46 courses with the subject BIOL H, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
BIOL H100INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES1.0
Bio100 introduces first-year students to the biological sciences. Designed for future Biology majors or those seeking biological literacy, this course’s lectures, discussions, and labs cover core concepts including biodiversity, genes, cells, and human health, which links students to allied sciences, global society, and human experience. Successfully completing this course will build confidence, understanding, and preparation for a Biology degree, empowering students to pursue their academic goals successfully in Biology and beyond. Must also be registered in BIOL H100L. Students not registered for the laboratory will be dropped from the class.
BIOL H100LINTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES LAB0.0
BIOL100 introduces first-year students to the biological sciences. Designed for future Biology majors or those seeking biological literacy, this course’s lectures, discussions, and labs cover core concepts including biodiversity, genes, cells, and human health, which links students to allied sciences, global society, and human experience. Successfully completing this course will build confidence, understanding, and preparation for a Biology degree, empowering students to pursue their academic goals successfully in Biology and beyond. Must also be registered for BIOL H100.
Three hours of lecture and one 3-hour laboratory period per week. BIOL H200A discusses the gene as a storehouse of biological information, the flow and transmission of genetic information, and genomics in the context of evolution, as well as the cellular context in which these processes occur. The inquiry-based laboratory introduces the student to a variety of basic lab skills designed to reinforce understanding of genetics and genomics. Must also be registered for BIOL H200L. Students not registered for the laboratory will be dropped from the class. Prerequisite(s): BIOL H100
Three hours of lecture and one 3-hour laboratory period per week. The lab for BIOL H200A discusses the gene as a storehouse of biological information, the flow and transmission of genetic information, and genomics in the context of evolution, as well as the cellular context in which these processes occur. The inquiry-based laboratory introduces the student to a variety of basic lab skills designed to reinforce understanding of genetics and genomics. Must also be registered for BIOL H200A. Prerequisite(s): BIOL H100
Three hours of lecture and one laboratory period per week. An introduction to biochemistry and cell biology. Topics include the major macromolecules of the cell, their synthesis and breakdown, and a discussion of cellular structures and physiology. The laboratory introduces the student to cell and molecular biology and biochemistry. Enrollment per lecture section is limited to 35. Enrollment per lab section is limited to 24. Preference for a specific lab section will be given to students preregistering for that lab section; students who do not preregister will be assigned on a space available basis. Students who do not register for BIOL H201L will be dropped from the course. Prerequisite(s): BIOL H200 with a grade of 2.0 or higher, or instructor consent
Three hours of lecture and one laboratory period per week. An introduction to biochemistry and cell biology. Topics include the major macromolecules of the cell, their synthesis and breakdown, and a discussion of cellular structures and physiology. The laboratory introduces the student to cell and molecular biology and biochemistry. Enrollment per lecture section is limited to 35. Enrollment per lab section is limited to 24. Preference for a specific lab section will be given to students preregistering for that lab section; students who do not preregister will be assigned on a space available basis. Must also be registered for BIOL H201B. Prerequisite(s): BIOL H200 with a grade of 2.0 or higher, or instructor consent
Interrelations between brain, behavior, and subjective experience. The course introduces students to physiological psychology through consideration of current knowledge about the mechanisms of mind and behavior. Crosslisted: Psychology, Biology Prerequisite(s): Any one of the following: PSYC H100, PSYC B105, NEUR H100, NEUR B100, BIOL H100, BIOL H200, BIOL B110, Psychology AP Score 4/5
One lecture and two laboratory periods per week. An introduction to the application of modern experimental approaches in the study of interesting biological questions. Techniques employed are drawn from: cloning and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) manipulation, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and site-directed mutagenesis; protein expression, purification and characterization, with emphasis on circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy; immunofluorescence, confocal and electron microscopy; and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis. Preference for a specific lab section will be given to students preregistering for that lab section; students who do not preregister will be assigned on a space available basis. Each lab section enrollment is limited to 16. Prerequisite(s): BIOL H200 and BIOL H201 with a grade of 2.0 or above, or instructor consent
One lecture and two laboratory periods per week. An introduction to the application of modern experimental approaches in the study of interesting biological questions. Techniques employed are drawn from: cloning and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) manipulation, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and site-directed mutagenesis; protein expression, purification and characterization, with emphasis on circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy; immunofluorescence, confocal and electron microscopy; and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis. Preference for a specific lab section will be given to students preregistering for that lab section; students who do not preregister will be assigned on a space available basis. Prerequisite(s): BIOL H200 and BIOL H201 with a grade of 2.0 or above, or instructor consent
One lecture and two laboratory periods per week. An introduction to applying modern molecular, cellular, and/or behavioral experimental approaches for studying nervous system development and function. Model organisms will be used to investigate novel neurobiological questions, drawing from experimental techniques including: genetic manipulation, electrophysiological recording, neuropharmacology, fluorescence imaging, optogenetic manipulation of neural activity, behavioral assay design, and computational tracking and analysis of animal behavior. Prerequisite(s): BIOL H200 and BIOL H201 with a grade of 2.0 or above, or PSYC 217/218 and a second 200-level natural science course, or instructor consent.
