Biology
Chair: Robert L. Morris
Department home page: http://www.wheatoncollege.edu/Acad/Biology
Biologists study living systems at different levels of organization. To ensure students are exposed to all levels of biological organization, the Biology Department focuses students on the study of cells and molecules, organisms and systems.
Off-campus credit
It is essential that students get permission from the Biology Department before taking courses to be counted toward the major in summer programs, field research programs and JYA programs.
Major Requirements
Print a major planning worksheet
Bio 111 Evolution and Ecology
Bio 112 Cells and Genes
(Biology 111 and 112 can be taken in any order.)
Four 200-level courses, at least three of which must have a laboratory.
Three 300-level biology courses, at least two of which must have a laboratory.
Chem 153 Chemical Principles
Chem 154 Inorganic Reactions
Three related courses from biology, chemistry, mathematics/computer science or physics.
The 200- and 300-level biology courses must include a minimum of one course from each of the following biology areas: cells and molecules, organisms, systems.
Capstone
The capstone in biology can be fulfilled in several ways. Students may conduct an independent research project that is approved by the department and supervised by faculty (Bio 499) or conduct research as part of an honors thesis (Bio 500). In some cases, a specially designed (Bio 399) course (Independent Study) may fulfill the capstone requirement. The capstone may also be experienced in specially designed and designated seminars (Bio 400), which are usually taken in the senior year.
Area requirements
To ensure students are exposed to all levels of biological organization, biology majors must take at least one course in each of the three following areas: cells and molecules, organisms, systems.
Cells and molecules
Bio 211 Genetics
Bio 219 Cell Biology
Bio 221 Microbiology and Immunology
Bio 222 Bacteriology
Bio 254 Developmental Biology
Bio 305 Biochemistry
Bio 307 Cell Evolution
Bio 316 Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Bio 321 Immunology
Bio 324 Neurobiology
Bio 347 Endocrinology
Organisms
Bio 205 Nutrition
Bio 207 The Biology of Exercise
Bio 220 Evolution of Invertebrates
Bio 226 Comparative Animal Behavior
Bio 244 Introductory Physiology
Bio 252 Parasitology and Symbiosis
Bio 255 Vertebrate Evolution and Anatomy
Bio 262 Plant Biology
Bio 331 Advanced Marine Biology
Bio 348 Advanced Physiology
Bio 375 Ornithology
Systems
Bio 201 Environmental Science
Bio 215 Ecology
Bio 231 Marine Biology
Bio 298 Concepts in Ecology
Bio 303 Evolution
Bio 317 Molecular Ecology and Evolution
Bio 318 Tropical Field Biology
Bio 361 Vernal Pool Conservation Biology
Bio 364 Freshwater and Marine Botany
Bio 398 Conservation Biology
Related majors
Students interested in the biological sciences may consider declaring a major in Biochemistry, Environmental Science or Psychobiology, and should meet with the designated program coordinators to discuss the program of interest.
Health professions
Students planning a career in medicine, dentistry, veterinary or other health professions should consult a health professions advisor early in the first year in order to plan a suitable program. Medical schools require a minimum of two semesters of biology, two semesters of physics, two semesters of mathematics, four semesters of chemistry and two semesters of English. The MCATs include material from anatomy, microbiology, physiology and genetics. Therefore, those 200-level courses are recommended.
Also see information on Wheaton's pre-med advising. For more information on pre-med advising contact Dean Alex Trayford in Academic Advising and Co-Curricular Learning.
Honors/ graduate school
Biology departmental honors will be awarded on the basis of a B+ or better average in the major, an overall average of B or better, and a grade of B+ or better on the individual research project.
Students intending to continue their study of biology in graduate school are strongly encouraged to take organic chemistry. Graduate and pre-health programs usually require students to have an exposure to organic chemistry, calculus and physics.
Minor
Print a minor planning worksheet
A minor in biology consists of five courses. No more than two courses may be at the 100 level; at least one course must be at the 300 level and at least three of the courses must have a laboratory.
Courses
101. An Introduction to Biology
This course is taught using an issues-oriented approach and includes topics of current interest to today's society, such as the human genome project, genetic testing, genetically modified foods, the population explosion, nutrition, cancer and biodiversity. This course encourages critical thinking and questioning and teaches you tools that will enable you to evaluate scientific arguments and make appropriate decisions affecting your life and society. This is an introductory, laboratory-based course in biology for non-majors. Three hours lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
106. Basic Anatomy and Physiology
A survey of the essential principles in human physiology combined with basic human anatomy. The emphasis is placed on neuromuscular structures and functions, since the course is connected to a studio art course, Arts 230, as well as a theatre course, Thea 140. Three hours integrated lecture/lab per week. Each student is required to do a "connected project."
Connections:
Conx 20010 Body, Form and Motion
Conx 20001 Human Biology and Movement
111. Evolution and Ecology
The study of evolution as a process, as it relates to patterns of distribution and abundance of organisms in ecosystems. 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.
(Shawn McCafferty)
Connections:
Conx 20019 The Darwin Connection: Evolution, Race and Culture
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.
