|
Chair: Ben W. Snyder
Professors: William E. Barklow, Richard Beckwitt, Paul
Cotter
Associate Professors: Margaret Carroll, *Eugene Muller, Ben W. Snyder
Assistant Professors: Aline Davis, Walter Lambert, Brandi Van
Roo, Charlotte Zampini
Instructor: Virginia Bliss, Paul DiNunno
*Sabbatical: Spring 2004
General Education Requirements
Biology majors must satisfy a general education (Gen.Ed.)
requirement consisting of twelve (12) courses in non-biology disciplines,
while fulfilling thirteen to sixteen (13 - 16) goals. Each of the goals 1 - 13
must be fulfilled; goals 14 - 16 are optional (see page 34 of College
catalog). Gen.Ed. Goal 7 and the Gen.Ed. requirement for a laboratory course
are fulfilled through the Biology core requirements; additionally, Gen.Ed.
Goals 2 and 6 are fulfilled through the Biology core requirements. An
additional ten (10) Gen.Ed. course credits must be completed through courses
that are not offered by the Biology Department.
Show All Courses
Biology Major
Departmental Requirements
Biology majors
must complete eleven (11) core
requirements as well as additional
requirements for the particular
concentration chosen (see below).
A. The following eleven (11)
Biology core requirements are
required of Biology majors in all
concentrations:
Biology Core:
23.160
Introduction to Organismal Biology
23.161 Introduction to Cellular and
Molecular Biology
23.260 Cell Biology
23.301 Genetics
23.406 Methods in Biological Research
I*
23.407 Methods in Biological Research II*
33.107 Principles of Chemistry
33.108 Principles of Chemistry and
Quantitative Analysis
33.207 Organic Chemistry I
43.200 Precalculus**
43.208 Biostatistics
*An original research project is required of
all Biology majors, generally begun during the spring semester of the
student's junior year and completed in the summer and/or fall semesters. Prior
to enrollment in these courses, the student should meet with her/his advisor
and with other Biology faculty to tailor the research project to the student's
interests and career goals.
**Students
proficient at the precalculus level
should enroll in 43.219 Calculus I
to satisfy the Gen. Ed. Goal 2
requirement.
B. Additional courses are
required of Biology majors in all
concentrations. Biology electives
are listed below in groups labeled
"A-E". The number and distribution
of electives required for completion
of a Biology major varies according
to the concentration selected by the
student.
Group A: Cellular
and Molecular Biology Electives
23.307
Principles of Microbiology
23.371 Medical Microbiology
23.409 Developmental Biology
23.411 Food Microbiology
23.414 Cell Culture
23.423 Virology
23.435 Recombinant DNA Techniques
Group B:
Organismal Diversity Electives
23.220 Animal
Behavior
23.232 Invertebrate Zoology
23.250 Horticulture (may not be
used as a required plant course)
23.251 Vascular Plant Taxonomy
23.252 Biology of Non-Vascular
Plants
23.305 Cetacean Biology and
Conservation
23.336 Ornithology
23.338 Ichthyology
23.350 Vascular Plant Anatomy and
Morphogenesis
Group C:
Physiology Electives
23.202
Physiology of Exercise
23.234 Comparative Vertebrate
Physiology*
23.272 Human Anatomy and
Physiology I*
23.273 Human Anatomy and
Physiology II
23.333 Principles of Human
Physiology*
23.325 Neurobiology
23.340 Immunology
23.451 Plant Physiology
23.417 Endocrinology
* Only one of these courses may
be taken in order to receive biology
credit.
