Biology

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Please see the Schedule of Classes for the current semester’s offerings.

BIO 1011 Principles of Biology I—Lectures
3 credits
The primary aim of this course is to introduce the students to the classical phenomenon of life and living beings. Topics covered in lecture will include building blocks of living units, energy harvest, cell-to-cell communication and interaction with the environment, principles of cell division, and gene regulation.
Prerequisites: While there are no formal prerequisites, an understanding of high school biology, chemistry, and math is expected.
Lecture: 150 mins weekly.
Corequisite: BIO 1013
Satisfies NAWO or Natural Science requirements for all students.

BIO 1012 Principles of Biology II—Lectures
3 credits
The principal aim of this course is to introduce the students to the classical phenomenon and modern concept of life and living beings. Topics covered in the lecture and readings of primary literature will include -Systematics, phylogenies, and comparative Biology, viruses, prokaryotes, animal body and principles of regulation, various organ systems, animal development and behavior. 
Lecture: 150 mins weekly.
Prerequisites: BIO1011, 1013
Corequisite: BIO 1014
Satisfies NAWO or Natural Science requirements for all students. 

BIO 1013, 1014 Principles of Biology—Laboratory
1 credit each
Laboratory work to accompany lectures. Emphasizes scientific methods in biological research. Second semester emphasizes animal structure and function (4 hours).
Lab: 150 mins weekly.
Corequisite(s): BIO 1011 and 1012.

BIO 2601 Developmental Biology
2 credits
The study of animal development via experiments with Drosophila melanogaster, sea urchin, Xenopus laevis, chick, and mouse.  Morphogen gradients, intercellular signaling, and gene regulatory networks.  Differentiation and developmental potency, morphogenesis and cell movement, chromatin, stem cells and regenerative medicine. 
Lecture: 100 min weekly.
Prerequisite: BIO 1012 and BIO 1014 

BIO 3207 Cell Biology
4 credits
The cell is a fascinating, complex, and dynamic unit that forms the fundamental basis of unicellular and multicellular forms of life. Cells are constantly engaging with their environment and making active decisions. We will dissect these cellular processes throughout the semester and delve deep into how the cell performs all its functions and interacts with the environment as well as with other cells. Topics include: Cell structure, signal transduction, membrane dynamics,vesicle transport, cytoskeleton dynamics, cell migration, cell cycle, and stem cells.  
Lecture: 150 min weekly; lab: 150 mins weekly.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1012 and BIO 1014

BIO 3230 or 3230H Immunology
4 credits
This course is designed to provide an overview of the immune system as intended to introduce you to the complex yet fascinating subject of immunology. We are going to learn a detailed account of the workings of the immune system beginning with its cellular components, followed by a description of the structure of the reactants and an understanding of the formation and activation of the cellular and molecular components of the immune apparatus required to generate a response with reference to innate and acquired immunity.  Next, we will learn about cytokines, the soluble mediators that regulate immune responses and play a significant role in hematopoiesis. We would then learn in detail about HIV infection and the development of full-blown AIDS and evaluate the clinical consequences of resistance development with an emphasis to epidemiology. We will next focus on COVID-19 and scientifically understand the degree of virulence. Finally, we will try the understand the mechanism involved in allergic reaction and organ transplantation, and focus on the spectrum of microorganisms that challenge the immune system and how immune responses are mounted in a vigilant, orchestrated fashion to protect the host from infectious diseases with a discussion of immune-prophylaxis use of vaccines that protect us from a variety of pathogenic organisms. 
Lecture: 100 mins weekly; lab: 200 mins weekly.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1012 and BIO 1014 

BIO 3513 Genetics
4 credits
Experimental genetics, discussing in depth how alleles and genes interact with each other and how molecular lesions correlate with allelic behaviors.  Genetic linkage and recombination mapping, gene discovery via genetic screens on model organisms, pedigree and LOD score analysis of human traits, and an introduction to population genetics.  Discussions of experimental sampling and statistical analysis. Research project with Drosophila. 
Lecture: 150 mins; lab: 150 mins weekly.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1012 and BIO 1014.

BIO 3521 Molecular Biology 
4 credits
This course is loosely divided into three parts: DNA, protein, and RNA.  We first take an overview of the chemical structures of nucleic acids and polypeptides and then look in detail at the key experiments that revealed the structure of DNA and the mechanism by which it is replicated.  We discuss how DNA is replicated in vivo, including at telomeres, and how our understanding of DNA replication led to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology.  We also briefly survey cellular DNA repair mechanisms, including homologous recombination.  As we move on, we discuss how the genetic code was cracked and then cover protein structure and folding.  In the last third of the course, we examine how studies of bacterial genetics led to the discovery of restriction enzymes and to recombinant DNA technologies, and to the discovery of mRNA.  In our discussions of the genetic code and RNAs, we also look at tRNAs and translation, rRNA and ribozymes, and the RNA World hypothesis.  Finally, we end the semester discussing nucleic acid sequencing and CRISPR-Cas9.   In summary, we follow the development of the Central Dogma through the 20th century with an eye on the seminal experiments and major discoveries that led to the Molecular Biology and Genomics revolutions.  
Lecture: 150 mins weekly; lab: 150 mins weekly.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1012 and BIO 1014.     

