Biology (BIOL)
Chair: Professor Mark McKone
Professors: Mark McKone, Susan R. Singer, John L. Tymoczko, Gary E. Wagenbach
Associate Professor: Stephan G. Zweifel
Assistant Professors: Philip Camill III, Fernán Jaramillo, Matthew S. Rand, Debby R. Walser-Kuntz
Visiting Assistant Professors: Norris A. Armstrong, Rebecca A. R. Bryant, Pamela Middleton
Adjunct Instructor: Sarah Deel
Adjunct 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 molecular and cellular structure, physiology, heredity, development, evolution, and ecological interactions. Biologists pursue courses in 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. This program of study will also serve students interested in biology for purposes of general education.
Requirements for a Major:
Nine courses in biology (one of these nine courses must emphasize data interpretation and analysis of the primary literature: Biology 340, 344, 361/2, 384 and junior/senior seminars):
1. Biology 123 and 124 in sequence (majors are required to complete Biology 123 and 124, with a grade of "C-" or better before taking any other courses in the department)
2. One course from each of the following groups including their laboratories where listed separately:
a. Organismal/Physiological (Biology 232, 234, 236, 238, 242, 245, 330, 359/360, 386)
b. Evolution/Ecology (Biology 250, 252/3, 350, 352/3, 356/357, 361/2)
c. Genetics/Development (Biology 240/1, 340, 342/3, 344/5)
d. Cell/Molecular (Biology 280/1, 310/311, 380/1, 382/3, 384)
3. Two electives, which may include a six-credit independent study, a junior/senior seminar, Biology 212, or any of the courses listed above
4. Integrative Exercise (Biology 400 two terms).
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. 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 (1) Physics 112; or Physics 113 and 115; or Physics 114 and 115; or Physics 126; or Mathematics 215; and (2) Chemistry 123 or 128; and (3) Chemistry 230 or 233/234. The need for additional courses in allied sciences and mathematics will vary with the professional plans of the student.
Biology Courses
BIOL 112. Biology of Conservation Cross-listed with ENTS 112. 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. This course will explore the biological principles that are important in the attempts to conserve species. Topics will include global patterns of species diversity, 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 cr., MS, Not offered in 2000-2001.
BIOL 123. Introductory Biology I: 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. 6 credits cr., MS, Fall,Winter—D. Walser-Kuntz, S. Singer, J. Tymoczko, S. Zweifel
BIOL 124. Introductory Biology II: 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. Prerequisite: Biology 123. 6 credits cr., MS, Winter,Spring—F. Jaramillo, M. McKone, P. Camill, M. Rand
BIOL 190. Global Change Biology Cross-listed with ENTS 189. A broad survey of human impacts on the biosphere and climate, including policy development to mitigate such change. Human-caused global changes are examined within the context of natural changes throughout Earth history. Topics include the problem of human population growth, climate change and global warming, vegetation responses to changing climate, effects of rising CO2 on ecosystems, pollution effects on the atmosphere and ecosystems, extinction and the loss of biodiversity, invasive species, creating parks and preserves, and ecosystem valuation and global environmental treaties. Does not count toward the Biology major. 6 credits cr., MS, Winter—P. Camill
BIOL 211. Plant Taxonomy and Identification This lab and field class focuses on the systematics of local vascular plants. There will be coverage of techniques for field collection, identification with taxonomic keys, and museum quality preservation of local plants. Particular emphasis will be placed on learning about ecologically dominant plants from a variety of local habitats, in the Arb and beyond. Prerequisite: Biology 124. 3 credits cr., MS, Not offered in 2000-2001.
BIOL 212. Marine Biology Program: 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. 6 credits cr., MS, Offered in alternate years. Not offered in 2000-2001.
BIOL 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 123 and 124. 6 credits cr., MS, Winter—G. Wagenbach
BIOL 234. Microbiology A study of the metabolism, genetics, structure and function of microorganisms. 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 123 and 124. 6 credits cr., MS, Offered in alternate years. Spring—D. Walser-Kuntz
BIOL 235. Microbiology Laboratory 2 credits cr., ND, Spring—D. Walser-Kuntz
BIOL 236. Plant Biology An exploration of structure-function relationships in plants from physiological, morphological, anatomical and evolutionary perspectives. The laboratory will focus on experimental approaches to current questions in plant biology. Prerequisites: Biology 123 and 124. 6 credits cr., MS, Not offered in 2000-2001.