Group D: Ecology
and Evolutionary Biology Electives
23.200
Introduction to Environmental
Science
23.203 Plants and Society (may not
be used as a required plant
course)
23.316 Wetlands: Hydrology,
Ecology, Restoration
23.335 Principles of Wildlife
Biology
23.341 Marine Biology
23.402 Processes of Organic
Evolution
23.408 Ecology
23.457 Quantitative Plant Ecology
Group E: Advanced
Biology Electives
23.490
Independent Study in Biology
23.496/497 Internship in Biology
For students who
plan to pursue an advanced degree in
Biology, the following courses are
strongly recommended:
33.301 Biochemistry
53.201 Introductory Physics or
53.211 Physics I and
53.212 Physics II
43.219 Calculus I
CONCENTRATIONS
General Biology (BIG):
Biology majors
may elect to take a broad spectrum
of courses covering the major areas
of biology: cellular and molecular
biology, organismal biology,
physiology, and ecology and
evolutionary biology, possibly
combined with a minor according to
the student's interests. Such a
curriculum will prepare students for
the advanced Graduate Record
Examination in Biology, a
prerequisite for admission to many
graduate programs in biology. In
addition to entering graduate
school, students graduating with a
bachelors of science in biology are
employed as laboratory technologists
in academic or industrial settings,
sales representatives for
pharmaceutical and biotechnology
companies, scientific illustrators,
or technical writers.
Students must
take an additional seven (7) biology
electives (one of these seven
courses must focus on plants and one
on animals):
One (1) course
from Group A
One (1) course from Group B
One (1) from the following Group C
courses:
23.234
Comparative Vertebrate Physiology*
23.272 Human Anatomy and
Physiology I*
23.333 Principles of Human
Physiology*
23.451 Plant Physiology
One (1) course
from Group D
Three (3) additional courses from
Group A-E
Four (4) free electives are
available in this concentration. For
students who plan to attend graduate
school, it is recommended that they
take
33.301 Biochemistry and
53.201
Introductory Physics, or elect a
more in-depth study of physics by
taking
53.211 Principles of Physics
I and
53.212 Principles of Physics
II. (Note:
43.219 Calculus I is a
pre-requisite for Principles of
Physics I.)
* Biology credit
will be given to only one of these
courses.
Wildlife and
Environmental Management (BIW):
Requirements for the
concentration in wildlife and
environmental biology include
courses in wildlife biology or
environmental science, both animal
and plant systems, ecology, and
policy/communication. Upon
graduation, students will have
completed the majority of curriculum
requirements for certification as a
Wildlife Biologist by the Wildlife
Society. Graduates of this program
are prepared for graduate studies or
careers as wildlife biologists,
wildlife managers, conservation
biologists, environmental
consultants, park rangers, and
zookeepers.
Students must
take eight (8) additional courses:
23.200
Introduction to Environmental
Science
or
23.335 Principles of Wildlife
Biology
23.251 Vascular Plant Taxonomy
23.234 Comparative Vertebrate
Physiology
23.408 Ecology or
23.457 Quantitative Plant
Ecology
53.201 Introductory Physics
Must choose one
course from each of the following
biology elective groups:
One (1) course
from Group A
One (1) course from Group B
One (1) course from Group D
Other courses
that are not required but would be
useful for students in this
concentration include the following:
22.235
Environmental Law and Policy
22.216 Introduction to
Geographical Information Systems
(GIS)
22.375 Resource Management
33.301 Biochemistry
62.329 Public Policy Analysis
73.246 Oceanography
84.301 Water Resources Planning
and Management
84.302 Coastal Issues: Science and
Policy
Biotechnology and
Biomedical Science (BIM)
Students may
elect a curriculum that emphasizes
cellular and molecular biology.
Courses covering microbiology,
immunology, genetics, recombinant
DNA techniques, and cell culture are
appropriate for those interested in
research positions in the
biotechnology industry, medical
centers, and government agencies.
Graduates of the program are also
prepared for careers in diverse
areas of the pharmaceutical industry
such as product development, sales
and marketing, quality control, and
technical training.
Students must
take an additional seven (7) biology
electives (One of these seven
courses must focus on plants and one
on animals):
Three (3) courses
from Group A which must include at
least two (2) of the following
three:
23.307
Principles of Microbiology
23.414 Cell Culture
23.435 Recombinant DNA Techniques
One (1) course
from Group B
Two (2) courses from Group C - which
must include one of the following:
23.234
Comparative Vertebrate Physiology*
23.272 Human Anatomy and
Physiology I*
23.333 Principles of Human
Physiology*
23.451 Plant Physiology
One (1) course
from Group D
* Biology credit
will be given to only one of these
courses.
