Cell Biology and Genetics In this introduction to modern cellular, genetic, and molecular biology we will explore life science concepts with an emphasis on their integral nature and evolutionary relationships.  Topics covered will include cell membrane structure and function, metabolism, cell motility and division, genome structure and replication, the regulation of gene expression and protein production, genotype to phenotype relationship, and basic principles of inheritance.  Major concepts will be illustrated using a broad range of examples from plants, animals, and microorganisms.  Current topics in biology will be integrated into the course as they arise.

Molecular Genetics This course will focus on the structure and function of nucleic acids in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Lectures will center on molecular mechanisms of mutation, transposition, and recombination, the regulation of gene expression, and gene control in development, immune diversity and carcinogenesis. Readings from the primary literature will complement the textbook and classroom discussions. The laboratory will provide training in both classic and contemporary molecular-genetic techniques including nucleic acid isolation and purification, cloning, electroporation, nick-translation, Southern/Northern blotting, DNA sequencing, PCR and RT-PCR.

Advanced Field Biology: Place-based Global Biology Education In this upper-level biology course, we will conduct field-based scientific observation, sample and data collection, and interpretation of biological phenomena. Students will be deeply engaged in off-campus, place-based learning at Breadloaf and in the Adirondacks practicing molecular and population genetics, ecology, biogeochemistry, and site mapping. The course is two weeks off-campus and two weeks on-campus conducting group research projects integrating field observations with laboratory analysis. Students will collaborate and partner with local community members on intercultural projects with ethical local impact and relevance. Open to Biology majors or by waiver.

Genomics Genomics is a quickly evolving field that analyzes and contextualizes genome sequencing data and high-throughput techniques. Genomics is the study of the nucleic acid content of organisms. In this course students will use national repositories of genomic information, databases, and open-source bioinformatics tools to visualize and manipulate genomic data. We will also explore genomics’ larger social context, particularly as it relates to the environment and medical informatics. In the laboratory we will explore and use the methodology used in genomics to develop and interpret large datasets (CHEM 0104 or CHEM 0107,and BIOL 0145 and BIOL0140, or by waiver)

The Malleable Human The human body is a remarkable product of evolution, but too often it fails to function as we might like. The genome is essential in determining the body’s characteristics, known as its phenotype, but its influence is not unalterable. In this course we will examine physical, chemical, and genetic modifications to the human body and genome and how they might influence our current perceptions of concepts such as therapy, enhancement, and even humanness itself. We will use non-fiction books, film, scientific literature, and essays to explore how the human genome intersects with external modification.

Jeremy Ward

Class lectures were super interesting but had little relevancy to the actual material on the exams. Better off reading the book than attending lecture. Exams were fair and consisted of multiple choice and short answer sections. Super friendly guy who knows his stuff. 

Professor Ward is the best. He makes the nitty gritty material super engaging and will also help you with life guidance and advising even if he isn't your advisor. Go to his office hours to make a personal connection and I'm sure you will benefit. 

Loved taking this class with Jeremey! Explains things so well and I feel really prepared for other courses with this solid foundation in molecular genetics. Weekly problem sets instead of exams, which I loved. Also, learned so much in lab and he was always so helpful when trouble shooting experiments.