BIOMATH: an undergraduate seminar in Math and Biology

MATH 299 / IB 299


Undergraduates who like both Biology and Mathematics and would like to continue studying both, are invited to participate in a fun, collaborative and interactive weekly two-hour seminar. Priority will be given to freshmen and sophomores and the participants will receive two-hour credit for MATH 299 or IB 299. The seminar includes lectures, modeling, fun games that introduce mathematical and biological concepts, and presentations by the participants. Examples of projects are related to population dynamics and the study of epidemics, the effects of global climate change might have on the ecological distribution of insects and plants, and limb evolution and development in mammals. Prerequisites are curiosity, a cooperative spirit, and an interest in these two disciplines.

Life Science (LS) Gen Eds for the Non-Science Major

IB 100: Biological Sciences, 3 credit hours, lecture and discussion
Introduction to biology for the non-major. You will learn about: human impact on ecosystems and global climate change; cancer, the workings of your genes, and biotechnology; and biodiversity, and the processes of evolution. http://www.life.illinois.edu/bio100


IB 102: Plants, People, and the Environment, 3 credit hours, lecture and discussion
Introduction to non-science majors to the importance of plants in today's world, from mitigating global climate changes to feeding an increasingly hungry planet. http://www.life.illinois.edu/plantbio/102/


IB 105: Environmental Biology, 3 credit hours, lecture and discussion
Introduction to ecological principles in relation to understanding environmental problems; emphasizes impacts upon ecosystems by human activities such as air and water pollution, usage of pesticides and pest control measures, expansion of agriculture in tropics and arid regions, harvesting the oceans, and development of energy sources. http://www.life.illinois.edu/ib/105/


IB 106: Extinction: From Dinosaurs to Dodos, 3 credit hours, lecture and discussion
This course will examine the role of extinction in shaping the history of life on Earth. A major theme of the course will be the ongoing modern extinction crisis, and the lessons we can learn from the past when addressing modern biodiversity loss, from the loss of the dodo bird in the 17th century to the threat of extinction faced by polar bears and other plants and animals today. http://www.life.illinois.edu/ib/106/


IB107: Global Warming, Biofuels, Food, 3 credit hours, lecture and discussion
What will the climate be like in 2050?  Will climate change cause food shortages?  Will using biofuels reverse climate change?  How may human ingenuity overcome the challenges of climate change? If you want to learn about the answers to these questions and more sign up for IB107.  www.life.illinois.edu/ib/107/

The Integrative Biology Honors Program Wants You!

We are still looking for freshman biology students to enroll in our IB Honors (IBH) Program. IBH offers a group of 15-20 IB students the opportunity to take an accelerated series of dedicated classes at the 200-300 level covering cell and molecular biology, physiology and ecology and evolution. IBH also provides you the broadest opportunities to engage in biological research on campus, and the greatest flexibility to take upper level classes across the entire biology curriculum. If interested, please contact Jim Dalling, IB Honors Director (dalling at illinois.edu), or take a look at our webpages: http://sib.illinois.edu/honors.htm

IB Minors

Did you know that there's not just one, but two different minors in IB (Integrative Biology)? That's right - you can view the requirements for each here: https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/dmurph/www/index_files/IB/Minor%20in%20Integrative%20Biology.pdf and read their advisor's blurb here:

The School of Integrative Biology is pleased to offer two new minors beginning this fall: Minor in Integrative Biology and Minor in Ecology and Conservation Biology. 

A minor in Integrative Biology is ideal for students intending to have a career in a field other than biology, but for whom a background in biology is nevertheless complementary, e.g. law, technology, bioinformatics, business, scientific writing, and engineering. 

A minor in Ecology and Conservation Biology points students toward getting strength in this sub-discipline of biology.  Preparation for many careers is advanced by coursework in ecology and conservation, e.g. environmental lawyer, environmental consultant, conservation technician, and environmental educator.

Interested students should schedule an appointment with an IB advisor  by calling 217-333-6774.  Thank you for helping us spread the word!

BioMath

Math is important in biology. Want to explore the connections? Check out the new BioMath program: http://www.math.uiuc.edu/biomath/