An introduction to the laboratory concepts and techniques at the chemistry-biology interface including: molecular cloning, protein purification, biophysical spectroscopy, molecular modeling, and biochemical assays. Crosslisted: Chemistry, Biology Prerequisite(s): CHEM H225, BIOL H200, and BIOL H201
This course will survey the molecular pathways that lead to the formation and progression of cancer. We will cover how dysregulation of gene expression leads to tumorigenesis and examine how the hijacking of signalling pathways contribute to cancer progression. We will also analyze how this dysregulation leads to the phenotypic characteristics present in many types of cancer. Additionally we will assess how these pathways can be targeted by pharmaceutical agents for effective cancer treatment. Pre-requisite(s): BIOL H200, BIOL H201 Lottery Preference: Biology majors, then seniors, then juniors
The molecular mechanisms governing the transmission, mutation and expression of genes. Particular emphasis is placed on the use of experimental genetic methods to analyze other areas of biology. Crosslisted: Biology, Health Studies Prerequisite(s): BIOL H200 and BIOL H201 with a grade of 2.0 or above, or instructor consent
This course introduces important links between developmental and evolutionary biology. Genetic changes that produce variations between organisms are an important aspect of evolutionary change. Since development can be viewed as a process that links genetic information to final form of an organism, the fields of development and evolution clearly impact one another. We will look at model developmental systems where mechanisms have been elucidated in remarkable detail. We will then look beyond model systems to comparative studies in a range of organisms, considering how these provide insight into evolutionary mechanisms, and how underlying differences in development may account for the differences we see between organisms. Prerequisite(s): ): BIOL H200A and 201B with a grade of 2.0 or above, or instructor consent
BIOL H314BIOCHEMISTRY: METABOLIC BASIS OF DISEASE0.5
This course will introduce students to advanced biosynthetic processes associated with carbohydrate, nucleic acid, protein and lipid metabolism. A coverage of the pathways and the experiments which defined them will be accompanied by discussions of their direct relevance to disease, abnormality and evolutionary adaptation. Prerequisite(s): BIOL H200 and BIOL H201 with a grade of 2.0 or above, or instructor consent
This course will give students the tools to start answering “how/why did I do that?” by exploring the major molecular players and regulators controlling the development, form, function, and flexibility of the nervous system. We will approach neurobiology from an experimental stance, focusing on how the field has come to understand the way genes and molecules can control simple and complex behaviors in model organisms and humans. We will also explore how disrupting these genes, molecules, and processes can lead to neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. Prerequisite(s): BIOL H200 and BIOL H201 with a grade of 2.0 or above, or instructor consent
A study of prokaryotic biology with emphasis on cell structure, gene organization and expression, which will incorporate selected readings from the primary literature. Topics include the bacterial and viral cell structure, the genetics of bacteria and bacteriophage, gene regulation, horizontal gene transfer and microbial genomics. The course will be taught via lecture, class presentation and discussion, and workshops. Prerequisite(s): BIOL H200A and H201B with a grade of 2.0 or above, or instructor consent
This course will cover the diversity of physiological mechanisms and biochemical strategies that help organisms, from microbes to mammals, adapt to various environmental conditions. Emphasis put on biochemical evolution in response to changing environmental conditions. Crosslisted: Biology, Environmental Studies Prerequisite(s): BIOL H200 and H201 with a grade of 2.0 or above, or instructor consent.
