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Biology |
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COURSE DESCRIPTIONS |
BIOL 101G.* Life on Earth
A broad survey of organisms and life processes and
the forces that shaped and continue to shape our ecosystem. (Four credits.)
BIOL 111G. General Zoology
A study of the animal kingdom that surveys major
groups and investigates the structure, function, evolution, and ecology of
representative forms. (Four credits.)
BIOL 112G. General Botany
Introduction to the traditional plant kingdom
emphasizing the algae, fungi, bryophyta, ferns, conifers, and flowering plants.
The taxonomy, life cycles, growth habits, gross structures, and limited
functions are studied. (Four credits.)
BIOL 200. Cell Biology
Introductory study of the structure and function of
living cells and their components. Laboratory will employ basic cell/molecular
biology techniques and include the preparation of reagents, DNA isolation,
plasmid manipulation and DNA transfection. Students will have the opportunity to
apply current recombinant in vitro DNA technology in preparation and expression
of a transgene using a prokaryotic system. Prerequisites: BIOL 111 or 112 and
CHEM 130. (Four credits.)
BIOL 201G. Field Botany
A study of plant associations and the abiotic
conditions that permit their development. The laboratory is concentrated at the
Ecological Field Station with visits to other types of plant habitats. (Four
credits.)
*BIOL 101 and 201 are recommended for non-majors fulfilling the life science
general education requirement. Non-majors may also choose BIOL 111 or BIOL 112
with consent of the instructor.
BIOL 202. Genetics
An introduction to the principles of heredity in both
prokaryotes and eukaryotes, including the contemporary understanding of genes
and gene mechanisms. Laboratory exercises use animals, plants and microorganisms
to elucidate genetic principles. Prerequisites: Junior standing, BIOL 111 or 112
or 200 or consent of the instructor. (Four credits.)
BIOL 203. Comparative Vertebrate Morphology
A comparative and functional study
of vertebrate anatomy from an evolutionary perspective. Taught in alternate
years. Prerequisite: BIOL 111. (Four credits.)
BIOL 204. Human Anatomy and Physiology
A systematic analysis of the structure
and function of the human body. Prerequisite: BIOL 111 or consent of the
instructor. (Four credits.)
BIOL 222. Introduction to Research I
A seminar designed to introduce the
biology major to the scientific literature. Students will learn to search for,
retrieve, summarize, and evaluate primary sources of biological research.
Students will also evaluate proposals and final research presentations of the
research of advanced biology majors. (One credit.)
BIOL 250. Special Topics. (One to four credits.)
BIOL 300. Special Problems
A special course in a laboratory exercise, a field
problem, or readings for the student who wishes to investigate a topic in
biology beyond those normally offered. The particular problem is selected in
consultation with the biology faculty. (One to three credits.)
BIOL 302. Microbiology
A general study of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi and protists), emphasizing morphology, physiology, ecological relationships, and the
nature of disease and its control. Consideration is also given to viruses.
Laboratory sessions provide for experimental demonstration of basic concepts and
forfamiliarization with fundamental microbiological methods. Taught in alternate
years. Prerequisite: BIOL 200. (Four credits.)
BIOL 307. Ecology
An introduction to the principles and concepts that describe
the interactions of living organisms with their environments. Laboratory
sessions involve field study of local flora and fauna and their habitats with
the aim of illustrating fundamental concepts and basic ecological methodology.
Prerequisites: BIOL 111 and 112 and MATH 207. (Four credits.)
BIOL 308. Vertebrate Embryology
A descriptive study of development and
differentiation in vertebrates. Laboratory sessions are balanced between
detailed microscopic examination of vertebrate embryos and experimental study of
growth processes. Taught in alternate years. Prerequisite: BIOL 111. (Four
credits.)
BIOL 315. Field Zoology
Advanced study of the ecological relationships of
animals in their natural environments, particularly as it relates to the
conservation of biological diversity. Lectures focus on systematics,
zoogeography, natural history, and conservation of animals. Labs emphasize: 1)
identification and scientific nomenclature of animals groups with an emphasis on
local and regional fauna, and 2) design and implementation of field experiments
in ecology, which includes a class and individual research topic. Taught in
alternate years. Prerequisite: BIOL 111 and BIOL 112 and Junior standing (or
instructor’s consent). (Four credits.)
BIOL 320. Parasitology
A general study of the biology of parasitism. Lectures
and labs will emphasize systematics and taxonomy of the major groups, complex
life cycles of parasites, behavioral and physiological effects of parasites on
hosts (including humans), and how human modifications of landscapes affect
parasites. Taught in alternate years. Prerequisite: BIOL 111. (Four credits.)