BIO 3728 Physiology
4 credits
This course provides a rigorous, systems-based exploration of human physiology, beginning with cellular and tissue-level mechanisms and extending to the integrated function of organ systems that sustain life. Emphasis is placed on the regulation and interaction of major physiological systems, including the neural, immune, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, and endocrine systems, and on the interpretation of physiological data through evidence-based analysis. Students will apply foundational principles to clinical case studies, demonstrating the ability to synthesize physiological concepts across systems, and explain mechanisms of homeostasis in both normal and pathological states. Through structured assessments, case-based learning, guided discussions, and laboratory experiences, students will cultivate advanced analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills essential for success in academic research, clinical practice, and professional careers in the biomedical and health sciences. 
Lecture: 150 mins weekly; lab: 150 mins weekly.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1012 and BIO 1014.      

BIO 2320 Comparative Anatomy
4 credits
This course explores how anatomical structures relate to their functions and vary across vertebrates, offering students a deeper understanding of human anatomy through comparison. Emphasizing both theory and practice, the course develops proficiency in anatomical terminology, structural identification, and functional analysis. Laboratory sessions involving dissections of cats and mice reinforce lecture concepts and build hands-on skills. By the end of the course, students will be able to apply anatomical language, identify and describe key systems and tissues, interpret sensory and locomotory anatomy, safely and effectively perform dissections, and create annotated illustrations and diagrams demonstrating anatomical relationships.  
Lecture: 150 mins weekly; lab: 150 mins weekly.  
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1012 and BIO 1014.     

BIO 4931 Principles of Neurobiology 
2 credits 
This course offers an engaging introduction to the fundamental principles of neuroscience, combining scientific exploration with critical discussion. Through an interdisciplinary and discussion-driven format, students analyze peer-reviewed research and collaborate in interactive sessions to deepen their understanding of how neural systems function. Topics span from the cellular and molecular mechanisms of neural signaling to the organization of neural circuits underlying sensation, memory, and behavior. The course culminates in an exploration of neural plasticity and machine learning, drawing comparisons between biological and artificial systems to provoke thoughtful reflection on the nature of human cognition and creativity.                     
Lecture: 100 mins weekly. 
Prerequisite: BIO 1012 and BIO 1014.        

BIO 4023 Microbiology
4 credits
This course introduces the basic principles of microbiology examining the microbes that inhabit the human environment and their effect on the biosphere. Analysis and exploration of this impact through the assessment of the influence of commensal and pathogenic microbes that arise from our changing relationship with microbes in the 21st century, along with the evaluation of the challenges and opportunities.  The course will give detailed insights into five major themes: Structure and function of microbes (cellular structures, metabolism, and growth), microbial genetics, microbial ecology, microbial diversity (prokaryotes, eukaryotes, viruses) and clinical microbiology (immunity, pathogenicity, epidemiology, control of microbes, and diseases). 
Prerequisites: BIO 1012 and BIO 1014.
Recommended: CHE 1213, CHE 1214.
Lecture: 150 mins weekly; lab: 150 mins weekly.   

BIO 4901 Independent Study
With approval from the professor.      

BIO 4930 Current Topics in Biology
2 credits
Seminar in which students make presentations on selected subjects from current developments in the fields of microbiology, endocrinology, animal behavior, embryology, ecology, and environmental studies. 
Lecture: 100 mins weekly. 
Prerequisites: BIO 1012 and BIO 1014 with permission of the instructor.           

BIO 4934 Biological Aspects of Bioethics
2 credits 
Physiological, ecological, and epidemiological bases of decision making in the field of bioethics; definition of death; DNA recombinant research; pesticide use; demographic concerns; abortion; hazardous surgery; human experimentation; organ transplants; social obligation of the scientist; eugenics and euthanasia. 
Lecture: 100 mins weekly. 

Neer Asherie
Professor of Physics and Biology

Yaniv Cohen
Clinical Associate Professor of Biology 
 

Chayim Goldberg
Instructor of Biology

Sumanta Goswami
Emeritus Professor of Biology

Radhashree Maitra (co-Chair)
Teaches: Principles of Biology; Cell Structure and Function; Immunology; Molecular Biology; Cell Biology; Microbiology.
Lab website https://radhashreemaitra.wixsite.com/website-2

Edward Reichman
Rabbi Isaac and Bella Tendler Chair in Medical Ethics

Josefa Steinhauer (co-Chair)
Teaches: Genetics; Developmental Biology; Molecular Biology
Lab website https://www.yu.edu/yeshiva-college/steinhauer-lab

Staff

Berta Chalouh

Yael Jacobs

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Internships
Summer Internships: A wide-ranging portal maintained by Columbia University, including links pertaining to New York and to locations across the United States.

Biology Internships: Another link-rich portal, this time from California State University, Channel Islands. Includes offerings in ecological biology, molecular/cellular biology, biomedical research and more.

NIH Student Training Opportunities: Programs offered by the National Institutes of Health.