Course details

Biological sciences

Andy Ammons, Assistant Professor of Biology
James Miller, Professor of Biology
Jody Saylor, Associate Professor of Biology
Ryan Sensenig, Assistant Professor of Biology
Dale Hess, Associate Professor of Agroecology
David Miller, Associate Professor of Biology
Bill Minter, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science

Introduction

The biological sciences department offers three majors and one minor:

Major in biology
Major in environmental science
Major in molecular biology/biochemistry
Minor in environmental science

Field study sites: Most field biology courses in the environmental science major take place at the Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center of Goshen College, a 1,150-acre natural area 30 miles from campus. This preserve contains prairies, grasslands, upland forests, lowland forests, lakes, ponds and senescent bogs. The marine biology course is taken at the Goshen College Marine Biology Laboratory, located on Long Key, Fla. Additional field courses are available through the Au Sable Institute, a field station with several U.S. locations and international programs.

Visit the biological sciences Web site at www.goshen.edu/bio.

Career and postgraduate opportunities

Biology graduates are active in human medicine and related areas, veterinary medicine, the agricultural sciences, cell biology, microbiology, marine biology, biotechnology, ecology, environmental analysis, science communications and science education, as well as basic research in numerous biological areas.

A molecular biology major provides excellent preparation for further study in medical or graduate school, or direct entry into the job market. Molecular biology provides a foundation for careers in biochemistry, molecular biology, molecular genetics, biotechnology, genetics, molecular medicine, genomics, molecular diagnostics, drug discovery and many related areas.

Courses in environmental science are designed to provide knowledge in areas of social structures, available natural resources, market forces, biodiversity status, landscape quality, cultural value, habitat and natural resource sustainability, and policy decisions. Graduates in environmental science may work in a wide variety of areas, such as sustainable agriculture, conservation biology, water/air quality analysis, environmental education, recovery of threatened or endangered species, and as consultants for local, regional, or national parties interested in sustainable development. Potential employers include church and community agencies, local, state and federal government, private advocacy, stewardship and land trust organizations. A master's degree program in environmental education is also available at Goshen College.

A minor in environmental science is appropriate for elementary and secondary teachers, regional planners, interpretive naturalists, park and camp managers, water and air resources analysts, environmental policy makers, bioinformation specialists and artists wishing to represent the natural world.

Teacher education in life sciences

Teacher certification is available for grades 5-12 in two related areas. Courses needed in addition to biology major requirements are:

Life Sciences - Biol 200 or 201; Biol 203-204 or 302; and Biol 215, 309 or 315.

Life Sciences and Chemistry - Biol 200 or 201; Biol 203-204 or 303; Biol 215, 309 or 315; Chem 200; Chem 303-304; and Chem 310, 312, 415 or 430.

Also requires 30 credits of education courses, including a semester of student-teaching. PJCS 210 needed to meet general education PJCS/Phil requirement. The first education class, Educ 201, should be taken in May term of the first year or fall of the sophomore year. See the education department pages and the Teacher Education Handbook for more details.

Major in biology

40-43 credit hours

Biol 111-112, Biological Principles I & II 8
Biol 300, Microbial Biology 4
Biol 301, Genetics 4
Biol 409, Internship (or alternate) 0-3
Biol 410, Biology Senior Seminar 3
Biology electives; at least 4 credit hours upper level (300 and above) 8
Chem 111-112, General Chemistry 8
Chem 303, Intro to Organic Chemistry 4
Additional science electives 1

Planning and advising notes

Students expecting to major in biology should elect General Chemistry, Chem 111-112, in the first year.

Areas of interest for which majors may prepare by careful selection of courses include: agriculture, allied health (medical technology, pharmacy), biotechnology, botany, cellular biology, ecology, environmental biology, field biology, genetics, human biology, marine biology, microbiology, molecular biology, pre-professional (dentistry, medicine, veterinary medicine, physical therapy), teaching biology, tropical agriculture, wildlife biology or zoology.

Alternatives to Biol 409 may include Biol 209, Biol 400 or equivalent experience. See academic adviser for application form. Phys 410, Physics Senior Seminar may be taken instead of Biol 410, with adviser's permission.

