The College of St. Scholastica Course Catalog

Biology

Biology in the broadest sense is the study of life. It is a diverse subject and understanding it requires a background in all the sciences. The biologist must understand the basics of physics, chemistry, math and the social sciences as they relate to living systems. He/she must also be able to synthesize that knowledge in order to understand the living world, a world that is both remarkably unified and wonderfully diverse.

The Biology Department's goal is to provide the student majoring in the discipline with a sufficiently broadbased exposure to the biological sciences so that the student can compete successfully for employment at the baccalaureate level or gain acceptance into, and successfully complete, a related program of professional/ graduate study.

The Biology Department seeks to provide the student with the best possible educational experience and consistently strives to improve the educational experience based on student needs.

Chair: Douglas K. Walton, Ph.D.

Biology Major

A major in biology requires 32 semester credits - see tracks for specific course requirements. Biology courses must have a minimum grade of C to complete the requirements of the major. Application to the biology major is made during the spring semester of the sophomore year. See the Biology Student Handbook for more details.

Biology Tracks:

Graduate school or research preparation:
BIO 1110, 1120, 3500, 4170, one course from the following: BIO 3210 or 3220, electives to equal 32 total biology credits.
CHM 1110, 1120, 2200, 2210, 3240.
PSC 2001, 2002.
MTH 2211 or 2221.
Recommended: a chemistry minor (requires completion of CHM 3000 - Analytical Chemistry), a biology or chemistry research experience, PSY 3330 - Research Methods, PSY 3331 - Statistics, computer science, calculus series 2221-2222. See track schema in the Biology Student Handbook for more recommendations. The student is urged to consult catalogs of desired graduate schools for any special requirements.
Forensics preparation:
BIO 1110, 1120, 2110, 2120, 2250, 3500, 4150, 4160, one course from the following: BIO 3220 or 4170.
CHM 1110, 1120, 2200, 2210, 3000, 3240.
PSC 2001, 2002.
MTH 2211 or 2221, MTH 4411 or PSY 3331.
Recommended: BIO 3020, 3600, 4135, CHM 4120, a biology or chemistry research experience, PSY 3330 - Research Methods, computer science, calculus series 2221-2222. See track schema in the Biology Student Handbook for more recommendations. The student is urged to consult catalogs of desired graduate schools for any special requirements.
Medical school preparation:
BIO 1110, 1120, 2110, 2120, 2250, 3130, 3500, one course from the following: BIO 3210 or 3220 or 4170.
CHM 1110, 1120, 2200, 2210, 3240.
PSC 2001, 2002.
MTH 2211 or 2221.
Four courses of humanities (to include two composition courses and two other humanities courses, one of which must be an upper division course.)
Eight credits in PSY or SOC including one upper division course.

See track schema in the Biology Student Handbook for recommendations. The student is urged to consult catalogs of desired medical schools for any special requirements.
Secondary teaching preparation:
BIO 1110, 1120, 2110, 2120, 3500, 4170, one of the following: BIO 3210 or 3220, electives to equal 32 total biology credits. Transfer students who have completed the equivalent of BIO 4170 elsewhere may be required to take a course with a research component.
CHM 1110, 1120, or 1020, 1030. MTH 1111.
ESC 1202.
PSC 1201 (or PSC 2001, 2002), PSC 4150.
NSC 3335 - must take as a co-requisite with NSC 3333.
NSC 3333 - must take as a co-requisite or as a prerequisite for EDU 3800.
General requirements for secondary licensure as listed in the Education section of the catalog.
Recommended: BIO 2250, 3210, 3220.
The above is based on current information and is subject to change. The student should regularly consult with the education department for further information.
Pre-dentistry, pre-pharmacy and other pre-professional fields follow the pre-medicine track. The student is urged to consult catalogs of desired professional schools for any special requirements.
Cytotechnology preparation:
BIO 1110, 1120, 2110, 2120, 2250, 3500, 4140, electives to equal 32 total biology credits.
CHM 1110, 1120 (CHM 1020, 1030 may be substituted with departmental advisement.)
MTH 1111.
Recommended: PSC 1201 or 2001 and 2002; CIS 1005; CHM 2200, 2210, 3240.
A student also needs an internship in a cytotechnology school to be a cytotechnologist. One year of internship in an approved cytotechnology program is equivalent to 32 semester credits of upper division biology coursework. The internship is taken in the senior year.

Biology Major

A minor in biology requires 22 semester credits: BIO 1110 and 1120, or BIO 1110 and BIO/CHM 1030, and 14 additional biology credits, numbered 2000 or above, chosen with advisement. Biology courses must have a minimum grade of C to complete the requirements of the minor.

Biology Department Outcomes

Student's graduating with a degree in biology will:

be sufficiently prepared in the discipline to compete successfully for employment at the baccalaureate level or gain acceptance into, and successfully complete, a related program of professional/graduate study. Students who complete a degree in biology at The College of St. Scholastica are therefore expected to be able to demonstrate competency in the various areas of disciplinary knowledge and laboratory skills.
demonstrate effective written communication skills.
demonstrate effective oral communication skills.

