Biology

Biology is the scientific study of living things. Therefore the major and minor in biology are designed to introduce students to the methodology of science while providing a broad exposure to the diversity of life at all levels. Students may also, through their choice of upper-level classes, explore specific areas of interest, such as cell and molecular biology, organismal biology, or ecology and evolutionary biology. In addition to its standard course offerings, the department offers numerous opportunities for collaborative research and learning with faculty. For example, internships and other research opportunities, both on and off-campus, are available during the January Winter Term and in the summer. Many students also spend a semester away from campus, either in an off-campus study program, such as the School for Field Studies, Denmark International Study, the School for International Training, or as an intern at such institutions as Oak Ridge or Argonne National Laboratories, Harvard Medical School, or the Mayo Clinic.

Course Catalog

Requirements for a major

Biology

Total courses required 9.5 BIO + CHEM 120 + 1.0 allied course credit
Core courses BIO 101, BIO 102, BIO 450
Other required courses Seven upper level Biology courses. At least one course from each upper level cluster (Cellular/Molecular Biology, Organismal Biology, Ecology/Evolution). The remaining four Biology courses can be selected from any of the approved courses for the major. CHEM 120 and an additional allied course are also required.

Cellular/Molecular Biology: Courses in this cluster emphasize processes of cells and/or unicellular organisms including cellular processes such as metabolism/bioenergetics and the maintenance and expression of DNA, RNA and/or proteins. Courses that fulfill this cluster are BIO 241, BIO 250, BIO 314, BIO 315, BIO 325, BIO 361, BIO 381.

Organismal Biology: Courses in this cluster emphasize biological diversity and adaptive characteristics of multicellular organisms such as physiology, anatomy, development, and reproduction. Courses that fulfill this cluster are BIO 230, BIO 234, BIO 235, BIO 285, BIO 334, BIO 335.

Evolution/Ecology: Courses in this cluster emphasize the consequences of interactions of organisms with each other and their (abiotic and biotic) environment and the processes which shape these interactions at the population, community and ecosystem levels. Courses that fulfill this cluster are BIO 342, BIO 343, BIO 344, BIO 345, BIO 346, BIO 348.

Students will take one course from the following list of allied courses: CHEM 240, CHEM 260, CSC 121, GEOS 110, PHYS 120

Number 300 and 400 level courses Three (not including BIO 450)
Senior requirement and capstone experience The senior requirement consists of the completion of BIO 450 with a grade of C- or better.
Additional information No more than two courses from off-campus programs can count toward the major. It is recommended that biology majors take a minimum of two courses in chemistry, a year of physics and a semester of calculus or statistics. Course work in computer science is also desirable.
Writing in the Major

Biologists must write clear, compelling prose to describe and explain complex patterns and processes. They must also present data graphically and verbally to inform and engage other scientists and the public. Good writing in biology is usually concise and precise, conveying information effectively without relying on emotion. Drafts, revisions, and peer reviews are important steps in the process of writing polished prose in biology. Biological inquiry and writing are both collaborative endeavors. Writing collaboratively requires practice, so in many of our courses, students work together to produce co-authored reports describing their experimental results. While collaborative writing is important, students will be increasingly responsible for their own writing with the goal of achieving effective technical writing in the mode of professional biologists.

The Biology major scaffolds writing assignments from parts of lab reports or proposals in the introductory courses to full lab reports and review papers in upper level courses. Students will experience many different forms of writing in Biology throughout their major coursework.

To fulfill the Writing in the Major certification, Biology majors must either take a course that has been designated by the department as writing intensive or submit a portfolio with three pieces of graded writing to their senior seminar instructor prior to the end of their senior year. The following courses have been designated as writing intensive:

  • Bio 230 - Plant Biology
  • Bio 250 - Microbiology
  • Bio 315 - Molecular Biology
  • Bio 325 - Bioinformatics
  • Bio 335 - Animal Physiology
  • Bio 345 - Conservation Biology
  • Bio 346 - Plant- Animal Interactions
  • Bio 361 - Immunology
  • Bio 415 - Molecular Genetics and Genomics

Cellular and Molecular Biology

Total courses required 8.5 BIO + CHEM 120 + 3 MATH and/or CSC
Core courses BIO 101; BIO 102; CHEM 120; BIO 241 or BIO 250; BIO 315.
Other required courses 4 BIO courses including:

