The Major in Biology at Yale University

The life sciences have an underlying cohesiveness that spans the domains of molecules, cells, organisms, and ecosystems and includes the natural processes responsible for the diversity of living forms. Biology is currently undergoing an explosion of discovery, with implications for the analysis and treatment of human disease, biotechnology, and the capacity to recognize and deal with human impact on the environment.

The departments of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (E&EB) and Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB) offer the major in biology jointly. Each department offers an area of concentration within the major that reflects its perspectives and approaches to research while allowing students flexibility in drawing electives from both departments. There are also two interdisciplinary tracks¾in biotechnology and neurobiology¾offered within the MCDB area of concentration. The major offers B.A., B.S., intensive B.S., and combined B.S./M.S. programs, the latter two for students who wish to devote more time to research.

Yale is a leading institution for research in the biological sciences, and during their stay at Yale, students have many opportunities to carry out independent research under the supervision of faculty members. In addition to the E&EB and MCDB departments, there are over 200 bioscience laboratories on the Yale campus, including the School of Medicine and the School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. Hence, the research topics that undergraduates can pursue are as diverse as the interests of the entire bioscience community at Yale are. Subjects include molecular genetics and biochemistry, developmental biology, neurobiology, human physiology, plant science, organismic biology, evolution, systematics, and ecology. Research is usually taken for either course credit and/or performed during the summer. In addition to lecture, seminar, and research courses, students may arrange tutorials to study topics not covered by the traditional curriculum. Finally, students are en! couraged to attend departmental seminars featuring lectures on the research of the Yale faculty and of visiting scientists.

The teaching and research facilities in biology are distributed in three buildings, Osborn Memorial Laboratories, the Kline Biology Tower, and (starting in January 2002) the newly constructed Environmental Science Facility. There are about 55 faculty members, 83 postdoctoral fellows, and 102 graduate students and approximately 360 Biology majors that work and study in these buildings. The quality and breadth of expertise in this biological community has made Yale an exciting center for both students and scientists.

What can being a Biology Major do for me?

The major in biology contributes to a liberal education as well as providing excellent preparation for a wide range of professional careers in medicine, public health, the pharmaceutical industry, science writing, teaching, conservation, as well as biological research. Biology undergraduates at Yale have a high rate of acceptance at medical and graduate schools. Today, with the use of genetic testing in court cases, the patenting of biological products, and procedures for assessing environmental impact, this major can also be helpful in law and business careers.

Programs for Students Majoring in Other Subjects

For students who do not intend to major in Biology, the two departments offer a variety of courses that have no prerequisites.

E&EB 115a, Conservation Biology and the Environment
E&EB 122b, Principles of Evolution, Ecology and Behavior
E&EB 140a, AIDS and Society
E&EB 160b, Diversity of Life
E&EB 210b, Introduction to Statistics: Life Sciences
MCDB 110b, The Biological Roots of Human Nature
MCDB 120a, Principles of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology
MCDB 150b, Global Problems of Population Growth
MCDB 250a, The Biology of Plants

E&EB 115a, Conservation Biology and the Environment, introduces the basic ecological and evolutionary principles underpinning efforts to conserve the Earth?s biodiversity, and emphasizes the biological aspects of efforts to slow the rate of disappearance of both plants and animals. Some political, social, and economic issues are also addressed.

E&EB 122b, Principles of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior, together with MCDB 120a, provides a solid foundation in modern biological science.

E&EB 140a, AIDS and Society, the natural history, biology, and epidemiology of AIDS, social and ethical topics as well as the science are explored.

E&EB 160b, Diversity of Life, introduces students to the diversity of living forms with an emphasis on their evolutionary origins and ecological roles. General evolutionary and ecological principles are taught in the context of understanding diversity of microbes, plants, and animals.

E&EB 210b, Introduction to Statistics: Life Sciences, presents the statistical and probabilistic analysis of biological problems with a unified foundation in basic statistical theory. Problems are drawn from genetics, ecology, epidemiology, and bioinformatics.

MCDB 110b, The Biological Roots of Human Nature, is for students whose primary interests are in the humanities or social sciences. Study of evolution, development, and the nervous system illuminate the behavior and social systems of humans and other animals.

MCDB 120a, Principles of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, is for prospective majors, premedical students, and others who want a thorough introduction to biology. It is ordinarily followed by E&EB 122b.

MCDB 150b, Global Problems of Population Growth, introduces students to the history of human population growth, the current population explosion, and the recent worldwide decline of fertility.

MCDB 250a, The Biology of Plants, is for students interested in the evolution and diversity of plants with emphasis on form and function at both the molecular and organismic level.

An Overview of the Programs for Majors

The programs in the Biology major are designed to enhance a liberal education as well as offer excellent preparation for professional and graduate study in the biological sciences, medicine and other health-related fields, and environmental sciences. After a common set of prerequisite courses, the major is organized around two Areas of Concentration that reflect the interests and perspectives of faculty in the two participating departments. The following diagram provides an overview of the major; details are provided on the following pages.

Each area of concentration has its own core requirements (described below), but the number of required courses is the same for each. In addition to the standard major, MCDB offers two interdisciplinary programs of study in the biotechnology and neurobiology tracks. Once the requirements for the area of concentration have been met, students can choose electives from the other participating department, from Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, and from certain other departments. When in doubt, consult the director of undergraduate studies in your area of concentration.

All majors in biology have the same choices for meeting the senior requirement. As described below, the requirements differ for the B.A., the B.S., the intensive B.S., and the combined B.S./M.S. degrees.

Prerequisites and How They Can Be Met

A number of these prerequisites can be met with acceleration credits. Students who have scored either a 5 on the AP test or 710 or above on the SAT II biology test can place out of MCDB 120a, E&EB 122b and their associated labs. Students who have equivalent scores on the chemistry achievement test can place out of MCDB 120a and MCDB 121La, but they are advised to consult with the director of undergraduate studies if they are not confident about their preparation in biology. They must consult with the chemistry department, however, about their placement in chemistry.

Advanced placement credit awarded in general chemistry, physics and math or completion of advanced courses in those departments, is accepted in lieu of the relevant prerequisite for the Biology major. Students who already have mathematics preparation equivalent to Mathematics 115a or b are encouraged to take additional mathematics (e.g. MATH 120a or b or linear algebra) or statistics (e.g. E&EB 210).

Since the required chemistry courses are prerequisite to a number of MCDB and MB&B courses, students are strongly urged to take general or organic chemistry in their freshman year.

Premedical students will likely need to take the laboratory with introductory physics, although it is not required for the major in Biology. Premedical students should consider the advisability of taking both terms of the introductory biology laboratories (MCDB 121La and E&EB 123Lb). Note that the premedical requirements and the prerequisites for both Biology and MB&B majors are virtually the same, so students do not have to choose among these paths during their freshman year.

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Core Requirements and Electives in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

E&EB elective courses are grouped in three major subject areas:

A-Ecology: E&EB 220a, [230a], [340b], 360b, 365b, [370a], F&ES 275a
B-Evolution: E&EB 225b, 310b, G&G 250a, 315b
C-Organisms: E&EB 240b, 250a, [255b], [260b], [265a], 270b, 328a, MCDB 250a, 290b

Students must take at least one course from each group. In groups A and B, the course listed first is the recommended first course in that subject. One additional E&EB or MCDB courses numbered 150 or higher is also required. Students who wish to shape the major by drawing on electives in other departments should consult with and obtain the approval of the director of undergraduate studies.

Two laboratories are also required for the major. In addition to laboratories associated with the three groups of electives, E&EB 315La and MCDB 201La can also be used to fulfill this requirement. E&EB 315La carries one full course credit but counts as only one laboratory for the major. E&EB 230a may count as either an elective course or a laboratory, but not as both.

