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Professors R.K. Packer, R. Donaldson, J.R. Burns, D.L. Lipscomb (Chair), K.M. Brown, J.M. Clark, L.C. Smith, G. Hormiga
Associate Professors H. Merchant, D.E. Johnson, E.F. Wells, R.P. Tollo, C.A. Forster, P. Hernandez, J.T. Lill
Assistant Professors D.W. Morris, S.A. Church, A. Jeremic, H.G. Dobel
Professorial Lecturers P.J. Nolan, G. Mattietti
Bachelor of Arts with a major in biology—The following requirements must be fulfilled:
1. The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences.
2. Prerequisite courses—BiSc 11—12 or equivalent. Neither waiver nor credit is awarded by CLEP subject examination.
3. Required courses in related areas: Chem 11—12, 151—52, and 153—54. (The following courses are strongly recommended: Phys 11—12 or 21—22; 3 credit hours of either mathematics or statistics.)
4. Required courses for the major—A minimum of 24 credit hours of 100-level courses, which must include at least 4 hours from each of the following and at least three courses with laboratory: cell and molecular biology (BiSc 102 to 109, 112), suborganismal and organismal biology (BiSc 114, 118, 120 to 142, 182), and ecology and evolution (BiSc 150 to 169).
Bachelor of Science with a major in biology—The following requirements must be fulfilled:
1. The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences.
2. Prerequisite courses—BiSc 11—12 or equivalent. Neither waiver nor credit is awarded by CLEP subject examination.
3. Required courses in related areas—Chem 11—12, 151—52, and 153—54; Phys 11—12 or 21—22; 3 credit hours of either mathematics or statistics (this requirement cannot be satisfied by waiver). Two years of an approved foreign language are strongly recommended but not required.
4. Required courses for the major—A minimum of 30 credit hours of 100-level courses, which must include at least 4 hours from each of the following and at least three courses with laboratory: cell and molecular biology (BiSc 102 to 109, 112), suborganismal and organismal biology (BiSc 114, 118, 120 to 142, 182), and ecology and evolution (BiSc 150 to 169).
A maximum of 6 credit hours of research and independent study or graduate courses in biological sciences may be used as electives within the major.
Special Honors—In addition to the general requirements stated under University Regulations, in order to be considered for graduation with special honors, a student must maintain a cumulative 3.5 grade-point average in biological sciences courses and at least a 3.0 cumulative overall grade-point average. Students who meet these criteria and wish to pursue special honors must complete an approved research project under faculty direction.
Minor in biology—12 credit hours of 100-level courses (excluding research and independent study).
With permission, a limited number of graduate courses in the department may be taken for credit toward an undergraduate degree. See the Graduate Programs Bulletin for course listings.
Departmental prerequisite: BiSc 11—12 or equivalent is prerequisite to all 100-level courses except by permission of the instructor.
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| 3 |
The Diversity of Life (3) |
Dobel and Staff |
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Lecture (2 hours), laboratory (2 hours). Characteristics of the living world, including evolution; diversity of plants, animals, and microorganisms; ecology and the biosphere; animal behavior; and the biology of the human body. For non-majors. Laboratory fee. (Fall) |
| 4 |
The Building Blocks of Life (3) |
Dobel and Staff |
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Lecture (2 hours), laboratory (2 hours). The molecules and cells that make up the human organism, nutrition and metabolism, inheritance and genetic diseases, bacterial and viral infections, immunity, biotechnology in medicine and food, economics and politics of biology. For non-majors. Laboratory fee. (Spring) |
| 11 |
Introductory Biology: Cells and Molecules (4) |
Brown, Donaldson |
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Lecture (3 hours), laboratory (3 hours). Nutrition and metabolism, cellular and developmental biology, genetics, and molecular biology of plants and animals. Laboratory fee. (Fall) |
| 12 |
Introductory Biology: The Biology of Organisms (4) |
Burns, Dobel |
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Lecture (3 hours), laboratory (3 hours). Concepts and methods in the study of whole organisms. Evolutionary theory; population biology; diversity of plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms; ecology and behavior; and animal structure and function. Laboratory fee. (Spring) |
| 102 |
Cell Biology (3) |
Smith, Morris |
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Structure and function of biological molecules and cellular organelles; cellular interactions. Prerequisite: one semester of organic chemistry. (Fall and spring) |
