Biology

Professors: GERRY J. HILL, JOHN L. TYMOCZKO, GARY E. WAGENBACH

Associate Professors: MARK McKONE, SUSAN R. SINGER, Chair

Assistant Professors: JULIA ANDREW EMERSON, MATTHEW S. RAND, JOHN D. SOLLINGER, DEBBY RAE WALSER-KUNTZ, STEPHAN G. ZWEIFEL

Visiting Assistant Professor: MICHAEL CRANE SWIFT

Adjunct Instructor: SARAH DEEL

Lecturer: DAVID J. HOUGEN-EITZMAN

Potential biology majors should select a sequence of courses that will acquaint them with the variety of organisms, and their form, physiology, heredity, development, evolution, and ecological relations. Such a course of study may lead to teaching at the college or high school level, biological research, study in the medical sciences, work in environmental sciences, or work in numerous commercial and industrial areas. It also will serve students interested in biology for purposes of general education. Brochures providing further details on opportunities are available from the Biology Department.

Requirements for a Major:

Nine courses in biology. Biology 120 and 123 in sequence, and one course from each of the following groups including their laboratories where listed separately:

Organismal/Physiological (Biology 232, 233, 234, 236, 242, 245, 330)

Evolution/Population (Biology 250, 252/3, 350, 352/3, 361/2)

Genetics/Development (Biology 240/1, 340, 342/3, 344/5)

Cell/Molecular (Biology 280/1, 310, 380/1, 382/3, 384)

two electives, which may include a six-credit independent study, a junior/senior seminar, either Biology 212, or any of the courses listed above, and Integrative Exercise (Biology 400-01 and 400-02).

Majors are required to complete Biology 120 and 123 with a grade of "C-" or better before taking any other courses in the department. All majors are required to take one course with an emphasis on data interpretation and analysis in the primary literature (Biology 340, 344, 361/2, 384 and junior/senior seminars.) Laboratory work is an integral part of most biology courses. In courses in which registration for the laboratory is separable from the lecture portion of the course, all biology majors are required to register concurrently for laboratory and lecture in order for these courses to count toward requirements for the major. Non-major students should register for both parts of the course unless granted exemption by the instructor. No course taken at another school may be used to meet the requirements for the major without prior approval of the biology faculty.

Because of the close interrelationship of biology to other sciences, supporting work in other areas is necessary. The minimum requirement includes Physics 112, 122, or 126 or Mathematics 215, Chemistry 120/121 or 123, and Chemistry 230 or 233/234. The need for additional courses in allied sciences and mathematics will vary with the professional plans of the student.

