Biology Course Descriptions:

101, 102. General Biology. An introduction to the scientific study of life and basic biological principles. Emphasis is on the properties of living systems, their variety, their relationships in space and time to each other, evolution and the environment. Lecture/laboratory. Course 101 is not a prerequisite for 102. Staff

201. Invertebrate Zoology. In this introduction to the biology of the invertebrates students study the natural history, phylogeny, anatomy, development, physiology, and importance to human populations of the major invertebrate phyla and a few of the minor ones. Lecture/laboratory/film sessions. Prerequisite: Biology 101-102. Mr. Holliday

212. Developmental Biology. A study of the process of development at the cellular molecular level as a description of the stages through which an organism attains increasing complexity. In addition to lecture, students become actively involved through discussion of primary literature and laboratory. The laboratory features vertebrate and invertebrate examples of the developmental processes discussed in class as well as a student-designed research project with an oral presentation. Prerequisite: Biology 101-102, or permission of instructor. Lecture/laboratory. Ms Reynolds

213. Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy. This course explores the structure and function of vertebrate animals. Emphasis is placed on the form/function relationship, the evolution of anatomical specialization, and the comparative method. Prerequisite: Biology 101-102, or permission of instructor. Lecture/laboratory/independent laboratory. Mr. Dearworth

214. Neuroanatomy. An in-depth exploration of the vertebrate nervous system with emphasis on mammals and humans. Lectures detail the structure and function of the brain and spinal cord. The laboratory segment of the course includes dissection, examination of prepared slides and other materials, and work with computer resources. In the experiential portion of the course students will use the classical anatomical and modern molecular techniques to study the brain. Prerequisites: Biology 101-102 and permission of instructor. Mr. Dearworth

215. Mycology. In Biology 215 we will discuss the most important groups of true fungi and oomycetes (fungal-like organisms), their taxonomy, nomenclature and systematics, their morphological and physiological characteristics and their ecological roles. These concepts will be presented from both organismal and molecular perspectives. In addition, the importance of fungi as economic and ecologic agents will be discussed. Prerequisites: Biology 101-102. Mr. Ospina-Giraldo

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225. Microbiology. The biology of microorganisms, emphasizing prokaryotic structure, growth and cultivation, metabolism, genetics and gene regulation. Lecture topics include bacteria-to-bacteria signaling, biofilms, secretion, microbial diversity and bacteriophage biology. Lectures are supplemented with readings from the primary literature. Laboratory exercises demonstrate principles covered in lecture and instruct students on research techniques. Prerequisites: Biology 101-102. Ms. Caslake

231. Ecology. A study of the relationships between organisms and their environment emphasizing basic ecological principles and methods. Laboratory and field exercises illustrate the theoretical concepts discussed in lecture and are writing-intensive. Prerequisite: Biology 101-102, or permission of instructor. Lecture/discussion/laboratory. [W] Ms. Waters

234. Environmental Biology. While recognizing the interrelatedness among different areas of environmental science, this course focuses on how biological and ecological applications relate to environmental issues. Emphasis is on how the human population impacts ecosystem function, giving attention both to population regulation mechanisms and to disruption/conservation of ecosystem processes. Laboratory exercises focus on classical applied ecology as well as field excursions targeting policy and management issues. This course satisfies the Core Component of the Environmental Science minor. Lecture/laboratory. Prerequisite: Biology 101-102, or permission of instructor. Ms. Waters

235. Evolutionary Biology. An introduction to the principles of organic and molecular evolution. Topics include: genetic variation, natural selection, speciation, adaptation, diversification, biogeography, molecular evolution, and the mechanisms underlying each. Laboratory includes experimentation, computer simulation, and relevant reading/presentation of current primary literature in the field. Prerequisite: Biology 101-102. Lecture/discussion/laboratory. Mr. Leibel

241. Genetics and Human Heredity. This course examines genetic principles and concepts in humans, other animals, plants, bacteria, and viruses with special emphasis on human genetic diseases, birth defects, genetic engineering, and molecular genetics. The medical, social, and ethical implications of genetic research are discussed. Prerequisite: Biology 101-102, or permission of instructor. Lecture/discussion. Mr. Ospina-Giraldo

