Department of Biology
Faculty: D. Krohne (chair), A. Ingram, J. Munford, R. Nelson, L.D. Polley, S. Selvaratnam, E. Wetzel
The curriculum of the Biology Department is designed to introduce the student to the breadth of the discipline of biology and to provide the foundation for further study in biology. A core sequence of courses introduces the student to genetics, cell biology, organismal, biology, and ecology. The student may then choose elective courses in areas relevant to his career interests. The biology major is designed to prepare the student for graduate or professional work in biology as well as other careers such as law or business.
We emphasize the process of biological science through course content, laboratory and field work, independent study, and summer research with faculty. The capstone course, Biology 401, introduces the student to the primary literature in biology and the skills needed to analyze critically new information in biology.
For the non-major we offer a number of opportunities to study biology. For the student looking for a laboratory course for distribution, Biology 101 introduces the basic concepts of biology by examining the biology of humans. This course can also be used as an entry point for additional work in biology since it is a prerequisite for several of courses in the department.
Requirements for the Major: Students majoring in biology must complete: (1) a core of 7 course credits; (2) 2 additional course credits in biology; (3) Physics 111; (4) Chemistry 111 and 221; (5) Comprehensive exam in biology.
The Biology Core Curriculum: Biology 111, 112, 211, 213, 212, 401, and one of the following: 221, 222, 224, 225, 226.
Introductory Courses (two course credits): Students will begin their major in biology by taking Biology 111 and 112. These courses will be completed during the freshman year.
Genetics and Cell Biology (one course credit each): Biology 211 and 212 must be completed during the sophomore year.
Organismal Biology (one course credit): one of these courses:
Biology 221 (Comparative Anatomy and Embryology of the Vertebrates)
Biology 222 (Biology of the Invertebrates)
Biology 224 (Biology of the Vascular Plants)
Biology 225 (Microbiology)
Biology 226 (Parasitology)
This requirement must be completed after the Introductory Courses and before the beginning of the second semester of the senior year.
Ecology (one course credit): Biology 213 must be completed during the first semester of either the junior or senior year. Students taking Biology 213 in their senior year must have completed the Organismal Biology requirement in a previous semester.
Senior Seminar (one course credit): Usually Biology 401 is taken during the first semester of the senior year. Students who will be off-campus during the first semester of their senior year should take Biology 401 during the first semester of their junior year.
Supporting Biology Curriculum: Biology majors must complete 2 additional course credits for a total of nine course credits in biology. These credits may be compiled from the following: Biology 151, 221, 222, 224, 225, 226, 311, 313, 225, 315, 314, 202, 387, 388. Because some of these courses (Biology 224, 226, 311, 313, 315 and 314) are offered in alternate years, students must carefully plan their curriculum, (in consultation with a Biology Department faculty member). In some years, one or more special topics courses (Biology 371) may be offered and may be used to complete the major. Descriptions of these courses will be provided to students and advisors before advance registration.
Students interested in biological research are encouraged to undertake Independent Study (Biology 387, 388) during their junior or senior year. Well-prepared students may begin Biology Independent Study before their junior year.
Beyond the nine course credits required for the biology major, students may include two additional biology course credits to satisfy graduation requirements. Students interested in graduate school in biology are encouraged to consider this option.
Supporting Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics/Computer Science Curriculum: Physics 111 and Chemistry 111 and 221 are required. Students intending to proceed either to a professional or a graduate school should plan to include Mathematics 111, Physics 112 or 113, and Chemistry 222, 231, and 241 in their curriculum. Usually Chemistry 111 and 221 are taken during the sophomore year; Physics 111 and 112 or 113 and Chemistry 222, 231, and 241 are taken during the junior year. Mathematics 112, Computer Science 111, and a statistics course (Mathematics 217 or Division III 252) may be important support courses for some biology majors.
