Biology Courses & Requirements

Courses Listed by Term

Course Descriptions:

Courses & Requirements 2009-2010

Requirements for the Major:

Ten courses in biology, including Biology 101,102 and 225. Students who have received Advanced Placement credit for biology will receive credit for Bio 101, which will count as one course toward the major or minor. The remaining courses must include at least one in each of the following areas:

Sub-cellular (Biology 352, 355, 363, 378, 380, 384);
Organismal (Biology 203, 240, 315, 316, 321, 330, 332, 336, 354, 362, 365, 370, 375);
Population or community (Biology 256T, 257, 320, 322, 323, 324, 325, 328, 345, 350).

Of the 10 courses, only one may be an independent study, research or honors course (Biology 490-496 or 497-499). Students must take at least 5 courses numbered 240 or above. Normally required are at least five courses collectively in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and geology to be chosen in consultation with the advisor. Students usually should take Chemistry 101 and 102 and Mathematics 110 and 112 (or 113) in their freshman year. Note that acceptance to graduate and professional schools often requires at least two mathematics, four chemistry (including organic chemistry), and two physics courses.

Advanced Placement Policy.

Students who received a score of 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement exam may receive credit for BIO 101. The BIO 101 credit received from the A.P. exam counts as one of the Biology courses towards the major or minor.

Requirements for Interdepartmental Majors:

Students wishing to declare an interdepartmental major must submit a proposal to the department chair outlining their proposed program of study no later than the second term of their junior year. This program, which must be approved by the chair of the Biology Department, should be written in consultation with advisors from both departments to form a cohesive and integrated major; appropriate courses in mathematics and physical sciences should be included in the proposal. Students who wish to have their I.D. major listed as Bio/Other are required to take eight biology courses. Those wishing to have their I.D. major listed as Other/Bio are required to take six biology courses. Only one of these may be a research course. Interdepartmental majors are not required to take one subcellular, one organismal and one population course, although they are strongly encouraged to do so.

Requirements for the Minor:

Six courses in biology, including Biology 101 and 102. The courses must be selected from among those designated for credit toward the biology major. Students are cautioned that many upper-level biology courses require prerequisites (in biology or other science departments) beyond Biology 101 and 102. Therefore, any student who contemplates a biology minor must register at the Biology Department Office and be assigned a departmental advisor. Students with majors outside Division III or in psychology may count one biology GenEd course toward the minor if it is their first course in the minor.
For requirements for a major in biochemistry or neuroscience, see the relevant listings.

Requirements for Secondary School Certification:

Educational Studies strongly recommends that no undergraduate student at Union attempt to seek secondary certification as an undergraduate. However, those students who wish to become public secondary school teachers are urged to visit The School of Education at Union Graduate College to learn the requirements for achieving certification during a fifth year. Union students who enter the Union secondary certification program are often eligible for special scholarship consideration during their fifth year.

All students who believe they will seek public secondary certification in Biology should be advised that they must complete the following courses in Biology: Biology 101 , 102 , 225; at least four 200 or 300 level courses including 350, and at least one course each from the areas of field biology (Biology 256T, 320, 323, 324, 325, 328); functional biology (Biology 316, 330, 355, 362, 370); one morphological biology (Biology 332, 336, 354 ).

All science majors are encouraged to seek certification in more than one science and/or in General Sciences. Students wishing to add certification in General Science must include at least two courses each from the areas of chemistry (Chemistry 101 and 102), physics (Physics 110, 111, or 210), and earth science (any geology course). Also required are at least six courses from mathematics, chemistry, and/or physics to be chosen in consultation with an advisor. Organic Chemistry (Chemistry 231 and 232 will normally be required. Highly recommended courses include History 242; Philosophy 273, or 274; and Political Science 281.

Biology interdepartmental majors seeking secondary school certification in any science must have a full major in their primary area of certification. In their second area of certification, a student hoping to teach in a public secondary school should have a minimum of eight courses which will count toward a major in that science.

All students considering a fifth year at Union Graduate College to achieve public secondary certification in Biology must complete additional requirements beyond science courses during their undergraduate career. Before the end of winter term of their senior year they must take PSY 246, EDS 500A, 500B and 500C (Field Experiences; see Educational Studies for the appropriate requirements to complete the Field Experiences), and one year of a foreign language.

Courses Suitable for Non-Majors:

Biology 050, 051, 055, 065 and 094 are designed for the general college community and may not be counted toward the biology major nor toward interdepartmental majors that include biology. Biology 080, which requires permission from the instructor, is also suitable for selected non-majors. Some 200 level courses are also suitable for non-majors (e.g. 275).

Departmental Honors:

Students eligible for departmental honors must fulfill the College-wide criteria and satisfactorily complete a thesis, traditionally based on the results of original biological research, which receives the approval of the department and appropriate College committee. It is customary, but not required, that research students enroll in three honors research courses, typically during the senior year. Interdepartmental majors must consult with their advisors in both disciplines during their junior year to receive approval for an interdepartmental thesis. The biology component of an interdepartmental thesis will normally incorporate at least one term of biological research.

General Education Courses

Of the following courses only Biology 275 may be counted toward the biology major.

050. Topics in Contemporary Biology (Fall; Willing). Recent developments in biology that are pertinent to human health and to concerns of the nature of life and of human social values. Not open to students who have had Biology 275; fulfills GenEd science with laboratory requirement.

