Course Offerings
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- Spring 2023
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Spring 2023▲
See complete information about these courses in the course offerings database. For more information about a specific course, including course type, schedule and location, click on its title.
Field Ornithology
BIOL 241 - Cabe, Paul R.
This course integrates studies of bird biology with field observation and identification of local bird species. Topics covered include anatomy, taxonomy, reproduction, vocalization, migration, ecology, and evolution. Field trips to a variety of areas throughout Virginia emphasize identification skills and basic field research techniques.
Field Herpetology
BIOL 242 - Marsh, David M.
Field Herpetology is a research-based course on the ecology and behavior of amphibians and reptiles. Research projects vary from year-to-year and are designed to give students plenty of time on the field and exposure to a diverse assortment of amphibian and reptile species.
Food for Thought
BIOL 275 - Blythe, Sarah N.
This course utilizes problem-based learning to investigate nutrition and metabolism, as well as to the neural and hormonal regulation of feeding behavior. Through the use of primary literature and service-learning experiences, students develop an understanding of the experimental tools used in basic and applied nutritional sciences research. Because nutrition directly relates to many health care and quality-of-life issues at the forefront of modern society, this course also examines popular literature on food-related topics.
Neural Imaging
BIOL 280 - Watson, Fiona L.
This course examines how the architecture of specific types of neurons affect the neuron's ability to receive, process, and transmit synaptic information. In particular, the course examines how some of the important molecular growth and differentiation cues (e.g., growth factors) can transmit signals important for axon growth and survival of developing and mature neurons. Topics may include neurogenesis, axonal pathfinding, synaptogenesis, and regeneration. Students will conduct original research in the laboratory and acquire skills with various imaging techniques and analytical tools.
Topics in Biology: Biology of Women
BIOL 297D - Lanier, Leah S.
This course will investigate the anatomy and physiology of females through all stages of life. Ever wonder how the menstrual cycle really works? What form of birth control is the most reliable? Students will learn how women’s bodies work, including the basics of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. Additional topics will include how common disorders, sexually transmitted infections, and common environmental toxins impact women’s health. The course will also include how women’s health care is addressed across the globe in different cultures.
Ecological Modeling and Conservation Strategies
BIOL 325 - Humston, Robert
This course is an intensive introduction to foundational methods in ecological modeling and their application, with emphasis on the dynamics of exploited or threatened populations and developing strategies for effective conservation. Topics include managing harvested populations, population viability analysis, individual based models, and simulation modeling for systems analyses.
Plant Functional Ecology
BIOL 332 - Hamilton, Eugene W. (Bill)
The emphasis and location of the study area differs from year to year. Information regarding the specific course topic and field trip schedule is made available in the fall. Through novel research projects in a variety of field settings (e.g., on-campus, Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountains, The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem), this field-based laboratory course covers topics which investigate the vital roles that plants play in shaping Earth's ecosystems. Topics focus on the responses of native plants to environmental stresses, such as global climate change (elevated temperature and carbon dioxide and drought), herbivory, and invasive species. Field and laboratory exercises focus on testing hypotheses through experiments using a variety of species from intact plant communities. A review of the pertinent literature is used to develop and conduct a term research project.
Winter 2023▲
See complete information about these courses in the course offerings database. For more information about a specific course, including course type, schedule and location, click on its title.
Fundamentals of Biology
BIOL 111 - Ayoub, Nadia A.
An intensive investigation of scientific thought and communication applied to topics that vary among sections and terms. Specific subjects, chosen from within the scope of modern biological investigation according to the expertise of individual instructors, are examined in the context of major concepts such as evolution, regulation, growth, and metabolism.
Fundamentals of Biology
BIOL 111 - Cabe, Paul R.
An intensive investigation of scientific thought and communication applied to topics that vary among sections and terms. Specific subjects, chosen from within the scope of modern biological investigation according to the expertise of individual instructors, are examined in the context of major concepts such as evolution, regulation, growth, and metabolism.
Fundamentals of Biology
BIOL 111 - Hurd, Lawrence E. (Larry)
An intensive investigation of scientific thought and communication applied to topics that vary among sections and terms. Specific subjects, chosen from within the scope of modern biological investigation according to the expertise of individual instructors, are examined in the context of major concepts such as evolution, regulation, growth, and metabolism.
