Courses in Biology
Department Course Offerings:
To see a description of a course click on the course name or online syllabus.
101 An Introduction to Biology. Fahey.
107 The Biology of Exercise. Tong.
111 Evolution and Ecology. Dept.
112 Cells and Genes. Dept.
201 Environmental Science. Shumway.
205 Nutrition. Brennessel. Online syllabus.
211 Genetics. Dyer.
215 Ecology. Kricher.
218 Tropical Ecology. Kricher.
221 Microbiology and Immunology. Brennessel.
226 Comparative Animal Behavior. Morgan.
231 Marine Biology. Shumway.
244 Introductory Physiology. Tong.
252 Parasitology and Symbiosis. Dyer.
254 Developmental Biology. Morris. Online syllabus.
255 Chordate Anatomy and Evolution. Kricher.
262 Plant Biology. Shumway.
303 Evolution. Kricher.
305 Biochemistry. Brennessel.
307 Cell Evolution. Dyer.
316 Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. Brennessel.
324 Neurobiology. Morris.
331 Advanced Marine Biology. Morris. Online syllabus.
347 Endocrinology. Tong.
348 Advanced Physiology. Tong.
364 Freshwater and Marine Botany. Shumway.
398 Ornithology. Kricher.
399 Selected Topics. Department.
499 Independent Research. Department.
500 Individual Research (Senior Honors Thesis). Department.
Course Offerings through Affiliated Institutions
Offered through the Marine Studies Consortium - an association of seventeen Massachusetts higher education and research institutions:Introduction to Marine Mammals (Wheaton Cat. No. BIO 291)
Cetacean Biology and Conservation (Wheaton Cat. No. BIO 290)
Biology of Fishes (Wheaton Cat. No. BIO 390)
Coastal Zone Management (Wheaton Cat. No. INT 215)
Water Resources Planning & Management (Wheaton Cat. No. INT 210)
Maritime History (Wheaton Cat. No. INT 225)Offered through the Williams-Mystic Maritime Studies Program of Williams College and Mystic Seaport:
Marine Ecology
OceanographyOffered through the Semester in Environmental Science program at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, MA:
Aquatic Ecosystems
Terrestrial Ecosystems Ecosystems
Mathematical Modeling of Ecosystems Ecosystems
Microbial Methods in Ecology Ecosystems
Biology Courses Offered at Wheaton
101. An Introduction to Biology
Living systems from the molecular through ecosystem level of organization. Lectures emphasize interactions between levels and between structure, function, development, and heredity. The laboratory complements the lectures by providing practical experience in selected areas of the discipline. This course is designed for students with little or no previous knowledge of biology who do not intend to major in the natural sciences. Enrollment preference will be given to seniors and Continuing Education students followed by juniors, sophomores, and freshmen in that order. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory per week. Spring. (Laboratory Science)
(Fahey, Department)
107. The Biology of Exercise
Responses and adaptations of the human body to exercise with emphasis on metabolism, skeletal muscles and the cardiovascular-respiratory system.
Topics include aerobic performance, anaerobic capacity and the relationships between exercise and nutrition, weight control, strength and endurance training, sex and age differences, health states, drugs and performance aids. Intended for non-science majors. (Natural Science)
Electronic Syllabus
(Tong)
111. Evolution and Ecology
Introduces organisms and their interactions with each other and with their environments, with a strong emphasis on evolution. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory per week. Bio 111, required for majors in the biological sciences, may be taken either before or after Bio 112. Enrollment preference will be given to freshmen and sophomores planning to major in Biology or planning a pre-medical concentration. Fall (Laboratory Science)
(Department)
112. Cells and Genes
Introduces the cell as the basic unit of life, genes as the basic unit of inheritance, and discusses the cellular and molecular processes and principles shared by living organisms. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory per week. Bio 112, required for majors in the biological sciences, may be taken either before or after Bio 111. Enrollment preference will be given to freshmen and sophomores planning to major in Biology or planning a pre-medical concentration. Fall (Laboratory Science)
(Department)
201. Environmental Science
An overview of current environmental concerns and the scientific theory needed to address them. Population growth, community ecology, biodiversity, endangered species management, ground water quality, and introduced species. This class is designed for students pursuing the environmental science major, biology major (related course), or environmental studies minor, but is open to all students interested in the environment or wishing to fulfill the Natural Science requirement. This class is not intended to be a substitute for a course in ecology and students planning to pursue careers in ecology or environmental studies are advised to take Bio 215 or Bio 218 in addition to this class. Cannot be used as a 200-level course for the biology major, but may count as a related course. Spring 2001. Prerequisites: Biology 101 or 111. (Natural Science) (Systems)
(Shumway)
205. Nutrition
Fundamentals of nutrition and its application to daily life. The course deals with nutrients, changing nutrient needs during the life cycle, social and behavioral influences on eating, and health issues such as weight control and eating disorders. Part of the course presents an overview of some critical issues in nutrition such as the world food supply, the link between nutrition and cancer, the safety of chemical additives, the influence of advertising on food costs, and preferred foods. Three hours lecture per week. Cannot be used as a 200-level course for the Biology major, but may count as a related course. Spring 2000. Prerequisite: Biology 101, 111 or equivalent. (Natural Science) (Organisms)
