Biology Department Newsletter New Student Edition

Volume 7    Number 1   September 5, 2003

Welcome to the "New Student Issue" of the Biology Department newsletter.  This issue is designed to answer some of the common questions that new, prospective, and even current, students may have about the Biology program at CSB/SJU.  We hope that you find it helpful and wish you every success this year.  For more information about the Biology Department and our activities, check out the Biology Department web site and our Frequently Asked Questions page.

2003 CSB/SJU Biology Department.  (seated, from left)  DG Brown, C Jansky, J Lust, OSB, E Wurdak.  (standing, from left)  S Saupe, P Chu, J Poff, L Davis, M Webster, S. Toering, D Mitchell, S Thomas, W Lamberts, M Campos, M Reagan, R Henry, C Rodell (not pictured:  E Jensen, C Knox)

HOW MANY FACULTY ARE IN THE BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT?
     The Biology department currently has 19 faculty members.  

WHO ARE THE FACULTY AND WHAT ARE THEIR SPECIALTIES?
     The biology department faculty are Dr. G. Brown (ecology), Dr. Manuel Campos (cell physiology), Dr. P. Chu (vertebrate biology), Dr. L Davis (invertebrate paleontology), Dr. R. Henry (microbiology), Ms. C. Jansky (lab coordinator), Dr. C. Knox (plant molecular biology), Dr. E. Jensen (microbiology), Dr. W Lamberts (aquatic biology), Dr. Jeanne Lust, O.S.B. (developmental biology),  Dr. D Mitchell (biochemistry), Dr. J. Poff (entomology), Dr. M Reagan (molecular biology), Dr. C. Rodell (genetics & evolution), Dr. S. Saupe (plant biology), Dr. S. Thomas (behavioral biology), Dr. S. Toering (biochemistry), Dr. M. Webster (physiology), and Dr. E. Wurdak (cell biology).  In addition, three professors who retired are still associated with department - Dr. N. Zaczkowski (plant taxonomy), Dr. N. Ford (ornithology), and Sister P. Plantenberg (environmental science).  For more information, check out the Biology Faculty Profile web site.


WHO ARE THE NEW FACULTY IN THE DEPARTMENT?
     There are two new faculty members in the Biology department this year - Dr. Shawn Thomas and Dr. Stephanie Toering.  More more information, see below.

MEET DR. SHAWN THOMAS
    Dr. Thomas is one of two new members of the Biology Department.  She came to Minnesota from Delta State University, a small liberal arts school in the Mississippi delta, where she served as an assistant professor of biology. Her main teaching  responsibility at CSB/SJU will be human anatomy and physiology courses for pre-nursing majors. Her teaching philosophy is fairly straight forward,  "I enjoy being in the classroom and hope to spark students to question the wonderful, living world around them."

      Dr. Thomas' background in biology is quite diverse having received her master’s of science from Mississippi Sate University concentrated in the area of microbiology in which she worked on the prevalence of an immunodeficiency-like virus in cattle.  She then earned her PhD from the University of Memphis working in the area of animal behavior and this field is where her research passion lies. Specifically, she is interested in questions associated with mate choice and sexual selection such as “how do individuals choose mates?” and “how does this choice correlate with reproductive success?” She wants to involve students in a research program here at CSB/SJU in which she will test alternative hypotheses associated with sexual selection based on evolutionary theory.

    She is looking forward to taking advantage of our wonderful surroundings. As a field biologist, she enjoys the great outdoors, camping, canoeing, hiking, bird watching -- just experiencing nature! Although she is more accustomed to warmer temperatures, she is also looking forward to picking up some “winter sports” such as cross-country and maybe downhill skiing.
 

MEET DR. STEPHANIE TOERING
     Dr. Toering's main focus this past summer was finishing her dissertation. As a graduate student at Stanford, she worked in the laboratory of Mark Krasnow. The lab studies the development of the Drosophila (fruit fly) tracheal system, and she worked to understand the biochemical function of a protein, Sprouty, that had been discovered in the lab and shown to regulate branching patterns. The main topics of her thesis were the involvement of sprouty in tracheal development in the larvae, the cellular localization and biochemical modifications of the Sprouty protein, and regulation of Sprouty activity.

