Biology

http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/biology/

Acting Chair, 2000-01: Ted Johnson, microbiology, aging, cancer and immunity;

Faculty, 2000-01: Diane Angell, animal ecology, animal behavior and conservation; Eugene Bakko, vertebrate biology, agriculture, conservation; Heidi Chial, molecular and cellular biology, human genetics, cancer genetics; Eric Cole, developmental biology, cell biology and genetics, invertebrate zoology; John Giannini, cell biology, membrane transport associated with plants and fungi; Kimberly Kandl, molecular biology and genetics, cytoskeleton function in yeast; Henry Kermott, zoology, animal behavior; Dan Meinhardt, developmental biology, morphology; Joel Olfelt, plant population genetics and conservation; Lauri Sammartano, molecular genetics, UV-A inactivation and mutagenesis in bacteria and algae; Kathleen Shea, plant evolutionary ecology, restoration ecology, conservation; Mike Swift, aquatic ecology, physiological ecology, toxicology; Charles Umbanhowar, botany/ecology, disturbance ecology of prairies, plant-animal interactions; David Van Wylen, anatomy and physiology, cardiac physiology, myocardial ischemia; Anne Walter, cell physiology, membrane biophysics

From the molecules that are the building blocks of life to the complex interactions between living beings and our environment, biology continues to fascinate the human mind. The Biology Department offers a diverse array of courses and experiences that present fundamental biological principles and processes within the context of being informed, responsible, and compassionate citizens. It provides a broad range of learning opportunities through its course offerings, laboratories, independent study/research, internships, and off-campus study programs at sites including South India, Arizona, Costa Rica, Australia, Bahamas, Galapagos Islands, and Northern Minnesota. Woven into all learning opportunities are hands-on experiences using modern equipment that stimulate critical and independent thinking.

For science majors, the Biology Department offers an exciting slate of challenging and rewarding courses. For the less science-oriented student, it seeks to quench the natural curiosity about how our bodies work and how humans interact with their surroundings by providing several courses designed primarily for non-science majors. These courses, which satisfy the Studies in Natural Sciences requirement of the General Education curriculum, focus on current biological issues and general interest topics in biology.

OVERVIEW OF THE BIOLOGY MAJOR

The ever-broadening nature of biology requires diversely trained and inquisitive biologists. The biology major has the dual mission of introducing students to the information and technological tools of various disciplines of biology while instilling the confidence to critically assess a biological phenomenon and to design and carry out an appropriate experiment. To that end, the biology major provides the necessary content and instrument training to enable students to practice the art of scientific inquiry. Biology majors are encouraged to participate in faculty-based research, off-campus programs in biology, and in departmental seminars and social activities.

REQUIREMENTS OF THE BIOLOGY MAJOR

Students majoring in biology must complete eight biology courses and one year of chemistry courses (Chemistry 121, 123, 126, or 125, 126). The eight biology courses must include: four core courses that emphasize cell/molecular biology (Biology 125), biodiversity and evolution (Biology 126), genetics (Biology 233), and ecology (Biology 261); one course that focuses on the structure/function of a group of multicellular organisms (Biology 242, 247, 248, 251, 252, or 266); one Level III Biology course; two elective biology courses.

The following courses can count as biology electives: Biochemistry (Chemistry 379), Conservation Biology (Environmental Studies 125), Neuroscience (Neuroscience 234), Physiology of Exercise (Physical Education 375), Comparative Psychology (Psychology 382) or other courses as approved by petition to the department. No more than three Level I biology courses, including Biology 125 and 126, can count toward the major.

While programs leading to graduate work are planned on an individual basis, students should have one or two courses in mathematics, two courses in physics, at least four courses in chemistry and a course in statistics.

Students intending to enter graduate or professional school are encouraged to consult with the biology faculty to plan a course of study appropriate for the postgraduate program. Students pursuing a secondary school Science Education Teaching License with a Life Science Specialty must complete the biology major including Biology 123 or 243 as one of their electives. Additional courses are required as specified by the Education Department. Interested students should consult faculty in the Education Department.

The prerequisite for Genetics (Biology 233), Microbiology (Biology 231), and Human Anatomy and Physiology (Biology 243) is Biology 125. All other Level II courses have prerequisites of Biology 125 and 126. Only one Independent Study (Biology 298) or Independent Research (Biology 398) can count toward the major; internships (Biology 294 or 394) do not count toward the major. Biology 294 and 394 can only be taken P/N.

