BIOL 497: Senior Practicum

Learn how bioremediation works to treat contaminated environments and how microbes can help clean up pollutants. We evaluate multiple scenarios zeroing in on oil-degrading bacteria as a prime example of the process.

Discover the differences between hydrocarbons and other organic molecules. While hydrocarbons contain only carbon and hydrogen, other organic molecules integrate more elements and functional groups. This distinction leads to diverse chemical properties and vital biological functions.

Explore the pivotal role of enhancers in gene expression as we dissect their function and interaction with transcription factors. Gain insights into how they crucially influence the transcriptional control of genes.

Explore the foundational principles of Hutton and Lyell, which shaped Darwin's evolutionary ideas. Understand uniformitarianism, deep time, and geographical patterns that inspired Darwin's theory. Discover how geology influenced biological understanding.

Discover the distinctions between mixtures and solutions in chemistry. Through everyday examples and a visual aid, grasp the relationship between these two concepts. Comprehend how mixtures and solutions are intertwined, yet uniquely different.

Learn the distinctions between dispersal and vicariance in biology. Understand how organisms' movements and environmental changes play crucial roles in allopatric speciation. Grasp the differences between movement across existing barriers and the creation of new barriers.