101G. * Life on Earth. A broad survey of organisms and life processes and the forces that shaped and continue to shape our ecosystem. (Four credits).

150G. * Investigating Biological Concepts. An investigative approach to learning fundamental concepts in biology from molecules to cells to organisms.  Concepts will include the process of scientific inquiry, basic biochemistry, basic cell function (cellular respiration, photosynthesis, protein synthesis, genetics, cell division), and fundamentals of animal and plant physiology.  Labs will emphasize problem-based or inquiry-based learning.  Lectures will combine traditional format with problem-posing and questioning. (Four credits).

155G. * Introduction to Ecology, Evolution and Diversity. An investigative approach to learning fundamental concepts in biology from organisms to ecosystems.  Concepts will include the process of scientific inquiry, mechanisms of evolution, the evolutionary history of biological diversity, and fundamentals of ecology.  Labs will emphasize problem-based or inquiry-based learning.  Lectures will combine traditional format with problem-posing and questioning. (Four credits).

200. Cell Biology. Introductory study of the structure and function of living cells and their components. Prerequisites: Biology 111 or 112 and Chemistry 130. (Four credits).

201G. * Field Botany. A study of plant associations and the abiotic conditions that permit their development. The laboratory is concentrated at the Ecological Field Station with visits to other types of plant habitats. (Four credits).

202. Genetics. An introduction to the principles of heredity in animals and plants, including the contemporary understanding of genes and gene mechanisms. Laboratory exercises use both plants and animals to elucidate genetic principles. Prerequisites: Junior standing, Biology 111 or 112 or 200 or consent of the instructor. (Four credits).

203. Comparative Vertebrate Morphology. A comparative and functional study of vertebrate anatomy from an evolutionary perspective. Alternate years. Prerequisite: Biology 111. (Four credits).

204. Human Anatomy and Physiology. A systematic analysis of the structure and function of the human body. Prerequisite: Biology 111 or consent of the instructor. (Four credits).

222. Introduction to Research I. A seminar designed to introduce the biology major to the scientific literature. Students will learn to search for, retrieve, summarize, and evaluate primary sources of biological research. Students will also evaluate proposals and final research presentations of the research of advanced biology majors. (1 credit).

250. Special Topics. (One to four credits).

300. Special Problems. A special course in a laboratory exercise, a field problem, or readings for the student who wishes to investigate a topic in biology beyond those normally offered. The particular problem is selected in consultation with the biology faculty. (One to three credits).

302. Microbiology. A general study of microorganisms (bacteria and fungi). emphasizing morphology, physiology, ecological relationships, and the nature of disease and its control. Consideration is also given to viruses. Laboratory sessions provide for experimental demonstration of basic concepts and for familiarization with fundamental microbiological methods.  Alternate years. Prerequisite: Biology 200. (Four credits).

307. Ecology. An introduction to the principles and concepts that describe the interactions of living organisms with their environments. Laboratory sessions involve field study of local flora and fauna and their habitats with the aim of illustrating fundamental concepts and basic ecological methodology. Prerequisites: Biology 111 and 112 and Mathematics 106. (Four credits).

308. Vertebrate Embryology. A descriptive study of development and differentiation in vertebrates. Laboratory sessions are balanced between detailed microscopic examination of vertebrate embryos and experimental study of growth processes. Alternate years. Prerequisite: Biology 111. (Four credits).

315. Field Zoology. Advanced study of the ecological relationships of animals in their natural environments, particularly as it relates to the conservation of biological diversity. Lectures focus on systematics, zoogeography, natural history, and conservation of animals. Labs emphasize: 1) identification and scientific nomenclature of animals groups with an emphasis on local and regional fauna, and 2) design and implementation of field experiments in ecology, which includes a class and individual research topic. Alternate years. Prerequisite: BIOL 111 and BIOL 112 and junior standing. (Four credits).

320. Parasitology. A general study of the biology of parasitism. Lectures and labs will emphasize systematics and taxonomy of parasites, behavioral and physiological effects of parasites on hosts (including humans), and how human modification of landscapes affect parasites. Prerequisite:  BIOL 111. (Four Credits.)

322. Introduction to Research II. A seminar designed to introduce the biology major to planning scientific research. Building on previous knowledge of scientific literature, students learn how to design experiments and apply appropriate statistical methods to the results. Students write a proposal for an independent research project that includes a thorough literature review and present their proposal orally to faculty and student peers. Prerequisite: BIOL 222 (One Credit.)

325. Advanced Physiology. Detailed study of human cellular and systemic physiology, emphasizing muscle, cardiovascular, neural, respiratory, renal, and reproductive physiology. Advanced Physiology will build on fundamental knowledge acquired in BIOL 204. Laboratory exercises will be both descriptive and experimental. Alternate years. Prerequisite: BIOL 204. (Four credits).

333. Evolution. Evolution encompasses the synthesis of all of biology from molecules to ecology. In doing so, evolution addresses the fundamental paradox: the diversity of living organisms. This course offers an exploration of the processes of evolutionary change in animals, plants and microbes. Population genetics, microevolution, speciation, adaptive radiation, and macroevolution will be addressed. Also, the origin of Homosapiens will be considered. Prerequisite:  BIOL 202. (Three credits.)

345. Animal Behavior. A study of the diverse and fascinating range of animal behavior. How do we explain that in various animals we can observe infanticide, competition, and polygamy, but also cooperation, altruism, and monogamy? Using an evolutionary approach, this course will examine both the proximate mechanisms and ultimate reasons that explain the great variety of animal behavior as elucidated by animal behaviorists through ingenious experimentation and patient observation. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or BIOL 101 or 111. Cross-listed with PSYC 345. (Three credits.)

350. Science Seminar. An introduction to the literature of the physical and biological sciences, providing the student with the opportunity to prepare and present reports. Speakers from outside the College are invited to speak each semester. May be repeated for credit. CR/NC. (One credit).

354. Molecular Biology. A course designed to explore the biology and molecular regulation of gene expression. Emphasis is placed on how gene expression is controlled in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic systems. Topics will include gene transfer in microorganisms and the genetic basis of cell specialization in eukaryotes. Manipulation of these processes in the laboratory will also be discussed. Alternate years. Prerequisite: Biology 200. (Three credits).

355. Molecular Biology Laboratory. Molecular biology laboratory is the companion course to BIOL 354 and will practice concepts taught in the lecture. Basic molecular biology techniques will be employed and include the preparation of reagents, DNA isolation, plasmid manipulation and DNA transfection. Students will have the opportunity to apply current recombinant in vitro DNA technology in preparation and expression of a transgene using a prokaryotic system. Alternate years. Co-requisite: Biology 354. (Two credits).

440. Research I. An individual research project chosen by the student in consultation with the biology faculty. Includes designing and executing a research project as well as keeping a detailed laboratory notebook. Prerequisite: BIOL 322. (Two credits.)

450. Research II. A continuation of Research I. Students are expected to finish the research projects they began in BIOL 440. The main focus of this course will be analyzing and prsenting research results in poster format and in a formal scientific paper. Students will be further required to serve as mentors to their peers enrolled in Research I. Prerequisite: BIOL 440. (Two credits.)

*BIOL 101 and 201 are recommended for non-majors fulfilling the life science general education requirement. Non-majors may also choose BIOL 111 or BIOL 112 with consent of the instructor.