Course Descriptions
BIOL 101 - General Biology (1.25) (LSL)
A concentrated introduction to molecular, cellular, genetic, developmental and organismic biology. Emphasis on fundamental principles, concepts and current developments of modern biology. Intended for biology majors, pre-medical, pre-dental and pre-veterinary students, and interested nonmajors. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Offered each fall .
BIOL 102 - General Biology (1.25) (LSL)
A concentrated introduction to molecular, cellular, genetic, developmental and organismic biology. Emphasis on fundamental principles, concepts and current developments of modern biology. Intended for biology majors, pre-medical, pre-dental and pre-veterinary students, and interested nonmajors. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: 101. Offered each spring.
BIOL 107 - Human Biology: Anatomy and Physiology (1.25) (LSL)
A concentrated introduction to the biology of human beings. Emphasis on the structure and function of the human body; its organs and organ systems. Five hours of lecture and two hours of anatomy/physiology laboratory per week. Credit for biology majors will be given only by written consent of the department chairman. Credit in biology will not be given for both Human Biology 107-108 and General Biology 101-102. Offered each fall.
BIOL 108 - Human Biology: Anatomy and Physiology (1.25)
A concentrated introduction to the biology of human beings. Emphasis on the structure and function of the human body; its organs and organ systems. Prerequisite for 108: successful completion of 107. Five hours of lecture and two hours of anatomy/physiology laboratory per week. Credit for biology majors will be given only by written consent of the department chairman. Credit in biology will not be given for both Human Biology 107-108 and General Biology 101-102. Offered each spring.
BIOL 114 - The Microbial World
An introduction to the biology of microbes that concentrates on bacteria and viruses. Emphasis on human health issues, on applied microbiology, and on the roles of microbes in the environment. Four hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Credit will not be given toward the biology major. Prerequisites: Chemistry 110, Biology 107, concurrent enrollment in Biology 108, and consent of instructor. Offered each spring.
BIOL 210 - Introduction to Human Evolution (LSL)
Examination of the hypotheses about the origin and evolution of the human species and of the pertinent anatomical, behavioral and paleobiological evidence. Offered occasionally in May term.
BIOL 212 - Introductory Genetics (1.25) (LSI)
Introduction to the principles of transmission and molecular genetics of plants, animals, andbacteria. Recombination, structure and replication of DNA, gene expression and cloning. Three hours of lecture and 4 hours of lab. Prerequisites BIOL 101 and 102. Offered each semester.
BIOL 216 - Foundations of Evolution (1.25) (LSI)
This course provides students with a framework of evolutionary biology and will cover history ofevolutionary thought, natural selection, adaptation, coevolution, human evolution, humandiseases and antibiotic resistance, genetic engineering, modern agriculture, alien invasivespecies, conservation biology, evolution of behavior and emotions, evolution of sexualreproduction, homosexuality, religion and evolution, and misconceptions of evolution. Threehours of lecture and one hour of discussion session per week. Prerequisites: Biology 101/102 orBio 107/108. Offered each semester.
BIOL 300 - Biology and Ethics (AV,W)
A study of ethical and social issues arising out of the rapidly developing fields of reproductive biology and genetics. In the first quarter of the course, students will be introduced to different ethical theories; in the remainder of the semester, they will look at specific ethical issues. Issues examined may include those that arise in connection with RU-486, surrogacy, IVF, sex cell storage, cloning, and human stem cell research. Offered occasionally.
BIOL 306 - Plant and Fungal Diversity (1.25)
An examination of the major groups of plants and a consideration of their evolutionary origins and phylogenetic relationships.Four hours of lecture and five hours of laboratory per week. One field trip. Prerequisites: 101 and 102. Offered each fall.
BIOL 307 - Animal Physiology (1.25)
Principles of normal function in various animals including control system regulation ranging from molecular to organismal levels. Four hours of lecture and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: 101 and 102, organic chemistry or general physics, or consent of instructor. Offered each fall.
BIOL 309 - Biological Techniques
Laboratory experience in the use of instruments, equipment and techniques commonly employed in histological preparation. Prerequisites: 101 and 102, consent of instructor. Offered as needed.
BIOL 310 - Chordate Comparative Anatomy (1.25)
Structural and functional organization and evolution of chordate animals. Four hours of lecture and five hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: 101 and 102. Offered each spring.
BIOL 311 - Developmental Biology (1.25)
Analysis of the development of vertebrate systems, with emphasis on causal mechanisms. Four hours of lecture and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: 101 and 102. Offered each spring.
