Biology Course Descriptions
110 Supplemental Biology
This biology course emphasizes learning strategies and critical
thinking skills as applied to the curriculum of Biology 125. Objectives
of the course are met through additional readings, problem sets,
brief written assignments, introduction of discipline-specific writing
styles, projects (including individual and/or group oral presentation),
and library research. Assignments include new content that complements
introductory biology. Taught annually. Prerequisites: concurrent
enrollment in Biology 125 and permission of instructor.
121 Biological Science
Contemporary biological issues related to health and the environment
will be explored with the goal of fostering informed citizens prepared
for current biological debates, students learn the relevant biological
principles in lecture and lab followed by appropriate lab or field
research. Specific topics vary from year to year and may include
emerging diseases, cardiovascular health, genetics, specific groups
of organisms, behavior and environmental dynamics. The course includes
lectures plus one 2-hour laboratory per week. Taught annually.
122 Life: Meaning and Mystery,
Science and Stewardship
This course offers non-majors a chance to explore biology both within
the laboratory and the field. It offers a thoughtful, reflective
experience as students examine the process of science as a way of
relating to mystery and phenomena of nature such as fertilization,
embryogenesis, evolution, and ecology against the backdrop of modern
culture.
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 2-hour laboratory per week.
Taught annually.
124 The Biology of Women
Issues of women's biology including views of the evolving female
and biological determinism will be examined. 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.
CHBI 125 Integrated
Chem/Bio I
This course introduces chemical concepts that are important for
students pursuing a study of chemistry or biology. Topics include
atomic structure, the Periodic Table, bonding interactions within
and between particles, water and its solutions, biological membranes,
chemical reaction types, chemical stoichiometry, equilibrium systems,
acids and bases, introduction to protein structure. Examples are
often pulled from the realm of biological molecules and processes.
Students attend three classes and one 3-hour laboratory each week.
Prerequisite: Chemistry Placement Recommendation, concurrent registration
in Math 120 or equivalent background. Offered Fall Semester.
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.
126 Evolution and Diversity
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. Prerequisite: Biology 125.
127 Genetics, Evolution and Society
Designed as an introduction to genetics and molecular biology for
non-biology majors, students will learn about molecular biology
techniques and the use of molecular biology in medicine, forensics
and agriculture. We discuss topics such as human genetic diseases,
mutations, DNA cloning, DNA fingerprinting, eugenics, gene therapy,
stem cell research and genetic privacy. Each issue will be addressed
on scientific and ethical levels. Offered during Interim.
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.
177 Behavior of Animals
This interdisciplinary course introduces students to behavioral
ecology, a field that applies the models and concepts of evolutionary
ecology to the study of behavioral diversity in order to answer
such questions such as why do birds sing and temple monkeys kill
nursing young. Drawing on resources from sociobiology, psychology,
decision theory, sociology, anthropology, and ethology, the course
focuses on animal social behavior, or sociobiology, and its relation
to human social behavior. Offered only during Interim.
210 Practical
Methods in Biology
Students learn laboratory techniques common to genetics, microbiology
and molecular biology. Topics include solution and media preparation,
sterile technique, and safe handling of laboratory materials. Students
learn to turn written instructions into materials needed for successful
outcomes. Calculations, scaling and theory behind particular solution
compositions and tools are covered as well as approaches needed
to be effective teaching assistants. Prerequisite: Biology 125,
Chemistry 125, or Chemistry/Biology 125, and required application
to the instructor.
228 Environmental Health
Human health is affected both by our biological environment, a teeming
world of parasites and diseases, and our physical environment, the
water, air, and landscapes that we inhabit. Our interactions with
the environment have changed rapidly, as human populations grow,
travel increases, and ecosystems are altered. This course touches
upon traditional environmental topics such as air and water quality,
while integrating newer public health challenges such as emerging
diseases and food-borne illnesses. Prerequisite: one introductory
science course.
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 3-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 and molecular
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 both semesters.. Prerequisites:
Biology 125 and one semester of chemistry or concurrent registration.
242 Vertebrate Biology
Focus is 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 3-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
3-hour laboratory per week. Taught annually. Prerequisite: Biology
125.
247 Animal Physiology
Emphasis in this course is on 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 3-hour laboratories
enable students to measure numerous physiological parameters in
living animals. Students attend lectures plus one 3-hour laboratory
per week. Taught annually. Prerequisites: Biology 125 and 126.
248 Invertebrate Biology
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 introduce
students to the major invertebrate groups via observation of living
animals and through dissection. Students attend lectures plus one
3-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Biology 125 and 126.
Offered alternate years.
249 Probing Life with Light
A range of microscopic techniques including brightfield, darkfield,
interference, fluorescence and advanced techniques including laser
confocal microscopy are covered in this course. In parallel to microscope
training sessions, students will learn the latest computer techniques
for video image grabbing, quantitative image analysis, image manipulation
and multi-media presentation. Students will work in small teams
to design investigative projects that make use of appropriate microscope
and computer technologies. Taught in Interim. Prerequisite: Biology
125.
250 Cardiac Physiology (Off-campus)
Students go 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 Off-Campus Studies.
251 Plant Physiology
We begin 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 3-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
3-hour laboratory per week. Taught annually. Prerequisites: Biology
125 and 126.
258 Island Biology in the Pacific
(Abroad)
We travel to the Polynesian island of Moorea located 20 miles west
of Tahiti. Student lectures cover endemic and invasive species,
examining how new organisms have arrived on the island (historically
and recently) and either evolved into unique species or often displaced
native species. We study the natural history and ecology of the
coral reef environment, the geology of Pacific atolls, and the natural
history of invertebrate and vertebrate marine life. Prerequisites:
Biology 125 and 126. Apply through International and off-campus
Studies. Offered during Interim.