(Robert L. Morris)
Connections:
Conx 20026 Biopharma
115. Natural History of New England Forests
A field-based course with observational and experimental activities. Students will learn to identify the common flora and fauna of the surrounding forest community. The course will also examine historical and contemporary human impact on New England forests. Field trips to coastal forest ecosystem and the Fisher Museum at the Harvard Forest.
(Deborah Cato)
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 not intended to be a substitute for a course in ecology and students planning to pursue careers in ecology or environmental science are advised to take Bio 215 or Bio 218 in addition to this class. Three hours lecture per week.
(Scott W. Shumway)
Connections:
Conx 23009 The Environment
205. Nutrition
The course focuses on nutrients, their digestion and metabolism. The application of the fundamentals of nutrition to daily life and health issues such as dieting, exercise, weight control, eating disorders, heart disease, cancer, safety of food additives, genetically modified foods and farming practices. Students will carry out an independent project. Three hours lecture per week.
(Shari Morris)
Connections:
Conx 23002 Food
207. 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.
(Edmund Y. Tong)
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.
(Betsey Dexter Dyer)
Connections:
Conx 23017 Forbidden Knowledge
Conx 20015 Genes in Context
Conx 23016 Race as a Social Construct
Conx 20060 The Genetics of the Autism Spectrum
215. Ecology
A survey of the basic principles of ecology, particularly terrestrial ecosystems of New England. Laboratory emphasizes field work. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory per week.
(John Kricher, Peter J. Auger)
Connections:
Conx 20063 Ecology: A Statistical Approach
Conx 20017 Ecology and Public Policy
219. Cell Biology
The organization, functions and behaviors of eukaryotic cells. Cell architecture and cell motility will serve as themes to investigate similarities and specializations of protist, plant and animal cells. Other topics include organelle function, the cytoskeleton, cell division and intracellular transport. Lab will emphasize digital imaging to study cells and cell behaviors. Three hours lecture and three hours lab per week.
(Robert L. Morris)
Connections:
Conx 20029 Living Architecture
Conx 23012 Visualizing Information
220. Evolution of Invertebrates
The goals for this course are to make your knowledge of the invertebrates a functional and integral part of your life as a biologist; to learn to recognize and discuss all of the phyla of invertebrates as well as some subphyla and classes; and to understand the evolution of the invertebrates.
(Betsey Dexter Dyer)
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.
(Barbara Brennessel)
Connections:
Conx 20005 Microbes and Health
222. Bacteriology
Primary goals for this course include: 1. Making a knowledge of the bacteria a functional and integral part of your life as a biologist 2. being able to recognize and discuss all of the major groups of bacteria as well as many specific examples of practical (medical, environmental and industrial) importance 3. understanding the evolution of the bacteria 4. becoming comfortable with and conersant on most bacterial groups in situ, in spite of their apparent invisibility.
(Betsey Dexter Dyer)
226. Comparative Animal Behavior
See Psy 226.
Connections:
Conx 23013 Animal Power in Religion, Art and Science
227. Drugs and Behavior
See Psy 227.
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, estuarine and coral reef habitats. Laboratories and field trips will provide a survey of marine algae and invertebrates. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory per week.
(Scott W. Shumway)
242. DNA
An amazing blend of biology, chemistry, computing and mathematics emerges when considering the molecule "Deoxyribonucleic Acid" (DNA). DNA is the blueprint of life for all organisms on Earth and throughout evolutionary time. This course explores DNA from the following four points of view: molecular biology, applied mathematics, evolutionary biology and computer science. Students will analyze DNA sequences by learning to write computer programs (software) in the language Perl. Learning to write programs is a pure, distilled form of problem solving, a vital skill for many careers and graduate studies. Historical and ethical aspects of DNA are discussed. Counts as a related course in the biology major and as a 200-level elective in the computer science major.
(Betsey Dexter Dyer, Mark D. LeBlanc)
Connections:
Conx 20015 Genes in Context
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 involving three four-hour sessions at Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro is also included.
(Edmund Y. Tong)
Connections:
Conx 20061 Body and Mind
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.
(Betsey Dexter 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.
(Robert L. Morris)
Connections:
Conx 23012 Visualizing Information
255. Vertebrate Evolution and Anatomy
The evolutionary history of vertebrates and the vertebrate body form as revealed by the fossil record and the anatomy of extant vertebrates. Laboratory emphasizes comparisons among the various classes of vertebrates with a focus on skeletal anatomy. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory per week. (Formerly titled, Chordate Anatomy and Evolution).
(John Kricher)
262. Plant Biology
An introduction to the biology of plants, including mosses, club mosses, ferns, horsetails, cycads, conifers and flowering plants. Morphology, ecology and evolution will be addressed for each group. 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.
(Scott W. Shumway)
Connections:
Conx 23002 Food
290. Biology of Whales
Through the Marine Studies Consortium.
298. Experimental Course
Concepts in Ecology
An introduction to the conceptual basis for ecology with a strong focus on applied ecology. Major topics include ecological energetics, population and community ecology, human ecology and biodiversity studies. Three hours lecture.
