COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
SPRING 2005
BIOL 123 - How Animals Work
(4 credits)
J. Welch
This course focuses on the physiological ecology of animals: How they work at a systems level and how this affects their interactions with the environment around them. Topics include the scientific method, basic biological and ecological principles, and how specific animals deal with extreme environments through unique adaptations. We will explore these issues through both lectures and laboratory exercises examining physiological principles.
BIOL 142 - Ecological Biology and Environmental Issues
(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 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 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 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 MRIs, and an independent project.
BIOL 235 - Morphology of Vascular Plants
(5 credits)
M. Collier
This course is intended to acquaint the student with the structure and life histories of the major groups of vascular plants. We will meet two times per week for lecture and once for laboratory. There are generally 3-4 lecture exams and 1-2 lab practicals exams during the semester.
BIOL 237 - Microbiology
(5 credits)
J. Yoder
Basic principles of bacteriology and virology, stressing structure, metabolism, classification, and application.
BIOL 239 - 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 258: Extended Field Studies - Marine Invertebrates).
BIOL 250 - Topics: Environmental Microbial Ecology
(5 credits)
W. Gagliano
This course focuses on microorganisms and their relationships or interactions with the environment. Topics covered will range from life in extreme environments to biological solutions to pollution. Laboratory exercises include experiments in soil and water microbiology as well as environmental biotechnology.
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.
BIOL 258 - 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 258 - Extended Field Studies - Ecology
(1 credit)
T. Lewis
Four-day winter field trip to northern lower Michigan to study the ecology of the area.
BIOL 312 - The Cell
(5 credits)
M. Goodman
The Cell focuses on the structure of the cell and the molecular processes involved in directing and maintaining normal cellular function. These include biosynthesis of macromolecules and organelles within the cell and signaling pathways. In the last two weeks of the semester, these concepts are applied to specific cell types such as neurons, muscle cells, and cells of the immune system.
BIOL 324 - 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 346 - Ecology
(5 credits)
T. Lewis
Ecology as a body of scientific knowledge includes many subjects, both within and beyond biology. This course will focus on four levels of ecological inquiry: ecology of the individual organism, ecology of populations, ecology of communities, and ecology of ecosystems. We will draw heavily on ethology, physiology, genetics, and evolution to understand the interactions of organisms and groups of organisms. The goal of this course is to examine the basic subject material of ecology, providing a foundation on which a student can pursue terrestrial ecology of limnology at Wittenberg, or advanced courses in graduate school. Another goal of this course is to introduce the student to the ecological literature and to ecological field techniques and analytical methods. There will be four exams, a research report, lab reports, and a lab exam. The final will not be a comprehensive exam. Labs will be outside, rain, snow, or sunshine. Only lightning will keep us inside. At least one lab will be well into the evening, perhaps as late at 9 p.m. There will be an optional four-day trip to northern Lower Michigan with an approximate cost of $30.
BIOL 406 - Senior Capstone
(4 credits)
W. Gagliano/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, the process of scientific discovery. The inter-relatedness of different disciplines within biology. 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.