BIOL 312 - Genetics (LSI)
Basic principles of Mendelian, molecular and population genetics. Four hours of lecture. Prerequisites: 101 and 102. Offered each semester
BIOL 313 - Histology (1.25)
A microscopic examination of the structure of animal cells, tissues and organs in lab is coupled with an examination of their structural properties and functions in lecture. Three hours of lecture and four hours of laboratory work per week. Offered each fall
BIOL 314 - Microbiology (1.25)
Study of microorganisms, emphasizing biology of bacteria and viruses and including basic study of immune responses to antigenic substances. Four hours of lecture and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: 101, 102 (306 recommended). Offered each spring.
BIOL 315 - Plant Anatomy and Physiology (1.25)
A study of vascular plant structure and function integrating knowledge of plant anatomy, water relations, metabolism, growth, and development. Three hours of lecture and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: 101 and 102. Offered each spring.
BIOL 316 - Evolution (LSI)
An examination of evolutionary theory, covering genetic and biochemical concepts of evolution; adaptation, selection, and the origin of diversity; biogeography; and systematics of plants and animals. Three hours of lecture and one hour of lab/discussion per week. Prerequisites: 101 and 102. Offered each fall.
BIOL 318 - Field Ornithology (LSI) (Cross-listed with Enst. 318)
This course provides students with an introduction to the identification and ecology of Midwestern birds. The course has a strong field emphasis and much time will be spent practicing bird identification, observing bird behavior and investigating relevant areas of bird biology and ecology. No previous experience with birds is expected. Prerequisites: 101 and 102.Offered every other May Term.
BIOL 319 - Biology of Invertebrates (1.25)
This course is a comparative study of the functional morphology, behavior, and ecological and evolutionary relationships of invertebrate animals. Students work with live specimens whenever possible. Four hours of lecture and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: 101 and 102. Offered each fall.
BIOL 320 - Conservation Biology
Ecological principles and conservation law and policy will serve as a basis to assess human impacts on biological diversity and to develop practical approaches to prevent species extinction. The course will include off-campus lectures and field trips. Topics covered include extinction as an historical/contemporary process, invasive species, global climate change, endangered/threatened species conservation, and watershed/ecosystem management. Prerequisites: 101 and 102. Offered in alternate years, spring semester.
BIOL 321 - Conservation Biology and Restoration Ecology
(Cross-listed with ENST 321) Ecological principles of conservation law and policy will serve as a basis to assess human impacts on biological diversity and to develop practical approaches to prevent species extinction. Labs will involve students in restoration ecology principles and techniques in the field to restore local ecosystems. Prerequisite: BIOL 102. Offered in alternate years.
BIOL 323 - Biostatistics and Experimental Design
This course will cover statistical theories and tests applied in the analysis of biological data, and to the proper design of scientific experiments. Students will practice asking pertinent questions and critically reading scientific literature in preparing for research projects. Each student will orally review and critique published research articles. Prerequisites: BIOL 101 and 102, or 107 and 108. Offered each spring.
BIOL 325 - Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
The course will first explore aspects of neural induction, differentiation and axon guidance. From this foundation, the course will examine specific structural (cellular) and gene expression (molecular) features of neurons as they coordinate key animal tasks, such as vision, pain sensation, and movement. The course will also examine the cellular mechanisms that underlie neuronal aging and common neural diseases. Prerequisites: PSYC 313 and CHEM 312. Offered each spring.
BIOL 326 - Topics in Marine Biology
A seminar in invertebrate zoology that explores from the primary literature diverse aspects of marine and freshwater animals and the environments in which they live. Prerequisites: 101, 102, and any upper level biology course. Offered occasionally, spring semester.
BIOL 327 - Advanced Ecology (W)
A detailed examination of selected topics in ecology, such as foraging strategies, life history strategies, and community organization. Three hours of discussion per week. Discussion will focus on critical examination of current literature pertinent to lecture topics. In addition, students will conduct research on a topic of their choice, and summarize their results in an oral presentation and a written paper. Prerequisite: 101 and 102. Offered occasionally.
BIOL 328 - Experimental Zoology (1.25) (W)
A research-based course that explores fundamental concepts in development, physiology, and life history characteristics of animals by analyzing primary literature and conducting experiments. Students explore model systems in animal biology through in-depth study of a few species of animal. Students also have the opportunity to design and complete their own research projects. Prerequisites: 101, 102, and any 200 level or higher biology course. Offered in alternate years, spring semester.