     When she was not manically experimenting or writing, she could usually be found playing ice hockey.  She played with a women’s traveling team in California, and they took first place in a tournament in Denver this summer. Most people assume that she has been playing hockey since she was a kid growing up in Minnesota. Ironically, she did not start playing hockey until she moved to balmy California for graduate school! Other hobbies she enjoys include SCUBA, hiking, and cooking.

     Dr. Toering moved to St. Cloud in mid-August and is very excited to be back in Minnesota and to be teaching at CSB/SJU!

WHO SHOULD I CONTACT IF I HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?  
     See any Biology professor.  The department chair, Dr. J Lust, O.S.B., can be especially helpful concerning "administrative" issues.

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BEING A BIOLOGY MAJOR?  
     Any biology professor can help.  Also, you should get a copy of the Biology Advising Manual which is available from Dr. Poff or other biology professor.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A BIOLOGY MAJOR?  
     The requirements for the major are outlined in the course Catalog and are available on-line through the Biology Department's web site.  In addition to the Core requirements, a biology major is required to take both semesters of Concepts of Biology (BIOL 115 & BIOL 116), six upper division courses in biology, Biological Information (BIOL 200), one semester of math (MATH 123, MATH 124, or MATH 119) and two semesters of chemistry (CHEM 123 & CHEM 234).   Students should take Biological Literature during their sophomore year.  

WHAT UPPER DIVISION CLASSES DOES THE BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT OFFER?  
     The biology department offers more than 20 upper division courses, with upper division independent study available.  These are listed with descriptions in the Biology Department curriculum web pages.  We offer classes in all major areas of biology.  The department has categorized its course offerings in four groups:  Group I courses are organismal surveys; Group II are lab-oriented courses that focus on cellular and molecular biology; Group III are courses in physiology and other areas that highlight the interrelationship of form and function; Group IV courses are those that primarily focus on ecology or evolution.  Many of the upper division courses have web sites that you can visit.

WHAT CLASSES DO YOU RECOMMEND THAT A BIOLOGY MAJOR TAKE DURING THE FIRST SEMESTER?  
     Along with Symposium (CORE 100 and 101), we recommend for Fall: Concepts of Biology (BIOL 115), General Chemistry I (CHEM 123) and an elective (typically a course fulfilling Core Curriculum requirements such as foreign language).  For Spring:  Concepts of Biology II (BIOL 116), General Chemistry II (CHEM 234), Core 101 and either an elective or a math course.  

WHAT UPPER DIVISION CLASSES SHOULD I TAKE FOR A BIOLOGY MAJOR?  
     That depends upon your specific interests.  Biology majors are required to take one course each from each of the four groups (I, II, III, IV) and a minimum of two additional classes from any of the four course groups.  The choice of courses within groups is left to the student.  Until you've completed your chemistry requirements, we suggest you start by taking courses in groups I or IV.  Consult your advisor and/or the Biology Department Curriculum page for more information.  

DO I NEED TO TAKE ORGANIC CHEMISTRY OR PHYSICS?  
     No, these courses are not required for a biology major.  However, because of the central importance of chemistry and physics in understanding biological systems, most biology students do take these courses.  In addition, they are required by most graduate and professional schools.  Consult with a biology prof. for specifics. 

DO I NEED TO TAKE CALCULUS?
     Biology majors are required to take either calculus (MATH123 or MATH119) or statistics (MATH124).  Students planning on attending medical schools should consider calculus because it is required by some schools.  For more information, contact a biology department advisor.

WHEN AND HOW DO I FORMALLY DECLARE MY MAJOR (OR MINOR) AS BIOLOGY?
     You usually declare a major in the spring semester of your sophomore year. Forms for declaration of a major are available from the registrar or from the department chair. These forms are best completed in consultation with your academic advisor. The process for declaring a minor is similar to that of declaring a major.
 

I AM INTERESTED IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES MINOR or MAJOR. WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION?
     Visit the Environmental Studies web site or talk with the director: Dr. Derek Larson
 

I AM INTERESTED IN MEDICAL SCHOOL.  WHAT CLASSES DO I NEED TO TAKE?  WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?  
     Medical schools will accept students from any major if they have a good science background and do well on the MCAT exam. Contact the biology pre-med advisors, Dr. M Campos (Biology) or Dr. D Mitchell for more information.   Also, you should visit the Pre-Med Advising website and register at this site.

