Requirements for Minor

A minor in biology requires 24 semester hours, including Biology 170 and 180, plus 14 additional semester hours in majors-level biology courses. These may be selected by the student in consultation with the biology minor adviser so that diversification or specialization is possible. Advice and consent of the department chair are required for a biology minor.

Certification for Teaching in Life Science

Students interested in pursuing a course of study leading to a license to teach life science should contact their adviser or the Education Department for specific requirements.

Special Programs in Biology

Forestry and Environmental Studies
Wittenberg has a cooperative program with the Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment. The student interested in this area attends Wittenberg for three years and, if accepted, then transfers to Duke for the senior year. After successfully completing the first year at Duke, the student receives the Bachelors of Arts degree from Wittenberg and then completes the requirements for the Master of Environmental Management degree granted by Duke. Additional information about this program may be obtained from the Biology Department or the Admission Office. See Environmental Studies for a description of Wittenberg’s interdepartmental minor.

Marine Biology
A limited number of junior or senior students recommended by the Department may attend the Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment Marine Laboratory’s fall or spring academic programs at Beaufort, N. C. A full semester’s work may be taken from the course offerings at the Marine Laboratory.  Most courses taken at Duke can count toward the student's major, with Department approval. The student pays Wittenberg tuition, and Duke room, board, and fees.

Course work at Wittenberg prior to attending Duke should include some combination of Biology 239: Biology of Marine Invertebrates, Biology 234: Nonvascular Plants, Biology 247: Marine Ecology, Biology 341: Limnology, and Marine Science 200: Oceanography, in addition to Chemistry 121 and 162. The student should consult with the Marine Science program director to develop a plan of study.

During alternate summers the Biology Department offers a two-course program on San Salvador, The Bahamas. Students study marine taxonomy, morphology and structure, and ecology. Each student also conducts independent research with the purpose of eventual publication.

Wittenberg also offers a minor in Marine Science, which prepares students for advanced study in Marine Biology and Oceanography.  See the section on Marine Science for details.

Normal Volunteer Program at the National Institutes of Health
Normal volunteers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are healthy patients in the research hospital-clinical center. From these volunteers, physicians learn more about physiology and metabolism, knowledge that leads to an understanding of body function — and sometimes to new treatment of diseases.

NIH is the federal government’s primary agency for medical research. Its facilities are located on a 306-acre campus in Bethesda, Md., a suburb of Washington, D.C. This combination hospital-research center houses 511 patient beds and more than 1,000 laboratories. From their participation, volunteers gain a unique experience through career assignments, consisting of on-the-job training in medical research. Students may also receive academic credit for work done in their career assignments as a part of their clinical assignments.

Pre-Health Professions
The student interested in a career in human or veterinary medicine, dentistry, optometry, nursing, occupational therapy or another health profession needs to plan the sequence of courses carefully in order to complete the prerequisite courses for the various health profession schools and prepare for the national admission tests. Prerequisite courses for the health professional schools typically include one year of biology, two years of chemistry, one year of physics, one year of mathematics, and one year of English. In addition to these requirements, schools may have other courses that they require from the humanities or social sciences. Students with specific questions should seek guidance from the Pre-Health Professions Adviser. For more information, please see the Pre-Health section.

Nursing
Wittenberg has a 3-4 cooperative program with the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University and a 3-1 program with The Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing. The pre-nursing student spends three years at Wittenberg studying basic science and liberal arts, prior to entering nursing school.

If accepted, after satisfactory completion of the first year at Case Western Reseve Univesity or The Johns Hopkins University, the student receives the Bachelor of Arts degree from Wittenberg.

At Case Western Reserve University, the student spends four years in the nursing program. The goal of this level is to prepare the student for advanced practical and clinical research in nursing. Satisfactory completion of this program leads to the awarding of the Doctor of Nursing (N.D.) degree by Case Western Reserve University.

At The Johns Hopkins University, the student spends two years in the nursing program. Students may earn a B.S.N. or Master’s Degree in Nursing.

Additional information about these nursing programs may be obtained from the Pre-Health Professions Adviser or the Office of Admission.

Occupational Therapy
Wittenberg has a cooperative program with Washington University (St. Louis) School of Medicine through its program in occupational therapy. The pre-occupational therapy student spends three years at Wittenberg studying basic science and liberal arts, while completing the major portion of the biology major requirements. If accepted by Washington University, the student begins the occupational therapy program in the fourth year. The Bachelor of Arts degree from Wittenberg is conferred at the end of the first year at Washington University, and the Master of Science degree in occupational therapy is awarded at the end of the second year there. Additional information about this program may be obtained from the Pre-Health Adviser or the Office of Admission.

