Biology Courses Open to Off-campus Students

Harvey Mudd College biology courses open to non-Harvey Mudd students for fall 2015:

CS5 Green: A Biology-Themed Introduction to Computer Science

Learn programming skills and fundamental concepts from computer science in the context of biological problems. In addition to basic computing, we also learn important algorithms from computational biology including gene finding, RNA folding and phylogenetic reconstruction. These tools allow us to address questions about bacterial pathogenicity, and the relationship between mammalian and avian sex chromosomes among other things.

Bio 81A: Science vs. Pseudoscience (Current Issues in Biology)

You will learn about the science (or lack thereof), history, politics, psychology, philosophy and logical fallacies of pseudoscience. Topics will include (but are not limited to): science denialism, snake oil, GMOs, vaccine/anti-vaccine, homeopathy, alternative medicine, acupuncture, chiropractic, science policy, chemophobia and intelligent design.
MW 11 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Prerequisites: None

Bio113: Molecular Genetics

Molecular descriptions of gene function in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including: DNA, RNA and protein structure, DNA replication, transcription and translation, and gene regulation.
Prerequisites: Intro Biology and Intro Chemistry

MCBI117: Game Theory and the Evolution of Cooperation

How do animals resolve fights over territory, food or mates without killing each other? Why do some animals warn each other about predators? Why do people like to punish people that don’t play by the rules? In this class, we’ll explore the answers to these questions and more using game theory, a branch of mathematics that studies strategic interactions between individuals. This will be an interdisciplinary course focusing both on mathematical problem-solving and biological applications, and is open to anyone with sufficient background in probability.
Prerequisites: MATH 35 (Probability and Statistics), AP Statistics or permission of the instructor

Bio185A: Special Topics in Developmental Biology

We will have in-depth discussions about selected topics in developmental biology. Potential research areas include: the role of non-coding RNA in development, stem cell regulation and tissue regeneration.
Format: Primary literature reading and discussion
TTh 1:15–2:45 p.m.
Prerequisite: Molecular Biology

Bio185B: Special Topics: Biology of Genetically Modified Organisms

Ever wonder how the GMOs are made? This class will cover a range of molecular biology techniques that are being used to modify our genetic environment, from transgenic plants and synthetic biology to gene therapy. We will also look at case studies of each technique for their broader implications.
Format: A mix of lectures, student presentations, and discussions
MW 2:45–4 p.m.
Prerequisites: Introductory biology

Bio187: HIV-AIDS: Science, Society, and Service

MW 11 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Prerequisite: Bio113 – Molecular genetics or equivalent
Registration instructions: By permission of instructor only; contact Prof. Karl Haushalter for more details, 909.607.3928 or karl_haushalter@hmc.edu.

Bio189: Topics in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry

This is a seminar course where we will learn about recent advances in the study of regulatory RNAs. This course is focused on discussion of research papers. Students write a research paper in the style of a review article. This course is fabulous preparation for graduate studies in molecular biology and biochemistry.
Prerequisites: Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, and Senior Standing.