This course will provide an introduction to the rapidly expanding discipline of immunology. Students will learn about the molecular and cellular basis of the immune response through the study of the genetics and biochemistry of antigen receptors, the biochemistry of immune cell activation, the cell physiology of the immune system, immune memory, immune tolerance induction and immune-mediated cell death. Prerequisite(s): BIOL H200 and BIOL H201 with a grade of 2.0 or above, or instructor consent.
BIOL H329COMPARATIVE CELL BIOLOGY OF INVERTEBRATES0.5
Invertebrates comprise over 90% of all animal life, and are found in every ecosystem on Earth. To this extent, invertebrates exhibit a diverse array of adaptations to enable functioning in various habitats. In this upper-level biology course, we will explore the cellular basis of these adaptations using a systems-level approach, with topics including immunity, endocrinology, excretion, reproduction, cellular respiration, integument, and others. Prerequisite(s): BIOL H200 and BIOL H201, grade 2.0 or above
The main goal of this course is to develop a fundamental understanding of the biochemical properties that impact gene expression, and how these properties influence the regulation that allows for proper gene expression. The class will use case studies from primary scientific literature to understand how disease can result from mis-regulation. Students will read and critique scientific articles and gain skills of communication of scientific ideas and concepts via oral presentations and writing assignments. Pre-requisite(s): BIOL H200 and BIOL H201 with a grade of 2.0 or above, or instructor consent
This course will provide an introduction to the interdisciplinary field of Bioinformatics. Students will learn a variety of approaches for the acquisition, organization, analysis and interpretation of biological data sets using computational tools. Pre-requisite(s): BIOL H200 and BIOL H201 with a grade of 2.0 or above, or instructor consent
This course will examine the role of medically-significant pathogenic microorganisms in causing disease in humans and other animals. Viruses, bacteria, and fungi all can have devastating effects on their hosts, and modes of infection, host-microbe interactions, pathogenesis, anti-microbial treatments and the emergence of drug resistance will be examined at cellular and molecular levels for a variety of pathogens important in human and veterinary medicine. Pre-requisite(s): BIOL H200A and H201B with a grade of 2.0 or above, or instructor consent
Biological research depends on collecting, analyzing, and presenting data. This course will introduce the art of working with data at all stages of the scientific process, including data organization, analysis, and visualization. By analyzing real datasets, we will discuss the logic behind several foundational statistical tests and consider their strengths and limitations. Along the way, we will learn to detect misleading uses of statistics and graphs, and develop proficiency in Excel and R. Pre-requisite(s): BIOL H200A and H201B with a grade of 2.0 or above, or instructor consent Lottery Preference: Biology majors
Organisms live in constant interaction with other organisms and with their environments. In ecology, we study these interactions at scales from individuals to the Earth as a whole. This course will introduce foundational topics, concepts, and research techniques in ecology at many scales. Along the way, we will cultivate skills such as field observation and experimentation, and discussion and critique of current ecological research. Pre-requisite(s): BIOL H200A and H201B with a grade of 2.0 or above, or instructor consent Lottery Preference: Biology Majors
This intensive 7-week module dives into the molecular mechanisms that drive cancer—spanning oncogenic signaling, genome instability, epigenetics, RNA dysregulation, and the tumor microenvironment. Students will sharpen their ability to read, critique, and present primary research while drawing connections between molecular alterations and therapeutic response or resistance. Assessments highlight discussion, analysis, and a final mini-review or proposal, offering biology students a rigorous opportunity to practice the skills of working scientists. Pre-requisite(s): BIOL H200 and BIOL H201 with a grade of 2.0 or above, or instructor consent Lottery Preference: Biology seniors, biology juniors, then seniors, then juniors
BIOL H341COMPUTATIONAL GENOMICS AND TRANSCRIPTOMICS0.5
This intensive 7-week module introduces students to computational approaches for analyzing high-throughput genomic and transcriptomic data. Topics include experimental design, buli and single-cell RNA-seq, differential splicing, multi-omics, and reproducible workflows. Students will gain practical experience working with public datasets and will complete a short, mentored analysis brief. The course emphasized both technical proficiency and scientific communication, preparing students to critically evaluate methods and present computational findings. Pre-requisite(s): BIOL H200 and BIOL H201 with a grade of 2.0 or above, consent of instructor Lottery Preference: Biology seniors, biology juniors, seniors, juniors
Students may receive credit for approved study and/or work in the laboratory under the supervision of a professor. This work may take the form of a guided series of readings with associated written work, or a supervised laboratory research project with a final write-up and presentation. Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent
BIOL H400SENIOR RESEARCH TUTORIAL AT OFF-CAMPUS RESEARCH LABS1.0
Research in an area of cell, or molecular biology is conducted under the supervision of a member of a nearby research laboratory who has volunteered time and space for a Haverford student. All students enrolled in Biology 400 must have designated on-campus and off-campus supervisors. Prerequisite(s): BIOL H300 and BIOL H301 with a grade of 2.0 or above and instructor consent.