111. Biology of Diseases: An introductory course focusing on disease causing organisms ranging from tapeworms and the unicells causing malaria to the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease and selected viruses including Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Emphasis includes exploration of selected fundamental biological concepts and attempts to link biology with human affairs. The latter is accomplished through readings, discussion and a project. Investigative laboratory study accompanies the course. This course will not count towards the major in Biology or fulfill any prerequisite for other courses in the department. 6 credits, MS; Fall -- M. Swift
112. Biology of Conservation: The current global rate of extinction of species is probably the highest it has been since the end of the Cretaceous Period ("Age of Dinosaurs") 65 million years ago, and the rate will increase dramatically in the coming decades. In response, efforts to preserve some portion of the Earth's biological diversity are increasing. This course will explore the biological principles that are important in the attempts to conserve species. Topics will include global patterns of species diversity, distribution and abundance of species, causes of rarity, genetic structure of populations, minimum population size, effects of inbreeding, long-term viability of zoo populations, and the design of nature reserves. No prerequisites; this is a non-majors course which does not count toward the Biology major. 6 credits, MS; Not offered in 1996-1997.
120. Introductory Biology: Diversity, Form, and Function: An introduction to the conceptual principles of biology, with emphasis on both the diversity of life and on the ways that organisms have solved the problems common to all living things. Topics include an overview of the major taxonomic groups of organisms, mechanisms and history of evolutionary change, reproduction and life cycles, development of individual organisms, the acquisition and utilization of both energy and nutrition, and the ecological interactions among species. 6 credits, MS; Fall -- S. Singer, M. Rand; Winter -- M. Swift, M. McKone; Spring -- J. Emerson, G. Wagenbach
123. Energetics and Genetics: An introduction to the biochemical and genetic principles fundamental to all of biology. The metabolic processes by which organisms transform energy to meet their biological needs and transfer information from generation to generation will be examined. Prerequisite: Biology 120. 6 credits, MS; Winter -- J. Tymoczko, S. Singer; Spring -- J. Tymoczko, S. Zweifel
212. Biology Field Studies and Research: Designed as a complement to Biology 250. Methods and approaches will be taught that are applicable to analysis of biological problems, with an emphasis on an ecological viewpoint. Problems for analysis will be generated from study of both terrestrial and marine habitats. Several smaller and one larger research project will be included. Written reports and class presentations will be required. Offered only on the Biology off-campus program in Australia/New Zealand. 6 credits, MS; Offered in alternate years, not offered in 1996-1997.
232. Biology of Invertebrates: An investigation of the major groups of terrestrial, marine and freshwater invertebrates. Field and laboratory study of living invertebrates will focus on functional organization, life cycles, ecology, and selected special topics. Prerequisites: Biology 120 and 123. 6 credits, MS; Winter and in alternate years. -- G. Wagenbach
233. Vertebrate Histology: The study of the microscopic anatomy of the principal cells, tissues, and organs of the vertebrate body. The specific goal of the course will be for students to understand how the structural organization of the different tissues and organs of the mammalian body relates to their specific functions. Prerequisites: Biology 120 or 121 and Biology 123. 6 credits, MS; Fall -- J. Emerson
234. Microbiology: A study of micro-organisms -- their structure and function, metabolism, growth and genetics. While presented in the framework of the concepts of cellular and molecular biology, the emphasis will be on the uniqueness and diversity of the microbial world. Prerequisites: Biology 120 and 123. 6 credits, MS; Fall -- D. Walser-Kuntz
235. Microbiology Laboratory: 2 credits, ND; Fall -- D. Walser-Kuntz
236. Plant Biology: An exploration of structure-function relationships in vascular and non-vascular plants from both physiological and evolutionary perspectives. The laboratory will focus on experimental approaches to current questions in plant biology. Prerequisites: Biology 120 or 122 and 123. 6 credits, MS; Winter -- S. Singer
240. Genetics: A study of the transmission of genetic information between generations of organisms and of the mechanism of expression of information within an individual organism. The main emphasis will be on the physical and chemical basis of heredity; mutational, transmissional and functional analysis of the genetic material, and gene expression. Prerequisite: Biology 123. 6 credits, MS; Fall -- S. Zweifel
241. Genetics Laboratory: 2 credits, ND; Fall -- S. Zweifel
