Ecology and Evolution In this introduction to ecology and evolutionary biology we will cover the topics of interspecific interactions (competition, predation, mutualism), demography and life-history patterns, succession and disturbance in natural communities, species diversity, stability and complexity, causes of evolutionary change, speciation, phylogenetic reconstruction, and population genetics.   The laboratory component will examine lecture topics in detail (such as measuring the evolutionary response of bacteria, adaptations of stream invertebrates to life in moving water, invasive species and their patterns of spread).  We will emphasize experimental design, data collection in the field and in the laboratory, data analysis, and writing skills. This course is not open to seniors and second semester juniors in the Fall.

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.

Comparative Vertebrate Biology This course will explore the evolution of the vertebrate classes and the adaptations that allow them to live in almost every habitat on Earth. We will study the phylogeny, anatomy, physiology, and ecology of the major extinct and extant taxa of vertebrates and discuss how each group solves the problems of finding food, finding mates, and avoiding predators. Laboratory exercises will focus on the comparative anatomy of a cartilaginous fish (the dogfish shark) and a mammal (the cat). Students will learn to identify some anatomical structures of the vertebrate body and learn basic functions and the evolutionary homologies for these structures. Occasional field trips will introduce the local vertebrate fauna in their natural habitat.

Biology of Plants An introduction to plants, their life cycles, and their relationships to each other, as well as to the animals that pollinate them, disperse their fruits, and eat them. We will discuss morphology, physiology, evolution, and natural history of plants (mosses, ferns, gymnosperms, angiosperms). The laboratory will emphasize plant identification, various aspects of plant ecology and physiology, plant morphology, and plant use by humans.  Students will complete a Community Service component, such as completing a forest inventory for a local forest, assisting with the campus tree map, or help with seed-saving measures at the College Organic Garden.  Field trips will be the norm early in the semester.

Entomology Insects are one of the most successful animal groups on Earth, accounting for roughly 75% of all animal species. In this course we will examine several aspects of organismal biology in insects and related arthropods, such as comparative anatomy, physiology, reproduction, development, sensory behavior, and evolution. Hands-on experiences with insects will occur in the field and the lab, culminating in an independent research project. Special topics will include medical and veterinary entomology, insect pest management, and the effects of climate change on insect populations. Oral and written reports are required.

Experimental Design and Statistical Analysis Experimental design is one of the most important parts of doing science, but it is difficult to do well. How do you randomize mice? How many replicate petri plates should be inoculated? If I am measuring temperature in a forest, where do I put the thermometer? In this course students will design experiments across the sub-areas of biology. We will run student designed experiments, and then learn ways to analyze the data, and communicate the results. Students planning to do independent research are encouraged to take this course. (BIOL 0140 or BIOL 0145).

Animal Behavior The behavior of animals primarily from an ethological perspective, with respect to genetics, physiology, evolution, and other biological factors. The course follows the history and methods of studying individual and social behaviors like feeding, courtship, mating, parental care, defense, predation, and migration. We examine live animals in the field and lab to illustrate such processes as instinct, learning, and communication. Discussion topics address recent research, and students design their own research projects. Oral, and written reports are required. (BIOL 0140 or BIOL 0145) 2.

Human Genetics This course incorporates both classical, molecular, and bioinformatics based approaches to study the structure of the human genome, gene function, the effects of mutation, and analysis of the genetic structure of pedigrees and populations.  We will examine a collection of human genetic diseases with a focus on their molecular and biochemical basis and medical implications.  Further, emphasis is placed on the study of the origin of Homo sapiens, modern genetic diversity in humans, and the molecular evolutionary changes that define humans relative to other primates and animals.

Global Change Biology We will examine the effects of global climate change on the earth system. Our emphasis will be on exploring what we know about the impacts of climate change on ecosystems and the organisms that inhabit them. We will examine primary literature-based case studies to reveal how biologists study processes of change on local and global scales, and we will assess how accurately we can predict future changes in species distribution and ecosystem function. In lab, we will apply simulation techniques to predict carbon dioxide and global temperatures into the next century, and couple citizen science platforms (e.g. iNaturalist) with species distribution modeling to predict ecological interactions in future climates. No prior computational modeling experience required/assumed.

Immunology In this course we will explore the human immune system and how it works to protect the body from infection.  Students will be introduced to the cells and molecules of the immune system and how they work together to protect the host from foreign invaders.  We will focus on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of innate immunity before exploring the cellular and genetic principles that underlie the adaptive immune response.  Finally, we will investigate how innate and adaptive immunity work together to combat infection and how disease can arise from inadequacies in this coordinated host response.

