BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT
SPRING 2002-2003
COURSE DESCRIPTION
BIOL 100B - Biological World Laboratory
(1 credit)
R. deLanglade
Must be taken concurrently with Biology 100 level course to satisfy the institutional requirement of laboratory experience. Students complete 6-9 laboratory modules on such subjects as: cells, tissues, cell division, plant and animal development, genetics, ecology and heart health.
BIOL 104 - Introduction to Zoology
(4 credits)
K Gribbins
This course will focus on animals to emphasize important biological topics including evolution, ecology, reproduction, development, systematics, anatomy, and physiology. Each of the major animal phyla will be introduced to the students during lectures and demonstrations. Open to all students
BIOL 110 - Biological Survey
(4 credits)
J. Yoder
Lecture, discussion, and demonstration dealing with such topics as the origin of life, sexual reproduction, diversity, adaptation, heredity, environment, and infectious diseases as they relate to humans. Open to all students but not counted toward a major in biology.
BIOL 130 - Botanical World
(4 credits)
R. deLanglade
Course Goals: This section of Biological World will focus on the natural world as related to higher plants. The prime goal is to give the students the necessary framework to understand the botanical world around them.
The course will cover the basic aspects of the science of botany, general plant structure, chemistry, heredity, growth and development and reproduction as related to plants. Where appropriate the importance to man/society of the various topics will be discussed.
Assessment: Knowledge of botanical life will be gained through four written exams, a collection of lay press articles with summaries. Students will also grow plants in the greenhouse.
Students will complete Biology 100B Learning Modules: Cells, Mitosis, Meiosis, Plant Tissues, Plant Growth.
BIOL 141N--Introduction to Marine Biology
This course focuses on the biology of marine systems. It begins with some basic physical characteristics of the world's oceans, the scientific method, hypothesis testing and the basic processes of life. We then discuss basic principles of ecology, and explore how these ecological principles govern life in marine systems, ending with a discussion of human interactions with various marine habitats. Throughout the semester, we explore the diversity of plants and animals that inhabit marine systems. Students perform several hands-on exercises, including a semester-long project on a marine organism, which culminates in both oral and written reports.
BIOL 142 - Ecological World
(4 credits)
H. Hobbs
This is an introductory course for non-majors with emphasis on environmental biology. This is a lecture-discussion course with no laboratory and a research paper is required. Much of the term will be spent examining the structure and function of natural ecosystems; the latter part of the course will focus on the impacts of humans on these ecosystems.
BIOL 200 - Concepts in Biology
(4 credits)
M. Hanson and D. Mason
A survey of biological concepts common to most areas of the biological sciences. Topics including scientific method, biological chemistry, cell structure and function, reproduction and development, genetics, evolution, and ecology will be covered in a non-laboratory setting. Prerequisite to all other major courses except Biology 104. Offered each semester.
BIOL 205 - Morphology of Vascular Plants
(5 credits)
R. deLanglade
This course is intended to acquaint the student with the structure and life histories of the major groups of vascular plants. We generally meet two or three times per week for lecture and laboratory. In addition, there is one laboratory period per week. There are generally three or four lecture exams and one or two lab practicals.
BIOL 208 - Electron Microscopy
(5 credits)
D. Mason
The goal of this course is to have students study the structure and function of cells and tissues at both the light and electron microscopic levels.
Students are evaluated on their understanding of cell and tissue structure and function by three examinations employing slides and micrographs. The results of their projects are incorporated into a formal paper and presentation which are evaluated and included as part of their final grade.
This is a lecture-discussion course format, including slide presentations of cells and tissues, and "hand's on" laboratory experience with light and electron microscopes.
Text: Bloom and Fawcett, Histology; Mason, Laboratory Manual of Electron Microscopy.
BIOL 210 - Ornithology
(5 credits)
J. Ritzenthaler
Students will investigate the biology, ecology, and identification of birds. We will combine lecture, laboratory, and field experiences to understand taxonomy, structure, behavior, and identification by sight and song. The 400 species of birds recorded in Ohio will serve as our base of study for the incredible diversity of birds throughout the world. Several Saturday field trips and early morning bird walks are required.
BIOL 211 - Microbiology
(5 credits)
J. Yoder
Basic principles of bacteriology and virology, stressing structure, metabolism, classification, and application.
BIOL 215 - Biological Literacy
(4 credits)
H. Hobbs
A study of common sources, methods, and techniques used in scientific writing and in presenting biological literature. There will be a strong emphasis on bibliographic sources as well as written and oral presentations of biological material.
