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Division of Science and Mathematics
Christine Barton (chair), Stephen Asmus, Michael Barton, Stephanie Dew, Jeffrey Janovetz, Anne Lubbers, Margaret Richey, Rose-Marie Roessler, Paul Sikkel, Robert Ziemba; students: Philip Crain, Laith Sweis
Recommended Freshman-Sophomore Preparation
Students contemplating a major in biology should plan to take BIO 110 in the fall of their freshman year. CHE 131 and CHE 132 may be taken during either the freshman or the sophomore year. For those who qualify, CHE 135 may substitute for both CHE 131 and 132. In the fall of either the sophomore or the junior year, students should plan to take CHE 241. BIO 210 and BMB 210 (in either order) should be completed no later than the end of the junior year. In addition to these required courses, prospective majors are strongly encouraged to enroll in one or more 200-level biology courses during their freshman and sophomore years. Any prospective biology major with specific graduate/pre-professional school goals should consult with a member of the biology faculty (or one of the specific pre-health careers advisors) early in the student’s academic career to determine both the types of courses that should be taken and the specific terms in which these courses should be taken to best attain the post-graduate goals.
Requirements for the Major
BIO 110, 210;
BMB 210;
CHE 131and 132, or CHE 135;
CHE 241;
PHY 110;
BIO 310 or 320 or BIO 330, 340, 360, 370, 500;
Two additional BIO courses numbered 300 or higher. BMB 310, 320, 330,
and 340, and PYB 320 and 330 may also be used to fulfill this requirement.
However, at least ONE of the two courses must be a BIO course;
One term of math is required, which can be satisfied by taking MAT 130, MAT 140,
MAT 170, or CSC 117. Students
who place in MAT 171 or higher at entrance are not required to complete
any course work in math.
Since most graduate programs expect some background in calculus, at least one term of calculus is strongly recommended for those planning to major in biology.
Requirements for the Minor
A minimum of 23 credit hours chosen to include BIO 110, BIO 210, BMB 210,
CHE 131or 135, and three BIO courses numbered 300 or above. Appropriate
BMB or PYB courses may be substituted with approval of the Biology Program
Committee.
Biology Courses
BIO 110 The Unity and
Diversity of Life (four credit hours)
An introduction to biology through the integrating theme of evolution.
The first half of the course develops the foundations of biological unity:
cell structure and function, bioenergetics, and genetic control. The last
half of the course begins with a survey of the major groups of organisms
illustrating the diversity of life. After a brief introduction to formal
principles of evolution responsible for the origin of this diversity,
the course concludes with a grounding in ecological relationships which
govern survival at all levels of biological organization. Laboratory work
is required.
BIO 210 Introduction to Evolutionary Genetics (four credit hours)
A survey of the basic principles of evolution and genetics at the cellular,
organismal, and population levels in plants, animals, and microorganisms.
In this course, students learn the basic mechanism of inheritance in individuals,
the molecular basis for this genetic expression, and the mechanisms of
evolution that account for genetic changes within populations. A weekly
laboratory is required. Prerequisite: BIO 110.
BIO 225 The Human Animal
An introduction to the anatomical characteristics and physiological
processes associated with the major organ systems in healthy individuals.
The evolutionary history and ecological impacts of the human species are
also discussed. Prerequisite: BIO 110, CHE 131or 135.
BIO 245 Freshwater Biology
An introduction to the types of organisms associated with freshwater
habitats and the physical, chemical, and biological processes that influence
their distribution. Field work is required. Prerequisite: BIO 110 is recommended.
BIO 260/460 Tropical Ecology
A survey of tropical ecosystems from organismal, population, community, and system perspectives. Topics covered include: geographic patterns of tropical diversity, biogeography, adaptation, species interactions, trophic structure, and energy flow. In addition the course focuses on identification of organisms in the field and analysis of human impacts on tropical systems. Prerequisite: BIO 110, NSC 120 or consent of the instructor for 260; junior standing and BIO 370, or consent of the instructor for 460.
BIO 310 Invertebrate Biology
A study of the morphological adaptation, evolutionary relationships,
and diversity of invertebrate phyla. Emphasis is on the structural adaptations
witnessed in the design of invertebrate body plans with some consideration
for the ecological relationships of selected invertebrate communities.
Prerequisite: BIO 110.
BIO 320 Natural History of Vertebrates
The life histories and adaptations of vertebrates are studied with
an emphasis on the origins and evolution of the modern classes. Adaptations
of vertebrates to the opportunities and constraints imposed by aquatic
versus terrestrial conditions are examined. Special consideration is given
to aspects of vertebrate biology that are of particular relevance to the
human condition. Prerequisite: BIO 110.