Four (4) free
electives are available in this
concentration. All students in this
concentration are advised to take
33.302 Organic Chemistry II; those
with a career goal in plant-oriented
biotechnology are advised to take
23.451 Plant Physiology. For
students who plan to attend graduate
school, it is recommended that they
take
33.301
Biochemistry,
53.201
Introductory Physics, or elect a
more in-depth study of physics by
taking
53.211 Principles of Physics
I and
53.212 Principles of Physics
II. (Note:
43.219 Calculus I is a
prerequisite for Principles of
Physics I.)
Biology Secondary
Education Teaching Program (BIT)
Students who plan
to teach at the middle school or
high school level will fulfill the
Commonwealth's requirements for
secondary education certification in
biology by completing a program
similar to the general biology
concentration. Students must also
complete the requirements for a
Secondary Education Minor.
Students must
take an additional six courses (five
Biology and one Physics):
23.333
Principles of Human Physiology
or both
23.272 Human Anatomy and
Physiology I and
23.273 Human Anatomy and
Physiology II
One (1) of the
following courses relating to
plants:
23.251 Vascular
Plant Taxonomy
23.252 Biology of Non-Vascular
Plants
23.350 Vascular Plant Anatomy and
Morphogenesis
23.451 Plant Physiology
23.307 Principles of Microbiology
23.402 Processes of Organic
Evolution
23.408 Ecology
53.201 Introductory Physics
Eight (8)
additional courses are also required
for a Secondary Education Minor (see
Education section of the College
catalog).
One (1) free
elective is available in this
concentration. It is recommended
that students take
73.231 Physical
Geology.
Note: Before
registering for
14.315 Professional
Preparation and Field Study II -
High School or
14.316 Professional
Preparation and Field Study II -
Middle School, students must have
completed ten (10) of the eleven
(11) Biology core requirements (all
courses, except for
23.407 Methods
in Biological Research II or
23.496
Internship in Biology) and five (5)
of the six (6) Biology Secondary
Teaching Program requirements; those
remaining courses may be taken
concurrently. Before enrolling in
14.410-11 Student Teaching Seminar
and Practicum I-II - High School or
14.414-15 Student Teaching Practicum
and Seminar I-II - Middle School,
students must have completed all
courses in the major and
14.315 or
14.316.
Preprofessional
Program (BIP):
In this program,
students especially interested in
pursuing graduate studies in
medicine, veterinary medicine,
osteopathic medicine, dentistry,
chiropractic, or optometry are
prepared to meet the standards of
admission to one or more of these
specific areas of post-baccalaureate
study (see page 32 of College
catalog for more information)
The Marine
Studies Consortium
The Biology
Department has fostered an ongoing
collaboration with the Marine
Studies Consortium. The Consortium
is an association of colleges,
universities, museums, and marine
research institutions in
Massachusetts; its mission is to
educate students in the disciplines
of marine science and policy. A
series of courses are offered on an
annual or rotating schedule. Classes
and laboratories usually are held in
the evenings at facilities of member
institutions (typically, Brandeis
University and The New England
Aquarium, Boston). Saturday field
trips to local coastal sites are
common. For more information about
the program and the courses offered
visit the Consortium's web site
(http://www.brandeis.edu/marinestudies/schedule-location.html).
The collaboration
with the Marine Studies Consortium
allows students who have interests
in specific oceanographic topics to
explore them through courses not
routinely offered by the College.
Courses offered by the Consortium
that are available for credit at the
College include: 23.210, 23.305,
23.316, 32.307, 84.300, 84.301, and
84.302. See the campus
representative (Dr. Richard Beckwitt,
Biology Department) to learn more
about the program and the
application procedure. Application
to the campus representative must be
made one semester prior to
participation in the course.
Additional course fees apply as
posted in the most recent master
schedule of day division courses.
MINOR IN BIOLOGY
(5 courses):
A minimum of four (4) biology
courses including an introductory
biology laboratory course plus a
chemistry laboratory course. These
courses are to be chosen under the
guidance of a member of the Biology
Department. The introductory courses
may be waived by an examination or
advanced placement. In this case
another guided biology elective will
be taken.
Biology Science Courses Appropriate for General Education
(Gen.Ed.)
