Faculty

Karen A. Hicks
Chair, Associate Professor

Kathryn L. Edwards
Professor

M. Siobhan Fennessy
Professor

Christopher M. Gillen
Associate Professor

Kathy M. Gillen
Assistant Professor

E. Raymond Heithaus
Jordan Professor of Environmental Science

Patricia A. Heithaus
Instructor

Haruhiko Itagaki
Professor

Andrew J. Kerkhoff
Assistant Professor of Biology and Mathematics

Robert A. Mauck
Associate Professor
(on leave)

Wade H. Powell
Associate Professor

Joan L. Slonczewski
Professor

Emeritus Faculty

Robert D. Burns
Professor Emeritus

Dorothy E. Jegla
Professor Emerita

Thomas C. Jegla
Professor Emeritus

The biology curriculum structures learning based on the scientific process of discovery: observation, interpretation, experimentation, analysis, and the formation of new theory. Through exploration of recent developments in the broad range of biological fields, students examine details in the context of basic principles. They experience the dynamic nature of biological science by participating in laboratory work and research projects that form the backbone of the program. The curricular design offers many choices to students, allowing non-majors to explore any one field of biology in depth or to examine biology in the context of human issues having sociological, economic, and political importance, such as health care, biotechnology, and the environment.

The Biology Curriculum (beginning Fall 2009/class of 2013)

Biology majors must take both foundation courses, BIOL 115 and 116 (unless specifically exempted by AP exams or by departmental placement exams during orientation), and the year-long introductory laboratory sequence, BIOL 109Y-110Y. The foundation courses must be completed within the first four semesters. Advanced courses may be taken after completion of the prerequisite foundation course, so students can begin advanced courses while completing the introductory series. A year of introductory chemistry is also required of all majors.

Upper-level courses are offered at the 200 and 300 levels. Courses at the 200 level are designed for sophomores and juniors who have completed at least part of the introductory-level curriculum. Reading assignments include textbooks, primary literature, and other advanced sources. Courses at the 300 level are designed for juniors and seniors who have completed the entire introductory-level curriculum and at least one 200 level course. Primary literature and other advanced sources form a substantial portion of the reading, and extensive student-directed work is expected.

In addition to the biology major, major programs in biochemistry and in molecular biology are available. These programs combine work in biology and chemistry to prepare students for graduate work or employment entailing research on the molecular basis of biological systems. Information on course requirements for these major programs is detailed in the biochemistry and molecular biology section. For additional information, see the chair of either the biology or chemistry department.

Non-majors can choose innovative topical courses that approach biological issues in a human context (BIOL 103, 104, 105, 107). These courses are designed for students with minimal backgrounds in biology. The foundation courses--115 and 116--allow more in-depth study. Several courses also serve the interdisciplinary concentration in environmental studies.

For students considering medical, dental, nursing, or veterinary postgraduate programs, there is usually a requirement of a minimum of two semesters of biology with the corresponding laboratory work. BIOL 115 and 116 plus the laboratory sequence BIOL 109-110Y satisfy this requirement.

Students can involve themselves in the department through the Biology Student Advisory Group, which meets with the chair and faculty members, or as employees ranging from laboratory teaching proctors to research assistants.

Majors are encouraged to participate in the department through research with faculty members and by their active role in hiring faculty, suggesting curriculum changes, inviting seminar speakers, and planning social events.

Requirements for the Biology Major (starting with the class of 2013)

The following requirements apply to students who declare a major in biology.

• BIOL 115 and 116 (or specific exemption), to be completed within four semesters of starting this series.
• BIOL 109Y-110Y, to be completed by the end of the sophomore year.
• One year of Introductory Chemistry lecture (or AP placement).
• Four upper-division laboratory courses (.5 unit of credit earned in Research in Biology or Senior Honors can serve as one .25-unit laboratory course requirement).
• Six upper-division lecture courses, including at least one 300-level course. MATH 258 counts toward this requirement.