DISTINCTION

The Biology Department honors a limited number of graduating majors with Distinction in Biology. Each spring the faculty will review those eligible for distinction and choose students who best fulfill departmental ideals of excellence, creativity, and interest in biology. Information about the criteria considered in conferring distinction is available in the Biology Department.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Research opportunities are central to the teaching mission of the Biology Department. In addition to Independent Research (Biology 398) and project-based courses, each summer the Biology Department awards several paid research positions to students interested in working with faculty on current research projects. These 10-week positions are supported by outside funding and offer excellent opportunities in both lab and field research.

The Biology Department offers many opportunities for off-campus study. Two semester-long programs, Biology in South India (offered every fall) and Environmental Science in Australia (offered alternating Spring Semesters), are of particular interest to biology students. Other semester/summer programs are available through affiliated institutions or programs (e.g., ACM Oak Ridge Science Semester, ACM Wilderness Field Station, ACM Tropical Field Research, Columbian University Biosphere 2 programs, Superior Studies, marine biology and ecology on Denmark's International Studies Program). In addition, each Interim there are one to three off-campus biology courses offered. Past off-campus Interim courses include Desert Ecology (Arizona), Winter Ecology (Northern Minnesota), Island Biology (Bahamas), Tropical Ecology (Costa Rica), and Equatorial Biology (Galapagos Islands). Students interested in off-campus biology courses should consult the International and Domestic Off-Campus Studies office.

Three concentrations are offered that interface extensively with the Biology Department: the Biomedical Studies concentration, the Molecular Biology concentration and the Environmental Studies concentration. Students interested in these concentrations should consult their respective descriptions in this catalog.

COURSES

121 Biological Science

This course explores contemporary biological issues related to health and the environment with the goal of becoming informed citizens prepared for current biological debates. As students learn the relevant biological principles in lecture and lab, focused class discussions address related issues. Specific topics will include emerging diseases, cardiovascular health, genetics, and environmental dynamics. The course includes lectures plus one two-hour laboratory per week. Taught annually. GE: NST-B, NSL.

123 Human Biology

Contemporary issues in human biology direct the study of how our bodies work. This knowledge is relevant to the decisions required in daily living. Specific topics vary, but may include nutrition, cancer, immune responses, exercise, and reproduction. Learning in this course utilizes lecture, discussion and laboratory formats. The course includes lectures plus one two-hour laboratory per week. Taught annually. GE: NST-B, NSL. 124 The Biology of Women This course examines issues of women's biology including views of the evolving female and biological determinism. Core material covers anatomy, development, the biological basis of gender, reproduction, sexual response, the menstrual cycle and aging, and aspects of women's health such as eating disorders, cancers, and hormonal treatments. Students participate in significant amounts of group work and oral presentation. The course is open to both men and women. Offered during Interim. GE: NST-B.

125 Cellular Biology and Genetics

This foundation course explores major principles of cellular and molecular biology and is a prerequisite for all Level II biology courses. Emphases include the structural and chemical composition of cells, crucial metabolic pathways, fundamentals of cell division, basic genetics and the scientific method. Labs integrate concepts with problem-solving and scientific writing. Students attend lectures plus one 2.5-hour laboratory per week. Taught annually and during Interim. GE: NST-B, NSL.

126 Organismic Biology

Students study the biology of organisms emphasizing the relationship of structure and function within an ecological/evolutionary context. Common requirements of all organisms are contrasted with the diversity of solutions displayed by the myriad of species alive today. Labs investigate form, physiology, and behavior of selected organisms. Students attend lectures plus one 2.5-hour laboratory per week. Taught annually. GE: NST-B, NSL. Prerequisite: Biology 125.

127 Genetics, Evolution and Society

This course is designed as an introduction to molecular biology for non-biology majors. We will learn about molecular biology techniques, the use of molecular biology in medicine, forensics and agriculture. We will discuss human genetic diseases, mutations, DNA cloning, DNA fingerprinting, eugenics, gene therapy, reproductive technologies, fetal tissue research and genetic privacy. Each issue will be addressed on scientific and ethical levels. Offered during Interim. GE: NST-B, NSL.

129 Plants and People

This course considers the interaction of plants and human societies from a botanical perspective. Topics include the development of agriculture and domestication of plants, spices and the spice trade, medicinal properties of plants with an emphasis on Native American uses, plants as drugs and stimulants, weeds, and human impacts on plant biodiversity and distribution. Offered during Interim. GE: NST-B, NSL.

