Academic Bulletin Biology - Course Descriptions - 2009-10

The primary emphasis of this course is the structure and function of the eukaryotic cell. Lectures, readings, and discussions will cover cellular organelles, types, metabolism, interactions, and regulation of activities. The laboratory focuses on cellular structure and function through the techniques of modern cell biology. This course is offered in the spring semester. 

Prerequisite: Biology 112 or permission of the instructor. (This course should be taken during the sophomore year.)

An introduction to the interrelations of plants and animals with their environment. Terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems are considered. Some weekend field trips may be included. This course is offered in the fall semester. 

Prerequisite: Biology 112 or 101 with permission of the instructor.

A course presenting a broad evolutionary theme of the vertebrates using the facts of comparative anatomy, embryology, and paleobiology. This course is offered in the fall semester. 

Prerequisite: Biology 101 or 112.

Prerequisite: Biology 101 or 112.

An introduction to the science of botany. A strong emphasis will be placed on the evolutionary trends in the vascular plants, with additional coverage of plant biotechnology, developmental biology, and some of the physiological adaptations plants have evolved in the transition to life in terrestrial environments. The laboratories will be primarily observational, with a broad exposure to plant diversity and taxonomy; substantial field work is planned. This course is offered in the spring semester, 2009-2010 and alternate years. 

Prerequisite: Biology 101 or 112.

This course is designed to introduce the student to the lifestyles and impact of the smallest organisms known. Lecture/discussion will examine topics such as microbial cell structure and function, growth and nutrition, genetics, antibiotics and pathogenesis, and microbial diversity. The laboratory is organized around an investigative, discovery driven project. This course is offered in the spring semester 2009-2010, and alternate years. 

Prerequisite: Biology 111 and 112 or permission of instructor.

A course designed to introduce students to the major groups of animal parasites. Emphasis in lectures and discussion of primary literature is placed on general principles, including diversity, morphology, transmission biology, and the ecology and evolution of the different parasite taxa. The laboratory work includes the detailed consideration of particular parasite species as representatives of larger groups, as well as an independent research project on the parasites of a selected host species. This course is offered in the fall semester; 2008-2009 and alternate years. 

Prerequisite: Biology 101 or Biology 112 or permission of instructor.

A course designed to explore in detail the molecular biology of the gene. Lecture/discussion will focus on areas of current interest and will include analysis of experimental evidence which underpins our understanding of gene structure and function. The laboratory is investigative in nature and provides primary experience with recombinant DNA technology genomics and bioinformatics. This course is offered in the spring semester; 2008-2009 and alternate years. 

Prerequisite: Biology 211.

This course emphasizes the investigative approach to ecology including experimental design and data analysis. Lectures/discussions focus on areas of current interest in ecosystem, community, and population ecology. Several field trips and an independent investigation are required. This course is offered in the spring semester, 2009-2010 and alternate years. 

Prerequisite: Biology 213.

Through lectures, current readings and discussions, this course considers the principles of development with emphasis on experimental evidence for underlying mechanisms. The laboratory work includes molecular, cellular and supracellular approaches to the investigation of developmental questions in animals and plants. This course is offered in the spring semester, 2009-2010 and alternate years. 

Prerequisite: Biology 211.

The major physiological systems (nutrition, transport, gas exchange, elimination of wastes, coordination, and defense) are considered from the adaptational perspective. The emphasis is on the physiological system as it is related to the survival of vertebrates in their natural environments. The laboratory focuses on physiological techniques and methods of analysis. This course is offered in the fall semester, 2009-2010 and alternate years. 

Prerequisite: Biology 212 or permission of the instructor.

Individual research on selected problems. Although only one-half course credit is to be counted toward the nine credit major, these courses may be repeated and credit received for graduation. Students should make arrangements with individual faculty members during the semester preceding their enrollment in the course.

Individual research on selected problems. Although only one-half course credit is to be counted toward the nine credit major, these courses may be repeated and credit received for graduation. Students should make arrangements with individual faculty members during the semester preceding their enrollment in the course.

A seminar course required of all majors. Critical reading of primary literature, oral expression and experimental design are emphasized. Students intending to be off-campus during the first semester of their senior year should take this course during their junior year. This course is offered in the fall semester.