Biology Catalog Information
Programs offered • Major in Biology (32 credits in biology plus 12 supporting credits) • Minor in Biology (20 credits) • Minor in Neuroscience (see neuroscience) (22 credits in neuroscience plus 8 supporting credits) • Biology Education major with a teaching license, grades 9-12 (32 credits in biology plus 32 credits in education) • General Science teaching license, grades 5-8 (see education) (32 credits in science) • Science Area of Specialization for Elementary Education majors, grades 5-8 (see education) (25 credits in science) The biology department mission is to: • convey to students an understanding of how the biological sciences inform society • convey an understanding of how the human population and nature are interacting parts of creation • explore the limitations, boundaries, and ethical implications of scientific knowledge and practice • provide students with experiences that introduce them to up-to-date technologies and research methods employed in biology • foster respect and appreciation for different modes of inquiry in the biological sciences The biology department provides learning experiences that prepare students to achieve the following outcomes: • understand the basic concepts of the biological sciences • understand the limitations, boundaries, and ethical implications of scientific knowledge and practice • be familiar with to up-to-date technologies and research methods employed in biological sciences • experience different modes of inquiry in the biological sciences, such as group learning and collaborative problem solving • develop professional communication skills, including scientific reading, writing and speaking In addition, the department seeks to convey the excitement of biological inquiry and discovery through a variety of means: encouraging group learning and collaborative problem solving, providing opportunities to explore career options and helping students to develop professional communication skills, including scientific reading, writing and speaking. Sophomore and above biology majors who meet criteria are invited to participate in the biology departmental honors program. Biology students are encouraged to participate in laboratory or field research projects, which can be arranged on a directed research basis with various faculty members in the biology department. Majors are also regularly employed as laboratory assistants in the beginning biology courses and as teaching assistants to individual faculty, where they gain valuable teaching experience under the direct supervision of a biology staff member. Major in Biology The requirements for a major in biology are 32 credits in biology plus 12 supporting credits: • BIOL 121 – Vertebrate Biology, 4 credits • BIOL 122 – Evolution and Diversity, 4 credits • BIOL 221 – Ecology, 4 credits • BIOL 222 – Genetics and Molecular Biology, 4 credits • 4-credit field course selected from − BIOL 305 – Ecology and Field Biology, 4 credits − BIOL 309 – Ornithology, 4 credits − BIOL 311 – Entomology, 4 credits − BIOL 313 – Plant Taxonomy, 4 credits − BIOL 405 – General Ecology, 4 credits − BIOL 409 – Freshwater Ecology, 4 credits • 4-credit laboratory-based course selected from − BIOL 306 – Human Anatomy and Physiology, 4 credits − BIOL 324 – Invertebrate Zoology, 4 credits − BIOL 336 – Histology, 4 credits − BIOL 345 – Molecular Biology, 4 credits − BIOL 350 – Animal Behavior, 4 credits − BIOL 352 – Immunology and Parasitology, 4 credits − BIOL 400, NEU 400 – Neurobiology, 4 credits − BIOL 402 – Embryology, 4 credits − BIOL 407 – Microbiology, 4 credits − BIOL 411 – Integrated Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology I, 4 credits − BIOL 412 – Integrated Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology II, 4 credits − BIOL 416 – Advanced Topics in Genetics, 4 credits • 8 additional credits from 300- or 400-level biology courses No more than the equivalent of 4 credits from the following may be applied toward the major: − BIOL 300 – May Seminar − BIOL 380 – Special Topics − BIOL 480 – Independent Study − BIOL 490 – Directed Research The following cannot be counted toward a major: – BIOL 303 – Biomedical Ethics, 4 credits – BIOL 315 – Evolution, 4 credits – BIOL 390 – Cooperative Education, 2 to 4 credits • Supporting courses required for the major: – MATH 110 – Precalculus, 4 credits OR MATH 121 – Calculus I, 4 credits OR MATH 205 – Introduction to Statistics, 4 credits – CHEM 127-128 – General Chemistry I and II, 4 credits each OR CHEM 137-138 – Honors Chemistry I and II, 4 credits each The biology major field test provided by Educational Testing Service must be taken the last semester prior to graduation. The department will announce the date. ESC 302, ENVR 302 – Geology, 4 credits, may be counted by biology teaching majors. Organic chemistry, physics and