Course Listings — Fall 2004

BIOL 104 - Topics: Environmental Biology
(4 credits)
W. Gagliano

This course focuses on environmental pollution's impact on a variety of biological organisms. Examples of topics that are covered include global warming, acid rain, use of pesticides and bioremediation. Class time includes lectures, demonstrations, and discussions of readings from newspapers, popular science magazines, and scientific journals.

BIOL 104 - Topics: Insects and Society
(4 credits)
C. Trisler

This course is designed to introduce students to the natural world of insects by looking at the life cycles, behavior, and ecology of a selected group of insects, and the applications of the science of entomology. Insects are the dominant arthropod on the earth, filling many niches, and interacting with humans on all levels and in all cultures. This course will look at myths, misconceptions, and management of insects in diverse cultures, and emphasize the beneficial aspects over the detrimental ones. The laboratory experience will consist of five field sessions in which insects will be collected, as well as classes in the indoor lab. Evaluation will be based on a research paper, insect collection and project, lab work, midterm and final exams. Students will be expected to purchase collection supplies for their insect collection.

BIOL 130 - The Botanical World
(4 credits)
R. deLanglade

Course Goals: This section of The Botanical 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, 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 or make a leafe collection.

BIOL 143 - Cave Ecology
(4 credits)
H. Hobbs

This course is a basic introduction to cave ecology and will follow a lecture-seminar-discussion format with no formal laboratory. Several field trips to caves will be scheduled and mini-projects relating to cave ecology will be carried out on these trips. Much of the term will be spent examining speleogenesis, the structure and function of cave ecosystems, as well as the evolutionary biology of obligate cave inhabitants. The grade is based on class participation, mini-projects, one lecture exam, a short paper, several quizzes, and a final exam..

BIOL 170 - Concepts of Biology: Biological Information, Reproduction, and Evolution
(5 credi)
Collier/Pederson

This course and Biol 180, required for the biology major, provide an overview of the primary concepts in biology and are prerequisites for upper level biology courses. Students may take Biology 170B and Biology 180B in either order. The major themes of this course are information flow from DNA to protein, animal reproduction, and evolution. Students must also enroll in an accompanying lab section. The laboratory portion of the course will provide students with hands-on activities designed to reinforce lecture content and develop the basic scientific skills that are needed for future courses in the major. Offered in the fall semester.

BIOL 223 - Survey of Human Disease
(4 credits)
D. Mason

This course considers the major diseases that affect the human organism. It includes what causes the disease, clinical signs and symptoms, treatment, and prevention. A general overview of disease is considered first, including infections, autoimmune, genetic diseases, and cancer, to be followed by specific disease problems relating to each organ system.

Text: Pathology for the Health-related Professions, Ivan Damjanov

Information on the University class files, Q drive.

BIOL 224 - Developmental Biology
(5 credits)
K. Gribbins

This course is designed to provide an overview of the major features of early embryonic development in animals and the mechanisms that underlie them (both cellularly and molecularly). During the semester we will try to cover all of the following major areas:

• What methods do scientists use to study development
• How do multicellular embryos arise from a single-celled egg
• Genetic control of development
• Differentiation of specific cell types into germ layers and then tissues and organs
• Organization of the embryo and the molecular controls that govern pattern formation in animals

Course Goal: Provide students with an opportunity to systematically study various nonvascular plants, including: algae, bacteria, viruses, fungi and bacteria.

Course Topic: Students study the structure, reproduction, ecology and evolution of algae, bacteria, viruses, fungi and bacteria.

Assessment Methods: Students are evaluated by a means of lecture and laboratory examinations in addition to credit assigned their field collections.

Instructional Methods: This is carried out by means of lecture-discussions, including slide presentations of organisms and laboratory and field experiences.

Laboratory Manual on Nonvascular Plants, and information on the University class files, Q drive.

BIOL 235 - Vertebrate Zoology
(5 credits)
K. Gribbins

This course will examine comparatively the structural and functional anatomy of vertebrates using an evolutionary approach. Lectures will focus on major morphological systems, phylogenetic relationships, natural history and biogeography, and development of the vertebrate groups. Labs will follow the progression of lecture topics to compare each anatomical system in a diversity of vertebrates. A field trip to the Newport (KY) aquarium will introduce students to the great diversity of vertebrate life and provide a basis for writing papers that integrate morphology, function, and ecology.

BIOL 236 - Local Flora
(5 credits)
R. deLanglade

Systems of classification, and rules of nomenclature, with emphasis placed on the identification of native and cultivated taxa of the northeastern United States. Students will make a collection of 150 fall flowering plants and do a presentation about one or more flowering plant families.

BIOL 238 - Entomology
(5 credits)
C. Trisler

An introduction to entomology including morphology, taxonomy and behavior. Emphasis on collection and preservation of specimens representing a prescribed number of Orders. Identification of terrestrial insects to the taxonomic level of Family using dichotomous keys as well as field characteristics. Some collection of aquatic orders as well. The course is constructed to equal two lectures and one lab per week. Much of the instruction is done in the field with local field trips, and the possibility of one overnight trip. Students are required to purchase collection and preservation supplies and make their own insect collection to use as type specimens.

BIOL 245 - 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 247 - 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 255 - 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 in this writing intensive course.

BIOL 258 - Extended Field Studies - Cave Ecology
(1 credit)
H. Hobbs

A four-day field trip to Kentucky is offered as an optional field experience (highly recommended).

BIOL 258 - Extended Field Studies - Limnology
(1 credit)
H. Hobbs

A five-day field trip is offered as an optional field experience.

BIOL 258 - 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 310 - Molecular Biology
(5 credits)
M. Goodman

Molecular Biology will provide an introduction to the molecular biochemistry of cell function, focusing on genetic aspects. Topics to be discussed include structure of DNA and RNA, transcription, translation, regulation of gene expression, and DNA replication and repair. This is a writing intensive course, requiring one major paper, one lab report, and in-class essays on lecture exams. The laboratory portion of the course will focus on techniques used in the molecular biology laboratory, including electrophoresis (both agarose and polyacrylamide), blotting techniques, cloning and PCR.

BIOL 315 - 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 319 - Immunology
(5 credits)
J. Yoder

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 325 - Human Anatomy and Physiology
(5 credits)
C. Pederson

Students will learn about the major systems of the human body in both lecture and laboratory. Topics will be discussed relative to the major systems including the cardiovascular, renal, respiratory, reproductive, digestive, immune, musculoskeletal, and nervous system. Disease states will also be discussed. Laboratories will focus on both anatomy and physiology of each system as they are discussed in the lecture portion of the course. Laboratories will include dissection. Assessment will include 3 written examinations, lab practical examinations, and a final examination. This course is restricted to juniors and seniors. Offered every year.

BIOL 341 - Limnology
(5 credits)
H. Hobbs

This writing intensive course offers a study of inland aquatic ecosystems with emphasis on lakes and streams. Physical, chemical, and biological features are studied and numerous field experiences supplement lectures. Literature reviews and an exhaustive bibliographic research paper concerning an appropriate limnological topic are part of the requirements of this lecture/laboratory course. Chemistry 121 and 162 required.

BIOL 347 - 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 a 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 406 - Senior Capstone
(4 credits)
J. Welch/W. Gagliano

The capstone 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.