Course Listings

104. Topics in Biology Seminar. 1-4 semester hours.
Study of selected topics relating the person to nature and society and of the conflicts between people and their environment. Topics vary by instructor. Offered subject to demand and availability of faculty.

BIOLOGY 100 SERIES

These courses are designed to give students an opportunity to examine the way a biologist works in the profession, i.e. how experiments are designed to uncover new facts, the role of observation, the difference between results and conclusions, etc. The subject matter is, for the most part, selected to show the relevance of biology to everyday living, and to allow students to gain some control over decisions about their health and well-being and become knowledgeable citizens. These courses are open to all students but count toward a major in biology only with department approval.

110N. Survey of Biology. 4 semester hours.

This course is designed to be a basic introduction to biology, beginning with the basic building blocks and continuing through an introduction to each of the kingdoms of life and fundamental life processes. There will be an emphasis on fundamental principles and the interrelationships between the different topics covered. Open to all students but counts toward a major in biology only with department approval.

111N. DNA, Cloning, Genetic Engineering: Fact or Fiction. 4 semester hours.

Beginning with the basic structure of DNA and how information is coded by DNA, the student will investigate fundamental aspects of DNA metabolism. With this understanding, the class will discuss recent development in biotechnology including genetic testing and engineering, cloning, and the legal and ethical ramifications. Open to all students but counts toward a major in biology only with department approval.

120N. Human Health and Pathology. 4 semester hours.

Course material will include an overview of human biology with an emphasis on practical application of preventive health measures and wellness. Lecture and discussion will revolve around the study of structure, function and pathology of organ systems. Open to all students but counts toward a major in biology only with department approval.

121N. Physiological Biology. 4 semester hours.

Student will study contemporary applications in biology at the cellular, organ and system levels, the process of homeostasis and disease-producing processes and mechanisms, and learn fundamentals of biological chemistry, taxonomy and systematics, evolution, molecular biology and ecology. Open to all students but counts toward a major in biology only with department approval.

122N. Genetics and Disease. 4 semester hours.

The course examines genetics and diseases, including plagues and epidemics, the development and wise use of antibiotics, reproduction, infertility, development, genetic disorders and modern experimental techniques that permit such medical intervention as gene therapy and “high-tech” babies. Students will consider ethical issues related to these new techniques and genetic counseling practices. Open to all students but counts toward a major in biology only with department approval.

123B. How Animals Work. 4 semester hours.

This course focuses on the physiological ecology of animals: How they work at a systems level and how this affects their interactions with their environment.  Topics include the scientific method, basic biological and ecological principles, and how specific animals deal with extreme environments through unique adaptations.  This course combines lectures with laboratory exercises examining physiological principles.  Open to all students but counts toward a major in biology only with department approval.

130B. The Botanical World. 4 semester hours.

This course focuses on the natural world as related to higher plants. The primary goal is to give the students the necessary framework to understand the botanical world around them by covering 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 society of the various topics will be discussed. Open to all students but counts toward a major in biology only with department approval.

131N. Woody Plants of the Natural and Urban Environments. 4 semester hours.

This course is to acquaint the student with the various native and cultivated forms of woody trees, shrubs, and vines as found in natural and urban environments. Topics covered include basic classification, naming, use of taxonomic keys, life histories, basic growth patterns, culture and care. Field trips to local sites will be taken. Open to all students but counts toward a major in biology only with department approval.  A student cannot receive credit for both 131 and 230.

140N. Understanding Organic Evolution. 4 semester hours.

This course explores organic evolution. Using discussion, lecture, selected videos and movies, and numerous articles to allow students to understand organic, physical and cultural evolution. Open to all students but counts toward a major in biology only with department approval.

141N. Introduction to Marine Biology. 4 semester hours.

This course focuses on the biology of marine systems. It begins with basic physical characteristics of the world’s oceans and the basic processes of life. It then covers diversity of life in marine systems, a survey of marine habitats, and discussion of human impacts on marine systems. Open to all students but counts toward a major in biology only with department approval.

142N. Ecological Biology and Environmental Issues. 4 semester hours.