  • 3 courses from Group 1 (minimum of 2) and Group 2
  • Group 1: BIO 241, BIO 250, BIO 314, BIO 320, BIO 325, BIO 361, BIO 381, BIO 385, BIO 415, BIO 490 (CMB area)
  • Group 2: BIO 230, BIO 285, BIO 334, BIO 335, BIO 382
  • 1 additional Biology elective

3 courses chosen from the following Computer Science and Math courses: CSC 121, CSC 122, CSC 232, CSC 233, MATH 123, MATH 141, MATH 151, MATH 152, MATH 251, MATH 341

No more than two courses from off-campus programs can count toward the major.

Number 300 and 400 level courses Minimum of 3 BIO (not including BIO 450)
Senior requirement and capstone experience BIO 450 completion with a grade of C- or better, or half credit BIO 490 research in a CMB area.
Additional information The CSC and MATH courses requirement may be fulfilled as follow: 3 CSC, or 3 MATH, or 2 CSC + 1 MATH, or 1 CSC + 2 MATH. BIO 375, BIO 325, BIO 381 are recommended electives. Students may take BIO 375 and MATH 141, however BIO 375 may not be substituted for one of the Math requirements, or vice versa. BIO 490 half credit research or more recommended in a CMB area, may be counted as upper level elective for the major. Interdisciplinary project with Math or Computer Science is encouraged.
Writing in the Major See Biology major for students entering Fall 2014 and after.

Environmental Biology

Total courses required 7.5 Biology + CHEM 130 + 4.0 Allied + 1.0 Elective
Core courses BIO 101, BIO 102, CHEM 130, BIO 450
Other required courses Five upper level Biology courses. Must include BIO 375 and either BIO 342 or BIO 345 (or similar approved topics course). Four allied courses from outside Biology (minimum two from the social sciences, arts or humanities; minimum one from the sciences). At least one of these must be at or above the 200 level. These courses are selected from a list of environmental course offerings maintained by the Biology Department. One additional elective course, which may be in Biology, Chemistry, or from the list of allied courses.
Number 300 and 400 level courses Three (not including BIO 450)
Senior requirement and capstone experience Completion of BIO 450 with a grade of C- or better.
Additional information No more than two courses from off-campus programs may count toward the major. Environmental biology majors are encouraged to also take courses in physics and computer science.
Writing in the Major See Biology major for students entering Fall 2014 and after.

Requirements for a minor

Biology

Total courses required Six
Core courses BIO 101, BIO 102
Other required courses Three BIO courses, with at least one at the 300-level, and CHEM 120.
Number 300 and 400 level courses One

Courses in Biology

BIO 101

Molecules, Genes and Cells

Includes laboratory. An introduction to genetics, cell biology and molecular biology. Students will examine topics in biological chemistry, cellular structure and function, metabolism and energy flow in cellular systems, Mendelian genetics, and the cell cycle.

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
Science and Mathematics 1 course

BIO 102

Evolution, Organisms and Ecology

Includes laboratory. An introduction to the principles and practice of evolutionary biology, population genetics, and ecology. Students will examine topics in natural selection, the modern synthesis, speciation, phylogeny, primary productivity and ecological efficiency.

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
Science and Mathematics 1 course

BIO 104

Human Biology

Includes laboratory. An entry level course that examines biological principles as they relate to the functioning of human body systems, and to advances in medical science (or just health) and biotechnology. May not be counted toward a major in biology.

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
Science and Mathematics 1 course

BIO 105

Human Genetics

Includes laboratory. An entry level course examining basic principles of genetics, emphasizing human genetics, various disorders and their ethical and economic impact on society. May not be counted toward a major in biology.

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
Science and Mathematics 1 course

BIO 130

Plants in Human Cultures

Includes laboratory. In this course, students will address the many ways that humans interact with the botanical world. Topics covered include, but are not limited to: the history and evolution of agricultural practices and crop plants, the botanical and chemical aspects of food and spice crops, genetic engineering of crops, traditional uses of medicinal plants in human cultures, modern searches for cures for human diseases using plant-derived chemicals, the effects of humans on the distribution of plant species and the evolutionary origins of such plant products as wood, cotton, oils, etc. May not be counted toward a major in biology.