242. Vertebrate Morphology: Over 500 million years of evolution has produced a rich diversity of structure and functional morphology in vertebrates. We will use comparative methods to help us understand the various selective forces and constraints that produced the vertebrate forms living today. Laboratory dissection of a variety of preserved vertebrates will allow us to examine how these fascinating animals monitor and move through their environment, procure, ingest and circulate nutrients, respirate, and reproduce. 6 credits, MS; Spring -- M. Rand
243. Vertebrate Morphology Laboratory: 2 credits, ND; Spring -- M. Rand
245. Animal Behavior: We will study the control, development, and evolution of basic patterns of animal behavior, as observed in individuals and social groups from a variety of phyla. We will also learn how animal behavior is studied. Laboratory study will accompany the course. Prerequisites: Biology 120 and 123. 6 credits, MS; Given in alternate years, not offered in 1996-1997.
246. Animal Behavior Laboratory: 2 credits, ND; Given in alternate years, not offered in 1996-1997.
250. Marine Biology: A study of Australian and New Zealand coastal systems including the Great Barrier Reef. Intertidal and subtidal flora and fauna will be introduced in the context of relevant ecological concepts and theory. Marine stations in Queensland, Australia and New Zealand will serve as bases of operation. An investigative approach is used as part of extensive field and laboratory work. Offered only on the Biology off-campus program in Australia/New Zealand. 6 credits, MS; Offered in alternate years, not offered in 1996-1997.
252. Aquatic Biology: A detailed investigation of aquatic organisms, both plant and animal, in relation to their physical, chemical and biological environment. Lake, river and marsh will be studied as independent and interdependent systems, with the effects on man's use and manipulation investigated where appropriate. The latter part of the course will deal with analysis and evaluation of current hypotheses on population growth, fluctuation and distribution based on field data collected in the laboratory. Prerequisites: Biology 120 or 121 and 122. 6 credits, MS; Spring -- M. Swift
253. Aquatic Biology Laboratory: An investigation of a local aquatic system (Lyman Lake) and marsh community. Sampling techniques and data analysis are the main focus of the laboratory. Concurrent registration in Biology 252 required. 2 credits, ND; Spring -- M. Swift
255. Physical and Cultural Environment of Australia & New Zealand: Team taught interdisciplinary course which examines how Australia and New Zealand have changed since colonization. We will learn how the physical landscape has been changed through agriculture, mining and the importation of non-native species as well as studying the unique social and political climates of two countries which share a history of colonization. The course will use readings, meetings with visiting artists and lecturers as well as visits to cultural centers. Offered only as part of the Australia and New Zealand off-campus program. 6 credits, S/CR/NC, ND, RAD; Not offered in 1996-1997.
260. Visiting Speakers Seminar: Meets once per week for all three terms. Research presentations by distinguished visiting scholars in various areas of biology. Credit awarded during spring term after attendance of two-thirds of all the presentations. Not open to senior majors. 1 credit for all three terms, S/CR/NC, ND; Fall/Winter/Spring -- Staff
280. Cell Biology: An examination of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure and function. Lecture topics will include: cell membranes, the cytoskeleton, cellular organelles, processing and transport of macromolecules, and cellular communication. Prerequisites: Biology 120 or 121, 122, and 123. 6 credits, MS; Fall -- G. Hill
281. Cell Biology Laboratory: The focus of the laboratory will be on current techniques used to study structures and activities of cells. Concurrent registration in Biology 280 required. 2 credits, ND; Fall -- G. Hill
292. Independent Research: An opportunity for students to pursue an original investigation or one related to the research program of a member of the staff. Current areas of interest include problems in biochemistry, cytology, ecology, ethology, genetics, developmental biology, plant and animal physiology, neurobiology, parasitology, and mycology. Students should obtain an application form from the Registrar's Office.; Credit by Arrangement -- Staff
295. Sustainable Agriculture: The major theme of this course will be developing a working definition of 'sustainability' in agricultural systems. This definition will be formulated in a way that addresses one of the main problems in agriculture today: how can food be produced perpetually in the future without degrading the soil or polluting the environment? Issues addressed could include animal versus food production, herbicide and pesticide use, energy use, biotechnology, conservation of genetic diversity, maintenance of soil fertility, 'organic' farming, and sustenance of rural communities. This course will not count toward the major in Biology. Cross-listed with Environmental and Technology Studies 295. 6 credits, ND; Winter -- D. Hougen-Eitzman
