BI**194: Summer 2026 Course Descriptions
Disclaimer: Students may not receive credit for a second attempt of the same topic that was previously completed.
| Instructor |
Bozinovic, Goran |
| Title |
Modern Human Evolution |
| Description |
This journal club-type discussion course will explore primary scientific literature relative to modern humans’ evolutionary challenges focusing on development, neurophysiology, metabolism, immunity, and environmental stressors. The emphasis will be placed on human genome-environment interactions, physiological phenotypes, and population-level public health outcomes. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Kurle, Carolyn |
| Title |
Tools for Well-Being |
| Description |
Each seminar will begin with an overview of scientific findings related to an aspect of mental well-being by Dr. Kurle, then students will lead discussions on how those findings relate to a chapter of Dr. Kurle’s book The Guidance Groove: Escape Unproductive Habits, Trust Your Intuition, and Be True. The book is a practical tool that helps students apply the biology we discuss to real-life as it is a roadmap for people used to making decisions while relying on the left-brain-dominated mental stories they have accumulated over years of personal, familial, and societal programming. We will discuss how the science underscores the principles outlined in the book so students will understand why these tools have practical value because of the brain, nervous-system, and other measurable physiological responses that arise when we practice quieting our false mental constructs as we approach the choices in daily life. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Maita, Isabella |
| Title |
Physiology of Stress |
| Description |
Stress is a physiological and psychological state triggered when perceived demands exceed an organism's available resources, activating a coordinated set of responses aimed at restoring homeostasis. This course examines the fundamentals of stress and how physiological systems - especially the nervous, endocrine, and cardiovascular systems - interact with one another to produce adaptive acute responses. The course will highlight pathological consequences of chronic stress, and efficacy of interventions like exercise and meditation/mindfulness. Students will develop primary literature skills through critical reading of peer-reviewed research and scientific writing assignments. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Manor, Uri |
| Title |
AI in Biology and Medicine |
| Description |
Modern biology is a data-rich science. From high-resolution microscopy images to entire genome sequences, we are generating data at an unprecedented rate. How can we find meaningful patterns in this ocean of information? One of the most promising answers is Machine Learning (ML), or Artificial Intelligence (AI). In this context, ML is a powerful set of computational tools used to build predictive models and uncover hidden patterns within complex biological datasets. Instead of just observing what is, we can start to predict what could be - from how a protein will fold to whether a patient will respond to a particular drug. This course will explore how ML/AI is revolutionizing biological and biomedical research. We will collaboratively* select and discuss landmark publications and cutting-edge methods that are helping to:
- Analyze medical/biomedical/microscopy images to diagnose diseases and phenotype biological systems faster and more accurately.
- Process genetic and protein sequencing data with large language models.
- More broadly speaking, create new tools for scientific discovery.
To get the ball rolling I have pre-selected several papers, but encourage additional nominations!
- The goal for this course is to learn how to critically read and interpret primary literature, and to gain an overview of state-of-the art machine learning-based methods employed in current biological and biomedical research.
- Each week, a group of students will present a 60-minute seminar (45 min for a slideshow presentation, 15 minutes for Q & A – please practice your presentation in order not to exceed the time limit). The group and paper assignments are posted on Canvas. Please prepare a combined slideshow for your group and present it from one laptop. All members of the group must contribute to the presentation of the material. Also, please make sure to email your presentation to Dr. Manor before the class.
- All students in the audience must have read the paper, even if they are not presenting!
|
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