(John Kricher)
303. Evolution
A detailed examination of the causes and mechanisms of evolution. This course emphasizes the major concepts of modern evolutionary biology by exploring contemporary issues. Topics include the basics of evolutionary genetics, natural selection, adaptation, speciation, the origins of biological diversity, evolution in modern society and the conflict between evolution and creationism. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory per week.
(Shawn McCafferty)
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.
(Barbara Brennessel)
307. Cell Evolution
Structures and functions of subcellular components of prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Evolution of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Aspects of cell differentiation, multicellularity and cell-cell communication. Laboratory includes methods for histological preparations and an independent project. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory per week.
(Betsey Dexter Dyer)
Connections:
Conx 20015 Genes in Context
316. Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
The molecular basis for biological processes. Synthesis, structure, function and regulation of the genome, transcriptome and proteome. A detailed examination of genome dynamics and the control and regulation of genome expression. Contemporary topics in biotechnology such as genetic engineering, cloning, molecular medicine, infectious diseases and biological weapons will also be discussed. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory per week.
(Shawn McCafferty)
317. Molecular Ecology and Evolution
An introduction to the concepts and issues in molecular evolution and the emerging field of molecular ecology. Course emphasizes the unique insights provided by the application of molecular methods to questions in ecology and evolution. Topics include rates and processes of molecular evolution, phylogenetic systematics, phylogeography, population genetics, forensics and conservation genetics. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week.
(Shawn McCafferty)
318. Tropical Field Biology
An exploration of the biology of tropical rain forests and coral reefs. Course will be taught in alternating years in Costa Rica and Belize. Previous 200-level courses in biology and permission of the instructors required.
(Shawn McCafferty, Scott W. Shumway)
321. Immunology
An overview of the mammalian immune system with an emphasis on humans by using medical case studies. Topics will include: immune cell types, antibodies, self and non-self recognition, vaccinations and HIV/AIDS. Student will review selected journal articles and write a paper reviewing a disease of their choice. Three hours of lecture per week.
(Shari Morris)
323. Behavioral Neuroscience
See Psy 323.
324. Neurobiology
Organization and function of nervous systems emphasizing cellular and molecular mechanisms. Topics include cell biology of neurons, neuron growth, motor proteins and the cytoskeleton, physiology of excitable membranes and biological circuits. Laboratory emphasizes experimental methods and includes tissue culture and microscopy. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory per week.
(Robert L. Morris)
331. Advanced Marine Biology
A detailed analysis of marine environments and the adaptations of animals to marine habitats. Topics include physical oceanography, life in flowing fluids and physiological adaptations to the marine environments. Lecture, laboratory and mandatory field trips are tightly integrated and culminate in completion of an individually chosen, collaborative research project. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory per week.
(Robert L. 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.
(Edmund Y. 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.
(Edmund Y. Tong)
361. Vernal Pool Conservation Biology
An introduction to the biology of vernal pools and their inhabitants, conservation issues surrounding vernal pools and the science required to understand those issues. Students will actively engage in research on vernal pools. Three hours per week plus research projects and field work.
(Scott W. Shumway)
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.
(Scott W. Shumway)
375. Ornithology
The study of the origin, anatomy, physiology, classification, behavior and ecology of birds. Much emphasis on field work. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory per week.
(John Kricher)
390. Biology of Fishes
Through the Marine Studies Consortium.
398. Experimental Course
399. Selected Topics
Discussion and research on special aspects of biology such as animal or plant physiology, animal development, ecology, microbiology and genetics; content varies with the interest of students and instructors. Offered at the discretion of the department.
401. Senior Seminar
Angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels, has great clinical significance in the treatment for conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and wound healing. There are numerous positive and inhibitory angiogenic agents. The seminar will focus on various physiological and pathological conditions involving angiogenesis and examine how different endogenous and exogenous agents produce their effects by acting on many different pathways in the vascular tissue, the extracellular matrix and in the endothelial cells via a wide array of growth factors and other agents on the receptors, the enzymes and the angiogenic genes.
402. Senior Seminar
The seminar will explore scientific discoveries and insights within the fields of ecology and evolution and their potential to influence societal decisions throughout the century. Topics will include macroevolution, evolutionary philosophy, human evolution, and ecological topics such as biodiversity loss, food web simplificaton, emergence of new pathogens, and climate change.
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 normally 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.
999. Course Offerings through Affiliated Institutions
Additional information may be obtained about course offerings through affiliated institutions (Williams-Mystic, MBL and Marine Studies Consortium) at the Academic Advising Office and the department web pages.
through the Marine Studies Consortium
Bio 290 Biology of Whales
Bio 291 Introduction to Marine Mammals
Bio 380 Wetlands Ecology, Hydrology, Restoration
Bio 390 Biology of Fishes
Bio 391 Wetlands
Int 210 Water Resources Planning and Management
Int 215 Coastal Zone Management
through Williams College-Mystic Seaport Maritime Studies Program
Marine Ecology (200 level)
Oceanography (200 level)
through Marine Biological Laboratory Semester in Environmental Science
Aquatic Ecosystems (300 level)
Terrestrial Ecosystems (300 level)
Mathematical Modeling of Ecosystems (300 level)
Microbial Methods in Ecology (300 level)