BIOLOGY
Professors Jenkins, Jorgensen; Associate Professor Gardner; Assistant
Professors Booth, Cawley, Crozier, Pysh, Ramesh;Visiting Assistant
Professor Currie;Teaching Associate Dillon
All students seeking a degree in Biology are required to
complete eight units of Biology including Biology 115, 120,
215, 220 (one-half unit), Biology 455 (one-half unit) and one
unit from each of four core areas: Molecular or Cell,
Organismal (A), Organismal (B) and Ecological. Students
seeking the B.S. degree must complete four units of
Chemistry (111/112; 221/222), two units of Physics (103/104
or 201/202), and two units of Mathematics/Statistics (STAT
101 and MATH 112 or higher; the Math 121/122 sequence
is recommended). Students seeking the B.A. in Biology must
complete one unit of Chemistry (101 or 111), one unit of
Physics including a laboratory (101 or other), and two units
of Mathematics/ Statistics (STAT 101 and MATH 112 or
higher).
Biology Core Areas
A student's program of study in Biology consists of five
required courses together with a minimum of four other oneunit
courses for both B.A. and B.S. candidates.These courses
should be chosen in consultation with the Biology faculty to
fit a student's particular interest and to help her/him pursue
specific career goals. In order to ensure breadth of coverage,
students must include as part of their course of study a
minimum number of courses from the core areas listed below.
(NOTE:An internship may NOT be used for major credit.)
Courses required of all Biology majors
BIOL 115 Diversity of Life
BIOL 120 Continuity of Life
BIOL 215 Components of Life
BIOL 220 Scientific Inquiry:
How Biologists Work ( 1 / 2 unit)
BIOL 455 Seminar ( 1 / 2 unit)
Biology core areas:
A. Molecular or Cell Courses
(one unit required of all majors)
BIOL 390 Advanced Cell Biology
BIOL 420 Developmental Biology
BIOL 430 Immunology
B. Organismal Courses (one unit from Group A and
one unit from Group B required of all majors)
A. BIOL 240 Algae & Fungi
BIOL 265 Plant Kingdom
BIOL 365 Plant Anatomy & Physiology
B. BIOL 270 Invertebrate Biology
BIOL 275 Vertebrate Biology
BIOL 320 Animal Behavior
BIOL 375 Comparative Animal Physiology
C. Ecological Courses (one unit required of all majors)
BIOL 200 Environmental Science
BIOL 300 Aquatic Ecology
BIOL 360 Terrestrial Ecology
These course pairs will usually be offered on an alternating
year basis: Plant Kingdom (265)/Plant Anatomy and
Physiology (365);Vertebrate Biology (275)/Aquatic Ecology
(300); Invertebrate Biology (270)/Comparative Animal
Physiology (375); and Advanced Cell Biology
(390)/Immunology (430).
MINOR IN BIOLOGY
A minor in Biology requires six units of Biology coursework.
Student research (Biology 350/355) and Internship (Biology
450) may count for no more than two of the required six
units.
101 Life on Planet Earth
An introduction to principles of biology as related to life in
modern society. Designed to provide students with the broad
background in biological science necessary to understand
current issues ranging from environmental biology to human
health and physiology. (Open to non-majors only.) (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
115 Diversity of Life
The first course in a four-semester introductory sequence for
biology majors.This course provides a comprehensive
overview of ecology and biotic diversity, focusing on the
organisms present on our planet and the interactions of these
organisms and their environment. (Students intending to
major in biology should enroll in this course the Fall semester
of their freshman year.)(1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
(Credit may not be obtained for both Biology 115 and old course
Biology 160.)
120 Continuity of Life
The second course in a four-semester introductory sequence
for biology majors.This course provides a comprehensive
overview of the fields of evolution and genetics, focusing on
the role of the genetic material in inheritance and the
processes by which changes in this genetic material can lead
to the amazing diversity of life present today. (Students
intending to major in biology should enroll in this course the
Spring semester of their freshman year. Prospective biology
majors should enroll in BIOL 115 before enrolling in BIOL
120.) (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
200 Environmental Science
An analysis of current and emerging environmental
issues/problems facing life on our planet.The extent of
human impact on the biosphere will be particularly
emphasized. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Biology 101 or 115, and Chemistry 101 or 111.
