Biology

Courses

Courses with * fulfill
General Education requirements

(A-AP) = Arts - Applied

(A-TH) = Arts -
Theoretical/Historical

(A-AR) = Analytical -
Abstract Reasoning

(A-QR) = Analytical -
Quantitative Reasoning

(CP) = Comparative Practices

(D-D) = Diversity - Domestic

(D-I) = Diversity - International

(D-L) = Diversity - Language

(ES) = Earlham Seminar

(IP) = Interpretive Practices

(SI) = Scientific Inquiry

(W) = Wellness

(AY) = Offered in Alternative Year

*BIOL 111 ECOLOGICAL BIOLOGY
(4 credits)
An introduction to the study of the interrelationships among organisms and their physical and biotic environments. Topics include natural selection and adaptation, population growth and regulation, competition, predation, mutualism, productivity, energy flow and nutrient cycling. Emphasizes doing hands-on scientific research and problem solving using the primary ecological literature. Lab. (A-QR, SI)

*BIOL 112 CELLS, GENES AND INHERITANCE (4 credits)
An overview of cell structure and function and the principles of inheritance, including such topics as transmission genetics, DNA structure, central dogma of molecular biology, regulation of gene expression, meiosis and mitosis, protein function, cell cycle and recombinant DNA techniques. Lab emphasizes inquiry-based experiments and contemporary techniques. (SI)

*BIOL 150 EARLHAM SEMINAR (4 credits)
Offered for first-year students. Topics vary. (ES)

BIOL 226 BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY (4 credits)
A survey of plants, animals, fungi, protists and bacteria emphasizing basic principles in organismal biology. Topics include origin of life, evolution, structure and function, homeostatic mechanisms, reproduction and life history phenomena, and systematics. Lab.

BIOL 229 BASIC STUDIES (1-3 credits)
A literature investigation of a topic selected by the student in consultation with a faculty adviser.

BIOL 240 SEMINAR (1-3 credits)
Sophomore level. Topics selected by the instructor.

BIOL 286 BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH (1-3 credits)
Topical course with the opportunity for participation in a research project.

BIOL 341 CELL PHYSIOLOGY (4 credits)
An examination of basic principles of cell physiology. Topics include thermodynamics, enzyme mechanisms, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, coupling of ATP hydrolysis to cellular reactions, regulation of protein function, membrane structure, cell signaling, and neural and muscular activity. Lab emphasizes inquiry-based experiments and contemporary techniques. Prerequisites: BIOL 112 and CHEM 221 or consent of the instructor.

BIOL 342 SEMINAR (1-3 credits)
Junior level. Topics selected by the instructor.

BIOL 343 IMMUNOLOGY (3 credits)
An introduction to the biology of the immune system, including cells and tissues, activation, differentiation and specificity, effector mechanisms, immunity to microbes, autoimmunity, immunodeficiency and AIDS, evolution, hypersensitivity and transplantation. A non-lab course. Prerequisites: BIOL 112, BIOL 341 and CHEM 221, or consent of the instructor.

BIOL 345 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF EXCITABLE CELLS
AND SYSTEMS (4 credits)
An in-depth study of how vertebrate nervous, skeletal, muscular and cardiovascular systems work. Covers each system at the biochemical, molecular, cellular, histological/tissue, organ and organism levels. Labs involve some physiology experiments, research and hands-on anatomy study. Prerequisite: BIOL 341. Offered Spring Semester.

BIOL 346 VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY (4 credits)
Study of the evolution, adaptation, taxonomy, ecology and behavior of vertebrates with emphasis on fishes, reptiles and amphibians. Includes lab and field trips. Prerequisites: BIOL 111 and 226.

BIOL 347 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF METABOLISM
AND ENDOCRINOLOGY (4 credits)
An in-depth study of how vertebrate respiratory, renal, digestive and reproductive systems work. Covers each system at the biochemical, molecular, cellular, histological/tissue, organ and organism levels. Labs involve student-designed, semester-long physiology research projects and some hands-on anatomy study. Prerequisite: BIOL 341. Offered Fall Semester.

