101. Biology and Human Affairs. Credit is granted for a combined total of 12 credits elected in introductory biology. (4). (NS). (BS).
This course is an introduction to those aspects of biology that have direct applicability to the lives of people in today's world. It covers current controversies within biology, especially as they relate to human life and human affairs. Topics discussed include race, health, and the environment. Background information is given for each topic, but the emphasis is placed on the controversies and the role of science in human affairs. In addition to the two lectures per week, there is a two-hour discussion period in which the topics are further explored and films are frequently shown. Cost:3 WL:1 (Vandermeer, Wilson)
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107. Evolution of Life. (4). (NS). (BS).
This course is intended for students not concentrating in the sciences and will provide an introduction to the concepts and processes of biological evolution. We will consider (1) the history of evolutionary thought, (2) the evidence for evolution, (3) comparative methods for inferring evolutionary history, (4) an overview of the evolution of cells, organisms, and viruses, (5) evolutionary themes such as natural selection, chance, and cooperation, and (6) the consequences of an evolutionary world view for understanding disease, the value of biological diversity, and aspects of human culture. The course consists of two one and one half hour lectures per week plus a coordinated discussion section which occupies one hour per week. The course is designed for students with minimal background in the biological sciences; however, some exposure to biology at the high school level is assumed. Discussion sections enroll 20 students and are taught by graduate student instructors. Grades will be based on three exams, including a cumulative final, and writing assignments. (Mindell)
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110/AOSS 171/UC 110/NR&E 110. Introduction to Global Change I. Credit is granted for a combined total of 12 credits elected in introductory biology. (4). (NS). (BS).
http://www.globalchange.umich.edu/index.html. An interdisciplinary (team-taught) introduction to the evolution of life and the human species on Earth, with focus on problems of global change produced by recent human advances in technology and institutions. The discussion includes reference to: evolution of the universe, the Earth and its environments; evolution of living organisms; growth and reproduction; interactions of organisms with their environments; ecological roles of organisms. Extensive use is made of multi-media presentation tools: videos, slides, etc. Course grade will be based on a midterm exam and a final exam, plus successful completion of the required weekly laboratory exercises, leading to a term paper presentation. There are no prerequisites for this course and no science background is assumed. The course is appropriate for all undergraduate students, irrespective of intended concentration. Topics include: Evolution of the universe, solar system; evolution of the planets and moons; evolution of life: fossils, geologic strata, impact of life processes on earth systems; evolution of complex life forms, eukaryotes; the cell, respiration and photosynthesis; Atmospheres: paleoclimates and paleoclimate records climate models; Oceans: evolution, circulation, nutrients, sea level changes; Land: lithosphere, volcanism, plate tectonics, soils weathering; How green plants work: energy pathways, growth, development, reproduction; How animals work: function and anatomy, growth, development and reproduction; Biogeochemical cycles: water, carbon, nutrient cycles; Ecosystem dynamics: energy flows, examples of ecosystems; Biosphere interactions: ozone and greenhouse warming, acid rain, the Gaia Hypothesis. (Killeen, Allan, Teeri)
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130. Animal Behavior. Credit is granted for a combined total of 12 credits elected in introductory biology. (3). (NS). (BS).
The course is an introduction to the behavior of animals in their natural environment. Social behavior of birds, mammals, and insects is emphasized. Topics include: the environment as animals perceive it, natural selection and adaptations, development of behavior, communication, sexual cooperation and mate choice, social behavior of animals in groups, the importance of family relationships, and the evolution of traditions. The course objectives are to gain a background in the natural behavior of animals and to explain the evolution of behavior. By the end of the course you should be able to: (1) evaluate the evidence that behavior is shaped by natural selection; (2) recognize the interaction between environmental modification and genetic determination; and (3) explain sexual behavior, aggressive behavior, and social interactions in terms of evolution. The course consists of lectures, readings, slides, and movies. Grades are based on two midterms and a final exam; exams are multiple choice. Texts: The Selfish Gene (rev. ed., R. Dawkins) and Animal Behavior, an Evolutionary Approach (5th ed., J. Alcock). Cost:2 WL:1 (Payne)
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140. Genetics and Society. Credit is granted for a combined total of 12 credits elected in introductory biology. (4). (NS). (BS).
