BIOLOGY COURSE
DESCRIPTIONS

100 Level Courses
200 Level Courses
300 Level Courses
400 Level Courses

BIOLOGY

Biology Course Descriptions - 200 Level

Contents

• 211 Evolution, Ecology and Diversity
• 212 Molecules, Cells, and Genes
• 215 Biology of Plants
• 220 Biostatistics
• 225 Plant Evolution
• 252 Biology of Insects
• 254 Invertebrate Zoology
• 255 Vertebrate Zoology
• 273 Microbiology
• 291 Independent Studies

211 Evolution, Ecology and Diversity
        F. Frey, R. Fuller, R. Hoham, D. McHugh and T. McCay
This course concentrates on the evolutionary biology of organisms and the ecological processes that influence the distribution and abundance of plants and animals, as well as their interactions. The history of biological diversification (including the origin of life; the evolution of prokaryotes and eukaryotes; and the invasion of land by plants, fungi, and animals) will be discussed. In addition, the mechanisms of evolution, including natural selection, adaptation, and extinction, are studied. Topics in population ecology as they relate to evolutionary processes including physiological and behavioral ecology, population growth, and species interactions (e.g., competition, predation, mutualism, etc.) are also covered; and there will be a strong focus on the physical, chemical, and biological factors that affect populations. Projects in the laboratory and field include experiments designed to understand evolutionary principles and to test ecological hypotheses. Lectures and laboratory.

212 Molecules, Cells, and Genes
        K. Belanger, J. Buboltz, B. Hoopes, M. Kainz and N. Pruitt
At the level of molecules and cells, the different forms of life on Earth are surprisingly similar. This course introduces aspects of life at the cellular and molecular level that are broadly applicable to all living things. The course begins by examining the basic chemistry of life. Building on this chemical foundation we develop an appreciation for cellular structure, the central role of cellular membranes, cellular energetics, and cell growth and reproduction. Special emphasis is placed on proteins and nucleic acids as the informational macromolecules, and how cells use these molecules to encode and express a genetic program. Mechanisms of inheritance and the variation of genes within and between populations are examined from both a classical and a modern molecular perspective. Laboratories feature experimental approaches in both modern cell biology and genetics. Lectures and laboratory.

Prerequisite: CHEM 102 or 111 or permission of instructor.

215 Biology of Plants
        Staff
The course material covers organisms in three kingdoms: Protista, Fungi, and Plantae. Topics include cell structure, reproduction, transport, and metabolism. There is an emphasis on photosynthesis, diversity and evolution in fungi, protists, and land plants. Features of seed plant morphology, anatomy, translocation of water and minerals, gas exchange, and reproduction are discussed. Three lectures and one laboratory per week.

Prerequisite: BIOL  211 or its equivalent or satisfactory completion of the department placement exam.

220 Biostatistics
        F. Frey, T. McCay
This course explores issues of experimental design, data collection methods, and principles of statistics as they apply to biology. Topics include: samples and populations; tests for goodness of fit of frequency data to those expected on the basis of theory; hypotheses about samples drawn from normally-distributed populations; the binomial and Poisson distributions; analyses of variance; correlation analysis; linear and nonlinear regression analysis; and elementary statistical modeling.  Students learn computer software applications for the analysis and graphing of data.  Course material is beneficial to students planning to take a research tutorial.  Concentrators in fields other than biology are encouraged to enroll, but should first consult with the instructor.  The course should count as one of the two courses required in mathematics for students interested in the health science professions or graduate school in the sciences.  Lectures and weekly laboratory session. 

Prerequisite: One biology course or permission of instructor.

225 Plant Evolution
        R. Hoham
This course emphasizes eukaryotic photosynthetic protists and plants. Evolutionary changes and phylogenetic relationships are examined using cytological and structural features, life histories and reproductive strategies, symbioses, electron micrographs, molecular phylogenies, historical geology and plate tectonics, fossils and paleoecology, plant-animal interactions, ecology, and competition. Organisms studied include cyanobacteria, photosynthetic algae, spore-producing land plants, and seed plants. Lectures and class discussions are supported with visual modules. Lectures, discussions, and laboratories. A short review paper and presentation are required.

Prerequisite: BIOL  211 or its equivalent or permission of instructor.
 

252  Biology of Insects
        V. McMillan
This course is a survey of the major groups of insects. Emphasis is on basic taxonomy, morphology, anatomy, physiology, behavior, ecology, and evolutionary relationships. Other topics include the role of insects as agricultural pests, food sources, tools in criminal investigations, and vectors of malaria and other diseases. Lectures are supplemented by weekly laboratories involving close study of selected preserved and living insects, as well as local field trips. A review paper, short class presentation, and an insect collection are required of each student.

Prerequisite: BIOL 211 or permission of instructor.
 

254 Invertebrate Zoology
        V. McMillan
This course covers the biology of the major invertebrate phyla. Attention is given to the phylogenetic relationships, classification, morphology, development, comparative physiology, medical importance, and ecology of representative invertebrates. Laboratories include field collections of local freshwater and terrestrial invertebrates, as well as the study of major groups of marine invertebrates. An insect collection is also required.

Prerequisite: BIOL 211 or permission of instructor.

255 Vertebrate Zoology
        J. Novak
This course has an evolutionary theme and investigates the diversity of vertebrate animal life. Emphasis is on evolutionary origins and phylogenetic relationships, basic structure and function at the organismal level, development and reproduction, behavior, zoogeography, and interrelationships with the environment. The major vertebrate animal groups are studied, including local species. Each student is required to conduct an independent field research project. Three lectures and one laboratory per week.

Prerequisite: BIOL 211 or its equivalent or permission of instructor.
 

273  Microbiology
        M. Kainz
This course examines the diversity of microbes in nature and their importance in human affairs from disease to agriculture. It also examines the characteristics of individual microorganisms that enable them to inhabit a particular environment. Projects in the laboratory include identification of microbes and experiments aimed at understanding their growth, physiology, and genetics.

Prerequisite: BIOL 211 or 212.

291 Independent Studies
        Staff
Students concentrating in biology may, with approval of the department, pursue special problems involving independent, advanced training in areas not adequately covered by formal course work.