Biological Sciences

 

Biology

 

Professors:  Askins, Loomis; Associate Professors:  Barnes, Eastman; Assistant Professor:  Bernhard; Senior Lecturers:  Fallon, Warren; Lecturers:  Hardeman, Suriyapperuma; Associate Professor Grossel, chair

 

The Major in Biological Sciences

 

The interdisciplinary major in biological sciences, offered jointly by the Biology and Botany Departments, consists of courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and computer science.  Students may choose the general track or may customize the major by selecting a concentration either in ecology or in cellular and molecular biology.

                The major consists of fifteen courses:  six core courses, two quantitative and physical science courses, one capstone course, one semester of the Biology/Botany Seminar Series, and five electives dependant on the track or concentration.  The Advanced Placement examination in biology may not be counted toward the major.

 

Core courses.  All biological sciences majors must take the following courses:

Biology 105, 106, 207, and 208; Chemistry 103 and 104 (or 107 and 204).

 

Quantitative and physical science courses.  All majors must take two of the following courses:

Mathematics 107, 111, 112, 113, 114, 206, 207, 208, 212; Psychology 201; Computer Science 110, 212; Physics 107, 108, 109, 110; Chemistry 223, 224.

For students concentrating in ecology, one of these courses must be in statistics (Mathematics 107, 206, 207, 208, or Psychology 201).  Students considering graduate school or a career in the health professions are strongly encouraged to take organic chemistry, physics, and calculus or statistics, and so should complete more than the minimum number of required courses.

 

Capstone course.  All majors must take one of the following courses:

Biology 493, 494; Botany 493, 494.  Students may, with approval of the appropriate department, select an Individual Study (391, 392) or Honors Study (497-498) in either biology or botany.

 

Biology/Botany Seminar Series.  All majors must take either 293 or 294.

 

Electives.  All majors must take five electives, chosen to satisfy the requirements of one of the following tracks or concentrations.  Electives may not duplicate any courses already selected.

 

1.  General Track

Students may take any five courses chosen from additional offerings in biology or botany, or in organic chemistry (Chemistry 223, 224).  Science-based Environmental Studies courses may be selected with approval of the major adviser.  At least three of these courses must be at the 200 level or higher, with at least one at the 300 or 400 level.

 

Advisers:  R. Askins, P. Barnes, A. Bernhard, D. Eastman, M. Fallon, M. Grossel, K. Hardeman, P. Hine, C. Jones, M. Lizarralde, S. Loomis, P. Owen, P. Siver, S. Suriyapperuma, S.W. Warren.

 

2.  Concentration in Ecology

Students must take at least one course in ecology and one in biological diversity, with a second course in either of the two areas. Students must also take two additional electives.

 

Ecology courses:  Biology 305, 307, 312, 320, 413; Botany 315.

 

Biological diversity courses:  Biology 204, 215, 330; Botany 205, 225, 410.

 

Additional electives:  Biology 224, 340, 431; Botany 115, 207, 311; or any course listed in the concentration not already selected.  Science-based Environmental Studies courses and other biology or botany courses may be selected with approval of the major adviser.

 

Advisers:  R. Askins, P. Barnes, A. Bernhard, P. Hine, C. Jones, M. Lizarralde, P. Siver, S.W. Warren.

 

3.  Concentration in Cellular and Molecular Biology

Students must take two foundational courses and three additional electives.

 

Foundational courses:  Biology 302, 309, 325; Chemistry 303, 324.

 

Additional electives:  Biology 202, 312, 322, 330, 340, 409, 431; Botany 305; Chemistry 223, 224; or any foundational course not already selected.  One course from additional offerings in biology or botany may be selected with approval of the major adviser.  Students may not count both Biology 322 and 409 toward this concentration.

 

Advisers:  P. Barnes, D. Eastman, M. Fallon, M. Grossel, K. Hardeman, S. Loomis, P. Owen, S. Suriyapperuma, S.W. Warren.

 

The Minor in Biological Sciences

 

The minor in biological sciences consists of seven courses:  the six core courses plus one elective selected from the 300- or 400-level offerings in biology or botany.  Science-based Environmental Studies courses may be selected with approval of the minor adviser.

