New Class: HS 495-005, Green Infrastructure: An Introduction to the Functional Use of Plants in Urban Areas

This is a class for any student concerned about the sustainability of their communities and who is interested in learning about the ways plants can mitigate the effects of urban development.

Since solving environmental problems requires multidisciplinary thinking, we hope that students from a myriad of majors join us for this once a week, evening class. The only pre-requisite is a thirst for knowledge.
The class will meet once a week, Thursday evenings, from 6:00 to 8:45. The first half of class will typically be content delivery via lecture and discussion. We will then take a quick potluck dinner break not only for sustenance, but also to build community. The second part of the evening will be activity-driven, where students can put their new knowledge to work.
A flier is attached, but feel free to contact either myself or my colleague, Dr. Barb Fair (bfair@ncsu.edu) for more information.

MA 331 Differential Equations for the Life Sciences

Life science students who enjoy math and have taken (or are taking) MA 231 can consider taking MA 331 in the fall. Students should talk to their advisor to determine if this course should be considered.
MA 331 Differential Equations for the Life Sciences 3.
Prerequisites: MA 231 or MA 241
Credit cannot be given for both MA 341 and MA 331.
This course provides students with an understanding of how mathematics and life sciences can stimulate and enrich each other. The course topics include first order differential equations, separable equations, second order systems, vector and matrix systems, eigenvectors/eigenvalues, graphical and qualitative methods. The methods are motivated with examples from the biological sciences (growth models, kinetics and compartmental models, epidemic models, predator-prey, etc). Computational modeling will be carried out using SimBiology, a MATLAB toolbox based graphical user interface, which automates and simplifies the process of modeling biological systems.

Summer 2017 NC Zoo Animal Behavior & Welfare Research Assistants Positions

Applications now being accepted for the Summer 2017 NC Zoo Animal Behavior and Welfare Research Assistant Positions.
The three positions are meant for juniors and seniors interested in studying animal behavior in the context of captive animal management and welfare.
Summer projects include:
 
– Captive elephant welfare
– Captive chimp welfare and enrichment
– Captive polar bear welfare

Please view the attached document and CURiOuS (https://sites.sciences.ncsu.edu/curious/) for details.  Apply by March 20th at 8AM via CURiOuS.

Updates on Human Anatomy and Physiology offerings

After Summer 2017, BIO212 will no longer be offered. BIO421/426 will be phased out over time, likely not offered after Spring or Summer 2018.

 

  • Students who planned to take BIO 212 in Fall 2017:
    • should enroll in either BIO240 or BIO245 instead.  Both of these courses will appear as options on our curricula anywhere that BIO212 was listed as an option or requirement. 
  • Students who have taken BIO 212 already:
    • HB students can satisfy their second physiology degree requirement with:
      • BIO 421 until it is phased out
      • A 400-level physiology course selected from the following:
        • BIO 424 Endocrinology
        • BIO 488 Neurobiology
        • BIO 441 Immunology
  • Any student who has taken BIO 212 and needs a 2-semester sequence of Human Anatomy and Physiology as a pre-req for allied health professions should take BIO 421 & BIO 426.
  • Students who have taken BIO 212 should not take BIO 240 nor BIO 245 as a second physiology course. Credit is not allowed for either BIO 240/245 AND BIO 212 or BIO 421.

BIO240 Human Anatomy and Physiology A (4 credits, with required co-req lab) BIO 240 provides an introduction to the anatomy and physiology of the nervous, skeletal, muscular and digestive systems. Fundamental principles addressed throughout the course include (1) maintenance and regulation of homeostasis, (2) communication and control processes throughout the body, (3) integration across organ systems, (4) structure-function relationships and (5) anatomical and physiological adaptation. Together, BIO 240 and BIO 245 provide a strong foundation in human anatomy and physiology (through both lecture and lab) for students preparing for a variety of health-related professions. Pre-req: C- or better in BIO183. Cannot receive credit for both BIO240 and BIO212 or BIO421.

BIO245 Human Anatomy and Physiology B (4 credits, with required co-req lab) BIO 245 provides an introduction to the anatomy and physiology of the endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal systems.  Fundamental principles addressed throughout the course include (1) maintenance and regulation of homeostasis, (2) communication and control processes throughout the body, (3) integration and interdependence across organ systems, (4) structure-function relationships and (5) anatomical and physiological adaptation.  Together, BIO 240 and BIO 245 provide a strong foundation in human anatomy and physiology (through both lecture and lab) for students preparing for a variety of health-related professions. Pre-req: C- or better in BIO 183. Cannot receive credit for both BIO 245 and BIO 212 or BIO 421.

