Biology Curriculum

The biology curriculum begins with a core program of two courses (Biology 15, 16) designed to introduce students to the broad spectrum of the biological sciences. Students normally take these courses during their freshman year, and must have at least a C average to continue as majors. During the first semester of the sophomore year, most students will take either Biology 34 or 44 depending on their main area of interest. Subsequent advanced courses, along with courses in related subjects, provide information applicable to further study in biology, the health sciences, and other fields.

A major in biology consists of nine course credits in biology plus Chemistry 15 and 16. To insure a broad understanding of the discipline, the major must include at least two courses from each of two broad categories, Molecular, Physiological, & Structural Biology and Organismal, Ecological, & Evolutionary Biology,outlined below. Biochemistry (Chemistry 55) or an Environmental Science course approved by the department may substitute for one of the nine biology courses. A maximum of two course credits units of directed study (Biology 69) and independent study (Biology 95, 96) may apply toward requirements for the major. Selection of advanced courses by the student, in consultation with the mentor,  depends upon the student's educational objectives and interests. Students are encouraged to include within their course of study a variety of learning experiences including structured courses, directed study and research, internships, and summer and January term experiences. Some of the courses listed below may not be offered in a given year.

The following courses are strongly recommended for biology majors: Chemistry 35, 36; 55, 56; Mathematics 21; and Physics 14, 16.

A minor in biology consists of a minimum of five course credit units including Biology 15 and 16, and at least one course from each of the two categories, Molecular, Physiological, & Structural Biology and Organismal, Ecological, & Evolutionary Biology. One of the five courses must be at the 50 level or above.

Organismal, Ecological, & Evolutionary Biology
Animal Behavior
Biological Diversity
Ecology
Evolutionary Biology
Freshwater Ecology
Ornithology
Plant Biology
Vertebrate Biology
Topics in Org., Ecol., & Evol. Biology

Molecular, Physiological, & Structural Biology
Anatomy & Physiology
Biotechnology
Comparative Anatomy
Developmental Biology
Eukaryotic Pathogens
Genetics
Histology
Human Infectious Diseases
Microbiology
Molecular Biology
Systemic Physiology
Topics in Mol., Physio., and Struct. Biology

15 Evolution, Behavior, and Ecology

Provides a conceptual framework for further study in biology through an introduction to evolution, behavior, and ecology. Topics include the mechanisms and results of evolution, speciation processes, ecosystem, community, and population ecology, and principles of behavior and behavioral ecology. (Each fall)

16 Cell Biology

Provides a theoretical and experimental foundation for further study in biological sciences by a detailed analysis of structure and function of macromolecules characteristic of various cell types, and through a study of information transfer in living systems at the molecular level. Prerequisite: Biology 15 or permission of instructor. (Each spring)

34 Anatomy and Physiology

Intended for students beginning the study of anatomy and physiology. Explores various systems of the human body with an appropriate balance and integration between the two disciplines. Prerequisite: Biology 16 or permission of instructor. (Each fall)

40 Topics in Biology

A study of selected of topics offered on an occasional basis. May be repeated when topic varies.

44 Biological Diversity

Designed as the first specialized course for students interested in any aspect of field, organismal or environmental biology. It is highly experiential in nature, with emphasis on investigative and field-oriented laboratory experiences. The class will examine the evolutionary history of life, processes responsible for the origin of biological diversity, and conservation issues related to diversity. Case studies will be used to illustrate the nature and current state of biological diversity. Prerequisite: Biology 15 or permission of instructor. (Each fall)

46 Eukaryotic Pathogens

This course examines the morphology, physiology, life cycles, and causes of pathogenic effects of a variety of eukaryotic disease-causing organisms. Emphasis is on protists, fungi, and metazoan parasites, primarily of vertebrates and especially humans. Prerequisite: Biology 15 and 16 or permission of instructor. (Each spring)

50 Vertebrate Biology

This course will examine the morphology, internal structures and their functions, ontogenetic development, ecology, behavior, systematics, fossil history, and phylogenetic relationships of the vertebrate animals. The laboratory emphasizes field studies of local vertebrates. Prerequisite: Biology 15 or permission of instructor. (Each spring)

51 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy

A study of the structure and adaptations of vertebrates. Evolution of vertebrate systems is emphasized in lecture. The laboratory includes a detailed study of the shark, mudpuppy and cat. Prerequisite: Biology 34 or permission of the instructor. (Usually each spring)

52 Developmental Biology

A study of the embryonic development of organisms with an emphasis on vertebrates. The course integrates descriptive observations with experimental studies in order to better understand the underlying mechanisms of development. Prerequisite: Biology 15 or 16 or permission of instructor. (Usually each fall)

53 Animal Behavior

A study of the ecology and evolution of behavior, including such topics as predator-prey interactions, reproductive behavior, sexual selection, migration, communication, and sociality. Field investigations and current research in animal behavior are emphasized. Prerequisite: Biology 15 or permission of instructor. (Each fall)