 

Courses

 

BIOLOGY  103  INTRODUCTION TO EVOLUTION  An introduction to the process and pattern of biological evolution.  Genetic change, evidence for evolution, patterns of diversity, and phylogenetic relationships will be examined.  The course includes lectures, computer-based simulations and group projects, and class discussions.  The nature of science will be an underlying theme.

                Enrollment limited to 30 students, of which 15 spaces are reserved for freshmen.  This course satisfies General Education Area 1.  P. Barnes

 

BIOLOGY  104  ISSUES IN BIOTECHNOLOGY  Introduction to biotechnology and its impact on the environmental and life sciences, medicine, agriculture, and society.  Basic questions:  What is life? and How does it work? are examined.  The fundamental mechanics of biological life, DNA, gene expression, cloning and gene transfer are presented as a basis for the current applications of modern biotechnology and advances in medical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, environmental, and forensic applications.  The implications of biotechnology to the world economy, politics, ecology and ethics are also discussed.  No prior scientific background required.  This course does not meet the General Education Area 1 requirement.  P. Owen

 

BIOLOGY  105  ORGANISMS  The study of plants and animals, with emphasis on angiosperm and vertebrate structure, function, reproduction, and development.

                Three hours of lecture and three hours laboratory work.  Enrollment limited to 14 students per laboratory section.  Offered annually.  This course satisfies General Education Area 1.  S. Loomis or Staff

 

BIOLOGY  106  CELLS  A detailed study of cells as fundamental units of living systems from structural and molecular levels of organization.  Topics include structure and function of membranes and organelles; gene expression and regulation; protein synthesis, targeting and degradation; bioenergetics; signal transduction; cell cycle control, cancer and stem cells; the cytoskeleton, and extracellular matrices.  Laboratory experiments include protein and enzyme assays, electrophoresis, PCR, fertilization and independent research projects.

                Three hours of lecture and three hours laboratory work.  Enrollment limited to 15 students per laboratory section.  Offered annually.  This course satisfies General Education Area 1.  P. Owen or M. Grossel

 

BIOLOGY  202  HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY  A general course on the physiology of humans including the nervous, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, renal, digestive, and endocrine systems.  Particular emphasis on regulatory mechanisms.  The course will be taught as a "studio" course in which lecture and lab are combined.

                Six hours of combined lecture/laboratory.  Prerequisite:  Biology 105.  Not open to freshmen.  Enrollment limited to 20 students per section.  Offered every semester.  S. Loomis

 

BIOLOGY  204  ORNITHOLOGY  An introduction to the study of birds.  The structure and physiology of birds will be discussed as well as their evolution, classification, and behavior.  Identification of species and the ecology of birds will be emphasized on field trips.

                Three lectures; three hours laboratory, with specially scheduled field trips on weekends and before lecture.  Prerequisite:  Biology 105.  Enrollment limited to 13 students.  Offered in 2009-2010 and alternate years.  R. Askins

 

BIOLOGY  206  COMPUTATIONAL AND SYSTEMS BIOLOGY  An introduction to the use of genomics, systems biology, and computational biology in analyzing and synthesizing biological data.  Topics include DNA and protein sequences, interaction networks, gene expression, and computational techniques for retrieving, analyzing, and visualizing data.  Emphasis on projects involving interdisciplinary teams and medically related problems.  This is the same course as Computer Science 206.

                Prerequisite:  Biology 106 or Computer Science 110.  Enrollment limited to 30 students.  D. Eastman, M. Allen, and R. Peitzsch

 

BIOLOGY  207  ECOLOGY  The study of the interactions of organisms with one another and with their environment.  Major topics include a survey of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, energy flow, nutrient cycling, succession, population dynamics, life history strategies, biodiversity, interspecific interactions, and the structure of natural communities.  Ecological consequences of human activity are emphasized.

                Three lectures; three hours field and laboratory work.  Laboratory work includes field trips, collection and analysis of field data, and computer simulations.  Prerequisite:  Biology 105 or Botany 115.  Enrollment limited to 14 students per laboratory section.  Offered annually.  R. Askins, A. Bernhard, C. Jones

 

BIOLOGY  208  GENETICS  A study of the mechanisms of inheritance involving Mendelian and molecular principles and of genetic change during evolution involving population genetic principles.  Laboratory exercises include genetic and chromosomal analyses; gene mapping; study of biochemical, developmental and DNA sequence variation; and experiments in population and quantitative genetics.

