BIOLOGYProfessors Jenkins, Jorgensen; Associate Professors Gardner, Pysh; Assistant Professors Booth, Cawley, Crozier, Currie, Ramesh; Teaching Associate Dillon; Visiting Instructor Bosch The Biology Department offers both the B.S. and B.A. degrees. Students seeking the B.S. degree are required to complete eight and one-half units of Biology coursework: Biology 120, 125, 455 (one-half unit), and six upper division courses (200-level or above) with at least one of the six chosen from each of the four Biology Department curricular core areas: 1) Molecular Biology & Genetics, 2) Cell Biology & Microbiology, 3) Integrative Biology, and 4) Ecology & Evolution (see below). Additionally, B.S. degree candidates must complete Chemistry 222 (Chemistry 111, 112 and 221 are prerequisite), two units of Physics (103/104 or 201/202), and two units of Mathematics/Statistics (Statistics 101 and Mathematics 112 or higher; the Mathematics 121/122 sequence is recommended). Students seeking the B.A. degree must complete seven and one-half units of Biology coursework: Biology 120, 125, 455 (one-half unit), and five upper division courses (with at least one course chosen from each of the four Biology Department curricular core areas – see below). Additionally, B.A. degree candidates must complete Chemistry 112 (Chemistry 111 is prerequisite), one unit of Physics with laboratory (Physics 101 or higher), and two units of Mathematics/Statistics (Statistics 101 and Mathematics 112 or higher). Biology Core Areas Core area requirements are intended to ensure students’ broad exposure to key areas of modern biology, while allowing significant choice in tailoring their course-of-study to interest and preparation for post-graduate study or work. Students are encouraged to consult Biology Department faculty in determining their course choices and should plan their schedules carefully, paying attention to prerequisite requirements and frequency of course offerings. The upper-division course component of a student’s program-of-study (six for the B.S. degree; five for the B.A. degree) must satisfy the following requirements:
Core areas and distributions: A. Molecular Biology & Genetics BIOL 215 – Components of Life BIOL 345 – Special Topics BIOL 365 – Plant Anatomy & Physiology BIOL 380 – Advanced Genetics BIOL 390 – Advanced Cell Biology BIOL 400 – Molecular Biology B. Cell Biology & Microbiology BIOL 235 - Microbiology BIOL 290 – Principles of Physiology BIOL 345 – Special Topics BIOL 375 - Comparative Animal Physiology BIOL 390 – Advanced Cell Biology BIOL 420 – Developmental Biology BIOL 430 - Immunology C. Integrative Biology BIOL 235 – Microbiology BIOL 240 – Algae & Fungi BIOL 265 – Plant Kingdom BIOL 270 – Invertebrate Biology BIOL 275 – Vertebrate Biology BIOL 345 – Special Topics BIOL 365 – Plant Anatomy & Physiology BIOL 375 – Comparative Animal Physiology D. Ecology & Evolution BIOL/ENVI 200 – Environmental Science BIOL 300 – Aquatic Ecology BIOL 345 – Special Topics BIOL 360 – Terrestrial Ecology MINOR IN BIOLOGY A minor in Biology requires six units of Biology coursework: Biology 120 and 125 (Biology 101 may be substituted for one of these with Departmental permission), and four additional courses chosen from at least two of the Biology core areas (listed previously). No more than one unit of Independent Study or Internship may be counted. Courses not listed in the Biology core areas require Departmental approval to be counted toward the minor. 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. 120 Principles of Biology An overview of biological science, focusing on the central role of genetics and its connections to the other major areas of study within biology. The first course in a two-semester introductory sequence for biology majors. (Students intending to major in biology or biochemistry should enroll in this course the Fall semester of their freshman year.) (1) Lecture: 3hrs/wk; Laboratory: 3hrs/wk. 125 Biodiversity An overview of ecology, evolution, and organismal diversity, focusing on the variety of organisms present on our planet and the interactions between these organisms and their environments. The second course in a two-semester introductory sequence for biology majors. (Students intending to major in biology should enroll in this course the Spring semester of their freshman year. Prospective biology majors should enroll in Biology 120 before enrolling in Biology 125.) (1) Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk. Prerequisite: Biology 120 or permission. 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 125, and Chemistry 101 or 111. (Cross-listed as ENVI 200.) 205 General Ecology A study of the interrelationships between organisms and the environment. Emphasis will focus on the physical and biological factors that influence ecosystem functions and the detrimental effects that occur from environment disturbances. (1) Lecture: 3hrs/wk; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk. Prerequisite: Biology 125. 215 Components of Life 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. (1) Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk. Prerequisites: Biology 120 and Chemistry 112, or permission. 220 Scientific Inquiry: How Biologists Work 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. (1/2) Lecture: 11/2 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 120 and 125. 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 120 and 125. (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 120 and 125. (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. Prerequisites: Biology 120 and 125. (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. (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: 11/2 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) |