Biology
The curriculum of the Biology Department is designed to introduce the student to the breadth of the discipline of biology and to provide the foundation for further study in life sciences. A core sequence of courses introduces the student to genetics, cell biology, organismal biology, and ecology. The student may then choose elective courses in areas relevant to his career interests. The biology major is designed to prepare the student for graduate or professional work in biology, as well as other careers such as law or business. We emphasize the process of biological science through course content, laboratory and field work, independent study, and summer research with faculty. The capstone course, BIO-401 Senior Seminar, immerses the student in the primary literature in biology and hones the skills needed for critical analysis of new information in biology.
For the non-major, we offer a number of opportunities to study biology and to gain experience with the process of scientific inquiry. For the student looking for a laboratory course for distribution, BIO-101 Human Biology introduces the basic concepts of biology by examining the biology of humans. BIO-102 Plants & Human Affairs, BIO-103 Environmental Science, BIO-151 Intro to Evolution, and irregularly offered special topics courses at the 100 level (BIO-177 Special Topics (without Lab) or BIO-178 Special Topics (with Lab) are also appropriate for non-majors.
Student Learning Goals
Content Knowledge and Conceptual Understanding: Provide all biology majors with a broad body of knowledge in the general field of biology, with some experience in cell and molecular biology, genetics, ecology, and an area of organismal biology, as well as foundational coursework in chemistry and physics. A student may choose to further specialize in a biological subdiscipline of his choice.
Critical Thinking & Analytical Skills: Help students learn how to think and investigate like a biologist.
Science Communication Skills: Teach students to know how to best communicate their ‘content and process’ knowledge.
Professional Training: Prepare majors for careers in science, particularly those demanding advanced training.
Attitudes and Habits of Mind: Model and cultivate in students an intellectual curiosity about biology and its role in our larger society. Develop a sense of community among biology majors.
Requirements for the Major
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core | ||
| Introductory Courses: 1 | ||
| BIO-111 | General Biology I | 1 |
| BIO-112 | General Biology II | 1 |
| Genetics and Cell Biology: 2 | ||
| BIO-211 | Genetics | 1 |
| BIO-212 | Cell Biology | 1 |
| Ecology: 3 | ||
| BIO-213 | Ecology | 1 |
| Organismal Biology (select one from the following): 4 | 1 | |
| Comparative Anatomy & Embryology | ||
| Biology of Invertebrates | ||
| Vascular Plants | ||
| Microbiology | ||
| Parasitology | ||
| Senior Seminar: 5 | ||
| BIO-401 | Senior Seminar | 1 |
| Biology Electives | 2 | |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Collateral Requirements | ||
| PHY-109 | Physics I - Algebra | 1 |
| or PHY-110 | Physics II - Algebra | |
| or PHY-111 | Physics I - Calculus | |
| CHE-111 | General Chemistry | 1 |
| CHE-221 | Organic Chemistry I | 1 |
| Total Credits | 3 | |
- 1
These courses should be completed during the freshman year.
- 2
Should be completed during the sophomore year.
- 3
Normally completed during the first semester of either the junior or senior year
- 4
To be completed before taking comprehensive exams
- 5
Usually, BIO-401 Senior Seminar is taken during the fall semester of the senior year. Students who will be off-campus during the first semester of their senior year should take BIO-401 Senior Seminar during the fall semester of their junior year.
Supporting the Biology Curriculum
Biology majors must complete 2 additional course credits for a total of nine course credits in biology. These credits may be compiled from the following:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO-311 | Molecular Genetics | 1 |
| BIO-313 | Advanced Ecology | 1 |
| BIO-314 | Developmental Biology | 1 |
| BIO-315 | Organismal Physiology | 1 |
| BIO-316 | Evolution of Developmental Mechanisms | 1 |
| BIO-321 | Comparative Anatomy & Embryology | 1 |
| BIO-322 | Biology of Invertebrates | 1 |
| BIO-324 | Vascular Plants | 1 |
| BIO-325 | Microbiology | 1 |
| BIO-326 | Parasitology | 1 |
| BIO-351 | Evolution of Populations | 1 |
| BIO-387 | Independent Study | 0.5 |
| BIO-388 | Independent Study | 0.5 |
Because most of these courses (BIO-311 Molecular Genetics, BIO-313 Advanced Ecology, BIO-314 Developmental Biology, BIO-315 Organismal Physiology, BIO-316 Evolution of Developmental Mechanisms, BIO-321, BIO-322, BIO-324, BIO-325, BIO-326, BIO-351 Evolution of Populations) are offered in alternate years, students must carefully plan their curriculum (in consultation with a Biology Department faculty member). In some years, one or more special topics courses (BIO-371 Special Topics) may be offered and may be used to complete the major. Descriptions of these courses will be provided to students and advisors before pre- registration.