245. Immunology. This course examines the immune system at the cellular and molecular level. After examining the basic architecture of the immune system, the course explores the specificity that allows your body to recognize and respond against a virtually unlimited number of potential pathogens. Additionally, the course investigates the development of vaccines and the inappropriate immune responses that lead to allergies and autoimmune disease. Prerequisite: Biology 101-102, or permission of instructor. Lecture/laboratory. Mr. Kurt

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251. Human Physiology. This course uses a systems approach to human physiology. The functions of the major human organ systems and the physiological mechanisms by which these functions are controlled are considered. Prerequisite: Biology 101-102, or permission of instructor. Lecture/laboratory. Mr. Holliday

256. Neurobiology. This course examines the field of neuroscience from a cellular and molecular perspective, with the neuron and neural networks as the focus of discussion and experimentation. After an intensive look at neuronal cell biology and signaling, the course examines the cellular basis of higher-order functions, such as sensation, behavior, and memory. Prerequisite: Biology 101-102, or permission of instructor. Lecture/discussion/laboratory. Ms. Reynolds

261. Molecular Biology. A survey of nucleic acid structure, function, and regulation in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Material emphasizes modern techniques and their uses in answering questions at the molecular level. Laboratory exercises allow students to gain experience with the basic techniques used in molecular biological research. Prerequisites: Biology 101 and Chemistry 121-122. Lecture/laboratory. [W] Ms. Caslake.

271. Marine Biology. An introductory study of the natural history, physiology, and ecological relationships of marine plants and animals. Major emphasis is placed on plant and animal adaptations to marine environments, factors influencing primary production, food webs, fisheries, and the effects of marine pollution. In addition to the lectures, a film is presented each week. Prerequisite: Biology 101-102, or permission of instructor. Lecture/film. Mr. Holliday

308. Comparative Animal Physiology. In this seminar animal species are treated as variables in the study of the diversity of adaptations to physiological problems presented by the environment (e.g., salt and water balance, temperature regulation, circulation, respiration). After an initial series of lectures, students present papers from the scientific literature and lead ensuing discussions. In addition, several laboratory exercises and films demonstrate basic physiological processes in invertebrates. Prerequisite: Biology 251 or permission of instructor. Lecture/seminar/practicum/film. [S] Mr. Holliday

310. Developmental Neurobiology. A seminar with practicum, focusing on current topics in developmental neurobiology. Topics in this rapidly progressing field may include development of synapses and circuits, synaptic plasticity, aging as a neurological developmental program or the molecular basis of neurological disease. Through analysis of the primary literature and laboratory or field trip experiences, students learn to think critically in this field and to integrate information across different levels of biological complexity. Prerequisite: Biology 212 or 256 or 261. Lecture/laboratory. [S] Ms. Reynolds

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312. Cell Biology. This course covers structure, function and chemistry of cells, organelles, and membranes. Specific topics include cellular energetics, information flow in cells, cytoskeletal structure and functions, signal transduction mechanisms and cellular aspects of the immune response, and cancer. Students read selected topics of current importance in cell biology and present oral and written reports. Prerequisites: Biology 101-102, and permission of instructor. Lecture/seminar/discussion/ computer simulation. [S] Mr. Kurt

314. Anatomy of Vision. An exploration of the conceptual approaches and modern experimental techniques used in functional morphology. Through a combination of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and biophysics, students explore the functional and evolutionary bases of vision in vertebrate animals. Practicum provides students an opportunity to critique primary literature and develop projects. Prerequisites: Biology 213 or 214 or Neuroscience 201 or permission of instructor. Mr. Dearworth

