Biology

Faculty: D. Gordon Brown, Manuel Campos, Philip Chu, Cheryl Knox, Ronald Henry, Ellen Jensen, William Lamberts, Jeanne Marie Lust OSB, David Mitchell, Carol Ness, James Poff, Michael Reagan, Charles Rodell, Stephen Saupe, Marcus Webster, Elizabeth Wurdak

The biology department offers a balanced curriculum suited to the diverse needs of the colleges' students. Students may choose between a major, minor or non-major sequence preparatory to specific career programs. The major sequence prepares students for graduate studies in the biological sciences and science education, and for entry into professional schools of medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine. The major and minor sequences provide a suitable background for career areas such as business, industry, law and government service. Non-major courses are offered for students in the arts, humanities, social sciences and allied health professions.

Courses embody current biological principles and laboratory techniques. Extensive laboratory equipment includes transmission and scanning electron microscopes, high-pressure liquid and gas-liquid chromatographs, liquid scintillation counter, ultra and high speed refrigerated centrifuges, walk-in environmental chamber, and a variety of spectrophotometers. The rural setting of the two campuses is ideal for field studies providing easy access to a variety of natural habitats, including prairie, savanna, wetlands, coniferous and deciduous forest, ponds and several lakes. In addition, a greenhouse, field research center, herbarium, arboretum, and a museum with collections of insects, birds and mammals provide excellent facilities for ecological and other field-related research.

Major (45 credits) [Top]

Required Courses:

115 and 116 as a basic introductory sequence; 1 credit of 200; six courses at the 300 level, chosen in consultation with an adviser in the department. These courses must include a minimum of one course from each of the following four areas:

I. Organismal Diversity

II. Cell/Molecular Biology

III. Structural/Functional Biology

IV. Ecology/Evolution.

For the biology major, the lower-division courses are designed to provide a broad background in basic biological concepts. The upper-division requirements are designed to ensure breadth of exposure to the principal disciplines within biology, while permitting some specialization along lines of individual interest. Biology majors are encouraged to attend the departmental seminar series featuring presentations by outside speakers and to participate in independent research in the field or lab.

Students may apply only one course from each of the following pairs toward the major, (323 or 324) and (336 or PSYC 341).

Special Requirements:

The close interrelationship of biology to other disciplines requires that majors complete two courses in chemistry (CHEM 123 and 234) and one course in mathematics (MATH 119, 123 or 124).

Strongly recommended are courses in organic chemistry (CHEM 235 and 236) and physics (PHYS 105 and 106). Students intending to continue in graduate or professional school should design appropriate programs of study with the assistance of a biology department adviser.

Minor (24 credits) [Top]

Required Courses:

115, 116 and four 4-credit upper-division electives.

Courses

(BIOL)

106 Plants and Human Affairs. (4) [Top]

An examination of the way in which plants have been utilized by humans and the economic, historical and social impact of their use on our lives. Intended for non-majors. Lecture and laboratory.

107 Field Biology. (4) [Top]

An introduction to the natural history of plants and animals with an emphasis on the ecosystems of Central Minnesota. The laboratory is field-oriented, concentrating on developing an understanding of basic ecological interactions. Intended for non-majors. Lecture and laboratory. Spring.

108 Microbes and Human Affairs. (4) [Top]

An examination of the role microorganisms have played, intentionally and unintentionally, in various aspects of human affairs. Consideration will be given to both the beneficial activities and the harmful effects of microbes. The laboratory emphasizes the morphological diversity and physiological activities of microorganisms. Intended for non-majors. Lecture and laboratory. Fall.

109 Environmental Science. (4) [Top]

An investigation of the interrelationships of human activities and the abiotic and biotic components of the environment. An overview of the major environmental problems facing our world, including overpopulation, resource depletion, and pollution. Intended for non-majors. Lecture and laboratory. Fall and/or spring.

110 Life Science. (4) [Top]

Life science investigates those fundamental ideas and principles of biology that are particularly important to the liberal arts student. These concepts should serve as a background to assist the student in the interpretation and understanding of scientific events affecting modern society. Actual topics and issues covered may vary with the instructor. Intended for non-majors. Lecture and laboratory. Fall and/or spring.

