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This page summarizes project laboratories developed
or enhanced via past Howard Hughes grants.
The Project Laboratories were designed to provide
a transition from standard courses and laboratory experiences to
independent research. In these courses, students gain familiarity
with experiments and state-of-the-art techniques for investigating
biological questions and pursue progressively more independent explorations.
Project labs are intense courses, meeting 10 hours/week for 4 credits
(as opposed to regular courses which meet 3-6 hours/week).
:: Experiments in Molecular Biology: Biology
321
Introduction to techniques used in prokaryotic and
eukaryotic molecular biology. Experimental approaches introduce
students to gene cloning, Southern blotting, and molecular analysis
of chromosomal breakpoint mutations. Computer analysis of DNA and
protein sequences also explored. Prerequisite: Biology 143 and consent
of instructor.
Unlike other project labs, which are developed primarily
by professors, the labs for Bio 324 are currently being designed
by undergraduates working together with professors in their research
labs. For two semesters, these students are simultaneously getting
research credit, learning the concepts and techniques of their respective
system, and designing laboratories, which they will then help teach
in the Spring. The first module will look at limb-bud development
in chicks and will be mentored by Dr. Bill Elmer of the Biology
Department and two of his Undergraduate Research students, Rob Simon
and Miranda Hoy. The second module will study signal transduction
in a single/multicellular slime mold and will be mentored by Dr.
Karl Saxe of the Anatomy and Cell Biology Department and his student,
Greg Novak. Other modules in development include C. elegans spermatogenesis
and Drosophila development.
:: Coastal Biology: Biology 329
The Coastal Biology class takes place in two stages.
Each year in the spring semester, two hours of credit are earned
in the lecture portion of the class. In May, the class moves to
St. Simons Island, one of Georgia's Golden Isles, for approximately
two weeks of lab activities for two additional credit hours. (This
is a summer school class offering, and summer school fees apply.)
Animal diversity, the ecology of beaches, dunes, marshes, maritime
forests, and docks are studied. Students also study the 5 barrier
islands and do trawls in the tidal rivers and sounds. At the coast,
students are required to conduct ecological or behavioral investigations
and report on their findings. Sixteen juniors (occasionally a sophomore)
are chosen for the class. The best way to enroll is to attend the
department information meeting for biology majors before preregistration
and pick up an application form. If you like field studies, this
is a course you should not miss!!
:: Experimental Physiology: Biology 337
Laboratory intensive course in modern techniques of
cellular and systems physiology research.
:: Ecology: Biology 347
Relationships between organisms and their environments,
ecosystems, communities and populations. Field studies conducted
in various natural areas in Georgia, including a weekend trip to
the coast.
:: Experimental Neurobiology: Biology 361
A course in experimental neuroscience designed for
juniors who may be interested in research and which provides an
introduction to current concepts, analytical methods, and laboratory
techniques.
Prerequisite: Bio 360 or consent of instructor.
:: Plant Population Biology: Biology 435
The structure and dynamics of plant populations and
communities, classification, and phylogenetic relationships of seed
plants.
:: Vertebrate Population Biology: Biology
445
Evolution, ecology, and behavior of vertebrate populations.
Laboratory stresses classification and the natural history of local
vertebrates.
:: The Integrated Laboratory: Chemistry 291/292L
Courses focus on modern analytical and instrumental
techniques, such as: spectroscopy, chromatography, and electrochemistry.
:: Bioanalytical Laboratory: Chem 346L
This laboratory deals with current instrumentations
and analytical techniques applied in different fields of science
such as Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Pharmacology,
Environmental and Clinical Toxicology, and Medicine. Instruments
used in this laboratory are Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Mass Spectrometer,
UV-Vis Spectrophotometer, Capillary Zone Electrophoresis, High Performane
Liquid Chromatography, Spectrofluorometer, etc. The course is designed
to introduce students to the research application of these bioanalytical
techniques. Experiments are designed as simple research project.
Other laboratory activities includes journal-type laboratory report,
oral and written proposal on innovative techniques and application
and on-site visit to different research facilities in Emory and
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