Catalog - Biology at Wooster

Morgan Ch., Fraga, Iyengar, Johnson, Kern, Lehtinen, Loveless,

Biology is a discipline that leads naturally into a variety of occupations, including the health professions, biological research, teaching agriculture, biotechnology, applied biology, and the environmental sciences. This diversity of vocations notwithstanding, the curriculum in biology is designed to give students a strong background in fundamental concepts at the molecular, cellular, organismic, and population levels of organization that unite the field of biology. The fundamentals must be mastered by all majors and are presented in the three required introductory courses. Attention is given to the methodology with which the content of any biological science is acquired through student-generated investigations built into the structure of courses throughout the biology curriculum, from the introductory courses through Independent Study. The opportunity for a student to develop the capacity for self-education and problem-solving affords a significant means of avoiding obsolescence in the rapidly developing life sciences.

Cooperative degree programs in forestry, environmental management, nursing, and bioengineering, which combine basic and professional education, are available. Students may elect to transfer academic credits in subjects such as alpine, marine, or tropical biology from other institutions to Wooster as part of the biology major. Such courses, coupled with Independent Study research in the same area, give students a wide choice of specialization within the biological sciences.

A major consists of thirteen courses which must include Biology, 210, 220, 230, five electives from the 300 level, 401, a two-course Independent Study Thesis (451, 452), and Chemistry 101 and 102. Biology 400, 402, 403 and 100-level courses do not count toward the major. The courses Chemistry 333 and 334 count towards the Biology major and are considered Biology courses for purposes of determining departmental honors. A maximum of fifteen courses (including Chemistry 333 and 334) from the Biology Department may count toward the College's 32-course graduation requirement. The introductory courses (210, 220, 230) may be taken in any order but should be completed by the end of the sophomore year. Each introductory course is a prerequisite to certain upper level courses, although when justifiable, a student may be admitted to an upper level course by permission of the instructor without having completed the prerequisite. Chemistry 102 is also a prerequisite to some 300-level biology courses. Student should plan to complete as many courses as possible before beginning thesis research. Biology 401 must be completed before the student enrolls in Biology 451-452 and is normally taken in the second semester of the junior year. Students planning a semester abroad (or otherwise off-campus) in their junior year are therefore encouraged to plan to be away during the fall semester or, if that is not feasible, to consult with a biology adviser early in the planning stage. Majors, particularly those contemplating a career in biology, are strongly encouraged to take Organic Chemistry I and II (211, 212), a year of general physics, and at least one course in calculus.

A minor consists of Biology 210, 220, 230, and three courses at the 300 level.

No courses taken on a S/NC basis or in which a D grade is earned will count toward the major or minor.

For the non-science major, biological information has become increasingly important since individual and collective decisions must be made daily on such crucial issues as pollution of the environment, growth of populations, racial discrimination, and genetic engineering. To meet such needs and interests, the Department of Biology offers 100-level courses that permit in-depth exploration of topics which in the more general curriculum of biology are considered only superficially. For those wishing a more extensive laboratory experience, Biology 116 or the Introductory sequence would be appropriate.

Advanced Placement. A student may receive credit for two courses toward graduation for a grade of 5 on the Advanced Placement Examination in Biology. Students earning a grade of 4 will be given one course credit. Those qualifying must consult with the departmental chair to determine whether they should include Biology 210, 220, or 230 in their studies. Advanced placement credit cannot be substituted for biology courses beyond the 200 level. The advanced placement policy of the College is explained in the section on Admission.

BIOLOGY FOR THE NON-SCIENCE MAJOR

111. HUMAN ECOLOGY A study of basic ecological principles as they relate to overpopulation, food production, resource depletion, and-use planning, and ecosystem stress phenomenon. The course will help students make more intelligent decisions as to public policy in these areas. Three classroom meetings weekly.

113. ANIMAL BEHAVIOR This course surveys the behavioral capacities of a wide variety of animals, correlating increased complexity of behavior with increased complexity of the nerves, sensory and muscular systems. It deals with innate and learned behavioral responses as they relate to such topics as orientation, communication, reproductive behavior, and social behavior. Two 90-minute lecture-film periods weekly

114. INSECTS IN OUR WORLD An investigation of the diversity, morphological and physiological adaptations, behavior, and economic importance of insects. Two 90-minute classroom meetings weekly.

115. HUMAN INHERITANCE Genetic principles are applied to the human species with special attention given to methods of genetic analysis and to the social implications of genetics. Three classroom meetings weekly.

116. HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY An integrated study of the structure and function of human organ systems. Dissection, demonstrations, and experiments are used in the laboratory to illustrate principles of anatomy and physiology. This course satisfies certain Ohio certification requirements in physical education and music therapy. Three classroom meetings and one laboratory period weekly. One and one-fourth course credit.

