Introduction to Biological Research

Catalog description

This is a writing intensive foundational course for Biology and Environmental Science majors that introduces the process of scientific inquiry and experimental biology. Through a series of short, authentic experiments, students will learn how to pose a scientific question, conduct appropriate library research, construct a hypothesis, design an experiment, collect data and analyze results. From there they will form conclusions and suggest future lines of research. In the process, they will learn how to read and analyze scientific papers. They will also have to write lab reports on each experiment to increase their comfort with scientific writing. Prerequisites: BIO 1004. Corequisite: BIO 1004L BIO-2021 Intro to Neuroscience 4 credits This course will introduce the mammalian nervous system, focusing on structure-function relationships of the human brain. The course serves as a foundation for more advanced neuroscience courses. Students will explore such topics as structure and function of neurons, brain anatomy, sensory systems, movement and speech, learning and memory, emotion, behavior, drugs and the brain, neuronal networks and circuitry, and neurological diseases and disorders. The intersection of neuroscience with other disciplines will be introduced. Prerequisites: BIO 1004 BIO-2022 Neuroscience, Philosophy, and Art 4 credits This interdisciplinary course intersects neuroscience, philosophy, and art to engage students with different interests and perspectives in conversations about neuroscience. Students will learn about the history of art and neuroscience and hypothesize about neural mechanisms (perception, consciousness, visual processing, memory, the mind, etc.) using visual art, dance, music, literary art, and other artistic expressions. Students will study artwork from a neuroscience perspective, especially that of African Americans/Black people and Lincoln…