mathematics are recommended as supporting courses for biology majors. For graduate work in the biological sciences, many schools require the following or their equivalents: – MATH 121 – Calculus I, 4 credits – MATH 122 – Calculus II, 4 credits – PHYS 111 – General College Physics I, 4 credits – PHYS 112 – General College Physics II, 4 credits – CHEM 341 – Organic Chemistry I, 4 credits – CHEM 342 – Organic Chemistry II, 4 credits – CHEM 373 – Biochemistry I, 4 credits – An applied statistics course – Research experience such as BIOL 490 Minor in Biology The requirements for a minor in biology are 20 credits: • BIOL 121 – Vertebrate Biology, 4 credits • BIOL 122 – Evolution and Diversity, 4 credits • BIOL 221 – Ecology, 4 credits • BIOL 222 – Genetics and Molecular Biology, 4 credits • 4 credits from 300- or 400-level biology courses The following cannot be counted toward a minor: – BIOL 303 – Biomedical Ethics, 4 credits – BIOL 390 – Cooperative Education, 2 to 4 credits Biology Education Major with a Teaching License, Grades 9-12 The requirements for a biology education major with a teaching license, grades 9-12, are 32 credits in biology plus 32 credits in education: • BIOL 121 – Vertebrate Biology, 4 credits • BIOL 122 – Evolution and Diversity, 4 credits • BIOL 221 – Ecology, 4 credits • BIOL 222 – Genetics and Molecular Biology, 4 credits • 16 additional credits in biology, including at least: – 4-credit field course selected from: BIOL 305 – Ecology and Field Biology, 4 credits BIOL 309 – Ornithology, 4 credits BIOL 311 – Entomology, 4 credits BIOL 405 – General Ecology, 4 credits BIOL 409 – Freshwater Ecology, 4 credits ESC 302 – Geology, 4 credits AND – 4-credit laboratory-based course selected from: BIOL 306 – Human Anatomy and Physiology, 4 credits BIOL 324 – Invertebrate Zoology, 4 credits BIOL 336 – Histology, 4 credits BIOL 350 – Animal Behavior, 4 credits BIOL 352 – Immunology and Parasitology, 4 credits BIOL 400, NEU 400 – Neurobiology, 4 credits BIOL 402 – Embryology, 4 credits BIOL 407 – Microbiology, 4 credits BIOL 411 – Integrated Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology I, 4 credits BIOL 412 – Integrated Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology II, 4 credits BIOL 416 – Advanced Topics in Genetics, 4 credits • Successful completion of the secondary/K-12 curriculum requirements. The required methods of teaching course is EDUC 372 – Methods of Teaching in Science, 4 credits. The biology major field test provided by Educational Testing Service must be taken the last semester prior to graduation. The department will announce the date. General Science Teaching License, Grades 5-8 A recommended addition to the biology education major with a teaching license, grades 9-12, is the general science teaching license, grades 5-8. The requirements for the general science teaching license, grades 5-8, are 32 credits in science (see education).
Biology Courses
BIOL 101 N, A – General Biology, 4 credits. E. An examination of the basic concepts of biology and the ways in which biologists ask and answer questions; practical applications of important biological discoveries and their relationships to public issues. Designed for non-majors. Three lectures and four hours of laboratory per week.
BIOL 121 A – Vertebrate Biology, 4 credits. E. Vertebrate anatomy and physiology, with special emphasis on humans. The course is used as a preparation for upper-level biology courses. Three lectures and four hours of laboratory per week.
BIOL 122 N – Evolution and Diversity, 4 credits. E. An introduction to major concepts of biology including evolutionary theories and ecological theories. The diversity of life on earth, excluding the vertebrates of the animal kingdom, is then explored in light of these concepts. Three lectures and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BIOL 121 – Vertebrate Biology or permission of the instructor
BIOL 152 – Vocation and the Health Professions, 1 credit. E. Intended for freshmen and sophomore students interested in various careers in the health professions. This course offers a balance of personal reflection and practical information. The concept of “vocation as calling” will be emphasized and students will be asked to reflect upon their reasons for choosing a particular career path. Practical information will include various career options in the health professions, undergraduate expectations, professional school admissions requirements, and non-traditional career paths.
BIOL 207 – Fundamental Microbiology, 4 credits. E1. This course is primarily designed for students in the nursing and nutrition and dietetics programs, however enrollment is open to any interested student. This course examines basic concepts in microbiology, with emphasis placed on bacteria. Three class periods and four hours of laboratory per week.