This is an introductory course for non-majors with emphasis on ecological and environmental biology. Students will examine the structure and function of natural ecosystems and the impacts of humans on these ecosystems. Open to all students but counts toward a major in biology only with department approval.

143N. Cave Ecology. 4 semester hours.

This course is a basic introduction to cave ecology. Several field trips to caves with projects relating to cave ecology will be carried out during these trips. Much of the semester will be spent examining speleogenesis, the structure and the function of cave ecosystems, as well as the evolutionary biology of obligate cave inhabitants. Every year.  Open to all students but counts toward a major in biology only with department approval.

170B. Concepts of Biology: Biological Information, Reproduction, and Evolution. 5 semester hours.

This course, part of a two-course series along with Biology 180, serves as the foundation to the biology major. Students will study how biologically necessary information associated with life is stored, reproduced, and subjected to natural selection. These themes will be explored at different biological levels of organization from DNA through ecosystems. There are no prerequisites for this course. It may be taken before or after Biology 180. Every year.

214. Developmental Biology. 5 semester hours.

Introduction to development, including coverage of descriptive vertebrate embryology. Emphasis given to the experimental analysis of selected molecular and cellular changes during development in animals. Prerequisites: Biology 170 and 180. Writing intensive.  Every year.

215. Genetics. 5 semester hours.

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.  Prerequisites: Biology 170 and 180. Every year.

219. Immunology. 5 semester hours.

Designed to acquaint the beginning student in immunology with the history of the field, its molecular, cellular and organismal components, and the areas of interaction between the immune response, genetics, endocrinology, embryological development and aging. Prerequisites: Biology 170 and 180. Every year.

220. Neurobiology. 5 semester hours.

Basics of neuronal communication and organization of the nervous system (particularly the brain) into various systems. The visual, auditory and motor systems are discussed. Laboratories focus on the anatomy and current understanding of the mammalian brain. Prerequisites: Biology 170 and 180. Every year.

221. Pharmacology. 4 semester hours.

This course shows the effects of chemicals on the nervous system. Some of the pharmacological agents to be studied will include antidepressants, anticonvulsants and oral contraceptives. In addition, the course will focus on chemicals encountered in the environment, i.e. pesticides, and their effects on wildlife and human populations. Prerequisites: Biology 170 and 180. Alternate years.

223. Survey of Human Disease. 4 semester hours.

Topics in this course include infection (viruses, bacteria, fungi chlamydia, mycoplasma), parasitic, genetic and autoimmune diseases, cancer, and diseases that relate to specific organs and organ systems of humans. Prerequisites: Biology 170 and 180. Every year.

230. Woody Plants. 4 Semester hours.

This course acquaints the student with various native and cultivated forms of woody trees, shrubs, and vines as found in natural and urban environments.  Topics covered include basic classification, naming, use of taxonomic keys, life histories, basic growth patterns, culture, and care.  Field trips to local sites will be taken.  A student cannot receive credit for both 131 and 230.  Prerequisites: Biology 170 and 180.  Every year.

231. Vertebrate Zoology. 5 Semester hours.

Review of organogenesis and of the general vertebrate body plan followed by a study of comparative aspects of adult structure. Includes an introduction to both the pathways by which the higher vertebrates have evolved and the nomenclature, taxonomy and zoogeography of the vertebrate group. Prerequisite: Biology 170 and 180. Every year.

232. Mammalian Ecology. 5 semester hours.

Survey of the global diversity of mammalian life, with particular emphasis on taxonomy, evolution and ecology. Prerequisites: Biology 170 and 180. Alternate years.

233. Ornithology. 5 semester hours.

Survey of taxonomy, morphology and ecology of avian orders. Emphasis placed on Midwest examples, includes observation trips. Prerequisites: Biology 170 and 180. Every year.

234. Morphology of Nonvascular Plants. 5 semester hours.

Structure, reproduction and evolutionary relationships of fungi, algae and bryophytes. Prerequisites: Biology 170 and 180. Every year.

235. Morphology of Vascular Plants. 5 semester hours.

Structure, reproduction, identification, and evolutionary relationships of vascular plants. Prerequisites: Biology 170 and 180. Every year.

236. Local Flora. 5 semester hours.

Systems of classification and rules of nomenclature, with emphasis placed on the identification of native and cultivated plant taxa of the northeastern United States. Generally taught in the first summer session. Prerequisites: Biology 170 and 180. Alternate years.

237. Microbiology. 5 semester hours.

Basic principles of bacteriology and virology, stressing structure, metabolism, classification and application. Prerequisites: Biology 170 and 180. Every year.