BIOL 348 ORNITHOLOGY (3 credits)
An introduction to the biology of birds emphasizing the evolution of form and function, behavior, communication and field identification by sight and sound. Approximately half the course is dedicated to topics in animal behavior, using avian examples. Field study is emphasized during the later portion of the spring, including early morning field labs. Prerequisite: BIOL 111.

BIOL 350 FIELD BOTANY (4 credits)
Systematics, morphology, physiology, geography, cytogenetics and life history phenomena are used to clarify the ecology and evolution of plants. Emphasizes field-based ecological research projects and plant identification via keying in the lab and by sight in the field. Lab. Prerequisites: BIOL 111 and 226. Offered twice every three years.

BIOL 352 INVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY (4 credits)
Life histories, anatomy, physiology and evolutionary trends among representatives of the invertebrate phyla. Lab. Prerequisites: BIOL 111 and 226.

BIOL 353 PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY (3 credits)
Advanced seminar examines the physiological mechanisms underlying a variety of psychological processes. Requires extensive reading of primary source materials. All students prepare a major seminar presentation and paper. Also listed as PSYC 353. (AY)

BIO 357 ANIMAL BEHAVIOR (4 credits)
An introduction to the evolutionary and ecological processes that promote the diversity of animal behaviors found in nature. Topics include development of behavior, the evolution of foraging behavior, reproductive behavior, mating systems, parental care and social behavior. Students design and conduct their own behavioral study. Lab. Prerequisites: BIOL 111,112 and 226. Offered twice every three years.

BIOL 360 CONSERVATION BIOLOGY (3 credits)
Discussion-based course investigating the impacts humans have on biodiversity and measures used to mitigate them. Conservation biology is a value-laden, crisis-driven discipline. Conservation law, ethics and ecological economics discussed with extinction, rarity and their causes; population viability analyses and practices; establishing, managing and restoring protected areas; and sustainable human development. A non-lab course. Prerequisites: BIOL 111, 112 and 226. (AY)

BIOL 362 BIOLOGY OF INSECTS (4 credits)
The classification, life histories, behavior and ecology of insects. Includes field research projects. Lab. Prerequisites: BIOL 111 and 226.

BIOL 451 EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY (4 credits)
Consideration of the factors affecting the evolution of populations (mutation, genetic drift, gene flow, selection, breeding systems, population structure), the mechanisms of speciation, phylogenetic inference and macroevolution. A non-lab course. Prerequisites: BIOL 111, 112 and 226. Offered twice every three years.

BIOL 455 POPULATION AND COMMUNITY ECOLOGY (4 credits)
Examines interactions among populations and their environments from empirical and theoretical perspectives. Topics include life history evolution, population growth, competition, predation and community structure and dynamics. Also emphasizes experimental design and statistical analysis of data from field research projects and trips. Lab. Prerequisites: BIOL 111, 112 and 226. Offered twice every three years.

BIOL 460 PLANT CELL BIOLOGY (3 credits)
A study of processes, structures and functions that are unique to plant cells. Possible topics: specialized organelles and cell types, carbohydrate metabolism, signal transduction, genomics, and fertilization and early development. Emphasizes photosynthesis and other responses to light. Reading and presenting research literature. Note: Biology-Chemistry Interdepartmental majors
who take BIOL 226 from course options in List A need to take a course other than Plant Cell Biology to fulfill requirements for the Major.

BIOL 461 MICROBIOLOGY (4 credits)
A study of bacteria and viruses focusing on microbial physiology, growth, replication, genetics, ecology, pathogenesis, evolution, systematics, impact on global health, and historical and modern techniques. Research emphasizes acquiring skills in the craft of microbiology including laboratory safety, sterile technique, microbial culturing and staining, isolation and identification of unknown bacteria, antimicrobial activity and biochemical analyses. Lab. Prerequisite: BIOL 341.