23.101 Biological Concepts (Gen.Ed Goal 7, Lab)
An approach to the study of biology that emphasizes how conceptual understanding of biological systems. These areas include evolution and the origin of life, cellular processes, Mendelian and molecular genetics, ecology, behavioral science, and basic physiological systems. The interrelationship of these areas and their effect on human biology are stressed. Laboratory. This course is not open to Biology majors.
Prerequisite: 43.095 General Mathematics or a satisfactory score on the mathematics placement exam.
23.103 Ecological Implications of Conservation (GenEd. Goal 7)
An introduction to the scientific principles on which conservation should be based. Methods of conservation practice are stressed. The course includes a discussion of the development and future of the conservation movement. Occasional field trips. No laboratory. This course is not open to Biology majors.
23.112 Biology of Marine Organisms (Gen.Ed. Goal 7)
An introduction to life in the oceans, including basic principles of ecology, a description of the important organisms, and the impact of man on marine life. Laboratory demonstrations and occassional field trips. No laboratory. This course is not open to Biology majors.
23.114 A Human Perspective on Genetics (Gen.Ed. Goal 7)
An exploration of the field of genetics from the rediscovery of Mendel's work in 1900 up to the present. Once the fundamentals of the discipline are established, the emphasis is on genetics and its human ramifications. Topics include the efforts to create a DNA blueprint for humans, the prenatal diagnosis of some genetic disorders, the cloning of genes whose products are used as pharmaceuticals, and the ability to alter the genetic properties of important crop plants. This course is not open to Biology majors.
23.142 Introduction to Human Biology (Gen.Ed. Goal 7)
An exploration of the functional aspects of the human body at the molecular, cellular, organ and systems levels. Emphasis is on the development and evolution of homeostatic mechanisms which allow the body to respond and adapt to physical and emotional stresses under changing environmental conditions. No laboratory. This course is not open to Biology or Food and Nutrition majors, except for students in the Applied Nutrition concentration.
23.160 Introduction to Organismal Biology
An introduction to the organismal, population, community, and ecosystem levels of biological organization for students intending to major in Biology. The course examines the processes of evolution, the diversity of the biological world, and the interactions of organisms and their environment. Laboratory periods concentrate on developing basic skills of observation, measuring and interpreting data, and the reading and reporting of experimental work. Offered Fall semester only. Note: Students cannot receive credit for both 23.108 Biology II and 23.160 Introduction to Organismal Biology.
Prerequisite: 43.095 General Mathematics or a satisfactory score on the mathematics placement exam.
23.161 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology
An introduction to the molecular, cellular, and physiological levels of biological organization. The course examines the processes of energy release, photosynthesis, heredity, molecular control of cells, and selected topics in physiology. Laboratory periods concentrate on developing basic skills of observation, measuring and interpreting data, and the reading and reporting of experimental work. Offered Spring semester only. Note: Students can not receive credit for both 23.107 Biology I and 23.161 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology.
Prerequisite: 43.095 General Mathematics or a satisfactory score on the mathematics placement exam.
23.200 Introduction to Environmental Science (Gen.Ed. Goal 7)
A comprehensive survey of the environmental principles concerning the interactions of humans and world resources. The role of technology in meeting the problems of growth, pollution, energy and agriculture is examined in the context of present capabilities and the prospects for future development. No laboratory.
23.202 Physiology of Exercise
An introduction to the effects of aerobic and anaerobic exercise on functions of the human body. Relationships among bodily functions, exercise, and neural, hormonal, and nutritional factors are discussed. Structural and functional aspects of the skeletomuscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, and immune systems to exercise are emphasized. Demonstrations illustrate selected principles. Laboratory.
Note: Students may not receive credit for both 23.202 and 23.273 Human Physiology and Anatomy II.
Prerequisite: An introductory college biology course.
23.203 Plants and Society (Gen.Ed. Goal 7)
An exploration of the dependency of humans on plants and plant products. The beginning of agriculture and its consequences for human evolution are discussed. The origins, dispersals, improvements, and uses of economically valuable plants are considered along with their relationships to the world's economy. Occasional field trips. No laboratory. This course is acceptable for majors as a biology elective, but not in place of a required plant course.
