| Fall |
BIOL 111, 116, 161, 201, 205, 323, 324, 326, 329, 407, 411, 424, 441,475, 491, 495, 499 |
| January Term |
BIOL 115, 333, 365, 491, 495, 499 |
| Spring |
BIOL 162, 206, 327, 328, 332, 340, 348, 361, 364, 403, 425, 426, 444, 448, 491, 499 |
| Summer |
BIOL 111, 205, 206, 491, 495 |
| Alternate Year |
BIOL 333 (J term) |
BIOL 111: Biology and the Modern World – NS, SM
An introduction to biology designed primarily for students who are not majoring in biology.
Fundamental concepts chosen from all areas of modern biology. Lecture,
laboratory, and discussion. (4)
BIOL 115: Diversity of Life – NS, SM
An introduction to the rich
diversity of living organisms, their evolution, classification, and
ecological and environmental significance. This course also
examines the threats to bio-diversity as well as
conservation strategies. Includes lecture, discussion, lab, and
field trips. Not intended for biology majors. (4)
BIOL 116: Introductory Ecology – NS, SM
A study of the interrelationships between organisms and their
environment examining concepts in ecology that lead to understanding
the nature and structure of ecosystems and how humans impact
ecosystems. Includes laboratory. Not intended for biology majors. (4)
BIOL 161: Principles of Biology I: Cell Biology – NS, SM
Cellular and molecular levels of biological organization; cell
ultrastructure and physiology, Mendelian and molecular genetics, energy
transduction. Includes laboratory. Co-registration in Chemistry 104,
120, or 125 recommended. (4)
BIOL 162: Principles of Biology II: Organismal Biology – NS, SM
An introduction to animal and plant tissues, anatomy, and physiology,
with special emphasis on flowering plants and vertebrates as model
systems, plus an introduction to animal and plant development. Includes
laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 161. (4)
BIOL 201: Introductory Microbiology – NS, SM
The structure, metabolism, growth, and genetics of microorganisms,
especially bacteria and viruses, with emphasis on their roles in human
disease. Laboratory focuses on cultivation, identification, and control
of growth of bacteria. Prerequisite: CHEM 105. Not intended for biology majors. (4)
BIOL 205: Human Anatomy and Physiology I – NS, SM
The first half of a two-course sequence. Topics include matter, cells,
tissues, and the anatomy and physiology of four systems: skeletal,
muscular, nervous, and endocrine. Laboratory includes cat dissection
and experiments in muscle physiology and reflexes. Not designed for
biology majors. (4)
BIOL 206: Human Anatomy and Physiology II – NS, SM
The second half of a two-course sequence. Topics include metabolism,
temperature regulation, development, inheritance, and the anatomy and
physiology of five systems: circulatory, respiratory, digestive,
excretory, and reproductive. Laboratory includes cat dissection,
physiology experiments, and study of developing organisms. Not designed
for biology majors. Prerequisite: BIOL 205. (4)
BIOL 323: Principles of Biology III: Ecology, Evolution, and Diversity – NS, SM
Evolution, ecology, behavior, and a systematic survey of life on earth.
Includes laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 162 or consent of department chair. (4)
BIOL 324: Natural History of Vertebrates – NS, SM
Classification, natural history, and economic importance of vertebrates
with the exception of birds. Field trips and laboratory. Prerequisite:
BIOL 323. (4)
BIOL 326: Animal Behavior – NS
Description, classification, cause, function, and development of the
behavior of animals emphasizing an ethological approach and focusing on
comparisons among species. Includes physiological, ecological, and
evolutionary aspects of behavior. Prerequisite: BIOL 323 or consent of
instructor. (4)
BIOL 327: Ornithology – NS, SM
The study of birds inclusive of their anatomy, physiology, behavior,
ecology and distribution. Special emphasis on those attributes of birds
that are unique among the vertebrates. Laboratory emphasis on field
identification, taxonomy, and anatomy/topology. Prerequisite: BIOL 323 or
consent of instructor. (4)
BIOL 328: Microbiology - NS, SM
The structure, physiology, genetics, and metabolism of microorganisms
with emphasis on their diversity and ecology. The laboratory emphasizes
design, implementation, and evaluation of both descriptive and
quantitative experiments as well as isolation of organisms from natural
sources. Prerequisite: BIOL 323; one semester organic chemistry recommended. (4)
BIOL 329: Entomology – NS, SM
Entomology is the scientific study of insects, the most diverse group
of animals on earth. This course examines insect structure, physiology,
ecology, and diversity. The laboratory emphasizes identification of the
common orders and families of North American insects. Prerequisite:
BIOL 323. (4)
BIOL 332: Genetics – NS
Basic concepts considering the molecular basis of gene expression,
recombination, genetic variability, as well as cytogenetics, and
population genetics. Includes tutorials and demonstration sessions.
