Courses
Courses in blue will be offered in the Fall semester, 2010.
BIOL100. Principles of Biology. Introductory biology course for non-majors that covers major principles in biology as they relate to higher organisms. When possible, the human organism is selected to illustrate a principle. Fall and Spring. Three 50-minute periods, one 3-hour laboratory. Staff (Fall 2007): Kurvink
BIOL102. Biology of the Birds. Introduction to avian origin and evolution. Topics include theories of flight, migration, behavior, distribution, and concepts relating to territory, courtship, and mating. Laboratories include field trips to identify local bird species and study their behavior and ecology. Cannot be used as a biology elective in the major. Summer and Fall. Saturday field trips. Klem
BIOL103. Human Anatomy and Physiology I. Introduction to concepts and principles important to the understanding of the human body, with clinical applications. Structure and function of tissue, integumentary, skeletal, muscular, articulation, nervous, sensory, and endocrine systems. Fall. Three 50-minute periods, one 3-hour laboratory. Fox
BIOL104. Human Anatomy and Physiology II.Second course in the anatomy and physiology sequence. Emphasis on understanding structure and function of the human systems with emphasis on clinical applications. Topics include digestive, respiratory, vascular, lymphatic, immune, excretory, and reproduction systems; early development; genetics. Prerequisite: Biology 103 or permission of instructor. Spring. Three 50-minute periods, one 3-hour laboratory. Fox
BIOL107. Environmental Science. Introduces non-major students to fundamental principles of ecology and the relationship of humans to their environment. Topics include agriculture and food production, water and air pollution, energy use and associated environmental effects, toxic waste, and renewable/nonrenewable resources. Summer. Kuserk
BIOL112. General Zoology. Introduction to the panorama of invertebrate and vertebrate animals, with attention to morphology, physiology, reproduction, and evolution of major animal groups. Laboratory emphasizes observation of structural-functional relationships of living and preserved representatives of major animal groups. Three 50-minute periods, one 3-hour laboratory. Staff
BIOL119. Introductory Botany.Introduction to plant science, with attention to historical and cultural importance of plants, structure and function of higher plants, survey of major plant divisions. Laboratory emphasizes relationship between structure and physiological function in major plant divisions. One of two introductory courses for the major. Three 50-minute periods, one 3-hour laboratory. Bevington
BIOL192. Special Topic: Heredity and Society. In the areas of agriculture, medicine, population genetics and evolution, the study of heredity has been critical both historically and presently. Since the time of Mendel, the science of genetics has continued to grow and expand at an incredible rate of speed. Molecular genetics added significant information on chromosome structure and function and an understanding of the molecular basis of mutation and DNA repair. Recombinant DNA techniques added additional strategies for directed genomic modification. Genome sequencing and the associated ability to screen for disease genes and to more precisely treat disease associated with other diagnostic technology is in the process of revolutionizing medicine. This course is intended to bring the non-science student into an awareness of the many ways genetics has and will continue to touch his/her life. This course does not meet the requirements for the biology major or minor. Three 50-minute periods. Kurvink
BIOL193. Special Topic: From Cells to Spheres: The Science of Life and Our Environment. In this course, we will examine the science of living organisms from single cells to complex entities in the plant and animal kingdoms, as well as the differences in composition and properties of the various spheres of our world (biosphere, atmosphere, geosphere, and hydrosphere). Various natural cycles interconnect these spheres, but more than any other living organism, humans have the ability to impact the environment through population growth, policy decisions, and applications of technology. In analyzing the scientific aspects of contemporary environmental issues, we will also consider risk, the concept of an environmental ethic, the role of the media, and public policy related to science and the environment. Laboratory exercises will introduce students to scientific inquiry and experimentation and will help to illustrate the concepts being discussed in lecture. This course does not meet the requirements for the biology major or minor. Three 50-minute periods, one 3-hour laboratory. Husic
BIOL205. Pathophysiology. Mechanisms of disease in humans. Emphasis is on dysfunction at cellular, tissue, and organ levels. Chemical, physical, and genetic stress factors are examined to understand how they affect human systems. Prerequisite: Biology 103-104. Fall. Two 70-minute periods. Cheever
BIOL206. Microbiology for the Health Sciences. Introductory course for students in health science curricula. Presents biomolecules of life, enzyme interaction, physiology, structure of representative microorganisms and principles of microbial control and chemotherapy. Emphasizes bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa of health significance and the host-parasite relationship. Microbiological techniques will be emphasized in laboratory. Cannot be used as a biology elective in the major or minor. Prerequisites: Biology 103-104 and Chemistry 108. Three 50-minute periods, two 90-minute laboratories. Kuserk