112 Human Biology. (4) [Top]

Human biology has as its goal the organization of biological principles and information into a synthesis focused on the human organism. Emphasis will be on genetics, embryology, endocrinology, physiology, anatomy and environmental factors that influence and affect humans. Intended for non-majors. Lecture and laboratory. Fall and/or spring.

115 Concepts of Biology I. (4) [Top]

Ecology, animal behavior, evolution, macromolecules, and classical and molecular genetics are the main topics of this course. Laboratories provide both field and bench experiences. Intended for science majors and suitable for non-majors. Fall.

116 Concepts of Biology II. (4) [Top]

Cell biology and organismal biology serve as the focus for this course. Topics include metabolism, photosynthesis, cellular interaction and organ systems. Laboratories provide opportunities to study these topics. Intended for science majors. Prerequisite: 115 or consent of instructor. Spring.

176 January Term Topics. (0-4) [Top]

Study at the introductory level of a special topic not ordinarily offered during the semesters. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

177 January Term Core Topics. (0-4) [Top]

Study at the introductory level of a special topic not ordinarily offered during the semesters. Designed to fulfill core disciplinary requirement. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

200 Biological Information. (1) [Top]

Introduction to skills and techniques for acquiring and evaluating biological information. Biology majors should enroll during their sophomore year. Prerequisites: 115 and 116. Fall and spring.

212 Microbiology. (4) [Top]

Survey of microorganisms emphasizing those that cause disease. Topics include morphology and physiology of microorganisms, sterilization, disinfection, and specific diseases and their causative agents. Laboratory work emphasizes aseptic technique. Intended for pre-nursing students. Prerequisites: CHEM 111 and CHEM 112, or CHEM 123 and CHEM 234. Spring.

235, 236 Human Anatomy and Physiology. (4, 4) [Top]

Structure and function of the principal organ systems of the human body. Intended for non-majors. Prerequisites: CHEM 111 and CHEM 112, or CHEM 123 and CHEM 234. Fall and/or spring.

250 Integrated Environmental Science. (4) [Top]

An introduction to biological, chemical and geological underpinnings of complex environmental problems. Topics covered will include ecology, basic geology and environmental chemistry. Laboratory experiences will involve exercises and experiments that give students experience with the process of science, including design of experiments, analysis and presentation of data, and written and oral communication. Prerequisite: MATH 124, PSYC 221, SOCI 201, or permission of the instructor. Note: This course does not satisfy requirements for the biology major.

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251 Integrated Environmental Science. (4)

An introduction to biological, chemical and geological underpinnings of complex environmental problems. Topics covered will include conservation biology, geochemistry and water chemistry. Laboratory experiences will involve exercises and experiments that give students experience with the process of science, including design of experiments, analysis and presentation of data, and written and oral communication. Prerequisite: MATH 124, PSYC 221, SOCI 201, or permission of the instructor. Suggested: ENVR 250. Note: This course does not satisfy requirements for the biology major.

271 Individual Learning Project. (1-4) [Top]

Supervised reading or research at the lower-division level. Permission of department chair required. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. See "Individual Learning Projects," page 28. Not available to first-year students.

276 January Term Topics. (0-4) [Top]

Study of a special topic not ordinarily offered during the semesters. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

277 January Term Core Topics. (0-4) [Top]

Study of a special topic not ordinarily offered during the semesters. Designed to fulfill the core disciplinary requirement. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

I. Organismal Diversity

305 Invertebrate Zoology. (4) [Top]

Classification, phylogeny, structure, life cycles and ecology of representative invertebrate animals. Prerequisites: 115 and 116. Spring.

306 The Plant Kingdom. (4) [Top]

An evolutionary survey of the organisms traditionally referred to as plants, including the algae and fungi. Special attention is given to their morphology and taxonomy. Laboratories emphasize learning the important characteristics of the various taxa. Prerequisites: 115 and 116. Spring.

