Chair of the Department of Biology: Bernard Possidente
Professors: *Elaine C. Rubenstein, Roy S. Meyers, David Domozych,
Bernard Possidente
Associate Professors: Monica Raveret Richter, Corey R. Freeman-Gallant
Assistant Professors: Marc J. Tetel, Pat Fidopiastis, Pat Hilleren
Visiting Assistant Professor: Linda Pezzolesi
Senior Teaching Associates: Catherine Domozych, Sue S. Van Hook
Teaching Associate: Denise Brooks McQuade
The Biology Department offers instruction in many diverse
areas of modern biology. In consultation with a faculty advisor,
students design programs of study to meet individual interests
and goals. The biology major offers three intradepartmental
concentrations: (1) general biology, (2) molecular and cell
biology, and (3) ecology, evolution, and behavior. The major
leads to a bachelor of arts degree.
Students who major in biology and plan to attend professional
schools (medical, dental, veterinary, and others) are encouraged
to take two semesters of organic chemistry (CH221 and 222)
and two semesters of calculus-based physics (PY207 and 208).
See Health Professions.
THE BIOLOGY MAJOR: Students who major in biology must meet
the College requirements for the degree, complete the general
biology requirements, and complete the requirements for one
of the intradepartmental concentrations. Each concentration
requires fifteen courses. Majors are encouraged to gain research
experience by taking BI371
or 375
as an elective.
General requirements for all biology majors or concentrations
I. Core courses: BI190,
237,
233,
and 236.
BI190
introduces the major and serves as a core course in population
biology. Three more 200-level courses provide a foundation
in plant biology, cell and molecular biology, and multicellular
animal biology. These four courses constitute a core curriculum
for the major, and should be completed by the end of the sophomore
year. BI190
should be taken in the fall semester of the first year, followed
by BI237,
in the spring. In the fall semester of the sophomore year
BI233
should be taken, followed by BI236
in the spring.
II. Chemistry courses: CH105
and 106
(or 107)
(usually taken in the first year)
III. Mathematics course: MA111
(usually taken in the first year) IV.
Seminar courses: BI377
and 378
(taken in the senior year)
Concentration Requirements
General Biology
A. The general requirements.
B. Six 300-level biology courses.
BI375
(Research in Biology) or BI371
(Independent Study) can substitute for one of these requirements.
Students may take additional BI371 courses as electives but
they do not substitute for 300-level biology courses.
Molecular and Cell Biology
A. The general requirements.
B. Foundation course: BI343
C. Supportive courses: three courses
selected from BI308,
311,
314,
323,
337,
348,
349,
351M,
370
D. CH221
and 222
Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior
A. The general requirements
B. Foundation courses: two courses
selected from BI316,
317,
324.
C. Supportive courses: two courses
selected from BI307,
308,
316
(if not already taken as a foundation course), 317
(if not already taken as a foundation course), 324
(if not already taken as a foundation course), 325,
326,
327,
338,
344,
351E,
370.
D. Elective biology course: one additional
course from the supportive courses or from any of the department's
other 300-level offerings including BI351A,E,M.
E. MS104
or PS217
or EC237.
INTERDEPARTMENTAL MAJORS: In conjunction
with the relevant departments, the Biology Department offers
majors in biology-chemistry and biology-philosophy.
HONORS: Departmental honors are awarded to a senior major
who has maintained the required College and department averages
and has completed a research project in BI375.
Other factors, such as academic integrity, will bear on the
decision to award honors.
THE BIOLOGY MINOR: Students who want to minor in biology must
take five courses from among those offered in the department.
These must include BI190;
two courses from the following: BI233,
236,
237;
and two additional biology courses at the 300 level. CH103
or 105
is also required and should be taken prior to or at the same
time as BI233.
Note: BI375
and 377,
378
cannot fulfill the two additional biology course requirements.
EXPLORATION COURSES
The following courses are designed
for students who wish to fulfill the College natural sciences
requirement with the study of biology. These courses are generally
not counted toward the biology or any biology-combined major.
