Biology Courses

Semester specific course descriptions

101. General biology. (1.5 units)
An introductory exploration of biological principles at the ecosystem, population, organism and organ system level using an investigative and problem-based approach. Structured, skill-based lab exercises allow students to develop, perform and present an in-depth independent research project. There are one three-hour lab and three one-hour lectures each week. Offered in the fall semester. Required for biology, biochemistry and neuroscience majors.

102. General biology. (1.5 units)
An introductory exploration of cellular processes (including metabolism and inheritance) from an evolutionary perspective in an investigative, problem-based format. Structured, skill-based lab exercises allow students to develop, perform and present an in-depth independent research project. There are one three-hour lab and three one-hour lectures each week. Offered in the spring semester. Required for biology, biochemistry and neuroscience majors.

104. Introduction to Plant and Animal biology.
An independent study course designed for students who have completed one or more college-level biology courses but require additional topics to represent a background equivalent to Biology 101,102. Satisfies introductory biology requirements for the biology major and/or election of advanced courses for which Biology 101,102 are prerequisites. Available for one half or one unit of credit. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

121.  The Natural World w/lab.
A field biology-ecology course for non-majors emphasizing the plants and animals of the Northeast. The course focuses on ecological factors and processes affecting individual organisms, communities and ecosystems. Students visit a variety of aquatic and terrestrial habitats to study local ecosystems and to learn the natural history of local plants and animals and how to identify them. Students also learn how to conduct a scientific study and record observational data. This course does not count toward the biology majors but does count toward the outdoor studies minor and the NSC w/lab distribution credit.

209. Vertebrate Natural History.
A field-oriented course that explores the biology of vertebrate animals, with emphasis on understanding the diversity, life history, evolution and unique adaptations of vertebrates. The laboratory focus is on developing scientifically sound skills in observation and on learning to identify local vertebrates. Some extra class meetings will be required for regional field excursions and for early-morning bird-watching sessions. Prerequisite: Biology 101,102. Also offered as Environmental Studies 209 and through Outdoor Studies.

215. Invertebrate biology.
This course covers the life histories, ecology, behavior, physiology, structure, evolution and taxonomy of non-vertebrate animals such as clams, starfish, insects, etc. Emphasis is on aquatic invertebrates from freshwater, estuarine and marine habitats. A mixture of field and laboratory work will train students in collection, observation and experimental techniques. Lectures and one laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Biology 101, 102 or equivalent. Also offered through Outdoor Studies.

221. General Ecology.
A study of the factors influencing the abundance and distribution of species, including interactions between individuals and their physical/chemical environment, population dynamics and the structure/function of communities and ecosystems and their responses to disturbance. Labs are field-oriented and emphasize characteristics of local communities or specific techniques such as estimation of population density. Lectures and one lab per week. Prerequisites: Biology 101,102 or equivalent or permission of instructor. Also offered as Environmental Studies 221 and through Outdoor Studies.

224. biology of Vascular Plants.
A study of the evolution, morphology, physiology and life histories of mosses, ferns, conifers, flowering plants and their relatives, in an ecological context. Indoor labs survey the morphology and reproductive characters of the major groups of plants as well as the structure and function of plant organs and tissues. Outdoor labs emphasize ecology, identification and economic uses of local plants. Lectures and one laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Biology 101,102 or equivalent or permission of instructor.

227. Mammalogy.
The objectives of the course are to become familiar with the diversity of mammalian species as well as their distribution, morphology, taxonomy and ecology. Students will relate this diversity and specific aspects of their ecology to evolutionary history and will learn to identify mammals to the family level. Lectures and laboratory (including fieldwork). Prerequisites: Biology 101, 102 or equivalent. Also offered through Outdoor Studies.