BIOL 217 - Marine Ecology
(5 credits)
K. Reinsel
This course will focus on the ecology of marine systems, particularly nearshore benthic communities. Students will become familiar with the primary literature and ‘classic' studies that helped to define marine community ecology, as well as the processes that structure a variety of marine communities. Lab exercises may include collection, identification and enumeration of sediment-dwelling invertebrates, comparisons of species diversity of different habitats, and general diversity of marine organisms in a variety of habitats.
BIOL 218 - Field Studies-Marine Ecology
(1 credit)
K. Reinsel
A five-day trip to the coast of North Carolina to study the variety of marine communities in the area.
BIOL 225 - Oceanography
(4 credits)
J. Welch
Oceanography is one of the most integrative of all the sciences, and this fact will be reflected in this course. The course is an introduction to the major systems of the marine environment: physical, chemical, biological, and geological, with an emphasis on the interactions and interconnections of these four traditional disciplines of oceanography. Topics include origin of the oceans, plate tectonics, major ocean currents, the role of the ocean in atmospheric dynamics, life in the oceans, and cycling of energy, heat, and inorganic nutrients. We will also focus on human impacts on ocean systems and the impacts that the oceans do now and can in the future have on human societies.
BIOL 304 - Animal Physiology
(5 credits)
K. Gribbins
This course focuses on the function of the tissues, organs, and organ systems of multicellular organisms. We will survey membrane function, respiration, circulation, digestion, locomotion, osmoregulation, excretion, nervous function, endocrine function, and reproduction. The topics covered will be placed in an evolutionary and ecological framework and will focus on how different animals adapt and survive within their specialized niches.
BIOL 305 - Genetics
(5 credits)
M. Collier
This course will examine the scope and significance of modern genetic principles. Lecture and lab topics will include molecular and Mendelian genetics, protein synthesis, recombinant DNA, genetic engineering, effects of stressors upon genetic systems, human genetics, and population genetics. Particular attention will be paid to learning how to apply basic genetic principles to biological problems and to developing analytical skills.
BIOL 307 - Evolution
(4 credits)
T. Lewis
Evolution, or genetically based changes in species or populations over time, and natural selection as the mechanism of evolutionary change, have been easily demonstrated and accepted by scientists for over century. Evolution forms one of the most fundamental frameworks for studying biology, and yet still creates controversy to the general public, including debates about the merits of including it in high school curricula. This class will examine the theory, the evidence for it, the way it shapes our understanding of biology, how it is used to preserve rain forests and invent medical cures, and some associated hoaxes.
And, of course, we will examine the issues surrounding evolution as it plays out today. Classes include significant discussion and lecture components. There is no associated lab.
BIOL 309 - Immunology
(5 credits)
M. Hanson
Human beings exist in a constant state of war with pathogenic bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Example battles include: Ebola virus outbreaks in Africa, the spread of West Nile virus in the United States, and the re-emergence of Tuberculosis infection in many impoverished regions of the world. Our ability to resist these foreign invaders is based upon a sophisticated collection of molecules, cells, and organs that compromise our immune system. This course seeks to provide students with an understanding of how our bodies fight infection and the experimental methodologies used to study the immune system. The laboratory portion of the course provides hands-on opportunities to use cutting-edge scientific equipment in the completion of experiments which reinforce concepts discussed in lecture. Taught every year.
BIOL 490 - Independent Study
(Variable 1-4 credits)
Staff
BIOL 492 - Directed Research
(Variable 1-4 credits)
Staff
This research is for biology majors and is writing intensive.
This research consists of investigation of various biological topics by laboratory or field observations, experimentation, and data collection. The final results are presented as a paper in proper journal format and/or oral presentation. May be taken more than once, however, only 5 credits will count toward the Biology major. See Dr. Lewis, Chair, for details if needed.
BIOL 493 - Internship
(Variable 1-5 credits)
Staff
The Internship is for junior or senior biology majors and minors and is writing intensive. Only 5 credits will count toward the Biology major.
The Internship consists of various work, laboratory of field experiences, which can be developed, with the aid of a Department faculty member, for academic experience. Evaluation materials variable with credit or no credit grade given.
BIOL 494 - Ecological Research Methods
(1-4 credits)
H. Hobbs
This course will focus on basic and applied research in the field of Ecology. Experimental design use of statistics, and improvement of organizational and writing skills will be stressed. Each student is requied to conduct a research project and to write and present orally the results of the study.
BIOL 496 - Senior Capstone
(4 credits)
M. Collier and J. Welch
The capstone course culminates the student's education in biology. Central concepts in biology will be discussed, with a focus on the primary literature and the process of scientific discovery. These concepts range from the molecular level through organismal biology to populations and ecosystems. The inter-relatedness of different disciplines within biology will be emphasized. In this course students develop skills in presenting scientific material in both oral and written form. This writing-intensive course is required of all biology majors and is intended to be taken during the senior year.