051. Seeing the Light: Concepts of Vision (Same as Physics 051) (Not offered 2009-10). An introduction to biology and physics of vision. The workings of the eye and the brain and the properties of light as well as recent advances in the development of robotic vision. Closed to physics majors. No mathematics or science background is required. Fulfills GenEd science requirement (no lab).

055. Evolution of Animal Behavior (Not offered 2009-10). Humans have long been fascinated by the complex behavioral interactions of other animals. Non-human animals communicate, fight, mate, and try to stay alive in a complex and dangerous world. The course will provide an introduction to the scientific study of animal behavior, with an emphasis on the processes by which complex and diverse behaviors evolve. In lab, students will observe and quantify behavior of living animals in order to test hypotheses about the function and mechanisms underlying different behaviors. Fulfills GenEd science with laboratory requirement. Not open to science majors.

065. Food in the 21st Century (Spring; Willing). An introduction to multiple aspects of food: basic nutrition; role of our dietary choices on health; modern and traditional food production systems; environmental issues in farming (fossil fuel use, climate change, pollution, depletion of water tables); sustainability of our modern food supply system; innovative approaches to providing sufficient food to a growing population. Fulfills GenEd science with laboratory requirement.

094. Understanding Cancer (Not offered 2009-10). Everyone has been touched at some point in their lives by cancer. This course aims to provide insight into the fundamental concepts involved in the life cycle of a cell, how cancer is related to those processes, and how those fundamental processes have led to advances in cancer treatment. Not open to students who have already completed Biology101 (or Biology 110 or Biology 113). Fulfills GenEd science requirement (no lab).

275. The Biology of Homo sapiens (Same as ANT-275) (Not offered 2009-10) A survey of the contributions from many disciplines (paleontology, physical anthropology, ecology, genetics, and molecular biology) to our understanding of the biology and evolution of our own species. Not open to students who have taken Biology 050 or 089. Pre-requisites: None. Preference will be given to second-year students. Fulfills GenEd: SCI.

Practicum

080. Practicum in Hospital Health Care (Fall, Winter, Spring; Beaton, Hospital Staff). A field course combining supervised experience in various hospital departments with study of problems and means of health care delivery. Term paper and on-campus seminar meetings are required. Not for major credit and not for GenEd science credit.

Courses for Majors

101. Physiology of Cells and Organisms (Fall, Winter; Staff). Examines structure and function in both plant and animal systems from the level of biomolecules, cells, tissues, organs and organisms. Topics include metabolism and feedback control, plant water and carbon relations, cardiovascular function and the physiology of movement. One lab per week.

102. Heredity, Evolution, and Ecology (Winter, Spring; Staff). Examines the diversity of living things, including the molecular and evolutionary origins of diversity, factors maintaining diverse ecosystems, and global threats to biodiversity. Topics include an overview of the genetic basis of inheritance, evolution and natural selection at the population level, the process of speciation and the resulting diversity of animal and plant life, ecological interactions between species that influence community diversity, and elements of human-caused global change that imperil biodiversity such as global climate change. One lab per week. Prerequisite: 101 or permission of the instructor.

203. Vertebrate Natural History (Spring, LoGiudice). This lab-integrated course explores the biology of vertebrate animals with emphasis on understanding the diversity, life history, taxonomy and unique adaptations of local vertebrate species. The laboratory focuses on developing scientifically sound skills in observation and identification of amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds. The course is structured as a studio class with lecture content incorporated into the twice-weekly laboratory periods (total of 6 hours per week class time). There will be frequent field trips to observe vertebrates in their natural habitats. Additional meetings may be required for regional field excursions and for morning bird watching. Prerequisites: Biology 101 and 102 or permission of the instructor.

210. Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience (Same as PSY 210).

225. Molecular Biology of the Cell (Fall, Spring; Staff). Major topics are the nature of the gene, the mechanism and control of gene expression, the relationships between important macromolecular constituents within the cell, the cell cycle and cell replication, the nature of the chromosomes and the mitotic process, and fundamental patterns of growth and differentiation at the cellular level. One lab per week. Prerequisites: Biology 101 and 102 or permission of instructor.

240. Introduction to Bioengineering (Same as MER 240 and ECE 244) (Winter; Rice and Mafi). Students explore the application of engineering principles and analyses to the study of biological systems and seek to understand the potential benefits and constraints of engineered materials and devices in medical and environmental applications. Covers principles of solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, and neural information processing and control. Topics include the mechanics of support and locomotion, circulatory transport, mass transfer in organisms, sensory information processing and biorobotics. One lab per week. Prerequisites: Math 110 and one major’s course in biology, chemistry, or physics; Physics 110 recommended.

245. Biomechanics. (Same as MER 245).

256T. Coastal Biology (Not offered 2009-10). A study of the diversity and adaptations of marine organisms in their environment, with emphasis on subtropical, temperate and subarctic communities. Study sites include Bermuda, Cape Cod, and Newfoundland. Permission of the faculty is required. Associated courses are Marine Policy and the Maritime Environment (Sociology 358T) and Images of the Sea (TAB 355T).

257. Tropical Biology (Not offered 2009-10). An introduction to the animals and plants and basic ecology of the new world tropics. The laboratory consists of a two-week field experience (during the summer or winter break) in the Republic of Panama which focuses on field work in tropical rainforest and coral reef habitats. This is followed by a seminar style course during the academic term. The field portion of the course is mandatory. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

264. Epigenetics, Development and Diseases (Fall; Chu-LaGraff). This course will focus on the epigenetic phenomena (e.g. RNA interference and genomic imprinting) on development, embryonic stem cells, animal cloning and heritable human diseases. Epigenetic patterns are changes in gene expression that do not involve changes in DNA sequences. Prerequisite: Biology 225 or permission of the instructor. Preference will be give to second-year students.