BIOL 462 PARASITOLOGY (4 credits)
A study of the general biology of the parasitic protozoans, helminths and arthropods of humans and domestic animals. Detailed discussions of parasite pathology, physiology, life cycles, diagnosis, therapeutics, control strategies and total impact on global health (humans and domestic animals). Lab includes visualization of representative taxa, morphology, culturing methods, applied diagnostics, parasite genomics and modern molecular techniques. Prerequisite: BIOL 341.

BIOL 464 ADVANCED CELL PHYSIOLOGY (3 credits)
Detailed examinations of protein structure and activity, transcription and translation. Selected "hot" topics are discussed, including mechanisms of cell-cell signaling, protein sorting within cells, regulation of cell cycle, apoptosis, and cellular mechanisms of memory and learning. Emphasizes reading, presenting and discussing original research papers. Topics change regularly; may be taken more than once with faculty approval. Prerequisite: BIOL 341. (AY)

BIOL 465 ADVANCED CELL LABORATORY (1 credit)
Project-based lab course that examines various aspects of cell structure and function using contemporary techniques. Recent projects have included isolation and purification of bacterially expressed proteins, analysis of protease inhibitors, measurements of phagocytosis by insect hemocytes. Techniques have included bacterial culture, centrifugation, column chromatography, SDS-PAGE, Western transfer and analysis, fluorescence microscopy and cell culture. May be taken concurrently with BIOL 464. Lab. Prerequisite: BIOL 341.

BIOL 466 MOLECULAR GENETICS (3 credits)
Covers DNA and RNA structure and functions, mutation, genetic code, molecular basis of recombination, genome organization, replication, gene regulation and recombinant DNA technology. A non-lab course. Prerequisites: BIOL 341 and CHEM 221. Offered once every three semesters.

BIOL 471 MARINE BIOLOGY SEMINAR (2 credits)
An ecological approach to topics in marine systems: habitats and the associated organisms, symbiotic relationships and human impact. Combination of lecture and student presentations. Prerequisites: BIOL 111 and 226. (AY)

BIOL 480 SENIOR SEMINAR (2 credits)
Required for the Major. Special topic seminars for seniors. Specific topics selected by students in consultation with a faculty mentor and with Departmental approval. Largely student organized and executed. Competence in oral communication and use of contemporary literature stressed.

BIOL 482 SPECIAL TOPICS (1-3 credits)
Topics chosen at the discretion of faculty.

BIOL 483 TEACHING ASSISTANTS (0-2 credits)

BIOL 484 FORD/KNIGHT RESEARCH (1-4 credits)
Collaborative research with faculty under the auspices of the Ford/Knight Program.

BIOL 485 INDEPENDENT STUDY (1-3 credits)
A laboratory, field and/or literature investigation of a specific topic conceived and planned by the student in consultation with a faculty adviser. For the advanced student.

BIOL 486 STUDENT RESEARCH (1-4 credits)
A laboratory investigation of a specific topic conceived and planned by the student in consultation with a faculty supervisor. Culminates in a comprehensive report prepared in the style of a thesis or a scientific paper.

BIOL 488 SENIOR CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE (0 credits)
Majors must successfully complete comprehensive examinations in the Spring Semester of the Senior Year.

May Term Courses

BIOL 472 MARINE BIOLOGY (3 credits)
A three-week field exploration of tropical marine biology with emphasis on coral reef, intertidal, mangrove and seagrass communities. Emphasizes group projects and the identification of fish, invertebrates and algae. May Term. Prerequisite: BIOL 471. (AY)

BIOL 473 TROPICAL BIOLOGY (3 credits)
Focuses on ecological topics that are especially exemplified by the tropics: species diversity, habitat diversity and conservation. Includes guest lectures, field projects, scientific journaling and an expedition to a tropical site in Peru or Ecuador (Amazonia or the Galapagos Islands) for an exciting immersion into the natural history of the tropics. May Term. Prerequisites: BIOL 111 and 226.

BIOL 474 FIELD ORNITHOLOGY (3 credits)
A study of the natural history and conservation biology of birds with concentration on the techniques of field study including bird banding, census and survey techniques, and behavioral observation. Also involves advanced work in field identification by sight and sound. May Term. Prerequisite: BIOL 348.