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 200 - 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 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 200; or consent of instructor.
BIO 250 - General Ecology
3 Credit(s)
This course examines the characteristics of population, communities, and ecosystems in terms of energy flow, biochemistry, and multivariate interactions (biotic and abiotic). The course will demonstrate the role of evolution in ecosystemn composition, stucture and function. The nature of the major North american Biomes will also be discussed with an emphasis on the importance of biodiversity and interdependance of living tings. Two week fiels trips are required. Pre-requisites: CHM 01, CHM 102; BIO 200, Bio 300 or consent of instructor.
BIO 287 - Biological Seminar
1 Credit(s)
Discussion of selected articles or books in topical areas of biology from past to present.
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 300 - Molecular Genetics and Cellular Function
3 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 301 - Invertebrate Zoology
4 Credit(s)
The study of the structure and development of various invertebrate animals. Laboratory work is included. Prerequisites: BIO 200 and 300.
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 200 and 300.
BIO 305 - Plant Anatomy
4 Credit(s)
The study of plant development, structure and function. Laboratory work is included. Prerequisites: BIO 200 and either BIO 300 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 200 and 300; 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 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 200 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 200.
BIO 316 - Plant Taxonomy
4 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 200 and either BIO 300 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 200 and 300, 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 200 and 300.
BIO 350 - Conservation
3 Credit(s)
An introduction to the subject of conservation of natural resources. The course includes a study of soil, water, forest, minerals and wildlife in their relation to conservation and their importance to mankind.
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 300. 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 200 and 300.
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 200 and 300.
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 200 and BIO 300. BIO 412 and BIO 509 are strongly recommended.
BIO 387 - Biological Seminar
1 Credit(s)
Discussion of selected articles or books in topical areas of biology from past to present.
BIO 390 - Animal Parasitology
3 Credit(s)
A survey of animal parasites, including their taxonomy, structure, life histories and evolution. Prerequisites: BIO 200 and 300.
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 200 and 300.
BIO 410 - Mammalian Anatomy
4 Credit(s)
The study of mammalian anatomy with a special emphasis on the structure and function of human anatomy. Laboratory work involving dissection is included. Prerequisite: BIO 300.
BIO 411 - Vertebrate Biology
4 Credit(s)
The study of vertebrate development, structure and natural history. Laboratory work is included. Prerequisites: BIO 200 and 300, CHM 101-102 and PHY 101-102.
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 200, BIO 300, CHM 101, CHM 102, PHY 101, and PHY 102. CHM 303, CHM 304, and BIO 410 are recommended. Spring.
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 300 and 360, CHM 101 and PHY 101.
BIO 487 - Biological Seminar
1 Credit(s)
Discussion of selected articles or books in topical areas of biology from past to present.
BIO 509 - 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 200 and 300.
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 and Thesis
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 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.
BIO 599 - Assistantship Honors
2 Credit(s)