BIOL 221 – Ecology, 4 credits. E1. Covers the basic principles of energy and nutrient movement through the ecosystems, the forces that structure ecosystems, and the interactions between organisms and the environment and each other. This course emphasizes quantitative skills. Two lectures and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 121 – Vertebrate Biology, BIOL 122 – Evolution and Diversity; co– or prerequisite: CHEM 127 – General Chemistry I
BIOL 222 – Genetics and Molecular Biology, 4 credits. E2. A study of classical genetics, gene structure, and mechanisms of gene expression. This course is writing intensive. Model systems commonly used in molecular genetic research are used in labs. Three lectures and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 121 – Vertebrate Biology, BIOL 122 – Evolution and Diversity, BIOL 221 – Ecology, CHEM 127 – General Chemistry I; co– or prerequisite: CHEM 128 – General Chemistry II
BIOL 250 – Pre-May Seminar, 1 credit. D.
BIOL 300 – May Seminar, 4 credits. MS.
BIOL 303 X – Biomedical Ethics, 4 credits. E2. Examination of contemporary issues in biomedicine from the perspective of several disciplines, including biology, medicine, ethics, sociology and economics. The course satisfies the integration requirement for graduation, but does not count toward the biology major or minor. Prerequisite: one course credit in biology
BIOL 305 – Ecology and Field Biology, 4 credits. S. An examination of the basic principles of ecology with extensive field investigation of numerous types of ecosystems. Offered only in summer sessions. Prerequisites: BIOL 121 – Vertebrate Biology, BIOL 122 – Evolution and Diversity, BIOL 221 – Ecology, and BIOL 222 – Genetics and Molecular Biology
BIOL 306 – Human Anatomy and Physiology, 4 credits. E2. This course, which focuses on the structure and functions of human organ systems and includes examination of human cadavers, is recommended for majors and minors in physical education and for students preparing for allied health professions. It is also open to biology majors and minors who do not take BIOL 411 – Integrated Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology I. Three lectures and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BIOL 101 – General Biology or BIOL 121 – Vertebrate Biology
BIOL 309 – Ornithology, 4 credits. E1. A study of the form and function of birds, their identification, life history and adaptations. Two lectures and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 121 – Vertebrate Biology, BIOL 122 – Evolution and Diversity, BIOL 221 – Ecology, and BIOL 222 – Genetics and Molecular Biology
BIOL 311 – Entomology, 4 credits. E1. Introduction to insects and their ecology, their interaction with people via medical and veterinarian entomology, as well as forensic entomology, and the role insects have played in human history. Two lectures and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 121 – Vertebrate Biology, BIOL 122 – Evolution and Diversity, BIOL 221 – Ecology, and BIOL 222 – Genetics and Molecular Biology
BIOL 313 – Plant Taxonomy, 4 credits. A1. Identification, nomenclature, and classification of vascular plants. Six hours of lecture and laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 121 – Vertebrate Biology, BIOL 122 – Evolution and Diversity, BIOL 221 – Ecology and BIOL 224 – Plant Biology
BIOL 324 – Invertebrate Zoology, 4 credits. A2. Comparative study of representative phyla of invertebrata, with emphasis placed on morphology, embryology, life cycles and evolutionary relationships. Three lectures and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 121 – Vertebrate Biology, BIOL 122 – Evolution and Diversity, BIOL 221 – Ecology, and BIOL 222 – Genetics and Molecular Biology
BIOL 336 – Histology, 4 credits. E1. A microscopic study of tissues and organs of vertebrates, with special reference to humans. Three lectures and four hours of laboratory per week. Lab includes introduction to basic histotechnique and digital photomicroscopy. Prerequisites: BIOL 121 – Vertebrate Biology, BIOL 122 – Evolution and Diversity, BIOL 221 – Ecology, and BIOL 222 – Genetics and Molecular Biology
BIOL 350 – Animal Behavior, 4 credits. A2. A study of the physiological, ecological, and evolutionary aspects of animal behavior. Labs focus on learning observation skills, terminology, and designing of animal behavior experiments. Three lectures and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 121 – Vertebrate Biology, BIOL 122 – Evolution and Diversity, BIOL 221–Ecology, and BIOL 222 – Genetics and Molecular Biology, or prior approval of instructor
BIOL 352 – Immunology and Parasitology, 4 credits. E2. An in-depth study of the human immune system and its regulation. The mechanisms and actions of the humoral and cell-mediated immune systems are emphasized. A portion of the course is devoted to representative parasitic protozoa, helminthes and arthropods, with emphasis on host-parasite interactions. Three lectures and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 121 – Vertebrate Biology, BIOL 122 – Evolution and Diversity, BIOL 221 – Ecology, and BIOL 222 – Genetics and Molecular Biology
BIOL 380 – Special Topics, 2 to 4 credits. D. Courses covering various topics of interest in this particular discipline are offered regularly. Contact department or program chair for more information.
