Biology 09

Biology 9 (Researching Cellular Mysteries) is hands-on introductory biology course that will introduce students to how knowledge is acquired in biology through experimentation.  The focus of Biology 9 is on discovery-based laboratory experiences. This year Biology 9 will be taught in the Spring 2025 term.

There are several objectives of Biology 9. The first is to stimulate interest in the science of biology by exposing students to the process of science, i.e., designing and interpreting experiments. The second is to teach students fundamental concepts in cell and molecular biology.  The third is to encourage critical, analytical thinking in science.  By the end of  Biology 9, students will have acquired knowledge of how biological experiments are designed and interpreted, and how new knowledge is generated in the field.

BIOL 09 Syllabus - Spring 2025

We would love to talk with you about BIOL 09! Please let us know if you are interested in this course or have questions by clicking on this link. 

FAQs:

Q: What exactly is BIOL 09?

A: BIOL 09 is a Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE). This means that the majority of class time will be spent on hands-on research experiences. As a student in the class, you will be engaged in the practice of doing real science by performing experiments that have never been done before and generating new data.

Q: Is there a lecture component?

A: The answer here is both no and yes. No - during class time there will be no formal lectures. Yes - for homework, you will watch videos that focus on the fundamentals of how cells work - from DNA to RNA to proteins. These videos are designed to enhance your understanding of the research you are doing in class.

Q: What is the discussion section for?

A: The discussion section will be devoted to discussing the video content and answering any outstanding questions.

Q: Do I need to come to lab outside of class time?

A: No, there is no requirement to come to lab outside of normally scheduled class time. However, the lab will be open during the X-hour so you can come then if you like, though this is completely optional.

Q: What kind of experiments will we be doing?

A: Our experiments in Spring 2025 will involve mechanisms that influence cell shape, movement, and behavior in cells from the immune system. We will modify DNA to make proteins that we can see by fluorescence microscopy and then insert this DNA into T cells (a type of white blood cell). We will then use microscopy to collect images of these cells to see where our proteins go and how they affect cell behavior.

Q: Can I take a biology foundation course at the same time as BIOL 09?

A: Yes. BIOL 09 is specifically designed to allow you to also take a course with a lab component, such as CHEM 11, CHEM 5/6, or a biology foundation course if you wish to do so. 

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