Biology

An introductory course that examines fundamental principles related to the evolution of life on earth and the ecological relationships between living things and their environment. The course integrates ecological and evolutionary principles within field investigations that teach skills in research...

An introductory course that explores the cell as a complex and dynamic system shaped by its environment and genetic legacy. Gene regulation and expression, cell signaling, and cell division will be discussed, as well as the ethics of manipulating the...

An introductory course that integrates study of plant and animal forms to provide a broader understanding of the unity and diversity of life on earth. Students will gain insight into the basic principles of structure and function evident in complex...

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 130 or permission of instructor. Offered spring of even years.

An introduction to the fundamental principles of plant biology, including structure, function, systematics, reproduction, and diversity. The equivalent of three lecture hours and one lab per day during the short timeline of May Term. Prerequisite: Biol 130 or permission of...

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. Offered every spring.

An earth science introductory course that examines the earth’s geological processes (earth’s interior, tectonic activity, and surface geology including soil formation and erosion processes), meteorological patterns (atmospheric formation, weather dynamics, and seasons), and climate dynamics (paleoclimate, anthropogenic influences, and future...

Study of the anatomy, physiology and ecology of microorganisms, particularly bacteria, protists, and viruses. Lab instruction will include techniques involved in isolating, culturing and quantifying microbial organisms found in soil, water, food, and the human body. Three lectures, one three-hour...

Principles of developmental biology with the study of developing systems in both vertebrate and invertebrate model organisms as a focus. Material covers a range of topics including classic embryology, developmental genetics, cancer and aging. Three lectures and one lab per...

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 activities will cover the same topics. Three lectures and one laboratory...

An intensive field-based class that explores the marine ecology of the Florida Keys. Includes a comprehensive collaborative field research project. An off-campus course taught at the J. N. Roth Marine Biology station in Florida every May term. Prerequisites: Biol 115,...

A general study of insect structure, development, classification, and behavior. Laboratory sessions particularly directed at how to catch, identify, and care for insects. Creation of a personal insect collection and insect farming included. Lectures and labs at Merry Lea Environmental...

The study of modern biotechnology, genes, and genomes. Gene expression and cell physiology will be explored. Genetic tools that diagnose human disease and determine levels of gene flow in populations will be utilized. Topics of interest include linkage analysis, cancer...

This course applies ecological paradigms toward restoration of degraded and damaged systems. Field components at Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center will allow students to gain experience in a variety of restoration techniques relevant to prairie, wetland, and forest habitats. Taught...

A weekly seminar focusing on scientific inquiry skills such as reviewing the literature, forming research questions, designing experiments, analyzing data, and writing scientific papers. Students will gain approval for a research project to be completed by the end of the...

A field course taught as part of the Marine Biology Semester designed to introduce students to important ecological processes operating in coastal marine environments. The course covers synthetic topics as well as the ecology of specific marine habitats. The laboratory...

Explores eukaryotic cell physiology at the molecular level. Intracellular transport, cell communication, the cell cycle, cytoskeleton function, and tissue formation will be addressed. Laboratory experiences will include microscopy, chromatography, protein purification, and cell culture techniques. Prerequisite: Biol 120. Offered spring...

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 115. Offered fall of even years.

Natural history, taxonomy, and conservation of birds. Includes much work on visual and aural identification of birds in the field. Taught during the fall semester with labs at Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center and elsewhere. Prerequisite: Biol 115. Offered fall...

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...

A weekly seminar focused on completing the capstone senior research project. Topics will include data analysis, research writing, communicating project results to the wider community, and the interdisciplinary nature of biological science. Led by all department faculty members. Prerequisite: Biol...

An introduction to the basic particles of matter, the modern concept of the atom, chemical bonding and the structure of chemical compounds. The physical and chemical properties of some elements and compounds are examined. Reaction equilibrium and kinetics, acid-base theory,...

An introduction to the basic particles of matter, the modern concept of the atom, chemical bonding and the structure of chemical compounds. The physical and chemical properties of some elements and compounds are examined. Reaction equilibrium and kinetics, acid-base theory,...

Covering structure, nomenclature, stereochemistry, and principal reactions for the major functional groups of organic chemistry, this is a one-semester survey course that gives an overview of the field. Laboratory exercises introduce basic purification techniques. This can be a stand-alone course...

An introduction to the practice and theory of multivariate statistical modeling. Topics include descriptive statistics, experiment and study design, probability, hypothesis testing, multivariate regression, single and multi-way analysis of variance, logistic regression, and data mining. The R statistical software environment...

A study of data analysis and its relationship to research methods in a variety of settings. Collection, presentation and analysis of numerical data, including descriptive, parametric, and nonparametric statistics. Students are strongly encouraged to complete the Quantitative Literacy requirement in...