In order to fulfill the diversification requirements for upper-level courses, biology majors will need to take at least one upper-level lecture course in each of the following three categories to graduate:

• Environmental biology: BIOL 228, 241, 251, 261, 272, 328, and 352.
• Organismal biology/physiology: BIOL 233, 238, 243, 245, 336, and 358.
• Cellular and molecular biology: BIOL 238, 255, 263, 266, 321, and 333.

We strongly encourage majors to take at least one year of mathematics and physics. Students planning graduate studies in any area of biology should also include organic chemistry. We encourage majors to seek opportunities for independent research with faculty members, through Research in Biology, honors research, and the Summer Science Scholars Program.

Requirements for the Biology Major (through the class of 2012)

The following requirements apply to students who declare a major in biology.

• BIOL 112, 113, 114 (or specific exemption), to be completed within four semesters of starting this series.
• BIOL 109-110, to be completed by the end of the sophomore year.
• One year of Introductory Chemistry lecture (or AP placement).
• Four upper-division laboratory courses (.5 unit of credit earned in Research in Biology or Senior Honors can serve as one .25-unit laboratory course requirement).
• Five upper-division lecture courses. MATH 258 counts toward this requirement.

In order to fulfill the diversification requirements for upper-level courses, biology majors will need to take at least one upper-level lecture course in each of the following three categories to graduate:

• Environmental biology: BIOL 228, 241, 251, 261, 272, 328, and 352.
• Organismal biology/physiology: BIOL 233, 238, 243, 245, and 358.
• Cellular and molecular biology: BIOL 238, 255, 263, 266, 321, and 333.

We strongly encourage majors to take at least one year of mathematics and physics. Students planning graduate studies in any area of biology should also include organic chemistry. We encourage majors to seek opportunities for independent research with faculty members, through Research in Biology, honors research, and the Summer Science Scholars Program.

Substitution Policy (through the class of 2012)

Biology majors may petition to substitute a 200-level course for one of the introductory lecture courses (BIOL 112, 113, 114) if the following conditions are met:

1. Students must have completed two introductory lecture courses (or they must have completed one and be currently enrolled in a second). Placement out of BIOL 113 with AP credit of 5 may be used towards this requirement.
2. Students must have consulted with a member of the biology department. Since this policy applies to students planning on majoring in biology, students who have advisors in other disciplines are encouraged to declare the biology major and choose an advisor in biology.
3. Students must have the permission of the 200-level course instructor to enroll without the 100-level prerequisite.

Allowed substitutions:

• For BIOL 112: BIOL 228 (Ecology) or BIOL 241 (Evolution)
• For BIOL 113: BIOL 233 (Plant Biology), BIOL 243 (Comparative Animal Physiology), or BIOL 245 (Environmental Plant Physiology)
• For BIOL 114: BIOL 238 (Microbiology), BIOL 255 (Genetic Analysis), or BIOL 263 (Molecular Biology and Genomics)

Important: This is a course substitution policy. The substituted course counts in place of the introductory lecture and does not count as fulfilling the upper-level diversification requirement. Five additional upper-level lecture courses still must be taken.

Senior Exercise (for all class years)

The Senior Exercise for all biology majors consists of a detailed analysis of a research field, focusing on a critique of a particular research article. In addition, all majors must attend a specified number of guest lectures in the Biology Seminar Series and take a standardized assessment exam.

Advanced Courses Offered in Biology (for all class years)

Many courses and laboratories are offered in alternating years, so care should be taken in planning the major to suit individual goals. The following list indicates which courses are normally taught on alternating-year schedules. Please note that the schedule can vary from these guidelines; students should consult the department chair or course instructor if particular courses are needed.

Courses that may be offered in alternating years include: BIOL 233, 234, 238, 239, 245, 251, 255, 256, 266, 321, 322, 328, 333, 336, 346, 352, 353, 358, 359, and 367.