23.210 Introduction to Marine Mammals
An exploration of the biology and natural history of marine mammals in the North Atlantic, including whales, dolphins and seals. Topics include evolution, anatomy, behavior, field identification, the history of whaling and contemporary conservation issues. Demonstration laboratory work focuses on smaller marine mammals. One Saturday field trip on Massachusetts Bay is required. This course is not open to Biology majors. Additional course fees apply.
Prerequisite: One college biology course. Application to campus representative of the Marine Studies Consortium must be made one semester prior to experience.
23.220 Animal Behavior
A study of the influence of natural selection on the behavior of animals. This course emphasizes the distinction between the immediate causes of behavior, including external stimuli and internal physiological mechanisms, and the ultimate consequences or survival value of behavior. Topics such as learning and instinct, aggression, territoriality, communication, and social behavior are discussed. Laboratory.
Prerequisite: 23.160 Introduction to Organismal Biology or 23.101 Biological Concepts
23.232 Invertebrate Zoology
A comparative study of the invertebrate animal phyla with emphasis on marine forms. The course stresses functional morphology, development, behavior, and ecological and evolutionary relationships among the various grous. Students study live specimens whenever possible. Laboratory exercises include field trips to collect and study invertebrates of the region.
Prerequisite: 23.101 Biological Concepts or both 23.160 introduction to Organismal Biology and 23.161 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology or permission of the instructor.
23.234 Comparative Vertebrate Physiology
An introduction to the functions and relationships of vertebrate organs and organ systems. The course emphasizes physiological adaptations and mechanisms by which vertebrates compensate for environmental variations. Laboratory. Note: Students may receive credit for only one of the following 23.234 Comparative Vertebrate Physiology, 23.272 Human Physiology and Anatomy I, or 23.333 Principles of Human Physiology.
Prerequisite: 33.107 Principles of Chemistry; 23.101 Biological Concepts or both 23.160 Introduction to Organismla Biology and 23.161 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology or permission of the instructor.
23.250 Horticulture
Designed as an introduction to basic horticultural principles and practices. The course emphasizes the basic structure, growth, and development of plants, and gives students an opportunity to develop skills in the care, propagation, and identification of horticultural plants. No laboratory. This course is acceptable for majors as a free elective, but not in place of a required plant course.
23.251 Vascular Plant Taxonomy
An historical view of plant classification; concepts of nomenclature, goals of phylogenetic and biosystematic investigations; anatomical and morphological characteristics important in classification; key characteristics of important temperate plant families; collection and identification techniques; and introduction to the local flora. Laboratory.
Prerequisite: 23.101 Biological Concepts or 23.160 Introduction to Organismal Biology
23.252 Biology of Non-Vascular Plants
An examination of structure, life histories, physiology, taxonomy, evolution, and economics of the non-vascular plants. Special attention is given to the algae and the fungi. Laboratories, in addition to morphological studies, introduce the student to the methods of collecting, culturing and identifying these organisms. Laboratory.
Prerequisite: 23.101 Biological Concepts or 23.160 Introduction to Organismal Biology and 23.161 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology.
23.260 Cell Biology
A study of the structure and function of cells and their major organelles. Topics covered include the nucleus, mitochondria, Golgi, lysosome, endoplasmic reticulum, protein trafficking, signal transduction, cellular energetics, and gene expression. Laboratory exercises are mostly experimental.
Prerequisite: 33.107 Principles of Chemistry; 23.161 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology or 23.101 Biological Concepts
23.272 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
A study of the functional systems in the human body and the maintenance of homeostasis. Systems covered in this course include: endocrine, cardiovascular, renal (urinary), digestive, and reproduction. Laboratory. Course offered Fall semester. Note: Students may receive credit for only one of the following 23.234 Comparative Vertebrate Physiology, 23.272 Human Physiology and Anatomy I, or 23.333 Principles of Human Physiology.
Prerequisite: 33.107 Principles of Chemistry; 23.101 Biological Concepts or 23.160 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology.
23.273 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
A continuation of 23.272 Human Anatomy and Physiology. This course focuses on tissues in the body, joints, skeletal and muscular anatomy. In adition, the nervous and respiatory systems are studied. This course is designed for students interested in pursuing a career in medical science. Laboratory. Course offered spring semester.
