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Departments
and Courses: Biology
Faculty
E. Dale Kennedy, chair and A. Merton Chickering
Professor of Biology.
B.A., 1975, College of Wooster; M.A.,
1979, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill; Ph.D., 1989, Rutgers
University. Appointed 1994.
Jeffrey C. Carrier, William W. Diehl Trustees' Professor.
B.S., 1971, M.S., 1973, Ph.D., 1974,
University of Miami. Appointed 1979.
Luti Erbeznik, assistant professor.
B.S., 1984, M.S., 1987, University of
Novi Sad; Ph.D., 1994, University of Illinois at Chicago. Appointed 1999.
Dean G. McCurdy, assistant professor.
BSc(H), 1995, Acadia University; Ph.D.,
2000, Carleton University. Appointed 2001.
Kenneth J. Saville, associate professor.
B.S., 1985, Western Michigan
University; Ph.D., 1992, Syracuse University. Appointed 1995.
Molly Duman Scheel, assistant professor.
B.S., 1994, University of Notre Dame;
Ph.D., 1999, University of Chicago. Appointed 2002.
Ruth E. Schmitter, associate professor.
B.S., 1964, Michigan State University;
M.Sc., 1966, University of Edinburgh; Ph.D., 1973, Harvard University.
Appointed 1982.
J. Dan Skean, Jr., professor.
B.S., 1980, Western Kentucky
University; M.S., 1982, North Carolina State University; Ph.D., 1989,
University of Florida. Appointed 1988.
Douglas W. White, adjunct assistant professor.
B.S., 1976, Pennsylvania State
University; M.S., 1978, University of Tennessee; Ph.D., 1989, Rutgers
University. Appointed 1995.
Introduction
The Biology Department's mission is to
provide students with an understanding of, and an appreciation for, the
living world, including the fundamental mechanisms that underlie all life.
Students should understand the ways in which they are affected by living
organisms and how their lives in turn have an impact on other living
organisms and the biosphere. They should become proficient in the methods
of science and aware of the processes that lead to discoveries in science.
In course work, they should develop observational, analytical and
communication skills, regardless of their chosen career path. Ultimately,
biology is best understood by active involvement with organisms and the
systems of life in laboratory and field settings, and in collaborative
student-faculty research.
Career Opportunities
Albion's biology program prepares
students for employment or advanced studies in the health sciences
(medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, physical therapy, etc.),
environmental fields, biotechnology, teaching and many areas of research
(academic, governmental, industrial, medical, etc.). Biology majors can
also pursue an environmental sciences concentration or a neuroscience
concentration.
Research Opportunities
Students have numerous
opportunities for individual research projects. Many of these projects
result in honors theses, publications in professional journals and in
presentations at professional meetings. Some projects are in collaboration
with faculty; others are more independent. Courses in the Biology
Department equip students with scientific skills and materials they need
to do research. Outstanding students participate in nationally competitive
summer research programs at major universities and research institutes.
Special Features
The department also invites
outstanding students to serve as laboratory teaching assistants. Advanced
equipment in the biology facilities of Olin Hall and in the Dow Analytical
Laboratory in the Norris Science Center provides unique opportunities for
undergraduate laboratory studies and research, just as the 144-acre
Whitehouse Nature Center adjacent to the campus provides opportunity for
fieldwork.
Requirements for Major
Biology 195, 210
One unit of field work (215, 216, 225,
227, 237)
One unit of analytical laboratory work
(301, 314, 317, 322, 324, 332, 341)
One course of advanced analytical,
seminar or individualized study (361, 362, 364, 365, 366, 367, 368, 401,
402, 411, 412)
In special cases a student
may substitute one or two units of upperclass work from related fields as
approved in advance by the staff.
Further study in chemistry,
physics, geology and mathematics is recommended and encouraged.
-
All biology courses and cognate
courses must be taken for a numerical grade, except those offered only on
a credit/no credit basis.