Prerequisite: BIOL 323. (4)
BIOL 333: Comparative Ecology of Latin America
A comparative study of the structure and function of biotic
communities, and the ecological and evolutionary forces that have
shaped plants and animals. Topics include dispersal, natural selection,
physiological ecology, natural history, and systematics. Conservation
biology, development, and indigenous rights will be highlighted. Taught
in Central or South America. Prerequisite: BIOL 323 or consent of
instructor. (4)
BIOL 340: Plant Diversity and Distribution – NS, SM
A systematic introduction to plant diversity. Interaction between
plants, theories of vegetational distribution. Emphasis on higher plant
taxonomy. Includes laboratory and field trips. Prerequisite: BIOL 323. (4)
BIOL 348: Advanced Cell Biology – NS, SM
Deals with how cells are functionally organized, enzyme kinetics and regulatory mechanisms, biochemistry of macromolecules, energy metabolism, membrane structure and function, ultrastructure, cancer cells as model systems. Laboratory includes techniques encountered in cellular research: animal/plant cell culture, cell fractionation, use of radiotracers, biological assays, membrane phenomena, spectrophotometry, respirometry. Prerequisite: BIOL 323 and one semester of organic chemistry or consent of instructor. (4)
BIOL 361: Comparative Anatomy – NS, SM
Evolutionary history of the vertebrate body, introduction to
embryology, and extensive consideration of the structural and
functional anatomy of vertebrates. Includes laboratory dissections
following a systems approach. Mammals are featured plus some
observation of and comparison with human cadavers. Prerequisite: BIOL 323. (4)
BIOL 364: Plant Physiology – NS, SM
Physiology of plant growth and development. Emphasis on seed-plants,
but includes other plant groups as model systems. Topics include:
photosynthesis, secondary plant metabolism including medicinal
compounds, hormones, morphogenesis. Includes laboratory. Prerequisite:
BIOL 323; organic chemistry recommended. (2)
BIOL 365: Plant Anatomy – NS, SM
Tissue organization and cellular details of stems, roots, and leaves of
seed plants, with emphasis on development and function. Includes
laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 323. (2)
BIOL 387: Special Topics in Biology - NS
Selected topics as announced by the department. May be repeated for credit. (1-4)
BIOL 403: Developmental Biology – NS, SM
The embryonic and larval development of multicellular organisms
(primarily animals). Examples are chosen from popular contemporary
model systems, and the emphasis is on cellular and molecular aspects of
development. The laboratory includes descriptive and quantitative
experiments, as well as student-planned projects. Prerequisite: BIOL 323.
(4)
BIOL 407: Molecular Biology – NS, SM
An introduction to molecular biology, emphasizing the central role of
DNA: structure of DNA and RNA, structure and expression of genes,
genome organization and rearrangement, methodology and applications of
recombinant DNA technology. Laboratory features basic recombinant DNA
techniques. Prerequisite: BIOL 323. (4)
BIOL 411: Histology – NS, SM
Microscopic study of normal cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems
of vertebrates. The emphasis is mammalian. This study is both
structurally and physiologically oriented. Includes laboratory.
Prerequisite: BIOL 323. (4)
BIOL 424: Ecology – NS
Organisms in relation to their environment, including organismal
adaptations, population growth and interactions, and ecosystem
structure and function. Prerequisite: BIOL 323. (4)
BIOL 425: Marine Biology – NS, SM
The ocean as environment for plant and animal life; an introduction to the structure and dynamics of marine ecosystems and a study of the factors that determine the distribution and abundance of marine organisms. Lab, field trips and term project in addition to the lecture. Prerequisite: BIOL 323. (4)
BIOL 426: Ecological Methods - NS, SM
An examination of methodology used for discerning structure and
function of natural ecosystems: description of the physical
environment, estimation of population size, quantifying community
structure, and measurement of productivity. Includes an introduction to
general statistical techniques. Writing of scientific papers and a
focus on accessing the scientific literature. Lecture, laboratory, and
field work. Prerequisite: BIOL 323 or consent of instructor. (4)
BIOL 441: Mammalian Physiology – NS, SM
An investigation of the principles of physiological regulation. Part I: fundamental cellular, neural, and hormonal mechanisms of homeostatic control; Part II: interactions in the cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, and neuromuscular organ systems. Laboratory allows direct observation of physiological regulation in living animals. Prerequisites: BIOL 323, CHEM 115; anatomy and biochemistry recommended. (4)
BIOL 444: Neurobiology
Neurobiology
is the study of the nervous system and its relationship to behavior and
disease. This course examines the structure and function of neurons and
glia, neural development, gross organization of the brain, sensory and
motor systems and higher functions such as learning, memory and speech.
Prerequisite: BIOL 162. (4)
BIOL 448: Immunology – NS
Consideration of the biology and chemistry of immune response,
including theoretical concepts, experimental strategies and
immunochemical applications. Prerequisites: Any two of the following
courses in Biology: 328, 332, 348, 403, 407, 411, 441. (4)
BIOL 475: Evolution – NS
Evolution as a process: sources of variation; forces overcoming genetic
inertia in populations; speciation. Evolution of genetic systems and of
life in relation to ecological theory and earth history. Lecture and
discussion. Term paper and mini-seminar required. Prerequisite: BIOL 323. (4)
BIOL 491: Independent Studies
Investigations or research in areas of special interest not covered by
regular courses. Open to qualified junior and senior majors.
Prerequisite: Written proposal for the project approved by a faculty
sponsor and the department chair. (1–4)
BIOL 495: Internship in Biology
An approved off-campus work activity in the field of biology with a
private or public sector agency, organization, or company. Students
will be expected to adhere to and document the objectives of a learning
plan developed with and approved by a faculty sponsor. Credit will be
determined by hours spent in the working environment and the depth of
the project associated with the course of study. Prerequisites: BIOL
323 and consent of chair. (1-4)
BIOL 499: Capstone: Senior Seminar – SR
The goal of this course is to assist students in the writing and
presentation of a paper concerning a topic within biology which would
integrate various elements in the major program. A proposal for the
topic must be presented to the department early in the spring term of
the junior year. The seminar may be linked to, but not replaced by
field or laboratory independent study or internship experience. (2)
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