                Three lectures and three hours laboratory work.  Prerequisite:  Biology 106 and Chemistry 103 or 107.  Enrollment limited to 14 students per laboratory section.  Offered annually.  P. Barnes or D. Eastman

 

BIOLOGY  214  BIOPSYCHOLOGY  This is the same course as Psychology 214.  Refer to the Psychology listing for a course description.

 

BIOLOGY  215  INVERTEBRATE BIOLOGY  A comprehensive study of the morphology and biology of the invertebrates.  Morphological diversity will be discussed in view of its functional and adaptive significance.  Laboratory work will stress experimental design.  Field trips are included.

                Two lectures; four hours laboratory work.  Prerequisite:  Biology 105.  Enrollment limited to 16 students per laboratory section.  Offered in 2008-2009 and alternate years.  S. Loomis

 

BIOLOGY  224  ANIMAL BEHAVIOR  Genetic and learned aspects of animal behavior will be examined in an ecological and evolutionary context.  Topics include animal communication, territorial and reproductive behavior, complex social systems, and sensory capabilities.  Laboratory work will consist of field trips and an independent project.

                Three lectures; three hours field and laboratory work, with some specially scheduled field trips on evenings and weekends.  Prerequisite:  Biology 105 or permission of the instructor.  Not open to freshmen.  Enrollment limited to 13 students.  R. Askins

 

BIOLOGY  293, 294  BIOLOGY/BOTANY SEMINAR SERIES  Lectures and discussions on current research in the life sciences.  Presentations by visiting scientists, Connecticut College faculty, and student researchers.  Preparation of pre-lecture questions through background readings and post-lecture summaries required.  This is the same course as Botany 293, 294.

                One meeting per week throughout the semester.  Two hours of credit, marked as pass/not passed.  These courses may be taken for a maximum of four credits.  Offered every semester.  Biology and Botany Faculty

 

BIOLOGY  302  MOLECULAR DEVELOPMENT  This course focuses on the molecular, cellular, genetic, and evolutionary aspects of developmental processes in microbes, animals, and plants.  Specific topics include embryogenesis, stem cells, gene expression regulation, and cell signaling.  Investigative experiments and independent projects on live animals and plants will be emphasized in the laboratory.

                Two hours lecture; four hours laboratory.  Prerequisite:  Biology 106 and 208.  Enrollment limited to 12 students per laboratory section.  D. Eastman

 

BIOLOGY  305  MARINE ECOLOGY  Students will explore the ecology and biota of local marine environments through field work and individual research projects.  The course will focus on biological responses to environmental challenges, and will explore the roles of diversity, trophic structure, and productivity in marine systems.  Critical evaluation of primary literature will be emphasized.

                Two lectures; four hours field or laboratory work.  Prerequisite:  Biology 207.  Enrollment limited to 12 students.  A. Bernhard

 

BIOLOGY  307  FRESHWATER ECOLOGY  An introduction to the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of lacustrine environments.  A comparative approach, integrating field, laboratory, and classroom investigations, to analyze similarities and differences in freshwater ecosystems.  Interaction of environmental factors in controlling the distributions of organism, trophic dynamics, eutrophication, acidification, lake ontogeny, analyses of catchments, and paleolimnological topics.

                Two lectures; four hours field or laboratory work.  Overnight field trip required.  Prerequisite:  Biology 105 and one additional course in Biology or Botany which may be taken concurrently.  Enrollment limited to 12 students.  Offered in alternate years.  P. Siver

 

BIOLOGY  309  MOLECULAR BIOLOGY  A comprehensive study of the molecular mechanisms of basic cellular functions involved in human health and disease.  Topics include DNA structure, replication, damage and repair, and gene expression.

                Two hours of lecture and one four-hour laboratory.  The laboratory teaches recombinant DNA methods, including molecular cloning, and incorporates a class research project involving a DNA library screen in yeast.  Prerequisite:  Biology 106, 208, Chemistry 103, 104, or 107, 204, 223.  Chemistry 223 may be taken concurrently or in special circumstances may be waived with permission of the instructor.  Enrollment limited to 12 students per laboratory section.  Offered annually.  M. Grossel

 

BIOLOGY  312  MOLECULAR ECOLOGY  This course will integrate aspects of molecular biology, ecology, and evolution.  Students will explore the use of molecular techniques, including genomics, to address ecological questions through student-designed experiments and critical evaluation of published studies.  Students will also discuss the role of molecular ecology in conservation biology and population genetics.

