Animals, plants, and microbes serve as powerful tools for both basic and biomedical research. This course integrates historical, philosophical, sociological, and biological perspectives to examine how models are chosen and used. and how to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. Students will study particular model species in depth, and address general epistemological questions about the choice and use of model organisms. This course is designed for graduate students and advanced undergraduates interested in research. 58 hours of Undergrad Coursework, including advanced study in at least one specified area required.

Explore and synthesize your undergraduate biological knowledge and skills through an integrated outlook at a topic relating to your professional future. Each semester revolves around a different overarching topic on which students read assigned topical papers, prepare critical analyses, and give presentations to the class.

Topics may include teaching or research practicum in a biological science, supervised by a faculty member.

Microbes and plants have developed intriguing strategies to encourage, resist or profit from their coexistence. The primary objective of the course is to provide students with a comprehensive overview of the various ways in which microbes interacts with plants, the outcomes of that interplay, and applications of these interactions and explore how these interactions impact ecosystem function. Prereq: BIOL 411 and BIOL 412, BMS 503 and BMS 504 or GEN 604.