BIOL 322. Introduction to Research II
A seminar designed to introduce the
biology major to planning scientific research. Building on previous knowledge of
scientific literature, students learn how to design experiments and apply
appropriate statistical methods to the results. Students write a proposal for an
independent research project that includes a thorough literature review and
present their proposal orally to faculty and student peers. Prerequisite: BIOL
222. (One credit.)
BIOL 325. Advanced Physiology
Detailed study of human and comparative cellular
and systemic physiology, emphasizing muscle, cardiovascular, neural,
respiratory, renal, and reproductive physiology. Advanced Physiology will build
on fundamental knowledge acquired in BIOL 204. Laboratory exercises will be both
descriptive and experimental. Taught in alternate years. Prerequisite: BIOL 204.
(Four credits.)
BIOL 333. Evolution
Evolution encompasses the synthesis of all of biology from
molecules to ecology. In doing so, evolution addresses the fundamental paradox:
the diversity of living organisms. This course offers an exploration of the
processes of evolutionary change in animals, plants and microbes. Population
genetics, microevolution, speciation, adaptive radiation, and macroevolution
will be addressed. Also, the origin of Homo sapiens will be considered. Taught
in alternate years. Prerequisite BIOL 202. (Three credits.)
BIOL 345. Animal Behavior
A study of the diverse and fascinating range of
animal behavior. How do we explain that in various animals we can observe
infanticide, competition, and polygamy, but also cooperation, altruism, and
monogamy? Using an evolutionary approach, this course will examine both the
proximate mechanisms and ultimate reasons that explain the great variety of
animal behavior as elucidated by animal behaviorists through ingenious
experimentation and patient observation. Taught in alternate years.
Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or BIOL 101 or 111. Cross-listed with PSYC 345. (Three
credits.)BIOL 350. Science Seminar. An introduction to the literature of the
physical and biological sciences, providing the student with the opportunity to
prepare and present reports. Speakers from outside the College are invited to
speak each semester. May be repeated for credit. CR/NC. (One credit.)
BIOL 354. Molecular Biology
An in-depth look at DNA, RNA, and proteins.
Emphasis is placed on the structure and function of nucleic acids and on
DNA-protein interactions. The control of such processes as DNA replication, gene
expression, and protein translation in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic systems
will be addressed. Taught in alternate years. Prerequisite: BIOL 200 or
instructor’s consent. (Three credits.)
BIOL 355. Molecular Biology Laboratory
Molecular biology laboratory is the
companion course to BIOL 354 and will practice concepts taught in the lecture.
Emphasis is on the three principle molecules in molecular biology: DNA, RNA and
proteins. Exercises include Northern and Southern blotting, RT-PCR, DNA
sequencing, and electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Taught in alternate
years. Prerequisite: BIOL 200 or instructor’s consent. (Two credits.)
BIOL 390. Internship in Biological Sciences
An experience designed to allow
students to apply biological theory and concepts to practice in a work
environment within the field of biology. Students are required to complete the
following: a journal maintained during the work experience, an essay summarizing
and integrating the internship experience with prior course work, and a public
oral presentation. (One to three credits.)
BIOL 440. Research I
An individual research project chosen by the student in
consultation with the biology faculty. Includes designing and executing a
research project as well as keeping a detailed laboratory notebook.
Prerequisite: BIOL 322. (Two credits.)BIOL 450. Research II. A continuation of
Research I. Students are expected to finish the research projects they began in
BIOL 440. The main focus of this course will be analyzing and presenting
research results in poster format and in a formal scientific paper. Students
will be further required to serve as mentors to their peers enrolled in Research
I. Prerequisite: BIOL 440. (Two credits.)
BIOL 480. Evolution of Human Behavior
An exploration of the application of
evolutionary theory to explain human behavior, beginning with an overview of the
process of evolution and research in animal and human behavior. Abuses of
neo-Darwinian explanations (e.g. social Darwinism, progressive evolution,
racism, sexism) will be contrasted with the potential benefits of such an
approach to understanding human behavior. Broader philosophical implications of
applying naturalistic explanations to human behavior will be discussed.
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Cross-listed with ISSI 480. Enrollment in BIOL
480 will NOT fulfill the ISSI general education requirement. (Three credits.) |
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IMPORTANT DATES |
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May 7
Last Class Day
May 8
Reading Day
May 9-14
Final Exams
May 18
Commencement
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