CLFS 610 Natural Products Chemistry (3 credits)
Prerequisite: permission of department
Foundations of natural products chemistry; how nature goes about making (biosynthesizing) these compounds and elements of enzymology and genomics relevant to production of these compounds; relevance of natural products chemistry as a driving force for drug discovery and innovation in biotechnology.
CLFS 620 Modern Molecular Genetics (3 credits)
An overview of genetics including the genetic basis/components in prevalent diseases, genetically engineered organisms and foods, the importance of knowing the complete DNA sequence of organisms.
CLFS 630 Principles of Transmission Genetics: a Historical and Modern Perspective (3 credits)
Examines the origins of modern genetics, model genetic systems, and the role of chromosomes in vertical transmission of genetic information from parent to offspring. Classical gene mapping, population genetics and the various applications of modern genetics will also be studied.
CLFS 660 Biodiversity and Conservation Biology (3 credits)
Application of ecological and evolutionary principles to assess the impact of the human species on the environment and its inhabitants. Specific case studies are included to illustrate problems of biodiversity loss and actions required to reverse the trends.
CLFS 665 Ecology and Global Change (3 credits)
Ecological concepts across scale ranging from the individual, to populations, communities, ecosystems, and landscapes will be presented. Global change issues will encompass alteration of atmospheric trace gases, biogeochemistry cycles, land use changes, and introduction of non-native species to new habitats.
CLFS 680 Chemical Ecology (3 credits)
An examinations of the utilization of organic aural products by plants and animals for various life processes. Examples will include how materials are utilized for sexual selection, defense against predators, sexual attractants, and as natural herbicides and repellants.
CLFS 690 Biochemistry (3 credits)
An advanced overview of general biochemistry including a study of protein structure and their physical properties; how these properties relate to catalysis, regulation and metabolic chemistry with respect to their relationship to physiological conditions.
CLFS 710 Experimental Biology (6 credits)
Participants develop skills in four areas of biological research while investigating a variety of biological systems. Those areas include: 1) iterative scientific methods, 2) basic laboratory techniques, 3) experimental design and analysis, 4) critical evaluation of published research.