immunology, medical microbiology, environmental microbiology, and molecular breeding. The laboratory experience is project-based, and requires students to design and carry out a small-scale research project. Prerequisite(s): BIO 142, BIO 252, and CHY 241: junior or senior standing; or permission of instructor. Every two years.
Credit: 4 |
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BIO 355 - Mammalogy |
Students will explore the evolution, taxonomy, morphology, adaptive strategies, and ecology of mammals, with an emphasis on North American species. Conservation challenges and solutions are explored. Student engage with these topics through a combination of lecture, guest speakers, peer-to-peer teaching, and discussing relevant scientific literature. Field labs and trips provide hands-on experience with common techniques used to study mammals in the field. The course emphasizes scientific inquiry in an applied setting through development, implementation and presentation of research projects, as well as partnership with local and regional conservation and management oriented organizations. Prerequisites: BIO 141, BIO 142, BIO 212 or permission of instructor. Every 2 to 3 years.
Credit: 4 |
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BIO 356 - Developmental Biology |
Developmental Biology provides an overview of the principles of animal development: from single cells to complex, multicellular organisms. The course will focus on model organisms (fruit fly, frog, zebrafish, chicken, and mouse) to illustrate numerous topics in stem cells, cell differentiation, embryogenesis, and morphogenesis. Students will also gain an in-depth understanding of cell signaling pathways, transcriptional regulation, and sex determination. The laboratory focuses on histological examinations of development and includes a project-based approach to understand a chosen developmental gene. Prerequisites: BIO 141 and BIO 142. Every other spring.
Credit: 4 |
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BIO 363 - Evolutionary Biology |
This course covers the theory and mechanisms of evolution and natural selection, and explores examples of how evolution is expressed in the natural world. Topics include adaptation, natural selection, speciation and phylogenetics, population structure and differentiation, isolating mechanisms, evolutionary rates, coevolving systems, and molecular evolution. The laboratory section uses data analysis and simulation demonstrations to explore quantitative approaches to studying evolution in practice. Prerequisite(s): BIO 141, BIO 142, and BIO 252. Odd Spring.
Credit: 4 |
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BIO 377 - Special Topics in Biology |
Covers specialized topics not covered in the biology curriculum. May be repeated for credit when topic differs. Prerequisite(s): BIO 141 and BIO 142. Varies.
Credit: 2-4 |
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BIO 383 - Aquatic Biology |
Study of freshwater lakes and streams emphasizing the interrelationships of biological, chemical, and physical factors. Includes practical experience in taking and evaluating samples from aquatic environments. Prerequisite(s): BIO 141 and BIO 142. Every two years.
Credit: 4 |
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BIO 390 - Biology Internship/Field Experience |
Experiential learning situation where the student can earn credit for appropriate activities. (Up to 4 credits may be applied to required biology electives.) The experience should involve the gathering and manipulation of biological data. Proposals should be developed in conjunction with a biology faculty member and must be approved by the biology faculty. Prerequisite(s): Biology majors with at least 16 program credits AND permission of instructor. Pass/Fail Only. Every semester.
Credit: 4-16 |
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BIO 391 - Entomology |
Overview of the biology of insects, including evolution, morphology and physiology, taxonomy, biogeography, behavior, ecology, and interactions with humans in terms of environmental services, human health, and economic impacts. Requires field trips, field projects, and laboratory work. Prerequisite(s): BIO 141 and BIO 142. At least once every three years.
Credit: 4 |
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BIO 396 - Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology |
Behavioral ecology is the study of the behavior of animals (including humans) in nature, from an evolutionary perspective. This course explores both the ecological factors involved in selecting for behaviors as well as the current environmental conditions that trigger them. Topics covered include mating strategies, habitat choice, optimal foraging, communication, parental care, mating and social systems, and the evolution of cooperation and cooperative systems. Students will engage in interactive lab experiences and develop and carry out their own independent research projects of their choosing. Prerequisite(s): BIO 141 and 142 required for Biology and Secondary Ed majors; all others by permission of instructor. Every two years.
Credit: 4 |
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BIO 397 - Independent Study |
An opportunity for the student majoring in life sciences to initiate and carry out a biological study in accordance with scientific procedures and under the supervision of an appropriate staff member. Prerequisite(s): Twelve hours of Biology and permission of instructor. (Pass/Fail option) Varies.
Credit: 2-4 |
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BIO 477 - Special Topics in Biology |
The study of a specialized topic not offered in the usual curriculum. Varies.
Credit: 2-4 |
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BIO 482 - Theory and Methods of Scientific Inquiry |
This course guides students in developing and practicing critical thinking and communication skills required in scientific disciplines. Students will choose a focused topic in modern biological or environmental research, and will approach the topic with the CREATE framework (consider, read, elucidate the hypotheses, analyze and interpret data, and think of next experiment) to generate a thoroughly-researched review paper. This course will enhance skills in developing, implementing, and communicating scientific inquiry, and also provides students the opportunity to practice preparing a resume/CV, personal statement, and oral and poster presentations. Prerequisites: Biology or environmental science major with senior standing, or permission of instructor. Cross-listed with ENV 482. Students may receive credit for only one of the courses. Offered: Every spring.
Credit: 4 |
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BIO 497 - Independent Study |
An opportunity for the student majoring in life sciences to initiate and carry out a biological study in accordance with scientific procedures and under the supervision of an appropriate staff member. Prerequisite(s): Twelve hours of Biology and permission of instructor. (Pass/Fail option) Varies.
Credit: 2-4 |
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