Planning guide

First year	General education Biological Principles I & II General Chemistry Pre-calculus (if needed)
Second year	General education Microbial Biology (or Calculus I) Genetics (or Calculus II) Intro to Organic Chemistry SST (summer)
Third year	General education Upper-level biology (or calculus) Physics Developmental Vertebrate Biology (pre-med) SST (if not in second year)
Fourth year	Balance of general education Balance of major Internship or equivalent Biology Senior Seminar

Major in molecular biology/biochemistry

55-58 credit hours

Biol 111-112, Biological Principles I & II 8
Biol 301, Genetics 4
Biol 307, Molecular Cell Biology 4
Biol 409, Internship (or alternate) 0-3
Biol 410, Biology Senior Seminar 3
Chem 111-112, General Chemistry 8
Chem 303-304, Organic Chemistry 8
Chem 430, Biochemistry 4
Math 211-212, Calculus I & II 8
Phys 203-204, General Physics 8

Planning and advising notes

Recommended elective courses: Biol 300, Microbial Biology; Biol 302, Developmental Vertebrate Biology; Chem 200, Analytical Chemistry; Chem 310, Thermodynamics; and Chem 312, Quantum Mechanics I. Recommended enrichment activities: Research Seminar, Biol 330; undergraduate research project – credit available through advanced biology (if done on campus) or internship (if done off campus).

Planning guide

First year	General education Biological Principles I & II General Chemistry
Second year	General education Calculus I, II Intro and Intermed Organic Chemistry Genetics SST (summer)
Third year	General education Biochemistry General Physics Molecular Cell Biology
Fourth year	Balance of general education Balance of major Internship/alternate Biology Senior Seminar

Major in environmental science

56-59 credit hours (Core courses and one concentration)

Core courses (28-31 credit hours):

Biol 111-112, Biological Principles I & II 8
Biol 215, Introduction to Environmental Science 3
Biol 309, General Ecology 4
Biol 335, Natural Resources Policy Seminar 1
Biol 409, Internship 0-3
Biol 410, Biology Senior Seminar 3
Econ 203, Principles of Microeconomics 3
Econ 207, Introduction to Statistics 3
PoSc 210, Introduction to Public Policy 3

Agroecology concentration (28 credit hours)

Biol 201, Botany of Seed Plants 4
Summer program at Merry Lea, studying four courses simultaneously: 12
Biol 220, Soil Properties and Management
Biol 230, Small Farm Management and Produce Marketing
Biol 316, Vegetable Crops
Biol 318, Agroecology
Biol 308, Entomology 4
Biol 312, Land Management 4
Chem 111, General Chemistry 4

Conservation biology concentration (28 credit hours)

Biol 301, Genetics 4
Biol 312, Land Management 4
Chem 111-112, General Chemistry 8
Chem 303, Intro to Organic Chemistry 4
Field biology courses approved by adviser 8

Resource management concentration (28 credit hours)

Biol 201, Botany of Seed Plants 4
Biol 312, Land Management 4
Biol 345, Forest Resources 4
Chem 111-112, General Chemistry 8
Field biology courses approved by adviser 8

Planning and advising notes

Core courses equip all majors to analyze environmental issues from biological, economic and social/political points of view. All of these tools are necessary for addressing questions of human ecology. When students declare the environmental studies major, they will, with their academic adviser, choose an area of concentration that reflects their interests and career goals.

Recommended elective courses: Hist 345, Environmental History; Biol 200, Zoology; Biol 201, Botany; Biol 300, Microbial Biology

Students should enrich their course work in the major with appropriate experiences/internships. Many Goshen students have worked on projects in environmental education, city planning, municipal water quality assessment, organic agriculture, conservation biology, urban forestry, wilderness trail and facility maintenance, restoration ecology, wetland construction and planting and field biology. Appropriate international experience can be gained on SST, in Au Sable-India and Au Sable-Africa programs and with specially arranged programs.

Four agroecology courses are taught at the Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center during a summer session: Biol 220, Biol 230, Biol 316 and Biol 318. Permission of the director of environmental science is required to enroll.