BIOL 390 – Cooperative Education, 2 to 4 credits. E.
BIOL 400 – Neurobiology, 4 credits. Upper-level course that expands upon the basic neurobiology skills learned in NEU 109. Topics include neurotransmission, information processing, neurodevelopment, neuroregulation and psychoneuroimmunology. Three lectures and three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BIOL 222 – Genetics and Molecular Biology
BIOL – 402 Embryology, 4 credits. E2. Principles of animal development with an emphasis on the developmental anatomy of vertebrates. Two lectures and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BIOL 121 – Vertebrate Biology, BIOL 122 – Evolution and Diversity, BIOL 221 – Ecology, and BIOL 222 – Genetics and Molecular Biology
BIOL 405 – General Ecology, 4 credits. E1. Discussion of the basic principles concerning the relationships between organisms and their environments. Two lectures and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 121 – Vertebrate Biology, BIOL 122 – Evolution and Diversity, BIOL 221 – Ecology, and BIOL 222 – Genetics and Molecular Biology
BIOL 407 – Microbiology, 4 credits. E1. This course examines principles and techniques of microbiology, with emphasis placed on bacteria. The role of microorganisms in relation to humans is stressed. Three class periods and four hours of laboratory per week, Prerequisites: BIOL 121 – Vertebrate Biology, BIOL 122 – Evolution and Diversity, BIOL 221 – Ecology, and BIOL 222 – Genetics and Molecular Biology
BIOL 409 – Freshwater Ecology, 4 credits. A1. The scientific study of physical, chemical and biological conditions in freshwater ecosystems. Three lectures and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 121 – Vertebrate Biology, BIOL 122 – Evolution and Diversity, BIOL 221 – Ecology, and BIOL 222 – Genetics and Molecular Biology
BIOL 411-412 – Integrated Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology I and II, 4 credits each. E1-E2. Together these two courses focus on structures and functions of vertebrate organ systems, with primary emphasis on mammals. Included is study of skeletal, muscle, nervous, endocrine, circulatory, respiratory, renal, digestive and reproductive systems, with emphasis on normal homeostatic mechanisms and pathophysiology. Laboratory study includes dissection of the human body, small animal surgery and selected physiological studies. Three lecture sessions and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites for BIOL 411: BIOL 121 – Vertebrate Biology, BIOL 122 – Evolution and Diversity, BIOL 221 – Ecology, and BIOL 222 – Genetics and Molecular Biology. Recommended: CHEM 341 – Organic Chemistry I. Prerequisite for BIOL 412: BIOL 411
BIOL 415 – Genetics, 4 credits. E2. A study of the principles of inheritance in plants and animals, complemented by experiments with living organisms in the laboratory. Human abnormalities and genetic-related diseases are included. Three lectures and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 121 – Vertebrate Biology and General CHEM 128 – Chemistry II or CHEM 142 – Survey of Organic and Biochemistry. Recommended as background: CHEM 341 – Organic Chemistry I
BIOL 416 – Advanced Topics in Genetics, 4 credits. This course is intended to follow an introductory course in genetics. It is not a comprehensive course but will cover a variety of topics in depth, typically including cancer genetics, developmental genetics, genetics of complex traits, extranuclear inheritance, quantitative genetics and evolutionary genetics. Three lectures and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Biology 222, Chemistry 128
BIOL 480 – Independent Study, 2 to 4 credits. E. This course provides an opportunity for individual students to conduct in-depth research of a particular topic under the direct supervision of a faculty member. Contact the department or program chair for more information.
BIOL 490 – Directed Research, 2 to 4 credits. E. Individualized supervision of advanced research in a specific area of biology. Majors and minors may register by permission.
Course Catalog