275. The Biology of Homo sapiens (Same as ANT 275) (Not offered 2009-10) A survey of the contributions from many disciplines (paleontology, physical anthropology, ecology, genetics, and molecular biology) to our understanding of the biology and evolution of our own species. Not open to students who have taken Biology 050 or 089. Pre-requisites: None. Preference will be given to second-year students. Fulfills GenEd: SCI.

283. Bioinformatics: Information Technology in the Life Sciences (same as CSC 283). (Winter; Horton and Fernandes). The disciplines of biology and information technology are intersecting in increasing frequency, most notably in the emerging field of bioinformatics. Bioinformatics has been fueled by the advent of large-scale genome sequencing projects, which has generated enormous sets of “mineable” data representing an invaluable resource for biologists. Biology and computer science students in the course will gain a working knowledge of the basic principles of the others’ discipline, and will then collaborate together in class on bioinformatics projects. Topics include pairwise and multiple sequence alignments, phylogenetic trees, gene expression analysis, and protein structure prediction. Additional topics will be presented by invited speakers. Prerequisites: BIO 225 or one course from CSc 103-CSc 109.

315. Biology of Plants (Not offered 2009-10). A survey course of the land plants, with emphasis on diversity, physiology, ecology, field identification, economic importance, and natural history of these organisms. One lab per week. Prerequisites: Biology 101 and 102 or permission of the instructor.

316. Plant Physiology (Not offered 2009-10). The physiological processes of plants, including photosynthesis, water balance, mineral nutrition, and growth and how these processes relate to agricultural and environmental problems. One lab per week. Prerequisites: Biology 101 and 102 or permission of instructor.

320. Ecology (Fall; Staff). Organisms and their environment, population and community ecology and the structure and integration of ecosystems, with a focus on animal community ecology. One lab per week. Prerequisites: Biology 101 and 102 or permission of the instructor.

321. Herpetology: Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles (Spring; Pytel). An introduction to the study of amphibians and reptiles, both extremely diverse groups. Topics will include structural and functional characteristics, reproductive adaptations and evolutionary relationships both within the Amphibia and Reptilia and among other vertebrate groups. Special emphasis will be given to local fauna. Students must be available for one Saturday field trip. Prerequisites: Biology 101 and 102 or permission of the instructor.

322. Conservation Biology (Spring; Rice). A case-study approach where students will apply ecological understanding to the management of natural ecosystems. Topics include genetics and population biology of rare species, fire ecology and management, landscape ecology, and global climate change. Includes laboratory. Prerequisite: Biology 102 or permission of instructor.

324. Plant Ecology (Fall; Rice). Examines the factors that affect the distribution and abundance of plant species. We will also relate current ecological research to such environmental issues as climate change, exotic species invasions and the impacts of land use. One lab per week. Prerequisite: Biology 102 or permission of the instructor.

325. Animal Behavior (Same as PSY 311) (Not offered 2009-10). An introduction to the study of animal behavior. The mechanisms and evolutionary processes underlying animal behavior will be examined. Prerequisites: Bio 101 and 102 or permission of the instructor.

328. Aquatic Biology (Spring; Tobiessen). A study of the biological communities of freshwater streams, rivers, and lakes and how they are affected by the physical and chemical properties of the water. Prerequisites: Biology 101 and 102 or permission of the instructor.

330. Comparative Animal Physiology (Not offered 2009-10). Physiological function in a wide variety of animal groups with a strong emphasis on the interaction of organisms with their environment. One lab every other week. Prerequisites: Biology 101 and 102.

332. Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (Winter; Kirkton). Comparative analysis of vertebrate structure with emphasis on evolution, development, and function. One lab per week. Prerequisites: Biology 101, 102 (or 113).

335. Survey of Biochemistry. (Same as CHM and BCH 335) (Spring; Cohen). A survey of topics in biochemistry including buffers, protein structure, lipid structure, carbohydrate structure, enzyme mechanism, and enzyme kinetics. The pathways by which biomolecules are synthesized and degraded will be investigated. Specifically we will look at carbohydrate, lipid, and nitrogen metabolism. Medical applications will be emphasized throughout the course. Prerequisites: Biology 225 and Chemistry 231. Not open to students who have completed either BIO 380 or BIO 382.

336. Invertebrate Zoology (Fall; B. Boyer). Phylogenetic relationships and adaptations of the invertebrate phyla with laboratory study emphasizing morphology and function of living members of each group. Combined lecture/lab sessions, meeting twice weekly. Prerequisite: Biology 102.

345. The Illustrated Organism (Same as AVA 345) (Not offered 2009-10) Descriptive graphic and written analysis of plants and animals; direct observation in field, studio, and laboratory integrating biology and visual arts. Culminates with annotated portfolio illustrating organisms studied. Taught jointly by biology and visual arts faculty using combined facilities. Apply through participating department. Credit for biology and arts majors..

350. Evolutionary Biology (Winter; J. Boyer). Major concepts and mechanisms of biological evolution, including speciation, extinction, coevolution, adaptive radiation, origin of life, molecular evolution and critical aspects of vertebrate evolution. Prerequisite: Biology 101 and 102 or permission of the instructor.