310. Immunology: This course will examine the role of the immune system in defense, allergic reactions, and autoimmunity. Topics to be covered include the structure and function of antibodies, cytokines, the role of the major histocompatibility complex, cellular immunity, immunodeficiencies, and the use of monoclonal antibodies as tools in research and medicine. Prerequisites: Biology 120 and 123. 6 credits, MS; Spring -- D. Walzer-Kuntz
330. Animal Physiology: An analysis of the mechanisms underlying physiological systems of animals employing principles of biology, chemistry and physics. Topics include gas exchange, energy use, temperature regulation, ion and osmoregulation, reproduction, information processing and control of effectors. Associated laboratory will emphasize experimentation and will include computerized data acquisition and analysis. Prerequisite: Biology 120 and 123. 6 credits, MS; Winter -- M. Rand
331. Animal Physiology Laboratory: 2 credits, ND; Winter -- M. Rand
340. Developmental Genetics: An investigation of genetic regulation of development in animal and plant systems. The applications of classical and molecular genetics to the study of development will be considered. This is an analytical course focusing on the experimental basis behind current developmental concepts. Prerequisites: Biology 120 and 123. 6 credits, MS; Fall -- J. Sollinger
342. Animal Developmental Biology: An analysis of animal development from fertilization to the establishment of the adult body form. Lectures and discussions will examine the basic processes of animal embryogenesis as well as the genetic, molecular and cellular mechanisms that control these developmental processes. Students will perform experiments in developmental biology using a variety of terrestrial and aquatic embryos during the weekly laboratories. Prerequisites: Biology 120 or 121 and Biology 123. Concurrent registration in Biology 343 is required. 6 credits, MS; Winter -- J. Emerson
343. Animal Developmental Biology Laboratory: 2 credits, ND; Winter -- J. Emerson
344. Developmental Botany: A study of the development of form and function in vascular plants. Topics including embryogenesis, meristem function, leaf morphogenesis, flowering and senescence will be investigated through the analysis of primary literature. Emphasis will be placed on the experimental basis for current concepts in plant development ranging from molecular mechanisms to mathematical models. Developmental phenomena will be investigated in the laboratory emphasizing a variety of experimental techniques. Prerequisites: Biology 120 or 122 and 123. 6 credits, MS; Spring -- S. Singer
345. Developmental Botany Laboratory: 2 credits, ND; Spring -- S. Singer
350. Evolution: Principles and history of evolutionary change in wild populations, with consideration of both microevolutionary and macroevolutionary time scales. Topics covered include causes of change in gene frequency, the nature of adaptation, constraints on evolutionary change, the evolution of genes and proteins, rates of speciation and extinction, and the major events in evolutionary history. Prerequisites: Biology 120 and 123. 6 credits, MS; Winter -- M. McKone
352. Ecology: An investigation of the properties of populations, communities and ecosystems. Topics include energy and nutrient exchange, population growth and regulation, life tables, interspecific and intraspecific competition, predation, parasitism, mutualism, the nature of communities, and biogeography. Prerequisites: Biology 120 and 123; Mathematics 111. Recommended course: Mathematics 215, Psychology 124 or equivalent exposure to statistical analysis. Concurrent registration in Biology 353 required. 6 credits, MS; Spring -- M. McKone
353. Ecology Laboratory: 2 credits, ND; Spring -- M. McKone
361. Tropical Rainforest Ecology: The tropical rainforests contain most of the earth's species, but have been less studied than many other biological communities. Recently there has been a dramatic increase in ecological investigations in the tropics, and the goal of this course is to survey the most contemporary and influential published work in rainforest ecology. Topics to be emphasized include the latitudinal gradient in species diversity, evolutionary ecology, and interactions between species. Prerequisites: Biology 352. 6 credits, MS; Fall and in alternate years -- M. McKone
362. Field Investigation in Tropical Rainforest Ecology: This course begins with a two-week visit in December to the La Selva Biological Station near Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. The station is located in lowland rainforest and has been the site of many important ecological experiments. While at La Selva, the class will perform extensive field experiments planned during Biology 361. In regular meetings during the term, data will be analyzed and presented in oral and written reports. Prerequisites: Biology 361. 3 credits, MS; Winter and in alternate years -- M. McKone
363. Seminar: Reproductive Biology Seminar: Using reproduction as the focus of study, we will attempt to bridge the disciplines of ecology, physiology, development, behavior and evolutionary biology. We will investigate and discuss topics in reproductive biology ranging from mate choice, parthenogenetics, and sperm competition to embryonic diapause, environmental sex determination, and the evolution of viviparity. Any topic concerning reproduction may be explored. 6 credits, MS; Fall and in alternate years -- M. Rand