Electronic Syllabus
(Brennessel)
211. Genetics
The nature of genes, gene function and gene regulation. The transmission of inherited characteristics and the behavior of genes in populations. Laboratory includes the collection and analysis of data from Drosophila crosses. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory per week. Spring. Prerequisite: Biology 101, 111, or equivalent. (Laboratory Science) (Cells & Molecules)
(Dyer)
215. Ecology
A survey of the basic principles of ecology. Emphasis is placed on terrestrial ecosystems of New England, as well as a survey of all biomes of North America. Laboratory emphasizes field work. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory per week. Fall. Prerequisite: Biology 101, 111, or equivalent. (Laboratory Science) (Systems)
(Kricher)
218. Tropical Ecology
A survey of ecosystems of Central and South America. Emphasis is placed on the tropical rainforest but other ecosystems, including savanna, cloud forest, mangrove and coral reef, and high altitude Andean ecosystems are also included. Three hours lecture per week. Fall 2001. Prerequisite: Biology 101, 111, or equivalent. (Natural Science) (Systems)
(Kricher)
221. Microbiology and Immunology
The biology of microorganisms concentrating on bacteria and viruses, and including a section dealing with the fundamental concepts of immunology. The laboratory focuses on the techniques used to culture and identify microorganisms. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory per week. Spring. Prerequisite: Biology 101, 111, or equivalent. (Laboratory Science) (Cells & Molecules) Syllabus
(Brennessel)
226. Comparative Animal Behavior
An introduction to the use of evolutionary theory as an organizing framework of understanding human and non-human animal behavior, through a comparison of representative behavior patterns in a variety of animal species. The focus in these comparisons will include analysis of both the mechanisms and functions of behaviors. There is a three-hour optional lab. If demand requires it, lab assignments will be determined using a lottery system. Spring. Prerequisite: Biology 111 or 101 and an introductory psychology course. (Natural Science/Laboratory Science) (Organisms)
(Morgan)
231. Marine Biology
An introduction to the biology of marine organisms from an ecological perspective. Species interactions, distribution patterns, and adaptations to the marine environment for the rocky intertidal, soft bottom, subtidal, deep sea, salt marsh, and mangrove habitats. Laboratories and field trips will provide a survey of marine algae and invertebrates. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory per week. Spring 2000. Prerequisites: Biology 101, 111, or equivalent (Laboratory Science) (Systems)
(Shumway)
244. Introductory Physiology
The function of various animal organ systems, especially the ways in which they interact to maintain homeostasis of the individual. Most examples are from mammalian systems. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory per week. A service learning component is also included. Fall. Prerequisite: Biology 101, 111, or equivalent. (Laboratory Science) (Organisms)
ER Patients
(Tong)
252. Parasitology and Symbiosis
Parasitology as a world health problem with discussions on economic, political and medical aspects of parasite control. Descriptive parasitology and symbiosis. Genetic and physiological interactions between associated organisms. Three hours lecture. Fall 1999. Prerequisite: Biology 101, 111, or equivalent. (Natural Science ) (Organisms)
(Dyer)
254. Developmental Biology
Cellular and molecular mechanisms of animal embryogenesis with an emphasis on experimental method and on comparisons of patterns of development. Topics include fertilization, mitosis and the cell cycle, pattern and axis formation, neurodevelopment, organogenesis, and animal cloning. The laboratory will include observations of both fixed and living embryos. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory per week. Fall. Prerequisite: Biology 101, 111, or equivalent. (Laboratory Science) (Cells & Molecules)
(R. Morris)
255. Chordate Anatomy and Evolution
A survey of the phylum Chordata - its origins, evolutionary history, anatomy, adaptations, and diversity. Laboratory will focus on comparative anatomy and dissections of vertebrates. Spring. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory per week. Prerequisite: Biology 101, 111, or equivalent. (Laboratory Science) (Organisms)
(Kricher)
262. Plant Biology
An introduction to the biology of plants with a survey of the major taxa of algae and green plants including mosses, ferns, gymnosperms, and flowering plants. Plant morphology and physiology will be addressed within an ecological and evolutionary framework. Laboratories will include examination of live specimens from all major plant taxa, student devised experiments, and field trips. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory per week. Fall. Prerequisite: Biology 101, 111, or equivalent. (Laboratory Science) (Organisms)
(Shumway)
303. Evolution
A detailed examination of the process of biological evolution. Includes in-depth discussion of Darwin's Origin of Species, as well as a critical examination of the process of natural selection. Readings and class discussions focus on contemporary topics about the evolutionary process. Spring. Three hours lecture. Prerequisite: Biology 101, 111, 211, or equivalent. (Writing Intensive) (Systems)
(Kricher)
305. Biochemistry