-
No more than one unit of internship
credit (391, 392) can count toward the major. No more than one unit of
seminar (401, 402) and no more than one unit of directed study (411, 412)
credit can count toward the major.
-
A senior examination must be taken
for assessment purposes.
-
It is expected that six of the
eight units in biology be taken at Albion College. Other arrangements will
be made for bona fide transfer students and students in approved
off-campus programs.
Requirements for Minor in Cell and
Molecular Biology
Biology 195, 210 (requires
Chemistry 121 as prerequisite or corequisite)
Any three of the following, of which at
least two must include a laboratory: 301, 317, 324, 332, 337 (may be taken
as Chemistry 337), 341, 362, 364, 365, 367
Requirements for Minor in Ecology
and Biodiversity
Biology 195, 210 (requires
Chemistry 121 as prerequisite)
One of the following: 215 or 216
One of the following: 225 or 227
One of the following: 237 or 368
Requirements for Major With
Elementary or Secondary Education Certification
-
Eight units in biology,
including the following: 195, 210; one unit (200-level or above)
"animal" course; one unit (200-level or above) "plant" course. Of the
latter two courses, one must be in the "field work" category. In
addition, one unit in the major must be in analytical laboratory work. At
least six of these courses must include a laboratory.
-
Two units in chemistry unless a
substitution is approved in advance by the staff. The biology faculty
strongly recommends that Chemistry 121 and Chemistry 211 be taken to
satisfy this requirement. Chemistry 101, 107 and 200 do not fulfill this
requirement.
-
One unit chosen from the following
laboratory cognates: Geology 101 (lab required), 103 (lab required),
Physics 115 (lab required).
-
Completion of all other
requirements for teacher certification.
Students will design their
program of study in consultation with the biology faculty and must obtain
written approval of the Biology Department chair, preferably no later than
the beginning of the second semester of the junior year.
Requirements for Minor With Secondary Education Certification
Biology 195, 210 (requires
Chemistry 121 as prerequisite)
One of the following: 215, 216
One of the following: 225, 227, 314
One unit (200-level or above) selected
in consultation with the biology faculty and with written approval of the
Biology Department chair.
Courses
The courses listed below count toward
the biology major or minors unless otherwise noted. Some courses in the
department are offered in alternate years and are so designated below.
Please consult with the instructor or with the Class Schedule, available
online or at the Registrar's Office, to determine when a course will next
be offered.
111 First-Year
Colloquium in Biology (1/4) Fall, Spring
Prerequisites: First-year standing
and invitation of instructor.
Seminar in which selected topics and
research papers are reviewed and discussed. Offered on credit/no credit
basis. Does not count toward the biology major or minors. Two-hour
discussion. Staff.
195 Ecology,
Evolution and Biodiversity (1) Fall, Spring
Focuses on whole organisms and
their evolutionary and ecological relationships. Evolutionary processes,
biological diversity, conservation biology and human impacts on ecology
and biodiversity are major themes. Skills introduced are hypothesis
testing, experimental design, use of primary literature in writing
assignments and basic statistics. Lecture and laboratory. Staff.
206 Tropical
Forest and Reef Biology (1) Spring
Prerequisites: Biology 195 and
permission of instructors.
An introduction to rain forests,
mangrove islands and coral reefs of the neotropics. Students meet weekly
throughout the semester and must spend spring break in Belize, Central
America, where intensive field trips and individual projects are
conducted. Counts as an elective toward the biology major, but does not
satisfy the field work or seminar requirements. Lecture/discussion.
Offered in alternate years. Team-taught.
210 Cell and
Molecular Biology (1) Fall, Spring
Prerequisite: Biology 195.
Prerequisite or corequisite: Chemistry 121.
Focuses on organisms at the cellular
and molecular levels, including biological chemistry, bioenergetics and
metabolism, Mendelian and molecular genetics, cellular communication and
the molecular control of the cell cycle. Builds upon skills from Biology
195 to expand abilities in hypothesis testing and experimental design to
produce an indiviual research paper, and to carry out more advanced
statistical analyses. Lecture and laboratory. Staff.