Comprehensive Exam in Biology: Students must pass a two-day written comprehensive exam in biology. On the first day, students write on a series of recent papers from the primary literature drawing upon the breadth and depth of their knowledge of biology. On the second day they answer a series of questions on specific courses.
Off-campus study: Students who wish to take biology courses at other institutions to be credited towards graduation should first discuss their options with their advisor and then obtain permission from the Biology department chair.
Summer Field Study: Scholarship funds are available through the Lucy B. Graves Fund as scholarships for students to study at marine biological laboratories. The Robert O. Petty Fund and the E.W. Olive Fund support interns in field biology. Interested students should talk with the department chair.
Requirements for the Minor: Biology 111, 112, and three other course credits in the department. At least one of the courses beyond Biology 111, 112 must be a laboratory course. Students who wish to initiate a biology minor via the Biology 101 course will complete four additional courses.
101. Human Biology
A one-semester course offered primarily for majors in the social sciences and the humanities. This course will emphasize reproduction and development, structure/function, genetics, and evolution. The ethical implications of biological knowledge also will be considered. In the laboratory, students will investigate biological problems related to humans. Three lecture/discussions and one laboratory period weekly. A student who decides, on the basis of his experience in Biology 101 to major in biology can enroll in the appropriate semester of Biology 111, 112.
One course credit each semester.
102. Plants and Human Affairs
This non-majors course will explore the interface between humankind and the plant world. Through lectures/discussion, ancillary readings and www.exercises and demonstrations, students will study the impact that plants have had on the development of human culture. Some topics to be covered include the plant body, photosynthesis, economically important plants, plant genetics and biotechnology, flowers and plants in the environment. Attention will be given to modes of inquiry in the plant sciences. Several field trips are planned. Prerequisite: Biology 101. Does not count toward the laboratory science distribution requirement.
One course credit, spring semester.
111, 112. General Biology
A year course in the concepts of biology for biology majors. This course is a prerequisite for all advanced courses in biology. Biology 111 covers biomolecules, cell biology, genetics, and evolution. Biology 112 covers animal and plant structure/functions, evolution and ecology. Three lectures and one laboratory period weekly. Biology 111 is a prerequisite for Biology 112.
One course credit each semester.
151. Evolution
A general study of evolution. Lecture/discussion focuses on the processes of evolutionary change and the origin of life. Current controversies and human evolution are considered. Prerequisite: Biology 111 or 101.
One course credit, spring semester.
202. Electron Microscopy
A laboratory course covering specimen preparation, microtomy, staining, operation of the transmission and scanning electron microscope, and darkroom methods. Prerequisite: Biology 101 or 112 and consent of the instructor.
One-half course credit, spring semester.
211. Genetics
A course designed to introduce the modern concepts of the gene. The lectures stress the theory and experimental evidence relating to transmission, molecular, and developmental genetics. The laboratory is investigative in nature. Prerequisite: Biology 112 or permission of the instructor. (This course should be taken during the sophomore year.)
One course credit, fall semester.
212. Cell Biology
The primary emphasis of this course is the structure and function of the eukaryotic cell. Lectures, readings, and discussions will cover cellular organelles, types, metabolism, interactions, and regulation of activities. The laboratory focuses on cellular structure and function through the techniques of modern cell biology. Prerequisite: Biology 112 or permission of the instructor. (This course should be taken during the sophomore year.)
One course credit, spring semester.
213. Ecology
An introduction to the interrelations of plants and animals with their environment. Terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems are considered. Some weekend field trips are included. Prerequisite: Biology 112 or 101 with permission of the instructor.
One course credit, fall semester.
221. Comparative Anatomy and Embryology of the Vertebrates
A course presenting a broad evolutionary theme of the vertebrates using the facts of comparative anatomy, embryology, and paleobiology. Prerequisite: Biology 101 or 112.
One course credit, fall semester.