WHO DO I CONTACT FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE OTHER PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS SUCH AS PHYSICAL THERAPY, DENTISTRY AND VETERINARY MEDICINE?  

     Dr. R. Henry (Biology) is the advisor for vet medicine.  Dr. E McIntee (Chemistry) is the advisor for pharmacy and medical technology.  Dr. Mitchell is the dentistry advisor and Dr. S. Saupe is the forestry advisor.

WHO DO I CONTACT FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE OTHER PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS SUCH AS PHYSICAL THERAPY, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, PHARMACY, DENTISTRY, AND VETERINARY MEDICINE?
     Contact any one of the following advisors.  In addition, check out the Health Pre-Professional programs web site.

HOW LARGE ARE BIOLOGY CLASSES?  
     The size of biology classes is variable.  Concepts of Biology, our largest course, has approximately 32 students per section, though for second semester, classes are often smaller.  Upper division biology classes generally have no more than 30 students and as few as 10.  Labs, excluding Concepts, are usually 16 or fewer.  

HOW DOES COLLEGE BIOLOGY DIFFER FROM HIGH SCHOOL BIOLOGY?  
     College biology classes typically cover more material in greater detail and at a greater rate than high school courses.  Also, college courses emphasize understanding rather than memorization.  

IF I DID WELL IN HIGH SCHOOL BIOLOGY DOES THAT MEAN I'LL DO WELL IN CONCEPTS?  
      A good high school background will certainly help, but it is no guarantee for success. The only sure route to success is studying.  Too many students make the mistake of thinking that since their high school biology course was easy and they didn't have to work, they can do the same in Concepts.  

WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND IN ORDER TO DO WELL IN CONCEPTS OF BIOLOGY?  
     At a minimum, attend class and take copious notes.  There is no substitute for personal experience with class material.  Complete assigned readings and think about the material. Avoid simple memorization.  Strive to understand rather than memorize.  If you have questions, contact your instructor and/or attend the review sessions.  For further suggestions, see Dr. Brown's "suggestions on how to prepare for examinations".

HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I STUDY FOR CONCEPTS EXAMS?  
     We recommend two hours for every hour in class.  It's better to study throughout the semester rather than to cram before exams.  Develop good study habits and learn to budget your time.  

WHAT DO I DO IF I'M NOT DOING WELL IN MY CLASSES?  
      Above all, talk to your instructor at the first sign of trouble.  Don't wait until it's too late. Ask for study tips, exam taking tips, etc.  Studying in groups is often helpful.   Also, be sure to take advantage of the regularly scheduled review sessions. This year they will be Tuesday nights at 8 in Ardolf 127 (CSB) and Sunday at 4 in Quad 247 (SJU). The CSB/SJU Advising Offices and Counseling Services can also help.  Your lab T.A. may also be available to help you.  

WHAT CAN I DO WHEN I GRADUATE WITH A BIOLOGY MAJOR?  
     There are many opportunities open to a person with a biology degree.  For example, some of our recent graduates have entered graduate and professional (medicine, dentistry,  physical therapy, business, law) schools, while others have found employment in a variety of areas such as lab technicians, pharmaceutical sales, teaching, the Peace Corps, and public interest groups (e.g., Sierra Club).  Check out the Career Placement offices on the two campuses and/or visit their web site.  

WHAT IF I WANT TO GO TO GRADUATE SCHOOL?
     Check out the recommendations of alum Shellie Kieke and ecologist Dr. Walter Carson of the University of Pittsburgh. Also, be sure to talk to your profs.

DOES THE BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT HIRE WORK-STUDY STUDENTS?  
    Yes, there are many students with work-study in the biology department.  Among the positions available are greenhouse assistants, teaching assistants for various courses, and office assistants for faculty.  Check the biology department web site for job postings and to complete an application on-line.

WHAT, AND WHERE, IS THE HERBARIUM?  
     A herbarium is a collection of pressed, dried, and identified plants; in essence, a plant morgue.  The CSB/SJU Bailey Herbarium has approximately 30,000 specimens of vascular and non-vascular plants and fungi.  Dr. Saupe is the curator of the herbarium which is located in PENGL 329 and you can check out the herbarium web site.