211 Sophomore
Research (1/2) Fall, Spring
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing
and invitation of instructor.
Independent research projects for
invited sophomores. Staff.
215 Non-Vascular Plants (1) Fall
Prerequisite: Biology 195.
A study of representative algae,
fungi and bryophytes emphasizing the relationship of structure and
function. In addition to reproduction and classification, environmental
physiology and evolution are considered. Lecture and laboratory. Offered
in alternate years. Schmitter.
216 Vascular
Plants (1) Spring
Prerequisite: Biology 195.
Morphology, taxonomy and
distribution of vascular plants. Representatives of local flora receive
special attention in laboratory and field studies. Lecture and laboratory.
Skean.
225 Invertebrate Zoology (1) Fall
Prerequisite: Biology 195.
Field-oriented course emphasizing
evolution, classification, ecology, behavior and natural history of
invertebrate animals. Class involves field trips and use of the Whitehouse
Nature Center. Lecture and laboratory. McCurdy.
227 Vertebrate
Zoology (1) Spring
Prerequisite: Biology 195.
Classification, behavior, ecology and
evolution of the vertebrates. Mammals and birds are emphasized more than
other groups. Lecture and laboratory. Kennedy.
237 Ecology (1) Spring
Prerequisite: Biology 195.
A study of interactions between
organisms and their environment including adaptation, competition,
parasitism, population and community dynamics and the ecosystem concept.
Class involves field trips and use of the Whitehouse Nature Center.
Lecture and laboratory. McCurdy.
301 Cell
Biology (1) Fall
Prerequisite: Biology 210.
An in-depth investigation of biological
systems at the cellular, subcellular and molecular levels. Studies of a
variety of cell types and energy relations within cells. Lecture
emphasizes metabolism, metabolic regulation and cellular diversity.
Laboratory emphasizes measurement and analysis of subcellular features.
Offered in alternate years. Schmitter.
309 Vertebrate
Paleontology (1) Fall
Prerequisite: Geology 103 or
Biology 195.
The fossil record, evolution,
morphology, adaptation and paleobiogeography of fish, amphibians,
reptiles, birds and mammals. The interactions of vertebrates with ancient
floras, climates and plate configurations will be emphasized. This course
fills a biology elective, but does not fulfill the analytical laboratory
requirement. Same as Geology 309. Offered as needed. Bartels.
310
Evolution (1) Spring
Prerequisite: Biology 210.
A study of the course and processes of
organic evolution. Topics include the history of ideas of evolution,
population genetics, population ecology, speciation, adaptation,
coevolution, evolutionary rates, evolutionary convergences, mass
extinctions and biogeography. Lecture and practicum. Offered in alternate
years. McCurdy.
314 Comparative
Anatomy (1) Fall
Prerequisite: Biology 210.
Comparative anatomical study of
vertebrate organ systems, their development and evolution. Lecture and
laboratory. Kennedy.
317 Genetics (1) Fall, Spring
Prerequisite: Biology 210;
Chemistry 211 recommended.
Mechanisms of inheritance, and of gene
structure and function in living organisms. Both classical and molecular
genetics are considered as they relate to function. Lecture and
laboratory. Staff.
324 Developmental Biology (1) Spring
Prerequisite: Biology 210.
The genetic, molecular and cellular
mechanisms underlying early development of multicellular organisms.
Potential topics include fertilization and early development, gene
regulation during development, neural pathfinding, cell signaling, cell
division and growth, organogenesis, limb development, metamorphosis,
regeneration, sex determination, the evolution of development, genomics,
and stem cell research. Scheel.
332 Microbiology (1) Spring
Prerequisite: Biology 210;
Chemistry 211 recommended.
Introduction to the microbial
world. Explores the morphology, physiology, genetics and diversity of
microorganisms. Stresses the relationships among microbes and other
organisms, including humans. Lecture and laboratory. Erbeznik.