Honors (for all class years)

The Honors Program in biology is an exciting opportunity for students to perform research in collaboration with a faculty member of the Department of Biology. Prior to enrollment in senior honors, students are expected to complete at least one semester of Research in Biology (BIOL 385, 386) and participate in the Summer Science Scholars Program. Two semesters of Research in Biology are recommended. Students must have an overall GPA of at least 3.33 and a GPA of 3.33 in biology.

Requirements for the Biology Minor (starting with the class of 2013)

The minor in biology requires a minimum of 2.75 units of credit earned in the major curriculum; these must include the foundation courses (BIOL 115 and 116), the introductory laboratory, BIOL 109Y-110Y , and at least one upper-level laboratory. One year of BIOL 385, 386 would satisfy the upper-level laboratory requirement and one year of BIOL 393, 394 would satisfy one upper-level lecture course requirement in any of the area minors.

Requirements for the Biology Minor (through the class of 2012)

The minor in biology can be earned in one of five areas of biology, listed as A through E below. The minor requires a minimum of 3 units of credit earned in the major curriculum; these must include the introductory laboratories, BIOL 109Y-110Y, and at least one upper-level laboratory. One year of BIOL 385, 386 would satisfy the upper-level laboratory requirement and one year of BIOL 393, 394 would satisfy one upper-level lecture course requirement in any of the area minors. Specific course requirements for each area minor are listed below.

Attention: Please be advised that the two 1-unit requirements below must include at least one upper-level laboratory. The 2 units mean 2 units of earned credit, not four courses per se.

A. Environmental Biology
BIOL 109Y-110Y Introduction to Experimental Biology
BIOL 112 Evolution and Ecology

2 units from:
BIOL 228 Ecology
BIOL 229 Ecology Laboratory
BIOL 241 Evolution
BIOL 251 Marine Biology
BIOL 261 Animal Behavior
BIOL 262 Experimental Animal Behavior
BIOL 272 Microbial Ecology
BIOL 328 Global Ecology and Biogeography
BIOL 352 Aquatic Systems Biology
BIOL 353 Aquatic Systems Lab
ENVS 461 Environmental Studies

B. Plant Biology
BIOL 109Y-110Y Introduction to Experimental Biology
BIOL 112 Evolution and Ecology
BIOL 113 From Cell to Organism

1.5 units from:
BIOL 233 Plant Biology
BIOL 234 Laboratory Experiences in Plant Biology
BIOL 245 Environmental Plant Physiology
BIOL 346 Introduction to Microscopy and Image Analysis

C. Molecular Biology and Genetics
BIOL 109Y-110Y Introduction to Experimental Biology
BIOL 114 Genetics and Development of Organisms

2 units from:
BIOL 238 Microbiology
BIOL 239 Experimental Microbiology
BIOL 255 Genetic Analysis
BIOL 256 Experimental Genetic Analysis
BIOL 263 Molecular Biology and Genomics
BIOL 264 Gene Manipulation
BIOL 321 Developmental Biology
BIOL 322 Experiments in Developmental Biology
BIOL 364 Principles of Gene Manipulation

D. Physiology
BIOL 109Y-110Y Introduction to Experimental Biology
BIOL 113 From Cell to Organism

2 units from:
BIOL 238 Microbiology
BIOL 239 Experimental Microbiology
BIOL 243 Comparative Animal Physiology
BIOL 244 Experimental Animal Physiology
BIOL 245 Environmental Plant Physiology
BIOL 266 Cell Biology
BIOL 333 Environmental Toxicology
BIOL 336 Integrative Biology of Animals
BIOL 346 Introduction to Microscopy and Image Analysis
BIOL 358 Neurobiology
BIOL 359 Experimental Neurobiology
BIOL 367 Experimental Cell Physiology

E. Biology
BIOL 109Y-110Y Introduction to Experimental Biology
BIOL 112 Evolution and Ecology
BIOL 113 From Cell to Organism
BIOL 114 Genetics and Development of Organisms

1 unit:
Any upper-level courses in biology

Cross-Listed Courses
The following courses are cross-listed in the biology offerings:
ENVS 112 Introduction to Environmental Studies
MATH 258 Mathematical Biology