BIO 102 - Biological Science
4 Credit(s)
This lecture and laboratory course is designed to introduce students to the natural biological world and to supplement the preceding SCI 101 course. Biology is the study of life, and this course will build upon the fundamental physical and chemical principles presented in the previous course and attempt to explain biological phenomena from a variety of perspectives. These perspectives include molecular, cellular, genetic, organismal, ecological and population biology. The course will attempt to relate present knowledge and current biological understanding to today’s modern society, as well as explore some of the more relevant implications. Three lectures and one laboratory per week.

BIO 201 - Evolution and Biological Diversity
4 Credit(s)
An introduction to the vast diversity of life from prokaryotic forms to the eukaryotic vertebrate mammals. This course introduces the beginning biology student to all the major groups of organisms and to their fundamental taxonomic relationships. Laboratory work is included. This course is required in the field of concentration.

BIO 202 - Molecular Genetics and Cellular Function
4 Credit(s)
An introduction to cellular structure and function and the biochemical basis for genetic control of cell function. Laboratory work included. Required in the field of concentration.

BIO 250 - General Ecology
3 Credit(s)
This course examines the characteristics of populations, communities and ecosystems in terms of energy flow, biogeochemistry and multivariate interactions (biotic and abiotic). The course will demonstrate the role of evolution in ecosystem composition, structure and function. The nature of the major North American Biomes will also be discussed with an emphasis on the importance of biodiversity and the interdependence of living organisms. Two weekend field trips are required. Prerequisites: CHM 101, CHM 102, and BIO 201; or consent of instructor.

BIO 287 - Biological Seminar
1 Credit(s)
Discussion of selected topics in evolution.

BIO 297 - Special Problems
1-3 Credit(s)
An introductory elective course involving individual work on a topic selected in consultation with the faculty of the Department.

BIO 301 - Invertebrate Zoology
4 Credit(s)
The study of the structure and development of various invertebrate animals. Laboratory work is included. Prerequisites: BIO 201 and 202.

BIO 302 - Developmental Biology
4 Credit(s)
An introduction to vertebrate development, including studies of germ cells, segmentation, and growth of the principal tissues and organs. Laboratory work is included. Prerequisites: BIO 201 and 202.

BIO 303 - Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
4 Credit(s)
The lecture will present an introduction to the major organ systems and their evolutionary history within vertebrates. The course will include a brief review of the diversity of vertebrates and their phylogenetic relationships. Emphasis will be placed on structural modifications and functional changes between vertebrate groups and how they are related to differences in environments and modes of life. The weekly two-hour laboratories will involve dissections of lamprey, sharks, cats, and observation of a prosected human cadaver.

BIO 305 - Plant Anatomy
4 Credit(s)
The study of plant development, structure and function. Laboratory work is included. Prerequisites: BIO 201 and either BIO 202 or permission of the instructor.

BIO 306 - Plant Physiology
3 Credit(s)
The study of physiological processes in plants. Laboratory work is included. Prerequisites: BIO 201 and 202; BIO 305 is beneficial but not required.

BIO 308 - Human Anatomy and Physiology
4 Credit(s)
A study of the structure and function of the human body; fundamental processes of body defense, nervous function, hormones, integument, respiration, circulation, blood and lymph, muscles, skeleton, digestion, excretion and hygiene. Laboratory work is included.

BIO 309 - Genetics
3 Credit(s)
The study of the principles of heredity, gene function and mutation, and growth and reproduction. Laboratory work is included. Prerequisites: BIO 201 and 202.

BIO 311 - Methods in Field Biology
3 Credit(s)
An introduction to environmental biology with an emphasis on hands-on field research techniques. Lecture topics will include aquatic and fisheries biology, forest ecology and responsible forestry practices, soil science, conservation management, and the taxonomy and natural history of animals and plants native to Michigan. Laboratories will focus on sampling and curating aquatic and terrestrial organisms, estimation of population size, numerical characterization of ecosystems, analysis of growth rate of selected organisms (fish and trees), and proper use of field research equipment. Course activities will be supplemented by numerous field trips. This course is offered on the campus of the Hillsdale College Biological Station in Luther, Michigan. Prerequisites: BIO 102 and BIO 201 or BIO 368 plus permission of the instructor. Summer Session II.