BIOL 238. Entomology Insects are one of the most successful groups of organisms on the planet, playing major roles in all terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. This class will focus on the biology of insects, including physiology, endocrinology, development, behavior, and ecology. Prerequisites: Biology 123 and 124. Concurrent registration in Biology 239 required. 6 credits cr., MS, Offered in alternate years. Not offered in 2000-2001.
BIOL 239. Entomology Laboratory Field and laboratory investigation of living insects. Synoptic examination of the major orders of insects, including evolution of different groups, physiology, structure, and identification. Field labs will focus on insect ecology and collection techniques for making a comprehensive insect collection. 2 credits cr., ND, Offered in alternate years. Not offered in 2000-2001.
BIOL 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. Prerequisites: Biology 123 and 124 or permission of the instructor. 6 credits cr., MS, Fall,Spring—N. Armstrong, S. Zweifel
BIOL 241. Genetics Laboratory 2 credits cr., ND, Fall,Spring—Staff, S. Zweifel
BIOL 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 123 and 124. 6 credits cr., MS, Offered in alternate years. Not offered in 2000-2001.
BIOL 246. Animal Behavior Laboratory ND, Offered in alternate years, not offered in 2000-2001. 2 credits cr., Not offered in 2000-2001.
BIOL 250. Marine Biology Program: 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. Prerequisites: Biology 123 and 124. 6 credits cr., MS, Offered in alternate years. Not offered in 2000-2001.
BIOL 252. Aquatic Biology Cross-listed with ENTS 252. 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 123 and 124. 6 credits cr., MS, Spring—G. Wagenbach
BIOL 253. Aquatic Biology Laboratory Cross-listed with ENTS 253. An investigation of a local aquatic system and marsh community. Sampling techniques and data analysis are the main focus of the laboratory. Concurrent registration in Biology 252 required. 2 credits cr., ND, Spring—G. Wagenbach
BIOL 260. Visiting Speakers Seminar Meets up to 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 cr., S/CR/NC, ND, Fall,Winter,Spring—Staff
BIOL 280. Cell Biology An examination of the structures and processes that underlie the life of cells, both prokaryotic and eukaryotic. Topics to be covered include energy capture, storage, and utilization; cellular reproduction; organelles, membranes, and other cellular components; and cell-cell communication. Prerequisites: Biology 123 and 124. 6 credits cr., MS, Spring—F. Jaramillo
BIOL 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 cr., ND, Spring—F. Jaramillo
BIOL 295. Sustainable Agriculture Cross-listed with ENTS 295. 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. 6 credits cr., ND, Offered in alternate years. Winter—D. Hougen-Eitzman
BIOL 301. Sexed Bodies/Sexed Science? Cross-listed with WMST 395. . The notion that gender is a social construct no longer sounds like the radical proposition it was twenty years ago. The case is not the same, however, with the proposition that biological sex and human sexuality, like gender, are to some degree social constructs. This course critically examines this proposition by analyzing its roots in feminist and gender studies. We will begin the course by examining the biology of sexual difference and sexual behavior. We will then go on to explore contemporary feminist challenges that question the nature of scientific knowledge. 6 credits cr., ND, Spring—M. Rand, J. Manion
BIOL 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 in antigen presentation, cellular immunity, immunodeficiencies, and the use of monoclonal antibodies as tools in research and medicine. Prerequisites: Biology 123 and 124. Biology 280 is strongly recommended. 6 credits cr., MS, Winter—D. Walser-Kuntz
BIOL 311. Immunology Laboratory 2 credits cr., ND, Winter—D. Walser-Kuntz
BIOL 330. Animal Physiology An analysis of the mechanisms underlying physiological systems of animals employing principles of biology and chemistry. Topics include gas exchange, energy use, temperature regulation, ion and osmoregulation, reproduction, information processing and control of effectors. Associated laboratory will emphasize experimentation and application of concepts in living organisms, including ourselves. Prerequisites: Biology 123 and 124. At least one 200-level Biology course recommended. 6 credits cr., MS, Winter—M. Rand
BIOL 331. Animal Physiology Laboratory 2 credits cr., ND, Winter—M. Rand
BIOL 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 123 and 124. 6 credits cr., MS, Not offered in 2000-2001.