Summer & Fall 2017 at the Duke University Marine Laboratory

Summer registration is open! 
Duke University Marine Lab Summer Courses
May 15- June 16, 2017
Summer Term I
The biology of marine systems, emphasizing field experiences and hands-on activities. Basic physical characteristics of the world’s oceans and the basic processes of life, diversity of life in marine systems, survey of marine habitats, and discussion of human impacts on marine systems.4 credit course.
Sensory Physiology of Marine Animals 
Sensory physiological principles with emphasis on visual and chemical cues. Laboratories will use behavior to measure physiological processes.4 credit course..

Marine Invertebrate Zoology
Structure, function, and development of invertebrates collected from estuarine and marine habitats. In this course, we will explore biodiversity through explorations of marine invertebrate life. 4 credit course.

Molecular Biology
Introduces major concepts in biology through the lens of molecular biology. Molecular mechanisms that comprise the Central Dogma and variants. DNA structure and function, replication, transcription, and translation. Protein synthesis, folding, structure and function. 4 credit course.

Summer Term II
 July 10- August 11, 2017


Core Courses: Taught on Tuesday & Friday


We are excited to add the expertise of author Paul Greenberg to our summer Conservation Biology & Policy course. Greenberg will co-teach alongside Duke faculty Doug Nowacek and Grant Murray. Course Description: Introduction to the key concepts of ecology and policy relevant to conservation issues at the population to ecosystems level. Focus on the origin and maintenance of biodiversity and conservation applications from both the biology and policy perspectives (for example, endangered species, aquaculture, captive breeding, reserve design, habitat fragmentation, ecosystem restoration/rehabilitation). 3 credit course.

Drones in Marine Biology, Ecology and Conservation
A full overview of past and emerging applications for ecology and biology of marine species and coastal habitats with in-depth discussion on future of drone applications in coastal biological and ecological research. Comprehensive exploration of current drone technologies, including detection limits of target species, payload selection, operational procedures aeronautical concepts, rules and regulations, safety, mission planning, aircraft design, maintenance, data collection, management and analysis. Biological and technical lab components tailored to student interests: Active participation in megafaunal or environmental research and data analysis.  Building, operating and maintaining aircraft, programming for manual and autonomous flight.3 credit course.


Electives: Students may register for two courses during Summer Term II. Pair one course from above with one course below.


 Marine Ecology 
Factors that influence the distribution, abundance, and diversity of marine organisms. Course structure integrates lectures, field excursions, lab exercises and an independent project. Lecture topics include physical characteristics of marine systems, adaptation to environment, species interactions, biogeography, larval recruitment, and biodiversity and conservation of communities found in rocky shores, tidal flats, beaches, marshes, mangrove, coral reefs, and subtidal areas.4 credit course.

 Marine Mammals  
The biology of cetaceans, pinnipeds, sirenians, sea otters, and sea birds. Topics covered include the diversity, evolution, ecology, and behavior of marine mammals and their interactions with humans. Detailed consideration given to the adaptations that allow these mammals to live in the sea. Evaluation of the scientific, ethical, and aesthetic factors influencing societal attitudes toward these animals and of their conservation management in light of domestic legislation and international treaties. Laboratory and field exercises consider social organization, behavior, ecology, communication, and anatomy of local bottlenose dolphins.Detailed consideration is given to adaptation, ecology and conservation. Laboratory and field exercises address behavior, ecology, and communication of local populations of marine mammal and seabirds. 4 credit course.

 Biology and Conservation of Sea Turtles
Biology including the anatomy, physiology, behavior, life histories, and population dynamics of sea turtles linked to conservation issues and management. Focus on threatened and endangered sea turtle species, with special attention to science and policy issues in United States waters.   4 credit course.


Tuition & Fees are available on our website.
Tuition scholarship requests are available through 1 April for marine science courses. Check the Summer Scholarship section of our website for additional details.

Ready to Sign up?
Visit the enrollment section of our website.

Fall 2017 Undergraduate Courses

Duke University Marine Lab courses are available to students from outside universities. Students will receive a Duke University Transcript at the end of the semester. e faculty. Studying at the Duke University Marine Lab is a great way to add something unique to your C/V while cultivating professional relationships with faculty. Click the links below to read the full course descriptions. Have questions about courses? Email katie.wood@duke.edu

Core Marine Science Courses

MARINE POLICY
BIOLOGICAL OCEANOGRAPHY
SENSORY PHYSIOLOGY OF MARINE ANIMALS
MARINE INVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY
MARINE CLIMATE CHANGE
DATA AND TIME SERIES ANALYSIS IN MARINE SCIENCES
COASTAL MARINE POLLUTION


Fall Break Travel Course: Panama

 
Have you seen our latest brochure?  Click the photo above to explore