Biology

Overview

The biology major is designed to insure that students are introduced to the various disciplines of biology including molecular, cell, developmental, organismal, population, and ecosystem biology. Laboratory experiences with each course give students the opportunity to work on projects and learn basic methods of biological research. Students are encouraged to participate in undergraduate research with a faculty member, in off-campus semester or interim programs in biology, and in departmental activities.

About 10 per cent of the graduating seniors each year are Biology majors and nearly half of these students go on to professional or graduate school. Our majors find employment in a variety of areas, from the health sciences to environmental sciences in government, industrial, and academic settings. Other areas of employment include scientific writing and teaching secondary school science.

Distribution Credit

General Education Credit

Prerequisites

Requirements for the Majors

Requirements for a Graduation Major

Requirements for a Teaching Major in Life Sciences

Requirements for Molecular Biology Concentration

Recommendations for Graduate and Professional Study

Special Programs

See references in the Index for Biology in South India, Environmental Studies in Australia, Oak Ridge Science Semester, Wilderness Field Station, and the Tropical Field Research programs.

Summer Research

Each summer the department awards a number of paid research positions to students interested in working with faculty on current research projects. These ten-week positions are supported by outside funding and offer opportunities in both lab and field research.

Courses

121 Biological Science

We will explore contemporary issues in health and the environment from the perspective of the biologist. Our goals are to become sufficiently well-versed in exploring biological issues to be informed citizens. Students will use lab experiences, a textbook, news articles, the Internet, and other sources to learn the relevant anatomy, physiology, microbiology, ecology, and evolution. Specific topics will vary but could include exercise, emerging diseases, cardiovascular health, diet, endangered species, population dynamics, or urban biology. Lecture plus one two-hour laboratory per week.

123 Human Biology

This course is an introduction to the organ systems of the human body, their composition, and how they relate to one another. Students will discover ways to take responsibility for a healthy lifestyle and better understand the impact human choices have on their bodies and the environment. The course is designed for non-science majors. High school chemistry is strongly recommended. Lecture plus one two-hour laboratory per week.

125 Cellular Biology and Genetics

This foundation course explores the major principles of cellular biology and genetics on which all life is based. It is an introduction to and prerequisite for all Level ll biology courses. Major emphases include the structure and composition of cells, crucial metabolic pathways like respiration and photosynthesis, fundamentals of cell division, heredity, and the function of DNA. Lectures stress an understanding of critical process and the scientific method. Laboratory exercises integrate concepts with problem-solving and scientific writing in an investigative framework. Lecture plus one two-hour laboratory per week.

126 Organismic Biology

This course introduces students to the biology of organisms with emphasis on the relationship of structure and function within an ecological and evolutionary context. Common needs of all organisms -- for example energy and reproduction -- are contrasted with the diversity of solutions displayed by the myriad of species alive today. Labs allow students to experimentally investigate the form, physiology, and behavior of selected organisms. Lecture plus one two and one-half hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: Biology 125.

231 Microbiology

Microbiology examines the morphology, metabolism, and genetics of microorganisms with emphasis on the bacteria and viruses. The course will examine the impact of microbes on humans, the immune response, and the role of microbes in the environment. Lecture plus one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Biology 125 and Chemistry 121 or 125.

233 Intermediate Genetics

This course emphasizes the fundamental relationship between genotype and phenotype in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms from classical, molecular, and population perspectives. Lectures cover the development of ideas and technologies that have contributed to our understanding of mechanisms of gene transmission and regulation. Laboratory exercises utilize several model organisms to investigate classical and molecular modes of inheritance. Lecture plus one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: Biology 125 and 126, and one semester of chemistry or concurrent registration.

241 Cell Physiology

Cell physiology addresses processes that are sufficient to sustain life in unicellular organisms and that form the basis for the physiology of multicellular organisms. Major topics will include metabolism, membrane transport, intracellular signaling, intracellular trafficking, and motility. The class will culminate with consideration of adaptations for specialized cell types within each of the five kingdoms. The laboratory will emphasize methods for analyzing cell components and measuring basic physiologic processes. Lecture plus one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Biology 125 and 126 Chemistry 125 and 126.

242 Vertebrate Biology

This course focuses on the natural history of North American vertebrates occurring in the Upper Midwest. It covers phylogenetic, morphological and functional relationships and their correlation to how these animals live their lives in nature. Laboratory includes identification, morphology, and specimen preparation. Field trips document bird migrations, amphibian chorusing, and other general animal activities. An independent project will allow students to explore their own interests on topics such as bluebird nesting behavior or thermal conductivity and insulation in animals. Lecture plus one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: Biology 125 and 126.