222. Biology of the Invertebrates
A course designed to provide students with an introduction to the diversity of invertebrate organisms through lectures, reading and discussion of primary literature, student presentations, and laboratory work. Emphasis is placed on structure, functional morphology, physiology, ecology, and evolution. A field trip to a marine field station has been included in the past few years. Prerequisite: Biology 101 or 112.
One course credit, spring semester, 2006-2007 and alternate years.
224. Biology of the Vascular Plants
An introduction to the science of botany. A strong emphasis will be placed on the evolutionary trends in the vascular plants, with additional coverage of plant biotechnology, developmental biology, and some of the physiological adaptations plants have evolved in the transition to life in terrestrial environments. The laboratories will be primarily observational, with a broad exposure to plant diversity and taxonomy; substantial field work is planned. Prerequisite: Biology 101 or 112.
One course credit, spring semester, 2005-2006 and alternate years.
225. Microbiology
This course is designed to introduce the student to the lifestyles and impact of the smallest organisms known. Lecture/discussion will examine topics such as microbial cell structure and function, growth and nutrition, genetics, antibiotics and pathogenesis, and microbial diversity. The laboratory is organized around an investigative, discovery driven project. Prerequisite: Biology 111 and 112 or permission of instructor.
One course credit, fall semester; not offered 2005-2006.
226. Parasitology
A course designed to introduce students to the major groups of animal parasites. Emphasis in lectures and discussion of primary literature is placed on general principles, including diversity, morphology, transmission biology, and the ecology and evolution of the different parasite taxa. The laboratory work includes the detailed consideration of particular parasite species as representatives of larger groups, as well as an independent research project on the parasites of a selected host species. Prerequisite: Biology 101 or Biology 112 or permission of instructor.
One course credit, fall semester, 2005-2006 and alternate years.
311. Molecular Genetics
A course designed to explore in detail the molecular biology of the gene. Lecture/discussion will focus on areas of current interest and will include analysis of experimental evidence which underpins our understanding of gene structure and function. The laboratory is investigative in nature and provides primary experience with recombinant DNA technology genomics and bioinformatics. Prerequisite: Biology 211.
One course credit, spring semester, 2006-2007 and alternate years.
313. Advanced Ecology
This course emphasizes the investigative approach to ecology including experimental design and data analysis. Lectures/discussions focus on areas of current interest in ecosystem, community, and population ecology. Several field trips and an independent investigation are required. Prerequisite: Biology 213.
One course credit, spring semester, 2005-2006 and alternate years.
314. Developmental Biology
Through lectures, current readings and discussions, this course considers the principles of development with emphasis on experimental evidence for underlying mechanisms. The laboratory work includes molecular, cellular and supracellular approaches to the investigation of developmental questions in animals and plants. Prerequisite: Biology 211.
One course credit, spring semester, 2005-2006 and alternate years.
315. Organismal Physiology
The major physiological systems (nutrition, transport, gas exchange, elimination of wastes, coordination, and defense) are considered from the adaptational perspective. The emphasis is on the physiological system as it is related to the survival of vertebrates in their natural environments. The laboratory focuses on physiological techniques and methods of analysis. Prerequisite: Biology 212 or permission of the instructor.
One course credit, fall semester, 2005-2006 and alternate years.
371. Special Topics
Innovative courses and special programs in library research. Descriptions of special topics courses will be posted at the time of advance registration. Students desiring a special library research project should make the appropriate arrangements with individual faculty members.
One-half course credit.
387, 388. Introduction to Research
Individual research on selected problems. Although only one-half course credit is to be counted toward the 9 credit major, these courses may be repeated and credit received for graduation. Students should make arrangements with individual faculty members during the semester preceding their enrollment in the course.
One-half course credit each semester.
401. Senior Seminar
A seminar course required of all majors. Critical reading of primary literature, oral expression and experimental design are emphasized. Students intending to be off-campus during the first semester of their senior year should take this course during their junior year.
One course credit, fall semester.