Planning guide

First year	General education Biological Principles I & II General Chemistry Principles of Microeconomics Social science general education (Soc 220 preferred)
Second & third years	General education SST Principles of Environmental Science Introduction to Statistics Introduction to Public Policy Natural Resources Policy Seminar General Ecology Courses in concentration area
Fourth year	Courses in concentration area Balance of general education Internship Senior Seminar

Minor in environmental science

18-19 credit hours

Biol 111-112, Biological Principles I & II 8
Biol 215, Principles of Environmental Science 3
Two courses selected from the following: 7-8
Biol 201, Botany of Seed Plants
Biol 304, Marine Biology
Biol 308, General Entomology
Biol 309, General Ecology
Biol 340, Field Experience in Environmental Education
Biol 345, Forest Resources
Biol 350, Ornithology
Field biology courses at Au Sable Institute, with adviser's consent

Biological science courses

BIOL 100 The Biological World 3
A general education science class designed to provide a background of biological principles in order to help the student understand and evaluate current issues. Laboratory exercises will document and test these principles.

BIOL 111 Biological Principles I 4
This course emphasizes the basic principles underlying all fields of biology, including diversity, water biology, energy flow, inheritance, life cycles and communication. Surveys plant and animal taxa, with special emphasis on vascular plants and vertebrate animals. This course is for science majors and others interested in a rigorous introduction to biology. Either Biol 111 or Biol 112 may be taken first.

BIOL 112 Biological Principles II 4
This course emphasises the basic principles underlying all fields of biology, including diversity, water biology, energy flow, inheritance, life cycles and communication. Surveys plant and animal taxa, with special emphasis on vascular plants and vertebrate animals. This course is for science majors and others interested in a rigorous introduction to biology. Either Biol 111 or Biol 112 may be taken first.

BIOL 154 Human Biology 3 (3-4)
A biological study of how the body functions, of the diseases/disorders that can disrupt the normal functioning of the body and of strategies for the prevention of disease. Includes an exploration of human genetics and its role in disease. Current issues related to human health are discussed. Laboratory exercises will introduce students to scientific principles affecting the body. A four-credit option, with extra material on the muscular and skeletal systems, is offered in even numbered years for physical education majors.

BIOL 200 General Zoology 4
A survey of representative animal groups from Protozoa through the Chordata. Includes anatomy, morphology, systematics, life histories and ecology. Three lectures, one three-hour lab. Prerequisite: Biol 111-112, or permission of instructor. (Alternate year offering)

BIOL 201 Botany of Seed Plants 4
A major study of the stems, roots, leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds of the advanced vascular plants. Emphasis is placed on plant anatomy, morphology and physiology. Two lectures and two two-hour labs. Prerequisite: Biol 111-112 or permission of instructor.

BIOL 203 Human Anatomy & Physiology 4
A study of the organ systems of the human body, their gross and microscopic structure and their functions. Laboratory demonstrations and dissections. Three lectures, one three-hour lab. Prerequisite: one semester of college chemistry.

BIOL 204 Human Anatatomy & Physiology 3
A study of the organ systems of the human body, their gross and microscopic structure and their functions. Laboratory demonstrations and dissections. Three lectures, one three-hour lab. With permission of the instructor, biology majors may take Biol 204 for two hours of lecture only. Prerequisite: Biol 203 and one semester of college chemistry.

BIOL 206 Microbiology 3
A general study of microorganisms and their relations to health and disease, with practical applications valuable to the nurse. Includes the characteristics and activities of microorganisms, procedures for sterilization and disinfection; methods of growing and studying organisms; and techniques of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases; as well as a brief survey of the major pathogenic groups. Three lectures, one two-hour lab. Prerequisite: one semester of college chemistry. Not for the biology major.

BIOL 209 Field Experience 3 (1-3)
Practical experience in biology, typically in a relevant off-campus experience. Off-campus positions may include various types of work (employed or volunteer) in university, hospital or other medical, veterinary, agricultural and industrial facilities or nature centers and camps. Students are encouraged to develop their own ideas. Taken only as credit/no credit. Prerequisite: consent of adviser.