231. Microbiology.
Microorganisms have shaped the environment through their activities and affect humans by providing drugs, enhancing our food and causing disease. This course provides an introduction to the structure, physiology, ecology, genetics and evolution of microscopic organisms including bacteria, archaea and protists. Lectures examine the metabolic activities and adaptations of these organisms as they interact with their environment. Ecological, medical, and industrial importance of microbes and microbial communities is also presented. The laboratory involves microbial cultivation, isolation and identification as well as analysis of microbial presence and activity. Laboratory skills acquired in this course are applicable to a variety of fields including genetics, environmental studies, health and industry. Lectures and one laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Biology 101,102; pre- or co-requisite: Chemistry 101 or 103 or permission of instructor.

240. Human Anatomy.
This course will introduce the principles and science of anatomy and physiology. In the lecture portion of the course, students will learn the essential concepts that underlie human physiology. The lab is dedicated to the study of human anatomy and the relationship that exists between anatomical form and function. The course is intended to increase the appreciation of the vast complexity of vertebrate anatomy and one’s own biology. Prerequisites: Biology 101, 102 or equivalent.

241. Field Methods for Environmental Scientists.
This interdisciplinary course is intended for students interested in environmental science (e.g., environmental studies, biology, geology or chemistry majors or minors). We will familiarize students with experimental design and statistics and train students in a variety of field techniques including map and compass work, basic surveying techniques, and water, soil, vegetation and faunal sampling. The course will also introduce students to the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for research in environmental science. By the end of the semester, students will have a working knowledge of ArcView GIS software and will have experience creating and managing GIS projects. Students will increase their familiarity with local natural habitats and gain a big-picture understanding of environmental science as an interdisciplinary endeavor. Students interested in developing highly marketable GIS and field skills in the context of environmental research should consider taking this course. Also offered as Geology 241.

245, 246. Genetics.
An introduction to the principles of the transmission of inherited characteristics and the underlying molecular mechanisms of the regulation of expression of genetic information. Genetic engineering and an introduction to population genetics are included. Three lectures and one laboratory per week. Prerequisite: Biology 101 or equivalent; pre- or co-requisite: Chemistry 101 or 103 or permission of instructor. Counts toward the biochemistry and neuroscience (cellular track) majors.

250. Introduction to Cell biology.
An understanding of the concepts and processes of cell biology is fundamental to all other disciplines in biological sciences. This course introduces cellular structure and the function of these structures in relation to the physiology of the organism. The lecture portion introduces cell ultrastructure and the methods of studying it, membrane structure and function, protein structure and function, and the fundamentals of primary metabolism and information storage/transfer (i.e., replication, transcription and translation of genetic material). The material is relevant to animal, plant and microbial organisms. The lab consists of a series of protocols to demonstrate some fundamental methodologies in cell biology and introduces the process of scientific research. Lectures and one laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Biology 101,102. Recommended: Chemistry 103,104. Counts toward the biochemistry and neuroscience (cellular track) majors.

258. Ethnobotany.
Ethnobotany is an interdisciplinary field drawing on concepts from both natural and social sciences to investigate human-plant interactions. This course will illustrate the importance of plants in our everyday life and the influence of human activities on plant populations. Among topics to be covered are the history of ethnobotany; plant uses by native people; influence of plants on development of civilizations; bioprospecting; and conservation of ethnobotanically important plants. Independent projects will center around surveys and experiments on socio-economically important plants. Field trips and labs will explore Native American reservations, botanical gardens, greenhouses, nature reserves and plant population survey techniques. Three hours lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: General Ecology (Bio 221) or Biology of Vascular Plants (Bio 224). Major credit restricted. Also offered as Environmental Studies 258.

261. Bioethics.
This seminar course will broadly explore ethical, legal and social implications of recent advances in the biological sciences. Topics such as the human genome project, reproductive technologies, cloning and animal experimentation will be explored. This course will include both lecture and discussions, and student projects will be emphasized. Regular student participation and presentations will be required. Prerequisites: Biology 101,102. Major credit restricted.