The chemistry and metabolism of biological molecules. The laboratory will introduce the student to concepts and techniques of isolation and characterization of biomolecules, enzyme kinetics and genetic engineering. Three hours lecture, four hours laboratory per week. Fall. Prerequisites: Biology 101, 111 or equivalent, and Chemistry 202. (Writing Intensive) (Cells & Molecules)
(Brennessel)
307. Cell Evolution
Structures and functions of subcellular components of prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Evolution of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Aspects of cell differentiation, multi-cellularity and cell-cell communication. Laboratory includes methods for histological preparations and an independent project. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory per week. Fall Prerequisite: Biology 211 or by permission of instructor (Writing Intensive) (Cells & Molecules)
(Dyer)
316. Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
The molecular basis for biological processes. Synthesis, structure, function and regulation of nucleic acids and proteins. Examination of genome dynamics and control of gene expression. Topics in Biotechnology such as genetic engineering, gene therapy, genetic screening. Student participation will include journal article summaries and presentations, as well as a major presentation of a special topic. Three hours lecture and discussion per week. Spring 2001. Prerequisites: Biology 101, 111, or equivalent, Chemistry 202. Biology 211, 221 and 305 are strongly recommended. (Cells & Molecules)
(Brennessel)
324. Neurobiology
Organization and function of nervous systems emphasizing cellular and molecular mechanisms. Topics include cell biology of neurons, neuron growth, physiology of excitable membranes, biological circuits and behavior. Laboratory emphasizes experimental methods and include tissue culture and microscopy. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory per week. Spring 2000. Prerequisite: Biology 244 or permission of the instructor. (Cells & Molecules)
(R. Morris)
331. Advanced Marine Biology
A detailed analysis of marine environments and of the adaptations of animals to marine habitats. Topics include physical oceanography, life in flowing fluids, and adaptations to the open ocean. Lecture, laboratory, and mandatory fieldtrips are tightly integrated and culminate in completion of an individually chosen, collaborative research project. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory per week. Spring 2001. Prerequisite: Biology 231 or permission of the instructor. (Organisms)
(R. Morris)
347. Endocrinology
The mechanisms by which various hormones produce their actions. Emphasis on hormone receptors, the binding of hormones to receptors and the subsequent effector induced responses. Topics include production, release, distribution and metabolism of hormones. Aspects of endocrine pathophysiology and evolutionary aspects of endocrinology will be discussed. A library research paper using primary literature and an oral presentation of the paper is also included. Three hours lecture and discussion per week. Spring 2000. Prerequisite: Biology 244a and Chemistry 153. (Cells & Molecules)
(Tong)
348. Advanced Physiology
In-depth study of physiology and biophysics of the cardiovascular-respiratory system at organismal, cellular and subcellular levels. Discussion topics include pathophysiological conditions, physical stress, environmental effects. Laboratory includes techniques and instrumentation in animal and human physiological experimentation. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory per week. Spring 2001. Prerequisite: Biology 244a. (Organisms)
(Tong)
364. Freshwater and Marine Botany
Taxonomy, ecology, evolution, and economics of cyanobacteria, algae, and plants inhabiting freshwater and marine ecosystems. Lake, estuary, rocky intertidal, open ocean, kelp bed, seagrass, salt marsh, and mangrove ecosystems will be studied. Labs will include collecting trips to local lakes, estuaries, salt marsh, and beaches as well as culture and microscopic examination of algae. Three hours lecture and discussion, three hours laboratory per week. Spring 2003. Prerequisites: One of the following: Biology 201, 215, 218, 231, 262 (preferred), or by permission of the instructor. (Systems)
(Shumway)
398. Ornithology
The study of the origin, anatomy, physiology, classification, behavior, and ecology of birds. Much emphasis on fieldwork. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory per week. Spring 2001. Prerequisites: one 200-level course, which can be taken concurrently. (Systems)
(Kricher)
399. Selected Topics
Discussion and research on special aspects of Biology such as animal or plant physiology, animal or plant development, ecology, microbiology and genetics; content varies with the interest of students and instructors. Offered at the discretion of the department. Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor and previous course work in the field.
(Department)
499. Independent Research (one semester)
One semester independent research supervised by a member of the Biology Department. Approval of the department is required.
500. Individual Research (two or more semesters) (two semesters are required for departmental honors)
Two to four semester courses. Members of the department supervise the individual research of a limited number of advanced students with a B+ average in the major and a B average overall. Preliminary consultation with advisors in the area of the student's special interest, and the approval of the department are required. Only students who are candidates for departmental honors may register for this course.
Last update: 11/2001