Students who wish to major or minor in biology after completing
one or two exploration courses should consult the department
chair concerning the appropriate choice of courses; some exploration
courses may be substituted for requirements in the major or
minor at the discretion of the department. NS 101. NEUROSCIENCE:
MIND AND BEHAVIOR 4
An interdisciplinary examination of the neurobiological bases
of behavior and mental processing. Topics include the structure
and functioning of the nervous system, brain-behavior relationships,
and hormonal and genetic effects on behavior and mental processing.
Laboratories develop students' understanding of functional
neuroanatomy, neural transmission, and human psychophysiology.
(Fulfills natural sciences requirement).
Biology and/or Psychology Faculty BI 110. BIOLOGY
OF THE MIND 4
An introductory level examination of the basic neurobiology
of the human brain and nervous system. A sufficient depth
of biological perspective is developed to allow the student
to consider the neurobiological underpinnings of a wide variety
of brain related topics including pathology (select mental
and nervous system diseases), socially significant issues
(drugs, alcohol), higher function (language, sleep, memory,
consciousness), and philosophical issues (mind-body problem,
artificial intelligence, ethical issues). Three hours of lecture,
two hours of lab per week. (Fulfills natural sciences and
QR2 requirements.) R. Meyers BI 115H. ECOLOGY OF FOOD 4
The study of fundamental concepts in ecology from a who-eats-whom
perspective. Topics include the behavior and ecology of herbivores,
predators, parasites, and mutualists, interactions among competitors in
quest of food, trophic connections, and analyses of communities and
landscapes managed for agricultural and aquacultural production.
Quantitative field investigations of herbivory in Skidmore's North Woods
are complemented by laboratory investigations of plant physical defenses
and secondary chemicals, including the use and function of these
secondary chemicals in world cuisine. A similar investigative approach
is taken to the study of pollination, seed dispersal and predation.
Local food producers contribute to the study of agroecology. Ecological
impacts of various agricultural and aquacultural practices and the
implications and potential ecological impacts of genetically modified
foods are explored. Prerequisite: QR1. Three hours of lecture, three
hours of lab per week. One Saturday field trip. M. Raveret Richter BI 120. THE HUMAN
ORGANISM 4
An introduction to the study of life processes, focused on
our species. This course will help the student acquire an
understanding of basic biological principles, using humans
as illustrative material. Topics will include genetics, reproduction,
and physiology of humans. Three hours of lecture, two hours
of lab per week. (Fulfills natural sciences requirement.)
E. Rubenstein BI 130. INVESTIGATING
HUMAN-MICROBE INTERACTIONS 4
An introductory investigation of the diverse interactions
of humans and microbes. From the moment of our birth, we have
an intimate relationship with microbes. Although death and
disease caused by microbes are reported in the news, most
microbes are not harmful. Most of the bacteria inhabiting
our bodies actually keep us healthy by helping with the digestion
of food and deterring the growth of dangerous organisms. Humans
exploit beneficial microbes to produce foods like cheese,
yogurt, and sauerkraut, and medicines such as antibiotics,
insulin, and growth hormone. Students will investigate the
biological reasons behind the different roles microbes play
in our lives and will explore how the growth of microbes can
be controlled by designing their own experiments. Three hours
of lecture, two hours of lab per week. (Fulfills natural sciences
requirement.) The Department BI 135. ENVIRONMENTAL
SCIENCE 4
Environmental science is an interdisciplinary study of the
interaction between humans and the environment chiefly in
relation to ecology, resources, and population. The course
will show how humans are a force now posing a serious threat
to the long-term sustainability of natural life-support systems.
