Course Listings - Spring 2004

BIOL 104 - Topics: 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 - Survey of Biology
(4 credits)
D. Mason

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

BIOL 120 - Human Health and Pathology
(4 credits)
C. Pederson

This is an introductory course for non-science majors which does not count toward a biology major or minor. This course has an emphasis on the human condition, particularly looking at the crucial organ systems of the body - nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, urogenital, etc. While learning basic human anatomy and physiology, students will also be exposed to a variety of illnesses and afflictions associated with each system.

BIOL 130 - The 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 180 - Concepts of Biology
(5 credits)
M. Collier/J. Yoder

A survey of concepts common to most areas of the biological sciences. Topics including the scientific method, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, energy flow, flowering plant and animal biology, and the evolution of diversity will be covered. Prerequisite (with BIOL 170) to all other major courses.

BIOL 203 - Biology of Marine Invertebrates
(5 credits)
K. Reinsel/J. Welch

Over 90% of the world’s animals are invertebrates, and virtually all invertebrate groups have marine representatives. This course will focus on the major invertebrate taxa, examining their distinguishing characteristics in addition to their physiology, ecology, and natural history. In lab, we will observe living specimens of many invertebrates, examine and describe the internal and external anatomy of some of them, and experiment with a few. Live specimens will be used whenever possible--we will collect many of these during an optional field trip associated with this course (Biology 218: Field Studies - Marine Invertebrates).

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)
M. Collier

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 218 - Extended Field Studies - Marine Invertebrates
(1 credit)
K. Reinsel/J. Welch

A 5-day field trip (Wed.-Sun.) to the Duke Marine Laboratory in Beaufort, N.C. Students will participate in field trips to marine habitats to observe and collect invertebrates for study and experimentation at Wittenberg.

BIOL 220 - Neurobiology
(5 credits)
C. Pederson

This course introduces biology majors and minors to the intricacies of the nervous system. The course begins with the basics of neuronal communication and then moves to the organization of the nervous system (particularly the brain) into various systems as well as the visual, auditory, and motor systems. Laboratories will focus on the anatomy and current understanding of the mammalian brain. To this end, laboratories will include dissection of mammalian brains, interpretation of CAT scans and MRIs, and an independent project.

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. Goodman

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 496 - Senior Capstone
(4 credits)
M. Collier/M. Goodman

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.