Students interested in biological research are encouraged to undertake independent study (BIO-387 Independent Study, or BIO-388 Independent Study) during their junior or senior year. Well-prepared students may begin Biology independent study before their junior year.
Beyond the nine course credits required for the biology major, students may include two additional biology course credits to satisfy graduation requirements. Students interested in graduate school in biology are encouraged to consider this option.
Supporting Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Computer Science Curricula
PHY-109 Physics I - Algebra, PHY-110 Physics II - Algebra, or PHY-111 Physics I - Calculus, and CHE-111 General Chemistry and CHE-221 Organic Chemistry I, are required for Biology majors. Biology majors may not use the CC/NC option for these co-requisites.
Usually CHE-111 General Chemistry is taken during the sophomore year, and the physics course, CHE-221 Organic Chemistry I and CHE-321 Organic Chemistry II are taken during the junior year. Students intending to proceed to a professional or a graduate school should plan to include MAT-111 Calculus I, a second physics course, and CHE-221 Organic Chemistry I CHE-321 Organic Chemistry II, and CHE-331 Analytical Chemistry or CHE-361 Biochemistry (depending on interests) in their curriculum.
MAT-112 Calculus II, CSC-111 Intro to Programming, and a statistics course (MAT-254 Statistical Models or DV3-252 Stats for Social Sciences) may be important support courses for some Biology majors. Students are encouraged to consult with an academic advisor or the Biology department chair to determine the appropriate plan of study.
Comprehensive Exam in Biology
Students must pass a two-day written comprehensive exam in biology. On the first day, students write on a series of recent papers from the primary literature, drawing upon the breadth and depth of their knowledge of biology. On the second day, they answer a series of questions on specific courses. Students must complete BIO-211 Genetics,BIO-212 Cell Biology, BIO-213 Ecology and their organismal biology course on campus before the spring of their senior year.
Off-Campus Study
Students who wish to take biology courses at other institutions to be credited towards graduation should first discuss their options with their advisor and then obtain permission from the Biology department chair.
Summer Field Study
Scholarship funds are available through the Lucy B. Graves Fund as scholarships for students to study at marine biological laboratories. The Robert O. Petty Fund and the E.W. Olive Fund support internships in field biology. Interested students should talk with the department chair.
AP Credit
Students who scored a 5 on the Biology AP exam may be eligible to receive credit for an introductory biology course. Interested students should meet with the Department Chair to complete the necessary steps. In general, students planning to major in Biology or Biochemistry will be asked to take a comprehensive final exam for BIO-111 and submit a lab report from an experiment conducted in high school. A student earning 85% or better on each of these may initiate the Biology major (or the Biology requirements for the Biochemistry major) by taking BIO-211 as his first Biology course. A student earning a grade of B- or higher in BIO-211 will then earn back credit for BIO-111. (He will need to enroll in BIO-112 the following semester to continue in the Biology or Biochemistry major.)
Requirements for the Minor
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO-111 | General Biology I | 1 |
| BIO-112 | General Biology II | 1 |
| Three additional course credits in Biology | 3 | |
At least one of these courses must be a course in organismal biology from the following: | ||
| Comparative Anatomy & Embryology | ||
| Biology of Invertebrates | ||
| Vascular Plants | ||
| Microbiology | ||
| Parasitology | ||
| Total Credits | 5 | |
Students who wish to initiate a biology minor via the BIO-101 Human Biology course will complete four additional courses, including an organismal course.
BIO-101 Human Biology
A one-semester course offered primarily for
majors in the social sciences and the humanities.
This course will emphasize reproduction and
development, structure/function, genetics, and
evolution. The ethical implications of biological
knowledge also will be considered. In the
laboratory, students will investigate biological
problems related to humans. Three
lecture/discussions and one laboratory period
weekly. A student who decides, on the basis of
his experience in BIO-101, to major in biology
can enroll in the appropriate semester of BIO-111
or 112.