BIOL 330 - Topics in Cell Biology
A detailed examination and discussion of selected topics in cell biology. Readings from the primary scientific literature are an integral part of the course. Students will conduct research on a topic or their choice and summarize the research in both a written and oral presentation. Prerequisites: 101, 102; 240 or 2 years of chemistry (recommend: 312). Sophomores interested in course should seek consent ofinstructor. Offered each spring.
BIOL 340 - Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology (W)
An examination of eukaryotic cell structure and function, covering cellular membranes; organelle and cytoskeletal function, biogenesis, and organization. The regulation and coordination of these processes will also be examined. Four hours of lecture and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: 101, 102 or consent of the instructor. Offered each fall.
BIOL 345 - Behavioral Ecology
An exploration of animal behavior from an evolutionary perspective. After examining the theory of natural selection, this concept will be applied to topics including territoriality, foraging ecology, anti-predator behavior, sexual selection, and altruism. An examination of experimental studies testing hypotheses about these behaviors will be used to explore these topics. Prerequisites: 101 and 102. Offered as needed.
BIOL 350 - Tropical Ecology (LSI,G)
An examination of the ecosystems, animals and plants of Costa Rica, including issues associated with the preservation of bio diversity. Studies will be conducted both in Costa Rica and in the classroom. Prerequisite: consent of instructor and 102. Offered in May Term.
BIOL 390 - SEED-Showcasing Evidence of Experience and Development (0.25)
In collaboration with their faculty advisor, students will develop and maintain an ePortfolio thatwill document their academic and professional development. Students will have opportunities toreflect on both their academic and professional goals, and their progress toward these goals.Required every Fall for all biology majors. May be repeated for a total of 1.0 course units.
BIOL 395 - Introduction to Research
An on-campus introduction to research with a supervising faculty member. Students will be introduced to the research tools and techniques of an area of biological research. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (1/2 unit; Credit/ Noncredit; must have a major or minor in Biology).May not be repeated. Offered each semester.
BIOL 398 - Medical Externship
In cooperation with physicians of different specialties, these experiences involve full-time observation/participation in the physician's daily routines, including office/clinic hours, hospital rounds, surgery, staff meetings, etc. A daily written log is required. Credit will not count toward the major or minor in biology. Prerequisites: junior standing and consent of instructor. This course is limited to students seriously considering a medical career and who meet the requirements necessary to apply for admission to medical school. (Credit/Non-credit) Offered each May term.
BIOL 399 - Off-Campus Research
Research will be conducted off-campus in collaboration with a research program approved by the Biology Department chair and a supervising faculty member. The research will be summarized on campus in a scientific paper, and in a poster or oral presentation. Prerequisites: 101 and 102. (1/2 or 1 unit; Credit/ Non-credit; must have a major or minor in Biology).May be repeated for a maximum of one course unit. Offered each semester.
BIOL 407 - Neurophysiology
Neural control systems: receptor design; logic of neuronal networks; neural integration and decision making. Three hours of seminar per week. Prerequisite: 307. Offered in alternate years, spring semester.
BIOL 410 - Molecular Foundations of Developmental Biology (W)
Examination of cellular and molecular mechanisms utilized during the developmental process. Discussions include the intercellular communications, regulations of gene expression, and intracellular phenomena that result in the patterning of the embryo and the differentiation of the cell. Evolutionary and medical topics of relevance will also be addressed.At least one of the following courses is recommended: 240, 311, 312. Offered fall semester.
BIOL 411 - Experimental Embryology
An experimental study of vertebrate development. Laboratory studies will emphasize amphibian and avian development, with emphasis on microsurgery, tissue culture and specialized histological techniques. Prerequisite: 311 and consent of instructor. Offered as needed.
BIOL 412 - Molecular Genetics (1.25) (W)
The molecular basis of heredity will be discussed—including DNA replication, maintenance of the genome, our present understanding of eukaryotic gene structure, and gene expression.Much of the course is based on papers from the scientific literature. Weekly labs will provide a thorough introduction to the tools and methods currently used in the field of molecular genetics. Three one hour lectures, one hour discussion and one four-hour lab per week. Offered in alternate years, spring semester.
BIOL 495 - Directed Study
Individualized directed readings on a topic of interest to the student which is not normally a part of the curriculum. The work may include a laboratory component. It may also include the requirement for the preparation of a significant paper which brings together the results of the study. (1/2 or 1 unit) Offered each semester.
BIOL 499 - Research/Thesis
Experimental or theoretical examination of an unsolved problem on a topic of interest to the student and cooperating faculty member. A significant paper detailing the findings of the investigation is expected at the conclusion of the work. (1/2 or 1 unit) May be repeated for a maximum of two units. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Offered each semester.