BIOL 210 Biology of the Sea 4
An introductory course to enable the student to recognize the more common marine plants and animals and appreciate such an ecosystem. An elective suitable for elementary-education students. Does not count toward biology or natural-science major. The course will be given on location in the Florida Keys. Lecture-lab approach. Prerequisite: application process and consent of instructor. Moderate extra cost.

BIOL 215 Principles of Environmental Science 3
Introduction to natural resources (forests, wetlands, water, air, climate, soils, etc.), human use and impact on resource supply, pollution and sustainability. A critique of the land use history and ethics in the United States will then frame the discussion of the human ecology and the development of a vision of sustainability. Prerequisite: Biol 111-112 or consent of instructor. (Alternate year offering)

BIOL 220 Properties & Management of Soils 3
A comprehensive introduction to the field of soil science with emphasis on scientific principles and their application to solve practical soil management problems. Topics will include soil formation, soil physical properties, soil organisms and ecology, and practical nutrient management. This course constitutes one of the four courses taught during the summer agroecology program. Permission of the director of environmental science is required.

BIOL 230 Small Farm Mgmnt/Produce Marketing 3
This course teaches skills necessary for making a farm or market garden an economic success, including finding land, planning appropriate marketing strategies for selected crops, and managing income and expenses. Community supported agriculture (CSA) and other direct marketing options will be studied and local farmers and entrepreneurs will share from their experience. This course constitutes one of the four courses taught during the summer agroecology program. Permission of the director of environmental science is required.

BIOL 300 Microbial Biology 4
Study of the anatomy, physiology and natural history of microorganisms, particularly bacteria, fungi and freshwater algae. Such organisms are studied in their roles in the total environment. Includes techniques involved in isolating, culturing and analyzing microbial organisms. Lecture-lab approach. Prerequisites: Biol 111-112.

BIOL 301 Genetics 4
Introduction to genetics including classical, molecular and population concepts. Includes discussions of the moral and ethical implications related to genetic principles and techniques. The laboratory will include individual experiments with living organisms and modern genetic biotechnology. Three lectures and one laboratory/discussion session per week. Prerequisites: Biol 111-112.

BIOL 302 Developmental Vertebrate Biology 4
Principles of vertebrate development with study of developing systems in chicken and human embryos. Material covered includes the molecular genetics of developmental processes and cancer.Three lectures and one lab per week. Prerequisite: Biol 111-112. (Alternate year offering)

BIOL 303 Vertebrate Physiology 4
A concentrated study of the principles of vertebrate physiology. Material covered includes various topics of significance in the biomedical field, such as cellular, nervous, muscular and cardiovascular physiology. Laboratory activites will cover the same topics, with a special focus on computer based data acquisition. Three lectures and one laboratory session per week. Prerequisities: Biol 111-112 or Biol 203-204.

BIOL 304 Marine Biology 4
A concentrated field study in the Florida Keys to enable the student to recognize common shallow-water marine plants and animals and appreciate various marine ecosystems. Requires completion of a comprehensive collaborative field research project. The course is given on location. Prerequisites: Biol 111-112 , application process and consent of instructors. Moderate extra cost.

BIOL 307 Molecular Cell Biology 4
Examination of the structure and function of cells. Includes individual and group demonstrations of how cells are studied including genomics. Emphasis on molecular organization and phenomena associated with eucaryotic cells. One lecture, two three-hour labs. Prerequisites: Biol 301 and Chem 111-112 or consent of instructor. (Alternate year offering)

BIOL 308 General Entomology 4
A general study of insect structure, development, classification and habits. Laboratory sessions particularly directed at identification of insects and their economic roles. Three lectures and one three-hour lab per week. Prerequisite: Biol 111-112. Biol 200 strongly recommended. (Alternate year offering)

BIOL 309 General Ecology 4
A study of the distribution and abundance of organisms. The course will include studies of the dynamics of natural Biol communities and the interaction of these communities with the abiotic environment. The impact of humans on natural ecosystems and concepts of sustainable living will be addressed. Taught as a concentrated field course at the Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center. Prerequisites: Biol 111-112. (Alternate year offering)

