Life Sciences

Using Notre Dame's state-of-the-art facility, the Jordan Hall of Science, students in the Life Sciences track engage in two major areas of study: Ecology and Environmental Science and the Molecular Genetics of Disease. Both content areas foster collaborative problem-solving skills and experiential understanding of science by actively involving students in the design, implementation, and analysis of experiments in molecular biology (i.e. cancer biology and molecular genetics) and environmental science (i.e. stream environmental assessment/restoration and lake ecosystem management). Students improve proficiency and confidence under laboratory conditions and field situations and directly engage in accurate reading of scholarly journal articles, the structure/function of scientific research papers, posters and seminar presentations, and the use of biostatistical analysis. The topics covered within these areas highlight both basic research conducted by Notre Dame faculty and the connection of this research to applied fields in industry, medicine, and environmental management. Students investigate these topics using a variety of formats, including interactive lectures, laboratory work, collaborative learning, computer and video material, group discussions, and field trips. In the ecology and environmental science component of the course, students investigate unique local ecosystems including Warren Dunes, Michigan (ecological succession, geologic history and ecosystem management), and Warren Woods, Michigan (ecology of rare, old growth forest). Students conduct projects that involve laboratory experiments and field assessments of environmental quality in stream and lake ecosystems. Students sample and compare several characteristics of Notre Dame’s two lakes including zooplankton, water chemistry, dissolved oxygen, and clarity. Students also discuss published scientific literature on lake management and stream restoration strategies during colloquia and on field trips with Notre Dame researchers. In exploring molecular genetics, students initiate laboratory studies using numerous cutting-edge molecular genetics techniques (PCR, electrophoresis, genetic transformation, bioinformatics, and DNA sequencing). Projects include genetics of retinal degeneration in drosophila and the molecular basis of colon cancer. Students also analyze DNA sequence data and identify the molecular basis of the disorder. Notre Dame faculty members also review and discuss relevant scientific literature with the students.