Biology Course Descriptions:

BIO/CHM 1030 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology 4 cr.
Introduction to biochemistry and cell biology, intended for students who are not majoring in the natural sciences (Biology students take BIO 1110 and 1120). Topics include the study of structure and function of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids; study of the structure, function and behavior of cells; an introduction to cellular metabolism. 4 class hours. Prerequisite: CHM 1020 or CHM 1110.

BIO 1102 - Human Biology and Heredity, (VI) 4 cr.
Study of structure, function, and heredity of the human body primarily for students with a minimal science background. The content includes the organ systems, problems in development and function, basic principles of heredity, nature of gene function and inheritance of some human traits. 3 class hours, 2-hour lab. This course is not counted toward a biology major, but may be counted for the minor.

BIO 1103 - Current Environmental Topics, (VI) 4 cr. Discussion of environmental problems which have developed through man's impact on nature: water resources, food supply, overpopulation and pollution problems are stressed. 4 class hours. This course is not counted toward a biology major, but may be counted for the minor.

BIO 1104 - Life Science, (VI) 4 cr.
Survey course covering a broad range of topics in the life sciences from cell structure and function to ecology. 3 class hours, 2-hour lab. This course is not counted toward a biology major, but may be counted for the minor.

BIO 1110 - Plant Biology 4 cr.
Survey of plant kingdom with emphasis on structure, functions and economic impact of plants. This course is required of all biology majors and minors. 3 class hours, 2 hour lab.

BIO 1120 - Animal Biology, (VI) 4 cr.
Survey of animal kingdom within an evolutionary framework: adaptations of marine, freshwater and terrestrial animals in meeting physiological needs. Invertebrates are stressed. This course is required of all biology majors. 3 class hours, 2-hour lab.

BIO 2110 - Vertebrate Anatomy/ Physiology I 4 cr.
Introductory study of anatomy and physiology of the vertebrate body with an emphasis on the human. Topics include an introduction to cells, tissues, and systems organization, osteology, fluid compartments, gross and microscopic anatomy, physiology of the circulatory system, body defense systems and the gross anatomy of musculature. Prerequisite: BIO/CHM 1030 or BIO 1120.

BIO 2120 - Vertebrate Anatomy/ Physiology II 4 cr.
Continuation of BIO 2110. Topics include gross and microscopic anatomy, physiology of the renal system, respiratory system, digestive system, nervous system and endocrine system. Prerequisite: BIO 2110.

BIO 2250 - Microbiology 4 cr.
This course includes morphology, physiology, genetics, ecology, epidemiology, and control of microorganisms. The laboratory work covers basic bacteriological techniques and experiments in metabolism and growth. 3 class hours, 2-hour lab. Prerequisite: BIO 1120, BIO/CHM 1030 or instructor permission.

BIO 2777 - Topics 1-4 cr.
Lower-division courses on one-time-only basis. Classes can be developed to respond to student interest in specific areas of current interest. The number of class hours equals the number of credits. Prerequisite: instructor permission.

BIO/HSC 3020 - Pathophysiology 4 cr.
Study of the general mechanisms of disease at the cellular and molecular levels, including abnormalities of fluid distribution, the inflammatory process, abnormal immune mechanisms, and neoplastic disease, followed by an application of the basic principles of pathologic processes to diseases of the neurologic, endocrine, reproductive, hematologic, cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal and digestive systems. Prerequisite: a completed course in anatomy/physiology or instructor permission.

BIO 3101 - Conversations with the Naturalists, (VI, WI) 4 cr.
Keen observation and interpretation of living organisms and their environment. Naturalists have also done some of the best science writing for the layperson. This course provides students with an opportunity to read, observe, reflect and write about the natural world and its interpretation.

BIO 3130 - Embryology 4 cr.
Development of vertebrate animals with emphasis on anatomical development in humans. Coursework includes the differentiation of tissues of all major body systems. Prerequisite: a completed course in Anatomy/Physiology or instructor permission.

BIO 3210 - Plant Anatomy and Physiology 4 cr.
Detailed study of function and structure of plants at organism, organ and cellular levels with emphasis on higher plants. Four class hours. Prerequisite: BIO 1110 or instructor permission. Offered in alternate years.

BIO 3220 - Plant Systematics 3 cr.
Introduction to systematics of vascular plants with emphasis on identification of woody plants, representative families, terminology and use of taxonomic keys. 2 class hours, 4-hour lab. Prerequisite: BIO 1110 or instructor permission.

BIO 3500 - Genetics 4 cr.
Study of classical and molecular genetics, gene interaction, linkage and population genetics. 3 class hours, 2-hour lab. Prerequisite: BIO 1110 and 1120 or instructor permission. This course is required of all biology majors.