Fundamentals of Biology
BIOL 111 - Watson, Fiona L.
An intensive investigation of scientific thought and communication applied to topics that vary among sections and terms. Specific subjects, chosen from within the scope of modern biological investigation according to the expertise of individual instructors, are examined in the context of major concepts such as evolution, regulation, growth, and metabolism.
Biology Laboratory
BIOL 113 - Winder, Charles T.
A laboratory course to accompany BIOL 111. Students are trained in basic techniques of biological research by demonstrations and investigatory exercises, including data analysis and scientific communication.
Biology Laboratory
BIOL 113 - Lanier, Leah S.
A laboratory course to accompany BIOL 111. Students are trained in basic techniques of biological research by demonstrations and investigatory exercises, including data analysis and scientific communication.
Introduction to Data Science in Python
BIOL 187 - Toporikova, Natalia
In this era of data science, major discoveries in science and medicine are being made by exploring datasets in novel ways using computational tools. The challenge in the biomedical sciences is the same as in Silicon Valley: knowing what computational tools are right for a project and where to get started when exploring large data sets. In this course, students learn to use Python, a popular open-source programming language and Jupyter Notebook data-analysis environment, to explore data interactively. Case studies are drawn from across the sciences and medicine. Topics include data visualization, physiological modeling, image analysis, and statistical inference on large data sets. We also emphasize best practices in coding, data handling, and adherence to the principles of reproducible research.
Statistics for Biology and Medicine
BIOL 201 - Marsh, David M.
This course examines the principles of statistics and experimental design for biological and medical research. The focus is on the practical and conceptual aspects of statistics, rather than mathematical derivations. Students completing this class will be able to read and understand research papers, to design realistic experiments, and to carry out their own statistical analyses using computer packages.
Statistics for Biology and Medicine
BIOL 201 - Toporikova, Natalia
This course examines the principles of statistics and experimental design for biological and medical research. The focus is on the practical and conceptual aspects of statistics, rather than mathematical derivations. Students completing this class will be able to read and understand research papers, to design realistic experiments, and to carry out their own statistical analyses using computer packages.
Biochemistry of the Cell
BIOL 215 - Whitworth, Gregg B.
A study of the molecular basis of cell structure and function. Topics include biomolecular structure and chemistry, enzyme kinetics and inhibition, bioenergetics, intermediary metabolism and its regulation, membrane structure and transport, membrane receptors and signal transduction, and the endomembrane system. The laboratory stresses techniques for use in current biochemical research.
Cell Biology
BIOL 230 - Watson, Fiona L.
This course will focus on understanding the components of a cell, the internal organization of a cell, how they move, how they function, how they respond to cues from their external environment, and the limits of our current knowledge. Lecture topics will include the internal organization of a cell, structure and function of DNA, RNA and proteins, membrane and cytoskeleton structure function, protein sorting, membrane transport, cell cycle and cell-cycle control, cell signaling and communication, and cell death.
Cell Biology Laboratory
BIOL 231 - Watson, Fiona L.
The lab component reinforces Cell Biology lecture by emphasizing the experimental approaches to the study of cell biology.
Comparative Animal Biology
BIOL 240 - Hurd, Lawrence E. (Larry)
Form and function of animals with emphasis on evolution and ecology of major invertebrate and vertebrate groups.
Vertebrate Endocrinology
BIOL 250 - Blythe, Sarah N.
This course provides an introduction to the scientific study of the endocrine system, including exploration of chemoregulatory mechanisms in vertebrates and examination of biochemical, cellular, and physiological aspects of hormone action. In-class exercises focus on developing written and verbal scientific communication skills, as well as in-depth analysis of primary literature.