352. Microbiology (Not offered 2009-10). An overview of microbiology with emphasis on bacteria and viruses. Lectures focus on the structural and functional characteristics of prokaryotes and the diversity, growth, and control of bacteria with special attention to those organisms that cause disease in humans. Particularly recommended for students planning careers in medicine and other health-related professions. One lab per week. Prerequisite: Biology 225.

354. Developmental Biology (Spring; Theodosiou). An introduction to the principles of development, emphasizing classical and contemporary research on the embryos of both invertebrates and vertebrates. Laboratory involves descriptive and experimental analysis of living embryos of several different organisms. One lab per week. Prerequisite: Biology 225.

355. Immunology (Winter; Lauzon). The cellular and molecular basis of immunological specificity; regulatory and effector mechanisms of the mammalian immune response and the importance of the innate immune system in the initiation and development of adaptive immunity. Laboratory exercises include basic techniques in agglutination, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), mouse immunization and antibody titer determination, immune cytolysis, immunofluorescence and western blotting. One lab per week. Prerequisite: Biology 225 or permission of the instructor.

362. Introduction to Neurobiology (Same as Psychology 312) (Winter; Olberg). Function of neurons, nervous systems, and sense organs, with emphasis on vertebrates. One lab per week. Prerequisite: Biology 225 or permission of the instructor.

363. Introduction to Cellular Neurosciences (Winter; Chu-LaGraff). Lecture will focus on molecular, cellular, and biochemical principles governing neuronal development, function, and plasticity. Emphasis will be placed on development of the nervous system, neurochemistry, and signaling and second messenger systems. One lab per week. Prerequisite: Biology 225 or permission of the instructor.

365. Neural Circuits and Behavior (Same as PSY 315) (Spring 2009-10). A seminar course, focusing on recent findings in neuroethology, the neural basis of natural behavior. We consider how sensory information is obtained and used to control behavior in both vertebrates and invertebrates. Prerequisite: Biology 101 and 102 and Biology 210, 330, or 362 or permission of the instructor.

370. General Endocrinology (Winter; Cohen). Basic principles of endocrine and neuroendocrine regulation in animals, concentrating on vertebrate metabolism, development, and reproduction. Prerequisite: Biology 225.

375. Animal Locomotion (Not offered 2009-10). This course examines the evolutionary diversity of animal locomotion by investigating how physical properties of both the organisms and their environment affect the biochemistry, anatomy, and physiology of movement. This class also utilizes mechanical and engineering principles to explain locomotory mechanisms of animals. One lab per week. Prerequisite: Biology 101.

378. Cancer Cell Biology (Fall; Danowski). This course investigates the molecular basis of cancer, by comparing normal cells to cancer cells with respect to growth control mechanisms, signal transduction, cell-cell and cell-environment interactions. A large percent of the content of the course comes from recent research papers which students read and present to the class. Laboratory exercises include primary tissue culture, immunofluorescence microscopy, immunodetection, and a final research project. One lab per week. Prerequisite: Biology 225 or permission of the instructor.

380. Biochemistry: Membranes Nucleic Acids and Carbohydrates (Same as CHM 380 and BCH 380) (Fall; Cohen). An in-depth investigation into some of the macromolecules which are essential to life’s processes. The course focuses on non-protein molecules and their unique chemical properties. Three lab hours each week. Prerequisite: BIO 225 and CHM 232, or permission of the instructor. Not open to students who have completed BIO 335.

382. Biochem: Structure & Catalysis (Same as CHM 382 and BCH 382).

384. Molecular Genetics (Spring; Horton). The molecular genetic approach is currently being applied to an extremely diverse array of questions in biology. This course will expose the student to many of the commonly-used techniques in the “toolkit” of the molecular geneticist. Emphasis will be on recent advances in our understanding of topics of current interest such as development, cellular response to environmental stimuli, tumor formation, and apoptosis, amongst others. One lab per week. Laboratory will emphasize the use of modern molecular biological techniques, and will involve group projects of the students’ choice. Prerequisites: Biology 225 and Chemistry 102 (or 113).

410. Brain and Behavior (Same as PSY 410). Advanced coverage of the mechanisms of action of psychotropic drugs and a discussion of the effects of certain transmitter systems on behavior. Prerequisite: Psychology 210.

445 . Soft Tissue Mechanics (Same as MER 445).

487, 488, 489. Senior Seminar (Fall, Winter; Staff). One of these three courses is required by, and limited to, seniors who are not satisfying their WS requirement through either an independent research project or thesis. Each seminar will provide a forum in which a biological topic of current interest and importance is explored in depth. Students will gain experience in giving oral presentations and critically evaluating the written work of both established scientists and fellow students, and they must submit a paper to fulfill the senior writing requirement. Enrollment is optional for interdepartmental biology-other majors.