270. Endocrinology.
Endocrine glands and the messengers they produce can have profound effects on how organisms respond and adapt to their environment. This course will examine the production and function of hormones in different organisms. Topics will include the types and functions of endocrine glands (e.g., hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid and adrenal) and the ways hormones act as chemical messengers with various target cells. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Biology 101,102. Counts toward the neuroscience major (cellular and behavioral tracks).

288. Introduction to Neuroscience.
This course provides students with a basic understanding of the architecture and processing of information in the brain. Particular emphasis is placed on the cellular properties of cells in the nervous system and how these biophysical properties affect information processing in the brain. One of the goals of this course is to expose students to the techniques frequently used in neuroscience research. To this end, students will learn neuroanatomy, methods for intracellular recording and neuronal tract tracing. Students will be expected to generate a research proposal and conduct the appropriate experiments to test their hypothesis using the techniques learned in the laboratory. Later emphasis is placed on the generation of emotions and their evolutionary importance in survival for all organisms. A second goal of this course is for students to realize that apparently human traits such as emotions are conserved across animals ranging from invertebrates to insects. Students will learn that emotions are not simply by-products of higher cognitive processes but rather a necessary component of strategies related to decision-making. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Biology 101,102. Recommended: Biology 245, 246 or 250. Required for the neuroscience major.

303. Biometrics
A study of the techniques and theory utilized in numerical analyses of biological data. Statistical considerations of biological sampling designs, sample description and hypothesis testing will be covered as well as measures of minimum adequate sample size, density, diversity and association. Multivariate techniques will be practiced as well as extensive use of Monte Carlo techniques. Readings from current biological literature will supplement text and laboratory work. Prior coursework in introductory statistics is required. Also offered through Applied Statistics.

319. Plant Systematics.
Classical and modern approaches to the taxonomy of higher plants with emphasis on evolutionary trends, principles of classification and geographic distribution. The distinguishing field characteristics of the principle families of ferns, conifers and flowering plants are studied. Also included is an identification of local flora. Prerequisites: Biology 101,102. Offered in alternate years.

320. Reproductive Physiology.
This course will examine principles of reproductive physiology at the whole animal and cellular levels. Form and function of reproductive systems in a variety of species will be explored, with an emphasis on domestic animals and humans. Reproductive behavior, use of technology to improve outcomes and reproductive toxicology will also be discussed. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Biology 101,102 or equivalent. Counts toward the neuroscience major (cellular and behavioral tracks).

325.  Mycology.
A survey of the kingdom fungi. An examination of the morphology, ecology, life histories and systematics of the fungi of the North Country. Groups to be emphasized are mushrooms, rusts, smuts, mildews, cup fungi, bread molds, water molds and slime molds. The importance of fungi in human affairs is also examined. Lectures and laboratory. Frequent field trips. Prerequisites: Biology 102 or equivalent. Also offered through Outdoor Studies.

326. Animal Physiology.
This course is devoted to the general principles and concepts of animal physiology. Lecture topics include functioning of the neuro-skeletal, muscular, respiratory, circulatory, excretory and endocrine systems. Six hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory every two weeks. Prerequisites: Biology 101,102 or equivalent.

328. Biology of Non-Vascular Plants.
A study of non-vascular plants including bryophytes, lichens and algae. Lectures and laboratories will examine the morphology, life histories, physiology, classification and ecology of these diverse, important but hugely unrecognized organisms. Laboratories will include frequent field trips as well as microscope studies. Prerequisite: Introductory biology. Preferred but not required: Biology 224.

330. Ecology of Lakes and Rivers.
This course will cover the biology of freshwater organisms from a community and ecosystem perspective. Topics covered include food web dynamics, fisheries science, primary production, seasonal succession and nutrient cycling. Emphasis will be placed on interactions among fish, invertebrate and plant communities as well as the influence of their physical, chemical and geological settings. Much of the course material will be taught via class projects that investigate local and regional lakes and rivers; thus there is a substantial amount of field work. There is also an emphasis on the characterization of watersheds using GIS. Prerequisites: Biology 101, 102 or equivalent. Recommended: any of Biology 215, 221, 340, 360, 380 and Chemistry 103, 104.

