BIOL

Subject

BIOL

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

Subject

BIOL

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

Subject

BIOL

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

24

Subject

BIOL

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

Subject

BIOL

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

Subject

BIOL

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

distinguish between scientific inquiry and other modes of inquiry; (2) articulate in general terms the central concepts of biology, including the process of evolution through natural selection; the central role of DNA, RNA, and proteins in living organisms; and the inheritance of genetic information; (3) ask relevant biological questions, develop scientific hypotheses, and design experiments to test hypotheses; and (4) explain the relevance of biological knowledge to society. Lab is required, but which lab section you register for is independent of the lecture section. Prerequisites: none. (offered every semester) Topics offered:  A Biotech World: Origins and Implications of Recombinant DNA Technology: With increasing knowledge of DNA structure and function, scientists have acquired powerful tools for tinkering with the genetic makeup of living organisms. To date, our ability to manipulate DNA has had a significant impact in areas such as agri- culture, human health, and the environment. This course introduces the basic scientific principles behind re- combinant DNA technology and its potential applications. Students also address the environmental, ethical, and social issues that surround the use of this technology in our changing world. (Kenyon)  Biology of Environmental Change: An organism’s ability to persist on this earth is challenged by many threats. Changing environmental conditions produce dynamic and unpredictable responses in wildlife. This HWS.EDU/CATALOGUE 125 2023 - 2024 CATALOGUE

Subject

BIOL

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

GEO/ENV 207 Statistics (offered annually) Capstone Research Experience (One Course and Formal Presentation)

Subject

BIOL

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

microevolutionary theory. Students will explore evolutionary processes responsible for the origin and maintenance of genetic diversity in populations. To address the broader importance of genetic diversity, students will also examine applications of population genetics in medicine, conservation, forensics, agriculture, and anthropology. Topics include microevolution, quantitative genetics, molecular evolution, and molecular ecology. Laboratories will emphasize population genetic models and experimental design using computer simulations and molecular tech- niques. Students will discuss case studies from the primary literature and develop quantitative skills by analyzing and interpreting empirical data. Prerequisite: BIOL 167. (Cosentino, offered annually).

Subject

BIOL

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

modern molecular genetics. The major topics considered are the structure of genetic material, its replication, its transmission, and its expression. Special emphasis is placed on classical principles of transmission genetics, and on the central features of gene action, i.e., transcription and translation. The course, involving lectures and laboratory experience with both animal and plant systems, is required for all biology majors. With laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 167. (Kenyon, Straub, offered annually) BIOL 222 Microbiology This course provides a broad introduction to microorganisms. Students are given an oppor- tunity to both examine microbes from the traditional vantage of microscopes and colonies, and enter the current conversation on and techniques using microorganisms. Microbiology is a multi-disciplinary field and this course will allow students to explore genetics, molecular biology, bioinformatics, evolution, ecology, biochemistry, and immu- nology. With laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 167. (Mowery, offered annually)”

Subject

BIOL

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

Subject

BIOL

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

with an introduction of anatomical terminology and an overview of cellular processes and tissue classification. Students then are introduced to the gross and microscopic anatomy of the following systems: integumentary, skel- etal, muscular, nervous, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive. Students will also develop an understanding of how these systems develop during early embryology, as well as learning the clinical relevance of disease and disorders that affect anatomy. One of the goals of this course is to provide an understanding of human anatomy which then provides the foundation for clinical diagnosis and decisions. The laboratory component of the course generally parallels and reinforces lecture concepts with practical hands-on learning. Completion of Biol 167 with a minimum grade of C-. Seniors by permission only. (Fischman, offered annually) BIOL 225 Ecology This course is an introduction to ecological theories as they apply to individuals, populations, communities, and ecosystems. Topics covered include physiological ecology, population dynamics, competition, predation, community structure, diversity, and the movement of materials and energy through ecosystems. The lab- oratory is designed to provide experience with sampling techniques and an introduction to the methods of experi- mental ecology. With laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 167. (Brown, Cosentino, offered annually) BIOL 227 Behavioral Ecology The specific behaviors employed by organisms to solve the “problems” associated with survival and reproduction have been shaped through time by evolutionary forces. Thus, to understand why individuals behave as they do, we must understand the nature of the complex interactions between individual and the environment, including social interactions with other individuals of the same species, in the past and present. This evolutionary approach to understanding behavior is the focus of the discipline of behavioral ecology. Emphasis is placed on why organisms within populations of species vary in behavior, in addition to the more traditional ap- proach of relating ecology and behavior across species. Topics may include social behavior and mate choice, animal and plant signaling, foraging tactics, and the genetics of behavior. With laboratory. Prerequisite: Biol167. (offered occasionally)

