Division of Science and Mathematics

Anne Lubbers (chair), Fidelis Achenjang, Stephen Asmus, Christine Barton, Michael Barton, Stephanie Dew, Ray Hammond, Daniel Henderson, Margaret Richey, Robert Ziemba; students: Beth Ann Choate, Nathan Whitfield

Requirements for the Major

BIO 110, 210;
BMB 210;
CHE 131, 132, 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 160, MAT 170, or CSC 117. In addition, MAT 130 is strongly recommended. Students who place in MAT 171 or higher at entrance are not required to complete any course work in math.

Requirements for the Minor

A minimum of 23 credit hours chosen to include BIO 110, BIO 210, BMB 210, CHE 131, 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 131.

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 251 Natural History of the Bahamas
An exploration of the cultural and natural history of the Bahamian archipelago focusing on the problems associated with reconciling economic development, which rests largely on tourism, with the desire to maintain the natural ecosystems characteristic of the Caribbean. The following topics are investigated: discovery and settling of the Bahamas, the environment, with emphasis on marine ecosystems, and the current social and economic conditions. (Conducted in the Bahamas.)

BIO 255/455 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 for 255; BIO 110 and BMB 210 for 455.

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 (four credit hours)
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. A weekly lab and field work are required. 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.

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.

BIO 365 Plant-Herbivore Interactions (four credit hours)
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. In the laboratory section of the course, students design, carry out, and analyze the results of a group experiment involving live organisms. 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 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. 2001-2002 topics:

BIO 500 Carnivorous Plants and Blood-Sucking Animals
Extensive readings from the primary literature, formal written and oral presentations, and guest lecturers. Prerequisite: Senior biology majors only.

BIO 500 No Breathe No Live
When respiration ceases, the organism dies. What are the basic factors involved in respiratory gas exchange? What are some of the different mechanisms that have evolved allowing animals to survive and thrive in their specialized environments (e.g., water vs. land, flying vs. non-flying)? How do respiratory diseases alter the normal gas exchange processes? What adaptations have evolved in response to respiratory diseases in aquatic and terrestrial animals? This seminar focuses on questions pertaining to respiratory mechanisms of animals living in different environments. The course will rely on extensive readings from the primary literature, formal written and oral presentations, and guest lecturers. Senior biology majors only.