| 103 |
Biochemistry (4) |
Vanderhoek |
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Introduction to structures of biological macromolecules, enzyme catalysis, cellular bioenergetics, and metabolism. Prerequisite: Chem 151—52. Same as Bioc 101 and Chem 161. (Fall) |
| 104 |
Biochemistry Laboratory (2) |
Vanderhoek |
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Study of common experimental techniques used in life science laboratories to separate and characterize biological macromolecules. Prerequisite: BiSc 103 or equivalent. Laboratory fee. Same as Bioc 103 and Chem 163. (Spring) |
| 105 |
Plant Biochemistry (3) |
Staff |
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Discussions of plant metabolism and molecular biology: photosynthesis, nitrogen metabolism, membrane transport, mechanisms of hormone action, protein targeting, biotechnology, and current research topics. Prerequisite: Chem 11—12. (Spring, even years) |
| 106 |
Special Topics in Biochemistry (2) |
Donaldson and Staff |
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In-depth discussion of current biochemically relevant topics, including cancer and HIV chemotherapy, immune response, photosynthesis, signal transduction, hormone regulation and nutrition. Topics vary. Prerequisite: BiSc 103 or equivalent. Same as Bioc 102 and Chem 162. (Spring) |
| 107 |
Genetics (3) |
Johnson |
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Introduction to genetics, with emphasis on the integration of transmission of genetic traits and the molecular basis of gene action. Also includes cytogenetics, gene regulation, and examples of current applications of genetic technology. (Fall and spring) |
| 108 |
Genetics Laboratory (1) |
Johnson |
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Study of genetic principles and genetic and molecular techniques in Drosophila and E. coli. Prerequisite or concurrent registration: BiSc 107. Laboratory fee. (Spring) |
| 109 |
Molecular Biology (4) |
Staff |
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Overview of theories, techniques, and procedures associated with molecular biology; topics include the biosynthesis of DNA, RNA, and proteins, relationships among structure, function, and expression; and traditional and modern methods of gene and protein characterization and monitoring. Prerequisite: Chem 11—12. Laboratory fee. (Fall) |
| 110 |
Nanobiotechnology (3) |
Jeremic |
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Theory and application of nanotechnologies in biology and medicine. Strategies for studying the organization, function, and complexity of biological systems at nm scale. Several areas of research are covered, including high-resolution cellular and molecular imaging, spectroscopy, and optical tweezers. Prerequisite: BiSc 102 or 103 or permission of instructor. (Spring) |
| 111 |
Nanobiotechnology Laboratory (1) |
Jeremic |
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Overview of techniques and approaches to studying complex biological interactions at nm scale. Prerequisite: BiSc 102 or 103 or permission of instructor. Laboratory fee. (Spring) |
| 112 |
Immunology (3) |
Nolan, Smith |
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Introduction to mammalian immunology covering the progression of immune responses from initial pathogen contact to immune memory. Applied topics include autoimmunity, transplantation, and the effects of HIV on the immune system. Prerequisite: BiSc 102 and one semester of organic chemistry; BiSc 107 or 122 recommended. (Fall) |
| 114 |
Developmental Biology (4) |
Brown |
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Lecture (2 hours), laboratory (4 hours). Embryonic development of animals. Principles illustrated by experimental studies of developmental problems. Laboratory exercises involve micromanipulative, biochemical, and molecular studies on animal embryos cultured in the lab. Laboratory fee. (Fall) |
| 118 |
Histology (4) |
Burns |
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Lecture (2 hours), laboratory (4 hours). Introduction to microscopical anatomy of normal tissues and organs with emphasis on the interrelationship of structure and function. Laboratory fee. (Spring) |
| 120 |
Human Neurobiology (3) |
Jeremic |
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Introduction to the function of the human nervous system, gross and microscopic structure, and neurophysiology of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves; alterations caused by disease or injury. (Fall) |
| 121 |
Comparative Endocrinology (3) |
Nolan |
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Basic principles of chemical integration, neuroendocrine relationships, and mechanisms of hormone action. Prerequisite: BiSc 118 or 122. (Spring) |
