Course

BIO 132   Circadian Rhythms

Professor

Karla Marz

CRN

18111

 

Schedule

Mon Wed       1:30 -2:50 pm        RKC 111

LAB:  Tu        1:30 -4:30 pm        RKC 112

Distribution

Laboratory Science

Why do some flowers open at the same time each day, and how do bees consistently arrive just minutes before?  Why does jet lag often feel worse the second or third day?  What are possible consequences of the shift from our days being an “echo of the sun” to living in a “24/7” society?  Intended for nonscientists, this course examines the timekeeping mechanisms of organisms including fungi, plants, insects, and vertebrates.  A significant amount of time will be spent on human circadian biology, such as mutations that alter sleeping patterns, health effects of jet lag and shift work, and the promise of chronotherapy in the treatment of cancer.  Laboratory experiments will include analysis of circadian rhythm properties and the cellular/molecular underpinnings of clock mechanisms.  No specific science or mathematics background beyond algebra is required. On-line registration

 

Course

BIO 141   Subcellular Biology

Professor

John Ferguson

CRN

18112

 

Schedule

Wed Fr           10:30 - 12:30 pm    RKC 103

LAB: Th         1:00 -4:00 pm        RKC 112

Distribution

Laboratory Science

An introductory survey of life at the cellular level primarily intended for prospective biology majors, but also open to interested students not majoring in science. Beginning with an introduction to the evolution and complexity of life, including the prokaryotes and the viruses, the course proceeds to examine the commonality of life at both the biochemical and cellular levels. A central section deals with energy transfer in living systems (fermentation, respiration, and photosynthesis), followed by another major section dealing with information transfer (genetics, nucleic acid replication, transcription, and translation). The course ends with discussions of more complex topics (genetic engineering, human genetics, and immunology). The laboratory portion of the course provides an introduction to the methodologies and instrumentation found in the modern biology lab. This course is appropriate for those interested in a career in the health professions and others interested in a broadly based view of modern biology. Offered every fall. Students are strongly encouraged to enroll in Chemistry 141 concurrently. Prerequisite: eligibility for Q courses, and experience in high school biology and chemistry.

On-line registration

 

Course

BIO 142   Organismal Biology

Professor

William Maple

CRN

18113

 

Schedule

Wed Fr           10:30 - 12:30 pm    RKC 115

LAB:  Fr         1:00 -4:00 pm        RKC 114

Distribution

Laboratory Science

Cross-listed:  Environmental Studies

An introduction to organismal biology and ecology, primarily for those who intend to continue in biology; also open to interested students not majoring in science. Topics include population genetics, evolution, vertebrate embryology and anatomy, and animal phylogeny, taxonomy, and ecology. Biology 142 may be taken before Biology 141, if necessary. Students majoring in biology are strongly encouraged to enroll in Chemistry 142 concurrently. Prerequisite: eligibility for Q courses.  On-line registration

 

Course

BIO 144   Biostatistics

Professor

Philip Johns

CRN

18114

 

Schedule

Mon Wed Fr  1:30 -2:20 pm        RKC 102

Distribution

Mathematics and Computing

Cross-listed:  Environmental Studies

This course focuses on the statistical concepts and tools biologists regularly use to analyze, evaluate, and interpret data.  Topics include the basics of experimental design, probability theory, descriptive and inferential statistics, and graphical representation of data.  We will apply these tools to real biological data sets and see how other researchers have done the same. Prerequisite: eligibility for Q courses and at least one introductory biology course.   On-line registration

 

Course

BIO 202   Ecology and Evolution

Professor

Felicia Keesing

CRN

18115

 

Schedule

Mon  10:30 – 12:30 pm  RKC 111 / 112

Wed    9:30 - 12:30 pm   RKC 111 / 112

Distribution

Laboratory Science

Cross-listed:  Environmental Studies

This core course for biology majors is an introduction to the general principles of ecology and evolution that, with genetics, form the core of biological understanding. In addition to studying foundational ideas in both ecology and evolution, we will explore modern topics at the boundary between these two areas. We will consider, for example, how genetic variation among individual organisms can influence ecological interactions, and how these interactions can influence fitness. We will focus on a mechanistic understanding of processes, using model-building to inform that understanding. Offered every spring. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Eukaryotic Genetics (Biology 201). On-line registration

 

Course

BIO 302   Molecular Biology

Professor

Karla Marz

CRN

18117

 

Schedule

Tu                   9:30 - 12:30 pm     RKC 115

Th                   10:30 - 11:50 am    RKC 115

Distribution

Laboratory Science

Cross-listed:  Cognitive Science

This course explores molecular aspects of gene expression in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. Topics include DNA structure, replication, and repair; DNA transcription; RNA structure and processing; and polypeptide synthesis. The course also covers various mechanisms involved in the regulation of gene expression. Emphasis is placed on a review of the current literature and the experimental approaches used in modern molecular biological research. The laboratory provides practical experience in such current techniques used in molecular biology as molecular cloning, restriction enzyme mapping, DNA sequencing, and nucleic acid hybridization. Prerequisites: Biology 201, Chemistry 201‑202.  On-line registration

 

Course

BIO 305   Comparative Anatomy

Professor

William Maple

CRN

18116

 

Schedule

Wed               1:30 -4:00 pm        RKC 114 / 115

Th                   2:30 -3:50 pm        RKC 114 / 115

Distribution

Laboratory Science

Cross-listed:  Cognitive Science

This dissection-intensive course is a comparison of the development, evolution and function of the major anatomical features of vertebrates from fish to mammals. We will dissect preserved sharks, amphibians and cats. Independent work in addition to the scheduled labs is expected. We will also compare some of the older and more recent primary literature dealing with Chordate morphology. Students are expected to supply their own tools.