487. Topics in Ecological and Evolutionary Biology (Not offered 2009-10)

488. Topics in Organismal and Physiological Biology (Winter; Theodosiou)

489. Topics in Cellular and Molecular Biology (Fall; Chu-LaGraff)

490-496. Research I-VII (Fall, Winter, Spring; Staff). Independent research in consultation with a member of the biology staff. Research students are required to attend departmental seminars. Prerequisites: Permission of the chair and the instructor

497, 498, 499. Honors Research I, II, and III (Fall, Winter, Spring; Staff). A sequence which requires a thesis based on original scientific research. May be used to satisfy WS requirement and departmental component for honors in biology, or for WS requirement alone. Research students are required to attend departmental seminars. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. WAC: WS

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Biology Home For Students Courses & Requirements Faculty Seminars News	Courses Listed by Term Course Descriptions: Courses & Requirements 2009-2010 Requirements for the Major: Ten courses in biology, including Biology 101,102 and 225. Students who have received Advanced Placement credit for biology will receive credit for Bio 101, which will count as one course toward the major or minor. The remaining courses must include at least one in each of the following areas: Sub-cellular (Biology 352, 355, 363, 378, 380, 384); Organismal (Biology 203, 240, 315, 316, 321, 330, 332, 336, 354, 362, 365, 370, 375); Population or community (Biology 256T, 257, 320, 322, 323, 324, 325, 328, 345, 350). Of the 10 courses, only one may be an independent study, research or honors course (Biology 490-496 or 497-499). Students must take at least 5 courses numbered 240 or above. Normally required are at least five courses collectively in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and geology to be chosen in consultation with the advisor. Students usually should take Chemistry 101 and 102 and Mathematics 110 and 112 (or 113) in their freshman year. Note that acceptance to graduate and professional schools often requires at least two mathematics, four chemistry (including organic chemistry), and two physics courses. Advanced Placement Policy. Students who received a score of 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement exam may receive credit for BIO 101. The BIO 101 credit received from the A.P. exam counts as one of the Biology courses towards the major or minor. Requirements for Interdepartmental Majors: Students wishing to declare an interdepartmental major must submit a proposal to the department chair outlining their proposed program of study no later than the second term of their junior year. This program, which must be approved by the chair of the Biology Department, should be written in consultation with advisors from both departments to form a cohesive and integrated major; appropriate courses in mathematics and physical sciences should be included in the proposal. Students who wish to have their I.D. major listed as Bio/Other are required to take eight biology courses. Those wishing to have their I.D. major listed as Other/Bio are required to take six biology courses. Only one of these may be a research course. Interdepartmental majors are not required to take one subcellular, one organismal and one population course, although they are strongly encouraged to do so. Requirements for the Minor: Six courses in biology, including Biology 101 and 102. The courses must be selected from among those designated for credit toward the biology major. Students are cautioned that many upper-level biology courses require prerequisites (in biology or other science departments) beyond Biology 101 and 102. Therefore, any student who contemplates a biology minor must register at the Biology Department Office and be assigned a departmental advisor. Students with majors outside Division III or in psychology may count one biology GenEd course toward the minor if it is their first course in the minor. For requirements for a major in biochemistry or neuroscience, see the relevant listings. Requirements for Secondary School Certification: Educational Studies strongly recommends that no undergraduate student at Union attempt to seek secondary certification as an undergraduate. However, those students who wish to become public secondary school teachers are urged to visit The School of Education at Union Graduate College to learn the requirements for achieving certification during a fifth year. Union students who enter the Union secondary certification program are often eligible for special scholarship consideration during their fifth year. All students who believe they will seek public secondary certification in Biology should be advised that they must complete the following courses in Biology: Biology 101 , 102 , 225; at least four 200 or 300 level courses including 350, and at least one course each from the areas of field biology (Biology 256T, 320, 323, 324, 325, 328); functional biology (Biology 316, 330, 355, 362, 370); one morphological biology (Biology 332, 336, 354 ). All science majors are encouraged to seek certification in more than one science and/or in General Sciences. Students wishing to add certification in General Science must include at least two courses each from the areas of chemistry (Chemistry 101 and 102), physics (Physics 110, 111, or 210), and earth science (any geology course). Also required are at least six courses from mathematics, chemistry, and/or physics to be chosen in consultation with an advisor. Organic Chemistry (Chemistry 231 and 232 will normally be required. Highly recommended courses include History 242; Philosophy 273, or 274; and Political Science 281. Biology interdepartmental majors seeking secondary school certification in any science must have a full major in their primary area of certification. In their second area of certification, a student hoping to teach in a public secondary school should have a minimum of eight courses which will count toward a major in that science. All students considering a fifth year at Union Graduate College to achieve public secondary certification in Biology must complete additional requirements beyond science courses during their undergraduate career. Before the end of winter term of their senior year they must take PSY 246, EDS 500A, 500B and 500C (Field Experiences; see Educational Studies for the appropriate requirements to complete the Field Experiences), and one year of a foreign language. Courses Suitable for Non-Majors: Biology 050, 051, 055, 065 and 094 are designed for the general college community and may not be counted toward the biology major nor toward interdepartmental majors that include biology. Biology 080, which requires permission from the instructor, is also suitable for selected non-majors. Some 200 level courses are also suitable for non-majors (e.g. 275). Departmental Honors: Students eligible for departmental honors must fulfill the College-wide criteria and satisfactorily complete a thesis, traditionally based on the results of original biological research, which receives the approval of the department and appropriate College committee. It is customary, but not required, that research students enroll in three honors research courses, typically during the senior year. Interdepartmental majors must consult with their advisors in both disciplines during their junior year to receive approval for an interdepartmental thesis. The biology component of an interdepartmental thesis will normally incorporate at least one term of biological research. General Education Courses Of the following courses only Biology 275 may be counted toward the biology major. 