364. Seminar: Selected Topics in Developmental Biology: An examination of current studies in mammalian development. After addressing the various problems that are posed by studying development in mammals, the seminar will focus on the genetic, molecular, and cellular approaches that are currently being used to address these problems and generate new information about the regulatory control processes of mammalian development. Prerequisites: Biology 120 and 123. 6 credits, MS; Spring -- J. Emerson
365. Seminar: Selected Topics in Cell Biology: 6 credits, MS; Not offered in 1996-1997.
366. Seminar: Selected Topics in Human Genetics: Seminar course examining the application of classical genetics, cytogenetics, and molecular biology to human variation and disease. Prerequisite: Biology 240. 6 credits, MS; Given in alternate years, not offered in 1996-1997.
367. Seminar: Oncogenes and Molecular Bio-Cancer: 6 credits, MS; Not offered in 1996-1997.
369. Seminar: Selected Topics in Parasitism and Mutualism: 6 credits, MS; Winter and in alternate years -- G. Wagenbach
370. Seminar: Selected Topics in Virology: This seminar will discuss the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV. We will cover the structure of this retrovirus and its mechanism for infecting cells of the immune system. Additional topics to be discussed include the effects of HIV infection on the immune system, the development of AIDS and the difficulties encountered in trying to devise a successful HIV vaccine. 6 credits, MS; Not offered in 1996-1997.
372. Seminar: Selected Topics in Exercise Physiology/Biochemistry: An examination of the effects of exercise on the various physiological systems and biochemical processes. Topics include: biking, running, swimming, etc. 6 credits, MS; Not offered in 1996-1997.
373. Selected Topics in Aquatic Biology: Freshwater zooplankton inhabit the water column of lakes and are an extremely important component of lake biota. This seminar will examine the physical, chemical, and biological processes which determine the structure of freshwater zooplankton communities. Discussion topics will include the physical and chemical milieu in lakes, vertebrate and invertebrate predation, diel vertical migration, chemical communication among zooplankton, filtering and feeding efficiency, competition, and cyclomorphosis. 6 credits, MS; Winter -- M. Swift
380. Biochemistry: Biochemistry is an examination of the molecular basis of life processes. Topics to be covered include 1) protein structure and function with special emphasis on proteins as enzymes; 2) the techniques of molecular biology and how they are employed to examine problems of fundamental biochemical importance; 3) metabolic pathways, their interrelationships and their regulation. Prerequisites: Biology 123 and Chemistry 233 and 234. 6 credits, MS; Fall -- J. Tymoczko
381. Biochemistry Laboratory: 2 credits, ND; Fall -- J. Tymoczko
382. Molecular Biology: The molecular basis of the structure, replication, stable inheritance, and expression of genetic material illustrated with examples drawn from both viral and cellular systems. Topics include: DNA replication and recombination, chromosome stability, DNA mutation and repair, methods of gene identification, recombinant DNA technology, and regulation of gene expression. Laboratory will focus on current techniques in molecular biology including: gene cloning, RFLP analysis, DNA sequencing, and the polymerase chain reaction. Prerequisites: Biology 240. Chemistry 233 recommended. Concurrent registration in Biology 383 required. 6 credits, MS; Winter and in alternate years -- S. Zweifel
383. Molecular Biology Laboratory: 2 credits, ND; Winter -- S. Zweifel
384. Cell and Molecular Physiology: An investigation of 1) structure/function relationships at the molecular, supramolecular and organellar level in eukaryotic organisms and 2) how these relationships modulate gene expression will be pursued. An analytical approach will be used and emphasis will be placed on the experimental basis of current concepts in cell and molecular biology. Prerequisite: Biology 240 or 380. 6 credits, MS; Winter -- J. Tymoczko
392. Independent Research: An opportunity for students to pursue an original investigation or one related to the research program of a member of the staff. Current areas of interest include problems in biochemistry, cytology, ecology, ethology, genetics, molecular biology, developmental biology, plant and animal physiology, neurobiology, parasitology, and mycology. Students should obtain an application form from the Registrar's Office. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior major.; Credit by Arrangement -- Staff
400. Integrative Exercise: Preparation and submission of the written portion of the Integrative Exercise. Continuing course (fall or winter). Oral examination, evaluation of the Integrative Exercise, and participation in visiting speakers seminars (spring). 6 credits, (fall or winter - 4 credits; spring - 2 credits) S/NC, ND; Fall, Winter and Spring -- Staff