Three hours of lecture, two hours of lab per week. (Fulfills
natural sciences requirement.) The
Department BI 140. MARINE
BIOLOGY 4
An examination of the intricate and delicate nature of plant,
animal, fungal and microbial life beneath Earth's oceans and
on its shorelines. Lecture topics include ocean chemistry
and biochemistry, physiology of marine organisms, evolution
and diversity of the marine world, marine ecosystems and human-ocean
interactions. The lab will include experimental manipulations
of marine plants and animals, survey of various life forms,
culture techniques, ecological sampling and mariculture. Three
hours of lecture, two hours of lab per week. Lab fee $60.
(Fulfills natural sciences requirement.)
D. Domozych BI 145. UNDERSTANDING
BIOTECHNOLOGY: RECOMBINANT DNA AND ETHICAL ISSUES
4
An investigation of the structure, function, and manipulation
of DNA. Recent advances in decoding the genome of any organism
and in recombining the DNA into functional units within the
cell have important ethical, economic, environmental, political,
and social implications, which will have major impacts on
society, health care, insurance, environmental regulations,
business, and the economy. This course will explore the science
and technology of manipulating DNA and the potential social,
ethical, and environmental consequences. Three hours of lecture,
two hours of lab per week. (Fulfills natural sciences requirement.)
The Department BI 150. BIOLOGY:
THE SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF LIFE 4
An introduction to the basic principles underlying the study
of life. Topics may range from the origin and evolution of
life to the molecular basis of heredity and development, to
the structure and function of the global ecosystem. The lectures
and labs emphasize the diversity of life, the unifying characteristics
shared by all organisms, and an understanding of life based
on scientific methods of analysis. Three hours of lecture,
two hours of lab per week. (Fulfills natural sciences requirement.)
The Department BI 155. EVOLUTIONARY
BIOLOGY 4
An introduction to evolution as the central organizing principle
of the biological sciences. This writing-intensive course
explores the mechanisms of evolutionary change and introduces
the academic and applied issues that challenge modern evolutionary
theory. Topics include: human origins, Darwinian medicine,
adaptation, and sexual selection. Three hours of lecture and
two hours of lab per week. (Fulfills expository writing requirement
and natural sciences requirements.)
C. Freeman-Gallant BI 160. CONSERVATION
BIOLOGY 4
The biology of species, communities, and ecosystems that are
perturbed or threatened by human activities. This course will
examine the principles and tools for preserving biological
diversity. Topics to be covered include principles of ecology,
geographic distribution, animal and plant classification,
and population dynamics. Three hours of lecture, two hours
of lab per week; one all-day field trip. (Fulfills natural
sciences requirement.) The Department
BI
165. MICROBES IN FOOD PRODUCTION,
SPOILAGE AND FOOD-BORNE DISEASE 4
An introduction to basic microbiology that uses as a model
the role of microbes in food preparation, spoilage, and food-borne
diseases. In addition to preparing foods such as kim chee
and cheese using microbes, we will also use basic techniques
for bacteriological sampling of foods. The goals of this course
are to learn basic techniques in microbiology and important
concepts in microbial ecology, psysiology, and biochemistry
using an environment that we can all relate tofood. (Fulfills
natural sciences requirement.) P.
Fidopiastis BI 170. HUMAN
GENETICS 4
An introduction to the principles of genetics and their application
to human biology. Topics include the history of genetics,
the structure, function and inheritance of genes, medical
genetics, and genetic engineering. Three hours of lecture,
two hours of lab per week. (Fulfills natural sciences and
QR2 requirements.) B. Possidente BI 180. ECONOMIC
BOTANY 4
An introduction to the concepts of plant and fungal biology
with special emphasis on how they are utilized by humans.
Lectures will focus on the structure and role of plant and
fungal systems, their evolution and importance in human-based
applications such as agriculture, medicine, and horticulture.
Labs will include field trips to sites of botanical and mycological
interest, hands-on horticultural exercises, and a survey of
the plant-fungal kingdoms. Three hours of lecture and two
hours of lab per week. (Fulfills natural sciences requirement.)