BIO 3600 - Molecular Cell Biology 4 cr.
Study of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells and viruses to include membranes, receptor proteins, organelles, cytoskeleton, sorting and trafficking, cellular communication, the extracellular matrix, and experimental methods. Prerequisite: BIO 3500. This course is strongly recommended for the premed, graduate school/research and forensic tracks.

BIO 4000 - Outcomes Assessment 0 cr.
We are interested in how our students compare to other students at the national level. This comparison is made by performance on standardized tests that allow us to see areas within biology where our students perform well or not as well. The results of these tests are used only in aggregate to identify our department's areas of strengths and weaknesses. This course is required of all biology majors and is to be taken in the Spring semester of their senior year.

BIO/GER 4125/5125 - Biology of Aging 2 cr.
Aging changes evident in humans as the result of time interacting with molecular mechanisms of biological systems. Current knowledge of these mechanisms will be examined, followed by an application of the basic principles of biological aging to the systems of the body. Prerequisite: a completed course in anatomy/physiology or instructor permission.

BIO 4130 - Endocrinology 4 cr.
Chemical systems of control of physiologic processes in the vertebrate animal with emphasis on the human. Pathologic activities will be included to the extent that they increase understanding of normal function. Prerequisite: a completed course in anatomy/physiology and biochemistry or instructor permission.

BIO 4135 - Histology 4 cr.
Study of tissue structure of vertebrates with emphasis on the human. Principles of basic tissue construction will be applied to studies of the major body systems. Photomicrographs on videodisc will accompany lecture presentations. Prerequisite: the completion of or concurrent enrollment in anatomy/physiology or instructor permission.

BIO 4140 - Techniques in Microscopy 2 cr.
A practical experience investigating the techniques of the histology laboratory and including photomicroscopy. The student will learn to fix, embed, section and mount tissue specimens for microscopic examination and will then photograph those specimens. Prerequisite: none.

BIO 4150 - DNA Analysis I 2 cr.
Study of the polymerase chain reaction with emphasis on some combination of amplification of STRs, VNTRs, mtDNA, Alu DNA and analysis based on agarose gel electrophoresis and capillary electrophoresis. This course will provide a solid background for students pursuing graduate school, clinical disease diagnosis, forensics and paternity testing. Prerequisite: BIO 3500, or concurrent enrollment, and consent of instructor.

BIO 4160 - DNA Analysis II 2 cr. Study of the polymerase chain reaction with emphasis on STRs and DNA sequencing with analysis based on agarose gel electrophoresis and capillary electrophoresis. This course will provide a solid background for students pursuing graduate school, clinical disease diagnosis, forensics and paternity testing. Prerequisite: BIO 3500 and consent of instructor.

BIO 4170 - Ecology 4 cr.
Study of the basic principles of ecology, interrelationships and identification of plants and animals making up principal communities of this region, the dynamic balance of communities and the productivity of natural resources. The course includes a research experience. 3 class hours, 3-hour lab. Prerequisite: BIO 1110 and 1120.

BIO 4180 - Animal Behavior 4 cr.
Patterns of animal behavior, functional values of animal behaviors in terms of survival, significance of behaviors as indicators of evolutionary relationships among species. The course includes a research experience. Three class hours, 3-hour lab. Prerequisite: BIO 1120 or instructor permission. Offered in alternate years.

BIO 4210/5210 - Advanced Physiology I 2 cr.
First in a two-semester sequence of courses including a semi-quantitative study of functions of the nervous system, musculoskeletal system and the circulatory system of humans. Prerequisite: a completed course in Anatomy/Physiology and Pathophysiology or instructor permission.

BIO 4220/5220 - Advanced Physiology II 2 cr.
Continuation of BIO 4210/5210 which includes a semi-quantitative study of functions of the body defense system, respiratory system, renal system, digestive system and reproductive system of humans. Prerequisite: BIO 4210/5210 or instructor permission.

BIO 4350 - Advanced Laboratory 2-4 cr.
An introduction to original laboratory research in collaboration with a faculty member; requiring literature searching, experimental planning, a minimum of 4-10 hours laboratory work per week depending on credit, a final written report and a seminar presentation of the work. The subject of the research could be of the student's own choosing, but will more commonly involves an ongoing project of interest to the supervising faculty member. Prerequisite: junior standing, application according to department policy, permission of the instructor.

BIO 4555 - Internship in Biology 4 cr.

BIO 4777 - Topics 1-4 cr.
Advanced courses on one-time-only basis. In depth classes, narrowed in scope to respond to student interest in specific areas corresponding to faculty interest and expertise. The number of class hours equals the number of credits. Prerequisite: BIO 1110, 1120, or instructor permission.

BIO 4999 - Problems in Biology 1-4 cr.
Advanced study and research in an area of special interest. Prerequisite: instructor permission.

Courses that may be used as biology electives with consent of the department:
CHM 3430, CHM 3431, CHM 4330, CHM 4335

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