Research Track
Research Track Core Series - BIOL_SCI 239, 240, 241
Overview:
This version of the Biological Sciences Core curriculum tracks the thematic content of the main series (201-202-203) with a focus on Molecular Biology in 239, Cell Biology in 240, and Genetics, Evolution, and Multicellular biology in 241 while emphasizing learning the methods and logic used in biological research. This series provides students the opportunity to learn introductory biology from the perspective of how research discoveries are made in this discipline by incorporating reading primary literature and learning the research methodologies that allow the content material of each course to be discovered historically and in contemporary research.
The Series:
BIO239 introduces the molecular methods and logic that enable biologists to study any mechanistic problem in biology. With this foundation, students then take BIO240 which will focus on understanding core cellular processes and emphasize how foundational discoveries in cell biology are made. Last, students take BIO241 which will consider how collections of cells assemble into tissues, organs, and organisms, and how Evolution explains the origins and diversification of multicellular life. Throughout, the series will emphasize critical problem solving, understanding how foundational discoveries were made, leading students to appreciate and perhaps conduct research.
The Classes:
The classes will be small-enrollment (~40 students), provide an interactive setting, and involve a discussion-based environment to learn both the content knowledge in these subjects and the ways that key discoveries in the field have been made. The series is not intended to be more time-consuming or graded in a more selective manner and does not assume any particular prior content knowledge.
Enrollment:
Enrollment in these classes is by the placement exam, ISP, or permission of instructor/program. Students completing this series will go on to take 301 Biochemistry and then upper-level courses similar to their peers. Students in the series would take lab courses at the same time as they do in the main sequence (ie 240+232 lab, 241+233 lab).
Course Descriptions:
BIOL_SCI 239-0 Fundamentals of Biological Mechanisms. This course introduces the methods and logic to study mechanisms in molecular biology. Topics include reconstitution of biological processes to understand biomolecules in vitro and manipulation of gene function to understand biomolecule function in vivo. Using classic examples of major discoveries, students learn foundations of molecular biology, including control of gene regulation and its application for biotechnologies. Prerequisites: CHEM 151-0 or CHEM 171-0. Enrollment by permission of instructor or program, qualifying score on annual placement exam, or through the ISP program. Offered Spring quarter.
BIOL_SCI 240-0 Fundamentals of Cellular Processes. This course focuses on how biomolecules function together to generate the complexity of cells, and how cells behave collectively to communicate with each other and enact core behaviors such as cell secretion, intracellular transport, proliferation, motility, and cell death. Prerequisites: BIOL_SCI 239-0 or permission of instructor or BioSci program. Offered Fall. Students must concurrently enroll in lab course BIOL_SCI 232-0.
BIOL_SCI 241-0 Fundamentals of Multicellular Complexity. The course provides the analytical framework for studying the flow of biological information across generations and understanding how phenotypes reveal multicellular mechanisms, its application to study development and cancer, and the use of genetics to study the history of life on earth and the mechanisms governing the evolution and distribution of organisms over time. Prerequisites: BIOL_SCI 241-0 or permission of instructor or BioSci program. Offered Winter. Students must concurrently enroll in lab course BIOL_SCI 233-0.
FAQ's
Q: Will these classes apply to the Major in Biological Sciences?
A: This new series does not add any complications to the BioSci major. Students completing this series will go on to take 301 Biochemistry and then upper-level courses similar to their peers. Students in the series would take lab courses at the same time as they do in the main sequence (ie 240+232 lab, 241+233 lab).
Q: If I start the research track but find it isn’t for me, can I switch to the standard track?
A: It is also possible exit out of the series early and move into the main series as long as these transitions do not occur during a given quarter, i.e. – a student who completed 239 may then take 202 and 203.
Q: How will these classes apply as prerequisites to upper-level classes?
A: 239-240-241 fulfill the same pre-requisites in terms of the Biology major and upper level classes as 201-202-203 respectively.
Q: I am a pre-med/pre-health, can I be on the research track?
A: Students taking the research track intro series 239-240-241 fulfill the same core competencies for pre-health tracks as those taking 201-202-203.
Q: I am interested in the research track, but I don’t know if my schedule will allow me to do independent research with a BIOL_SCI 398/399 registration later in my academic career? Can I still be on the research track or is BIOL_SCI 398/399 required?
A: Registration in BIOL_SCI 398/399 is not required after completing the introductory research series, although we hope it will both inspire and prepare more students to participate in independent research.