D. Domozych BI 185. INSECTS AND PEOPLE 4
An introduction to insect biology. Lecture topics include: insect ecology, behavior, pests, and economic producers. Laboratories develop students' knowledge of insect anatomy and taxonomy and enhance students' understanding of scientific methodology. (Fulfills natural sciences requirement.)
L. Pezzolesi
COURSES FOR THE MAJOR / JOINT
MAJORS BI 190. POPULATION
BIOLOGY 4
The basic principles of ecology, behavior, and evolution will
be examined as they affect individuals, populations, species,
communities, and ecosystems. This course is designed for potential
majors. Three hours of lectures, three hours of lab per week.
Offered fall semester. (Fulfills natural sciences requirement.)
C. Freeman-Gallant, M. Raveret Richter BI 233. CELL AND
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 4
A study of living processes on a cellular and molecular level.
Cell ultrastructure and the regulation of information flow
and biochemical reactions in both eucaryotes and procaryotes
will be examined. Prerequisite: BI237
OR NS101,
and completion of or concurrent registration in CH105,
or permission of instructor. Three hours of lecture, three
hours of lab a week. Offered fall semester.
E. Rubenstein BI 236. COMPARATIVE
VERTEBRATE PHYSIOLOGY 4
The adaptive function and structure of major systems in vertebrates
considered principally from the perspective of their ability
to meet environmental demands. Prerequisite: BI233
or permission of instructor. Three hours of lecture, three
hours of lab per week. Offered spring semester.
R. Meyers BI 237. PLANT
BIOLOGY 4
A laboratory, field and lecture course which studies the following
topics: anatomy, morphology, physiology, development, and
spring flora. Three hours of lecture, three hours of lab a
week. Prerequisite: BI190
or 240
or permission of instructor. Offered spring semester. (Fulfills
natural sciences requirement.) The
Department BI 240. ENVIRONMENTAL
BIOLOGY 4
An examination of the physical and biotic features of the
earth, the role of humans in affecting the planet's ecology,
and the ways ecological systems affect humans. This course
provides the fundamental concepts of environmental biology
along with specific examples from the natural world and human
modification. Topics include the basics of the physical nature
of the earth; physiological ecology, including the biochemistry
and metabolism of life forms and nutrient cycles; biodiversity;
interspecific relationships; population and community dynamics;
ecosystem structure; pollution and environmental toxicology;
resource management; and restoration design. Laboratory consists
of field trips, ecological sampling techniques, ecological
survey of local habitats, phytoremediation, pollution simulation,
and examination of biodiversity. Prerequisites:ES104
or 105
or BI190.
D. Domozych BI 275. INTRODUCTION
TO BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH 1
An introductory exploration of research in the biological
sciences. Students plan, design, and implement a small research
project from the laboratory or field in coordination with
a faculty member. This experience will allow students at various
stages of their careers to sample research methodologies in
particular subdisciplines of biology. Students may only take
four BI275 courses in their careers and no more than two in
any given semester. If more than one is taken in one semester,
each BI275 must be in a different section. Prerequisites:
Completion of one 100-level course in biology or requirements
set forth in individual sections plus permission of instructor.
NS
277. INTEGRATIVE SEMINAR IN NEUROSCIENCE
RESEARCH 1
A study of selected areas of neuroscience research and techniques.
Both primary source articles and first person accounts by
faculty in the Biology and Psychology Departments are used
to introduce the theoretical and practical aspects of neuroscience
research. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the multiple
levels (e.g., molecular to behavioral) at which research topics
in neuroscience can be addressed and also the ways in which
research techniques define the types of questions that can
be asked at a given level of analysis. Prerequisites:NS101
and at least two of the following: BI233,
236,
CH105,
PS217,
304,
306,
or permission of instructor. Biology
and/or Psychology Faculty BI 299. PROFESSIONAL
INTERNSHIP IN BIOLOGY 3
Internship opportunity for students whose curricular foundations
and experience have prepared them for professional work related
to the major field. With faculty sponsorship and department
approval, students may extend their educational experience
into such areas as laboratory or field research, or clinical
medicine. Does not count toward the major. Offered Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
only. Prerequisite: completion of at least one related
200-level course (as determined by the department). BI 305. CARDIOVASCULAR
PHYSIOLOGY 4
A consideration of cardiovascular
physiology, including cellular physiology of the heart, mammalian
cardiovascular dynamics, aspects of comparative and developmental
cardiac physiology, and human clinical cardiology. Three hours of
lecture, three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: BI236
or permission of instructor. Offered in alternate years.