BIOL 312 Land Management 4
Basic principles of the management of natural ecosystems for various values or functions. Includes principles of restoration of disappeared or damaged ecosystems. Focus on wetlands, prairies and natural grasslands and forests, primarily as a field course. Field work at Merry Lea. Prerequisite: Biol 111-112. (Alternate year offering)

BIOL 316 Vegetable Crops 3
This course provides an understanding of the role of the environment in plant growth and development and focuses on the basic principles of sustainable vegetable production. Topics will include environmental factors influencing plant growth and crop production, preparing and planting the field, extending the growing season, and handling crops after harvest. Students will practice production techniques on college-operated acerage. This course constitutes one of the four courses taught during the summer agroecology program. Permission of the director of environmental science is required.

BIOL 318 Agroecology 3
Study of sustainable food production, investigating the ecological impacts of manipulating natural systems to produce food, feed, fiber and medical products. Ecological concepts are discussed and their principles applied to sustainable food production that supports community culture and economy. Topics will include the theoretical basis of agroecology, alternateive production systems, and ecological managment of diseases, insect pests and weeds. This course constitutes one of the four courses taught during the summer agroecology program. Permission of the director of environmental science is required.

BIOL 320 Human Pathophysiology I 3
An introductory study of the principles of disease. Examines causes of disease and bodily response processes. A survey of both disorders that affect the body as a whole and disease of individual organs. Intended for students in allied health professions. Prerequisite: Biol 203-204 or consent of instructor.

BIOL 321 Human Pathophysiology II 3
An introductory study of the principles of disease. Examines causes of disease and bodily response processes. A survey of both disorders that affect the body as a whole and disease of individual organs. Intended for students in allied health professions. Prerequisite: Biol 203-204 or consent of instructor.

BIOL 330 Biology Research Seminar 1
An exploration of opportunities in research at the undergraduate level, graduate level and for a career. Includes an introduction of ongoing departmental research programs, discussion and demonstrations by current student participants of their projects, examination of new discoveries reported in the current literature and discussions of opportunities for student participation in our research program for advanced biology credit.

BIOL 335 Natural Resources Policy Seminar 1
To be taken in conjunction with Introduction to Public Policy, PoSc 210. Focus on U.S. natural resources policy (clean air, clean water, forest service policy, etc.) and the structure of the governmental agencies responsible for natural resources (Forest Service, Army Corps of Engineers, EPA, IDNR, IDEM, etc.). (Alternate year offering)

BIOL 340 Field Experience Environmental Biol 2 (1-3)
Participants will develop and conduct interpretive programs in nature study for visiting school groups; observe practices related to managing a natural area and participate in discussions of environmental issues. Instruction takes place at the Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center. Enrollment by permission of instructor only. Not offered in spring semester. Prerequisite: one semester of college-level biology.

BIOL 345 Forest Resources 4
Study of the function, value and use of forest resources, including management of forests for harvest, water quality, biodiversity, aesthetics and recreation. Significant time spent in the field at forestland sites. Prerequisite: Biol 111-112. (Alternate year offering)

BIOL 350 Ornithology 4
Natural history, taxonomy, and conservation of birds. Includes much work on visual and aural identification of birds in the field. Taught during the May term at Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center. Prerequisite: Biol 111-112. (Alternate year offering)

BIOL 375 Topics in Biology: 4 (1-4)
Classroom and/or laboratory study in a major area of biology not covered by regular courses. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

BIOL 400 Biology Research 1 (1-4)
On-campus participation in a research project. Prerequisite: consent of faculty supervisor.

BIOL 409 Biology Internship 3 (1-3)
Practical experience in biology including professional levels of responsibility. Activities may be similar to those described for Biol 209, but with a higher degree of independent responsibility in the experience, as would be appropriate for a traditional apprenticeship. Students are encouraged to develop their own ideas. Taken only as credit/no credit. Prerequisite: consent of adviser.

BIOL 410 Biology Senior Seminar 3
An exploration of the interactions between biology and other areas of human concern, especially ethics and theology. Includes lectures, discussion and preparation of a paper. Prerequisite: senior standing.