This course introduces biology students to programming concepts using Python, with a focus on applications in agriculture and environmental sciences. It covers fundamental programming skills and problem-solving techniques to process, analyze, and visualize biological data in agriculture and environmental sciences. By the end of the course, students will develop practical skills to tackle biological challenges using computational tools.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to metagenomics and microbiome analysis, focusing on the study of microbial communities in various environments, including insect and plant-associated microbiomes. Students will learn theoretical concepts and practical skills in experimental design, sequencing technologies, bioinformatics, and data interpretation. The course emphasizes hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools and techniques used in microbiome research. Department Enforced

(DE) Prerequisite(s): BCMB 412

Chocolate is one of the most popular foods in the world. More than 50 million people worldwide currently depend on chocolate (cacao) for their livelihood. Surprisingly, most people know very little about where chocolate comes from, the global impacts on various cultures, both historically and currently, or what “real” chocolate actually tastes like, despite the long history and association with chocolate. This course will introduce students to chocolate – the cacao plant and its associated pests and diseases, the underlying science, its history, and the impacts on past and current societies and cultures. Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (GCI) Satisfies General Education Requirement through the 2021-2022 academic catalog: (CC)

Comprehensive individual study of current problems.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 9 hours.

Other Instructors: Kariyawasam, Dr. Gayan

Presentation of research proposals and research (dissertation or thesis) seminars by students. Presentations on current topics by outside speakers.

Grading Restriction: Satisfactory/No Credit grading only.
Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 4 hours.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level - graduate.

Other Instructors: Owings, Charity Grace | Staton, Meg