R. Meyers BI 306. MAMMALIAN
PHYSIOLOGY 4
A study of selected topics in mammalian
physiology including respiratory, renal, and neural physiology.
Prerequisite: BI236
or permission of instructor. Three hours of lecture, three
hours of laboratory per week. Offered in alternate years.
R. Meyers BI 307. ORNITHOLOGY
4
Birds as model organisms for an integrative study of biology.
This course explores avian form and function, the ecology,
evolution, and behavior of birds, and avian conservation.
Prerequisites: either BI190
and any 200-level biology course, or BI240.
Three hours of lecture, three hours of fieldwork or lab a
week. One Saturday field trip. C.
Freeman-Gallant BI 308. PRINCIPLES
OF GENETICS 4
A study of the principles underlying the structure and function
of hereditary mechanisms. Topics include classical genetics,
DNA structure and function, tran-scription, translation, regulation
of gene expression, and recombinant DNA methods. Prerequisites:
CH106,
BI233,
or permission of instructor. Three hours of lecture, three
hours of lab a week. B. Possidente
BI
311. BIOLOGICAL ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
4
Practical and theoretical study of the operation and application
of electron microscopes and the preparation of samples for
electron microscopy. Topics include: chemical fixation, cryofixation,
cytochemistry, immunolabeling, ultramicrotomy, transmission
electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and electron
microscopic photography. Prerequisite:BI233
or permission of instructor. Two hours of lecture and four
hours of lab a week D. Domozych BI 314. GENERAL
MICROBIOLOGY 4
The study of metabolism, growth, and genetics of microorganisms
in order to understand how cellular processes are involved
in determining interactions between microbes and their environments.
The interactions of microorganisms with living hosts, such
as humans, and non-living environments, such as toxic waste
dumps will be discussed. The valuable properties of microorganisms
will be contrasted to their roles in causing disease. Prerequisite:
BI233,
CH106
or permission of instructor. Three lectures, three hours of
lab a week. The Department BI 316. ANIMAL
BEHAVIOR 4
Behavior is a product of evolution and a means of animal adaptation.
This course considers the mechanisms, proximate causes and
ultimate origins of behavior. Prerequisite: BI236
Three lectures, three hours of lab or fieldwork a week. One
Saturday field trip. M. Raveret Richter
BI 317. ECOLOGY
4
A field, laboratory, and lecture course in which the interactions
among organisms and between organisms and their physical-chemical
environment are explored. Prerequisite: any 200-level
BI course or permission of instructor. Three lectures, three
hours of lab or fieldwork a week. One Saturday field trip.
M. Raveret Richter BI 323. DEVELOPMENTAL
BIOLOGY 4
The study of the progressive, sequential changes that occur
within cells, tissues, and organisms over time. The study
of development encompasses molecular, biochemical, cellular,
morphological, and physiological organizational levels. Course
topics range from gametogenesis and embryonic development
to molecular mechanisms of gene regulation. Prerequisite:
BI233
or permission of instructor. Three lectures, three hours of
lab a week. E. Rubenstein BI 324. EVOLUTION
4
A survey of topics in evolutionary theory: the evidence for
evolution, mechanism of evolutionary change, species concepts,
and speciation. Introduction to the concepts of variability,
adaptation, neutrality, and phylogeny through discussion and
lab work. Prerequisite:BI236
or 240
or permission of instructor. Three hours of lecture, three
hours of lab a week.