307 Biology of Microorganisms. (4) [Top]

Morphology and physiology of the representative groups with emphasis on bacteria and viruses. Special topics include host-parasite relationships and the role of microorganisms as agents of geochemical change. Laboratory will stress techniques of culturing, identification and general methodology. Prerequisites: 115, 116 and CHEM 235 and 236 or instructor's consent. Fall.

308 Plant Taxonomy. (4) [Top]

A study of the principles of naming, identifying and classifying flowering plants with an emphasis on the characteristics and phylogeny of select families. Laboratory and field work provide an opportunity to prepare herbarium specimens, use dichotomous keys, and learn the local flora. Prerequisites: 115 and 116. Fall.

309 Biology of Insects. (4) [Top]

Examination of the morphology, systematics, behavior, ecology, evolution and economic importance of major groups. Laboratory and field studies of local insects. Prerequisites: 115 and 116. Fall.

II. Cell/Molecular Biology

311 Cell Biology. (4) [Top]

A study of the organization and function of plant and animal cells, emphasizing the experimental basis of current concepts in cell biology. Laboratory work includes light and electron microscopy, cell culture, cytochemistry and other techniques of cellular investigation. Prerequisites: 115 and 116. Fall.

315 Virology. (4) [Top]

Structure and chemical composition of viruses. Host-virus interactions with emphasis on bacterial and animal viruses, subviral particles and viral evolution. Laboratory focuses on techniques for culturing and characterizing bacterial viruses. Prerequisites: 115 and 116. Fall.

316 Genetics. (4) [Top]

The principles and applications of gene transmission, structure, expression and regulation represent the primary focus of this course. The laboratory serves to illustrate the application of main concepts. Prerequisites: 115 and 116. Fall and spring.

317 Biochemistry. (4) [Top]

Lecture and laboratory study of the chemical characteristics of biological molecules with emphasis on bioenergetics, enzymes, metabolic pathways, biological signals and membrane receptors. Prerequisites: 115, 116, and CHEM 235 or instructor's consent. Fall and spring.

318 Molecular Biology. (4) [Top]

Lecture and laboratory study of DNA functions and gene action in viruses, organelles, and in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Laboratory techniques and applications include DNA and protein isolations and DNA manipulations and mapping. Prerequisites: 115, 116, and CHEM 235 or instructor's consent. Spring.

319 Basic Immunology. (4) [Top]

A study of the initiation and the biological/chemical aspects of the immune response. Emphasis is placed on cells and cellular interactions, immunoglobulin structure/syntheses, immunological assays and cell-mediated immunity. Attention will be given to hypersensitivities and tumor and transplant immunology. Prerequisites: 115, 116 and CHEM 235 and 236. Spring.

III. Structural/Functional Biology

320 Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates. (4) [Top]

The comparative structure, development and phylogeny of the vertebrates. Laboratory dissection of representative vertebrates. Prerequisites: 115 and 116. Fall.

322 Developmental Biology. (4) [Top]

Mechanisms involved in a fertilized egg becoming a mature organism are explored at both the molecular and cell-tissue level. These patterns and principles of development are considered for a variety of animal species. Laboratories include observation of normal development and experimental manipulations of the normal processes. Prerequisites: 115 and 116. Fall.

323 Comparative Physiology. (4) [Top]

Structure, function and physiological adaptations in diverse organisms. Metabolism, cardiovascular, nerve and muscle physiology, salt and water balance, excretion, temperature regulation and endocrinology. Prerequisites: 115, 116 and CHEM 235 or instructor's consent. Fall.

324 General Physiology. (4) [Top]

Structure and physiology of tissues, organs and systems of the human body. Extensive laboratory investigations of cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous system function. Prerequisites: 115, 116 and CHEM 235 or instructor's consent. Spring.

327 Plant Physiology. (4) [Top]

A study of the functions and processes occurring in plants. Topics include metabolism, water relations, growth and development, gas exchange and responses to the environment. Prerequisites: 115 and 116. Spring.