Prerequisite: 23.272 Human Anatomy and Physiology I or permission of instructor.
23.301 Genetics
A study of the principles governing heredity in all living things, including microorganisms, plants, and animals. Topics covered include Mendelian inheritance, molecular genetics, cytogenetics, human hereditary disease, and population genetics. Laboratory.
Prerequisite: 33.107 Principles of Chemistry; 23.101 Biological Concepts or 23.161 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology.
23.305 Cetacean Biology and Conservation
An examination of the biology and conservation of cetaceans: whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Topics include physiology, population biology and life history analysis, molecular genetics, morphology, distributional ecology, and social behavior. Early lectures focus on the biology of cetaceans and how they are adapted to the marine environment. Later lectures use case studies to review how biological principles can be applied to the conservation of a wide range of cetacean species. Additional course fees apply.
Prerequisite: One year of general biology and two upper level biology courses. Application to campus representative of the Marine Studies Consortium must be made one semester prior to experience.
23.307 Principles of Microbiology
An introduction to the structure, reproduction, physiology and taxonomy of microorganisms. Special attention is given to the bacteria and viruses. Emphasis is placed on aspects of microbiology of significance to humankind, including pathogenesis, immunity, microbial ecology, pollution control, food microbiology and biotechnology. Laboratory exercises introduce the student to standard techniques of cultivation and identification of microorganisms, food microbiology, DNA purification and analysis, immunological assays, as well as encourage independent investigations.
Prerequisite: 33.107 Principles of Chemistry; 23.101 Biological Concepts or 23.161 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology.
23.316 Wetlands: Hydrology, Ecology, Restoration
A study of wetlands and their role in the hydrology and ecolgy of global landscapes. Course topics include the function of inland and coastal marshes, swamps and bogs in water and nutrient cycles, and the role of wetlands in the support of biodiversity, from microbes to vertebrates. The biological links between wetlands and human activities, such as agriculture, coastal development, and fisheries, and the legal framework for the proctection and restoration of endangered wetlands are also examined. Additional course fees apply.
Prerequisite: One year of introductory science (e.g. biology, geology, chemistry, or engineering) and two upper level (elective) science courses. Application to campus representative of the Marine Studies Consortium must be made one semester prior to experience.
23.324 Neurobiology
An advanced examination of the development, structure and function of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Topics covered include synaptic communication, neurotransmission, sensory and motor processing, reflexes and cellular processes of learning and memory. It is designed for biology or psychology majors with an interest in neurophysiology. Laboratory
Prerequisite: 23.272 Human anatomy and Physiology I or 23.234 Comparative Vertebrate Physiology or permission of the instructor.
23.333 Principles of Human Physiology
An overview of the functional anatomy of the human body and its physiology. Basic concepts concerning the skeletal, muscular, nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, urinary, endocrine, and reproductive systems are studied. Laboratory. Note: Students may receive credit for only one of the following 23.234 Comparative Vertebrate Physiology, 23.272 Human Physiology and Anatomy I, or 23.333 Principles of Human Physiology.
Prerequisite: 33.107 Principles of Chemistry; 23.101 Biological Concepts or 23.161 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology.
23.335 Principles of Wildlife Biology
A study of the distribution of major wildlife groups in the United States. The principles of wildlife management and evaluation of land and water habitats are stressed, as well as population growth dynamics and field procedures. Laboratory.
Prerequisite: 33.107 Principles of Chemistry; 23.101 Biological Concepts or 23.160 Introduction to Organismal Biology.
23.336 Ornithology
An introduction to the study of the biology of birds emphasizng their natural history, ecology, and taxonomy. A minor emphasis will be placed on bird diseases, ornithoses, and the historical development of bird watching. Lectures, laboratory, and field and museum tris requiring written reports.
Prerequisite: A biology or zoology course at the 100-level or permission of the instructor.
23.338 Ichthyology
A study of freshwater and marine fishes with particular emphasis on those species occurring in the northeastern states. Laboratory.
Prerequisite: 23.160 Introduction to Organismal Biology and 23.161 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology or 23.101 Biological Concepts or permission of the instructor.