050. Topics in Contemporary Biology (Fall; Willing). Recent developments in biology that are pertinent to human health and to concerns of the nature of life and of human social values. Not open to students who have had Biology 275; fulfills GenEd science with laboratory requirement. 051. Seeing the Light: Concepts of Vision (Same as Physics 051) (Not offered 2009-10). An introduction to biology and physics of vision. The workings of the eye and the brain and the properties of light as well as recent advances in the development of robotic vision. Closed to physics majors. No mathematics or science background is required. Fulfills GenEd science requirement (no lab). 055. Evolution of Animal Behavior (Not offered 2009-10). Humans have long been fascinated by the complex behavioral interactions of other animals. Non-human animals communicate, fight, mate, and try to stay alive in a complex and dangerous world. The course will provide an introduction to the scientific study of animal behavior, with an emphasis on the processes by which complex and diverse behaviors evolve. In lab, students will observe and quantify behavior of living animals in order to test hypotheses about the function and mechanisms underlying different behaviors. Fulfills GenEd science with laboratory requirement. Not open to science majors. 065. Food in the 21st Century (Spring; Willing). An introduction to multiple aspects of food: basic nutrition; role of our dietary choices on health; modern and traditional food production systems; environmental issues in farming (fossil fuel use, climate change, pollution, depletion of water tables); sustainability of our modern food supply system; innovative approaches to providing sufficient food to a growing population. Fulfills GenEd science with laboratory requirement. 094. Understanding Cancer (Not offered 2009-10). Everyone has been touched at some point in their lives by cancer. This course aims to provide insight into the fundamental concepts involved in the life cycle of a cell, how cancer is related to those processes, and how those fundamental processes have led to advances in cancer treatment. Not open to students who have already completed Biology101 (or Biology 110 or Biology 113). Fulfills GenEd science requirement (no lab). 275. The Biology of Homo sapiens (Same as ANT-275) (Not offered 2009-10) A survey of the contributions from many disciplines (paleontology, physical anthropology, ecology, genetics, and molecular biology) to our understanding of the biology and evolution of our own species. Not open to students who have taken Biology 050 or 089. Pre-requisites: None. Preference will be given to second-year students. Fulfills GenEd: SCI. Practicum 080. Practicum in Hospital Health Care (Fall, Winter, Spring; Beaton, Hospital Staff). A field course combining supervised experience in various hospital departments with study of problems and means of health care delivery. Term paper and on-campus seminar meetings are required. Not for major credit and not for GenEd science credit. Courses for Majors 101. Physiology of Cells and Organisms (Fall, Winter; Staff). Examines structure and function in both plant and animal systems from the level of biomolecules, cells, tissues, organs and organisms. Topics include metabolism and feedback control, plant water and carbon relations, cardiovascular function and the physiology of movement. One lab per week. 102. Heredity, Evolution, and Ecology (Winter, Spring; Staff). Examines the diversity of living things, including the molecular and evolutionary origins of diversity, factors maintaining diverse ecosystems, and global threats to biodiversity. Topics include an overview of the genetic basis of inheritance, evolution and natural selection at the population level, the process of speciation and the resulting diversity of animal and plant life, ecological interactions between species that influence community diversity, and elements of human-caused global change that imperil biodiversity such as global climate change. One lab per week. Prerequisite: 101 or permission of the instructor. 203. Vertebrate Natural History (Spring, LoGiudice). This lab-integrated course explores the biology of vertebrate animals with emphasis on understanding the diversity, life history, taxonomy and unique adaptations of local vertebrate species. The laboratory focuses on developing scientifically sound skills in observation and identification of amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds. The course is structured as a studio class with lecture content incorporated into the twice-weekly laboratory periods (total of 6 hours per week class time). There will be frequent field trips to observe vertebrates in their natural habitats. Additional meetings may be required for regional field excursions and for morning bird watching. Prerequisites: Biology 101 and 102 or permission of the instructor. 210. Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience (Same as PSY 210). 225. Molecular Biology of the Cell (Fall, Spring; Staff). Major topics are the nature of the gene, the mechanism and control of gene expression, the relationships between important macromolecular constituents within the cell, the cell cycle and cell replication, the nature of the chromosomes and the mitotic process, and fundamental patterns of growth and differentiation at the cellular level. One lab per week. Prerequisites: Biology 101 and 102 or permission of instructor. 240. Introduction to Bioengineering (Same as MER 240 and ECE 244) (Winter; Rice and Mafi). Students explore the application of engineering principles and analyses to the study of biological systems and seek to understand the potential benefits and constraints of engineered materials and devices in medical and environmental applications. Covers principles of solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, and neural information processing and control. Topics include the mechanics of support and locomotion, circulatory transport, mass transfer in organisms, sensory information processing and biorobotics. One lab per week. Prerequisites: Math 110 and one major’s course in biology, chemistry, or physics; Physics 110 recommended. 245. Biomechanics. (Same as MER 245). 