Biology

Introduction to the biological sciences, scientific method, computing tools, and critical thinking.

This course, designed for non-majors, considers basic concepts and selected topics in biology beginning at the molecular level and ending with the biosphere. Topics include the following: the chemistry and structure of cells in plants and animals; how cells obtain and use energy; basic genetics and the role of biotechnology in agriculture and medicine; evolution, natural selection, and species formation; the origin and diversity of microbial, plant, and animal life; ecology, organisms, and their environments; and the impact of human population growth and human activity on the systems and resources of our planet. This course is not available to those students for whom BIOL 107 is a required course, including students majoring in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Molecular Biochemistry and Biophysics, or any pre-health professional major or minor. BIOL 105 and BIOL 114 constitute a one-year sequence in biology. Acceptable as part of the science component of the General Education Program. Course does not satisfy graduation requirements for Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Molecular Biochemistry and Biophysics majors.

This course emphasizes biology at the organismal level. It provides an introduction to the study of the structure and function of plants and animals, their origin and evolution, their reproduction and genetics, and their diversity and ecological relations. BIOL 107 plus BIOL 115 constitutes a one-year sequence in biology. Acceptable as part of the science component of the General Education Program.

A laboratory course to accompany BIOL 107. An introduction to laboratory techniques and their application to the understanding of general biological concepts.

This course, designed for non-majors in biology, covers selected topics in biology of particular relevance to humans and to human health and disease. Topics include: Introductory biochemistry and cell structure, organization, and regulation of body systems; human genetics; human development; biotechnology; introduction to human pathogens and infectious diseases including sexually-transmitted diseases and immunologic diseases such as AIDS; human ecology; and human evolution. This course is not available to those students for whom BIOL 115 is a required course, including students majoring in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biochemistry and Biophysics, Chemical Engineering, or Biomedical Engineering, and students in any pre-health profession major or minor. BIOL 107 and BIOL 114 constitutes a one-year sequence in biology. Acceptable as part of science component of the General Education Program.

This course covers selected topics in biology of particular relevance to humans and to human health and disease. Topics include biology of human cells and selected organ systems; neurobiology including psychoactive drugs and drug addiction; development and birth defects; genetics and genetic diseases; toxicology; the immune system and immunologic diseases such as AIDS; human nutrition and nutritional effects; microbial human diseases. BIOL 107 plus BIOL 115 constitutes a one-year sequence in biology. Acceptable as part of science component of the General Education Program.

A biology laboratory course to accompany BIOL 114 or BIOL 115. A cellular approach to the functional organization of organs and organ systems. Laboratories will include the application of experimental methods and techniques for understanding the relationship between cell structure and function.

Urban Ecology investigates the interactions between ecological processes and urban environments. Students will examine how cities shape, and are shaped by, natural systems, with a focus on biodiversity, conservation, and public health. The course integrates ecological theory with urban planning, restoration, and public policy to address the challenges and opportunities of sustainable urban living. Topics include green infrastructure, urban wildlife, environmental justice, conservation and restoration efforts, and climate resilience. Assessment of local issues and initiatives coupled with data, case studies, and site visits will provide hands-on experience in assessing ecological patterns and designing nature-based solutions for urban sustainability. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to critically evaluate urban ecosystems and contribute to building more livable, equitable, and ecologically sound cities.

This course covers basics of microbiology including structure, genetics, growth, and metabolic diversity of microorganisms. Topics relating to the importance of microorganisms in health, ecosystems, industry, and water and food safety are also covered.

An introduction to transmission and molecular genetics designed for both biology and other science and engineering majors. Applications of genetics to solution of various practical problems will also be discussed.

Exercises focus on sterile technique, growth requirements of microorganisms, identification of microorganisms using biochemical activities, food, and water microbiology.

This course will focus on identification of the anatomical and functional organization of the nervous system and the understanding of the principles of inter-neuronal communication and the integrative functions of the nervous system. Failures in brain functions that can lead to a disease will also be discussed.

Basic principles of biological chemistry: the building blocks, structure, function, and practical methods for characterizing, separating, and purifying proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids; enzyme catalysis and regulation; biological membranes, transport, and signaling; and the storage, expression, and transmission of genetic information. The course emphasizes mechanistic reasoning, structure–function relationships, and the role of biochemistry in homeostasis and evolution.

This course will provide a comprehensive overview of the structural, functional, and developmental anatomy of the human body. Particular consideration will be given to the bony structures, vasculature, innervation, musculature, and relationships of the various structures to one another.

Covers general principles of innate and adaptive immunity including structure and function of immune system components, T and B cell development, responses of the immune system to infection, and consequences of immune system failure.