BIOL H403SENIOR RESEARCH TUTORIAL IN PROTEIN AGGREGATION AND DISEASE1.0
The laboratory focuses on protein folding and design, with a particular emphasis on the use of proteins in nanoscience. Students will have the opportunity to apply chemical and genetic approaches to the synthesis of proteins for folding and design studies. Such proteins are characterized in the laboratory using biophysical methods (such as circular dichroism spectroscopy, analytical ultracentrifugation, and atomic force microscopy). Functional and structural approaches can also be applied as necessary to answer specific questions relating to protein science. Exploration of the primary literature and various opportunities to hone scientific communication skills will supplement lab work. Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent
BIOL H404SENIOR RESEARCH TUTORIAL IN MOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY1.0
Microbes live and grow in environments that include other microbes; how do these microbe-microbe interactions change microbial genomes (through evolution) and change the composition of communities (through ecological dynamics)? Laboratory work will focus on pathogen and commensal Streptococcus species to investigate how cells communicate with each other, how they exchange genes, and how they produce toxins that modify their surrounding community. Bioinformatic approaches will examine evolution within and between bacteria species, while computational approaches will investigate fundamental questions in evolutionary biology. Exploration of the primary literature and various opportunities to hone scientific communication skills will supplement lab work. Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent
BIOL H405SENIOR RESEARCH TUTORIAL IN MARINE NATURAL PRODUCT DRUG DISCOVERY1.0
Marine organisms are important producers of substances useful for treatment of human diseases. Students will integrate ecological and evolutionary theories, cellular physiology, and natural-product chemistry to guide discovery of new compounds with beneficial properties. Exploration of the primary literature and various opportunities to hone scientific communication skills will supplement lab work. Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent
BIOL H406SENIOR RESEARCH TUTORIAL IN DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION1.0
In this course students explore processes of embryonic development and their evolutionary underpinnings. Using primarily insect model systems students design research projects drawing on a variety of techniques including cell and molecular biology, embryology, genetics, genomics and cell imaging. Exploration of the primary literature and various opportunities to hone scientific communication skills will supplement lab work. Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent
BIOL H407SENIOR RESEARCH TUTORIAL IN BIOARCHITECTURE1.0
Studies of structure in living systems and applications in nanotechnology. Approaches employed include genetic analysis, biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, microscopy and imaging, bioengineering and synthetic biology. Exploration of the primary literature and various opportunities to hone scientific communication skills will supplement lab work. Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent
BIOL H408SENIOR RESEARCH TUTORIAL IN PLANT BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION1.0
Plants are an important interface between biology and the environment, and the study of plants' evolutionary history illuminates this interaction. This course will focus on the physiology and evolution of living and extinct plants. Techniques employed include anatomical studies of living and fossil plant tissues; imaging and quantitative investigation of plant structure; and the collection and analysis of fossil plant material. Exploration of the primary literature and various opportunities to hone scientific communication skills will supplement lab work. Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent
BIOL H409SENIOR RESEARCH TUTORIAL IN MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY1.0
In this course we will use the zebrafish model system to ask “how do genes control behavior?” at multiple complementary levels of analysis: molecular genetics, imaging of neural circuit development and function, and high-throughput behavioral approaches. Students will use established genetic tools and behavioral assays, as well as develop new methods to probe the underlying control of decision-making, learning & memory, motor control, anxiety, and more. Exploration of the primary literature and various opportunities to hone scientific communication skills will supplement lab work. Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent
BIOL H417SENIOR RESEARCH TUTORIAL IN MOLECULAR GENOMICS/BIOCHEMISTRY1.0
This course will focus on how RNA regulation mediated by RNA-binding proteins dictates and responds to cellular physiology at the molecular level. Students will approach this problem using a range of techniques including biochemistry, molecular genetics, systems biology, bioinformatics and mammalian tissue culture. Students will use an established functional genomic dataset to develop new tools and cell-lines in order to uncover the molecular mechanisms of RNA regulation and connect this regulation to physiological events such as amino acid transport in skeletal muscle cells. As a supplement to lab work, students will explore the scientific literature and have opportunities to present their scientific findings in both written and oral format to hone their scientific communication skills. Prerequisite(s): Instructor Consent