Prerequisites: none
Corequisites: BIO-101L
Credit: 1
Distribution: Science Lab
BIO-102 Plants & Human Affairs
This lab science course is intended primarily for
students not planning to major in the natural
sciences. The course will provide an introduction
to botany and will use that foundation to
explore the emerging evidence on how plant
phenology, physiology, and diversity may be
affected by climate change. The laboratory portion
of the course will include field and lab
work, providing opportunities to hone students'
observational skills and familiarity with
experimental design and implementation. Laboratory
and in-class exercises will give students
practice in analyzing and interpreting data.
Prerequisites: none
Corequisites: BIO-102L
Credit: 1
Distribution: Science Lab
BIO-103 Environmental Science
This course surveys major environmental issues and
the role of scientific inquiry in understanding
and mitigating these problems. The course will
explore specific topics including energy
generation and use, water quality, agriculture,
biodiversity, and climate change. For each topic,
students will (1) learn about the causes and
consequences of the problem in the context of
basic biology and other natural sciences, (2)
participate in and critically evaluate the
collection and interpretation of data on the
problem, and (3) discuss and critique potential
responses to the problem. Laboratory activities
will include collecting and analyzing
environmental samples, exploring data available in
public repositories, and visiting local sites to
observe environmentally related activities in the
area.
Prerequisites: none
Corequisites: BIO-103L
Credit: 1
Distribution: Science Lab,
Equated Courses: GHL-103
BIO-111 General Biology I
First semester of a two-course sequence in the
concepts of biology for biology majors. This
course is a prerequisite for all advanced courses
in biology. BIO 111 covers biomolecules, cell
biology, genetics, and evolution. Three lectures
and one laboratory period weekly. Offered in the
fall semester.
Prerequisites: none
Corequisites: BIO-111L
Credit: 1
Distribution: Science Lab, Quantitative Literacy
BIO-112 General Biology II
This is the second semester of a two-course
sequence in the concepts of biology for biology
majors. This course is a prerequisite for most
advanced courses in biology. BIO 112 covers
animal and plant structure/function relationships
and evolution and diversity. Three lectures and
one laboratory period weekly. This course is
offered in the spring semester.
Prerequisites: BIO-111
Corequisites: BIO-112L
Credit: 1
Distribution: Science Lab
BIO-151 Intro to Evolution
This is a course designed to provide a basic
introduction to the processes of evolutionary
change and the pattern of biological diversity.
Lecture/discussion will focus on the evidence for
evolution, including case studies from a variety
of organisms. This course is designed for
students not planning to major in Biology and
will not count toward the requirements for the
Biology major, but it may count toward the
Biology minor. This course is typically offered
in the spring semester of even-numbered years.
Prerequisites: BIO-101 or BIO-111
Credit: 1
BIO-177 Special Topics (without Lab)
A special topics course with laboratory for
non-majors. Topics vary with each scheduled
offering. Refer to Student Planning's section
information for descriptions of individual
offerings, and applicability to distribution
requirements.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1
BIO-178 Special Topics (with Lab)
A special topics course with laboratory for
non-majors. Topics vary with each scheduled
offering. Refer to Student Planning's section
information for descriptions of individual
offerings, and applicability to distribution
requirements.
Prerequisites: none
Corequisites: BIO-178L
Credit: 1
BIO-187 Independent Study
Individual research projects. The manner of study
will be determined by the student in consultation
with the instructor. Students must receive
written approval of their project proposal from a
department Chair before registering for the
course.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5
BIO-188 Independent Study
Individual research projects. The manner of study
will be determined by the student in consultation
with the instructor. Students must receive
written approval of their project proposal from a
department Chair before registering for the
course.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5
BIO-202 Electron Microscopy
A laboratory course covering specimen
preparation, microtomy, staining, operation of
the transmission and scanning electron
microscope, and darkroom methods.
Prerequisites: BIO-101 or BIO-112
Corequisites: BIO-202L
Credits: 0.5
BIO-211 Genetics
This is a course designed to introduce the modern
concepts of the gene. The lectures stress the
theory and experimental evidence relating to
transmission, molecular, and developmental
genetics. The laboratory is investigative in
nature. This course should be taken during the
sophomore year and is offered in the fall
semester.
