A comparative study of the physiological mechanisms, processes and responses of invertebrate and vertebrate organisms. Physical, chemical and biochemical principles common to physiological systems, such as respiration, excretion and metabolism, will be covered. An investigation of the techniques used to examine biomolecules and biochemical systems. Students perform integrated laboratory experiments in biochemistry. This course is an extension of BIOL 440.
Emphasis is placed on the metabolism of biomolecules and the structure and function of membranes.
Material will also be selected from topics such as gene expression and the transmission of genetic information, vitamins, hormones, and viruses. The two week workshop course will meet for 6 hours a day. This course will involve the collection, identification, and on-site analysis of samples collected from regional environmentally contaminated sites. The course will introduce students to the principles and protocols of environmental analysis. Discussions of specific site contamination, characterization, environmental toxicology, and potential remediation will be presented.