Aquatic Ecology In this course we will combine field-based laboratory exercises with classroom activities to examine how humans interact with aquatic ecosystems and how these systems contribute to our understanding of fundamental ecological concepts. Our field trips will focus on aquatic ecosystems and organisms in Vermont, but we will also consider aquatic ecology more broadly through several modules linking processes across ecological scales from whole ecosystems to individual organisms. Evaluation will be based on periodic quizzes, reports synthesizing the laboratory modules, exams emphasizing the concepts covered, and an independent research project. (BIOL 0140).

Developmental Biology Have you ever wondered how an embryo develops from a simple fertilized egg to a complex adult? This course explores this question, examining the preparation and initiation of development (gametogenesis, fertilization, cleavages, and gastrulation), the formation of embryonic structure (morphogenesis), the creation of embryonic pattern (pattern formation), and the control of gene expression during embryogenesis. In a semester when a laboratory section is offered, students will design and carry out experiments at the cutting edge of developmental biology, incorporating modern cellular, molecular, and genetic techniques with classical embryological approaches. Fundamental mysteries of development will be investigated in model organisms that best illustrate each process. This course does not have a lab associated with it every semester.

Mammalogy Thanks to a rogue asteroid, we now live in the Age of Mammals. Mammals fulfill important ecological roles and have adapted to a wide range of habitats – flying, swimming, and scurrying their way to survival. Mammals are also central to numerous livelihoods and cultural practices. We will use the phylogeny of mammals globally to build expertise with evolutionary concepts. Locally, we will work within Vermont to develop a field-based toolkit for studying wild mammals. Experiential learning opportunities may include preparation of salvaged animals, non-invasive monitoring, engagement with trappers/hunters, and introduction to molecular techniques.

Microbiology The microbiological principles emphasized in this class will provide students with a foundation for advanced study in many areas of contemporary biology. The course will integrate basic and applied aspects of microbiology into a study of the prokaryotic microorganisms. General principles of bacterial cell structure, function, and the role of microorganisms in industry, agriculture, biotechnology, and disease will be discussed. An independent laboratory project will stress basic microbiological techniques as applied to the isolation, characterization, and identification of microorganisms from the natural environment.

Biostatistics II In this course we will explore how to use statistics to help answer questions in biology, building on the foundation set in Biology 211. There will be a focus on real-life data sets which require additional statistical complexity, for example accounting for non-normally distributed data or fixed versus random effects. We will think about the philosophical framework behind statistical methods, particularly considering the recent critique of an over-reliance on p-values. The class will have a “hands-on” approach in which we implement examples of covered material in the statistical programming language R.

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.

Plant Community Ecology This course will explore the structure and dynamics of plant communities, with a particular emphasis on temperate forest communities. We will investigate patterns in community diversity and structure, explore how plant populations and plant communities respond to environmental disturbances, and investigate the effects of anthropogenic influences (climate change, introduced species, habitat conversion) on plant communities. Labs will emphasize fieldwork at local research sites, and will provide exposure to techniques of experimental design in plant ecology and basic approaches to describing plant community structure and dynamics.

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)

Conservation Genomics in Practice: From Genome Assembly to Sequence Analysis Genomic data is increasingly used to inform conservation decision-making in captive and wild populations. In this project-based course, students will gain experience with genomic data generated specifically to address wildlife management needs in Vermont, ultimately contributing to a short peer-reviewed manuscript. We will review a range of sequencing approaches (e.g. Hi-C, RNA, metabarcoding) and how to access public data repositories. Students will actively engage in assembling a genome, including use of the command line and various analysis tools relevant to sequencing technology. Through surveying the primary literature and real-world case studies, students will be able to explore a number of career pathways that bridge molecular biology and conservation science. Note that previous bioinformatics experience is not required. (BIOL 0140 and BIOL 0145; Recommended: BIOL 0211 or BIOL 0314) Ellie Armstrong is a postdoctoral fellow at Washington State University with the Washington Research Foundation. She previously completed her PhD at Stanford University, where she worked on large carnivore genomics (e.g., tigers, lions, bears), genome assembly, and creating genomic-based monitoring tools for conservation./

Mechanisms of Microbial Pathogenesis Many microorganisms have the potential to cause disease. An understanding of the mechanisms that promote bacterial pathogenesis is therefore essential for the development of effective disease prevention and/or treatment strategies. This course will explore the mechanisms by which microbial pathogens adhere to, invade, and persist in the human host. While an emphasis will be placed on microbial mechanisms of disease, the host response to the infectious process will also be discussed. (BIOL 0140 and BIOL 0145) 3 hrs lect/disc.