118. THE BIOLOGY OF THE TROPlCS This course will use tropical organisms and tropical ecosystems to explore basic ecological and evolutionary principles. We will examine tropical environments and their biotas and will consider the ways in which humans have modified and are currently altering tropical systems. Three classroom meetings weekly. Alternate years.

119. DISEASE This course will focus on the various definitions and manifestations of disease, including relevant topics in cell biology, physiology, and clinical aspects of disease. Students will study some unexpected impacts of disease on society and will learn how several scientific disciplines have contributed to our understanding of disease processes and control. Distribution credit in the natural sciences and mathematics. One credit. Alternate years.

BIOLOGY FOR THE SCIENCE MAJOR

210. INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY OF ORGANISMS This introductory course considers the organismic level of biological organization. Representatives from all five kingdoms are studied, with the emphasis on plants and animals. The course examines how organisms meet the demands of living, including the basic requirements of nutrition, gas exchange, internal transport, osmoregulation, excretion, integration, and reproduction. Three class hours and one laboratory period weekly. One and one-quarter credits.

220. INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY OF CELLS This introductory course considers the cellular level of biological organization. Topics include cellular structure, bioenergetics, metabolism, biosynthesis, photosynthesis, cell division and growth, and molecular genetics. Three class hours and one laboratory period weekly. One and one-quarter credits. Recommended: Previous or concurrent registration in Chemistry 101.

230. INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY OF POPULATIONS This introductory course considers the population level of biological organization. Topics include Mendelian and population genetics and the maintenance, evolution, and ecology of populations and communities. Three class hours and one laboratory period weekly.

302. METABOLISM AND BIOSYNTHESIS An in-depth examination of the metabolism and biosynthesis of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acid. Emphasis will be placed on the role these compounds play in the living organism. The laboratory will provide exposure to the standard analytical techniques of biochemistry, including chromatography, electrophoresis, and kinetics. Prerequisite: Chemistry 102, and 211, or permission of instructor. Credit cannot be given for both Biol. 302 and Chem. 333. One and one-fourth course credits. Alternate years.

304. MAMMALIAN PHYSIOLOGY A study of the functions of mammalian organ systems. Three class room meetings and two laboratory periods weekly. Prerequisite: Chemistry 102. One and one-fourth course credits.

305. CELL PHYSIOLOGY This course will focus on cellular processes that occur outside the nucleus including signal transduction, cellular organization, cell motility, the cytoskeleton, and membrane processes. There will be a series of special topics that will explore contemporary issues and will change yearly as dictated by recent scientific advances. Student-led investigations will be performed in the laboratory. Three lectures and one laboratory/discussion section a week. Offered every fall. One and one-fourth course credit. Prerequisite: Chemistry 102 or permission of the instructor; recommended Organic Chemistry.

306. GENETICS Introduction to the mechanisms of heredity as elucidated in prokaryotes and eukaryotes using classical and molecular techniques. Advanced topics include specialized techniques in human genetics and the use of genetic analysis as a powerful tool for studying complex biological systems. The laboratory provides experience in basic and advanced methods of genetic analysis. Three classroom meetings and one laboratory/recitation period weekly. Prerequisite: Chemistry 102. One and one-fourth course credits.

307. DEVELOPMENT Consideration of selected developmental programs, especially those of multi-cellular animals, with particular reference to molecular and cellular phenomena involved in determination, morphogenesis and differentiation. Descriptive and analytical laboratory experience. Three Iectures and one laboratory/recitation period weekly. Prerequisite: Chemistry 102; Biology 306 strongly recommended. One and one-fourth course credits.

309. TOPICS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY An introduction to the current state of knowledge in molecular biology. Lecture topics include structure and function of protein and DNA, the nature and organization of different types of DNA sequences in genomes, and the regulation and patterns of expression of the information the DNA encodes. Three lecture periods weekly and one laboratory weekly. Prerequisite: Chemistry 102 and Biology 306. One and one-fourth course credits.

310. COMPARATIVE VERTEBRATE MORPHOLOGY Examination of the evolution of the organ systems of the vertebrates. Students dissect selected representative vertebrates. Three classroom meetings and two laboratory periods weekly. One and one-fourth course credits. Alternate years.

311. NATURAL HISTORY OF THE VERTEBRATES A systematic survey of the fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals emphasizing their morphological, physiological, and behavioral adaptations to the environment. Lecture and laboratory work will be supplemented by studies of local species in the field. Two classroom meetings and two laboratory periods weekly. One and one-fourth course credits.

323. NATURAL HISTORY OF THE INVERTEBRATES Study of the basic patterns of form and function that characterize the major taxa of invertebrate animals. Includes field trips and collecting from both aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Three classroom meetings and one laboratory-field period weekly. One and one-fourth course credits.

333. PLANT BIOLOGY A study of the plant kingdom in which the major groups of plants are surveyed with particular attention to anatomical and evolutionary considerations. Three classroom meetings and one laboratory period weekly. One and one-fourth course credits.