The logic, regulation, and integration of metabolism in living systems, focusing on the coordinated control of carbohydrate, lipid, and nitrogen metabolism. Central pathways such as glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, the citric acid cycle, electron transport, and oxidative phosphorylation are explored in physiological and evolutionary contexts: metabolic homeostasis; tissue and organismal specialization; hormonal integration; and predicting system-level responses to metabolic perturbations.

Molecular organization of cell structures and cell membranes. Proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids, their molecular structure, characterization and chemical reactions. Enzymes and enzyme-catalyzed reactions and metabolism. Does not satisfy biochemistry requirement for Biology, Biochemistry, or Molecular Biochemistry and Biophysics majors.

Analytical methods in the chemistry and metabolism of proteins, amino acids, and nucleic acids, including chromatography, spectrophotometry, and electrophoresis. Enzyme reactions.

Properties of pathogenic bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites and their mechanisms of pathogenesis with a focus on organisms that cause human disease.

An advanced, evidence-driven examination of protein structure, enzyme mechanism, and biochemical regulation. Topics include structure determination methods, transition‑state theory, enzyme kinetics beyond the steady‑state approximation, inhibition and allostery, binding energetics and specificity, and the relationships among protein stability, folding, and function. Emphasis is placed on understanding how experimental data support mechanistic claims and on developing quantitative reasoning skills to interpret biochemical measurements. Students develop and defend mechanistic models using quantitative data. The role of evolutionary processes such as gene duplication and divergence in shaping the regulation of biochemical processes is evaluated.

Modern nucleic acid sequencing technology has revolutionized the analysis of genes and genomes. In this course, students will learn to use sequence data to analyze the structure and function of genomes. Topics will include sequencing technologies and data, genome assembly, genome annotation and gene expression analysis. Classes will consist of a mixture of lecture and hands-on exercises. A laptop is required.

A course in genetics designed for advanced students in engineering and related disciplines. The course will cover transmission and molecular genetics and their application to the solution of various practical problems. A term paper will be required in addition to in-class examinations. **Instructor permission required.**

The study of genetic variation in natural populations is the foundation for modern evolutionary biology. Population genetics covers both the theoretical study of the effects of various forces on genetic diversity and the empirical analysis of genetic variation observed in real populations. Throughout the course, students’ understanding of population genetics theory will be reinforced with examples of applications. Topics will include genetic drift, genealogical approaches and coalescence, structured populations and migration mutation and natural selection.

The course is designed to provide a complete overview of cancer as a disease. It will cover normal and abnormal cell signaling pathways, cancer genes and their regulation, experimental chemical carcinogenesis, metastasis, cancer prevention and therapy, drug development for cancer treatment, cancers of individual organ sites and application of biotechnology for cancer detection and treatment.

This course is designed to provide the students with comprehensive knowledge about how the human body functions. It will cover cell physiology, autonomic nervous system, neurophysiology, acid base physiology, cardiovascular physiology, respiratory physiology, renal physiology, gastrointestinal physiology, endocrine physiology, and reproductive physiology. Credits cannot be earned to both BIOL 430 and BIOL 530.

This course provides an introduction to some of the basic concepts of physiology through experimental procedures involving laboratory animals and humans. Experiments include EKG, producing and measuring nerve action potential, muscle contraction generation and its mechanism, human blood pressure measurement, human lung capacity measurement, and some other human noninvasive experiments.

Modern studies of cell structure and function at the cellular, subcellular, and molecular levels. Topics include molecular components of cells, membranes, membrane-bound organelles, microtubular and cytoskeletal components and principles of bioenergetics.

A laboratory course in cell biology to accompany BIOL 445.

Library research on advanced topics in biology followed by oral presentations of this research.

In this course we will learn about the networks of neurons that form sensory systems (how we perceive our environment), learning/memory/cognition, and decision making + behavior. We will cover a wide range of organisms, from worms (C. elegans) to humans. The course will be structured into two core parts: 1) concept introduction & discussion 2) project and activity based learning.

The course will discuss biological and medical aspects related to the diseases commonly seeing in the modern society such as diabetes, depression, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and autism. The goal of the course is to provoke students' interest in health-related issues and link the life-style to health problems in the modern society. Course will cover basic clinical and molecular aspects of the diseases, and raise awareness of latest discoveries and challenge in the treatment and prevention of the diseases.

Individual study. Consent of instructor required.

An opportunity for advanced undergraduates to participate in research. A written report covering the procedures, data, and conclusion of the problem is required. **Instructor permission required.**

Lectures by prominent scientists. This course exposes students to current and active research in biology both within and outside the IIT community. It helps prepare students for a career in research. It is complementary to our academic courses and provides examples of professional/scientific presentations. This course may not be used to satisfy the natural science general education requirement.