243 Human Anatomy and Physiology

This course is a journey toward a greater understanding of one of the most remarkable objects in existence -- the human body. It provides an in-depth integrated study of the structure of the human body (anatomy) and how organs such as the brain, heart, muscle, kidney, lungs, and digestive tract perform their remarkable functions (physiology) every second, day after day, year after year. This course is designed primarily for biology majors and students intending a career in the health sciences. Lecture plus one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Biology 125.

244 Freshwater Ecology

Students examine the structure and function of freshwater communities, including the natural history of plants and animals in local streams, lakes, and ponds. The course explores the interrelationships between freshwater organisms and their environment, including the effects of pollution. Lecture plus one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Biology 125 and 126.

247 Animal Physiology

This course emphasizes adaptive mechanisms in relation to the environment (i.e., how do kidneys operate in a desert kangaroo rat compared to an aquatic beaver?). Systems covered in depth include permeability and transport, osmoregulation, thermoregulation, muscle, neurophysiology, respiration, circulation, digestion and metabolism. An investigative laboratory enables students to measure numerous physiological parameters in living animals using computers and other electronic equipment. An independent project allows in-depth investigation with access to all laboratory equipment. Lecture plus one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Biology 125 and 126.

248 Invertebrate Zoology

This course surveys invertebrate animal phyla with an emphasis on structure and function, diversity, phylogenetic and ecological relationships, and invertebrates of special human importance. The role of invertebrates in aquatic and terrestrial communities and their use in pollution studies will be examined. Invertebrates with major impacts on humans include: vectors of disease and household and agricultural pests. Insects, because of their abundance and diversity, will receive special attention, as will the importance of invertebrates in human history. Lecture plus one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Biology 125 and 126.

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. Lecture plus one three-hour laboratory per week. 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 with an emphasis on the morphology and anatomy of flowering plants. We will learn about basic techniques of data collection and analysis to investigate plant evolution. Students in the course will learn to 1) identify plants, 2) dissect and stain plant structures, and 3) use computer-based taxonomic statistics programs. Lecture plus one three-hour laboratory per week. 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. Lecture plus one two and one-half hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Biology 125 and 126.

266 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy

What really happened to the dinosaurs? Did they go extinct, or did some grow feathers and become birds? Can some human congenital heart defects be explained by reference to cardiovascular systems of diving turtles? This course examines origin and evolution of vertebrates with emphasis on comparative morphology across vertebrate taxa, including examination of selective factors leading to modern forms. It is of particular value to health science students, those planning graduate studies in biology, and people who like dinosaurs. Lecture plus one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Biology 125 and 126.

294 Internship

Prerequisites: Biology 125 and 126.

298 Independent Study

364 Molecular Biology

The techniques of molecular biology are bringing about a revolution in our understanding of living organisms. In this course, we study the structure and function of macromolecules, the methods currently used to clone and analyze genes, and the new insights into basic biological processes which these methods have provided. The topics are presented in a discussion format, often based on the current literature, in combination with a project-oriented laboratory. Lecture plus one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Biology 125 and 126 and either Biology 231 or 233.

371 Field Ecology

This advanced ecology course focuses on learning modern field and laboratory methods to test ecological hypotheses. Students participate in group and individual projects, 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 a weekend at the ACM Wilderness Field Station and visits to local natural areas. Lecture plus one four-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: Biology 125, 126, and 261.

372 Developmental Biology

The last decade has seen one of nature's greatest mysteries 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 ultimately molecular techniques as they uncover a developmental blueprint encoding the universal body plan fundamental to all metazoan life. Lecture plus one three-hour laboratory. Prerequisites: Biology 125, 126 and 233.

382 Immunology

This course will focus on the structure, development and function of the immune system, emphasizing antibody and cell-mediated immunity and the application of immunological principles to allergy, autoimmunity, AIDS, transplantation, and cancer. Lecture plus one three-hour laboratory period per week. Prerequisites: Biology 125, 126 and 231 or 233 and Chemistry 122 or 247.

391 Selected Topics

Specific topics announced prior to each semester are based on student interests and available staff. In 1996-1997, selected topics in animal behavior and neurobiology will be 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

Prerequisite: Biology 294.

398 Independent Research

Prerequisites: Biology 125, 126, three additional courses in biology, and junior or senior standing.

The following Interim courses were offered in January 1996:

Biology 124 The Biology of Women

Biology 127 Genetics, Evolution, and Society

Biology 134 Animal Behavior

Biology 282

Desert Ecology (off-campus)

Biology 285 Water Resource Management

Biology 287

Island Biology in the Bahamas (off-campus)

Biology 391 Special Topics: Cardiovascular Physiology

Interdisciplinary 222 Protein Science

Paracollege 266 The Mind-Body Connection
Paracollege 145 Nature, Science and Spirit

Faculty