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
Science and Mathematics 1 course

BIO 156

Advanced Placement in Biology

Credit for students earning advanced placement in biology. Does not count toward the major in Biology.

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
1 course

BIO 183

Off-Campus Extended Studies Course

Winter or May Term off-campus study project related to a biological theme. May not be counted toward major

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
variable

BIO 190

Topics

Selected topics in biology. May include laboratory depending on subject.

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
Science and Mathematics 1/2-1 course

BIO 197

First-Year Seminar

A seminar focused on a theme related to the study of biology. Open only to first-year students. May not be counted toward major.

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
1 course

BIO 203

Human Anatomy

Includes laboratory. Examination of human structure as it relates to organ and body function and human adaptation to the environment. Laboratory: dissection of a mammal with reference to its comparison with the human. Prerequisite: one course in biology or KINS 100

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
Prerequisite: one course in biology or KINS 100 1 course

BIO 230

Plant Biology

Includes laboratory. An introduction to the principles of plant biology. Topics covered include plant development and reproduction, responses to environmental variables, and applied uses. Prerequisites: BIO 101 and BIO 102, or permission of instructor..

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
BIO 101 and BIO 102, or permission of instructor. 1 course

BIO 234

Evolutionary Developmental Biology

May include laboratory. In this course students will integrate ideas on organism form and function from the level of the gene to the fully functioning organism. Topics covered include, but are not limited to: the theories of Darwin and Von Baer, the role of natural genetic variation, developmental plasticity, evolutionary novelties, the genetic 'toolkit', the role of the environment in organismal development, and using cutting edge technology in research. Prerequisite: BIO 102.

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
Science and Mathematics BIO 102 1 course

BIO 235

Organismal Biology

Includes laboratory. With an emphasis on land plants and animals, this course provides an introduction to the evolution of the structure-function relationships that characterize these organisms. Topics covered include the evolution of adaptations associated with nutrition, internal transport, gas exchange, water and ion balance, growth, reproduction, development and integration of activities. Prerequisite: BIO 101 and BIO 102.

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
Science and Mathematics BIO 101 and BIO 102 1 course

BIO 241

Intermediate Cellular Biology

Includes laboratory. This class focuses on the regulatory mechanisms governing cellular function. Topics will include: protein trafficking, vesicular transport, cytoskeletal dynamics, cell signaling mechanisms, cell cycle regulation, cell-cell and cell environment interactions, regulation of apoptosis, autophagy, stem cells and cell fate determination. The course will also introduce students to critical analysis of peer-reviewed literature. Prerequisite: BIO 101 or CHEM 240 (prior or concurrent).

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
Science and Mathematics 1 course

BIO 250

Microbiology

Includes laboratory. A general overview of microbiology. Topics covered include microbial genetics, physiology, evolution and ecology, microbial techniques and the interplay between microbial life and the human environment. Prerequisites: BIO 101

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
BIO 101 1 course

BIO 285

Biodiversity

Includes laboratory. A diagnostic overview of major taxa within both prokaryotes and eukaryotes which includes phylogeny, systematics, defining attributes, and comparative life cycles. Prerequisites: BIO 101 and BIO 102, or permission of instructor.

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
BIO 101 and BIO 102, or permission of instructor. 1 course

BIO 290

Topics

Selected topics in Biology. May or may not include a laboratory, depending on the subject. Prerequisite: one year of biology or permission of instructor.

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
One year of biology or permission of instructor 1/2-1 course

BIO 295

Practicum for Biology Tutors

Development of tutoring and problem-solving skills in biology through readings, direct experience, reflection and discussion. Experience in tutoring/assisting of a biology course under direct supervision. Prerequisites: one year of Biology and permission of instructor. May be counted one time toward Biology majors.

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
One year of biology and permission of instructor 1/2 course

BIO 314

Biochemistry and Cellular Biology

Includes laboratory. A study of the dynamic aspects of the structure, function and regulation of eukaryotic cells. The molecular nature of the gene and gene expression are examined. The intercellular functions that maintain cell viability and the coordination between cell in multicellular organisms are examined. Prerequisites: BIO 101 and BIO 102, or permission of instructor.