133 Plagues and Pestilence

This course examines infectious diseases of the past and present. Students study diseases in their societal and historical contexts, while emphasizing their biological origins. Topics include the germ theory, microbiology, the immune system, interaction between the environment and disease, the impact of infectious disease on history, and public health measures. This is a non-lab course designed primarily for non-majors. Offered during Interim. GE: NST-B.

134 Behavioral Ecology

In this course, students investigate animal behavior from an evolutionary perspective and explore behavioral patterns ranging from mate selection to specialized worker castes in eusocial insects. Students concentrate on ultimate explanations for behaviors - how behaviors help individuals survive and reproduce. Lectures will be rich with examples of animal behavior within a theoretical context. Hypothesis testing will also be emphasized in lecture and laboratory projects. Offered during Interim. GE: NST-B, NSL.

135 Thinking and Doing Biology

Why do biologists do what they do? How is biology actually done? In "Thinking and Doing Biology" we investigate the reasons biological science is done the way it is today. Students are given the opportunity to design and perform their own experiments while being taught the process of scientific investigation. Offered during Interim. GE: NST-B, NSL.

136 Health Care: A Global Perspective

This course examines the impact of emerging as well as existing health care issues on life in various parts of the world. Students study diseases in global as well as societal context while emphasizing their biological origins. Topics include microbiology, the immune system, interaction between the environment and disease, traditional medicine and modes of health care delivery. Designed primarily for non-majors. Offered during Interim. GE: NST-B.

231 Microbiology

Microbiology examines the morphology, composition, metabolism, and genetics of microorganisms with emphasis on the bacteria and viruses. Students examine the dynamic impact of microbes on humans, the immune response, and the role of microbes in the environment. Students attend lectures plus one three-hour laboratory per week. Taught annually. Prerequisites: Biology 125 and Chemistry 121 or 125.

233 Intermediate Genetics

Genetics examines relationships between genotype and phenotype in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms from classical, molecular, and population perspectives. Lectures cover ideas and technologies contributing to understanding mechanisms of gene transmission and regulation. Laboratories utilize model organisms to investigate classical and molecular modes of inheritance. Students attend lectures plus one three-hour laboratory per week; taught twice a year. Prerequisites: Biology 125 and one semester of chemistry or concurrent registration.

242 Vertebrate Biology

Students focus on the natural history of Upper Midwest vertebrates, and phylogenetic, morphological, and functional relationships of these animals. Laboratories include identification, morphology, and specimen preparation. During field trips, students document bird migrations, amphibian chorusing, and other animal activities. Independent projects explore topics ranging from bluebird nesting behavior to thermal conductivity and insulation in animals. Students attend lectures plus one three-hour laboratory per week. Taught annually. Prerequisites: Biology 125, 126.

243 Human Anatomy and Physiology

Students journey toward greater understanding of one of the most wondrous objects in existence - the human body - through an integrated study of the structure of the body (anatomy) and how organs such as the brain, heart and kidney perform their remarkable functions (physiology). The course is designed primarily for students intending careers in the health sciences. Students attend lectures plus one three-hour laboratory per week. Taught twice a year. Prerequisite: Biology 125.

247 Animal Physiology

This course emphasizes adaptive mechanisms in relation to the environment (i.e., desert kangaroo rat kidneys compared to aquatic beaver kidneys). Systems covered include permeability and transport, osmoregulation, thermoregulation, muscle, neurophysiology, respiration, circulation, digestion, and metabolism. Investigative laboratories enable students to measure numerous physiological parameters in living animals using computers and other equipment. Students attend lectures plus one three-hour laboratory per week. Taught annually. Prerequisites: Biology 125 and 126.

248 Invertebrate Zoology

This course traces the path of invertebrate evolution from single-celled protozoans to the most primitive chordates. Emphasis is placed upon major breakthroughs in design which enable organisms to exploit new ecological habitats. Laboratories are designed to provide students with first-hand lab and field research experiences and use of video-microscopy facilities. Students attend lectures plus one three-hour laboratory per week. Taught annually. Prerequisites: Biology 125 and 126.

250 Cardiac Physiology (off-campus)

This course takes students from the textbook to the research laboratory and clinical arena to appreciate an integrated view of heart disease. After one week of classes at St. Olaf, three weeks are spent at Emory University Medical School in Atlanta working in a cardiac research laboratory and observing clinical procedures such as coronary artery bypass surgery and coronary angioplasty. Offered during Interim. Prerequisite: Biology 243 or 247. Apply through the instructor.

251 Plant Physiology

The course begins with an in-depth look at a plant cell and its physiology, followed by a discussion of whole plant physiology as it relates to cellular functions. Students attend lectures plus one three-hour laboratory per week. Taught annually. Prerequisites: Biology 125 and 126, Chemistry 125 and 126.

