Courses Offered
Biology
A list of regularly offered courses follows. The indication of when a course will be offered is based on the best projection of the department and can be subject to change.
Please note the key for the following abbreviations: (A) Arts; (H) Humanities; (S) Social Sciences; (N) Natural Sciences with Laboratory; (LS) Language Studies requirement; (NSP) Natural Science in Perspective; (NW) Non-Western Cultures requirement.
BIO105. Human Genetics. (W) Fall 2009
A first-year seminar introducing basic human heredity and areas of current public interest in human genetics and genetic research. The course will include background and discussion of human genetic diseases, genetic screening and counseling, recombinant DNA, cancer and AIDS. Triman
BIO110. Principles of Evolution, Ecology and Heredity. (N) Every Spring
An introduction to Mendelian genetics, micro- and macro-evolutionary processes, the origin and diversification of life on earth and ecological patterns and processes at organismal, population, community and ecosystem levels. Barringer, Fischer, Mena-Ali, Olson, Sipe
BIO210. Biostatistics. Every Semester
An introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics from the perspective of the life sciences. The emphasis will be on research design and on the use of graphical and computational methods in interpreting and communicating results. This course satisfies the statistics requirement in the Biology major curriculum. Prerequisite: BIO 110. Miller, Olson
BIO220. Principles of Physiology and Development. (N) Every Fall
An integrated study of cells, whole organisms and the interactions between organisms and their environments. The physiological and anatomical solutions to the physical and chemical challenges faced by plants and animals. Mechanisms by which a single cell develops into a complex, multicellular organism in which groups of cells perform specialized tasks. Lecture topics integrated with a laboratory that emphasizes independent research projects. Prerequisite: BIO 110. Fields, Moore, Pike
BIO230. Cell Biology. (N) Every Spring
A study of life at the cellular level through investigation of the functions and properties of the molecular components of cells. Topics will include: the physical and chemical principles governing biomolecules and their assembly, the structure and function of sub-cellular systems, energy generation, cell motility and information flow from DNA to protein. The ethical implications of current research techniques will also be discussed. Prerequisites: BIO 220 and CHM 112. Blair, Pike, Vivekanand
BIO240. Neuroscience. (N) Every Spring
Principles of nervous system function from the molecular through the organ system level as illustrated by the vertebrates and invertebrates. Approximately one half of the course will cover basic cellular principles of nervous system organization, development and physiology. The remaining lectures will consider the role of functionally-identified neural networks in behavior control. Prerequisite: BIO 220 or BFB/PSY 302. Same as BFB/PSY/SPM 240. Cecala
BIO250. Animal Behavior. (N) (BWR) Every Fall
An integrative approach to animal behavior from the perspectives of ethology, behavioral ecology and comparative psychology. The structure, function, development and evolution of behavioral adaptations including foraging and predation, communication, social organization and reproductive strategies. Observational and experimental research required. Prerequisites: BIO 110 and permission of the instructor. Corequisite: either BIO 210 or PSY 230. Same as BFB/PSY 250. Sunsay
BIO305. Molecular Genetics. (N) Every Fall
Molecular genetics, gene expression, regulation of eukaryotic development, tumor viruses, oncogenes and cancer. Prerequisite: BIO 230. Blair, Jenik
BIO306. Developmental Biology. (N) (BWR) Spring 2010
An exploration of the developmental mechanisms that allow single cells to divide and differentiate into complex, multicellular organisms. The common processes that underlie development in animals will be examined through historical perspectives, model experimental organisms and current research and technologies. Laboratories will focus on experimental design using invertebrate and vertebrate developmental systems. Prerequisite: BIO 305 and permission of the instructor. Moore
BIO309. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry. (N) (BWR) Spring 2011
The basic life processes of plants, particularly water and solute transport, membrane function, photosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism. Consideration of cellular and biochemical aspects, along with physiological ecology. Corequisite: BIO 230 and permission of the instructor. Pike
BIO310. Experimental Design in Biology. (BWR) Fall 2009