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
BIO 101 and BIO 102, or permission of instructor 1 course

BIO 315

Molecular Biology

Includes laboratory. This course presents advanced concepts of molecular biology with the experimental evidence and practice of genetic engineering and recombinant DNA technology. Lectures focus on explaining biological phenomena in molecular and biochemical terms, including DNA-Protein interactions in gene regulation, and provide conceptual support for the laboratory experiments. Laboratory work focuses on a semester-long project using biochemical and molecular techniques. Prerequisites: BIO 101 and CHEM 120.

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
BIO 101 and CHEM 120 1 course

BIO 320

Genetics

Normally includes laboratory. The study of gene transmission, structure and function. Topics include patterns of inheritance, microbial and molecular genetics, quantitative and population genetics. Prerequisite: BIO 101 and BIO 102, or permission of instructor.

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
BIO 101 and BIO 102, or permission of instructor 1 course

BIO 325

Bioinformatics

Includes laboratory. An introduction to the molecular theory and computational tools for analyzing gene and protein sequences. A major activity is the use of computer programs and algorithms to find and align gene and protein sequences, to predict protein structure and function, and to create network maps and phylogenetic histories from molecular sequences. Prerequisites: BIO 101 or CHEM 240

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
BIO 101 or CHEM 240 1 course

BIO 334

Developmental Biology

Includes laboratory. A comparative investigation of embryonic development, including cell differentiation, tissue organization and mechanisms of organ development. Prerequisites: BIO 101 and BIO 102, or permission of instructor

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
BIO 101 and BIO 102, or permission of instructor 1 course

BIO 335

Animal Physiology

Includes laboratory. In Animal Physiology we use an integrative approach to study the mechanisms by which animals maintain interal environments that are compatible to life. The basis of organ systems function, homeostatic responses to environmental stresses, evolutionary and developmental adaptations and normal body functions are explored at the cellular and organismic level. Selected physiological topics including osmoregulation, metabolism, nerve function, cardiac and respiratory physiology are investigated in the accompanying laboratory sessions. Prerequisites: BIO 101

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
BIO 101 1 course

BIO 342

Ecology

Includes laboratory. The study of interrelationships between organisms and their environment, emphasizing fundamental concepts in ecology, natural history of local habitats and organisms, the process of ecological research, and current issues of interest in ecology. Prerequisites: BIO 101 and BIO 102, or permission of instructor..

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
BIO 101 and BIO 102, or permission of instructor. 1 course

BIO 343

Aquatic Ecology

Includes laboratory. With an emphasis on freshwater ecosystems, this course provides an introduction to the biological, physical, and chemical constraints on living in water. Topics covered include the physical differences between aquatic and terrestrial environments, aquatic biodiversity, trophic interactions, nutrient cycling, and the conservation of aquatic ecosystems. Prerequisites: BIO 101 and BIO 102.

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
BIO 101 and BIO 102 1 course

BIO 344

Ecological and Evolutionary Genetics

This course examines how interactions among organisms and their biotic and abiotic environments influence the quantitative and molecular genetics of natural populations. Following a brief introduction to theoretical population and quantitative genetics, students make extensive use of the primary literature to examine current research in this area. Prerequisites: BIO 101 and BIO 102, or permission of instructor.

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
BIO 101 and BIO 102, or permission of instructor 1 course

BIO 345

Conservation Biology

Includes laboratory. This course will address the impacts of humans on Earth's biodiversity, and strategies taken to conserve and protect global natural resources. Topics covered may include global patterns of biodiversity, ecological community structure, habitat exploitation and restoration by humans, genetics of small populations, design of nature reserves, problems associated with invasive species. Prerequisites: BIO 101 and BIO 102, or permission of instructor..

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
BIO 101 and BIO 102, or permission of instructor. 1 course

BIO 346

Plant-Animal Interactions

Includes laboratory. An examination of plants and animals from a holistic, interactive perspective, focusing on the ongoing coevolution between plants and animals. Both positive and negative interactions for both types of organisms are examined. Prerequisites: BIO 101 and BIO 102, or permission of instructor.

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
BIO 101 and BIO 102, or permission of instructor 1 course

BIO 348

Behavioral Ecology

Includes laboratory. This course is concerned with an evolutionarily based analysis of how the behaviors of animals contribute to survival and reproductive success. Prerequisites: BIO 101 and BIO 102, or permission of instructor..