Subject

BIOL

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

Subject

BIOL

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

Subject

BIOL

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

trees more than 300 feet tall. Using an evolutionary approach, students study this great diversity and follow the development of plants from the earliest photosynthetic single-celled organisms to complex flowering plants. Plant structure and function are discussed in relation to the environment in which plants live. Studies of plant anatomy, physiology, and ecology focus on flowering plants. Throughout the course, human uses of plants and plant products are highlighted. The laboratory provides hands-on experience with the plant groups discussed in lecture and an opportunity to experimentally test many of the concepts presented. With laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 167. (Straub, offered alternate years) BIOL 232 Cell Biology An introduction to the fundamental principles that guide the functions of cells and organelles. The major topics covered are transcription and translation, cell communication and signal transduction, cellular metabolism (respiration and photosynthesis), and cell motility. These topics are studied in the context of cancer and HWS.EDU/CATALOGUE 127 2023 - 2024 CATALOGUE

Subject

BIOL

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

Subject

BIOL

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

Subject

BIOL

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

world. Topics covered include an exploration of the diversity of vertebrates, the characteristics that define each vertebrate group, and how those characteristics relate to each group’s evolution. In addition, the course covers principles of systematic biology, methods used to study vertebrates, behavior, reproduction, life history and phys- iology of vertebrates. The laboratory combines experiments with field trips. With laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 167 (Ryan, offered annually) BIOL 236 Evolutionary Analysis Evolution is often referred to as the great unifying principle of all the biological sciences. In this course, both micro-evolutionary process and macro-evolutionary patterns are discussed. Micro- evolution involves studying current evolutionary processes (such as natural selection, sexual selection, and genetic drift) using techniques from population, quantitative, and molecular genetics. Additional topics include levels of selection, adaptation, and ecological factors important for evolutionary change. Evolutionary processes also are central to the understanding of past events and, therefore, topics such as biological diversity, speciation, phylogeny, and extinction are also discussed. With laboratory. (Cosentino, Straub, offered annually) BIOL 238 Aquatic Biology Aquatic biologists study lake, river, and ocean ecosystems. This course uses regional aquatic habitats as a natural laboratory to deepen students’ understanding of biological processes. Through these field experiences and literature from geographically diverse locations, students will learn about (1) structures of aquatic organisms that enable organisms to function in aquatic environment, (2) the distribution of organisms within and among aquatic ecosystems as they relate to abiotic conditions and biotic interactions, and (3) selective forces – both abiotic and biotic – that alter the traits and behaviors of aquatic organisms. During the semester, students learn techniques to study water quality, community composition, and ecological interactions among aquatic organisms. Laboratories involve designing experiments, drawing conclusions from analyzed data, and communicating scientific results. With laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 167. (Brown, Cushman, offered annually)

Subject

BIOL

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

Subject

BIOL

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

environmental change. This course will introduce students to biological responses of plants and animals (includ- ing humans) to climate change, habitat destruction, overharvesting, pollution and invasive species. Topics such as disturbance regimes, species range shifts, phenotypic plasticity, emerging diseases, and adaptation to these environmental stressors will be covered. Global Change Biology is a rapidly-emerging multi-disciplinary field, which integrates physical science with areas of biology such as physiology, ecology and evolution. With laboratory. BIOL 302 Immunology Immunology is a complex, multi-discipline and evolving field of study. We will explore cellu- lar immunology, molecular immunology and the immune system in diseases. A wide range of topics will be covered including the cells and organs of the immune system, innate and acquired immunity, the structure and function of the major molecular players in the immune response, vaccines, immunity to microorganisms, immunodeficiency, transplantation and cancer. The laboratory portion will explore the molecular immunological techniques relevant to the medical and research fields. With laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 212, and at least two additional 200-level cours- es, one of which must be BIOL 220, BIOL 222, BIOL 232, or BIOL 233. (Mowery, offered annually) BIOL 315 Adv. Topics in Biology An in-depth study of topics of current research interest. Recent examples of courses include Building Organs, Marine Biology, Parasitology, and Wildlife Ecology and Management. Prerequisites: BIOL 212 and at least two additional 200-level courses, one of which will be dependent on the designated category/topic of the course. (Staff, offered occasionally)

Subject

BIOL

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

Prerequisite

BIOL 167. (Cushman, offered alternate years)

Subject

BIOL

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

the globe. In this course, students will explore the causes and consequences of biodiversity loss. Emphasis will be placed on integration of ecological and evolutionary theory to address the management and protection of biodi- versity. Topics include species extinction and rarity, conservation genetics, population ecology, population viability HWS.EDU/CATALOGUE 128 2023 - 2024 CATALOGUE

Subject

BIOL

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

Subject

BIOL

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

Subject

BIOL

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

Subject

BIOL

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

Subject

BIOL

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

Subject

BIOL

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

a single fertilized egg develops into a complex organism. Developmental biology is an integrative discipline that includes other fields of biology such as molecular and cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, evolution, neurobiology and physiology. Through lectures and laboratory exercises, students learn the experimental approaches used by scientists to study developmental processes. With laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 212 and at least two additional 200-level courses, one of which must be BIOL 220, BIOL 222, BIOL 232, or BIOL 233. (Kenyon, offered annually)