BIOL 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 key processes of animal embryogenesis, as well as the 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 123 and 124. 6 credits cr., MS, Winter—N. Armstrong
BIOL 343. Animal Developmental Biology Laboratory 2 credits cr., ND, Not offered in 2000-2001.
BIOL 344. Plant Development A study of the development of form and function in vascular plants. Topics including embryogenesis, meristem function, leaf morphogenesis, and reproduction 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 evolution of developmental pathways. Prerequisites: Biology 123 and 124. 6 credits cr., MS, Not offered in 2000-2001.
BIOL 345. Plant Development Laboratory Laboratories will introduce students to techniques used to investigate plant development including plant tissue culture, transgenic plant construction, plant genetics, image analysis, and use of the scanning electron microscope. 2 credits cr., ND, Not offered in 2000-2001.
BIOL 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 123 and 124. 6 credits cr., MS, Winter—M. McKone
BIOL 352. Population Ecology An investigation of the properties of populations and communities. Topics include population growth and regulation, life tables, interspecific and intraspecific competition, predation, parasitism, mutualism, the nature of communities, and biogeography. Prerequisites: Biology 123 and 124; Mathematics 111. Recommended course: Mathematics 215, Psychology 124 or equivalent exposure to statistical analysis. Concurrent registration in Biology 353 required. 6 credits cr., MS, Spring—M. McKone
BIOL 353. Population Ecology Laboratory 2 credits cr., ND, Spring—M. McKone
BIOL 356. Ecosystem Ecology An analysis of the structure and function of ecosystems. This course focuses on methods and questions that scientists use to examine ecosystems at local and landscape scales with perspectives at the global level. Topics include energy flow, succession and ecosystem development, soil development primary production and decomposition, microbial ecology and nutrient transformations, element cycles, the water cycle, wetlands/rivers/lakes, global change and the effects on ecosystems and element cycles, and using modeling to synthesize and predict ecosystem dynamics. Prerequisites: Biology 123 and 124; and general chemistry. Recommended courses: Mathematics 111 or equivalent exposure to calculus. Concurrent registration in Biology 357 is required. 6 credits cr., MS, Fall—P. Camill
BIOL 357. Ecosystem Ecology Laboratory 2 credits cr., ND, Fall—P. Camill
BIOL 359. Plant Physiological Ecology This course examines plant physiological mechanisms to explain ecological patterns. Topics include physiological tolerances and species distributions, nutrient uptake and allocation, water and nutrient use efficiency, photosynthesis, carbon allocation, acclimation, responses to light, UV, and CO2, plant competition, scaling, and adaptations in North American plant communities. Emphasis is placed on testing hypotheses and investigative field studies. Prerequisites: Biology 123 and 124; Mathematics 111. Recommended courses: Biology 352, Mathematics 215, Psychology 124 or equivalent exposure to statistical analysis. Concurrent registration in Biology 360 is required. 6 credits cr., MS, Offered in alternate years. Spring—P. Camill
BIOL 360. Plant Physiological Ecology Lab ND, Spring and in alternate years -- 2 credits cr., Not offered in 2000-2001.
BIOL 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 and permission of the instructor. 6 credits cr., MS, Offered in alternate years. Fall—M. McKone
BIOL 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 and permission of the instructor. Does not count toward the Biology major. 6 credits cr., MS, Offered in alternate years. Winter—M. McKone
BIOL 365. Seminar: Selected Topics in Neurobiology MS, Offered in alternate years, not offered in 2000-2001. 6 credits cr., Not offered in 2000-2001.
BIOL 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 cr., MS, Not offered in 2000-2001.