(Cross-listed as ENVI 200.)
215 Components of Life
The third course in a four-semester introductory sequence for
biology majors.This course provides a comprehensive
overview of the fields of molecular and cellular biology and
biochemistry, focusing on cellular and subcellular processes
and the structure and function of organelles. (Students
intending to major in biology should enroll in this course the
Fall semester of their sophomore year.) (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Biology 120.
220 Scientific Inquiry: How Biologists Work
The fourth course in a four-semester introductory sequence
for biology majors. Using a combination of experimental,
computer, and writing exercises, students learn to organize
research, analyze data, and write creatively and critically in the
tradition of the biological sciences. (Students intending to
major in biology should enroll in this course the Spring
semester of their sophomore year.) ( 1 / 2 )
Lecture: 1 1 / 2 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Biology 215.
230 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Structure and function of the human body at the cell and
organ system levels, covering general cell structure and
function, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and
nervous systems. (This class has a strictly enforced registration
restriction with preference given to declared Health and
Human Performance majors; this course is an elective for
Biology majors.) (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Biology 101 or 120.
235 General Microbiology
The morphology, taxonomy, ecology, and economic
importance of representative microorganisms, with emphasis
on bacteria. Human health issues such as sexually transmitted
diseases and food safety, and plant health issues will be
covered. Microbiological aspects of water and soil will also be
examined. Emphasis in the laboratory will be placed on
proper application of microbiological techniques. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Biology 120.
240 Algae and Fungi
Morphology, physiology, and ecology of these organisms will
be emphasized including field trips to study them in their
natural habitats. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Biology 115 and 120.
260 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
Structure and function of the human body at the cell and
organ system levels, covering the endocrine, digestive,
respiratory, circulatory, excretory, and reproductive systems. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Biology 230.
265 The Plant Kingdom
The evolutionary relationships, life histories, and field studies
of mosses, ferns, and vascular plants. Field trips to identify and
study local Spring wildflowers during the second half of the
course. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Biology 115 and 120.
(Offered alternate years.)
270 Invertebrate Biology
A study of the invertebrate animals including phylogenetic
relationships among the taxa and focusing on the physiology,
embryology, ecology, and behavior of representative forms. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Biology 115 and 120.
(Offered alternate years.)
275 Vertebrate Biology
Identification, morphology, phylogeny, zoogeography,
ecological physiology, and behavior of vertebrates. (1)
Lecture 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Biology 115 and 120.
(Offered alternate years.)
290 Principles of Physiology
A study of physiological principles in animals. Particular
emphasis will be placed on a consideration of how function at
the cellular level is integrated through the organ system levels
in a variety of vertebrate animal types, with mammals serving
as an important example. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Biology 215.
300 Aquatic Ecology
Synthesis of biological, chemical, and physical factors and
processes in streams and lakes. Field work and laboratory
analyses of samples collected. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Biology 215.
(Offered alternate years.)
310 Modeling Environmental Interactions
An introduction to computer simulation modeling of
biological, chemical, and physical processes with application to
problems in environmental science. No experience with
computer programming is necessary. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Four courses in natural science,MATH 112 or 121,
and one additional course in mathematics or statistics.
(Cross-listed as ENVI 310.)
320 Animal Behavior
The behavior of representative animals with emphasis on the
evolution, adaptive significance, and causation of behavior
patterns.The laboratory will emphasize the study of animals
in their natural habitats. (Occasionally, early morning or
afternoon Saturday field trips will be required.) (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Biology 215.
345 Special Topics in Biology
Study of a special topic in biology not regularly offered. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Department permission.