The Genetics of Cancer  In this course we will examine the molecular and cellular mechanisms that serve to regulate normal cell proliferation, survival, and senescence in order to understand how alterations in these mechanisms can lead to cancer.  Students will develop and propose research projects based on their own specific interests. Topics covered may include: classification of cancers, animal models, oncogenes and tumor suppressors, mitogenic signals, genetic and epigenetic alterations, external causes of cancer, and current treatment protocols.  We will also examine cancer’s far-reaching influence outside the confines of molecular and cell biology.

Receptor Biology In this course we will focus on the wide range of membrane receptors and channels that are critical for cellular communication, neuronal connectivity, and sensory transduction. These complex proteins represent major targets in the pharmaceutical industry, and their study incorporates interdisciplinary techniques in structural biology, electrophysiology, synthetic chemistry, and pharmacology. After thoroughly engaging in the primary literature, we will emphasize discipline-specific writing and learn to summarize and communicate new findings to a wide range of expert and non-expert audiences.

Functional Genomics Functional genomics is the study of how genes and intergenic regions of the genome determine an organism’s physical characteristics (phenotype) and contribute to different biological processes. In this course we will utilize genomic and transcriptomic databases to learn about the core questions and methods of genomics research. Topics include an overview of genomes, sequencing and mapping, transcriptional profiling, and genome editing. We will discuss the Human Genome Project, its contribution to the newly emerging fields of precision medicine and pharmacogenomics, and applications of genomics, from crop improvement to the detection and treatment of infectious pathogens. We will also explore ethical, legal, and social implications of functional genomics research.(BIOL 0140 and BIOL 0145)

Endocrinology Endocrinology is a branch of animal physiology devoted to the study of hormones and the endocrine glands that produce them. Hormones are essential for maintaining homeostasis and coordinating biological functions such as growth, reproduction, metabolism, and reaction to stress. This course will cover the diverse mechanisms through which hormones influence physiology and behavior. The endocrine system will provide a window into understanding animal physiology more broadly, with a focus on clinical applications. Lectures will describe the cellular and molecular basis of endocrine regulation and consider the function of each of the major hormone groups produced by the body, such as hypothalamic, pituitary, adrenal, and sex steroids. Weekly journal article discussions will cover current topics in endocrinology, and written work allows students to research endocrine topics of their own interest. .

Molecular Microbial Ecology Molecular microbial ecology (MME) uses leading-edge molecular tools to study the  interactions and diversity of microorganisms in the natural environment. MME covers topics ranging from ancient polar microbes, the human microbiome, and possibly life beyond Earth.  This course will discuss papers that highlight modern technical approaches and form the current theoretical framework in microbial ecology. The laboratory will examine the structure (who is there) and function (what are they doing) of microbial communities in environmental samples. We will cultivate novel microorganisms and analyze nucleic acids via community fingerprinting, functional gene analysis, and the computational exploration of metagenomic datasets.

Animal Physiology This course examines the body functions of animals and humans using general physiological principles and a comparative approach. Lectures will cover the function of each of the major physiological systems (nervous, endocrine, muscular, etc.) and will describe how animal physiology has been shaped by evolution to allow animals to survive in a wide range of environmental conditions. Lectures will focus mainly on physiological processes occurring at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels. Occasional journal article discussions will provide case studies of current topics in animal physiology. Laboratory exercises, reports and oral presentations emphasize experimental design, analysis and independent study using various methodological approaches including electrophysiology, neurotransmitter manipulations, nutritional analysis, and exercise physiology. (BIOL 0140  and BIOL 0145 or NSCI 0251).

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.

Conservation Biology        A conservation biologist is a problem-solver who applies tools from disparate fields – e.g., evolutionary biology, genetics, ecology, paleontology, anthropology, and population biology – to address complex real-world dilemmas of relevance to human, wildlife, and ecosystem health. To effectively leverage their data, conservation biologists must also recognize and navigate government regulations, diverse cultural practices, and stakeholder perceptions. This course is international in scope. Emphasis will be placed on current issues such as species reintroduction, detecting extinction, rewilding, novel ecosystems, protected area design, shifting baselines, human-wildlife conflict, and climate change. This course will require engagement with community partners in independent research.

Advanced Evolutionary Ecology In 1965, the influential biologist G. Evelyn Hutchinson argued that ecological processes are like a theater in which evolutionary plays are performed. Implicit in his argument was the idea that ecological and evolutionary processes occur at distinct timescales, and can thus be easily separated. We will challenge this notion by studying phenotypic plasticity, ecological speciation, evo-eco dynamics, and other advanced topics through a hybrid of lecture, discussion, and a research experiment conducted as a class. Evaluation will be based on quizzes, discussions of the primary literature, several short written assignments, and the group research project. (BIOL 140 and 211 or waiver).

Desert Ecology Drylands (deserts, semi-deserts, savannas) account for over 40 percent of Earth’s terrestrial area and are home to two billion people. They represent the most stressful of habitats, but also are home to organisms possessing the most incredible adaptations to survive. In this course we will explore the unique biology of desert ecosystems across the globe, using primary literature, review articles, and nonfiction works to answer: What selective pressures shape physiology and ecology in desert organisms? How have plants and animals evolved to survive in deserts? How are humans and climate change altering dryland ecosystems on local and global scales?

Extremophiles: conquering Earth’s Extreme Environments Even the most extreme environments are teeming with microbial life. From highly acidic streams to hydrothermal vents with temperatures exceeding 120ºC, microorganisms manage to not only grow, but thrive. How? We will utilize biogeochemistry and cellular biology to characterize these unique microbial processes, and their impact on ecosystems, through critical reading and robust discussion of primary literature. Student-driven research will provide opportunities for advanced oral and written communication skill development.

Topics in Reproductive Medicine In this course we will examine the fundamentals of human reproduction and modern reproductive intervention strategies. Rapid discoveries in medical technologies have allowed us to push the limits of the human body, and we will explore the scientific and medical challenges that surround the control of fertility and infertility, fetal life, birth, and the neonatal period. Through critical review of the primary literature, writing, and informed dialogues, students will gain an understanding of key topics in reproductive medicine.

Neuroplasticity In order for the brain to encode, process, and retain new information, it is constantly changing. Neuroplasticity refers to this capacity of the central nervous system to modify its organization in response to a wide variety of endogenous and environmental stimuli. We will discuss the molecular and cellular basis of various forms of neuroplasticity within the adult brain (e.g., synaptic plasticity, synaptogenesis, and neurogenesis). In this course we will explore how neuroplasticity contributes to learning and memory, neural regeneration in response to injury, and various neuroloigcal diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, and depression). Evaluation will be based on student-led discussions of the primary literature, article critiques, and a final review paper. [BIOL 0145 and (BIOL 0140 or NSCI 251); open to juniors and seniors] 3hrs sem.

Genes and Disease in the Nervous System Numerous disorders in the nervous system have a genetic component; some are due to a mutation in a single gene while others demonstrate a more complex mode of inheritance. In this course we will focus on understanding the genetic basis of neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Fragile-X, autism spectrum disorder, Huntington’s, motor neuron degeneration, Parkinson’s, and muscular dystrophy. From classical genetics to modern genomics, we will explore the discovery of the genes involved in brain disorders as well the development of animal models to reveal underlying molecular mechanisms. We will cover these topics through a combination of lectures and detailed analyses and discussions of primary research articles.

Independent Study In this course students complete individual projects involving laboratory and/or field research or extensive library study on a topic chosen by the student and a faculty advisor. Prior to registering for BIOL 0500, a student must have discussed and agreed upon a project topic with a member of the Biology Department faculty. Additional requirements include attendance at all Biology Department seminars and participation in any scheduled meetings with disciplinary sub-groups and lab groups. This course is not open to seniors; seniors should enroll in BIOL 0700, Senior Independent Study. (BIOL 0211. Approval required) 3 hrs. disc.

Senior Independent Study In this course students complete individual projects involving laboratory and/or field research or extensive library study on a topic chosen by the student and a faculty advisor. Prior to registering for BIOL 0700, a student must have discussed and agreed upon a project topic with a member of the Biology Department faculty. Additional requirements include attendance at all Biology Department seminars and participation in any scheduled meetings with disciplinary sub-groups and lab groups. (BIOL 0211. Approval required; open only to seniors) 3 hrs. disc.

Senior Thesis Seniors majoring in Biology who have completed one or more semesters of BIOL 0500 or BIOL 0700 and who plan to complete a thesis should register for BIOL 0701. In this course students will produce a written thesis, deliver a public presentation of the research on which it is based, and present an oral defense of the thesis before a committee of at least three faculty members. Additional requirements include attendance at all Biology Department seminars and participation in any scheduled meetings with disciplinary sub-groups and lab groups. Open to Biology and joint Biology/Environmental Studies majors. (BIOL 0211 and BIOL 0500 or BIOL 0700 or waiver; instructor approval required for all students) 3 hrs. disc

Reproducible Biology in R Reproducibility is essential at all stages of research and allows for the validation and replication of science, enhancing collaborations and connectivity. The open-source nature of R programming and its ability to analyze and visualize datasets make it a powerful tool in biology. In this course, we will learn the basics of reproducible coding in R and RStudio (no prior knowledge required). Primarily, we will cover: 1) Data structures and creating publication-quality figures; 2) How to ask and answer scientific questions using basic statistics; 3) Creating shareable documents using Rmarkdown; and 4) Reproducibility using GitHub, shell commands, and LaTeX - all within RStudio. Each week will involve a combination of structured lecture, group work, and coding exercises. (Requires BIOL 140 or BIOL 145).

Mountain Ecology In this course we will examine western mountain ranges (Sierra Nevada, Rocky Mountains, and Cascades) and National Parks (e.g., Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Glacier, and Yosemite). These exceptional landscapes will serve as the backdrop for exploring geology, climate, ecology, and natural history of forested and alpine environments. Through lecture, readings, videos, and individual/group activities, we will cover topics including altitude and adaptations, mountains as hotspots for biodiversity, ecosystem services, and effects of climate change on species and habitats. The instructor will share personal experience from releasing wolves into the Idaho wilderness to leading recovery efforts for endangered species, as well as decades of collaborating with federal and state agencies on species of concern and watershed and habitat management issues.  Ray Vizgirdas is a retired biologist with more than 30 years with the US Forest Service and the US Fish and Wildlife Service in California and Idaho. He is also adjunct faculty at Boise State and Northwest Nazarene universities in Idaho teaching advanced and graduate level courses in biology and environmental sciences. /

Nanomachines of Cell Death Correctly orchestrated cell death is essential for organismal life. In this course we will examine the cellular nanomachines that execute cell death processes in mammals through the lens of structural biology and evolution. The course will introduce classical and state-of-the-art structural biology methods including X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance, and cryogenic electron microscopy. We will apply an evolutionary analysis to understand conservation of the cell death machinery across the tree of life. Students will complete written and visual assignments, examine case studies from the primary literature, and learn the basic application of structural biology software (Pymol, ChimeraX). Open to Biology, Biochemistry, and MBBC majors, or by waiver. Alex G. Johnson is a postdoctoral research fellow at Harvard Medical School who grew up in Norwich, Vermont. He completed his B.A. in Biochemistry at Reed College in Oregon, and his Ph.D. in Chemical Biology at Stanford University in California./

Animal Communication This course will examine information transfer between animals, including the mechanisms of the production and reception of animal signals in different sensory modalities, and the factors that shape the evolution and structure of communication signals. This course will discuss signal characteristics, signal evolution, honesty and deception, competing interests of signallers and receivers, communication in networks, and methods for identifying and quantifying information in the study of animal communication systems. The goals of this course are: 1) to demonstrate how communication affects the ecology, behavior, neurobiology, and evolution of animal systems; 2) to compare and contrast theoretical and empirical tools used in studying animal communication origins and structure; 3) and to highlight the effects of human-induced change on animal communication.

Alexis Mychajliw

Alex Johnson

Alison Nurok

Carolyn Dash

Catherine Combelles

David Allen

Ellie Armstrong

Emily Putnam

Eric Moody

Erin Eggleston

Glen Ernstrom

Grace Spatafora

Gregory Pask

Heather Christie

Jeremy Ward

Kirsten Coe

Lauren Ash

Laurence Feyten

Mark Spritzer

Raymond Vizgirdas

Sam Byrne

Susan DeSimone

Vickie Backus

Read 231 reviews for Biology courses at Middlebury College. Find the best Biology professors and courses.  Discover your new major today!

For this course, I felt like I had to really keep up with the readings every night in order to make sure I could have a good understanding of what was going on in class and in the lab. But once I started doing the readings, the labs were very interesting and it was easier to be invested in the work. 

Hard class and have to dissect animals but super cool! The lectures were really good and his style of teaching was great but the exams were really hard. Also, lab practicals were fun but we had to identify over 400+ bones and muscles.

I think Prof. Coe did a great job of teaching the material in a variety of ways while trying to foster a group environment. However, the slow nature of the course was quite boring and made motivation difficult. 