Lecture
M/W/F 9:25–10:30 am
Barkley Building | Room 27
Labs
Thu 11:00–1:50 or Fri 6:00–8:50
Mainiero Building | Room 252
Theme
Energy & Information Flow from the Physical Environment to Complex Neural Systems
Grading & Assessment
Exam 1
20%
Exam 2
20%
Exam 3
20%
Final Presentation
20%
Lab
20%
Lab is must-pass to pass the course.
Flex Activities (Bonus)
+5%
TBD options; bonus applied on top of final grade (caps may apply per policy).
| Component | Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Exam 1 | 20% | See schedule for coverage |
| Exam 2 | 20% | See schedule for coverage |
| Exam 3 | 20% | Dec 1 |
| Final Presentation | 20% | Week of Dec 8 |
| Lab | 20% | Must pass lab to pass course |
| Flex Activities (Bonus) | +5% | TBD; applied as bonus |
Lecture Schedule
| Week of | Lecture Topics | Readings |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 18 | Foundations of Life: Energy & Information in Nature From chemical principles to the molecules of life |
Ch. 1–3 |
| Aug 25 | Evolution as an Information Process Darwin’s theory, genetic variation, and the rise of biological complexity |
Ch. 22–24 |
| Sep 1 | Microbial Energy Strategies & Ecological Roles Microbes as the first energy processors and information carriers |
Ch. 27, 40 |
| Sep 8 | Ecosystem Energy Flow & Global Information Pathways Climate, nutrient cycles, and the biosphere |
Ch. 41–43 |
| Sep 15 | Exam 1 (Covers Ch. 1–3, 22–24, 27, 40–43) | — |
| Sep 22 | Cell Architecture for Energy Capture & Information Storage Organelles, membranes, and the nucleus as control centers |
Ch. 4, 5, 16 |
| Sep 29 | From DNA to Function Transcription, translation, and regulation of genetic information |
Ch. 17, 18 |
| Oct 6 | Cell Communication & Energy Management Signal transduction, thermodynamics, and metabolic control |
Ch. 9, 6 |
| Oct 13 | Exam 2 (Covers Ch. 4–6, 9, 16–18) | — |
| Oct 20 | Capturing Light, Releasing Energy Photosynthesis, respiration, and integration of energy pathways |
Ch. 7, 8 |
| Oct 27 | Design for Energy Acquisition Tissues, body plans, and digestive strategies |
Ch. 32, 33 |
| Nov 3 | Moving Energy & Information Through the Body Circulation, gas exchange, and endocrine communication |
Ch. 34, 45 |
| Nov 10 | Neural Systems: Processing Energy & Information Neurons, synapses, and nervous system organization |
Ch. 37–38 |
| Nov 17 | From Motion to Memory Motor mechanisms, behavior, and the neural basis of memory (Instructor-supplemented) |
Ch. 39 + Supplemental |
| Nov 24 | Thanksgiving Week (Short Week Review & Q&A) | — |
| Dec 1 | Exam 3 (Covers Ch. 7–8, 32–34, 45, 37–39, Supplemental) | — |
| Dec 8 | Proposal Presentations (No new lecture content) | — |