Associate Professors: Margaret Carroll, Eugene Muller, *Ben W. Snyder

Assistant Professors: Aline Davis, Michelle LaBonte, Walter Lambert, Brandi Van Roo, Charlotte Zampini

Instructor: Virginia Bliss

All students must satisfy a general education requirement consisting of eleven (11) courses outside of the major department (see page 34) . The General Education Goal 7 (Life Science) and laboratory requirement are satisfied through the completion of the Biology major.

Courses may have specified conditions for enrollment, such as prior completion of less advanced courses, permission of the instructor, or appropriate placement test scores. Students should refer to course descriptions in the department listings for prerequisite 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:

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 (Gen.Ed. Goal 6)

33.108 Principles of Chemistry and Quantitative Analysis

33.207 Organic Chemistry I

43.200 Precalculus (Gen.Ed. Goal 2)**

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.

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

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

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.

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

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. This curriculum prepares 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 and industrial settings, sales representatives for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, scientific illustrators, and 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

* Biology credit will be given to only one of these courses.

One (1) from the following Group D courses:

23.402 Processes of Organic Evolution

23.408 Ecology

23.457 Quantitative Plant Ecology

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.)

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

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.)

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.

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 for more information).

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.

An introductory biology laboratory course, a chemistry laboratory course and a minimum of three (3) biology courses which must be 200 level and above. A minimum of two (2) must have a laboratory. All courses must be chosen under the guidance of a member of the Biology Department. If college credit is received for either an examination or advanced placement, the introductory course requirement shall be waived. At least three (3) of the courses must be taken on the Framingham State College campus.

An approach to the study of biology that emphasizes 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.

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.

An introduction to life in the oceans, including basic principles of ecology, a description of the important organisms, and the impact of humans on marine life. Laboratory demonstrations and occasional field trips. No laboratory. This course is not open to Biology majors.

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. No laboratory. 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 that allow the body to respond and adapt to physical and emotional stresses under changing environmental conditions. Laboratory. This course is not open to Biology or Food and Nutrition majors, except for students in the Applied Nutrition concentration.

*updated 10/2004

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.

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 cannot 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.

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.

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.

Prerequisite: An introductory college biology course.

Note: Students may not receive credit for both 23.202 and 23.273 Human Anatomy and Physiology II.

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.

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, and the history of whaling and contemporary conservation issues. Demonstration laboratory work focuses on smaller marine mammals. There is one Saturday field trip on Massachusetts Bay. 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.

Prerequisite: 23.160 Introduction to Organismal Biology or 23.101 Biological Concepts.

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 groups. 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 courses: 23.234 Comparative Vertebrate Physiology, 23.272 Human Anatomy and Physiology I, or 23.333 Principles of Human Physiology.

Prerequisites: 33.107 Principles of Chemistry; 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.

Designed as an introduction to basic horticultural principles and practices. The course emphasizes the basic structure, growth, and development of plants, and gives the student 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.

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.

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.

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.

Prerequisites: 33.107 Principles of Chemistry; 23.161 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology or 23.101 Biological Concepts.

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 reproductive. Laboratory. Course offered Fall semester. Note: Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: 23.234 Comparative Vertebrate Physiology, 23.272 Human Anatomy and Physiology I, or 23.333 Principles of Human Physiology.

Prerequisites: 33.107 Principles of Chemistry; 23.101 Biological Concepts or 23.161 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology.

A continuation of 23.272 Human Anatomy and Physiology I. This course focuses on tissues in the body, joints, skeletal and muscular anatomy. In addition, the nervous and respiratory 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.

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.

Prerequisites: 33.107 Principles of Chemistry; 23.101 Biological Concepts or 23.161 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology.

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.

Prerequisites: 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.

An introduction to the structure, reproduction, physiology and taxonomy of microorganisms. Special attention is given to 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.

Prerequisites: 33.107 Principles of Chemistry; 23.101 Biological Concepts or 23.161 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology.

A study of wetlands and their role in the hydrology and ecology 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 protection and restoration of endangered wetlands are also examined. Additional course fees apply.

Prerequisites: 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.

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

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 courses: 23.234 Comparative Vertebrate Physiology, 23.272 Human Anatomy and Physiology I, or 23.333 Principles of Human Physiology.

Prerequisites: 33.107 Principles of Chemistry; 23.101 Biological Concepts or 23.161 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology.

23.335 Principles of Wildlife Biology

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.