C. Freeman-Gallant BI 325. TROPICAL
ECOLOGY 3
An introduction to the ecology of tropical regions, with an
emphasis on Central and South American forests. In this course,
we will take an ecological approach to investigating the patterns,
processes, and organisms characterizing tropical ecosystems.
We will study the forces that gave rise to tropical biodiversity,
and discuss both the preservation and the destruction of tropical
ecosystems. Prerequisites: BI190,
and 236
or 237,
and 240.
M. Raveret Richter TX 301. TROPICAL
FIELD ECOLOGY 2
This travel seminar and its companion lecture course, Tropical
Ecology (BI325), comprise a classroom- and field-based introduction
to the ecology of tropical regions, with an emphasis on Central
and South American forests. Students, who must be concurrently
enrolled in BI325, will meet in a discussion section throughout
the semester, and will travel to the tropical cloud forest
community of Monteverde, Costa Rica, during spring break.
TX301 does not count toward the biology major as a 300-level
elective course, nor does it count as a supportive course
for ecology, evolution, and behavior concentrators; BI325
does fulfill these requirements. Prerequisites:BI190,
237,
and permission of instructor; BI317
is recommended. Offered in alternate years.
M. Raveret Richter and Biology Faculty BI 326. BEHAVIORAL
GENETICS 4
An introduction to the study of genetic mechanisms that regulate
the development and expression of behavior and the relationships
between genetic variation and variation in behavioral traits.
Model systems examined will emphasize analysis of genetic
components of phenotypic variation and covariation, and mapping
of genes involved in regulation and expression of behavior.
Three hours of lecture, three hours of lab per week. Prerequisites:BI233
and 236.
B. Possidente BI 327. CONSERVATION
ECOLOGY 3
Focuses upon developing an understanding of the diversity
of life, in an ecological and evolutionary context, and applying
that understanding to critical analyses of issues and problems
in conservation biology. Prerequisites: BI190,
and 236
or 237,
and 240.
M. Raveret Richter BI 337. PLANT
PHYSIOLOGY 4
The behavior, growth, transport processes, and environmental
response of plants. Topics include membrane dynamics and function,
plant cell development and polarity, solute and water transport,
mineral and vitamin nutrition, respiration photosynthesis,
hormone action, photoperiodism, taxes and stress biology.
Two lectures, four hours of lab a week. Prerequisites:
BI237
and CH106.
D. Domozych
BI
338. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY
4
A modern analysis of humankind's use of plants and fungi and
their derived products. Major subjects covered include: ethnobotany,
plant genetic engineering, plant biochemistry, techniques
of plant production, agricultural practices, horticulture,
and medicinal botany/mycology. Three hours of lecture, three
hours of lab a week. Prerequisite:
BI237
or permission of instructor. D. Domozych
BI
342. FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE n
This course will explore "hot topics" in Neuroscience. We will discuss
how novel approaches in cell culture, animal and human studies are being
used in current molecular Neuroscience research. In addition to
lectures, students will review current literature from top journals,
give group presentations in class and write a paper. This course will be
divided into two sections: 1) topics in Neurogenesis (neuron birth in
the adult brain) and 2) topics in Neurodegeneration (mechanisms of cell
death in disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease).
Students will develop skills in critically reading research papers and
giving presentations. Prerequisites:BI233 and
236.
NS 101 is recommended.
The Department
BI
343. MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
4
A study of biological function on a molecular level. Several
representative macromolecules will be explored on levels ranging
from the genetic control of their synthesis to their functional
architecture. Three hours of lecture, three hours of lab per
week. Prerequisites: BI233,
CH106
or permission of instructor. The Department
BI
344. BIOLOGICAL CLOCKS
4
Organisms in all the major taxonomic groups have internalized
geophysical and other periodicities in the form of endogenous
biological mechanism that function as clocks. Theoretical,
molecular, cellular, physiological, behavioral, ecological,
and biomedical aspects of biological clocks will be examined
with an emphasis on circadian clocks. Three hours of lecture,
three hours of lab per week. Prerequisite:BI236
or permission of the instructor. B.