An exploration of the challenges and rewards of experimentation in biology. In this seminar, we will use case studies to illustrate the basic principles of experimental design, including hypothesis generation, assigning treatments, replication/pseudoreplication, confounded variables and statistical power. Case studies will be chosen to represent a wide range of sub-disciplines of biology, including biomedical research. Prerequisites: BIO 210, 220 and permission of the instructor. Fischer
BIO322. Microbiology. (N) Fall 2010
Cytology, metabolism, taxonomy, phylogeny, development and ecological relationships of microbial life. Emphasis on insights into life processes in general. Laboratory includes training in basic microbiological techniques. Prerequisites: BIO 230 and permission of the instructor. Staff
BIO323. Ecological Concepts and Applications. (N) (BWR) Fall 2010
Interactions of organisms with their environment and how these interactions are influenced by human activities. Special emphasis is placed on principles of population, community and ecosystem ecology. Class exercises and discussions involve critical evaluation of current research and applications of ecological concepts to conservation and management. Most labs are field-oriented, including an overnight trip to the Poconos. Prerequisites: BIO 220 and permission of the instructor. Fischer, Olson
BIO325. Marine Biology. (N) (BWR) Fall 2010
Application of ecological principles to marine environments. Structural and functional adaptations of marine organisms; and emphasis on the interactions of individuals, populations and communities with physical, chemical and geological processes in the ocean. Includes analysis of primary scientific literature, field and laboratory studies and individual research projects. Prerequisite: BIO 220 and permission of the instructor. Fields
BIO326. Comparative Physiology. (N) (BWR) Spring 2010
Physiological adaptation of animals to the environment, focusing on respiratory, circulatory, digestive and musculoskeletal systems and on the effects of variation in oxygen, temperature and the availability of food and water. Prerequisites: BIO 220 and permission of the instructor. Miller, Thompson
BIO327. Vertebrate Anatomy. (N) Fall 2009
Comparative anatomy of vertebrates with emphasis on the functional and evolutionary significance of the differences in structure of the various vertebrate classes. Laboratories involve the dissection of three representative vertebrate animals. Prerequisite: BIO 220 and permission of the instructor. Miller
BIO330. Advanced Neurobiology. (N) (BWR) Offered in 2010—2012
Advanced issues in neuroscience will be explored from a comparative perspective in this lecture/seminar hybrid. The major sensory modalities will be studied, from stimulus transduction to perception as a model of neural processing. Current research in cellular, systems-level, integrative/behavioral and cognitive neuroscience will be emphasized. Laboratory includes an independent research project in sensory neurobiology defined, proposed, pursued and disseminated by small research teams. Prerequisite: BIO/BFB 240 or BIO 230 and permission of the instructor. Same as BFB 330. Jinks
BIO332. Molecular Biology. (N) (BWR) Offered in 2009—2011
The role of nucleic acids and proteins in biological processes. Current models for the organization, expression and regulation of genes in prokaryotes and eukaryotes will be discussed. The laboratory will emphasize the use of molecular approaches and recombinant DNA methods in biological research. Prerequisite: BIO 305 and permission of the instructor. Jenik
BIO334. Metabolic Biochemistry. (N) Every Spring
The course focuses on major metabolic pathways and their regulation, with emphasis on flux of metabolites and energy throughout the cell. Topics also include integration of metabolic processes; protein synthesis, modification and degradation; and diseases of metabolism. Presentation and discussion of current primary literature is a key component of the course. The laboratory includes techniques commonly used in biochemistry and molecular biology. Prerequisites: BIO 230, CHM 211 and permission of the instructor. Fields
BIO335. Advanced Molecular Biology Seminar. (BWR) Spring 2011
Molecular approaches to the study of four specialized topics, including circadian rhythms, bioinformatics, telomerase and a topic selected by students are covered by review of current primary literature. Class meetings are organized as discussions and student presentations. Prerequisite: BIO 305 and permission of the instructor. Triman
BIO336. Evolution. (N) Fall 2009
As the unifying principle of biology, evolution integrates levels of biological organization, with a focus on biological changes over time and the evidence of the shared evolutionary history of all living things. Topics include speciation; extinction; population processes of selection and adaptation, genomics and the molecular basis of evolution; evolutionary developmental biology; sexual selection; life history evolution; and the application of evolution to medicine. Prerequisite: BIO 110 and permission of the instructor. Barringer