BIO 315 - Michigan Flora
4 Credit(s)
The study of Michigan’s native plants, including trees, shrubs, wildflowers, aquatic plants and grasses. Prerequisite: BIO 201.

BIO 316 - Plant Taxonomy
3 Credit(s)
The study of the principles and practice of plant systematics with its practical application to the flora of Michigan. Laboratory work is included. Prerequisite: BIO 305.

BIO 317 - Plant Morphology
4 Credit(s)
The study of plant evolution through the evaluation of morphology. Laboratory work is included. Prerequisites: BIO 201 and either BIO 202 or permission of the instructor.

BIO 318 - Historical Geology
3 Credit(s)
An introduction to the history of the earth from its formation to the present, including the development of the earth’s interior, crust, oceans, climate, continents, mountains and glaciers. In addition to the abiotic history of our planet, prevailing scientific theories on the origins, evolution and diversity of life (from bacteria to dinosaurs) on earth will be examined. Emphasis is placed on developing skills in both spatial and temporal cognition. Lectures are enhanced by field trips. Prerequisites: SCI 101 and BIO 102 or equivalent.

BIO 320 - Advanced Cell Biology
4 Credit(s)
A study of the infrastructure and function of cells. Topics include the study of electron micrographs, cellular respiration, enzyme kinetics, mechanisms of movement, protein synthesis and the implications of cellular function in multicellular organisms. Laboratory work is included. Prerequisites: BIO 201 and 202, CHM 101 and PHY 101.

BIO 340 - Biostatistics
4 Credit(s)
An introduction to philosophy of science, logical structure of the scientific method, and principles of univariate statistics for the biological sciences. Laboratory work is included, which will require the mastering of a statistical software program. Prerequisites: MTH 105 and BIO 102 or equivalent. Required in the field of concentration. Must be taken concurrently with BIO 590.

BIO 345 - Advanced Ecology
4 Credit(s)
The study of plants and animals in a natural environment: interdependence of living organisms, plant and animal succession, population, food and energy, habitat and ecological niches. Field exercises, laboratory work, lectures and critiques are inherent to the course. Prerequisites: BIO 201 and 202.

BIO 350 - Conservation
3 Credit(s)
An overview of anthropogenic environmental degradation and solutions for achieving a sustainable planet.  Topics include the history of conservation, economics and ethics, sustainable engineering and building, principles of ecology, overpopulation, world hunger, principles of soil science, agriculture, waste management, air and water pollution, climate change, habitat loss, and extinction.  Course includes field trip opportunities for hands-on learning that can be applied to environmentally responsible homestead management.

BIO 356 - Animal Histology
1 Credit(s)
The tools and techniques of the light microscope will be practiced, from tissue preparation to photomicroscopy and manuscript preparation. Prerequisite: BIO 202. Offered on demand

BIO 360 - Microbiology
4 Credit(s)
The study of bacteria in relation to human welfare: identification and laboratory techniques, reproduction and mutation and fundamental concepts of virology. Prerequisites: BIO 201 and 202.

BIO 364 - Freshwater Biology
4 Credit(s)
An introduction to the ecology of inland waters, including lakes, ponds, wetlands and streams. Major topics include geologic origins, typology, geographic distribution, biota, ecological succession, ecosystem function and restoration/management. Emphasis is placed on the interaction between organisms and the environment. Laboratories include use of field equipment, field research techniques, and identification of aquatic organisms, including protozoa, invertebrates, fish, herpetofauna and plants. Many laboratories will be conducted out of doors, and there is one required field trip off campus.

BIO 368 - Marine Biology - 1st Summer Session
4 Credit(s)
A concentrated field study that introduces students to the ecology of shallow, subtropical, and marine environments. Lectures and laboratories are complemented with boat and snorkeling trips to coral reefs and other marine habitats in the vicinity of Long Key, Florida. Additionally, students work together in groups and conduct independent research on a selected marine habitat. The course includes a survey of the marine life of the Florida Keys, as well as investigation of the autecology of the organisms. The course is designed to suite both biology majors and non-majors. Students enrolled in the course live and study on location. Prerequisites: SCI 101 and BIO 102 (or equivalent), plus consent of instructor.