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Core Requirements and Electives in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology

The standard major

The standard major requires four electives, (three at the level of 140 or above) and one from MCDB at the 350 level or higher. One credit from MCDB 352La, 353La, 354Lb and 355Lb can be used as an upper-level elective or to fulfill the lab requirement, but not both. (Note: these laboratories carry one-half credit each.) Electives can also be drawn from MB&B courses numbered 200 and above as well as from E&EB.

One of the two required laboratories at the level of 200 or higher can be selected from courses in E&EB or MB&B.

Interdisciplinary Tracks within the MCDB Area of Concentration

As alternatives to the standard MCDB major, students can choose either the biotechnology or the neurobiology tracks. The requirements for each of these interdisciplinary tracks differ somewhat from those of the standard major.

(300a is taken in lieu of MCDB 300a), 400b, 405a, 441a, 443b, 449a, BENG 351a, 352b, <454b>, 457b, CENG 210a, 411a, 412b, CPSC 440a, 470a, 474b, 475b, 476b, 477a.

The labs should be chosen from MCDB courses and include one laboratory from MCDB 351L to 355L. With permission of an advisor, BENG 355L or CENG 412b can be substituted for two one-half credit laboratories.

Students interested in the biotechnology track should consult an adviser for the track.

Electives should be chosen from ANTH 280a, CPSC 475b, LING 231b, MCDB 205b or 210a (whichever is not chosen for the core requirement), MCDB 215a or PSYC 200a or b, MCDB 240b, 310a, 315b, 410b, 425a, 430a, 440b, PSYC 321b. (Note: PSYC 110a or be is a prerequisite for upper-level psychology courses.) Because it is difficult to monitor course changes in other departments, this list can be incomplete or out of date. Consult with a track advisor if you wish approval for a substitution.

The two laboratories should ordinarily be chosen from MCDB courses.

Students interested in the neurobiology track should consult an adviser for the track.

	Neurobiology track advisers:	Paul Forscher, 222 KBT (432-6344) Timothy Goldsmith, 736 KBT (432-3494) Haig Keshishian, 640A KBT (432-3478) David Wells, 226 KBT (432-3481) Robert Wyman, 610A KBT (432-3475) [Sp] Weimin Zhong, 616B KBT (432-9233)

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The Senior Requirement

In addition to the course work described on previous pages, all majors in Biology must satisfy the senior requirement of Yale College. This can be accomplished in any of several ways, depending on whether the student is a candidate for a B.A. or B.S. degree. The senior requirement must be done during the senior year.

The B.A. degree

The requirement can be met in any one of three ways: by submitting a senior essay of 15-20 pages evaluating current research in a field of biology, by one credit of tutorial work (470a, b), or one credit of individual research (475a, b).

A senior choosing to fulfill the requirement with a senior essay must consult with a faculty advisor on the scope and literature of the topic and submit their written approval to the appropriate director of undergraduate studies at least one month before the paper is due in the student?s last term. The senior essay may be related to the subject matter of a course, but the essay is a separate departmental requirement in addition to any work done in a course. It does not count toward the grade in any course. The senior essay must be completed and submitted to the office of the director of undergraduate studies by the last day of classes.

The B.S. degree

The B.S. differs from the B.A. in its greater emphasis on individual research. The senior requirement for the standard B.S. is two contiguous terms of 475, at least one of which must be taken during the senior year. Ordinarily both terms of 475 will be taken during the senior year, but it is possible for a student to begin work toward the senior requirement in the spring of the junior year, continue it over the summer, and complete it during the final year, an arrangement that may be particularly useful for students doing field work.

For the intensive B.S. students fulfill the senior requirement by taking 495, Intensive Research for four credits.

Research Opportunities

There are many opportunities for students to carry out research in the laboratory of a faculty member. A broad spectrum of state-of-the-art research activities is performed at Yale in the MCDB and E&EB departments and in related departments including the Yale Medical School. This research is in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, cell biology, neurobiology, physiology, environmental sciences, ecology and evolution. All interested students are encouraged to participate in research. Students may work in laboratories for academic credit and/or experience. Financial support may be available in some cases, but students being paid may not receive course credit.

The choice of a research laboratory should be made in consultation with faculty members and the director of undergraduate studies. Opportunities can be found on the following web sites: http://www.eeb.yale.edu and http://www.biology.yale.edu. Detailed descriptions of research programs in MCDB can also be found in a booklet entitled, Faculty Research and Graduate Education, which can be obtained from the director of undergraduate studies or the director of graduate studies.

Research Courses

During the academic year students can take either of two research courses, MCDB/E&EB 475 or 495. These courses are intended primarily for students who are culminating their undergraduate experience by doing independent research to fulfill the senior requirement. It is possible for students who wish to do research earlier in their course of study to take E&EB/MCDB 475 before their senior year, but it does not substitute for other course requirements. For research courses, hours are typically arranged at the mutual convenience of the student and the faculty adviser.

Students taking E&EB/MCDB 475a, b are expected to spend at least ten hours per week in the laboratory of a faculty member. This course can be taken more than once (or if planned in advance, for double credit). Students must reapply each semester to be enrolled, and at the completion of each term, a paper must be submitted to their professor. This course fulfills the senior requirement if one semester is taken in the senior year.

E&EB/MCDB 495 is intended for students who wish to do intensive research for the B.S. It is a year-long course, two credits each term, in which students are expected to spend at least twenty hours per week in the laboratory. At the end of the course, students prepare a paper describing the research they completed. One grade is given at the end of the second semester.

Summer Research

Yale students can also perform research with a faculty member during the summer months, which allows students to devote full-time effort to a research project. Summer research enables students to continue research that was initiated during the previous academic year or to begin research that will be continued during the following academic year. Sometimes the faculty member has grant funds that can support students during the summer. Other possibilities for financial support can be found at http://www.yale.edu/yser/fellowships.html. Interested students should consult a member of the Yale faculty or the director of undergraduate studies. Academic credit is not granted unless the student is registered in (and paying tuition to) the Yale summer school.

Summer research at other institutions is possible through several programs. This information entitled, "A Guide to Summer Research Opportunities for Undergraduate Students in Science and Engineering" is available on the web site: http://www.yale.edu/necuse. Yale does not award academic credit for research done at other institutions, even if done in the context of a course. top

Where to Get Advice

The advising system for students majoring in Biology provides a source of clear and readily accessible information regarding programs of study throughout the students' four years at Yale. Each student will have three formal advisers to guide academic choices, but finding the right person for the problem sometimes requires student initiative.

The First Year...

Upon entrance into Yale University, each student is assigned to one of the twelve residential colleges on campus. With this initial assignment, the first-year student encounters a team of three important advisers who will be helpful in answering questions and directing the student's choice of classes.

First, each entering student is assigned a freshman counselor, who is a senior student living with the freshman class. The student counselor gives the freshmen a "student's eye view" of the curriculum, courses and instructors. Valuable as this is, it should not substitute for the advice of a faculty advisor. This is particularly important for freshmen who are considering a major in science. The second advisor is also a member of the student's residential college and is usually a faculty fellow of that student's college and is sometimes a member of the E&EB or MCDB department. This faculty adviser is responsible for advising the student about fulfilling distributional requirements in the first year. The third person on the first-year advising team is, of course, the student's residential college dean. The dean has ultimate authority over the student's decisions for courses and programs of study. If the freshman advisor is not a member of a science department ! in Yale College, the student is strongly advised to consult with the director of undergraduate studies in the field of the student?s primary interest. There are also meetings for prospective science majors that are held in the fall before classes get started.

The most important issue for prospective biology majors is to take chemistry during the first year. This is because many upper-level courses, particularly in MCDB, have prerequisites of two years of chemistry followed by biochemistry. An early start on this sequence is therefore essential. If the student is going to take a second science course, it should be in the MCDB/E&EB sequence. It is possible to postpone the lab for either biology or chemistry until the year after the course is taken, although this is not recommended. Math and physics can be taken in later years.

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...and Beyond

At the end of freshman year, the student has the option of continuing with the faculty fellow adviser assigned for the first year or of choosing a new faculty adviser for the Sophomore year. Biology majors should find an advisor in the biology program as soon as they decide on the major. E&EB students are assigned advisors by year (see below). Students in the standard MCDB major can select any member of the faculty as an advisor, either a fellow of their residential college or an individual with common interests. A list of faculty fellows and their affiliated colleges is presented on the next page. Students in the Neurobiology or Biotechnology Tracks, or those interested in the Plant Sciences should consult the advisers specified above with the Tracks. The Sophomore year adviser usually remains a student's adviser for the next two years, but it is possible to switch if a student prefers another individual. Note that it is possible to switch areas of concentration, ! especially in the first two years; if a student changes area, they should also change to an appropriate advisor for that area.

The biology faculty adviser's role is four-fold. First, the adviser ensures that the student selects and fulfills the requirements needed for graduation. Second, the adviser ensures that the major's distributional requirements are fulfilled. Third, the adviser gives guidance on the student's curriculum and future career plans. Finally, the faculty adviser may be asked to write letters of recommendation if the student should so desire.

The regular faculty adviser should handle most routine issues, including signing schedules. Certain matters require the attention of the director of undergraduate studies. Each area of concentration in the biology major has a DUS who can be reached by email or through the undergraduate registrars. See the first page of this booklet for names, phone numbers, and email addresses.

Advisors for the E&EB Area of Concentration

Students in the EEB area of concentration are assigned advisors by class. Freshmen are assigned to the DUS, but by the sophomore year, students should be regularly consulting with an advisor assigned to their class. This individual assures that you fulfill the requirements for the degree and is available for advice pertaining to your career. Assigned advisors sign the registration forms that you submit to your college dean.

Advisors by class are as follows:

Advisors for the MCDB Area of Concentration

All faculty in the MCDB department are available as advisors. You are free to choose your advisor, and you can change advisors should you wish. You are expected to consult your advisor at the start of each term and obtain their signature approving your selection of classes. Because of the size of the major, the DUS does not ordinarily sign schedules but is of course available to help you with any other academic issue. The list of all MCDB faculty begins on the following page.

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Faculty: 

E&EB Faculty and Research Interests:

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MCDB Faculty and Research Interests:

* Joint faculty

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Recommendations for Premedical Students

Most medical schools require:

• One year of Biology plus one year of laboratories.
• Two years of Chemistry plus two years of laboratories.
  Either
  One year of General Chemistry; One year of Organic Chemistry
  Or
  One year of Freshman Organic Chemistry plus one term of Biochemistry and Biochemistry laboratory
• One year of Physics plus laboratories.
  (Note: the requirements of the Biology major do not include physics laboratories.)
• At least one term of calculus; some require a full year of math.

Biochemistry plus laboratory is often recommended by medical schools for premedical students and is listed by them under the Chemistry requirements, not Biology.

Many medical schools require one term of English; some require two terms.

Students who expect to apply to medical school should consult the Health Professions Advisory Board (HPAB) at Undergraduate Career Services (UCS) located at 55 Whitney Avenue (phone: 432-0818). Catalogues for every American and most Canadian medical schools are available on the WEB.

Studies Abroad

It is possible for Biology majors to participate in programs that include study abroad. This may be especially appropriate for majors in the E&EB area of concentration. Programs approved for a full semester of credit by the Yale College Studies Abroad Program include the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) in Costa Rica and School for Field Studies in several localities. More detailed information can be found on the web site: www.yale.edu/iefp. Application to both the programs and to the Studies Abroad Committee should be done early in the semester preceding the semester spent abroad. Summer programs also exist that may be used to fulfill some degree requirements and, in some cases, credit can be transferred. How the credit earned in programs abroad can be applied to fulfilling the biology major requirements depends on the particular program chosen and should be discussed with the DUS early in planning.

Information on some studies abroad in E&EB are available in 101 OML as well as information on current students who have participated in the programs.

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The Combined B.S./M.S. Degree Program

The combined B.S./M.S. degrees program in Biology is designed to allow exceptional students with a strong interest in biology to accelerate their professional education. This program is to be completed in eight terms of enrollment. The requirements are as follows:

1. Candidates must satisfy the Yale College requirements for the B.S. degree. In addition to the three core requirements specified in the standard track, the four upper-level electives must be graduate-level courses designated "G". One of these is a graduate seminar selected with the approval of the director of undergraduate studies. Students must earn honors (A or A-) in two graduate-level courses and high pass (B+, B, B-) in the rest.
   
2. Six credits outside the major must be taken in the last two years, and at least two undergraduate courses in the last two terms.
   
3. In addition to the courses specified above, students must complete two graduate laboratory courses for six course credits:
   a) E&EB/MCDB 585b, a two-credit course typically taken in the second term of the junior year. At the start of the course, each student forms a committee comprised of their adviser and two faculty members that meets to discuss the research project. Two of the committee members must be members of either the E&EB or MCDB departments. At the end of the course, students complete a detailed prospectus describing their thesis project, and the work completed to date. The committee evaluates an oral and written presentation of the prospectus; the evaluation determines whether the student may continue in the combined program.
   b) E&EB/MCDB 595, a four-credit course (two credits per term) that is similar to E&EB/MCDB 495 and is taken during the senior year. During this course, students give an oral presentation describing their work. At the end of the course, the adviser and two other faculty members evaluate a comprehensive thesis. Students must earn a B grade or higher in this course in order to receive the M.S. degree.

Students must also satisfy the requirements of Yale College for the combined bachelor's and master's degrees program, including the following:

• Students must apply in writing to the director of undergraduate studies and obtain departmental approval no later than the beginning of the second term of their Junior year. Students must have the approval of both the director of undergraduate studies and the director of graduate studies to receive graduate credit for the graduate courses they select.
  
• At the time of the application, only those students with two-thirds A or A- grades in all their courses, and with two-thirds A or A- grades in Biology courses will be admitted to the program.
  
• Students must have this program approved by the undergraduate affairs committee of the major and the relevant departmental faculty by the end of the first term of their junior year. Because faculty meetings are held irregularly, the director of undergraduate studies should receive proposed programs by November 1.

Five year program for the combined BS/MS in Forestry and Environmental Studies

The School of Forestry and Environmental Studies offers a program whereby a Yale student can earn a Masters Degree in F&ES with an additional year of study. Students must fulfill the requirements for a Yale College bachelor?s degree that includes the appropriate prerequisites for acceptance into F&ES. Two summers and one further academic year are used to fulfill the Masters requirements. Interested students should contact Gordon Geballe in F&ES.

Facilities

The offices and laboratories of the primary members of the two departments are in three buildings clustered on science hill: Kline Biology Tower (KBT), Osborn Memorial Laboratories (OML), and the Environmental Sciences Facility (ESF, to be occupied January 2002). Joint appointees are housed in their home departments. In addition to the state of the art laboratories in the three buildings, listed below are additional facilities accessible to students for research and study at Yale.

Libraries:
The several science libraries collectively constitute one of the great collections of biological literature in the world. The Kline Science Library (biological sciences), Peabody Museum (ornithology and entomology), Kline Geology Library (paleobiology), School of Forestry and Environmental Studies (forest and environmental biology), and Medical Library (biomedical sciences) together represent a total collection of approximately one million volumes.

Computer Facilities:
Yale Information and Technology Services (ITS) provides both mainframe and microcomputer resources to the student community. A variety of computer languages and programs are supported. Biomedical Computer Facilities, located at the Medical School, and accessed through remote or local terminals, are available for DNA and protein sequence analysis. The residential colleges are fully networked for access toYale computing facilities and the Internet.

Peabody Museum of Natural History:
With collections dating to 1825 and now numbering over 2,000,000 units, Yale's Peabody Museum is a major resource for research and teaching in the biological sciences. Of particular interest to those studying the history and diversity of life are its world-famous holdings of fossil vertebrates, including dinosaurs (150,000 units), fossil invertebrates (275,000 units), and fossil plants (100,000 units), as well as its collections of modern birds (100,000 units), insects (1,250,000 units), other animals (300,000 units), and plants (250,000 units). Research and work-study opportunities with any of the scientific staff members of the Museum are accessible to students.

Molecular Biology Facilities:
University services for all aspects of molecular biological investigations are available in various Yale facilities. These include oligonucleotide synthesis, DNA sequencing, monoclonal and polyclonal antibody preparation, peptide synthesis, cell sorting, and amino acid analysis. In addition, facilities are available for mass spectrometry and X-ray crystallography. Equipment to generate and analyze DNA chips and other microarrays are located both at the Yale Medical School and in the MCDB Department. In addition, the laboratories for teaching and for faculty research are well-equipped with state of the art instrumentation and equipment for specific projects.

Imaging Facilities:
The MCDB Department operates a state of the art digital and video imaging center, supervised by Dr. Joe Wolenski, which is available to the Yale community. Equipment includes two laser scanning confocal microscopes, as well as an in vitro motility workstation for detecting low level fluorescent molecules. These systems are ideal for producing high resolution digital still images or videos of static tissues or living cells.

Structural Analysis/Electron Microscopy Facilities:
The MCDB Department operates a Structural Analysis Laboratory that includes both scanning and transmission electron microscopes and related equipment for processing, sectioning, and photographic support. These facilities are used in both teaching and research, and are core resources also available to members of EEB.

YIBS (Yale Institute for Biospherics Studies) Conservation Genetics Laboratory:
This center, directed by Gisella Caccone, provides resources for students working with faculty who do not have the facilities to do molecular systematics and evolution. It is professionally staffed and has state of the art equipment. Undergraduates may also obtain formal training in these approaches to studying evolution. This center is housed in OML until completion of the ESF building where it will move permanently.

YIBS Center for Computational Ecology:
A professionally managed network of workstations is housed in Osborn Memorial Laboratory. The facility and technical support is available to students working with faculty on projects in computational biology and bioinformation.

YIBS Center for Earth Observation:
A computer laboratory for the analysis of remote sensing data is available for research. The Center also offers courses in remote sensing on a regular basis to students, which provide students with the skills to use the facility. This Center is housed in Geology and Geophysics.

Plant and Animal Husbandry:
Numerous controlled environment growth chambers, constant temperature rooms, and plant tissue culture facilities are available for environmentally controlled growth of plant materials. The major animal care facility for small mammals for the Arts and Sciences campus is also located on Science Hill.

Herbarium:
The Yale Herbarium consists of 250,000 systematically arranged plant specimens from the algae to vascular plants. The collection includes significant type specimens in the mosses and ferns with a representation of most families and important genera of the flowering plants.

Peabody Museum Field Station:
The Marine Biology facility on Long Island Sound is comprised of an on-shore laboratory, a 40 acre salt marsh, and a 17 acre island. Facilities include salt water holding tanks, a shop, and a small boat fleet. It is approximately 30 minutes from the Yale campus.

Marsh Botanical Garden:
A garden and arboretum is located north of OML at Prospect Street and Hillside Terrace. The greenhouses house an extensive collection of living plants including representative species from tropical regions and arid climates. A separate greenhouse facility for experimentation is located adjacent to OML.

Yale Natural Preserve:
This tract of acres in the Westville section of New Haven adjoins the Yale Golf Course. It is heavily wooded and has a central pond. Many groups of terrestrial and freshwater organisms are well represented in natural communities.

Yale Forests:
There are more than 10,000 acres of Yale Forests managed as working forests by the School of Forestry & Environmental Studies. They are also available by arrangement for research and instruction. The largest and closest is the 7,800-acre Yale-Meyers Forest in northeastern Connecticut. It has some small lakes and a diversity of fauna, flora, and natural habitats.

Appendices

I. Courses in the Departments of EEB and MCDB
II. Worksheets for Area I (E&EB) and Area II (MCDB)
III.Undergraduate Research Projects
IV Undergraduate Prizes
V. Forms for Tutorial and Research Courses

Appendix I

COURSES IN THE DEPARTMENTS OF EEB AND MCDB

Note: The letter "a" following a course number indicates a fall term course; "b" indicates a spring term course; "G" indicates courses offered to undergraduate and graduate students; courses without an "a" or "b" are year-long; ?*? indicates permission from the instructor is needed. Bracketed courses are not offered in the academic year 2001-2002.

INTRODUCTORY COURSES WITHOUT PREREQUISITES:

[E&EB 110b/EVST 110b. Environmental Studies]

MCDB 110b. The Biological Roots of Human Nature. Timothy Goldsmith.
An exploration of principles from evolution, development, and the biology of the nervous system that illuminate the behavior and social organization of humans and other animals. Intended for students not majoring in the biological sciences.

E&EB 115aG/F&ES 315a. Conservation Biology and the Environment. Gisella Caccone, Jeffrey Powell (in charge), Oswald Schmitz, Stephen Stearns.
An introduction to the basic ecological and evolutionary principles underpinning efforts to conserve the Earth?s biodiversity. These principles examined in the context of efforts to halt the rapid increase in disappearance of both plants and animals. Case studies examined in detail. Sociological and economic issues are also discussed.

MCDB 120a. Principles of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology. Sidney Altman, John Carlson (in charge), Frank Slack.
Introduction to biochemistry, genetics, cell biology, and development. Emphasis on the cell as the basic unit of life; its composition, functions, replication, and differentiation. This course is designed to serve both as the first step in any Biological Sciences major, and as a course for any student wishing to understand the fundamentals of biology at the molecular and cellular level. This course is prerequisite to MCDB courses numbered 200 or higher.

MCDB 121La. Laboratory for Principles of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology. John Carlson (in charge), Nancy Rosenbaum.
Experimental techniques and procedures in molecular and cell biology. May be taken with or after MCDB 120a.

E&EB 122b. Principles of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior. Michael Donoghue, Margaret Riley, Stephen Stearns (in charge).
The major principles of evolution, ecology, and behavior explained and illustrated by recent advances that have changed the field. Emphasis on major events in the history and key transitions in the organization of life. Ecological processes from organisms through populations and communities to the biosphere. Foraging, mating, selfish and cooperative behavior placed in evolutionary and ecological context.

E&EB 123Lb. Laboratory for Principles of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior. Nancy Rosenbaum.
Experimental approaches to organismal and population biology, including study of the diversity of life. May be taken with or after E&EB 122b.

*E&EB 140a/EVST 140a. AIDS and Society. Alvin Novick.
The natural history, biology, and epidemiology of AIDS; social, ethical, public policy, and political aspects of AIDS and of the ways societies address a medical crisis.

*E&EB 145b. Problems in Bioethics. Alvin Novick.
A consideration of social and ethical problems raised by advances in biological and medical research. Several timely topics examined in depth, with frequent student oral reports. Open to majors in the biological sciences and to others with permission of instructor.

E&EB 160b. Diversity of Life. Michael Donoghue and staff.
A survey of the diversity of organisms on Earth with a focus on their evolutionary history, biology, and adaptations to their environment.

*F&ES 220bG. Local Flora. Thomas Siccama.
For description see under Forestry and Environmental Studies in the YCPS book.

G&G 125b. The History of Life. Leo Hickey.
For description see under Geology and Geophysics in the YCPS book.

INTERMEDIATE E&EB COURSES

E&EB 210aG/MCDB 215a/STATS 101aG. Introduction to Statistics: Life Sciences.
Joseph Chang, Junhyong Kim.
For description see under Statistics in the YCPS book.

E&EB 220aG. Population Ecology. Ashley Carter.
An introduction to theory and practice of the science of population ecology. Topics include the determinants of patterns of distribution and abundance from demographic and population perspectives. Prerequisites: MATH 112a or b or 115a or b or equivalent.

E&EB 225bG. Evolutionary Biology. Sean Rice, Margaret Riley (in charge).
An introduction to the study of evolution from both a macro- and micro-evolutionary perspective. Principles of population genetics, systematics, paleontology, and molecular evolution are addressed as well as application of evolutionary thinking to issues in animal behavior, ecology, and molecular biology. After E&EB 122b.

[E&EB 226LbG. Laboratory for Evolutionary Biology]

[E&EB 230aG/EVST 225a. Field Ecology]

E&EB 240bG. Animal Behavior. Marta Martinez Wells.
An introduction to animal behavior, including proximate causes, development, and control of behavior; communication; mating systems and sexual selection; and the evolution of social systems. After E&EB 122b or with permission of instructor.

E&EB 250aG. Biology of Terrestrial Arthropods. Marta Martinez Wells.
Evolutionary history and diversity of terrestrial arthropods (body plan, phylogenetic relationships, fossil record); physiology and functional morphology (water relations, thermoregulation, energetics of flying and singing); reproduction (biology of reproduction, life cycles, metamorphosis, parental care); behavior (migration, communication, mating systems, evolution of sociality); ecology (parasitism, mutualism, predator-prey interactions, competition, plant-insect interactions). After E&EB 122b.

E&EB 251LaG. Laboratory for Biology of Terrestrial Arthropods. Marta Martinez Wells.
Comparative anatomy, dissections, identification and classification of terrestrial arthropods; specimen collection; field trips. Concurrently with or after E&EB 250a.

[E&EB 255bG. The Invertebrates]

[E&EB 256LbG. Laboratory for The Invertebrates]

[E&EB 260bG. The Vertebrates]

[E&EB 261LbG. Laboratory for The Vertebrates]

E&EB 262a/EVST 262a/F&ES 262a. Ecology and Environmental Problem Solving. Oswald Schmitz.
For description see under Environmental Studies in the YCPS book.

E&EB 263La/EVST 263La/F&ES 265La. Laboratory for Ecology and Environmental Problem Solving. Oswald Schmitz.
For description see under Environmental Studies in the YCPS book.

E&EB 270b. Herpetology. Theodora Pinou.
A comparative approach to the evolution, anatomy, physiology, ecology, behavior, geographic distribution, and classification of amphibians and reptiles. Aspects of conservation and medical contributions of various amphibian and reptilian venoms and toxins also discussed.

E&EB 271Lb. Herpetology Laboratory. Theodora Pinou.
Laboratory and field studies of amphibians and reptiles. Examination of the morphology and systematics of amphibians and reptiles; various phylogenetic methods of sampling and species identification. Concurrently with E&EB 270b.

ADVANCED E&EB COURSES

E&EB 310bG. Evolutionary Genetics. Jeffrey Powell.
Introduction to population genetics and phylogenetics. Theoretical fundamentals and empirical data, with an emphasis on molecular aspects. After MCDB 200a, E&EB 210a, 225b or with permission of instructor.

E&EB 315LaG. Laboratory in Molecular Systematics. Gisella Caccone.
A practical introduction to molecular techniques used in systematic (DNA extraction, PCR, sequencing) and their application to field studies in natural history, population genetics, and mating systems, paternity, and the historical analysis of lineages. Research projects apply the methodologies. After or concurrently with MCDB 200a and/or E&EB 225b.

E&EB 328aG. Comparative Physiology. Theodora Pinou.
A comparative approach to the diversity of physiological processes employed by different animal species, and how these adaptations are related to the physical environment.

E&EB 329La. Laboratory for Comparative Physiology. Theodora Pinou
An opportunity to examine various physiological principles of animals under varying environmental conditions. Use of live animals is limited. Some principles are examined using computer simulation. Concurrently with E&EB 328a.

*E&EB 331b. Seminar in Tropical Ecology. Theodora Pinou.
A seminar designed to complement the Tropical Field Ecology of Mexico course offered in the summer, and to prepare participating students for the biodiversity that they will encounter during the summer. Topics range from biogeography, biodiversity, and behavior to endangered species laws, Mexican Fish and Wildlife policies, and field collecting techniques. Students are provided with the background, support, and guidance required to write a field study proposal, secure appropriate permits and official documents, and explore sources of funding for the summer field study.

[E&EB 340bG/F&ES 340bG/EVST 363b. Community Ecology]

[E&EB 341LbG/F&ES 341LbG/EVST 363Lb. Laboratory for Community Ecology]

E&EB 360b/F&ES 360bG. Wildlife Conservation Ecology. Oswald Schmitz.
An exploration of the evolutionary ecological basis for animal behavior and life history. Topics include how behavior evolves and what factors ultimately shape animal decision-making and life histories; the link between animal behavior and population dynamics (demographic models that translate behavior into life-history strategies are used); and how environmental perturbations
influence animal life histories to alter population structure and dynamics. After E&EB 220a.

E&EB 365a/F&ES 365aG. Landscape Ecology. Ofer Ovadia.
An introduction to the study of large-scale ecological patterns and processes. Topics include
species viability, ecosystem management, and the design of nature reserves. Focus on when and
how to integrate a spatial perspective into consideration of major ecological questions. After
E&EB 220a.

[E&EB 370aG/F&ES 370aG. Aquatic Ecology]

*E&EB 375bG. Molecular Approaches to Systematics, Conservation Genetics, and Behavioral Ecology. Gisella Caccone.
An examination of the potential and limits of a wide range of molecular approaches to questions of ecology and systematics, with particular emphasis on conservation biology. Prerequisites: MCDB 200a and E&EB 225b.

*E&EB 380aG. Population Biology. Stephen Stearns.
Advanced discussion of life history evolution, sex allocation theory, the evolution of sex, the evolution of phenotypic plasticity, and evolutionary conflict theory. After E&EB 220a and 225b.

F&ES 275aG/*EVST 275aG. Patterns and Processes in Terrestrial Ecosystems. Thomas Siccama.
For description see under Forestry and Environmental Studies.

F&ES 276LaG/*EVST 275aG. Laboratory for Patterns and Processes in Terrestrial Ecosystems. Thomas Siccama.
For description see under Forestry and Environmental Studies.

E&EB RESEARCH AND TUTORIALS

*E&EB 470a or b. Tutorial. Jeffrey Powell.
Individual or small group study for qualified students who wish to investigate an area of ecology or evolutionary biology not presently covered by regular courses. A student must be sponsored by a faculty member who sets requirements and meets weekly with the student. One or more written examinations and/or a term paper are required. To register, the student must submit a written plan of study approved by the faculty instructor to the director of undergraduate studies. Students are encouraged to apply during the term preceding the tutorial. The proposal must be submitted by Thursday, September 13, for the fall term and Monday, January 21, for the spring term. The final paper is due in the hands of the Director of Undergraduate Studies by the beginning of the reading period. (In special cases, with approval of the Director of Undergraduate Studies, this course may be elected for more than one term, but only one term will count as an elective for the major.) Normall! y, faculty sponsors must be members of the E&EB Department. One term of this course fulfills the senior requirement for the B.A. degree if taken in the Senior year.

*E&EB 475a or b. Research. Jeffrey Powell.
One term of original research in an area relevant to ecology or evolutionary biology. This may involve, for example, laboratory work, field work or mathematical or computer modeling. Students may also work in areas related to environmental biology such as policy, economics, or ethics. The research project may not be a review of relevant literature but must be original. In all cases, students must have a faculty sponsor who will oversee the research and be responsible for the rigor of the project. Students must submit a research proposal that has been approved by the faculty sponsor to the director of undergraduate studies. This should be done late in the term preceding the research. A research paper is due at the end of the term. The proposals are due Thursday, September 13, for the fall term and Monday, January 21, for the spring term. The final paper is due in the hands of the Director of Undergraduate Studies by the beginning of the reading period. One term of this! course fulfills the senior requirement for the B.A. degree if taken in the Senior year.

*E&EB 495. Intensive Senior Research. Jeffrey Powell.
Two terms of intensive original research during the senior year done under the sponsorship of a faculty member. Similar to E&EB 475a or b except a more substantial portion of the student?s time should be spent on the research project. A research proposal approved by the sponsoring faculty member must be submitted to the director of undergraduate studies before reading period of the term preceding the course, usually the spring term of the junior year. Interim oral reports and a final written research paper are required. Fulfills the senior requirement and leads to the intensive B.S. degree.

UPPER-LEVEL MCDB COURSES

[MCDB 150bG/EVST 205bG. Global Problems of Population Growth]

MCDB 200a. Genetics. Stephen Dellaporta (in charge), Shirleen Roeder and staff.
An introduction to classical, molecular and population genetics, of both prokaryotes and eukaryotes and its central importance in biological sciences. Emphasis on analytical approaches and techniques of genetics used to investigate mechanisms of heredity and variation. Topics include transmission genetics, cytogenetics, DNA structure and function, recombination, gene mutation, selection, and recombinant DNA technology.

MCDB 201La. Laboratory for Genetics. Iain Dawson (in charge), Gregory Fitzgerald.
Laboratory experiments investigating genetic phenomena in Drosophila, bacteria, yeast, plants; modern genetic techniques. Concurrently with MCDB 200a.

MCDB 205b. Cell Biology. Ronald Breaker, Craig Crews, Mark Mooseker (in charge), Joel Rosenbaum.
An introduction to the wide range of topics in cell biology. Topics include analysis of the various compartments of the cytoplasm and aspects of the molecular and cell biology of the nucleus. Emphasis on key concepts of cellular organization, structure/function relationships and experimental rationales.

MCDB 210a. Developmental Biology. Vivian Irish, Douglas Kankel, Frank Ruddle (in charge).
Cellular differentiation and its genetic and molecular control; fertilization, cleavage, and morphogenesis of plants and animals; cell motility; polarity and positional information; developmental basis of evolution. After MCDB 120a.

MCDB 215a/EEB 210aG/Stats 101aG. Introduction to Statistics: Life Sciences. Joseph Chang (in charge), Junhyong Kim.
Statistical and probabilistic analysis of Biological problems is presented with a unified foundation in basic statistical theory. The course is structured as a general lecture covering statistical theory and a discipline based lecture covering statistical modeling of biological problems. The biological problems are drawn from genetics, ecology, epidemiology, computational biology and bioinformatics. Emphasis will be given to analysis of molecular biology data.

MCDB 240b. Biology of Reproduction. Frederick Naftolin, William Segraves (in charge), and staff.
Introduction to reproductive biology, with emphasis on human reproduction: development and hormonal regulation of reproductive systems; sexuality, fertilization, and pregnancy; modern diagnosis and treatment of reproductive and developmental disorders. A segment on social and ethical issues is included. After MCDB 120a.

MCDB 241Lb. Laboratory for Biology of Reproduction and Development. Mary Klein (in
charge), Frederick Naftolin.
Laboratory investigation of reproductive and developmental processes. Emphasis on mammalian reproduction and embryonic development in classic vertebrate and invertebrate systems. Topics include gametogenesis, ovulation, hormonal control of reproduction, and investigation of embryogenesis in the frog and the fruit fly, Drosophila. May be taken with or after MCDB 210a or 240b. Not open to Freshmen.

*MCDB 250a. The Biology of Plants. Mary Helen Goldsmith (in charge), Timothy Nelson,
Ian Sussex.
The diversity, structure, function, and development of plants provide the basis for considering their environmental importance, agricultural applications, and improvement of crops through biotechnology. Demonstrations, discussions, and field trips.

F&ES 260aG. Structure, Function, and Development of Trees. Graeme Berlyn.
For description see under Forestry and Environmental Studies in the YCPS book.

F&ES 261LbG. Laboratory for Structure, Function, and Development of Vascular Plants.
Graeme Berlyn.
For description see under Forestry and Environmental Studies in the YCPS book.

MCDB 290b. Microbiology. S.P. Dinesh-Kumar (in charge), Christine Jacobs.
Natural history of microorganisms: their structure, life cycles, metabolism, and roles in the biosphere. After MCDB 120a, 300a, and Chemistry 220a, 221b.

MCDB 291Lb. Laboratory for Microbiology. Carol Bascom-Slack.
Laboratory experiments to supplement lectures of MCDB 290b. Emphasis on microscopy and pure culture technique. Must be taken concurrently with MCDB 290b.

MCDB 300aG/MB&B 200a. Biochemistry. Robert Macnab, L. Nicholas Ornston (in charge).
An introduction to the biochemistry of animals, plants, and microorganisms, emphasizing the relations of chemical principles and structure to the evolution and regulation of living systems. After one term of organic chemistry.

MCDB 301La/MB&B 251La. Laboratory for Biochemistry. William Konigsberg (in charge), Aruna Pawashe.
An introduction to current experimental methods in biochemistry, with emphasis on methods of separation, and characterization of proteins, enzymes, and nucleic acids. With or after MB&B 200a or 300a.

MCDB 310aG/BME 350aG. Physiological Systems. Peter Aronson, Vahid Mohsenin, P. Darrell
Neufer, Vincent Pieribone, Steven Segal (in charge).
Regulation and control in the human body, emphasizing principles of feedback and homeostasis. Biophysical properties and energetics of cells, tissues, and organ systems, focusing on structure-function relationships and their integration into physiological systems.

MCDB 315b. Biological Mechanisms of Reaction to Injury. José Costa, Michael Kashgarian
(in charge), Joseph Madri, Jon Morrow, Archibald Perkins.
An introduction to human biology and disease as a manifestation of reaction to injury. Topics include organ structure and function, cell injury, circulatory and inflammatory responses, disordered physiology, and neoplasia. After MCDB 120a and with or after 205b or MCDB 300a or 310a.

*MCDB 351Lb. Laboratory in Electron Microscopy. Barry Piekos.
Techniques in light and electron microscopy. Preference given to MCDB and MB&B seniors; recommended to be taken after or concurrently with MCDB 205b; enrollment is limited.

*MCDB 352La. Laboratory in Nucleic Acids I. Kenneth Nelson.
Introduction to many of the methods used in molecular and cell biology, including purification and cloning of DNA, amplification and modification of DNA by PCR and other enzymatic methods, DNA sequencing, and computer-assisted analysis of sequences. Laboratories meet twice a week for the first half of the term. With or after MCDB 200a, 205b, 300a; enrollment is limited.
Special registration procedures apply. Students must consult the instructor by Tuesday, September 11, 2001.

*MCDB 353La. Laboratory in Nucleic Acids II. Kenneth Nelson.
Continuation of MCDB 352La to more advanced methods and techniques in molecular and cell biology, including isolation of mRNA, synthesis of cDNA, RNA Northern blots for analysis of gene expression, making cDNA libraries, cloning of genes by screening of cDNA libraries. Laboratories meet twice a week for the second half of the term. After MCDB 352La or with permission of the instructor; enrollment is limited.
Special registration procedures apply. Students must consult the instructor by September 11, 2001.

*MCDB 354Lb. Experimental Techniques in Cellular Biology. Joseph Wolenski.
Introduction to modern techniques used for protein purification and characterization. Emphasis on methods for purification of fusion-proteins. Techniques include gel electrophoresis, immunoblotting, determination of protein concentration, cell fractionation, principles of centrifugation and column chromatography. Students give presentations of their data in a ?lab-meeting? style. During the last week of class each student presents a computer-assisted seminar of a peer-reviewed journal article. Prepares for MCDB 475 or 495. MB&B, Chemistry and Physics majors welcome. Class size is limited. Students must consult instructor before registration. Prerequisite: MCDB 205b.

*MCDB 355Lb. Experimental Strategies in Cellular Biology. Joseph Wolenski.
Advanced laboratory techniques and research strategies common to several disciplines, including biochemistry, physiology, cell biology and video microscopy and digital imaging. Participation in a project-based approach to the purification of proteins from tissue and/or organs. Past modules have included the purification and characterization of microtubules, calmodulin and myosins. Toward the end of the term, each student pursues an independent mini-project that involves purification of a protein of interest. Oral presentations of data are required. Prepares for MCDB 475 or 495. Prerequisite: MCDB 205b and MCDB 354Lb.

MCDB 360aG. Neurobiology. Paul Forscher, Haig Keshishian (in charge).
Examination of the excitability of the nerve cell membrane as a starting point for the study of molecular, cellular, and intercellular mechanisms underlying the generation and control of behavior. After MCDB 120a and one year of chemistry. A course in physics is strongly recommended.

MCDB 361LaG. Laboratory for Neurobiology. Haig Keshishian (in charge), Stephen Senft
Robert Wyman.
Optional laboratory. Introduction to the neurosciences. Projects include the study of neuronal excitability, sensory transduction, CNS function, synaptic physiology, and neuroanatomy. Must be taken with or after MCDB 360a.

MCDB 370bG. Biotechnology. Ronald Breaker, Kenneth Nelson, Michael Snyder (in charge), Joseph Wolenski.
The cellular, molecular and chemical techniques in biology that advance biotechnology. Topics include tools and strategies used to increase understanding of biological processes and to adapt biological and chemical compounds for use as medical treatments, industrial agents, or for the further study of biological systems. Design and implementation of drug development and approval. Prerequisites: MCDB 200a and 300a.

MB&B 405aG. The Molecular Genetics of Prokaryotes. Nigel Grindley (in charge), Catherine Joyce and Charles Radding.
Molecular aspects of the storage, replication, evolution, and expression of genetic material in prokaryotes. After MCDB 300a, or MB&B 300a, 301b, or with special permission. (Formerly MCDB 405aG)

MCDB 410bG. Molecular Basis of Development. Xing-Wang Deng (in charge),
Douglas Kankel and staff.
Study of current understanding of the molecular mechanism of cell signaling and development in multicellular organisms. Topics include the basics of cell signaling and experimental model organisms, cell proliferation and death, cell specification and determination, cell migration, hormonal regulation, and environmental regulation. Intended for advanced students after completion of MCDB 200a and at least one other MCDB core course.

*MCDB 420bG/MB&B 415bG. Genetics and Molecular Biology of Plant Development.
Timothy Nelson (in charge) and staff.
Genetic and molecular analyses of plant embryogenesis, organogenesis, and other topics in plant development. After MCDB 200a and with permission of instructor.

MCDB 425aG/MB&B 425aG. Basic Concepts of Genetic Analysis. Michael Koelle, Richard
Lifton, Shirleen Roeder, Michael Stern, Tian Xu (in charge).
The universal principles of genetic analysis in eukaryotes are discussed in lectures. Students also read a small selection of primary papers illustrating the very best of genetic analysis and dissect them in detail in the discussion sections. While other Yale graduate molecular genetics courses emphasize molecular biology, this course focuses on the concepts and logic underlying modern genetic analysis. A brief review of undergraduate genetics will be offered in two optional lectures at the beginning of the semester. Also Genetics 625a, MB&B 625a.

MCDB 430aG. Biology of the Immune System. Kim Bottomly (in charge), Peter Cresswell,
Sankar Ghosh, Charles Janeway, Ruslan Medzhitov, Nancy Ruddle, David
Schatz, Mark Schlomchik.
The development of the immune system. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of immune recognition. Effector responses against pathogens; autoimmunity. After MCDB 300a.

*MCDB 440bG. Brain Development and Plasticity. Weimin Zhong (in charge), David Wells.
Interpretation of primary literature including recent reviews and basic research papers in the areas of neuron generation and regeneration, neuron phenotype determination, axon guidance systems and the role of activity in organizing and increasing the efficiency of synaptic connections. Prerequisite: MCDB 360a or permission of instructor.

MCDB 452aG/MB&B 452aG. Genomics and Bioinformatics. Mark Gerstein, Michael Snyder, Dieter Söll (in charge).
Genomics describes the determination of the nucleotide sequence and many further analyses to discover functional and structural information on all the genes of an organism. Topics include the methods and results of functional and structural gene analysis on a genome-wide scale as well as a discussion of the implications of this research. Bioinformatics describes the computational analysis of genomes and macromolecular structures on a large-scale. Topics include sequence alignment, biological database design, geometric analysis of protein structure, and macromolecular simulation.

MCDB RESEARCH AND TUTORIALS

*MCDB 470a or b. Tutorial. Weimin Zhong.
Individual or small-group study for qualified students who wish to investigate a broad area of biology not presently covered by regular courses. A student must be sponsored by a faculty member, who will set the requirements. The course must include one or more written examinations and/or term paper. This course is intended to be a supplementary course and, therefore, to have weekly discussion meetings between the student and the sponsoring faculty member. To register, the student must prepare a form, available in office of the director of undergraduate studies, and a written plan of study with bibliography, approved by the adviser. The form and proposal must be submitted to the course instructor in KBT 700 by Thursday, September 13th for the fall term and Monday, January 21st for the spring term. The final paper is due in the hands of the sponsoring faculty member with a copy to the course instructor by the beginning of the reading period. (In special cases, with approva! l of the Director of Undergraduate Studies, this course may be elected for more than one term, but only one term will count as an elective for the major.) Normally, faculty sponsors must be members of the MCDB Department.
One term of this course fulfills the senior requirement if taken in the Senior year.

*MCDB 475a or b. Research. Weimin Zhong.
Research projects ordinarily taken under faculty supervision to fulfill the senior requirement. This course may be taken before the senior year, but it cannot substitute for other requirements. Students are expected to spend approximately ten hours per week in the laboratory. At the beginning of the term, the student must submit a form, available in 700 KBT, with a written proposal of research and a short bibliography, approved by the research supervisor, to the office of the Director of Undergraduate Studies. At the end of the term, a final written report on the research done is required before a grade will be given. The final paper is due in the hands of the sponsoring faculty member with a copy to the course instructor by the beginning of the reading period. Students will meet during the semester to discuss their progress. Students who take this course more than once must reapply each term. Students should line up a research laboratory during the term preceding! the research. The written proposals are due Thursday, September 13th for the fall term and Monday, January 21st for the spring term.
One term of this course fulfills the senior requirement in MCDB if taken in the Senior year.

*MCDB 482aG. Advanced Seminar in Cell Biology: Mechanisms of Signal Transduction.
Craig Crews.
Discussion of intracellular signal transduction pathways and detailed critique of the experimental approaches, controls, results, and conclusions of selected current and "classic" papers in this field. Prerequisites: Biochemistry (MCDB 300a or MB&B 300a/b) and MCDB 205b.

*MCDB 495. Intensive Research in Biology. Frank Slack.
Qualified students majoring may undertake directed research in some field of biology, during the senior year. Before registering for this course, the student must be accepted by a member of the Yale faculty for a research project and obtain the approval of a committee headed by the instructor in charge of the course. Students devote a substantial amount of time in the laboratory (approximately 20 hours per week) and prepare written and oral presentations of their research. Guidelines for the course are covered in detail in an information sheet that students should obtain from the office of the Director of Undergraduate Studies early in the final term of the Junior year. A topic form and a written proposal will be due by Friday, September 14, 2001.
This course fulfills the senior requirement in if taken in the Senior year.

The following courses are required for students in the joint B.S./M.S. program with Yale College:

E&EB/MCDB 585b. Research in Biology for B.S./M.S. candidates.
A two-credit course taken in the third-to-last term (typically the second semester of the junior year). At the start of the course, each student forms a committee comprised of their adviser and two faculty members that meets to discuss the research project. At the end of this course, students will complete a detailed prospectus describing their thesis project, and the work completed thus far. The committee will evaluate an oral and written presentation of this prospectus; the evaluation will determine whether the student may continue in the combined program.

E&EB/MCDB 595. Intensive Research in Biology for B.S./M.S. candidates.
A four-credit course (two credits each term) that is similar to E&EB/MCDB 495 and spans the last two terms (i.e. typically the senior year). During this course, students give an oral presentation describing their work. At the end of the course, a comprehensive thesis will be turned in and evaluated by the adviser and two other faculty members. Students must earn a B grade or higher in this course in order to receive the M.S. degree.

With permission of the instructor, advanced undergraduates may take graduate courses for credit. If you are interested in one of these consult the instructor and you will need to fill out a special form that should be available in your college dean's office.

E&EB GRADUATE COURSES, 2001-02

E&EB 730b. Experimental Ecology and Evolution in Microbes. Paul Turner:
This seminar course examines the classic and recent literature on experimental ecology and evolution in microbes (bacteria, viruses, genetic elements). Reviewed will be contributions of this relatively new field to studies of mutation, adaptation by natural selection, coevolution of interacting genomes, ecological interactions, and the evolution of infectious disease.

E&EB 808a. Topics in the Statistical Analysis of Genomic Data. Junhyong Kim, Joseph Chang.
Several recently developed statistical methods have either already played an important role in the analysis of genomic and post-genomic data or appear to be promising candidates to do so. We study hidden Markov models, Bayesian networks, support vector machines and kernel methods, and perhaps other topics to be determined. For each topic, instructors present introductory lectures on the statistical theory, models, and methods of analysis. Students work on projects and present results, which may include computer implementations of the statistical techniques, analyses of biological sequence and gene expression data using available programs, and reports on research papers. Although there are no specific prerequisites, the course makes substantial use of probability theory, statistics, introductory biology, and computation; students without background in some of these areas may need to do additional work and should consult the instructors before enrolling. Open to undergradu! ates with permission of instructors.

E&EB 810a. Dynamics of Evolving Systems. J. Rimas Vaisnys.
An introduction to the ways in which the structure and behavior of evolving biological systems can be described, modeled, and analyzed. Examination of model systems as well as modeling of laboratory and field phenomena. Open to undergraduates by permission of instructor.

E&EB 845a. Advanced Evolutionary Theory. Sean Rice.
A lecture course covering the mathematical and conceptual basis of the major branches of evolutionary theory, including traditional and emerging areas. Emphasis on the biological insights that are gained from the theory. Open to undergraduates with permission of the instructor.

MCDB GRADUATE COURSES, 2001-02

MCDB 539b. Advanced Immunology Seminar: Functions of the Major Histocompatibility
Complex. Peter Cresswell, Ira Mellman, Akiko Iwasaki.
This seminar course will consist of a brief introductory session followed by detailed critical reviews of key papers in the field. We will consider the genetics of the MHC, structures of MHC class I and class II molecules and homologs, and the mechanisms governing their assembly with peptides. We will also cover the cell biology of antigen processing in various types of antigen presenting cells, including B-cells and dendritic cells. Enrollment limited to 15. Also IBIO 539b.

MCDB 600La. Advanced Biological Laboratory. Mike Snyder, Ronald Breaker, Xing-Wang
Deng, Kenneth Nelson, Joseph Wolenski, David Austin, Frank Ruddle.
This laboratory course is to familiarize graduate students with state-of-the-art technologies in molecular biology, genomics. Students will carry out research projects and incorporate their own projects into the lab. The class will meet for two afternoons each week and consist of 2-3 week modules covering the following topics: microarray analysis, plant genetic engineering, mouse genetic engineering, imaging/microscopy, ribozyme enzymol./engineering, phage display/chemical biology.

MCDB 642a. Roles of Microorganisms in the Living World. L. Nicholas Ornston & Staff.
A topical course exploring the biology of microorganisms. Emphasis on mechanisms underlying microbial adaptations and how they influence biological systems. Also EMD 642a, GENE 642a, MBIO 642a.

MCDB 670b. Advanced Seminar in Biochemistry and Genetics. Sidney Altman, Ronald
Breaker and Stephen Dellaporta.
Topics to be announced. Discussion involvement and attendance is required.

MCDB 677a. Mechanisms of Development. Lynn Cooley and Staff.
An advanced course on the mechanisms of animal development focusing on the genetic specification of cell organization and identity during embryogenesis and somatic differentiation. The use of evolutionarily conserved signaling pathways to carry out developmental decisions in a range of animals is highlighted. Course work includes student presentations and critical analysis of primary literature. Also GENE 777a, MB&B 777a.

[MCDB 680b. Genetic Dissection of Cell Signaling and Development]

MCDB 692a. Advanced Seminar in Cell Biology: Mechanisms of Signal Transduction.
Craig Crews.
Discussion/seminar course with special emphasis on the molecular signal transduction mechanisms of mitogenesis and cell division.

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Appendix II

Area I:E&EB
Area II: MCDB - STANDARD
Area II:MCDB -NEUROBIOLOGY TRACK
Area II:MCDB - BIOTECHNOLOGY TRACK
Worksheet for Advising

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Appendix III

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH PROJECTS

Senior Research Projects in E&EB

for an example of poster click here

Senior Research Projects in MCDB

MCDB 495 (Intensive Research)

Undergraduate Prizes and Awards

EEB Faculty Prize "for Excellence in Independent Research"

MCDB Edgar J. Boell Prize "for excellence in senior research?

MCDB William R. Belknap Prize "for excellence in Biology?

Henry David Thoreau Summer Internships 2001

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Forms for Tutorial and Research Courses

E&EB/MCDB 470  (Tutorial)
E&EB/MCDB 475 (Research)
E&EB/MCDB 495

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