Biology

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

Introductory class on Linux and Perl programming. Topics include Linux/UNIX operating systems, Bash and other command line shells, remote terminals, the basics of Perl programming, and examples of Perl programming for biological data.

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.

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 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 first part of a one-year Biochemistry series. This semester covers the basic principles of biological chemistry with particular focus on: proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids; their molecular structure, chemical reactions, and practical methods in characterization; and enzymes and enzyme-catalyzed reactions.

The second part of a one-year Biochemistry series. This semester deals with biochemistry of metabolism, focusing on: glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, gluconeogenesis, electron transport, and the synthesis and breakdown of biomolecules (amino acids, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates), blood chemistry, lipid transportation, and metabolic control.

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.

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.**

Emphasis on formal genetics and molecular approaches to human genetics. Topics include analysis of Mendelian inheritance, chromosome mapping of disease genes, mutational analysis, and epigenetic s. Coverage of genomics, methods of gene manipulation, genetic databases, and regulation of gene expression. The origin and consequences of genetic variation in populations and the role of natural selection in evolution will also be discussed.

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.

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.

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.

Advanced laboratory course in physical biochemistry and biophysical techniques, providing a broad, hands-on, experimental background reinforcing key biophysical concepts; many experiments use expertise and equipment available in our departments or otherwise available to Molecular Biochemistry and Biophysics faculty members through affiliations with the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory.

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.