256T. Coastal Biology (Not offered 2009-10). A study of the diversity and adaptations of marine organisms in their environment, with emphasis on subtropical, temperate and subarctic communities. Study sites include Bermuda, Cape Cod, and Newfoundland. Permission of the faculty is required. Associated courses are Marine Policy and the Maritime Environment (Sociology 358T) and Images of the Sea (TAB 355T). 257. Tropical Biology (Not offered 2009-10). An introduction to the animals and plants and basic ecology of the new world tropics. The laboratory consists of a two-week field experience (during the summer or winter break) in the Republic of Panama which focuses on field work in tropical rainforest and coral reef habitats. This is followed by a seminar style course during the academic term. The field portion of the course is mandatory. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. 264. Epigenetics, Development and Diseases (Fall; Chu-LaGraff). This course will focus on the epigenetic phenomena (e.g. RNA interference and genomic imprinting) on development, embryonic stem cells, animal cloning and heritable human diseases. Epigenetic patterns are changes in gene expression that do not involve changes in DNA sequences. Prerequisite: Biology 225 or permission of the instructor. Preference will be give to second-year students. 275. The Biology of Homo sapiens (Same as ANT 275) (Not offered 2009-10) A survey of the contributions from many disciplines (paleontology, physical anthropology, ecology, genetics, and molecular biology) to our understanding of the biology and evolution of our own species. Not open to students who have taken Biology 050 or 089. Pre-requisites: None. Preference will be given to second-year students. Fulfills GenEd: SCI. 283. Bioinformatics: Information Technology in the Life Sciences (same as CSC 283). (Winter; Horton and Fernandes). The disciplines of biology and information technology are intersecting in increasing frequency, most notably in the emerging field of bioinformatics. Bioinformatics has been fueled by the advent of large-scale genome sequencing projects, which has generated enormous sets of “mineable” data representing an invaluable resource for biologists. Biology and computer science students in the course will gain a working knowledge of the basic principles of the others’ discipline, and will then collaborate together in class on bioinformatics projects. Topics include pairwise and multiple sequence alignments, phylogenetic trees, gene expression analysis, and protein structure prediction. Additional topics will be presented by invited speakers. Prerequisites: BIO 225 or one course from CSc 103-CSc 109. 315. Biology of Plants (Not offered 2009-10). A survey course of the land plants, with emphasis on diversity, physiology, ecology, field identification, economic importance, and natural history of these organisms. One lab per week. Prerequisites: Biology 101 and 102 or permission of the instructor. 316. Plant Physiology (Not offered 2009-10). The physiological processes of plants, including photosynthesis, water balance, mineral nutrition, and growth and how these processes relate to agricultural and environmental problems. One lab per week. Prerequisites: Biology 101 and 102 or permission of instructor. 320. Ecology (Fall; Staff). Organisms and their environment, population and community ecology and the structure and integration of ecosystems, with a focus on animal community ecology. One lab per week. Prerequisites: Biology 101 and 102 or permission of the instructor. 321. Herpetology: Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles (Spring; Pytel). An introduction to the study of amphibians and reptiles, both extremely diverse groups. Topics will include structural and functional characteristics, reproductive adaptations and evolutionary relationships both within the Amphibia and Reptilia and among other vertebrate groups. Special emphasis will be given to local fauna. Students must be available for one Saturday field trip. Prerequisites: Biology 101 and 102 or permission of the instructor. 322. Conservation Biology (Spring; Rice). A case-study approach where students will apply ecological understanding to the management of natural ecosystems. Topics include genetics and population biology of rare species, fire ecology and management, landscape ecology, and global climate change. Includes laboratory. Prerequisite: Biology 102 or permission of instructor. 324. Plant Ecology (Fall; Rice). Examines the factors that affect the distribution and abundance of plant species. We will also relate current ecological research to such environmental issues as climate change, exotic species invasions and the impacts of land use. One lab per week. Prerequisite: Biology 102 or permission of the instructor. 325. Animal Behavior (Same as PSY 311) (Not offered 2009-10). An introduction to the study of animal behavior. The mechanisms and evolutionary processes underlying animal behavior will be examined. Prerequisites: Bio 101 and 102 or permission of the instructor. 328. Aquatic Biology (Spring; Tobiessen). A study of the biological communities of freshwater streams, rivers, and lakes and how they are affected by the physical and chemical properties of the water. Prerequisites: Biology 101 and 102 or permission of the instructor. 330. Comparative Animal Physiology (Not offered 2009-10). Physiological function in a wide variety of animal groups with a strong emphasis on the interaction of organisms with their environment. One lab every other week. Prerequisites: Biology 101 and 102. 332. Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (Winter; Kirkton). Comparative analysis of vertebrate structure with emphasis on evolution, development, and function. One lab per week. Prerequisites: Biology 101, 102 (or 113). 335. Survey of Biochemistry. (Same as CHM and BCH 335) (Spring; Cohen). A survey of topics in biochemistry including buffers, protein structure, lipid structure, carbohydrate structure, enzyme mechanism, and enzyme kinetics. The pathways by which biomolecules are synthesized and degraded will be investigated. Specifically we will look at carbohydrate, lipid, and nitrogen metabolism. Medical applications will be emphasized throughout the course. Prerequisites: Biology 225 and Chemistry 231. Not open to students who have completed either BIO 380 or BIO 382. 336. Invertebrate Zoology (Fall; B. Boyer). Phylogenetic relationships and adaptations of the invertebrate phyla with laboratory study emphasizing morphology and function of living members of each group. Combined lecture/lab sessions, meeting twice weekly. Prerequisite: Biology 102. 345. The Illustrated Organism (Same as AVA 345) (Not offered 2009-10) Descriptive graphic and written analysis of plants and animals; direct observation in field, studio, and laboratory integrating biology and visual arts. Culminates with annotated portfolio illustrating organisms studied. Taught jointly by biology and visual arts faculty using combined facilities. Apply through participating department. Credit for biology and arts majors.. 