Prerequisites: BIO-112
Corequisites: BIO-211L
Credit: 1
Distribution: Science Lab, Quantitative Literacy
BIO-212 Cell Biology
The primary emphasis of this course is the
structure and function of the eukaryotic cell.
Lectures, readings, and discussions will cover
cellular organelles, types, metabolism,
interactions, and regulation of activities. The
laboratory focuses on cellular structure and
function through the techniques of modern cell
biology. This course should be taken during the
sophomore year and is offered in the spring
semester.
Prerequisites: BIO-211 or BIO-213
Corequisites: BIO-212L
Credit: 1
Distribution: Science Lab, Quantitative Literacy
BIO-213 Ecology
This course is an introduction to the
interrelations of plants and animals with their
environment. Terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems
are considered. Some weekend field trips may be
included. This course is offered in the fall
semester.
Prerequisites: BIO-112
Corequisites: BIO-213L
Credit: 1
Distribution: Science Lab, Quantitative Literacy
BIO-287 Independent Study
Individual research projects. The manner of study
will be determined by the student in consultation
with the instructor. Students must receive
written approval of their project proposal from a
department Chair before registering for the
course.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5
BIO-288 Independent Study
Individual research projects. The manner of study
will be determined by the student in consultation
with the instructor. Students must receive
written approval of their project proposal from a
department Chair before registering for the
course.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5
BIO-311 Molecular Genetics
This is a course designed to explore in detail
the molecular biology of the gene.
Lecture/discussion will focus on areas of current
interest and will include analysis of
experimental evidence which underpins our
understanding of gene structure and function. The
laboratory is investigative in nature and
provides primary experience with recombinant DNA
technology, genomics, and bioinformatics.
Prerequisites: BIO-211
Corequisites: BIO-311L
Credit: 1
BIO-313 Advanced Ecology
This course emphasizes the investigative approach
to ecology including experimental design and data
analysis. Lectures/discussions focus on areas of
current interest in ecosystem, community, and
population ecology. Several field trips and an
independent investigation are required. This
course is offered in the spring semester of
even-numbered years.
Prerequisites: BIO-213
Corequisites: BIO-313L
Credit: 1
Distribution: Science Lab,
BIO-314 Developmental Biology
Through lectures, current readings, and
discussions, this course considers the principles
of development with emphasis on experimental
evidence for underlying mechanisms. The
laboratory work includes molecular, cellular, and
supracellular approaches to the investigation of
developmental questions in animals and plants.
Prerequisites: BIO-211
Corequisites: BIO-314L
Credit: 1
BIO-315 Organismal Physiology
The major physiological systems (nutrition,
transport, gas exchange, elimination of wastes,
coordination, and defense) are considered from
the adaptational perspective in this course. The
emphasis is on the physiological system as it is
related to the survival of vertebrates in their
natural environments. The laboratory focuses on
physiological techniques and methods of analysis.
This course is offered fall semester of
even-numbered years.
Prerequisites: Prerquisite: BIO-212
Credit: 1
BIO-316 Evolution of Developmental Mechanisms
Research into embryogenesis has illuminated the
molecular mechanism of development for a select
few organisms in exquisite detail. The field of
Evolutionary Developmental Biology compares the
developmental mechanisms of these model systems to
distinct, understudied taxa. Using this
comparative approach, we can infer the
characteristics of the common ancestors of these
organisms. In this course, we will explore how
molecular, paleontological and evolutionary
techniques can yield insights into animals that
existed half a billion years ago. Evaluations will
be based on discussion of primary literature and
several short papers.
Prerequisites: BIO-211
Credit: 1
BIO-321 Comparative Anatomy & Embryology
This is a course presenting a broad evolutionary
theme of the vertebrates using the facts of
comparative anatomy, embryology, and
paleobiology.
Prerequisites: BIO-112
Corequisites: Must take BIO-321L concurrently
Credit: 1
Equated Courses: BIO-221
BIO-322 Biology of Invertebrates
This is a course designed to provide students
with an introduction to the diversity of
invertebrate organisms through lectures, reading
and discussion of primary literature, student
presentations, and laboratory work. Emphasis is
placed on structure, functional morphology,
physiology, ecology, and evolution. A field trip
during spring break has been included in the past
few years. This course is offered in the spring
semester of odd-numbered years.