BIO 325 Vertebrate Morphology (four credit hours)
The structure of vertebrate organ systems is studied through lectures
and lab dissections. The phylogeny of vertebrates is traced through consideration
of the adaptation of organ systems to specific environmental requirements.
A weekly lab is required. Prerequisite: BIO 110.
BIO 330 Entomology
An introduction to the biology of insects. This course focuses on the morphological adaptations, life history strategies, behavior, ecological and evolutionary relationships, and diversity of insects. Prerequisite: BIO 110.
BIO 335 Developmental Biology (four credit hours)
A study of the development of animals, primarily vertebrates, from fertilization
through the development of all major tissue and organ systems. Topics
include classical embryology and cellular and molecular aspects of development.
Lab work includes studying the developmental anatomy of selected vertebrates.
Prerequisite: BIO 110 and BMB 210. (This course will be offered for three credit hours without a lab in 2005-2006).
BIO 340 Microbiology (four credit hours)
An introduction to the biology of microorganisms. The course focuses on
the anatomy, classification, reproduction, metabolism, molecular genetics,
and control of bacteria; fungi protozoa, algae, and viruses are also discussed.
A laboratory is required. Prerequisite: BIO 110 and BMB 210.
BIO 345 Histology (four credit hours)
A study of the microscopic anatomy of vertebrate tissues and organs. Lectures
focus primarily on correlating cell organization and physiology with the
functions of the particular tissue/organ system and on how tissue types
are distributed throughout the organism. Lab work includes the microscopic
identification of all major tissues and organs and acquiring experience
with tissue processing and "staining" techniques. Prerequisite:
BIO 110 and BMB 210.
BIO 350 General and Comparative Animal Physiology (four credit hours)
A study of the integrative function of animal organ systems with emphasis
on the vertebrates. Adaptive physiological responses of organisms to environmental
change is also considered. Prerequisite: BIO 110; PSY 110 and BMB 210
are recommended. (Also listed as PYB 310.)
BIO 355 Immunology
A study of both specific and non-specific immunity. Particular emphasis
is placed on investigating specific immunity from a cellular and molecular
perspective, including its important roles in both medicine and research.
Prerequisite: BIO 110 and BMB 210; BIO 225 is recommended.
BIO 360 Plant Biology (four credit hours)
A survey of the anatomy, physiology, reproduction and life cycles of flowering
plants. Some aspects of the characteristics of bryophytes, ferns and gymnosperms
are also covered. The course emphasizes the relationships between plant
form and function in the context of evolution and ecology. Weekly laboratory
included. Prerequisites: BIO 110 and BIO 210.
(four
BIO 365 Plant-Herbivore Interactions
An examination of the ecological, biological, and behavioral factors governing
the nature of plant-herbivore interactions as well as the ecological and
evolutionary consequences of the interactions. Prerequisite: BIO 330 or
360 or 370.
BIO 370 Principles of Ecology (four credit hours)
The interrelationships between organisms and their environment are examined
at four levels: individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems.
Topics covered include evolutionary adaptations, population dynamics,
species interactions, community structure, biogeochemical cycles and energy
flow. A survey of terrestrial ecosystems and a discussion of human influences
on ecological systems are also included. Weekly laboratory required. Prerequisites:
BIO 110 and BIO 210.
BIO 375 Conservation Biology
A study of the protection and restoration of threatened organisms
and ecosystems using ecology, genetics, and theoretical modeling. Issues
involved in practical decision making are explored with theory and case
studies, bringing in some of the legal, economic, and social issues. Prerequisite:
BIO 110, or NSC 120 with permission of the instructor.
BIO 455 The Biology of Viruses
An introduction to the biology of viruses (virology). This course
covers the taxonomy, replication, pathogenesis, control, and evolution
of viruses in bacteria, plants, and animals. Prerequisite: BIO 110 and
BMB 210.
BIO 480 Evolutionary Biology
An in-depth study of the modern theory of evolution. Topics include the agents and patterns of evolutionary change, individual and group selection processes, and sexual selection. Discussion of papers from the primary literature is emphasized. Prerequisite: BIO 110, 210.
BIO 500 Senior Seminar
A study of current research topics in biology. The course format will
involve extensive readings from the primary literature, formal written
and oral presentations by the students, and guest lecturers. Prerequisite:
Senior standing. 2003-2004 topics: Symbiosis and Adaptive Radiation.
Special Topic Courses Offered 2006-2007
BIO 252 Sustainability
A hands-on immersion into the practices of sustainable architecture, permanent agriculture, alternative energy, urban environmental strategies, river restoration, and the design of ecological communities. Conducted in Australia. (Also listed as ENS 252.)