| 122 |
Human Physiology (3) |
Packer |
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Introduction to the function of organ systems of the human body. Prerequisite: Chem 11—12. (Fall) |
| 123 |
Human Physiology Laboratory (1) |
Staff |
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Study of basic physiology laboratory techniques; emphasis on the experimental study of homeostatic mechanisms in humans. Prerequisite or concurrent registration: BiSc 122. Laboratory fee. (Fall) |
| 125 |
Environmental Physiology (3) |
Packer |
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Mechanisms of evolutionary adaptation and processes of acclimation by which animals respond to environmental challenges; emphasis on vertebrates. Prerequisite: BiSc 122 or 154. (Spring) |
| 130 |
Invertebrate Zoology (4) |
Lipscomb |
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Lecture (2 hours), laboratory (4 hours). General survey of invertebrate animals, including classification, morphology, physiology, embryology, and evolutionary relationships among phyla. Laboratory fee. (Fall) |
| 132 |
Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (4) |
Hernandez |
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Lecture (2 hours), laboratory (4 hours). Evolution and comparative morphology of Phylum Chordata, stressing recent forms. Laboratory fee. (Spring) |
| 137 |
Introductory Microbiology (4) |
Morris |
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Lecture (2 hours), laboratory (4 hours). Survey of the major groups of microorganisms with emphasis on structure, physiology, ecology, pathogenesis, and biotechnology. Antibiotic resistance and emerging diseases. Prerequisite: one year of chemistry. Laboratory fee. (Fall and spring) |
| 139 |
Parasitology (4) |
Hawdon |
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Lecture (2 hours), laboratory (4 hours). Introduction to animal parasitology; survey of parasitic types from protozoa through arthropods. Laboratory fee. (Fall) |
| 140 |
Taxonomy of Flowering Plants (4) |
Wells |
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Lecture (2 hours), laboratory and field (4 hours). Origin, evolutionary development, and principles of systematics of flowering plants. Laboratory fee. (Spring) |
| 142 |
Flora of the Mid-Atlantic States (4) |
Wells |
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Field trips and laboratory study of the identification and ecology of vascular plants of the Coastal Plain, Piedmont, and mountains of Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. Emphasis on family characteristics and recognition of dominant species in native habitats. Laboratory fee. (Summer) |
| 150 |
Organic Evolution (3) |
Lipscomb |
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Synthetic theory of organic evolution, including population biology, speciation, adaptation, macroevolution, systematics, biogeography, and the geologic record. (Spring) |
| 151 |
History of Life (3) |
Forster |
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Same as Geol 151 |
| 152 |
Animal Behavior (3) |
Staff |
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An evolutionary approach to the study of animal behavior, emphasizing behavioral ecology and sociobiology. (Spring) |
| 153 |
Plant—Animal Interactions (3) |
Lill |
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Review of the major ecological and evolutionary interactions that occur between plants and animals in natural and managed ecosystems. BiSc 150 or BiSc 154 recommended. (Fall, even years) |
| 154 |
General Ecology (4) |
Merchant |
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Lecture (3 hours), laboratory and field (3 hours). Introduction to the concepts of limiting factors, biogeochemical cycles, trophic levels, and energy transfer and their relationship to the structure and function of population, species, communities, and ecosystems. Laboratory fee. (Fall) |
| 155 |
Plant Ecology (4) |
Wells |
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Lecture (2 hours), laboratory (4 hours). Introduction to the ecology of plant populations, communities, and individuals. Two weekend field trips required. Laboratory fee. (Fall, even years) |
| 156 |
Animal Ecology (4) |
Merchant |
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Lecture (3 hours), laboratory and field (3 hours). Application of ecological principles to the understanding and manipulation of animal populations. Prerequisite: BiSc 154 or permission of instructor. Laboratory fee. (Spring, even years) |
| 157 |
Aquatic Ecology (4) |
Merchant |
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Lecture (3 hours), laboratory and field (3 hours). Ecological principles applied to aquatic systems with special references to physiochemical properties, typical habitats, and communities. Laboratory fee. (Spring, odd years) |