Prerequisites: Prerequiste: BIO-112
Credit: 1
Equated Courses: BIO-222
BIO-322L Invertebrates Lab
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0
BIO-324 Vascular Plants
This course is an introduction to the science of
botany. A strong emphasis will be placed on the
evolutionary trends in the vascular plants, with
additional coverage of developmental biology,
plant breeding systems, and some of the
physiological adaptations plants have evolved in
the transition to life in terrestrial
environments. The laboratories will be primarily
observational (in the field or the lab), with a
broad exposure to plant diversity and taxonomy.
This course is offered in the spring semester of
even-numbered years.
Prerequisites: BIO-112
Corequisites: BIO-324L
Credit: 1
Equated Courses: BIO-224
BIO-324L Vascular Plants Lab
Prerequisites: none
Corequisites: BIO-324
Credits: 0
BIO-325 Microbiology
This course is designed to introduce the student
to the lifestyles and impact of the smallest
organisms known. Lecture/discussion will examine
topics such as microbial cell structure and
function, growth and nutrition, genetics,
antibiotics and pathogenesis, and microbial
diversity. The laboratory is organized around an
investigative, discovery driven project.
Prerequisites: BIO-211
Corequisites: BIO-325L
Credit: 1
Distribution: Science Lab
Equated Courses: BIO-225
BIO-326 Parasitology
This is a course designed to introduce students
to the major groups of animal parasites. Emphasis
in lectures and discussion of primary literature
is placed on general principles, including
diversity, morphology, transmission biology, and
the ecology and evolution of the different
parasite taxa. The laboratory work includes the
detailed consideration of particular parasite
species as representatives of larger groups, as
well as an independent research project on the
parasites of a selected host species. This course
is offered in the fall semester.
Prerequisites: BIO-112
Corequisites: BIO-326L
Credit: 1
Distribution:
Equated Courses: BIO-226
BIO-326L Parasitology Lab
Prerequisites: none
Corequisites: BIO-326
Credits: 0
BIO-351 Evolution of Populations
This course will provide an in-depth examination
of the population-level effects of evolutionary
processes. The first half of the semester will
focus on examining advances in evolutionary
biology, centered around a quantitative approach
to understanding the principles of population
genetics. The second half of the semester will
involve close reading of primary literature
focused on a narrow topic in population biology.
Offered in the spring semester of odd-numbered
years.
Prerequisites: BIO-211
Credit: 1
BIO-371 Special Topics
These are innovative courses and special programs
in library research. Descriptions of special
topics courses will be posted at the time of
advance registration. Students desiring a special
library research project should make the
appropriate arrangements with individual faculty
members.Topics vary with each scheduled offering.
Refer to Student Planning's section information
for descriptions of individual offerings, and
applicability to distribution requirements.
Prerequisites: BIO-212
Credits: 0.5-1
BIO-387 Independent Study
Students may pursue independent research on
selected problems. Students should make
arrangements with individual faculty members
during the semester preceding their enrollment in
the course to determine their research focus and
to discuss expectations. Students are typically
expected to produce a final research paper and to
present the work at an on- or off-campus
colloquium. Students may repeat BIO 387 and/or
BIO 388, but only 1 credit total of Introduction
to Research may be counted toward the major.
Enrollment through Instructor and Department
Chair approval.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5
BIO-388 Independent Study
Students may pursue independent research on
selected problems. Students should make
arrangements with individual faculty members
during the semester preceding their enrollment in
the course to determine their research focus and
to discuss expectations. Students are typically
expected to produce a final research paper and to
present the work at an on- or off-campus
colloquium. Students may repeat BIO 387 and/or
BIO 388, but only 1 credit total of Introduction
to Research may be counted toward the major.
Enrollment through Instructor and Department
Chair approval.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5
BIO-401 Senior Seminar
This is a seminar course required of all majors.
Critical reading of primary literature, oral
expression, and experimental design are
emphasized. Students intending to be off-campus
during the first semester of their senior year
should take this course during their junior year.
This course is offered in the fall semester.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1
BIO-487 Independent Study
Individual research projects. The manner of study
will be determined by the student in consultation
with the instructor. Students must receive
written approval of their project proposal from a
department Chair before registering for the
course.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5
BIO-488 Independent Study
Individual research projects. The manner of study
will be determined by the student in consultation
with the instructor. Students must receive
written approval of their project proposal from a
department Chair before registering for the
course.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5