252 Plant Morphology and Systematics

Plants are a diverse and important group of organisms. This course considers their evolution, emphasizing the morphology and anatomy of flowering plants. Students learn about basic techniques of data collection and analysis to investigate plant evolution: identifying plants, dissecting and staining plant structures, and using computer-based taxonomic statistics programs. Students attend lectures plus one three-hour laboratory per week. Taught annually. Prerequisites: Biology 125 and 126.

261 Ecological Principles

Ecology focuses on the study of the interrelationships that determine the distribution and abundance of organisms. This course examines organism-environment interactions and the study of populations, communities, and ecosystems. Consideration is given to use of ecological studies in ecosystem management. Students attend lectures plus one 3-hour laboratory per week. Taught twice a year. Prerequisites: Biology 125 and 126.

266 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy

What happened to the dinosaurs? Can some human congenital heart defects be explained by reference to cardiovascular systems of diving turtles? Examining the origin and evolution of vertebrates, comparing morphology across vertebrate taxa, and examining selective factors leading to modern forms is of value to health science students, graduate studies in biology, and people who like dinosaurs. Students attend lectures plus one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Biology 125 and 126.

271/272 and 321/322 Independent Research in India

India offers tremendous opportunities to study ecology, consider ways in which humans practice agriculture and health care. Participants in the Biology in South India Program will have the opportunity to complete two independent research projects in topics related to rural health care, leprosy, agriculture, mountain ecology, and human/wildlife interactions. See Off-Campus Studies for program details. Offered during Fall Semester. Prerequisites: Biology 125, 126.

273 Writing about India (0.25)

Students participating in the Biology in South India program take a writing tutorial focused on preparing their research papers (see Biology 271/272 and 321/322) and reflective writing about their Indian experience. See Off-Campus Studies for program details. Offered during Fall Semester. Prerequisites: Biology 125, 126.

281 Winter Ecology (off-campus)

Offered at the University of Minnesota Biological Field Station at Itasca State Park, Minnesota, this course provides study (lectures, readings, laboratory work, and short field trips followed by extensive independent field research) in a wide range of habitats. The first week is spent on campus and the remaining three weeks are spent at the field station. Offered in 2000 and in alternate years during Interim. Prerequisite: Biology 125 and 126.

282 Desert Biology (off-campus)

Following introductory lectures on campus, the class travels on extended field trips to desert locations in Arizona and adjacent states. The class examines interrelationships of desert plants and animals, their adaptations to the harsh desert environment, and the role of primitive and modern humans in this ecosystem. Offered in 2000 and in alternate years during Interim. Prerequisite: three courses in biology or consent of instructor; apply through instructor.

284 Tropical Ecology (abroad)

This off-campus field-oriented course focuses on the study of interrelationships between organisms and their environment in the tropics. The class stays at field stations in Costa Rican national parks or private reserves with access to rain forest, cloud forest, dry forest, coastal, and agricultural ecosystems. The course includes discussions, lecture, and projects appropriate to each site. Offered during Interim in alternate years. Prerequisites: Biology 125 and 126. Apply through the instructor.

285 Water Resource Management

This course surveys principles of freshwater ecology related to pollution in freshwater resources, including streams, lakes, wetlands, and groundwater. Global patterns of water distribution and use are examined from a management perspective. Using case studies, students examine the effects of water use on water quality. Topics vary year to year but may include wastewater treatment, wetland restoration, sedimentation, and effects of dams. Offered during Interim. Prerequisites: Biology 125 and 126.

287 Island Biology in the Bahamas (abroad)

San Salvador Island is a small Caribbean island boasting a great diversity of marine and terrestrial habitats, including coral reefs, sea grass beds, mangrove forests, hypersaline ponds, limestone caverns, and "blue-holes" connecting inland waterways to the sea. Students study major invertebrate zoology and community ecology within these remarkable habitats. Offered during Interim 2001 and in alternate years. Prerequisites: Biology 125, 126, or permission of instructor. Apply through the instructor.

288 Equatorial Biology (abroad)

Equatorial Biology offers intensive field-biology experiences within three equatorial New World environments: the Amazon rainforest, the Andean cloud forests, and the Galapagos Islands. Preparation for class requires readings from texts and primary literature concerning evolutionary, ecological and environmental issues specific to each of these regions. Three field expeditions alternate with home-base rest days allowing for journaling, readings, assimilation, and discussion. Offered during Interim 2001 and in alternate years. Apply through the instructor.