BIOL H418SENIOR RESEARCH TUTORIAL IN EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS1.0
In this course we will use wild Mimulus flower species to explore how plants adapt to pollinators through evolution. Approaches include genetic mapping, plant transformation, gene expression analysis, population genetics simulation, pollinator behavior assays, mathematical modeling and 3D printing. Students will have opportunities to learn many generalizable skills, like experiment design, data analysis, and basic molecular lab skills. Exploration of the primary literature and various opportunities to hone scientific communication skills will supplement lab work. Pre-requisite(s): Instructor consent Lottery Preference: None (this is a senior capstone course for Biology Majors)
A seminar course exploring the primary literature in a specialized area of cell and molecular biology. Students will read current and historically important original papers as well as pertinent review articles. Oral presentations and written work provide the opportunity for students to demonstrate their ability to critically evaluate current literature in a sub-field of their major discipline. Prerequisite(s): BIOL H300 and BIOL H301 with a grade of 2.0 or above, or instructor consent
BIOL H451MOLECULAR MOTORS AND BIOLOGICAL NANO-MACHINES0.5
The world of the cell contains a rich array of molecular machinery that carries out life’s dynamic processes. Interdisciplinary studies of these mechanisms employing a variety of biological, chemical and physical approaches are revealing a wealth of detail spanning from visible phenomenon to the scale of atoms and molecules. Extensive reading of the primary literature will be used as a basis for student-led discussions. Topics will be selected from a list including viral assembly, cellular clocks, mechanoenzyme engines, biosynthetic machinery and the assembly and regulation of cytoskeletal arrays. These systems provide novel insights into how work is accomplished (and regulated) in a nano-scale environment and serve as models for the development of nanotechnologies for science and medicine. Prerequisite(s): BIOL H300A and B with a grade of 2.0 or above, or instructor consent
BIOL H453ADVANCED TOPICS IN NEUROBIOLOGY: NEURAL CONTROL OF GENE EXPRESSION0.5
A seminar course exploring the primary literature in a specialized area of neurobiology. Students will read current and historically important original papers as well as pertinent review articles. Oral presentations and written work provide the opportunity for students to demonstrate their ability to critically evaluate current literature in a sub-field of their major discipline. Prerequisite(s): BIOL H300A or BIOL H302A with a grade of 2.0 or above, or instructor consent
This course will focus on the study of virus structure, genome organization, replication, and interactions with the host. Many different families of viruses will be highlighted, with an emphasis on those that infect humans, and specific viruses, especially those of clinical importance, will be incorporated as models within each family.
BIOL H456ADVANCED TOPICS IN BIOLOGY OF MARINE LIFE0.5
Exploration of marine metazoan evolution through the lens of behavioral, morphological, biochemical, and physiological adaptations to various ocean regimes. Readings from primary literature will cover physio-chemical properties of seawater, abiotic/biotic organismal interactions, symbiosis, energy production, human impacts, and phylogenetic relationships. Crosslisted: Biology, Environmental Studies Prerequisite(s): BIOL H300 and BIOL H301 with a grade of 2.0 or above, or instructor consent
Biomedical research is the study of how the human body functions in order to prevent and treat disease and improve human health. However, scientific research that has included marginalized groups often contains methods and biases that cause harm to those groups. This seminar course will examine historic and current primary literature, evaluating the multiple forms of bias that can occur in biomedical research with a focus on sex, gender, disability, and racial bias. Pre-requisite(s): BIOL H200 and BIOL H201 Lottery Preference: Biology seniors, then biology juniors, then seniors.
Students may receive credit for approved study and/or work in the laboratory under the supervision of a professor. This work may take the form of a guided series of readings with associated written work, or a supervised laboratory research project with a final write-up and presentation. Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent
Participation in the department's seminar series; attendance at seminars by visiting speakers; senior seminar meetings, consisting of presentation and discussion of research plans and research results by students; and class activities related to the senior year in biology. Prerequisite(s): Department consent