                Prerequisite:  Biology 207 or 208.  Enrollment limited to 12 students.  Offered in 2007-2008 and alternate years.  A. Bernhard

 

BIOLOGY  314  BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE  This is the same course as Psychology 314.  Refer to the Psychology listing for a course description.

 

BIOLOGY  320  TROPICAL BIOLOGY  An intensive field course emphasizing community ecology and adaptations of organisms to tropical environments.  Field trips and research projects will be based at research stations in Belize, and will include studies of the following natural communities:  tropical forests, mangrove swamps, sea grass beds, and coral reefs.

                One lecture per week and 12 days of intensive field work in Belize during spring break.  Prerequisite:  Biology 207 and permission of the instructor.  Enrollment limited to 16 students.  Special Fee.  Offered in 2007-2008 and alternate years.  S. Loomis, M. Lizarralde, R.S. Warren

 

BIOLOGY  322  PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY  This is the same course as Psychology 322.  Refer to the Psychology listing for a course description.

 

BIOLOGY  325  CELL ULTRASTRUCTURE  Advanced structural cell biology emphasizing the use of electron optics.  Methods of biological sample preparation, theory and use of transmission and scanning electron microscopes, production of photomicrographs through darkroom and digital imaging techniques.  Concentrated research on integrated original research projects.

                Six hours of combined lecture and laboratory group or tutorial work weekly.  Prerequisite:  Biology 106 and Chemistry 104, or permission of the instructor.  Enrollment limited to 10 students.  P. Owen

 

BIOLOGY  326  SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY  Theory and use of the scanning electron microscope, sample preparation and x-ray microanalysis.  Concentrated research on original research projects.

                Six hours of combined lecture and laboratory group or tutorial work weekly during the second half of the semester; two hours of credit.  Not intended for majors in biological sciences or botany.  Prerequisite:  Chemistry 103 and permission of the instructor.  Enrollment limited to 4 students.  P. Owen

 

BIOLOGY  330  MICROBIOLOGY  Structure and growth of bacteria and viruses, with emphasis on the role of microorganisms in genetic engineering, in the environment, and as agents of diseases such as AIDS and tuberculosis.

                Prerequisite:  Biology 106 and 208; and either Chemistry 103 and 104 or 107 and 204; or permission of the instructor.  Enrollment limited to 12 students per lab section.  A. Bernhard, M. Grossel, S. Suriyapperuma

 

BIOLOGY  336  NEUROBIOLOGY OF DISEASE  This is the same course as Psychology 336.  Refer to the Psychology listing for a course description.

 

BIOLOGY  340  EVOLUTION  An exploration of the theory and process of biological evolution.  Topics include adaptation; variation at different levels from DNA to populations; the population genetics of microevolution; and the origin of new species.  Macroevolution will be examined through the fossil record, modern phylogenetic techniques, the origin of novelty, and human evolution.

Three lectures; three hours of laboratory.  Prerequisite:  Biology 208 and either Biology 207 or permission of the instructor.  Enrollment limited to 16 students per laboratory section.  Offered annually.  P. Barnes

 

BIOLOGY  409  BEHAVIORAL ENDOCRINOLOGY  This is the same course as Psychology 409.  Refer to the Psychology listing for a course description.

 

BIOLOGY  410  FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY  Emerging fields in molecular biology.  Topics and techniques include stem cells, genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, pharmacogenomics, molecular modeling, animal model systems for drug discovery including mouse knock-ins and knock-outs, micro-arrays, and designer drugs/population studies.  Discussions on academic versus industrial approaches to science as well as ethical and societal implications of covered topics.

                Three lectures, no laboratory.  Prerequisite:  Courses 106, 208, 303, and 309 and Chemistry 223, 224, and 304; or permission of the instructors.  This course is taught by adjunct members of the faculty employed by Pfizer, Inc., and is coordinated by D. Eastman or M. Grossel.  Enrollment limited to 20 students.  Adjunct Staff

 

BIOLOGY  413  ESTUARINE ECOLOGY  Community and systems ecology of tidal marsh-estuarine ecosystems with emphasis on auto-ecology of dominant vascular plants, macro-invertebrates and fish.  Historical development of tidal wetlands, ecological connections with near-shore marine ecosystems, and human manipulation and management of marsh-estuarine ecosystems are also considered.