23.340 Immunology
A study of the principles of immunology. The immune response, antibody formation in cells and the whole animal, immuno-suppression, blood group antigens, and the kinetics of antigen-antibody reactions are described. The structure of the antibody and its active site are examined at the molecular level. The role of complement, hypersensitivity (allergy), autoallergic reactions and transplantation immunity are discussed. Laboratory.
Prerequisite: 23.307 Principles of Microbiology or permission of instructor.
23.341 Marine Biology
An introduction to the variety of marine environments and the biological and physical factors which contribute to the productivity of these areas. Oceanic habitats are compared to other ecosystems including tropical and temperate estuaries, coral reefs and salt marshes. Problems of human interaction with the marine environment are emphasized. Laboratory.
Prerequisite: 23.101 Biological Concepts or 23.160 Introduction to Organismal Biology and 23.161 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology.
23.350 Vascular Plant Anatomy and Morphology
A study of structure, organization, and differentiation of tissues and organs of higher vascular plants with special emphasis on the angiosperms, and a survey of vascular plants in terms of structure, reproduction, and phylogeny. Laboratory.
Prerequisite: 33.107 Principles of Chemistry; 23.160 Introduction to Organismal Biology and 23.161 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology or 23.101 Biological Concepts.
23.371 Medical Microbiology
An overview of human infectious diseases caused by viruses, bacteria and fungi. Emphasis will be placed on current diagnostic techniques and microbial pathogenic mechanisms, and on contemporary issues that include newly emerging infectious diseases, vaccines, and bio-terrorism. Laboratory exercises focus on state-of-the-art procedures for the isolation and identification of pathogenic microbes and for the determination of their susceptibility to chemotherapeutic drugs.
Prerequisite: 23.307 Principles of Microbiology.
23.402 Processes of Organic Evolution
A study of the historical development of evolutionary thought in the pre- and post-Darwinian periods; the interplay among mutations, recombination, gene flow, natural selection, and genetic drift in determining the direction of evolutionary change; isolating mechanisms and the origins of species; the role of polyploidy in plant evolution; the significance of hybridization in evolution and speciation; evidences of evolution from various disciplines. No laboratory.
Prerequisite: 23.301 Genetics.
23.406 Methods in Biological Research I
Designed to develop a working appreciation of methods of scientific inquiry through development of an original research proposal. Topics included are: problem definition, literature survey, resource bibliography, and research design, including proposed data analysis. Normally taken in the spring term of the junior year, this course is open only to Biology majors.
Prerequisite: 23.408 Biostatistics, 33.107 Principles of Chemistry, and 33.108 Principles of Chemistry and Quantitative Analysis or equivalent, and at least four biology courses at the 200 level or above.
23.407 Methods in Biological Research II
A continuation of Methods I (23.406) in which the students implement their research design under the supervision of a department faculty member. The research may be conducted off-campus with approval of course coordinator. Open only to Biology majors.
Prerequisite: 23.406 Methods in Biological Research I.
23.408 Ecology
An advanced course that synthesizes knowledge gained in other courses and applies it to ecological problems. Emphasis is placed on the interactions between the organism and its biological and physical environments. Concepts that will be covered include soil, climate, trophic systems, life history trade offs, behavioral ecology, biodiversity, and human impact. Laboratory, including required field trips.
Prerequisite: 23.160 Introduction to Organismal Biology and 23.161 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology; or Biological Concepts and 33.107 Principles of Chemistry, and three (3) additional science curses or permission of the instructor.
23.409 Developmental Biology
A study of developing organisms. Growth, regulation, differentiation and morphogenesis are considered. Emphasis is placed on molecular mechanisms. Laboratory exercises include both descriptive and experimental embryology.
Prerequisite: 23.301 Genetics and 33.207 Organic Chemistry I
23.411 Food Microbiology
A focus on those microorganisms involved in food production, food spoilage, and the transmission of diseases through foods. The effect of various methods of food preservation is evaluated in terms of public health, food spoilage, food quality, and nutritional value of foods. Laboratory.
Prerequisite: 23.307 Principles of Microbiology.
23.414 Cell Culture
An introduction to the basic methodology used in the preparation, production, and maintenance of primary and established cell lines, tissues, and organ cultures. Lectures and laboratory, with individual special projects.