340. Conservation biology.
This course examines the problem of maintaining biological diversity in a changing world. Emphasis is on the biological concepts involved in population biology, genetics and community ecology, and their use in conservation and management of biodiversity. Labs will be a mixture of local projects and trips to sites of interest for conservation. Prerequisite: Biology 221 or 245/246. Also offered as Environmental Studies 340 and through Global Studies.

357. Behavioral Ecology.
A seminar course in the evolutionary and ecological approach to understanding animal behavior. Class time is split between lecture and discussion of current primary literature in behavioral ecology. Topics covered include sexual selection and mating sys-tems, parental care, foraging theory, the evolution of social behavior, cooperation and helping and competition for resources. Major credit restricted. Prerequisite: Biology 221 or permission of instructor. Counts toward the neuroscience major (behavioral track).

360. Marine Ecology.
The marine environment is the largest portion of the earth’s bio-sphere and holds an amazing diversity of microbial, plant and animal life. We will cover the biology of these organisms, their ecological interactions, their adaptations to the dynamic ocean environment and their importance to humanity. Topics will include the life histories, behavior, ecology and commercial use of marine organisms, as well as abiotic factors (e.g., salinity, nutrients, water currents and tides, ocean floor spreading) that influence them. The “lab” portion of this course is an end-of-semester (mid-May) 10-day field trip that focuses on snorkeling studies of coral reef ecosystems and incurs extra course fees (see instructor for details). This lab section is not available to seniors graduating in May. Prerequisites: Biology 101, 102 or equivalent. Recommended: any of Biology 215, 221, 330, 380 and Chemistry 103, 104. Also offered through Outdoor Studies.

380. Tropical Ecology.
A course based on current research in tropical biology. Emphasis is on the structure, function and biology of tropical organisms and communities, especially as compared to temperate systems. The course will address the role of mutualisms, sustainable development and other conservation measures, and the roles of indigenous cultures in tropical ecosystems. Three hours lecture per week and two-week field tour. Lab component of the course will include a visit to a tropical area. Prerequisites: General Ecology (Bio 221) or instructor permission. Also offered as Environmental Studies 380 and through Global Studies and Outdoor Studies.

381, 382. Research Methods Training. (0.5 or 1 unit)
Special courses intended to offer non-senior research training specific to a faculty member’s research program. Many techniques covered are not generally taught within the lab of a regular course offering. The course will be indicated on the student transcript as “Research Methods in X” with “X” being the research area (e.g., endocrinology). These offerings are by permission only in consultation with the appropriate faculty mentor. Such courses do not count as one of the minimum 6 units for the major.

386. Advanced Animal Physiology.
A one-semester advanced course dealing with the properties, composition and function of living matter and its reactions to internal and external agents. The physiology of the nervous, circulatory, respiratory and excretory systems is considered in detail, as are the basic and applied physiology of the digestive and endocrine systems. Mechanisms of integration of the various phy-siological systems are stressed. Three hours lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Biology 326 and two semesters of organic chemistry or permission of instructor. Counts toward the neuroscience major (cellular and behavioral tracks).

389. Advanced Neuroscience.
Advanced Neuroscience builds on the fundamental concepts presented in Biology 288 (Introduction to Neuroscience) and begins to examine neurobiology from a systems perspective. The initial portion of the course will be dedicated to examining the biological basis of sexual orientation. The following questions will be considered: How do the brains of males/females/homosexuals/heterosexuals differ anatomically? Is homosexuality genetically predetermined or a chosen lifestyle? Other topics presented in this course include sleep and dreaming, sleep disorders, epilepsy and seizures, motivation and addiction, Alzheimer’s disease, disorders of thought and volition, disorders of mood and the neurobiology of near-death experiences. Prerequisite: Biology 288. Required for the neuroscience major.