Bioengineering and Bioinspired Design
BIOL 267 - Erickson, Jonathan C. (Jon)
Same as ENGN 267. Interdisciplinary study of the physical principles of animal navigation and sensory mechanisms. This course integrates biology, physics, engineering, and quantitative methods to study how an animal's physiology is optimized to perform a critical function, as well as how these biological systems inspire new technologies. Topics include: long-distance navigation; locomotion; optical, thermal, and auditory sensing; bioelectricity; biomaterials; and swarm synchronicity. Some examples of questions addressed are: How does a loggerhead turtle navigate during a 9,000 mile open-ocean swim to return to the beach where it was born? How does a blowfly hover and outmaneuver an F-16? How is the mantis shrimp eye guiding the next revolution in DVD technology? This course is intended for students interested in working on problems at the boundary of biology and physics/engineering, and is appropriate for those who have more experience in one field than the other. Lectures, reading and discussion of research literature, and hands-on investigation/field-work, where appropriate.
Seminar in Biology
BIOL 295F - Hamilton, Eugene W. (Bill)
Seminar topics vary with instructor and term. Sample topics include: genetics, molecular genetics, virology, evolutionary biology, history of medicine, biology of aging, ecology, cancer, reproductive strategies, neuroendocrinology, microbiology and immunology. These are in-depth studies of restricted topics within the broad areas indicated by the titles, involving critical review of literature, discussion and oral and/or written presentation.
Microbiology
BIOL 310 - Lanier, Leah S.
A broadly based course in the study of microorganisms, specifically: prokaryotic cells, microbial diversity, and the effects of microbes in the world, in society and in the bodies of animals and plants. It concerns the central role of microbiology as a basic biological science that enhances our understanding of the biology of higher organisms.
Conservation Genetics
BIOL 322 - Cabe, Paul R.
A study of the central issues of population genetics and their application to species preservation and conservation. Topics include genetic surveys of rare or threatened species; population structure and dispersal; inferring population histories from genetic data; phylogenetics of threatened species' groups; hybridization between species; the use of genetic data in captive breeding programs and the prosecution of endangered species legislation; and the use of biotechnologies, such as cloning.
Evolution
BIOL 340 - Ayoub, Nadia A.
An examination of the evidence for evolution and the mechanisms by which evolution occurs.
Animal Physiology
BIOL 362 - I'Anson, Helen
A comparative study of functional processes of animals, primarily vertebrates, and their environmental interactions. Laboratory emphasis is on functional adaptations and the use of physiological instrumentation in measuring functional processes.
Topics in Ecology and Evolution: Computational Statistics
BIOL 398B - Marsh, David M.
Topics include ecology, behavior, evolution, and natural history of selected taxonomic groups.
Directed Individual Study: Stable Isotope Ecology of Food Webs
BIOL 401B - Humston, Robert
Directed Individual Research: Yellowstone Research
BIOL 421A - Hamilton, Eugene W. (Bill)
Each student conducts primary research in partnership with a faculty member, by prior mutual agreement and according to departmental guidelines (available from biology faculty). Consult the department web page or individual faculty for a description of current research areas. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different. No more than six credits of work at the 400 level may apply toward the major. May be carried out during summer.
Directed Individual Research: Snacking & Obesity
BIOL 421B - I'Anson, Helen
Each student conducts primary research in partnership with a faculty member, by prior mutual agreement and according to departmental guidelines (available from biology faculty). Consult the department web page or individual faculty for a description of current research areas. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different. No more than six credits of work at the 400 level may apply toward the major. May be carried out during summer.
Directed Individual Research: Spider Silk Genetics
BIOL 421C - Ayoub, Nadia A.
Each student conducts primary research in partnership with a faculty member, by prior mutual agreement and according to departmental guidelines (available from biology faculty). Consult the department web page or individual faculty for a description of current research areas. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different. No more than six credits of work at the 400 level may apply toward the major. May be carried out during summer.
Directed Individual Research: Conservation Genetics
BIOL 421E - Cabe, Paul R.
Directed Individual Research: Analysis of Alternative Splicing Isoforms in Mammalian Tissues
BIOL 421F - Whitworth, Gregg B.
Directed Individual Research: Amphibian Ecology
BIOL 421G - Marsh, David M.
Each student conducts primary research in partnership with a faculty member, by prior mutual agreement and according to departmental guidelines (available from biology faculty). Consult the department web page or individual faculty for a description of current research areas. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different. No more than six credits of work at the 400 level may apply toward the major. May be carried out during summer.