55 Genetics

Basic principles of Mendelian genetics, the biochemistry of the hereditary material, and recent techniques involved in the study of genes and their interaction. Prerequisites: Biology 16 and Chemistry 16 or permission of instructor. (Usually each fall)

56 Microbiology

Lecture topics and laboratory investigations explore physical and chemical properties of the bacterial cell, microbial metabolism, growth of bacteria, microbial genetics, and an introduction to pathogenic microorganisms and host defense mechanisms. Prerequisites: Biology 16 and Chemistry 16 or permission of instructor. (Each spring)

57 Evolutionary Biology

A study of evolutionary concepts and mechanisms including natural selection, coevolution, molecular evolution, cladistics, and extinction. Prerequisites: Biology 15 or permission of instructor. (Usually each spring)

58 Ecology

Lectures emphasize population growth and regulation, species interactions, community dynamics, energy flow, nutrient cycles, and the relationships of these processes to environmental issues. Labs are based upon quantitative data collected by students in the field.  Laboratory assignments place a premium upon data analysis and interpretation.  Prerequisite: Biology 15 or permission of instructor. (Each spring)

59 Plant Biology

A study of the origin and diversity of flowering plants emphasizing taxonomy and systematics, plant-animal coevolution, ecology, and plant physiology. The laboratory focuses on field studies of plants in their native habitats. Prerequisite: Biology 15 or permission of instructor. (Each fall)

60 Biotechnology

This course explores the use of living organisms and their products in various applications such as food production, gene therapy, forensics, and bioremediation.  The laboratory provides the opportunity to learn techniques used in various fields of biotechnology.  Prerequisites: Biology 16 and Chemistry 16 or permission of the instructor. (Each fall)

62 Histology

A study of the microanatomy of vertebrate tissues and organs, with emphasis on the relationship between structure and function. Prerequisite: Biology 34 or permission of instructor. (Usually each fall)

63 Molecular Biology

A survey of recent literature to include topics such as chromosome organization, RNA splicing, transposable elements, oncogenes and growth factors, and protein-nucleic acid interactions. Prerequisites: Biology 55, Biology 56, or Chemistry 55. (Usually each spring)

64 Topics in Organismal, Ecological, and Evolutionary Biology

A specialized topic is examined from ecological, evolutionary or organismal perspectives. Topics may include conservation biology, invertebrate zoology, biogeography, environmental toxicology, or other related topics. Permission of instructor required. May be repeated when topic varies.

65 Topics in Molecular, Physiological, and Structural Biology

A specialized toopic is examined from a structural, physiological, or molecular perspective.  Topics may include cell physiology, neurobiology, or other related topics. Permission of instructor required. May be repeated when topic varies.

66 Systemic Physiology

Homeostatic structure and function at the organ and system levels, using human and laboratory animal models. Prerequisites: Biology 34 and Chemistry 16 or permission of instructor; Physics 16 strongly recommended. (Each spring)

67 Human Infectious Diseases

The course explores bacterial and viral pathogens responsible for human diseases and integrates a variety of disciplines such as immunology, cell biology, microbiology, molecular biology, and biochemistry to examine the mechanisms used by pathogens to cause disease. The laboratory will introduce students to techniques which are currently being used in clinical laboratories to isolate and identify pathogenic organisms and in experimental laboratories to study pathogenic mechanisms. Prerequisite: Biology 56 or permission of instructor. (Each fall)

68 Freshwater Ecology

A study of the ecology of lakes, reservoirs, and streams, with emphases on interactions of freshwater organisms with each other and with abiotic features of their environments, as well as the impacts of humans on freshwater environments. Labs provide opportunities to compare the characteristics of local streams and reservoirs, and study ecological processes by performing laboratory and in situ experiments. Prerequisite: Biology 58 or permission of instructor. (Usually every other fall)

69 Directed Study

An outline of the proposed project and a bibliography must be submitted and approved by the biology staff prior to the term in which the course is taken .

70 Ornithology

A study of the biology of birds, including anatomy, physiology, behavior, ecology, migration, evolution, taxonomy, and identification.  Coursework includes both laboratory and field investigations and emphasizes local species and haabitats.  Students will perform independent research projects outside of class.  Prerequisites: Biology 15 and 16; Biology 34 or 58 strongly recommended. (Each spring)

72 Research and Design of Experiments

This course provides formal training in the approaches used to advance biological understanding. Course activities are built around original research projects designed and completed by students. Lectures, discussions, and readings provide students with the tools necessary for designing original research, performing experiments, analyzing data, and reporting results. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. (Each fall or spring)

95, 96 Independent Study

Research on a special topic in biology. For senior level students only. An outline of the proposed research and a bibliography must be submitted in advance and approved by the biology staff. Oral and written reports are required on the results of research. Generally research should begin in the term prior to that in which completion is expected. Prerequisites: senior standing and permission of biology staff.
 
 

Biology Department

Faculty & Staff

Field Reserves

Research