390. Research Methods in Transmission Electron Microscopy. (1 unit)
This course will offer students detailed instruction in the use of a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Most of the learning is accomplished in a laboratory setting where students learn techniques for sample fixation, embedding in plastic resins, ultramicrotomy, glass knife making, thin film preparation and photographic techniques. The theory of instrument operation will be stressed. A detailed examination of cell ultrastructure will also be offered. Prerequisites are any 200- or 300-level science course or permission of the instructor. Counts toward the neuroscience major (cellular track).

391. Research Methods in Scanning Electron Microscopy. (.5 unit)
This course will offer students detailed instruction in the use of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and support techniques such as critical point drying, specimen coating (standard vacuum and sputter coating), specimen fixation, black and white photographic techniques and computer image acquisition and analysis. The theory and practice of energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDAX) for determining atomic element makeup and element mapping will also be learned. Prerequisites are any 200- or 300-level science course or permission of the instructor. Counts toward the neuroscience major (cellular track). Also offered as Geology 391.

392. Research Methods in Confocal Microscopy. (.5 unit)
Confocal microscopy allows a fluorescence-labeled specimen to be optically sectioned at magnifications up to 1000X. It is a good bridge between standard fluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy. This course will offer students detailed instruction in the theoretical and practical aspects of using a laser scanning confocal microscope. Students will learn specimen preparation techniques, fluorescent dye properties and selection, immuno-cytochemistry, laser physics, optics, and digital image acquisition and analysis. A good knowledge of cell biology and structure is very helpful. As a half-unit offering, the course will meet for about half the semester. Prerequisites: any 200- or 300-level science course or permission of the instructor. Counts toward the neuroscience major (cellular track).

393. Microscopy Project. (.5 unit)
This half-unit module is designed to allow students to develop and carry out a research project with either the TEM, SEM/EDAX or the Confocal microscope. This module may be taken concurrently with the corresponding half-unit microscopy modules but may be taken at a later time as well. Students should not take more than one unit total of the half-unit modules in this research methods series in one semester. As a half-unit offering, this project should be completed in about half the semester. Students are encouraged to develop their project in consultation with other science faculty with whom they are working on research. Meeting times are by arrangement. Pre/co-requisites include Biology 390, 391 or 392 or permission of the instructor.

394. Research Methods in Biochemistry.
This course will introduce basic laboratory techniques and skills that are common in fields related to biochemistry. The first half of the semester will be devoted to learning basic techniques. During the second half of the semester, students will apply those techniques to complete a guided research project. Attention will be paid to both theory and application. Students will develop a methodology notebook and will prepare lab reports for each exercise. The project will be written up in the style of a journal article. There will not be separate lecture and lab periods; all learning will be done in the laboratories, which will meet two afternoons per week plus a half-hour recitation section by arrangement. Prerequisites: Chemistry 222 and any one of Biology 245, 246, 250, 312, 331, 391 or Chemistry 309 (which can be taken as co-requisite). This course is required for the biochemistry major and also carries credit toward the biology major/minor. Also offered as Biochemistry 394.

395. Research Methods in Molecular biology.
Molecular techniques have revolutionized how biologists address problems in genetics, medicine, ecology, systematics, conservation and many other fields. In this course, students will obtain hands-on experience using basic and advanced molecular techniques, such as western blotting, nucleic acid (DNA and RNA) isolation and purification, DNA sequencing, gel electrophoresis and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), to study gene expression and genetic variability. The molecular techniques studied in this course are the same techniques that are used in laboratories across the country and around the world. In addition to gaining practical experience in the laboratory, students will learn about the theories behind each molecular protocol and study how biologists apply molecular techniques to answer fundamental biological questions. Prerequisites: Biology 245, 246, 250 or 394. Counts toward Neuroscience major (cellular track). Also offered as Biochemistry 395.