291 Topics in Biological Research (0.25)

For science majors, learning to read the primary literature found in scientific journals is an important transition from classroom learning to post-graduate endeavors. Students enrolled in this course will read, present, and discuss current scientific papers in a field selected by participating faculty. The goal is to garner sufficient expertise in the particular field to allow critical analysis of the scientific literature. Requires permission of instructor.

294 Internship

Internships are designed to provide career-testing opportunities. Students interested in an internship should consult with the Academic Internships office, enlist a faculty sponsor, and complete an Internship application.

298 Independent Study

Independent Study allows students to study in an area not covered in the regular biology course offerings. The student undertakes substantial independent study in a defined biological field, meets regularly with faculty supervisor, and prepares some form of presentation of the material learned. The student must obtain permission of supervisor and complete an Independent Study form.

341 Cell Physiology

The cell is the fundamental unit of life, capable of growth, motility, signal transduction and functional specialization. Students study features common to cells: metabolism, membrane transport, motility, signal mechanisms, and intracellular trafficking, seeing how these are elaborated in cells with particular specializations. Research techniques suitable for cell physiology are emphasized. Students attend lectures plus one 3-hour laboratory per week. Taught annually. Prerequisites: Biology 125, 126, Chemistry 125, 126.

364 Molecular Biology

Molecular biology techniques are bringing about a revolution in understanding living organisms. Students study the structure and function of macromolecules, methods currently used to clone and analyze genes, and new insights into basic biological processes which these methods provide. The course uses lecture and discussion topics with one project-oriented three-hour laboratory per week. Taught annually. Prerequisites: Biology 125 and 126 and either Biology 231 or 233.

371 Field Ecology

This course focuses on learning modern field and laboratory methods to test ecological hypotheses. Students work on group and individual projects to collect and analyze data and give oral and written presentations on projects. Class periods focus on discussion of primary literature and project results. Class trips include visits to local natural areas. Students attend lectures plus one four-hour laboratory per week. Taught annually. GE: ORC. Prerequisites: Biology 125, 126, and 261.

372 Developmental Biology

The last decade has unveiled the mechanism by which a single cell gives rise to an embryo rich in pattern and cellular diversity. This course traces the use of surgical, genetic, and molecular techniques of uncovering developmental blueprints encoding the universal body plan fundamental to all metazoan life. Students attend lectures plus one three-hour laboratory per week. Taught annually. Prerequisites: Biology 125, 126 and 233.

382 Immunology

Immunology focuses on the structure, development, and function of the immune system. The course explores the molecular and cellular basis of the immune responses. The application of immunological principles to allergy, autoimmunity, AIDS, transplantation, and cancer will be included. Students attend lectures plus one three-hour laboratory period or a two-hour discussion per week. Taught annually. Prerequisites: Biology 125, 126 and 233; Chemistry 122 or 247.

383 Evolution

The idea of evolution forms the foundation for all modern biological thought. This course will examine the processes of evolution in detail (selection, genetic drift, mutation, migration) and study the methods by which biologists reconstruct the history of life on the planet. Advanced topics will be explored through reading and discussion of journal articles. The social and historical context of evolutionary theory will be discussed. GE: ORC. Prerequisites: Biology 125, 126, and 233 or 261.

385 Neuroscience Seminar

From tiny ion channels to the basis for learning, neuroscience is a rapidly developing area. Using texts, reviews and current literature, students examine in depth the fundamental unit of the nervous system, the neuron. The goals are to understand how neurons accomplish their unique functions: electrical signaling, synaptic transmission and directed growth and remodeling. Prerequisites: Biology 125 and progress towards a major in any of the natural sciences. GE: ORC.

391 Selected Topics

Specific topics announced prior to each term are based on student interests and available staff. In 1997-1998, selected topics in Evolution and in Stress Biology were offered. Class work includes comprehensive review of literature on a specific topic. Class meetings present topics in discussion format. Prerequisites: Biology 125, 126, and junior or senior standing.

394 Internship

Biology 394 is for students who have completed one internship (Biology 294) and wish to perform a second internship. Students interested in an internship should consult with the Academic Internships office, locate a faculty sponsor, and complete an Internship form.

398 Independent Research

Independent Research is offered for students dedicated to an in-depth research experience. In conjunction with a faculty supervisor, students conceive and perform a research project leading to the writing of a major research paper and a poster presentation. Independent research requires permission of a supervisor, a secondary faculty reader of the paper, and completion of Independent Research form.