350. Evolutionary Biology (Winter; J. Boyer). Major concepts and mechanisms of biological evolution, including speciation, extinction, coevolution, adaptive radiation, origin of life, molecular evolution and critical aspects of vertebrate evolution. Prerequisite: Biology 101 and 102 or permission of the instructor. 352. Microbiology (Not offered 2009-10). An overview of microbiology with emphasis on bacteria and viruses. Lectures focus on the structural and functional characteristics of prokaryotes and the diversity, growth, and control of bacteria with special attention to those organisms that cause disease in humans. Particularly recommended for students planning careers in medicine and other health-related professions. One lab per week. Prerequisite: Biology 225. 354. Developmental Biology (Spring; Theodosiou). An introduction to the principles of development, emphasizing classical and contemporary research on the embryos of both invertebrates and vertebrates. Laboratory involves descriptive and experimental analysis of living embryos of several different organisms. One lab per week. Prerequisite: Biology 225. 355. Immunology (Winter; Lauzon). The cellular and molecular basis of immunological specificity; regulatory and effector mechanisms of the mammalian immune response and the importance of the innate immune system in the initiation and development of adaptive immunity. Laboratory exercises include basic techniques in agglutination, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), mouse immunization and antibody titer determination, immune cytolysis, immunofluorescence and western blotting. One lab per week. Prerequisite: Biology 225 or permission of the instructor. 362. Introduction to Neurobiology (Same as Psychology 312) (Winter; Olberg). Function of neurons, nervous systems, and sense organs, with emphasis on vertebrates. One lab per week. Prerequisite: Biology 225 or permission of the instructor. 363. Introduction to Cellular Neurosciences (Winter; Chu-LaGraff). Lecture will focus on molecular, cellular, and biochemical principles governing neuronal development, function, and plasticity. Emphasis will be placed on development of the nervous system, neurochemistry, and signaling and second messenger systems. One lab per week. Prerequisite: Biology 225 or permission of the instructor. 365. Neural Circuits and Behavior (Same as PSY 315) (Spring 2009-10). A seminar course, focusing on recent findings in neuroethology, the neural basis of natural behavior. We consider how sensory information is obtained and used to control behavior in both vertebrates and invertebrates. Prerequisite: Biology 101 and 102 and Biology 210, 330, or 362 or permission of the instructor. 370. General Endocrinology (Winter; Cohen). Basic principles of endocrine and neuroendocrine regulation in animals, concentrating on vertebrate metabolism, development, and reproduction. Prerequisite: Biology 225. 375. Animal Locomotion (Not offered 2009-10). This course examines the evolutionary diversity of animal locomotion by investigating how physical properties of both the organisms and their environment affect the biochemistry, anatomy, and physiology of movement. This class also utilizes mechanical and engineering principles to explain locomotory mechanisms of animals. One lab per week. Prerequisite: Biology 101. 378. Cancer Cell Biology (Fall; Danowski). This course investigates the molecular basis of cancer, by comparing normal cells to cancer cells with respect to growth control mechanisms, signal transduction, cell-cell and cell-environment interactions. A large percent of the content of the course comes from recent research papers which students read and present to the class. Laboratory exercises include primary tissue culture, immunofluorescence microscopy, immunodetection, and a final research project. One lab per week. Prerequisite: Biology 225 or permission of the instructor. 380. Biochemistry: Membranes Nucleic Acids and Carbohydrates (Same as CHM 380 and BCH 380) (Fall; Cohen). An in-depth investigation into some of the macromolecules which are essential to life’s processes. The course focuses on non-protein molecules and their unique chemical properties. Three lab hours each week. Prerequisite: BIO 225 and CHM 232, or permission of the instructor. Not open to students who have completed BIO 335. 382. Biochem: Structure & Catalysis (Same as CHM 382 and BCH 382). 384. Molecular Genetics (Spring; Horton). The molecular genetic approach is currently being applied to an extremely diverse array of questions in biology. This course will expose the student to many of the commonly-used techniques in the “toolkit” of the molecular geneticist. Emphasis will be on recent advances in our understanding of topics of current interest such as development, cellular response to environmental stimuli, tumor formation, and apoptosis, amongst others. One lab per week. Laboratory will emphasize the use of modern molecular biological techniques, and will involve group projects of the students’ choice. Prerequisites: Biology 225 and Chemistry 102 (or 113). 410. Brain and Behavior (Same as PSY 410). Advanced coverage of the mechanisms of action of psychotropic drugs and a discussion of the effects of certain transmitter systems on behavior. Prerequisite: Psychology 210. 445 . Soft Tissue Mechanics (Same as MER 445). 487, 488, 489. Senior Seminar (Fall, Winter; Staff). One of these three courses is required by, and limited to, seniors who are not satisfying their WS requirement through either an independent research project or thesis. Each seminar will provide a forum in which a biological topic of current interest and importance is explored in depth. Students will gain experience in giving oral presentations and critically evaluating the written work of both established scientists and fellow students, and they must submit a paper to fulfill the senior writing requirement. Enrollment is optional for interdepartmental biology-other majors. 487. Topics in Ecological and Evolutionary Biology (Not offered 2009-10) 488. Topics in Organismal and Physiological Biology (Winter; Theodosiou) 489. Topics in Cellular and Molecular Biology (Fall; Chu-LaGraff) 490-496. Research I-VII (Fall, Winter, Spring; Staff). Independent research in consultation with a member of the biology staff. Research students are required to attend departmental seminars. Prerequisites: Permission of the chair and the instructor 497, 498, 499. Honors Research I, II, and III (Fall, Winter, Spring; Staff). A sequence which requires a thesis based on original scientific research. May be used to satisfy WS requirement and departmental component for honors in biology, or for WS requirement alone. Research students are required to attend departmental seminars. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. WAC: WS
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