Possidente BI 348. IMMUNOBIOLOGY
3
A study of the ways in which the immune system recognizes
and responds to cells or molecules that are non-self. The
course will explore the basic biological processes that underlie
the function of the immune system in health and disease.
Prerequisite: BI233.
E. Rubenstein BI 349. NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
4
Hormones act throughout the body to coordinate basic biological
functions such as development, reproduction, and metabolism.
This course will investigate how hormones work in the brain
to regulate physiology and behavior. We will study the molecular
bases of neuroendocrine regulation, with a focus on how the
hypothalmic-pituitary-gonadal axis functions to regulate reproduction,
homeostasis, metabolism, and stress. Laboratory sessions will
explore various approaches to neuroendocrine research, including
detection of hormone receptors in the brain and assessment
of biological functions through bioassays. Prerequisites:
BI233
and 236.
M. Tetel BI 351. TOPICS
IN BIOLOGY 3 or 4
This course gives students an opportunity to study topics
that are not offered on a regular basis. The specific topics
will vary each time the course is taught. All courses fulfill
the 300-level requirements for the biology major. Three-credit
courses are taught without laboratories; four-credit course
include a weekly three-hour lab. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequsite: permission of department. BI351A
fulfills the 300-level elective course requirement of the
ecology, evolution, and behavior concentration. BI351E
fulfills the 300-level supportive course or elective course
requirement of the ecology, evolution, and behavior concentration. BI351M
fulfills the 300-level supportive course requirement of the
molecular and cell biology concentration or the 300-level
elective course requirement of the ecology, evolution, and
behavior concentration. BI 352. TOPICS IN ADVANCED GENETICS
3
BI352E BI352M BI 353. TOPICS IN ADVANCED GENETICS
4
BI353E BI353M BI 360. DNA METABOLISM 4 BI 362. BACTERIAL PATHOGENESIS 3 BI 370. COMPUTER
MODELING OF BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS 4 An introductory course in the methods, procedures, uses, and implications of digital computer modeling of biological processes from the molecular through the population level or organization, with particular focus on the systems level. Three hours of lecture, three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite:BI190
or 240
or permission of instructor. R. Meyers
BI 371. INDEPENDENT
STUDY 3
An opportunity for students to pursue in depth specialized
topics not available through regular course offerings. This
is offered without a laboratory/field component. Prerequisite:
agreement of a faculty member to serve as tutor, a topic acceptable
both to student and tutor, and permission of the department.
Biology majors may take either BI371 or 375 only once to substitute
for a 300-level biology course requirement.
The Department BI 374. SENIOR SEMINAR 3 BI 375. RESEARCH
IN BIOLOGY 4
An opportunity for students to engage in laboratory or field
research under the guidance of a faculty member. The emphasis
is on the development of analytical and technical expertise
in biological research. Students present their results in
the form of a written thesis and an oral presentation. Prerequisite:
agreement by a faculty member to serve as a tutor, completion
of 200-level course requirements, and permission of the department.
Biology majors may take either BI371 or 375 only once to substitute
for a 300-level biology requirement; however, with departmental
approval, BI375 may be repeated once for credit toward all-College
requirements. The Department BI 377, 378.
SENIOR SEMINAR IN BIOLOGY 1, 1
A seminar course designed to teach research skills in the
biological sciences. The course includes presentations by
students and guest speakers, and instruction and practice
in the use of library resources, research design and execution,
and writing of scientific papers. Offered on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory
basis only. The Department BI 399. PROFESSIONAL
INTERNSHIP IN BIOLOGY 3 or 6
Professional experience at an advanced level for juniors and
seniors with substantial academic experience in the major
field. With faculty sponsorship and department approval, students
may extend their educational experience into such areas as
laboratory or field research, or clinical medicine. Does not
count toward the major. Offered satisfactory/unsatisfactory
only. Prerequisite: completion of at least one related
300-level course (as determined by the department).