| 158 |
Field Botany (4) |
Wells |
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Lecture (2 hours), laboratory and field (4 hours). Field and laboratory studies on vascular plants of the Coastal Plain, Piedmont, and mountains of the mid-Atlantic States. Two weekend field trips required. Laboratory fee. (Fall, odd years) |
| 159 |
Geobotanical Ecology of the Central Appalachians (4) |
Tollo, Wells |
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A multidisciplinary approach to Appalachian ecology involving application of scientific principles from both geology and botany, stressing interrelationships between geological, geochemical, and biological processes. Field trips. Prerequisite: Geol 1 or 5 and BiSc 13—14; or equivalent with permission of instructor. Laboratory fee. Same as Geol 159. (Spring, odd years) |
| 160 |
Conservation Biology (3) |
Lill |
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Theory and practice of conserving biological diversity. Ecological patterns of biodiversity, biology of small populations, and conservation case studies. Use of ecological modeling software to explore various topics. Prerequisite: BiSc 154 or permission of instructor. (Spring) |
| 162 |
Plant—Animal Interactions Laboratory (1) |
Lill |
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Field and laboratory study of temperate interactions between plants and animals. Group projects focus on original data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Prerequisite or concurrent registration: BiSc 153. Laboratory fee. (Fall, even years) |
| 163 |
Ecological and Evolutionary Genetics (3) |
Church |
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An analysis of the ecological and genetic basis of evolutionary change. Topics include the organization and maintenance of genetic variation within and among natural populations, the genetic basis of complex traits, molecular ecology analyses, and genotype by environment interactions. Prerequisite: BiSc 150 or permission of instructor. |
| 164 |
Tropical Primate Ecology (4) |
Lucas, Lill |
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Same as Anth 140. |
| 171 |
Undergraduate Research (arr.) |
Staff |
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Admission by permission of the staff member concerned. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Chem 50 or 152; 16 credit hours in biological science courses. Laboratory fee. (Fall and spring) |
| 172 |
Independent Study (2) |
Staff |
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Prescribed reading list and consultations with staff advisor culminating in a written report and/or examination. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. |
| 180 |
Biotechnology (3) |
Morris |
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Genetic engineering of bacteria, plants, and animals, including humans. Applications of modern biotechnology, especially in the field of medical biotechnology, such as gene therapy, xenotransplantation, and the Human Genome Project. Regulation, prospects, and social impact of biotechnology. Recommended: BiSc 102 or 107. Prerequisite: organic chemistry. (Spring and summer) |
| 181 |
Human Gross Anatomy (3) |
Walsh, Slaby, Bohn |
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The structural organization of the human body and how it relates to regional and systems-based functions. Emphasis on the macroscopic structure of the body. (Spring) |
| 182 |
Diversity and History of Plants (4) |
Staff |
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Lecture (3 hours), laboratory (3 hours). A detailed investigation of the diversity, phylogeny, morphology, and fossil history of plants for advanced undergraduates and graduate students. Prerequisite: BiSc 140 or 150 or 151 or equivalent. (Fall, even years) |
| 183 |
Biology of Proteins (3) |
Donaldson |
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About half of the proteins in the human genome have unknown functions. Are some related to cancers, muscle degeneration, infectious disease? How can evolutionary relationships among proteins from other organisms help us discover functions of unknown proteins? Laboratory fee. Prerequisite: AP or IB Biology or Chemistry. (Fall) |
| 184 |
Introduction to Bioinformatics (3) |
Church |
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An introduction to the use of computational techniques in molecular biology, genetics, and evolution. Techniques and software for database searching, sequence alignment, gene finding, phylogenetics, genomics, and proteomics. Same as CSci 144. (Spring) |
| 185 |
Lipid Biotechnology (2) |
Vanderhoek |
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Prerequisite: BiSc 103. Laboratory fee. Same as Bioc 104 and Chem 164. |
