Introduction to quantitative methods and modeling techniques to address key questions in modern biology. Overview of quantitative modeling techniques in evolutionary biology, molecular biology and genetics, cell biology and developmental biology. Description of key experiments that validate models. Specific topics include: Evolutionary biology: theoretical models for evolution, evolution in test tube, evolution experiments with viruses and bacteria, complexity and evolution; Molecular biology and genetics: protein design, bioinformatics and genomics, constructing and modeling of genetic networks, control theory and genetic networks; Cell biology: forces and motion, cell motility, signal transduction pathways, chemotaxis and pheromone response; Development biology: pattern formation, self-organization, and models of Drosophila development.

This course covers introductory microbiology from a systems perspective, considering microbial diversity, population dynamics, and genomics. Emphasis is placed on the delicate balance between microbes and humans, and the changes that result in the emergence of infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance. The case study approach covers such topics as vaccines, toxins, biodefense, and infections including Legionnaire‰ŰŞs disease, tuberculosis, Helicobacter pylori, and plague.

This investigation is a year round study of the phenology of a schoolyard.

An interview with biologist David Pearson, an author and expert on tiger beetles. Did you know that tiger beetles can run so fast that they go blind and just what would it be like to be hunted by these tiny, but ferocious animals? These are a few of the questions that we learn the answer from our guest biologist.

A 14-nation consortium of geneticists and bioinformatics specialists deciphers the sequence and location of the 35,000 genes of the tomato, an international food crop. This video focuses on the work done by American researchers, who explain the process of genome sequencing, and how a sequenced genome aids plant breeders in selecting precisely for desirable traits, including yield, shape, natural resistance to disease and flavor.

Students carry out independent experimental study under the direction of a member of the Biology Department faculty. Subject allows students with a strong interest in independent research to fulfill the project laboratory requirement for the Biology Department Program in the context of a research laboratory at MIT. Written and oral presentation of the research results is required. The permission of the faculty supervisor and the Biology Undergraduate Office must be obtained in advance. Instruction and practice in written and oral communication provided.

The students will observe a maple tree throughout the year and recognize changes in weather and phenology using their 5 senses.

This activity is a tree leaf collection, identification, and display of dried and pressed leaves. It teaches students about distinguishing leaf characteristics as well as a way to display and label their collection.

This video describes the role that dendrochronology plays in understanding climate change, especially changes to high elevation environments at an upper tree line. Dendrochronologists from the Big Sky Institute sample living and dead trees, describe how correlations between trees are made, and explain how tree cores record climate changes.

This activity is an investigation into the relationship between alkane length and boiling points. Students develop a mathematical model of this relationship and use it to make predictions and error analysis.

This is a field and classroom activity in which students will observe tulip growth and identify and describe the parts of the tulip flower.

This lesson plan has students working in small groups to research the Mountain Pine Beetle in Colorado and other inter-mountain Western states. Students identify the factors that control pine beetle population and research how warmer winters and decreasing spring snowpack allow the population of pine beetles to expand.

Spiders are endlessly fascinating and a great school subject because they offer plenty of teachable topics that span the curriculum. We've tried to provide some of those topics here in these lessons, as for all their amazing physical features and unusual habits, spiders, with just a few notable exceptions, pose little threat to humans and are creatures deserving of understanding and respect. It's our hope that, as you work through the activities, your students will gain a new appreciation for spiders.

In this EarthLabs activity, learners explore the concepts of coral bleaching, bleaching hot spots and degree-heating weeks. Using data products from NOAA's Coral Reef Watch, students identify bleaching hot spots and degree-heating weeks around the globe as well as in the Florida Keys' Sombrero Reef to determine the impact higher-than-normal sea surface temperatures have on coral reefs.

This activity is a teacher-guided inquiry activity of the sorting or grouping of Minnesota critters according to student driven criteria or purpose of their groupings. Teacher/student questions and discussion should be encouraged after this activity to emphasize that awareness of the criteria or purpose of certain groupings may be important before beginning an investigation.

Learning Assistants are used to facilitate student discussion in peer instruction during clicker questions (i.e., classroom response systems), by asking Socratic questions, emphasizing reasoning, and probing student thinking.

This activity allows students to investigate classification and create their own dichotomous key. Discussion will include classification of items in everyday life.

Students will utilize factually observed or researched information in a creative high interest-writing project.

The activity walks the students through the processes of Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration.

This activity provides students with a first look at water tension and its role in the life of a water strider.