Directed Individual Research: DIR Axon Regeneration
BIOL 421H - Watson, Fiona L.
Each student conducts primary research in partnership with a faculty member, by prior mutual agreement and according to departmental guidelines (available from biology faculty). Consult the department web page or individual faculty for a description of current research areas. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different. No more than six credits of work at the 400 level may apply toward the major. May be carried out during summer.
Directed Individual Research: Yellowstone Research
BIOL 422A - Hamilton, Eugene W. (Bill)
Each student conducts primary research in partnership with a faculty member, by prior mutual agreement and according to departmental guidelines (available from biology faculty). Consult the department Web page or individual faculty for a description of current research areas. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different. No more than six credit hours of work at the 400 level may apply toward the major. May be carried out during summer.
Directed Individual Research: Snacking & Obesity
BIOL 422B - I'Anson, Helen
Each student conducts primary research in partnership with a faculty member, by prior mutual agreement and according to departmental guidelines (available from biology faculty). Consult the department Web page or individual faculty for a description of current research areas. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different. No more than six credit hours of work at the 400 level may apply toward the major. May be carried out during summer.
Directed Individual Research: Spider Silk Genetics
BIOL 422C - Ayoub, Nadia A.
Each student conducts primary research in partnership with a faculty member, by prior mutual agreement and according to departmental guidelines (available from biology faculty). Consult the department Web page or individual faculty for a description of current research areas. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different. No more than six credit hours of work at the 400 level may apply toward the major. May be carried out during summer.
Directed Individual Research: Analysis of Alternative Splicing Isoforms in Mammalian Tissues
BIOL 422F - Whitworth, Gregg B.
Consult the department web page or individual faculty for a description of current research areas. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different. No more than six credits of work at the 400 level may apply toward the major. May be carried out during summer.
Directed Individual Research: Axon Regeneration
BIOL 422K - Watson, Fiona L.
Directed Individual Research: Analysis of Biological Data
BIOL 422L - Toporikova, Natalia
Each student conducts primary research in partnership with a faculty member, by prior mutual agreement and according to departmental guidelines available from biology faculty.
Directed Individual Research: Axon Regeneration
BIOL 423A - Watson, Fiona L.
Each student conducts primary research in partnership with a faculty member, by prior mutual agreement and according to departmental guidelines available from biology faculty.
Fall 2022▲
See complete information about these courses in the course offerings database. For more information about a specific course, including course type, schedule and location, click on its title.
Fundamentals of Biology
BIOL 111 - Hurd, Lawrence E. (Larry)
An intensive investigation of scientific thought and communication applied to topics that vary among sections and terms. Specific subjects, chosen from within the scope of modern biological investigation according to the expertise of individual instructors, are examined in the context of major concepts such as evolution, regulation, growth, and metabolism.
Fundamentals of Biology
BIOL 111 - Toporikova, Natalia
An intensive investigation of scientific thought and communication applied to topics that vary among sections and terms. Specific subjects, chosen from within the scope of modern biological investigation according to the expertise of individual instructors, are examined in the context of major concepts such as evolution, regulation, growth, and metabolism.
Fundamentals of Biology
BIOL 111 - I'Anson, Helen
An intensive investigation of scientific thought and communication applied to topics that vary among sections and terms. Specific subjects, chosen from within the scope of modern biological investigation according to the expertise of individual instructors, are examined in the context of major concepts such as evolution, regulation, growth, and metabolism.
Fundamentals of Biology
BIOL 111 - Lanier, Leah S.
An intensive investigation of scientific thought and communication applied to topics that vary among sections and terms. Specific subjects, chosen from within the scope of modern biological investigation according to the expertise of individual instructors, are examined in the context of major concepts such as evolution, regulation, growth, and metabolism.
Biology Laboratory
BIOL 113 - Winder, Charles T.
A laboratory course to accompany BIOL 111. Students are trained in basic techniques of biological research by demonstrations and investigatory exercises, including data analysis and scientific communication.
Biology Laboratory
BIOL 113 - Lanier, Leah S.
A laboratory course to accompany BIOL 111. Students are trained in basic techniques of biological research by demonstrations and investigatory exercises, including data analysis and scientific communication.
