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Course Criteria
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3.00 Credits
T. McCay The widespread loss of species and concerns over how to maintain maximum genetic variability in populations are at the heart of this course. Topics include biological diversity, its measurement, and differences in diversity among habitats. The course also considers threats to biological diversity such as habitat destruction, exotic species introductions, pollution, environmental variability, and catastrophic events. This information is used to consider various conservation strategies and sustainable development. Prerequisite: BIOL 211 or permission of instructor.
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3.00 Credits
G. Holm This course examines the diversity of microbes in nature and their importance in human affairs from disease to agriculture. It also examines the characteristics of individual microorganisms that enable them to inhabit a particular environment. The credit-bearing laboratory BIOL 333L must be taken concurrently with BIOL 333. Projects in the laboratory include identification of microbes and experiments aimed at understanding their growth, physiology, and genetics. Prerequisite: BIOL 212.
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3.00 Credits
R. Fuller This course is an introduction to freshwater ecology, including the study of the effects of physical, chemical, and geographical factors on the structure and function of freshwater biotic communities. The effects of human activities on water quality are also examined. There are field trips to local lakes, streams, and water and wastewater facilities. The credit-bearing laboratory BIOL 335L must be taken concurrently with BIOL 335. Laboratories develop skills in water and wastewater chemistry; sampling, identification, and quantification of algae, aquatic plants, and animals; and the quantitative presentation of data. A small-scale research project is required. Prerequisite: BIOL 211 or ENST 100. This course is not recommended for first-year students, except by permission of instructor. Offered in alternate years with BIOL 336.
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3.00 Credits
R. Fuller This course emphasizes the quantitative aspects of ecology by exploring mathematical models of competition and predation, the use of diversity and community similarity indices, population regulation models, island biogeography, key factor analysis, food web analysis, and examining community and ecosystem level processes. In addition to textbook readings, students also read papers from primary literature on topics covered in class. The credit-bearing laboratory BIOL 336L must be taken concurrently with BIOL 336. The laboratory portion includes field trips to examine terrestrial and aquatic communities exposing students early in the semester to field methods; for the remainder of the semester, students design and conduct a small research project. A paper in scientific journal format and an oral presentation of the research project is required. Prerequisite: BIOL 211 or permission of instructor.
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3.00 Credits
D. McHugh This course provides students with a comprehensive analysis of marine ecological processes and in-depth examination of the biology of marine organisms. Broad ecological concepts are emphasized in a survey of marine habitats ranging from the intertidal rocky shore to deep sea hydrothermal vents. The diversity of marine organisms is considered in the context of their physical and chemical environments, and their interspecific interactions. In addition, students deliberate in written reports and class presentations on specific ways in which humans impact the marine environment. Prerequisite: BIOL 211 or GEOL 135, or permission of instructor.
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3.00 Credits
K. Ingram This seminar covers behavior patterns of select invertebrate and vertebrate groups with emphasis upon their ontogeny, evolution, and adaptive significance. Lecture topics include social organization, communication, territoriality, and mating systems. Students read original literature for discussion in class. Selected laboratory exercises apply data acquisition techniques to the behavior of crickets, crayfish, fish, and birds. A review paper and oral presentation of contemporary literature are required. The credit-bearing laboratory BIOL 341L must be taken concurrently with BIOL 341. Prerequisite: BIOL 211 or permission of instructor. Course open to juniors and seniors only.
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3.00 Credits
Staff Cellular function is examined at the molecular and biochemical level. This seminar/discussion course addresses features of the intracellular milieu and the mechanisms by which cells regulate and maintain that milieu in a changing environment. The course addresses the important historical experiments leading to current understanding, as well as the techniques used in the study of cell physiology. Readings are taken from the primary scientific literature but may include advanced textbooks as well. Students are required to write an extensive review of the current literature on one of the topics pertinent to the course. Prerequisite: BIOL 212 or permission of instructor.
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3.00 Credits
D. McHugh This seminar involves critical discussions of recent advances in developmental biology, paleontology, molecular systematics, and comparative morphology that are challenging traditional views of animal evolution. Topics include the genetic basis for changes in animal body plans, the phylogeny of invertebrate groups based on analyses of molecular and morphological data, the evolution of social behavior, and the possibility that the Cambrian explosion was one of fossils, not taxa. In addition to reading and discussing primary literature, students are required to provide written critiques of the papers they read and to give oral presentations. Prerequisite: BIOL 211 or GEOL 315, or permission of instructor.
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3.00 Credits
F. Frey This course covers current issues in population biology, and draws from the fields of population genetics, evolutionary ecology, community ecology, and biogeography. Students learn the tools of evolutionary genetics, and read original literature for class discussion. Specific course topics include an in-depth study of population and quantitative genetics as well as special investigations of the evolution of parasite virulence, the maintenance of sexual reproduction, the evolution of cooperative behavior, and the evolution of senescence. Students are required to lead class critiques of the literature, and perform an independent research project as an integral part of the course. The credit-bearing laboratory component BIOL 364L must be taken concurrently with BIOL 364. Prerequisite: BIOL 211 or 212, or permission of instructor.
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3.00 Credits
K. Ingram This course explores the fundamentals of population biology, the molecular methods used to measure critical parameters, and the application of these concepts and techniques to current problems in ecology and evolution. Using detailed case studies from organisms as diverse as dolphins, birds, ants, and humans, students discuss the mechanisms driving ecological and evolutionary patterns. The case studies have been selected to demonstrate the variety of techniques involved in current molecular ecology research from observational studies to gene expression studies. The course is divided into nearly equal parts lecture and discussion, with the case study discussions led by students. The credit-bearing laboratory BIOL 371L must be taken concurrently with BIOL 371. The laboratory introduces students to the basic methodology involved with molecular ecology research, from field collection to experimental hypothesis testing in the laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 211 or 212, or permission of instructor.
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