BIOLOGY COURSE
DESCRIPTIONS

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

BIOLOGY

Biology Department @ Colgate University

Biology Course Descriptions - 300 Level

Contents

• 311 Comparative Environmental Physiology

• 320 Introduction to Phycology and Aquatic Macrophytes

• 321 Molecular Analysis

• 324 Developmental Biology

• 330  Conservation Biology

• 335 Limnology

• 352 Animal Evolution

• 373 Virology

• 381 Human Physiology

• 384 Fundamentals of Neurophysiology

• 391 Independent Studies

311  Comparative Environmental Physiology
        T. McCay, N. Pruitt
This course introduces students to the physiological mechanisms that enable animals to survive in their natural environments. The fundamental approaches of the course are comparative and evolutionary. Subject matter includes energy metabolism, temperature tolerance and regulation, gas exchange, circulation, water and osmotic regulation, movement and biomechanics, and endocrine and nervous controls. General principles of animal physiology also are explored using organisms with adaptations to extreme environments. The laboratory involves hypothesis-guided experimentation with quantitative analysis of data. 

 Prerequisite: BIOL 211 and BIOL 212.
 

320 Introduction to Phycology and Aquatic Macrophytes
        R. Hoham
This course introduces students to aquatic microbiology and botany using algae and aquatic macrophytes as indicators of water quality. Field trips are taken to local lakes, streams, and bogs; one trip is to the Adirondacks. Field and laboratory work includes use of instruments, sampling and collecting, and quantification and qualification of algae and macrophytes. The research project requires a formal scientific paper. An oral presentation is required on a topic of the student’s choice. This course is designed for students interested in ecology, botany, and environmental studies in freshwater or marine ecosystems. Lectures and laboratories.

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

321 Molecular Analysis
        B. Hoopes, M. Kainz
This course introduces students to the molecular approaches used to study fundamental processes in biology. Lectures focus on understanding the use of techniques for cloning, analyzing, and manipulating genes in the study of biological problems. The laboratory is an investigative project that uses many of the techniques discussed in lecture. Lectures and laboratories.

Prerequisite: BIOL 212.

324 Developmental Biology
        K. Belanger
This course examines fundamental processes in animal and plant development, including fertilization, the establishment of embryonic polarity, the determination of cell fate in the early embryo, and the mechanisms by which cells generate the specific organizational pattern of a developing embryo. Additionally, potential medical applications resulting from the study of developmental biology are considered. Emphasis is on understanding experimental systems (including sea urchins, fruit flies, frogs, and mice) and approaches (molecular genetics, biochemistry, and classical embryonic manipulations). Laboratory projects and oral presentations of current literature are required.

Prerequisite: BIOL 212.

330  Conservation Biology
        T. McCay
The widespread loss of species and concerns over how to maintain maximum genetic variability in populations are at the heart of this course. Topics include biological diversity, its measurement, and differences in diversity among habitats. The course also considers threats to biological diversity such as habitat destruction, exotic species introductions, pollution, environmental variability, and catastrophic events. This information is used to consider various conservation strategies and sustainable development.

Prerequisite: BIOL 211 or permission of instructor. Offered in alternate years with BIOL 335.

335 Limnology
        R. Fuller
This course is an introduction to freshwater ecology, including the study of the effects of physical, chemical, and geographical factors on the structure and function of freshwater biotic communities. The effects of human activities on water quality are also examined. There are field trips to local lakes, streams, and water and wastewater facilities. Laboratories develop skills in water and wastewater chemistry; sampling, identification and quantification of algae, aquatic plants, and animals; and the quantitative presentation of data. A small-scale research project is required.

Prerequisite: BIOL 211 or ENST 100. This course is not recommended for first-year students, except by permission of instructor. Offered in alternate years with BIOL 330.

352 Animal Evolution
        D. McHugh
This seminar involves critical discussions of recent advances in developmental biology, paleontology, molecular systematics, and comparative morphology that are challenging traditional views of animal evolution. Topics include the genetic basis for changes in animal body plans, the phylogeny of invertebrate groups based on analyses of molecular and morphological data, the evolution of social behaviour, and the possibility that the Cambrian explosion was one of fossils not taxa. In addition to reading and discussing primary literature, students are required to provide written critiques of the papers they read and to give oral presentations.

Prerequisite: BIOL 211 or GEOL 315, or permission of instructor.
 

373 Virology
        M. Kainz
This course is an in depth examination of the biology of viruses.  Discussions of replication strategies used by specific viruses serves as the basis for understanding virus-host interaction and pathogenicity by particular viruses.  Other topics include virus particle structure, vector relations, and viral genetics.  Critical reading of the primary virological literature is an important element of the course. 

Prerequisite: BIOL 212.

381 Human Physiology
        N. Pruitt
This course examines the relationship between structure and function in the human body, starting at the level of molecules and cells, and moving through tissues, organs, and organ systems. Major topics include the endocrine, nervous, and cardiovascular systems; respiratory and digestive physiology; and water, salt, and pH balance in the body. Laboratory exercises use computer-aided data acquisition to study the physiology and organ system function in living organisms. Three lectures and one laboratory per week.

Prerequisite: BIOL 212 or permission of instructor.
 

384 Fundamentals of Neurophysiology
        A.J. Tierney
This seminar and laboratory course examines the physiology of the nervous system. Lecture and class discussion topics include ion channel structure and function, synaptic transmission, second messenger systems, neuromodulation, the neurophysiological basis of behavior in “simple” animals, the evolution of neural circuits, the cellular basis of learning and memory, and the cellular basis of selected human nervous system diseases. Laboratory exercises teach dissection and electrophysiological recording techniques.

Prerequisites: BIOL  212 or its equivalent or PSYC 170, or permission of instructor. This course is also listed as NEUR 384 and PSYC 384.

391 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.