238. Entomology. 5 semester hours.

Morphology, taxonomy and behavior of insects. Includes collection, preservation and study of specimens representing many orders. Field and laboratory identification of insects. Prerequisites: Biology 170 and 180. Every year.

239. Biology of Marine Invertebrates. 5 semester hours.

General consideration of the morphology, physiology and life histories of invertebrate animals. Laboratory experience in methods of collecting, identifying and culturing many organisms studied with emphasis placed on marine forms. Prerequisites: Biology 170 and 180. Every year.

243. Cave Ecology. 4 semester hours.

This course is a basic introduction to cave ecology.  Several field trips to caves with projects relating to cave ecology will be carried out during these trips. Much of the semester will be spent examining speleogenesis, the structure and the function of cave ecosystems, as well as the evolutionary biology of obligate cave inhabitants.  Prerequisites: Biology 170 and 180.  A student cannot take both Biology 143N and Biology 243 for credit.  Must be taken with related section of Biology 258.

247. Marine Ecology. 5 semester hours.

This course will focus on the ecology of marine systems, particularly nearshore benthic communities. Students will become familiar with the primary liturature and ‘classic’ studies that helped to define marine community ecology, as well as the processes that structure a variety of marine communities. Lab exercises 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. Prerequisites: Biology 170 and 180. Math and Writing intensive. Every year.

248B. Comparative Communities - Bahamas. 5 semester hours.

Course designed to acquaint the student with the environmental factors, both ancient and modern, that influence terrestrial and aquatic biological community composition and distribution. The course is offered during the summer session and entails extended field work in The Bahamas. Prerequisites: Biology 170 and 180. Writing intensive. Alternate years (summer session).

249B. Comparative Communities - Northern Forests. 5 semester hours.

Course designed to acquaint the student with the environmental factors, both ancient and modern, that influence terrestrial and aquatic biological community composition and distribution. The course is offered during the summer session and entails extended field work in the Minnesota wilderness. Prerequisites: Biology 170 and 180. Writing intensive. Alternate years (summer session).

250. Topics in Biology. 1-5 semester hours.

The study of selected topics relating the student to natural, biological phenomena. Topics vary with instructor. The course counts toward a major in biology. This course may be repeated for credit.  Prerequisites: Biology 170 and 180.

255. Biological Literacy. 4 semester hours.

Study of common sources, methods and techniques used in presenting biological literature. A strong emphasis on bibliographic sources and written and oral presentation of biological materials. Recommended for students planning to enter graduate programs in biology. Prerequisites: Biology 170 and 180. Writing intensive. Every year.

258B/N. Extended Field Studies. 0-2 semester hours.

Associated with several courses are extended field study trips lasting four to five days. During this period the student spends 8 to 12 hours per day in specimen and data collection and analysis. Prerequisites: Biology 170 and 180. Every year.

310. Molecular Biology. 5 semester hours.

Designed to introduce the fundamental conceptual and laboratory techniques of molecular biology, this course emphasizes the molecular biology of DNA, transcription control, and genetic engineering. Topics include molecular biology of the gene, molecular immunology, molecular control of developmental processes, and intermediary metabolism along with laboratories appropriate to these topics. Prerequisites: Biology 170 and 180 and Chemistry 121 and 162. Writing intensive. Every year.

312. The Cell. 5 semester hours.

This course focuses on correlation of cell structure and function, with an emphasis on the fundamental processes involved in building and maintaining a cell. Prerequisites: Prerequisites: Biology 170 and 180 and Chemistry 121 and 162. Writing intensive.  Every year.

316. Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics. 5 semester hours.

This course will focus on the molecular basis of heredity, beginning with an introduction to DNA structure, replication, and transcription, then move to a consideration of the entire genetic makeup of an organism: the genome.  Students will investigate the components of a gene, the arrangement of genes on the chromosome, and the regulation of gene expression.  They will also learn the computational and laboratory methods used in chromosome mapping and genome sequencing.  Emphasis will be placed on sequence comparison as a means to learn more about gene structure and prediction, protein structure and function, and evolutionary relationships between species.   We will take advantage of the extensive data available through on-line databases of the human genome and other gene sequences.  Prerequisites: Biology 170 and 180 and Chemistry 121 and 162.