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.
263 Limnology
Limnology is the study of inland waters and includes their physical,
chemical, and biological characteristics. We will focus on biotic
processes and interactions set within the abiotic habitat of lakes
and streams. Current management problems facing freshwater environments
will be examined by focusing on human-induced changes to aquatic
habitats and their biotic consequences. Investigative laboratories
will introduce students to aquatic habitats and biological processes
within them. Prerequisites: Biology 125 and 126. Offered Fall Semester.
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 3-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites:
Biology 125 and 126.
271/272 and 321/322 Independent Research in India (Abroad)
India offers tremendous opportunities to study ecology and consider
ways in which humans practice agriculture and health care. Participants
in the Biology in South India Program will complete two independent
research projects in topics related to rural health care, leprosy,
emerging diseases, agriculture, mountain ecology and human/wildlife
interactions. 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, students 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 during Interim. Prerequisite: Biology 125 and 126. Apply
through International and Off-Campus Studies.
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 during
Interim. Prerequisite: three courses in biology or consent of instructor;
apply through Off-Campus Studies.
284 Peruvian Odyssey (Off-campus)
This course is a service/learning experience in partnership with
Children's Surgery International. Week one is on-campus examining
emerging and existing health care issues. Students will spend two
weeks in Cusco, Peru assessing patient needs in a public hospital,
a homeless shelter and a small village. Week four will be at St.
Olaf in discussion, writing reflective papers and reporting on needs
assessment to Children's Surgery International. Prerequisites: Biology
125 and 291. Apply through the instructor.
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. Prerequisites: Biology
125, 126, or permission of instructor. Apply through Off-Campus
Studies.
291 Topics in Biological Research
(0.25)
For science majors, learning to read the primary literature and
other professional sources is an important transition from classroom
learning to post-graduate endeavors. Students enrolled in this course
will read, present and discuss scientific literature in a field
selected by participating faculty. The goal is to gain sufficient
expertise to allow critical analysis of the particular field. Requires
permission of instructor. May be repeated if topics are different.
294 Internship
Internships are designed to provide career-testing opportunities.
Students interested in an internship should consult with the Center
for Experiential Learning, 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 available from the Registrar's
Office or its website.
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: their macromolecular components, 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.
350 Biogeochemistry
The study of global change and human environmental impacts requires us to link concepts from biology, chemistry, and physics. In this course, we will investigate these links by exploring the current state of theory in biogeochemistry, with an emphasis on understanding the feedbacks between physical and ecological processes, and the coupling of multiple elemental cycles. Laboratory activities will focus on a practical exploration of the methods biogeochemists use, including experience with a variety of instruments.
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 3-hour laboratory per week. Taught annually.
Prerequisites: Biology 125, 126 and 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 lecture/discussion plus one 4-hour laboratory
per week. Taught annually. 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
as they have uncovered the developmental blueprints encoding the
universal body plan fundamental to all metazoan life. Students attend
lectures plus one 3-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 3-hour laboratory
period or a 2-hour discussion per week. Taught annually. Prerequisites:
Biology 125, 126 and 233; one semester of Chemistry.
383 Evolutionary Biology
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. Prerequisites: Biology
125, 126 and 233. Offered annually.
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.
386 Animal Behavior
A seminar course approaching the study of animal behavior from the
blended viewpoints of evolutionary behavioral ecology and comparative
psychology. Mechanisms of learning, cognition and development, as
well as aggression, territoriality and mating are examined at the
organismic and cellular level. A deeper understanding of the neural
and environmental determinants of behavior in a wide variety of
species will help us better understand ourselves and our place in
nature. Prerequisites: Biology 126 or Psychology 125.
387 Neuroethology
Neuroethology is the study of how nervous systems generate natural
behaviors in animals. The nervous system interfaces an animal with
its environment, determining how an animal perceives, learns, and
reacts to stimuli. This course explores the neural mechanisms underlying
diverse behaviors — such as escape reflexes, locomotion, and
communication — in a wide range of invertebrate and vertebrate
species. Lecture concepts are unpacked through laboratory experimentation
and student presentations. Prerequisites: Math 120 (or equivalent)
and one of the following: Biology 233, 247, 266, Neuroscience 234,
or Psychology 238, or permission of instructor.
391 Selected Topics
Specific topics announced prior to each term are based on student
interests and available staff. Past offerings include cardiovascular
physiology, evolution, stress biology and animal behavior. Class
work includes comprehensive review of literature on the specific
topic. Class meetings present topics in discussion format. Prerequisites:
Biology 125, 126, and junior or senior standing.
391 Topic 07-08 - Arctic Ecosystems: An Analysis of Global Change
This course will focus on biological and physical features of arctic ecosystems that make them unique, responses of these features to climate change, and consequences of these responses for ecological processes, communities of organisms and humans, and on further changes in climate. The foundation of the course will be reading current literature on arctic ecosystems. Included in the curriculum will be a brief review of the causes of climate change and the history of climate research, followed by an intensive focus on unique features of biogeochemical cycles, hydrologic flowpaths, and biological communities in the Arctic. We will then discuss the known and hypothesized impacts of climate change on these unique features, as well as on human societies. Prereqs: Bio 125 and 126; or ES 137 and any 200 level Bio or ES natural science course.
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 Center for Experiential
Learning, 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 an independent research form.