335. MICROBIOLOGY Study of the morphology, classification, physiology, biochemistry, and genetics of bacteria and viruses and resistance to diseases caused by these organisms. The laboratory provides training in current technology using bacteria and viruses. Three classroom meetings and two laboratory periods. Prerequisite: Chemistry 102. Recommended: Organic Chemistry. One and one-fourth course credits.

350. POPULATION AND COMMUNITY ECOLOGY A study of ecological principles as they apply to populations, communities, and ecosystems. Topics include physiological ecology, population growth, competition, predation, community structure, patterns of energy and nutrient cycling, and species diversity. Laboratory exercises emphasize experimental techniques to investigate ecological questions. Three classroom meetings and one laboratory weekly, and two required weekend field trips during the semester. One and one-fourth course credits.

352. ETHOLOGY The study of animal behavior from an evolutionary perspective. This course will consider how particular behavioral patterns enhance survival and reproductive success, and the ways in which ecological pressures shape behaviors involved in communication, reproduction, foraging, predator avoidance, and sociality. A wide taxonomic spectrum of animals will be considered ranging from the simplest in vertebrates to humans. Prerequisite: Biology 210 and 211 or Psychology 323, or permission of the instructor. Three classroom meetings and one laboratory/discussion meeting weekly. Offered every Fall. One and one fourth course credits.

360. EVOLUTION An introduction to the theory and mechanisms of evolutionary change, populations, the modern and historical evidence for evolution, and the phenomenon of adaptation in organisms. Three classroom meetings weekly. Prerequisite: Biology 211 or Geology 357. Alternate years.

380. NEUROBIOLOGY This course will focus on the cellular and molecular aspects of the nervous system. Topics will include nerve cell physiology, synapse structure and formation, axon guidance, simple pattern generators, and the cellular basis of learning and memory. Three lecture periods and one laboratory period weekly. Prerequisites: Biology 210 and 220; Chemistry 102. Recommended to have one upper level Biolgoy course or Psychology 323. Alternate years.

CHEMISTRY 333. BIOCHEMISTRY I. The structure and function of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and membranes are emphasized. An introduction to oxidative metabolism is also provided. The laboratory will include extensive use of molecular graphics to demonstrate the correlation of structure and function in biological maromolecules. Three class hours and one three-hour laboratory period per week. Prerequisite: Chemistry 212 or permission of instructor. Suggested previous courses: Chemistry 215 and 318 and Biology 210 and 220.

CHEMISTRY 334. BIOCHEMISTRY II. Bioenergetics and cellular metabolism are emphasized from a molecular and mechanistic perspective. Various aspects of oxidative metabolism, biosynthesis, and recomginant DNA methodology are presented. Prerequisites: Chemistry 333 and Biolgoy 220 or permission of the instructor.

400. TUTORIAL Students who have completed seven courses toward the major in biology may study a biological subject not in the curriculum with the permission of the department. Evaluation of the student's accomplishment will be based on a contract with the supervising professor. Normally, laboratory exercises constitute at least one-quarter of the tutorial. Students will apply to the departmental chair for this option. This course does not count toward a major or minor in biology. Dr. Loveless will be offering Ethnobotany during the Srping Semester of 2003.

401. INDEPENDENT STUDY An introduction to the techniques and practices of biological research focusing specifically on the design of experiments, data analysis and reduction, and information retrieval systems. Exploration of the literature related to the proposed l.S.thesis and the design of the research upon which the thesis will be based will be incorporated into a term paper. Two 90-minute classroom meetings weekly. Offered only in the Spring Semester.

402, 403. INDEPENDENT STUDY These courses allow a student to pursue a special interest on an independent basis and usually require laboratory or field work as well as examination of pertinent literature. The work will be supervised and evaluated by one faculty member. This course does not count toward a major or minor in biology.

. 451, 452. INDEPENDENT STUDY THESIS The thesis in biology is based on a laboratory or field investigation in which data are collected and analyzed in comparison with the literature related to the project. A student should devote the same amount of time to the research and the subsequent thesis as that required for two major laboratory courses. The work is ordinarily done in two terms, one of which may be completed in the summer session. Data may be collected off campus if suitable supervision can be arranged. Normally, a student will have one research adviser, and the thesis will be read by the research adviser and one other professor. An oral examination of the student in the field of the research will be conducted by the two readers. The evaluation of the thesis will be determined by these two readers in consultation with the department as a whole. Prerequisite: Biology 401.

BIOLOGY SEMINAR All students pursuing thesis research or enrolled in Independent Study courses are required to attend a weekly departmental seminar. This provides group experience in oral communication and criticism. Although many programs are provided by students reporting on their research, seminars will be given from time to time by guest speakers and staff of the department. All biology majors are urged to attend these seminars in anticipation of thesis research and as a means of broadening their perspective.

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Last updated: December 18, 2003 at 2:30 PM EDT