BIOL209. Humankind and the Global Ecosystem. Increases in human population and advances in technology allow humans to modify or destroy ecosystems at a rate unimaginable a century ago. We will examine current trends associated with environmental change in order to understand what they mean for us and other species with which we share the biosphere. Environmental issues are viewed through the lenses of economics, politics, and culture. Topics include ecology, population growth, environmental ethics, ecological economics, sustainable development, and the loss of biodiversity and the forces that cause it. Fall. Two 70-minute periods. Bevington
BIOL210. Genetics. Introductory course with emphasis on eukaryotic organisms. Classical and contemporary aspects of genetics. Prerequisite: sophomore standing. Fall. Three 50-minute periods, one 3-hour laboratory. Jones
IDIS213. The Impact of Technology on Diet and Disease. Historically, technology has had an enormous impact on diet and disease. Beginning with the domestication of crops and animals, the course will trace changes in the diet and human social systems resulting from advances in agriculture and food distribution. Topics include the 18th-century agricultural and industrial revolutions and the "green revolution" of the 1950s; hormones, antibiotics, genetically engineered crops; pandemics such as the Black Death of the 14th century, Spanish influenza in 1918, and AIDS and other emerging diseases. Spring. This course does not meet the requirements for the biology major or minor. Two 70-minute periods. Binford, Husic
BIOL225. Invertebrate Zoology. Introduction to adaptive morphology, physiology, systematics, and development of selected invertebrates. Laboratory work includes anatomical, experimental, and field studies. Recommended for students interested in marine biology, secondary school education, graduate school, and laboratory work. Prerequisite: Biology 112. Three 50-minute periods, one 3-hour laboratory. Staff
BIOL230. Field Botany. Introduction to plant systematics and ecology. In systematics, focus is on our concept of species: patterns and sources of variation in plant populations, compatibility and breeding systems, hydridization and introgression, and polyploidy; in ecology, the nature of local plant communities and forces that shape them. Fieldwork includes sampling of plant communities, collecting and identifying specimens, visiting botanical institutions. Prerequisite: Biology 119. Fall. Alternate years. Two 50-minute periods, two 3-hour laboratories. Bevington
IDIS232. Ethical Issues in Reproductive Biotechnology (also Women's Studies 232). Ethical and biological considerations for the individual, family, and society regarding recent technical procedures and diagnostic methods in reproductive biology. Topics include prenatal genetic diagnosis and treatment, assisted reproductive technologies, premature birth and associated medical concerns and treatments, birth-control methods, sex-selection technologies, and pregnancy- and birth-related technologies. Fall. This course does not meet the requirements for the biology major or minor. Two 70-minute periods. Kurvink
BIOL235. Microbiology. Nature and activities of microorganisms as seen through their morphology, physiology, genetics, biochemistry, and ecology. Special attention on the microbe as an infectious agent through investigation of host-microbe interaction, action of antibiotics, and immunological responses of host organisms to infection. Prerequisites: Biology 103-104, 112 or 119 and Chemistry 108 or 113-114. Spring. Three 50-minute periods, two 90-minute laboratories. Kuserk
BIOL240. Biology of Mammals. Morphology, evolution, and physiological ecology of selected groups of mammals. Field trips to zoos and museums. Prerequisite: Biology 112. Alternate years. Three 50-minute periods, one 3-hour laboratory. Staff
BIOL250. Animal Behavior (also Psychology 250). Neurological, ecological, and genetic basis of behavior, with emphasis on evolutionary mechanisms that govern acquisition of behavioral patterns. Prerequisite: Biology 100 or 112, or Psychology 120. Fall. Alternate years. Three 50-minute periods, one 3-hour laboratory. Kuserk
BIOL262. Human Genetics. An applied genetics course which reviews Mendelian patterns of inheritance, chromosomal syndromes, molecular genetic implications in oncogenetics and immunogenetics, strategies of gene therapy, genetic counseling methods, and related population genetic concepts. Prerequisite: Biology 210 or permission of instructor. Three 50-minute periods, one 3-hour laboratory. Kurvink
BIOL265. Cell Physiology. Introduction to biochemical and physiological activities of cells. Topics include metabolic pathways, bioenergetics, enzyme kinetics, membrane structure and function, molecular biology of the gene, cell motility, and cellular differentiation. Prerequisites: Biology 112 or 119 and Chemistry 113-114. Spring. Three 50-minute periods, one 3-hour laboratory. Bevington