324. Animal Physiology. 5 semester hours.

Emphasis is given to the comparative study of mechanisms of organ systems in the major animal groups, with stress on the ecological physiology of vertebrates. Prerequisite: Prerequisites: Biology 170 and 180 and Chemistry 121 and 162. Every year.

325. Human Anatomy and Physiology I. 5 semester hours.

Students will study the structure and function of major organ systems of the human body in both lecture and laboratory.  Topics covered include histology and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, sensory, endocrine, and reproductive systems.  Laboratories will be coordinated with the lecture and focus on the anatomy and physiology of the systems discussed, as well as an independent research project.  Assessment will include three written examinations, two lab practical examinations, review sheets for laboratory exercises, course review sheet, and a final examination. Prerequisite: one upper level Biology course or permissin of the instuctor.  Every year.

326. Human Anatomy and Physiology II. 4 semester hours.

Students will study the structure and function of major organ systems of thh human body in both lecture and laboratory.  Topics covered include circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, and urinary systems as well as nutrition and heredity.  Assessment will include three written examinations, five Latin root quizzes, course review sheet, and a final examination. Course may be accompanied by optional one-credit laboratory course.  Laboratories will be coordinated with the lecture and focus on the anatomy and physiology of he systems discussed, and will also include a major independent research project.  Grading for that laboratory course will be based on the project, review sheets, and one lab practical examination.  Prerequisite: one upper level Biology course or permissin of the instuctor.  Every year.

327. Human Anatomy and Physiology II Laboratory. 1 semester hour.

This course is optional, but may be taken concurrently with Biology 326.  Every year.

328. Electron Microscopy. 5 semester hours.

Fine structural analysis of cells by means of transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Both normal and malignant cells of animal tissues are evaluated at the light and electron microscopic levels. Fluorescence and immunomicroscopy are introduced as tools for elucidating subcellular components. Prerequisites: Biology 170 and 180 and Chemistry 121 and 162.  Writing intensive.  Every year.

341. Limnology. 5 semester hours.

Study of fresh water stream and lake ecosystems, with special attention given to the physical, chemical and biological features. Writing intensive. Prerequisites: Biology 170 and 180 and Chemistry 121 and 162. Alternate years.

342. Stream Ecology. 5 semester hours.

Study of the physical, chemical and biological processes of stream ecosystems. A student field research project and oral presentations are required. Perequisites: Biology 170, 180, and 341, and Chemistry 121 and 162. Writing intensive. Alternate years.

346. Ecology. 5 semester hours.

Survey of biotic communities and populations with emphasis upon structure, influencing factors and techniques of study. Individual investigation into the ecology of species also expected of each student. Writing and math intensive. Prerequisites: One Group 2, 3, or 4 Biology course after Biology 170 and 180 and Math Placement 22. Every year.

347. Evolution. 4 semester hours.

Critical examination of the evidence for biological evolution with particular emphasis upon the historical development of the concept; evolutionary mechanisms; species diversity, both past and present; and the geographical distribution of living organisms. No laboratory. Prerequisite: Two biology courses in addition to Biology 170 and 180. Writing intensive. Every year.

406. Senior Capstone. 4 semester hours.

The purpose of this course is to encourage student integration of their major subject field across levels of organization, and beyond the clear realms of biology. Biological problems such as biodiversity, genetic engineering and diseases are examined from molecular biology through evolutionary considerations. Prerequisite: senior status and Biology 170 and 180.  Writing intensive. Every year.

492. Directed Research. 1-5 semester hours.

Investigation of various biological topics by laboratory or field observations, experimentation and data collection. Directed by a biology faculty member. The final results of this work are presented as a paper in proper journal format and/or an oral presentation. Course may be taken more than once; however, only five semester hours count toward the nonhonors biology major as listed in Area III of the major requirement. Prerequisites: Biology 170 and 180. Writing intensive. Every semester. This course may be repeated for credit.

493. Internship. 1-5 semester hours.

The student develops, under the direction of a faculty member and job-site supervisor, a work/study program in which practical experience and biology are used. Prerequisites: Biology 170 and 180. Writing intensive. Every semester. This course may be repeated for credit.

494. Topic Seminar. 1-4 semester hours.

Topics of particular interest to major students. Offered subject to sufficient demand by students and availability of faculty. This course may be repeated for credit.  Prerequisites: Biology 170 and 180.

499. Honors Thesis/Project. Variable credit.

Prerequisite: 3.50 GPA, permission of the Department Chair.  Prerequisites: Biology 170 and 180. Writing intensive.