Theory and application of current technologies to manipulate DNA. Hands-on experience that includes DNA isolation and quantitation methods, cloning, PCR, DNA sequencing, and analysis of gene products. Prereq: introductory genetics. Special fee. Lab.

Analysis of how the three-dimensional architecture of soluble and membrane proteins contributes to their biochemical function; methods for determining the structure of proteins; protein folding; protein targeting; and mechanisms of enzyme catalysis. Computer resources used for protein modeling and structural prediction. Prereq: one semester of biochemistry.

Introduces students to the basic data analysis and programming tools commonly used throughout the life sciences. Students will become proficient in R programming, data wrangling and cleaning, the principles of open and reproducible science, SQL database management, version control via Git/Github, building maps, and Bash command lines. Data sets and case studies from across the life sciences will be used throughout the course. The class culminates with an small group project.

This is a hands-on field, lab and lecture course in the identification, classification, life histories, and ecology of mushrooms and other macrofungi. Lectures focus on macrofungal ecology and systematics. Laboratory instruction emphasizes morphological, microscopic, and molecular identification techniques, plus the use of smart-phone field note recording and on-line resources. Several field trips are required in addition to the weekly laboratory. Previous experience with fungi is not required. Grades are based on a collection, a project, and presentations. Prereq: Intro course in Biology or Plant Biology, or permission.