This introduction to the impact of modern genetics on society is designed for students not concentrating in the sciences. Students will gain a background in genetics that should enable them to: (1) understand and evaluate reports on the latest advances in genetics that appear in the media; (2) be able to discuss the social history of genetics; (3) have a better appreciation of the "scientific method;" and (4) discuss aspects of genetics that have a bearing on our daily lives. There will be three lectures and a discussion group per week, with topics such as human diversity; genetics and medicine, including cancer, AIDS and complex diseases; gene therapy; DNA and forensic analysis; technological and economic applications of genetics; and biological determinism. Course evaluation is mainly based on a flexible combination of short-answer exams and a term paper. Cost:1 WL:1 (Gibson, Adams)
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150. Introductory Biology Workshop. Concurrent enrollment in Biology 152, 154, or 195. (1). (Excl). Offered mandatory credit/no credit.
Small groups of students meet weekly with a faculty member for group discussions on topics selected by the faculty member. Topics may include biological issues in the news, history of biological ideas, and ethical issues in biological sciences. Students will be introduced to biological research through discussion of faculty research projects and tours of active research laboratories and museum collections. Such tours will be coupled with discussion of scientific questions being pursued in the laboratories visited. Introductory students will have the opportunity to interact directly with a faculty member who will introduce them not only to the basic areas of scientific research but also to the structure and opportunities available in biology concentration programs. Evaluation of students will be through class participation and short written assignments.
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152. Introduction to Biology: Term A. Chem. 130 or the equivalent, or Chem. 210 placement. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in Biol. 195. Credit is granted for a combined total of 12 credits elected in introductory biology. (4). (NS). (BS). Laboratory fee ($32) required.
First term of a two-term introductory sequence (152/154) intended for concentrators in biology, other science programs, or preprofessional studies. Other suitably prepared students wishing detailed coverage of biology are also welcome. The aims of Biology 152/154 are: (1) to provide factual and conceptual knowledge, (2) to afford experience in obtaining and interpreting biological hypotheses, (3) to give an integrated overview of modern biology, and (4) to develop thinking and writing skills. Topics in Biology 152 are divided among four areas: (a) cellular and molecular biology, (b) genetics, (c) evolution, and (d) ecology. Students MUST: (1) attend 3 lectures and one 3-hour lab/discussion section each week; (2) ATTEND THEIR ASSIGNED LAB/DISC MEETINGS EACH WEEK STARTING WITH THE FIRST WEEK OR THEIR SPACE MAY BE GIVEN TO SOMEONE ON THE WAITING LIST; and (3) RESERVE the times and dates for the midterm and final exams (as specified in the Time Schedule) before enrolling. Students usually purchase a textbook, lab manual, and course pack consisting of a syllabus and lecture notes. No other study guides or supplementary materials need be bought. For honors credit, register in lecture 002 or 004 of Biology 152 and ANY lab/disc, plus Biology 153 (see below). For further information contact the Biology 152/154 office, 1039 Chem Bldg (764-1430). Cost:3 WL:2, but go to 1039 Chem.
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153. Introductory Biology Honors: Term A. Prior or concurrent enrollment in Biol. 152 and either admission to the College Honors Program or permission of instructor. Credit is granted for a combined total of 12 credits elected in introductory biology. (1). (Excl). (BS).
Biology 153 is a one-credit discussion course that is meant to be taken concurrently with Biology 152, a four-credit lecture/lab course. The overall goal of this course is to introduce students to two major intellectual approaches that biologists use to understand nature. The first topic is the impact of recent discoveries in molecular biology and the second topic is the mechanism of biological evolution. Students will read papers from the primary and secondary scientific literature that will help them understand these very challenging areas of biological inquiry. Discussion will focus on the impact that discoveries in the fields are having on other areas of biological science, on human health, and on more general aspects of human society. Cost:2 WL:1
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