BIOL 369. Seminar: Selected Topics in Parasitism and Mutualism An examination of the wide array of interactions between host and associating organisms and their importance in biology and medicine. Probably every organism on earth has one or more virus, bacterial, protist, animal, fungal or plant associates. Some cause disease (e.g. malaria), others change behavior of the host, etc. Detailed examination of selected examples through primary literature, discussion, and writing. Prerequisites: Biology 123 and 124. 6 credits cr., MS, Winter—G. Wagenbach
BIOL 370. Seminar: Selected Topics in Virology An examination of selected animal viruses. The course will focus on the most recent developments in HIV-related research, including implications for HIV-treatment and vaccines and the impact of viral infection on the immune system of the host. In addition to studying the structure and replication of particular viruses we will also discuss the current laboratory techniques used in viral research. Prerequisites: Biology 123 and 124. 6 credits cr., MS, Offered in alternate years. Not offered in 2000-2001.
BIOL 372. Seminar: Selected Topics in Exercise Biochemistry An examination of how basic biochemical and physiological systems respond to the demands of exercise, and how they are modified in response to training. Prerequisite: Biology 330 or 380. 6 credits cr., MS, Spring—J. Tymoczko
BIOL 375. Seminar: Selected Topics in Paleoecology In this seminar, students examine current primary literature in paleoclimatology and paleoecology to learn how a long temporal perspective aids in the study of ecology. Topics include glacial cycles, ocean circulation, vegetation migration, dendroecology, paleoclimatic proxies, and the methodology of conducting paleoecological studies. In-class research includes coring a lake and analyzing fossil pollen and charcoal, reconstructing aridity and precipitation using tree rings, and using international pollen databases. Prerequisites: Biology 123 and 124 or Geology 110. Recommended courses: exposure to some community and ecosystem ecology. 6 credits cr., MS, Offered in alternate years. Not offered in 2000-2001.
BIOL 376. Seminar: Selected Topics in Behavioral Endocrinology If it is adaptive for a particular behavior to be exhibited at an appropriate time and in a meaningful context, then we might expect hormonal signaling to play a key role in behavioral regulation. How much of the variability in male and female behavioral patterns is mediated by differences in sex steroid levels? Do seasonal cycles of depression occur in people? These are a few of the questions that may be explored as we come to understand the physiological mediation of behavior. Prerequisites: Biology 123 and 124. 6 credits cr., MS, Not offered in 2000-2001.
BIOL 379. Seminar: Behavioral Genetics Recent advances in molecular biology have allowed researchers to test specific hypotheses concerning the genetic control of behavior. This course will examine information derived from various animal model systems, including humans, using a variety of techniques such as classical genetics, genome databases, transgenics, and behavioral neurobiology. Prerequisite: Biology 240. 6 credits cr., MS, Fall—M. Rand, S. Zweifel
BIOL 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 124 or permission of the instructor; Chemistry 233 and 234. 6 credits cr., MS, Fall—Staff
BIOL 381. Biochemistry Laboratory 2 credits cr., ND, Fall—Staff
BIOL 382. Molecular Biology The molecular basis of the structure, replication, stable inheritance, and expression of genetic material illustrated with examples from the primary literature. Topics include: DNA replication and recombination, chromosome stability, DNA mutation and repair, regulation of gene expresion, methods of gene identification, and the impact of recombinant DNA technology on human genetics. Laboratory will focus on current techniques in molecular biology including: gene cloning, genome databases, DNA finger printing, DNA sequencing, and the polymerase chain reaction. Prerequisite: Biology 240. Chemistry 233 recommended. Concurrent registration in Biology 383 required. 6 credits cr., MS, Spring—N. Armstrong
BIOL 383. Molecular Biology Laboratory 2 credits cr., ND, Spring—N. Armstrong
BIOL 384. Oncogenes and the Molecular Biology of Cancer An investigation of the biochemical, molecular and cellular processes that result in the transformation of normal cells into cancer cells will be undertaken. An analytical approach, based on the primary literature, will be used and emphasis will be placed on critical evaluation of experimental design and data-interpretation. Prerequisites: Biology 240 or 380. 6 credits cr., MS, Winter—Staff
BIOL 386. Neurobiology An analysis of the biology of neurons and the nervous system. Topics include the molecular basis of electrical excitability in neurons, transfer of information across synapses, mechanisms of sensation, learning, memory, and behavior. Prerequisites: Biology 123 and 124. 6 credits cr., MS, Fall—Staff
BIOL 387. Neurobiology Laboratory 2 credits cr., ND, Fall—Staff
BIOL 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 cr., S/NC, ND, Fall,Winter,Spring—Staff