350 Student Research
Problems chosen and carried out under the direction of a
member of the departmental staff. (1)
Open to majors and minors with permission of the Department.
355 Student Research
Problems chosen and carried out under the direction of a
member of the departmental staff. (No more than one unit
may be counted toward the major.) ( 1 / 2 )
Open to majors and minors with permission of the Department.
360 Terrestrial Ecology
Plant and animal communities in selected habitats, and the
environmental factors important in community formation.
(Occasionally, early morning or afternoon Saturday field trips
will be required.) (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Biology 215.
365 Plant Anatomy and Physiology
Cellular, tissue, and organ anatomy of conifers and flowering
plants will be studied in detail leading to advanced work in
tissue culture, hormonal and light influenced growth
responses. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Biology 215.
(Offered alternate years.)
375 Comparative Animal Physiology
A study of function at the organ system and cellular levels in
a variety of animal forms. Emphasis will be placed on
comparing how different animals solve similar physiological
problems with particular reference to physiological adaptation
to different habitats. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Biology 215 and 290.
(Offered alternate years.)
380 Advanced Genetics
A study of the eukaryotic genome with particular reference
to chromosome structure and function. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Biology 215.
390 Advanced Cell Biology
The genetics, biochemistry and physiology of eukaryotic and
prokaryotic cells at the molecular level.Topics include control
of gene expression, protein synthesis, signal transduction and
membrane physiology.The laboratory makes extensive use of
current techniques in cellular and molecular biology, and
places emphasis on student-designed experiments. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Biology 215 and Chemistry 221.
(Offered alternate years.)
400 Molecular Biology
A detailed analysis of information flow from DNA to RNA
to protein, with emphasis on both prokaryotic and eukaryotic
gene regulation. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Biology 215 and 390 or permission of instructor.
420 Developmental Biology
An examination of embryonic development at the molecular
and cellular levels.Topics will include genetic control of
developmental processes, cell-cell signaling, and the molecular
basis of differentiation and pattern formation. Examples from
vertebrate, invertebrate, and plant systems will be used. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Biology 215.
430 Immunology
An advanced course for students with a strong background in
cell biology. Principles of vertebrate immune systems with
emphasis on the cellular and molecular basis of immune
responses. Regular readings will be assigned from the current
primary scientific literature. Includes topics required for
NAACLS transcripts acceptance. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Biology 390.
(Offered alternate years.)
450 Internship
Work experience in a field of professional biology under the
guidance of a member of the biology faculty. (May not be
counted as one of the required courses for the Biology
major.) (1)
Prerequisite: Biology 220 or permission.
455 Seminar
A semester-long inquiry into a specialized topic in one of six
general areas: Cell Biology, Genetics, Animal Biology, Plant
Biology, Evolution, or Ecology. Using the primary literature
principally, students will summarize the current knowledge in
an area through both oral, poster, and written presentations.
Special emphasis will be placed on analysis of the application
of specific techniques and methodologies in contemporary
biological investigations. ( 1 / 2 )
Lecture: 1 1 / 2 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing.
460 Senior Research
Problems chosen and carried out under the direction of a
member of the departmental faculty. (Open to BS majors
with permission of the Department and completion of
Biology 220. Must be followed by Biology 470, Senior
Thesis.) (1)
Prerequisites: Biology 220.
470 Senior Thesis
Preparation of a written summary of a senior research project
carried out under the supervision of a Department faculty
member. An oral presentation will be required. (1)
Prerequisite: Open to BS majors with permission of the Department
and upon completion of Biology 460.
495, 496, 497 Honors Project
A program of independent study culminating in a paper,
artistic creation, or performance.
Prerequisite:To qualify for consideration to receive honors in the major,
a student in his/her senior year or in the Summer prior to the senior
year, must work under the guidance of his/her committee.A written
proposal and application must be approved by the committee and
department.A minimum GPA of 3.4 in the major is required. 495
Honors Project is prerequisite for 497 Honors Project. ( 1 / 2 , 1, 1 / 2 )