Data Science: Visualizing and Exploring Big Data
BIOL 185 - Whitworth, Gregg B.
We live in the era of big data. Major discoveries in science and medicine are being made by exploring large datasets in novel ways using computational tools. The challenge in the biomedical sciences is the same as in Silicon Valley: knowing what computational tools are right for a project and where to get started when exploring large data sets. In this course, students learn to use R, a popular open-source programming language and data analysis environment, to interactively explore data. Case studies are drawn from across the sciences and medicine. Topics include data visualization, machine learning, image analysis, geospatial analysis, and statistical inference on large data sets. We also emphasize best practices in coding, data handling, and adherence to the principles of reproducible research.
Statistics for Biology and Medicine
BIOL 201 - Toporikova, Natalia
This course examines the principles of statistics and experimental design for biological and medical research. The focus is on the practical and conceptual aspects of statistics, rather than mathematical derivations. Students completing this class will be able to read and understand research papers, to design realistic experiments, and to carry out their own statistical analyses using computer packages.
Aquatic Ecology
BIOL 217 - Humston, Robert
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the ecology of freshwater systems, with laboratory emphasis on streams and rivers in the local area. It includes a review of the physical and biological properties of freshwater ecosystems as well as current issues relating to their conservation. Laboratory activities focus around monitoring the impacts of current stream restoration efforts in local watersheds.
Genetics
BIOL 220 - Ayoub, Nadia A.
A study of the three main branches of modern genetics: 1) Mendelian genetics, the study of the transmission of traits from one generation to the next; 2) molecular genetics, a study of the chemical structure of genes and how they operate at the molecular level; and 3) population genetics, the study of the variation of genes between and within populations.
Genetics
BIOL 220 - Cabe, Paul R.
A study of the three main branches of modern genetics: 1) Mendelian genetics, the study of the transmission of traits from one generation to the next; 2) molecular genetics, a study of the chemical structure of genes and how they operate at the molecular level; and 3) population genetics, the study of the variation of genes between and within populations.
Genetics Laboratory
BIOL 221 - Cabe, Paul R.
Techniques in modern molecular genetics.
Genetics Laboratory
BIOL 221 - Ayoub, Nadia A.
Techniques in modern molecular genetics.
Animal Behavior
BIOL 243 - Marsh, David M.
An introduction to the scientific study of animal behavior, including exploration of the evolutionary basis of behavior and examination of how animals choose mates, defend territories, find food, and avoid predators. Field and laboratory exercises focus on testing hypotheses through experiments with a variety of animals, including fish, amphibians, birds, and humans.
Anatomy and Physiology
BIOL 260 - Blythe, Sarah N.
This course is an introduction to the structure, function, and homeostatic properties of the major organ systems of humans. Laboratory exercises include basic histology, kinesthetic clay modeling of human musculature, and standard diagnostic medical tests such as urinalysis and spirometry.
Experimental Botany: Global Climate Change
BIOL 330 - Hamilton, Eugene W. (Bill)
Lectures focus on the major impacts of global climate change (elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide and elevated temperatures) on plant function (photosynthesis and respiration) and plant communities. Additional topics include global carbon budgets, plant carbon sequestration, and agricultural impacts. Participants review the pertinent primary literature and conduct a term-long laboratory research project.
Developmental Biology
BIOL 365 - Watson, Fiona L.
An examination of the goals, practices, and accomplishments of contemporary developmental biology. Topics include gametogenesis, fertilization, cleavage, gastrulation, organogenesis, genetic control of cell differentiation, transgenic procedures, cloning, embryo manipulation, and stem cells. Lectures, discussions of the developmental literature, and electronic media are utilized. Laboratory sessions focus on experimental manipulations of early invertebrate and vertebrate embryos and emphasize student-designed research projects.
Molecular Mechanics of Life
BIOL 385 - Whitworth, Gregg B.
How do we study complex networks of interactions between molecules in cells? How do we discover what roles different molecular machines play in the development and behavior of cells and animals? How can we identify the ways in which medical illness is caused by the misregulation of biological complexes because of a pathogenic infection or genetic disease? Our approach to answering these questions reflects the same interdisciplinary strategy being used at the forefront of current biomedical research. We consider the ways in which traditional approaches in biochemistry, genetics and cell biology can be merged with new systems-level approaches such as genomics and proteomics, to allow us to probe the underlying molecular mechanics of life. In the classroom, we examine different molecular networks, while readings include selections from the primary literature. The laboratory is based on an investigation of a novel research question, designed and addressed by student participants.
Advanced Topics in Biology: Developmental Biology
BIOL 395A - Watson, Fiona L.
Topics in Ecology and Evolution: Biodiversity Conservation
BIOL 398A - Hurd, Lawrence E. (Larry)
What is biodiversity, how did it come about, and what is its future? How do ecological systems work, and how (and why) do we work to preserve biodiversity? The recognition late during the 20th century that global biological diversity is threatened with precipitous decline of a magnitude similar to the past five mass extinctions, has stimulated a great deal of research, as well as the emergence of a new scientific discipline: conservation ecology. The causes of this sixth mass extinction are pervasive human activities, which has led to the proposal that our present age should be called the Anthropocene. This is not a course about conservation techniques. Rather, the aim of this course is to introduce you to some of the major ideas and research efforts in ecology upon which conservation and preservation efforts depend: The theory behind the practice.
Directed Individual Study: Stable Isotope Ecology
BIOL 401A - Humston, Robert
Directed Individual Research: Yellowstone Research
BIOL 421A - Hamilton, Eugene W. (Bill)
Each student conducts primary research in partnership with a faculty member, by prior mutual agreement and according to departmental guidelines (available from biology faculty). Consult the department web page or individual faculty for a description of current research areas. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different. No more than six credits of work at the 400 level may apply toward the major. May be carried out during summer.
Directed Individual Research: Snacking & Obesity
BIOL 421B - I'Anson, Helen
Each student conducts primary research in partnership with a faculty member, by prior mutual agreement and according to departmental guidelines (available from biology faculty). Consult the department web page or individual faculty for a description of current research areas. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different. No more than six credits of work at the 400 level may apply toward the major. May be carried out during summer.
Directed Individual Research: Spider Silk Genetics
BIOL 421C - Ayoub, Nadia A.
Each student conducts primary research in partnership with a faculty member, by prior mutual agreement and according to departmental guidelines (available from biology faculty). Consult the department web page or individual faculty for a description of current research areas. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different. No more than six credits of work at the 400 level may apply toward the major. May be carried out during summer.
Directed Individual Research: Conservative Biology Research
BIOL 421D - Marsh, David M.
Directed Individual Research: Conservation Genetics
BIOL 421E - Cabe, Paul R.
Directed Individual Research: Analysis of Alternative Splicing Isoforms in Mammalian Tissues
BIOL 421F - Whitworth, Gregg B.
Directed Individual Research: Yellowstone Research
BIOL 422A - Hamilton, Eugene W. (Bill)
Each student conducts primary research in partnership with a faculty member, by prior mutual agreement and according to departmental guidelines (available from biology faculty). Consult the department Web page or individual faculty for a description of current research areas. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different. No more than six credit hours of work at the 400 level may apply toward the major. May be carried out during summer.
Directed Individual Research: Snacking & Obesity
BIOL 422B - I'Anson, Helen
Each student conducts primary research in partnership with a faculty member, by prior mutual agreement and according to departmental guidelines (available from biology faculty). Consult the department Web page or individual faculty for a description of current research areas. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different. No more than six credit hours of work at the 400 level may apply toward the major. May be carried out during summer.
Directed Individual Research: Spider Silk Genetics
BIOL 422C - Ayoub, Nadia A.
Each student conducts primary research in partnership with a faculty member, by prior mutual agreement and according to departmental guidelines (available from biology faculty). Consult the department Web page or individual faculty for a description of current research areas. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different. No more than six credit hours of work at the 400 level may apply toward the major. May be carried out during summer.
Directed Individual Research: Analysis of Alternative Splicing Isoforms in Mammalian Tissues
BIOL 422F - Whitworth, Gregg B.
Consult the department web page or individual faculty for a description of current research areas. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different. No more than six credits of work at the 400 level may apply toward the major. May be carried out during summer.