329 Histology and Technique. (4) [Top]

Investigation of tissue characteristics, development, and interrelationships. Extensive laboratory experience in applicable microtechnique. Prerequisites: 115 and 116. Spring.

IV. Ecology/Evolution

331 Biology of the Pacific Northwest. (4) [Top]

A summer field course emphasizing the study of mountain ecosystems in the Northern Rockies and marine tidal environments on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington. Prerequisites: 115 and 116. Alternate summers.

332 Natural History of the Vertebrates. (4) [Top]

Natural history, classification and adaptations of the major vertebrate groups. Laboratory and field identification of local vertebrates. Prerequisites: 115 and 116. Spring.

334 General Ecology. (4) [Top]

In this course we explore the historical, theoretical and empirical development of the science of ecology. Topics covered include the dynamics of populations, interactions between species, and the organization and functioning of ecosystems. We devote special attention to the interplay between mathematical theory and empirical studies, with emphasis upon current research whenever possible. Laboratories focus upon field techniques and data manipulation. In addition, students work in teams to design and implement a research project and present their findings in written and oral formats. Prerequisites: 115, 116, and 200. Recommended: MATH 123 or 124, and familiarity with spreadsheet software. Fall.

336 Behavioral Ecology. (4) [Top]

A study of animal behavior with emphasis on the ways in which the ecological circumstances surrounding animals help shape their behavior. Laboratory experience in the observation and analysis of behavior in living organisms. Prerequisites: 115 and 116. Spring.

337 Aquatic Ecology. (4) [Top]

An exploration of aquatic environments and the creatures that inhabit them. Emphasis is on lakes, with a survey of other aquatic systems. Laboratories include extensive field work with the lakes on the Saint John's campus. Prerequisites: 115 and 116. Fall.

339 Evolution. (4) [Top]

This course provides an historical background for evolutionary theory, surveys the evidence for evolution, and emphasizes the processes of genetic change and speciation. Prerequisites: 115 and 116, or consent of instructor. Spring.

General Upper division

347 Journal Club. (1) [Top]

Preparation of a paper and a seminar presentation on a topic of current biological interest. Source materials will be the current research literature. Prerequisite: juniors or seniors only.

Independent study procedures

Students interested in doing independent work for credit may do so by registering for 371 or 372. The proposal for a project must be prepared in detailed form and submitted to a potential faculty moderator and the department chair at least two weeks before any registration period begins. Department approval must be obtained before registration.

371 Individual Learning Project. (1-4)

Supervised reading or research at the upper-division level. Permission of department chair and completion and/or concurrent registration of 12 credits within the department required. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. Not available to first-year students.

372A Biological Research. (1-4) [Top]

Original research conducted under the supervision of a staff member. Students will design their own project in consultation with their moderator. Limited to biology and natural science majors who have achieved a standing of at least second-semester junior. Majors only.

372B Special Topics in Biology. (1-4) [Top]

Readings and discussions in either broad or specific areas of biology not covered in departmental courses. Topics may be either student- or faculty-originated. Majors only.

372C Biological Techniques. (1-2) [Top]

Independent work to develop expertise in special techniques such as electron microscopy, chromosome preparation, tissue culture, and the preparation of specimens of plants, insects or vertebrates. S/U grading only; does not count toward a major. Majors only.

375 Supervised Study. (0-4) [Top]

Full-time learning experience during the January Term done under the direction of a faculty moderator, often in conjunction with an off-campus supervisor. Requires permission of instructor. Not available to first-year students.

376 January Term Topics. (0-4) [Top]

Study at the upper-division level of a special topic not ordinarily offered during the semesters. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

377 January Term Core Topics. (0-4) [Top]

Study at the upper-division level of a special topic not ordinarily offered during the semesters. Designed to fulfill core disciplinary requirement. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

398 Honors Senior Essay, Research or Creative Project. (4) [Top]

Required for graduation with "All-College Honors" and "Departmental Distinction in Biology." Prerequisite: HONR 396 and approval of the department chair and director of the honors program. For further information see HONR 398.

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