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
BIO 101 and BIO 102, or permission of instructor. 1 course

BIO 361

Immunology

Includes laboratory. Investigation of the principles of immunology, including clinical principles of pathogen resistance, autoimmunity, immunodeficiency and cancer. Both basic science and clinical science will be addressed, as will comparative aspects of innate and acquired immunity. Laboratory consists of basic and investigative projects involving the use of live animals. Prerequisite: BIO 101 and BIO 102, or permission of instructor.

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
BIO 101 and BIO 102, or permission of instructor 1 course

BIO 375

Biostatistics

Includes laboratory. A detailed survey of the techniques involved in the collection and analysis of biological data. Topics include sampling and the types of biological data, hypothesis generation and testing, parametric and nonparametric statistical tests, categorical data analysis and design of experiments. Prerequisites: BIO 101 and 102, or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit in ECON 350 or PSY 214.

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
BIO 101 and 102, or permission of instructor. 1 course

BIO 381

Cell Signaling in Physiology

Includes laboratory. This class explores how cellular signaling coordinates physiological function. It focuses on the modes of operation of complex and dynamic molecular networks that are linked to the families of G-protein coupled receptors, receptor tyrosine kinases, cytokines receptors, second messengers, and small G proteins. The class explores the role of cell signaling in 1) cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and cell death, and 2) their regulation of stress responses, inflammation, tissue remodeling, wound healing, regeneration and cancer. This class makes extensive use of primary literature. Labs include tissue culture, cell imaging, protein expression, protein isolation and detection by ELISA and Western, and a multi-weeks independent project (4 to 5 weeks) using various cell and molecular techniques, and in vitro cell culture models as well as in vivo research models. Prerequisites: Bio 241 or 250 or 315 or CHEM 240

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
1 course

BIO 382

Neurobiology

Includes laboratory. Examines the structure and function of individual neurons and glial cells, the formation of integrative circuits and the comparative organization and evolution of animal nervous systems of increasing complexity from nerve nets to humans. Prerequisite: BIO 101 and BIO 102, or permission of instructor.

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
BIO 101 and BIO 102, or permission of instructor 1 course

BIO 385

Molecular Neurobiology

Includes laboratory. This course is concerned with the regulation of neural gene expression and protein synthesis and is designed for advanced students. We approach neurobiological questions from the molecular (gene and protein) level with the aim to understand how patterns of gene expression and protein synthesis relate to brain function and dysfunction. Topics include neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer's, Huntington's and Parkinson's disease), addiction, mood disorders, neural development, neural regeneration, stem cells, and progress in neural therapies. Along these lines, current concepts of transcriptional and translational control of selected neural genes in normal, diseased and developing nervous systems are discussed. Molecular techniques such as protein isolation, Western Blotting, immunodetection, and tissue culture are explored in the laboratory. Prerequisites: BIO 101

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
BIO 101 1 course

BIO 390

Topics

Selected topics in biology are offered. Prerequisite: one year of biology or permission of instructor.

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
One year of biology or permission of instructor 1/2-1 course

BIO 415

Molecular Genetics & Genomics

This course focuses on the genes in the Human Genome that are responsible for causing simple monogenic diseases (see OMIM) and more complex polygenic diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, Crohn's disease, asthma and autism. Both classical genetics (Mendelian, Quantitative, Population) and modern genetics (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Genome Wide Association Studies) are introduced for probing the discovery, transmission, and molecular functions of these genes. We also probe new ways of treating and testing for diseases along with the ethical implications. Prerequisite: BIO 101, CHEM 240, or permission of instructor. Recommended: BIO 315, BIO 325 or BIO 320.

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
BIO 101, CHEM 240, or permission of instructor. Recommended: BIO 315, BIO 325 or BIO 320. 1 course

BIO 450

Senior Seminar

Students read, present and discuss research papers from a variety of areas in biology. Prerequisite: a major in biology and senior status. May not be taken pass/fail.

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
A major in biology and senior status 1/2 course

BIO 490

Research Problems

Directed independent study. Usually taken for one-half credit. Consult with instructor to determine credits. May be repeated. Permission of instructor.

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
Permission of instructor 1/2-1 course