332. Limnology. Students develop advanced knowledge of freshwater ecosystems and ecological analysis. Laboratory and lecture are tightly integrated. Students develop a small-scale experimental model of a freshwater ecosystem, plus do individualized field-based investigations. Both oral and written presentation of findings are required. Examples of some topics include temporal change in biotic communities, nutrient cycling and biota, and predator impacts on ecosystem dynamics. Strong emphasis on ecological design/ analysis, identifying experimental variation, and self-directed learning. Prerequisites: Biology 231 or 234. Knowledge of statistics is highly recommended. Lecture/seminar/ laboratory. [S] Ms. Waters

336. Evolutionary Genetics. This course introduces students to topics in population genetics and molecular evolution, with particular emphasis on the experimental quantitation of genetic variation, molecular systematics, and the molecular evolution of genes. The main focus is to give students direct experience in the critical reading, evaluation, presentation, and discussion of primary literature in the field of evolutionary genetics. In addition to lecture and discussion, students learn several biochemical and molecular laboratory techniques used for quantitating genetic variation (protein electrophoresis, DNA RFLP analysis, DNA fingerprinting) along with computer analysis and "tree building." Prerequisite: Biology 241, 261, or 235. Practicum. [S] Mr. Leibel

340. Molecular Medicine. This course covers the methods used to elucidate the molecular component of human disease. Our readings and discussion will focus on the primary literature of diseases inherited as defects in single genes, those most amenable to gene therapy. Disease management, therapeutic protocols, federal oversight of gene-based therapy, and personal genetic medicine will be discussed. DNA microarray analysis of whole genome expression and techniques to manipulate genes and overexpress proteins will be covered in the parcticum. [S] Lecture/practicum/discussion. Prerequisite: Genetics (Biol. 241) or Immunology (Biol. 245) or Molecular Biology (Biol. 261). [S] Ms. Caslake

345. Infectious Diseases. Extended exposure to immunology (following Biol. 245), covering various aspects of human pathogens and how the immune system handles them. Vaccines, either in use, in trials, or under development, are explored for each of the pathogens. Students read primary research articles and participate in discussions. Practicum provides hands-on opportunity to explore aspects of vaccine development. Lecture/practicum/discussion/seminar. Prerequisite: Biol. 245. [S] Mr. Kurt

351-380. Special Topics. Dependent upon student and staff interests, one or more specialized areas of biology are examined each year. Prerequisite: Biology 101-102, and other courses as specified by instructor. Staff

401-404. Independent Research. A limited number of juniors and seniors may conduct an in-depth investigation of a particular topic in biology under the supervision of a faculty mentor. Prerequisite: permission of faculty mentor and department head. Hours by arrangement. Staff

495, 496. Thesis. Majors with strong academic records and research potential are invited to become candidates for departmental honors toward the end of the first semester of their junior year. The courses consist of an original laboratory investigation and culminate in a thesis submitted at the end of the senior year and defended before the department staff and guests they may invite. Prerequisite: permission of faculty mentor and department head. Hours by arrangement. [one W credit only upon completion of both 495 and 496] Staff

Chemistry 315, Biochemistry Survey. This course provides an understanding of structure, function, and metabolism of biological molecules including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. Other topics include enzyme catalysis, bioenergetics, metabolic control mechanisms, and information transfer at the molecular level. Prerequisite: Chem. 222. Mr. Husic

Neuroscience 201, Introduction to Neuroscience. This course is a problem-based introduction to the field of neuroscience. The basic problem that will be our focus for the semester is consciousness. We will first attempt to define what we mean by consciousness and look at the historical perspectives on this topic. Then, we will focus on a scientific, neuroscience apporach to the problem and begin to accumulate the knowledge necessary to begin to address this problem. We will look at the current theories of consciousness based on this scientific approach and then look at alternative hypotheses, including those that are brain-based and those that are not. Finaly, we will look at some of the manifestations of consciousness, including a discussion of how consciousness may have arisen. Ms. Reynolds

Geology 320, Paleobiology. An organismal and systems approach to the study of the marine and terrestrial fossil record. The course will focus on diversification and extinction of biotas in the context of the environmental history of Earth. Weekly laboratory and one weekend field trip. Prerequisite: any biology or geology course. Mr. Sunderlin

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