                Two lectures; four hours field or laboratory work.  Overnight field trip required.  Prerequisite:  Biology 105 and at least one additional course in botany, biology taken at the 200 level.  Enrollment limited to 14 students.  Offered in alternate years.  Staff

 

BIOLOGY  431  COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY  A comparative study of the physiological adaptations of organisms to the environment utilizing current research methods.  Emphasis may be on invertebrates or plants.  Laboratory exercises will involve research projects dealing with specific environmental adaptations.

                Two lectures; four hours of laboratory work.  Prerequisite:  Biology 106.  Open to juniors and seniors.  Enrollment limited to 10 students per laboratory section.  Offered annually.  S. Loomis

 

BIOLOGY  493, 494  SEMINAR IN BIOLOGY

                Open to juniors and seniors, and to sophomores with permission of the instructor.  Enrollment limited to 12 students.

 

BIOLOGY  493B  TOPICS IN IMMUNOLOGY

                Prerequisite:  Chemistry 223, 224, and Biology 302 or 309.

 

BIOLOGY  493E, 494E  MOLECULAR BASIS OF CANCER

                Prerequisite:  Biology 208 and 309.

 

BIOLOGY  493F, 494F  CONSERVATION BIOLOGY AND GENETICS

 

BIOLOGY  493G, 494G  BIOCHEMICAL AND MOLECULAR EVOLUTION

                Prerequisite:  Any two of the following courses:  Biology 208, 221, 309, 330; Chemistry 303, 304, 324; Biology/Psychology 314.

 

BIOLOGY  493H, 494H  STEM CELLS AND CELL SIGNALING

                Prerequisite:  Biology 208.

 

BIOLOGY  493I, 494I  GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPS  This is the same course as Botany 493B, 494B.  Refer to the Botany listing for a course description.

 

BIOLOGY  493J, 494J  CURRENT TOPICS IN BIOLOGY:  MARINE BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION  This course will cover current issues in marine biodiversity and conservation.  Topics may include trophic cascades, marine sanctuaries, impacts of invasive species, and overfishing.  Students will explore various topics, using current literature to direct in-class discussions and presentations.

                Prerequisite:  Biology 207.  Open to juniors and seniors.  A. Bernhard

 

BIOLOGY  493K, 494K  CELL MEMBRANES AND DISEASE  Analysis of biological membranes with an emphasis on structure and function of protein components.  Topics include lipid composition, biophysical properties important for localization and function, ion channels, porins, receptors, and relevant diseases.  Students will explore primary scientific literature and research an independent project.

                Prerequisite:  Courses 106 and 108 and Chemistry 223 and 224.  Enrollment limited to 16 students.  J. Crary

 

BIOLOGY  291, 292  INDIVIDUAL STUDY  Library research and discussion of current topics beyond the basic curriculum in biological sciences, carried out under the direction of a faculty member.  A research paper is required.  Ten hours of work per week expected.

                Prerequisite:  Arrange with faculty member prior to registration.  A brief description of the proposed project required for departmental approval.  Offered by individual arrangement.

 

BIOLOGY  391, 392  INDIVIDUAL STUDY  (Independent Research)  An independent laboratory or field research project carried out under the direction of a faculty member from the botany or biology departments.  A research report in the style of a scientific publication required.  Ten hours of work per week expected.

                Prerequisite:  Arrange with faculty member prior to registration.  A brief description of the proposed project required for department approval.  Offered by individual arrangement.

 

BIOLOGY  497-498  HONORS STUDY

 

The Major in Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology

 

The Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology major, offered jointly by the Biology, Botany, and Chemistry Departments, integrates related courses and areas of study in chemistry and biology.  It recognizes the importance of the interdisciplinary nature of modern biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, and the role of these disciplines in modern biological, biomedical, and chemical sciences.  See listing under the Chemistry Department.

 

The Major in Behavioral Neuroscience

 

The interdisciplinary major in Behavioral Neuroscience (formerly Neuroscience/Psychobiology) is offered jointly by the Psychology and Biology Departments and is intended to fill the needs of students seeking to understand the biological bases of behavior.  It guides the student toward investigation of physiological, genetic, structural, developmental, and evolutionary foundations of human and non-human animal behavior.  See listing under Behavioral Neuroscience.