BIO 370 - Entomology
4 Credit(s)
The study of insects, their classification, their physiology and structure, and their relationships to each other, to their environment and to man. The course includes laboratory and field exercises. Prerequisites: BIO 201 and 202.

BIO 380 - Animal Behavior
4 Credit(s)
The study of empirical, theoretical and conceptual foundations of animal behavior. Laboratory experiments, emphasizing ethological methodology, as well as discussion will reinforce these foundations. Prerequisites: BIO 201 and BIO 202. BIO 412 and BIO 309 are strongly recommended.

BIO 383 - Mammalogy
3 Credit(s)
The lecture will present the diversity and biology of mammals from an evolutionary perspective. It will examine the diversity of living and extinct mammals and explore the mechanisms responsible for their evolution and extinction and will include discussion of mammal origins, evolution, phylogeny, paleontology, physiology, behavior, ecology and economic importance. There are approximately 4,600 living species of mammals that are spread throughout all the earth's environments and make up 26 diverse orders, such as carnivores, whales, bats, rodents, and primates.

BIO 390 - Animal Parasitology
3 Credit(s)
A survey of animal parasites, including their taxonomy, structure, life histories and evolution. Prerequisites: BIO 201 and 202.

BIO 402 - Ornithology
4 Credit(s)
A study of the classification, habits and ecological relations of birds, with laboratory and field work, assigned reading and illustrated lectures. Early-morning field trips are arranged for the identification of birds by size, form, color, habit and song. Prerequisites: BIO 201 and 202.

BIO 405 - Population Genetics
3 Credits(s)
The lecture will present both an introduction to theoretical studies, and discussion of actual molecular and phenotypic variation in natural populations and how processes such as mutation, recombination, and selection affect genetic variation. Topics discussed will include genetic variation, Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium, genetic recombination, linkage and disequilibrium, basic natural selection models, molecular evolution and phylogenetics, mutation, genetic drift, inbreeding and nonrandom mating, population subdivision and gene flow, and the neutralist versus selectionist debate.  

BIO 412 - Mammalian Physiology
4 Credit(s)
A study of the functional properties of mammalian systems. Laboratory work includes experimental analysis of typical vertebrate systems. Prerequisites: BIO 202, CHM 101, CHM 102, PHY 101, and PHY 102. CHM 303, CHM 304, and BIO 410 are recommended. Spring.

BIO 413 - Human Gross Anatomy
3 Credit(s)
This laboratory-based course will consist of two hours of lecture and four hours of directed cadaveric dissections each week. It will be limited to ten students. Prerequisite for the course will be either BIO 303 (Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy) or BIO 308 (Anatomy and Physiology).

BIO 430 - Molecular Biology
4 Credit(s)
An introduction to the basic concepts of molecular biology: the nature, control, recombination and rearrangement of genes; gene manipulation; recombinant DNA (rDNA) techniques; and bioengineering strategies. Laboratory work is included. Prerequisites: BIO 202 and 360, CHM 303 and PHY 101.

BIO 590 - Junior Seminar
1 Credit(s)
Introduction to research; group format. Required in the field of concentration. To be taken by majors in the Fall semester of their junior year.

BIO 591 - Senior Seminar
1 Credit(s)
Senior research project; group format seminar. Required in the filed of concentration. To be taken by majors in the Fall semester of their senior year.

BIO 592 - Junior Research
1 Credit(s)
Individualized literature review leading to research proposal. Required in the field of concentration. To be taken by majors in the Spring semester of their junior year.

BIO 593 - Senior Thesis
1 Credit(s)
Preparation and defense of senior thesis. Required in the field of concentration. To be taken by majors in the Spring semester of their senior year.

BIO 594 - Biology Honors Thesis
3 Credit(s)
Preparation, presentation and defense of senior thesis. Satisfies the thesis requirement in the field of concentration. To be taken by majors in the spring semester of their senior year. Students pursuing Departmental Honors (mandatory for all LAUREATES recipients) are required to submit a written thesis, subject to the approval of their research advisor, and an additional reader, to receive three hours of credit.

BIO 597 - Special Problems
1-2 Credit(s)
An elective course involving individual work on a topic selected in consultation with the faculty of the Department.