Subject

BIOL

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

their incredible flight and migrations, and their ubiquitous presence everywhere humans live. Birds are also obvious sentinels of environmental change; more than one species has been a “canary in a coal mine” for environmental disturbances such as pesticide use, pollution, and climate change. Ornithology is the scientific study of this amazing group of animals. In this course, we will study local avifauna to learn about the diversity, natural history, and conser- vation of birds. Students will develop identification skills and learn and practice field techniques in ornithology. The study of birds also provides the opportunity to take a holistic approach to biology, combining subdisciplines such as evolutionary biology, systematics, population biology, genetics, animal behavior and physiology. Lecture and discussion topics may include the evolution and systematics of extant birds, feathers and flight mechanics, anatomy and environmental physiology, migration and dispersal, foraging ecology and niche partitioning, communication, parental and social behavior, and conservation. We will read and assess primary literature in ornithology to inves- tigate how scientists advance our understanding of birds, and will examine the role of citizen science in advancing our ornithological research. Student experience, knowledge, and interest will determine specific case studies we explore. With laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 212 and at least two additional 200-level courses, one of which must be BIOL 215, BIOL 225, BIOL 227, BIOL 228, BIOL 234, BIOL236, BIOL 238, or BIO 240. (Deutschlander, offered annually)

Subject

BIOL

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

HWS.EDU/CATALOGUE 129 2023 - 2024 CATALOGUE

Subject

BIOL

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu

learned in previous biology courses. Seminar topics are selected by the faculty and announced in advance of regis- tration. Seminars are a detailed exploration of a current topic in biology. Prerequisites: Senior Biology major and one 300-level biology course with a grade of C-. (Offered spring semester) Topics offered:  Biology of the City: More than half the world’s human population resides in cities, including >80% in North America. Urban areas are the fastest growing ecosystem on Earth. How does the process of urbanization affect environmental conditions? Does biodiversity increase or decrease during the process of urbanization? Are there particular kinds of traits that allow wildlife to thrive in cities, and does urbanization cause the evo- lution of these traits? Moreover, how do changes in the environment and biodiversity in cities affect quality of life for humans? We’ll explore these and related questions in the senior seminar this semester. (Cosentino)  Evolutionary Medicine: This course explores the application of modern evolutionary theory to understand- ing health and disease among contemporary human populations. Evolutionary thinking is yielding import- ant advances in understanding the nature of disease and evolutionary approaches are becoming widely used for both disease surveillance and control. Concepts in evolutionary theory will be introduced and will provide a framework for understanding the difference between proximate and ultimate causes of human ail- ments. You will learn why certain populations are prone to specific diseases, explore how virulence evolves, and come to understand why cancer and obesity is on the rise. (Ryan)  Genome Collisions: What happens when genomes collide? This seminar will focus on the biological phe- nomenon of polyploidy, also known as whole genome duplication. We will explore the causes and conse- quences of the presence of one or more extra sets of chromosomes from the cellular to ecosystem levels. We will ask both proximate and ultimate questions as we seek to understand polyploidy from complemen- tary perspectives. For example, how does polyploidization contribute to wound healing in animals? What is the role of polyploidy in cancer? How are gene expression and development affected by the presence of extra copies of genes, and is the answer different if hybridization preceded genome doubling? Why are most major crop plants polyploid? Why are polyploid species more invasive than diploid species? Does polyploidy contribute to increased survival in challenging environmental conditions and during mass extinc- tions? Is polyploidy only a successful strategy in the short term or is it a major driver of broadscale organis- mal diversity? (Straub)  Nature in the Future: This seminar examines the biological realities of humans facing down a planet pro- foundly changed by the power we’re exerting on the Earth. We will apply modern biological insight and case studies to explore anthropogenic disturbances, which are continual forces – destructive and construc- tive – shaping the everchanging assemblage of ecosystems, species, traits, and molecular processes that characterize life on Earth. For example, the city has assumed a critical role in shaping the Earth with over half of the world’s human population now living in urban environments along with a suite of plants and ani- mals that adapt to the city as viable, unique habitat. Is the human city functioning as a terrestrial coral reef? For another, synthetic gene drives – the propagation of a set of genes by engineering their transmission to offspring – is dissolving the imagined border between humans and nature and between the laboratory and the wild. Will this technology improve ecosystem function in degraded habitats? Both proximate and ulti- mate perspectives will be considered as we tackle the topic “Nature in the Future” with the goal of better understanding biological phenomena in our dynamic world. This will require integrating knowledge and skills you acquired as a biology major, in both required courses and subdisciplines. (Brown)  Viruses: In this course students will have the chance to read about the current findings on a number of virus- es that have important impacts ranging from humans to the environment. Students will explore a particular HWS.EDU/CATALOGUE 130 2023 - 2024 CATALOGUE

Subject

BIOL

Type

course

Edition

2023-2024

Source

www.hws.edu