BIO337. Behavioral Ecology. (N) (BWR) Offered 2009—2011
Behavioral ecology is an integrative discipline that synthesizes ecology, evolution and physiology into the study of the origin and persistence of behaviors. We will study the fitness consequences of behavior, with particular attention to the study of adaptation, sexual selection, evolutionary tradeoffs and constraints and life histories. We will examine the interplay between proximate control and ultimate consequences of behavior. The course will focus heavily on peer-reviewed literature. Prerequisite: Bio 110 and permission of instructor. Same as BFB 337. Ardia
BIO338. Plain People and Modern Medicine. Every Spring
This seminar will examine the effects of genetic diseases upon the health of Amish and Mennonite (Plain) children and the effects of modern health care on the natural history of these diseases. Lectures will highlight the importance of Plain communities to medical genetics and provide an overview of our current understanding of the genetic causes of disease. Case studies will be used to examine the relationships between gene mutations and environmental conditions that determine pathophysiology. Prerequisites: BIO 305 and permission of the instructor. Morton, Puffenberger, Strauss
BIO341. Neurochemistry. (N) (BWR) Fall 2010
An introduction to neurochemistry focusing on cellular and membrane neurochemistry, intercellular and intracellular signaling and neuronal and whole-brain metabolism, with student-driven special topics in development, disease and/or behavior. Current research in these areas will be emphasized through student seminars. Laboratory includes a research project in neurochemistry designed, proposed, pursued and disseminated by small research teams. Prerequisites: BIO/BFB 240 or BIO 230 or BFB 302 and permission of the instructor. Same as BFB 341. Jinks
BIO342. Forest Ecosystems. (N) (BWR) Fall 2009
A course in basic and applied forest ecology, with particular emphasis on forest communities, ecosystems and landscapes. Topics include forest environments, tree physiology and growth, ecosystem productivity, biogeochemistry, disturbance regimes, regeneration processes and the history of eastern North American forests. The laboratory includes local field trips, multi-week projects and a voluntary trip to New England over fall break. Prerequisites: BIO 110, BIO 220 and permission of the instructor. Same as ENV 342. Sipe v
BIO343. Functional Human Neuroanatomy. (BWR) Offered in 2010—2012
This seminar utilizes a problem-solving approach to learning neuroanatomy by relating structure to function and functional disorders using data from carefully documented clinical cases. Seminar meetings will include student-led clinical case presentations, analysis of clinical localization, analysis of associated neuroimaging and discussion of clinical course and prognosis. The course will culminate with a class-wide debate on the biological basis of the mind. Non-traditional writing will be emphasized. Prerequisite: BIO/BFB 240 or BFB/PSY 302 and permission of the instructor. Same as BFB 343. Jinks
BIO345. Nature Essays. (BWR) Fall 2010
An exploration of the themes, structures, styles and significance of American nature essays. The purposes of the course are to become familiar with nature essays as a distinctive form of interdisciplinary literature, to see the natural world and our place in it through the voices and visions of the best nature essayists, to develop the arts of perception, reflection and compelling writing and to examine how and why nature essays have influenced modern society, especially the environmental movement. The course includes weekly field trips and workshops in addition to class discussions of essays by more than 20 writers. Prerequisites: BIO 110, ENV 114 or ENV 117 and permission of the instructor. Same as ENV 345. Sipe
BIO391. Directed Reading.
Exploration of a chosen topic in biology with reading directed by a member of the Biology Department staff. May count as a seminar elective toward the Biology major. Permission of chairperson required.
BIO390 and BIO490. Independent Study. (BWR)
Independent research directed by the Biology staff at either the junior (390) or senior (490) level. May count as a laboratory elective toward the Biology major. Permission of chairperson required.
TOPICS COURSES EXPECTED TO BE OFFERED IN 2009—2010
Gene Regulation.
Genetic and Molecular Biology of Plants.
Introduction to Genome Analysis.
Introduction to Public Health.
Neural Control Movement.
Physical Biology.
Plant Sexual Diversity.