IDIS294. Special Topic: From Ape to Madonna: The Evolution of Humankind. One of the most profound questions that human beings can ask of themselves has to be, "Where do we come from?" This course will deal with the historical and comparative bio-anthropology of our species, looking at humans as members of the animal kingdom, focusing on the attributes shared with our primate relatives, and exploring the origins of uniquely human attributes. Using the approaches of evolutionary biology, physical anthropology, and archaeology, this course traces human physical evolution and cultural development from its earliest beginning, more than five million years ago, to about 15,000 years ago, just before the beginnings of plant and animal domestication and the rise of complex societies. In addition, this course will pay special attention to the impact that evolutionary ideas have had on social, political, and educational issues in American life. Spring. This course does not meet the requirements for the biology major or minor. Three 50-minute periods. Kuserk
BIOL296. Special Topic: HIV/AIDS—Multiple Dimensions. A community-involvement, interactive course which addresses the many dimensions of the disease and its impact on the individual, family, community, and world. AIDS is a disease which has challenged scientific research and the medical and industrial establishment in terms of prevention, treatment and cure. It is a disease which has reached all global populations and has resulted in international attention and concern as well as political sociological implications. Guests who are specialists in various aspects of the course will help make the class more "real world" and serve as a resource for information and questions. Students will be requested to lead at least one class discussion (activity) and to be interactive for the rest. In addition, a final comprehensive exam and portfolio will comprise part of the student's grade. Cannot be used as a biology elective in the major or minor. Three 50-minute periods. Kurvink
BIOL298. Special Topic: Reproduction and Development. Will cover both classic and current topics related to animal reproduction and development. Although mammalian (especially human) reproduction and development will be the primary focus, critical historical research involving other organisms will be used to demonstrate the historical pathway to current ideas and concepts. Emphasis will be placed on evolutionary conservation of reproductive design and strategies (gamete formation, fertilization events, endocrine regulation, and early developmental events). Current topics will include scientific assessment of sexually transmitted disease, medical treatment of infants with ambiguous genitalia, assisted reproductive technologies, stem cells and cloning procedures, and effective methods of birth control. The designated lab time will include situational discussions, guest speakers, as well as more traditional lab exercises. Two 70-minute periods, one 3-hour laboratory. Kurvink
BIOL310. Mammalian Anatomy. Structure, function, and development of the mammalian body, with emphasis on the human. Abnormalities of organ systems. Prerequisite: Biology 112. Fall. Three 50-minute periods, one 3-hour laboratory. Staff
BIOL327. Biochemistry I. (also Chemistry 327). Structural features of the four major classes of biomolecules and basic functions of these molecules in cells. Fundamentals of information flow in biological systems, enzyme kinetics and catalytic mechanisms will set the stage for BIOL/CHEM 328 (Biochemistry II). Introduction to many of the techniques used in biochemistry laboratories and how to investigate biochemical problems. Prerequisites: Biology 265 and Chemistry 211. Fall. Three 50-minute periods, one 50-minute problem session, one 3-hour laboratory. Dunham
BIOL328. Biochemistry II. (also Chemistry 328). Designed to expand a student's background in biochemistry beyond a review of the introduction to biomolecular structure and function provided in Biochemistry I. A variety of advanced topics will be discussed including: metabolic pathways and strategies for the integration of pathways and the regulation of metabolism; membrane transport mechanisms; mechanisms of catalysis and design of active sites of enzymes/enzyme kinetics; signal transduction and the hormonal control of cellular metabolism and gene expression; and aberrations in gene expression/cellular signaling in human disease. Prerequisites: Biology 327 and Chemistry 212. Spring. Three 50-minute periods, one 3-hour laboratory. Husic
BIOL340. Immunology. Introduction to immune reactions in organisms. Topics include structure and function of antigens, antibodies, and lymphokines, cells and tissues of the immune system, complement, antigen-antibody reactions, regulatory mechanisms, major histocompatibility antigens, hypersensitivity, and serological methodologies. Laboratory emphasizes traditional immunoassays such as immunodiffusion and immunoelectrophoresis, as well as more modern, sensitive assays such as affinity chromatography and western blotting. Prerequisites: Biology 112 and Chemistry 113-114. Fall. Alternate years. Three 50-minute periods, one 3-hour laboratory. Staff
BIOL342. Animal Development. Process by which multicellular organisms increase in complexity as they grow from single cell to adult. By considering classical embryology and recent advances in cellular and molecular biology, we will take up the most interesting questions of developmental biology: how individual cells "know" where they are in the developing animal, similarities and differences in developmental processes, how an organism self-corrects developmental mistakes. Topics include fertilization, cell-fate determination, complex organ systems, and handedness in organisms from slime molds to vertebrates. Prerequisites: Biology 112 and either 210 or 265. Spring. Alternate years. Three 50-minute periods, one 3-hour laboratory. Jones
BIOL345. Histology. Structural organization and functional architecture of vertebrates, examining fundamental tissues and organs with light and electron microscopes. Prerequisite: Biology 112. Three 50-minute periods, one 3-hour laboratory. Staff