Prerequisite: Advanced standing and permission of the instructor.
23.417 Endocrinology
A study of endocrine glands, the hormones they secrete, and the effects these hormones have on their target tissues. The course examines the mechanisms of the action of hormones at the molecular, cellular, organ, and physiological levels, as well as their effects on development of the individual. Topics covered include the role of hormones in male and female reproduction, pregnancy, parturition, lactation, growth, diabetes, and exercise. In the laboratory, students perform experiments involving small animal surgery and injection of hormones.
Prerequisite: 33.107 Principles of Chemistry and one of the following biology courses: 23.234 Comparative Vertebrate Physiology, 23.272 Human Anatomy and Physiology I, 23.260 Cell Biology; or permission of the instructor.
23.423 Virology
Introduction to the study of animal, plant, and prokaryotic viruses. Description of morphological, physiological, and pathological properties of viral organisms. Discussion of the techniques for laboratory propagation.
Prerequisite: A course in microbiology or immunology.
23.435 Recombinant DNA Techniques
Designed to familiarize the student with the processes and techniques employed by the biotechnology industry to produce recombinant products. The theoretical foundations for recombinant DNA methodology as well as medical, forensic, and commercial applications of genetic engineering are considered. Laboratory exercises include DNA isolation, restriction enzyme mapping, cloning to selectable vectors, gel electrophoresis, polymerase chain reaction, DNA sequencing, and selected protein
purification methodologies.
Prerequisite: 23.301 Genetics and 23.307 Principles of Microbiology.
23.451 Plant Physiology
An introduction to basic processes that regulate plant growth and development. Photosynthesis, photomorphogenesis, hormonal control, and mineral acquisition are emphasized. The laboratory has an open-ended design with an emphasis on repeatability of experimental results.
Prerequisite: 33.107 Principles of Chemistry; 23.160 Introduction to Organismal Biology and 23.161 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology or 23.101 Biological Concepts
23.457 Quantitative Plant Ecology
An introduction to the principles and techniques of ecology as they apply to plants in terrestrial and aquatic habitats. The course covers physiological ecology, as well as population-and community-level processes. Laboratory emphasizes techniques for quantitative sampling and analysis. Occasional field trips. Laboratory.
Prerequisite: 23.251 Vascular Plant Taxonomy or permission of the instructor.
23.490 Independent Study in Biology
An opportunity for the Biology major to work independently in an area relevant to the student's special interests. Each student's experience is to be planned in cooperation with a department member and must be approved by the chair. Progress reports and final written and oral reports will be required.
Prerequisite: Biology major of junior or senior standing, two semesters completed at Framingham State College, overall QPA of 2.50, and approval of the department chair. The independent study option is reserved for those students who have previously demonstrated sufficient motivation and self-discipline to work independently.
23.496 Internship in Biology
A supervised field study in the area of the student's interest that complements formal course work. The internship program is offered through cooperation of participating institutions which provide guidance for the interns. A minimum of 160 on-site hours is necessary to complete the internship in Biology. The 160 hours must be completed within one semester. The internship in Biology may be taken for one (1) course credit in the major as a free elective. A student may not enroll in an internship more than twice (two course credits). Any student interested in participating in an internship must consult with the Biology Department chair prior to the middle of the semester preceding the semester of the desired internship.
Prerequisite: Biology majors of senior standing, two semesters completed at Framingham State College, overall QPA of 2.50 with a 2.75 average in courses for the major, and approval of the department chair.
23.497 Internship in Biology
A supervised field study in the area of the student's interest which complements formal course work. The internship program is offered through cooperation of participating institutions which provide guidance for the interns. A minimum of 160 on-site hours is necessary to complete the internship in Biology. The 160 hours must be completed within one semester. The internship in Biology may be taken for one (1) course credit in the major as a free elective. A student may not enroll in an internship more than twice (two course credits). Any student interested in participating in an internship must consult with the Biology Department chair prior to the middle of the semester preceding the semester of the desired internship.
Prerequisite: Biology majors of senior standing, two semesters completed at Framingham State College, overall QPA of 2.50 with a 2.75 average in courses for the major, and approval of the department chair.
| 