WHAT, AND WHERE, IS THE HALL NATURAL SCIENCE MUSEUM?  
     Located in the New Science Building, the Herbert & Birdella Hall Natural Science Museum houses a large collection of mammals, birds, and insects.  There is a display area with several exhibits and a large conference table that can be used for studying.  Dr. P Chu and Dr. J Poff are the curators of the museum.  

CAN STUDENTS USE THE GREENHOUSE?  
     Yes, the Biology department maintains a large greenhouse collection of plants for use by students, faculty, and staff.  We have particularly good collections of orchids, bonsai, cacti, and other succulents.  The greenhouse, which is used primarily for teaching and research, publishes a newsletter, plant "sits" during holidays, sponsors plant care workshops, maintains an outdoor demonstration garden, and holds plant sales.  Br. Urban Pieper and Ms. Susana Hynes are the managers of the greenhouse and Dr. Bill Lamberts is the director.
 

WHAT IS THE ARBORETUM?
     The St. John's campus has been designated a natural landscape arboretum.  For more information check the Arboretum web site or contact the director, Mr. Tom Kroll.

ARE THERE OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS TO DO RESEARCH?  
     The department strongly encourages students to participate in research.  You may enroll in one of our research courses and design an individualized project in collaboration with a faculty member.  Some students participate in summer research on campus.  Still others complete projects as a part of the Honors program.  Alternately, you can simply help out in the lab/field; the main thing is to get involved!  The CSB/SJU summer research program begins to look to hire people in January - keep posted for flyers.  For more information, check out the Biology Department Research web site.

IS THE BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT WELL EQUIPPED FOR TEACHING AND RESEARCH?  
     The department has adequate facilities to conduct most types of biological research. In addition to the usual assortment of lab equipment (e.g., pH meters, balances, pipetters, growth chambers), the department has a scintillation counter, scanning and transmission electron microscopes, UV-visible scanning spectrophotometer, centrifuges, microplate reader, Gilson respirometer, fraction collector, laminar flow hoods, gas-liquid chromatograph, high pressure liquid chromatograph, cell counter, and an ultra-centrifuge just to name a few items.  The department also has access to excellent computing facilities.  In addition, the two campuses provide an outstanding opportunity for field research in virtually any local habitat.  For more details, check out our virtual tour to the Biology Department and the Biology Facilities web page.

WHAT KINDS OF RESEARCH OCCUR IN THE BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT?  
     The biology department faculty are involved in a variety of research projects.  For example, Dr. Rodell is currently studying selection and genetic recombination in fruit flies.  Other projects include studies of: Daphnia predation (Dr. Lamberts), the vascular flora and aerobiology (pollen web site) of central Minnesota (Dr. Saupe), energy budgets in chickadees and house finches (Dr. Webster), DNA repair mechanisms (Dr. Reagan), protein structure (Dr. Mitchell), using pollen to reconstruct vegetation history & the biology of leatherwood, Dirca palustris (Dr. Brown), the social behavior of wasps and dragonflies (Dr. Poff), rotifer biology (Dr. Wurdak), leptospirosis (Dr. Henry), avian phylogeny (Dr. Chu), frog development (Dr. Lust), and yeast transformations (Dr. Jensen).  For more information, check out the Biology Department Research web site and visit the Biology Department faculty profile web page.

WHAT IS THE BIOLOGY CLUB?  CAN ANYONE JOIN?
     The Biology Club is a student organization that focuses on biology-oriented activities. The group takes field trips, goes camping, bring speakers to campus, sponsors fund raisers and participates in various activities such as the Deer Count.  Membership is open to all students.  Join now! Biology majors are especially encouraged to join. Meetings are held regularly.  Notices about dates and times are posted in the Science Building.  If you have any questions about the Biology Club, contact one of the Biology Club officers:

• Co-Presidents:  Jake Theis, Theresa Lonsky (fall), and Amanda Fricke (spring)
• Treasurer:  Megan Baxter
• Secretary/PR: Jennifer Tarmann

For more information, contact: