Courses
Courses offered by Dr. Heather Bennett at Trinity College
BIOL 126: Stem Cells...a Miracle Cure?
Stem cells have fascinated scientists and physicians for their ability to transform what is possible in treating human disease. But what are stem cells, and how are they different than other cell types? How can stem cells be used in medicine? In this course, students will learn the basic biology underlying cell development and how cells communicate to form specialized cells like blood, skin, or muscle cells. In addition, we will also discuss how scientists and physicians can harness stem cells to treat human disease and how stem cells are used to uncover the foundations of life. No previous biology experience required, and this course is not creditable to the Biology major.
BIOL 183: Cellular Basis of Life
In this introductory-level course, we will examine cells as the fundamental unit of life, discussing features common to all cells and exploring specializations that confer unique properties to different cell types. The laboratory will provide the opportunity to explore biological concepts through observation, experimental design, and analysis.
BIOL 226: Foundations and Techniques in Molecular Biology
Gene therapy, genetically engineered crop plants, and transgenic mice are all possible because of the powerful techniques developed to manipulate nucleic acids and proteins. This course will introduce you to the fundamental methods at the heart of this technology-identification, isolation, and functional analysis of genes, advanced PCR techniques, detection of mutations, cloning, and CRISPR-Cas9 technology, to name a few. The emphasis will be on the laboratory experience, with hands-on application of some of the techniques outlined. Lectures will cover current examples of research using the techniques described.
BIOL 324: Advanced Molecular Approaches in Neurobiology
This course provides a comprehensive view of the cellular and molecular biology of the nervous system. Emphasis will be placed on advanced experimental techniques and approaches for investigating neural circuits to understand organism development and behavior. This course will rely mainly on primary scientific papers, with a focus on studies involving classic animal model systems. Grading and assessment will be based on class participation, in the form of student-led presentations, in-depth discussion, and homework assignments, as well as two in-class exams. This course assumes a solid foundation in cell biology and molecular biology.
BIOL 431: Signal Transduction in Physiological Stress and Disease (Seminar)
Stress can be physiological, biological, or psychological in nature, and can invoke both global and cell-specific stress responses in an organism. In this course, we will survey the literature to discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the eukaryotic cellular stress response. Cellular stress will be explored at the level of DNA, RNA, and protein, with emphasis on some of the organelle-specific stress responses. Topics will include cellular and molecular responses to hypoxic, oxidative, starvation, osmotic, sleep deprivation, and environmental stress and will rely heavily on studies involving model organisms. Grading will be based on class participation, in the form of student-led discussion, several written papers and discussion posts, as well as a final written grant proposal. This course fulfills Part II of the Writing Requirement. You will complete two 3- to 4-page papers in the course as well as one 6- to 8-page final paper that will go through a peer review draft and revision process.
For more information on biology courses offered at Trinity, please visit the Trinity Biology Program website at Course Descriptions - Biology (trincoll.edu)
Dr. Bennett has taught the following courses at Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY
BIO 135: From Egg to Organism (Non-majors' course)
BIO 159: Principles of Developmental Biology (Introductory course)
BIO 325: Developmental Genetics (Advanced biology course)
BIO 436: Alzheimer's Disease: Past, Present, and Future (Seminar)