447, 448. SYE: Special Topics.
Intended for senior tutorials and seniors only, these are courses on topics not regularly offered in the curriculum. May be offered for .5 or 1 unit of credit and may include a laboratory. Prerequisites depend on course content and consent of instructor. Major credit restricted unless otherwise stated at registration.

460,461. Seminar in the Techniques of Teaching biology.
Seminar includes participation in the review, revision, preparation and presentation of materials in the lecture and laboratory portions of the General Biology course and responsibility for presenting a seminar concerning a week/s core curriculum and for student evaluation. Biology 460, no credit, may be repeated. Biology 461 may be taken once for one-half unit of credit following one semester of 460. Major credit restricted.

462, 463. Seminars in biology.
Intensive investigation by a group of students and faculty of advanced topics not regularly offered in the curriculum. Students are responsible for preparation and presentation of much of the course content. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Major credit restricted.

One unit of the following may apply to the minimum requirements for the major; otherwise, major credit restricted.

468,469. SYE: Tutorial Research. (.5 or 1 unit)
Mentored study and research that is not experimental in design yet requires the analysis of primary literature-based data and the integration of this with current knowledge of the subject matter. A thorough understanding of the methodologies used in acquiring the published data will be critical for this integration. This research will be presented orally to the mentor’s research team and in appropriate written formats (e.g., journal manuscripts, etc.). This experience will typically earn 1 unit of credit toward the minimum major requirements and will be of at least one semester in duration. If not intending to accomplish honors designation, students may do a full year of research for .5 units per semester or they may elect to earn more than 1 unit of research credit, thus exceeding the minimum requirement. Open to senior students majoring in biology. Prerequisite: sponsorship by a faculty member.

489, 490. SYE: Experimental Research. (.5 or 1 unit)
Field or laboratory research projects for students desiring to pursue directed, experimental research in biology. Students will integrate acquired research skills and subject knowledge to collect original experimental data and to analyze the results in reference to the existing scientific primary literature. Results will be presented orally to the mentor’s research team and in appropriate written formats (e.g., journal manuscripts, etc.). This experience will typically earn 1 unit of credit toward the minimum major requirements and will be of at least one semester in duration. If not intending to accomplish honors designation, students may do a full year of research for .5 units per semester or they may elect to earn more than 1 unit of research credit, thus exceeding the minimum requirement. Open to senior students majoring in biology. Prerequisite: sponsorship by a faculty member.

499. Honors Projects. (.5 or 1 unit)
Graduation with honors in biology will require exceptional academic accomplishment as demonstrated by a biology GPA or 3.5 or above and the completion of a second semester of SYE honors research according to departmental guidelines. This research will be presented orally to the mentor’s research team and will be written as an honors thesis. Open to seniors majoring in biology. See honors guidelines above or at it.stlawu.edu/~biology/biology_honors.htm. Prerequisite: sponsorship by a faculty member.

Neuroscience

489, 490. SYE: Senior Project.
All neuroscience senior majors are required to do a senior project that normally would earn 1 to 2 units of credit depending on the scope of the proposed work. The project will integrate acquired research skills and/or subject knowledge gained through the major and would culminate in an appropriate written format and an oral presentation to the neuroscience faculty. Presentation at the Annual Festival of Science will be encouraged.

499. SYE: Honors Research.
Students will integrate acquired research skills and subject knowledge gained through the major to collect original experimental data and to analyze the results in reference to the existing scientific primary literature. Results will be presented orally to the neuroscience faculty and/or at the Annual Festival of Science and be written as an honors thesis. Copies of the thesis will be bound and archived in both departments and in the science library. Graduation in neuroscience with the designation of honors will require exceptional academic accomplishment as demonstrated by a major GPA equal to or above a 3.5 and the completion of a second semester of SYE honors research according to established guidelines.