BI**-194: Fall 2026 Course Descriptions
Disclaimer: Students may not receive credit for a second attempt of the same topic that was previously completed.
| Instructor |
Hueschen, Christina |
| Title |
Biological Intuition: Cells by the Numbers |
| Description |
Which is bigger, a protein or the mRNA that codes for it? How many membrane proteins could you fit on the surface of one mitochondrion, and how much energy would it cost to synthesize all those membrane proteins? In this seminar course, we will deepen our understanding of cell biology and build our intuition for the sizes, speeds, and energy scales of cellular processes. We will use order-of-magnitude estimates, arithmetic, primary literature, and the book and online resource Cell Biology by the Numbers (Milo & Phillips) to explore the cell's biology both in the language of words and the language of numbers. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Benna, Marcus |
| Title |
Learning in Neural Networks: From the Brain to Artificial Intelligence Models |
| Description |
Adjusting network parameters to learn useful functions is crucial for both biological brains and artificial intelligence systems. This course will explore algorithms for training artificial neural networks to perform complex tasks, and compare them to plasticity mechanisms in the brain through critical reading of primary research papers and other sources. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Wertheim, Joel |
| Title |
Contagion: Molecular Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases |
| Description |
In this course, we will explore the factors that underlie the emergence, epidemiology, and evolution of infectious diseases. We will use the 2011 feature film Contagion as an entry point to understanding how we can use molecular epidemiology to study and combat these emerging threats. Students will read and discuss primary literature describing the current state of the field, with a particular focus on viral pathogens like HIV, SARS-CoV-2, and Ebola virus. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Cooper, Kimberly |
| Title |
“Just So Stories” and the Genetics of Evolutionary Developmental Biology |
| Description |
How did snakes lose their legs? How did humans lose their tail? These questions have fascinated scientists and lay people for generations. Recently, researchers using comparative genomics have reported answers in scientific journals. Accompanying popular press articles suggest the mysteries are solved. But are they? This course will examine the primary research literature and concepts in evolutionary biology and genetics to critically assess the strengths of support for diverse interpretations. Students will also read accompanying popular press coverage to evaluate the communication of research outcomes to the public. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