BIOL350. Vertebrate Physiology. Functions of vertebrate organ systems, with emphasis on the human body. Topics include the circulatory, digestive, nervous, muscular, hormonal, sensory, and excretory systems. Laboratory work emphasizes experimental techniques to analyze functional activities of animals. Prerequisites: Biology 112 and Chemistry 113-114. Spring. Three 50-minute periods, one 3-hour laboratory. Fox
BIOL351. Plant Physiology. Important physiological functions in higher plants and relationships between these functions and the structural organization of plants. Topics include water relations and water balance, mineral nutrition, transport phenomena, assimilate allocation and partitioning, plant metabolism, stress physiology, defense strategies against herbivores and pathogens, plant growth and development (germination, flowering, dormancy, plant hormones and growth regulators). Laboratory includes a core of experiments designed to illustrate important concepts in plant physiology and a research project of the student's choice, investigative and open-ended in character. Prerequisites: Biology 119 and Chemistry 113. Three 50-minute periods, one 3-hour laboratory. Bevington
BIOL355. Parasitology. Survey of phyla containing parasitic species. Emphasis on structure, life cycle, physiology, and immunity. Prerequisite: Biology 112. Fall. Three 50-minute periods, one 3-hour laboratory. Staff
BIOL360. Ecology. Interactions between organisms and their environment that determine their distribution and abundance in nature. Attention to evolutionary adaptation of species, population dynamics, community structure and function, and ecosystem analysis. Laboratory emphasizes qualitative and quantitative field investigations. Prerequisites: Biology 112 and 119 or permission of instructor. Fall. Alternate years. Three 50-minute periods, one 3-hour laboratory. Kuserk
BIOL362. Neuroscience. Study of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology and neuropathology; special emphasis on functional aspect of brain organization; introduction to theories and research regarding neurodegenerative disorders through journal club discussions. Laboratory includes gross anatomy and microscopic study of the central nervous system, computer-assisted neurophysiology experimentation, computerized and radiographic study of the brain and a semester-long behavior project. Prerequisites: Biology 112. Three 50-minute periods, one 3-hour laboratory. Fox
BIOL365. Molecular Genetics. Advanced genetics course emphasizing current knowledge and research in fundamental molecular aspects of genetics, primarily in eukaryotes. Topics include genome struture, transcriptional control, genetic regulatory pathways, and recombinant DNA technology. Prerequisites: Biology 210 and junior or senior standing. Spring. Alternate years. Three 50-minute periods, one 3-hour laboratory. Jones
BIOL370. Biology Seminar.Writing-intensive seminar in an area of biological science. Students will research and present written and oral reports on the general topic. Emphasis on the development of skills in using biological literature, analysis and interpretation of data, and communication of ideas. Prerequisite: Senior status or permission of instructor. Three 50-minute or two 70-minute periods. Staff (Fall 2009: Bevington, Husic). Writing-intensive.
BIOL375.2. Senior Seminar in Biochemistry. (also Chemistry 375.2). Advanced topics in biochemistry, designed to provide senior-level students with an opportunity to explore projects that illustrate how concepts from biology and chemistry relate to the study of biochemistry. Emphasis on development of ability for independent analysis of biochemical problems. Includes lectures by visiting speakers on current research. Students also will complete literature research, submit written reports, and make oral presentations on a biochemical topic chosen in consultation with faculty advisor. Prerequisite: Biology/Chemistry 328 or permission of instructor. Spring. One 100-minute period. Staff. Writing-intensive.
BIOL390.2. Special Topic: Directed Research in Biology.This half-credit course will enable selected students to conduct research under the direct supervision of the sponsoring faculty member. Project specifics and scheduling will be determined jointly by the faculty member and the student. It is expected that this course will require the equivalent of approximately 50-60 hours of student time over the semester. Jones
BIOL391. Special Topic: Genomics. An exploration of the techniques used to create genomic DNA libraries, to sequence the resulting DNA fragments, and to analyze the sequences of these fragments, at both the gene and genome levels. Students will gain familiarity with the computer programs used to assemble and annotate genomic sequence data as they use them to analyze their own raw data from the Washington University Genome Sequencing Center. This course will be extensively computer-based. We will be working with large (ca. 40-kb) sections of genomic DNA in silico: by the end of the semester, each student will have finished improving the sequence quality of one or two of these 40-kb clones to a publishable level and extensively annotated them, indicating the locations of genes, repeat sequences, and other sequence motifs. Prerequisite: Biology 210 and permission of the instructor. Fall. Two 70-minute periods. Jones
BIOL190-199, 290-299, 390-399. Special Topics.
BIOL381-384. Independent Study.
BIOL386-389. Field Study.
BIOL400-401. Honors.