Prerequisites: Biology 141 & 142, or equivalent; Upper College Standing or permission of the instructor. On-line registration

 

Course

BIO 309   Animal Behavior

Professor

Philip Johns

CRN

18119

 

Schedule

Tu Th              1:00 -2:20 pm        RKC 115

LAB:  Mon     9:30 - 12:30 pm     RKC 114

Distribution

Laboratory Science

Cross-listed:  Cognitive Science; Environmental Studies

The aim of this course is examining the biology of animal behavior.  Although we will look at some proximate mechanisms, the course focuses on the evolutionary and ecological causes and consequences of animal behavior.  The course relies heavily on reading primary literature, laboratory, and independent projects.  We will have infrequent weekend field trips.  Prerequisites: Bio 201 & Bio 202. On-line registration

 

Course

BIO 312   Biogeochemical Cycles

Professor

Catherine O'Reilly

CRN

18118

 

Schedule

Mon Wed       9:00 - 10:20 am     RKC 115

Distribution

Laboratory Science

Our planet is basically a closed system, and cycles of certain elements dictate life-determining processes. The nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon cycles are of particular interest in understanding patterns of life on earth. At different time scales, geological, biological, and chemical processes all play important roles mediating the availability of these nutrients. We will examine how interactions between biological processes (like primary productivity) and geological processes (like rock weathering) influence nutrient availability and long-term climate. With this understanding, we will investigate how various human activities such as agriculture and energy consumption are affecting these cycles and the implications for these impacts. Prerequisites: Chemistry 142 and two Biology courses, at least one at the 200 level.  On-line registration

 

Course

BIO 407   Diabetes Mellitus

Professor

John Ferguson

CRN

18120

 

Schedule

Wed               2:20 -4:20 pm        RKC 200

2 credits  (senior seminar) The seminar considers the biochemistry, genetics, cell biology, and physiology of a well known disease. Readings will be largely in the primary literature, ranging from works by Arataeus the Cappadocian (A.D. 200), William Prout (1840), and Claude Bernard (1877) through descriptions of the latest developments in the field. The course is designed to provide a historical perspective on the development of current notions of the disease and to provide an opportunity for seniors to apply their knowledge of many subdisciplines of biology to a single problem.

Prerequisites: extensive course work in molecular biology, cellular, and organismal biology; senior status; permission of the instructor. On-line registration

 

Course

BIO 415   Advanced  Seminar in Ecology

Professor

Catherine O'Reilly

CRN

18121

 

Schedule

Mon                1:00 -4:00 pm        RKC 200

Distribution

N/A

Cross-listed: Environmental Studies

This course familiarizes the student with the newly emerging science of restoration ecology, including its theoretical foundation and its application in today's world. The course will include a review of the conceptual bases of restoration ecology (including succession, recruitment, plant/animal interactions, and landscape scale phenomena). It will also address particular operational problems in restoration (genetics, hydrological regimes, physical barriers, exotic species, fire, and grazing). The first part of the course concerns case studies and the second part of the course, in seminar format, concerns recently published studies found in the peer-reviewed literature. We will also do a class project designing and executing a restoration plan for a location on campus.

 

Course

BIO IND 199 –299- 399  Independent Study

Professor

Philip Johns

CRN

18122

 

Schedule

See Professor Johns                          

This course provides motivated students the opportunity to work on projects relating to a faculty member’s research interests in an apprenticeship model where the degree of independence is determined by the students experience and comfort in a research setting.  Each student, in consultation with the instructor, designs a research project appropriate for their experience-level and relating to the instructor’s research.  Students are expected to invest a minimum of ten hours a week on the project and to attend weekly meetings where the project, or literature relating to the project, is discussed.  The course will be graded pass/fail and the grade will be based upon effort and growth in research as well as periodic reviews of the laboratory notebook and a final project report.  Prerequisites: permission of the instructor.  Registration is limited to 3 students.  On-line registration

 

Course

BIO IND 199 –299 -399   Independent Study

Professor

Felicia Keesing

CRN

18123

 

Schedule

See Professor Keesing                       

This course provides motivated students the opportunity to work on projects relating to a faculty member’s research interests in an apprenticeship model where the degree of independence is determined by the students experience and comfort in a research setting.  Each student, in consultation with the instructor, designs a research project appropriate for their experience-level and relating to the instructor’s research.  Students are expected to invest a minimum of ten hours a week on the project and to attend weekly meetings where the project, or literature relating to the project, is discussed.  The course will be graded pass/fail and the grade will be based upon effort and growth in research as well as periodic reviews of the laboratory notebook and a final project report.  Prerequisites: permission of the instructor.  Registration is limited to 3 students.  On-line registration