337 Biochemistry (1) Spring
Prerequisites: Biology 210,
Chemistry 211.
Same as Chemistry 337. Must be
taken as Biology 337 for credit toward the major. Lecture. Rohlman.
341 General
Physiology (1) Fall
Prerequisites: Biology 210, one
year of chemistry. Chemistry 211 is strongly recommended.
The processes which contribute to the
maintenance of dynamic equilibria of cells and how those processes relate
to the organismal level of plants and animals. Lecture and
laboratory. Carrier.
361 Immunology (1) Fall
Prerequisite: One of the
following—Biology 301, 317, 332, 337 or 341.
Introduction to the basic functions of
immune systems, the cells and tissues involved and the mechanisms by which
immune responses are carried out. Applications of immunology to other
scientific disciplines are also emphasized. Lecture only. Staff.
362 Recombinant
DNA Techniques (1) Fall
Prerequisite: One of the
following—Biology 301, 317, 332 or 337.
The theory and practice of modern
molecular genetics will be explored. Techniques potentially considered
include: DNA cloning, DNA hybridization, the polymerase chain reaction,
DNA sequencing, and the expression of cloned genes in bacteria.
Lecture/discussion and laboratory. Offered in alternate years. Saville.
364 Biological
Electron Microscopy (1) Spring
Prerequisite: One 300-level
biology course with laboratory or permission of instructor.
Introduction to the principles of
electron microscope operation, biological sample preparation, photographic
techniques and interpretation of data. Laboratory participation is
extensive. Lecture and laboratory. Schmitter.
365 Environmental Microbiology (1) Fall
Prerequisite: Biology 210
Microbes in action: bioremediation,
biodegradation, cycling of nutrients and energy flow, biopesticides and
phytopathogens, spread of antibiotic resistance, molecular ecology of
infectious diseases, microbial symbionts and extremophiles. Explores these
and other topics through discussions, field trips and experimental work.
Lecture and laboratory. Offered in alternate years. Erbeznik.
366 Endocrinology (1/2) Spring
Prerequisites: Biology 341 or 210
and Chemistry 211.
Examination of the evolution of
endocrinological systems, and the modes of action, mechanisms of control,
and interactions of selected hormonal systems. Discussion. Offered in
alternate years. Carrier.
367 Virology (1) Fall
Prerequisite: Biology 210
Are viruses living organisms or not?
Addresses this and many more questions in molecular architecture,
replication strategies, transmission modes, pathogenicity, carcinogenicity
and usefulness of viruses. Lecture and discussion. Offered in alternate
years. Erbeznik.
368 Behavioral
Ecology (1) Spring
Prerequisite: Biology 210.
Patterns and functions of behavior
examined from an ecological-evolutionary perspective. Topics include
history of animal behavior, behavioral genetics, habitat selection,
foraging, antipredator behavior, cooperation and altruism, communication,
sexual selection, mating systems, parental behavior and optimality models.
Lecture, discussion and independent field studies of living animals.
Offered in alternate years. Staff.
388, 389 Selected Topics (1/2, 1) Fall, Spring
Prerequisites: Biology 210,
permission of instructor and other as indicated.
Specialized, advanced topics or topics
of interest to special groups. Each section offered will be suitably
subtitled (Conservation Biology, Entomology, Cell Signalling,
Neurobiology, etc.) Staff.
391, 392 Internships (1/2 , 1) Summer (Fall, Spring as
available)
Prerequisites: Junior or senior
standing and permission of department.
No more than one unit may be counted
toward the major. Offered on a credit/no credit basis. Staff.
401, 402 Seminar (1/2, 1) Fall, Spring
Prerequisites: Junior or senior
standing, permission of instructor and other as indicated.
Topics in diverse areas of biology.
Recent topics have included genes and cancer, literature and medicine,
conservation biology, and biology of sharks and their relatives.
Discussion. Staff.
411, 412 Directed Study (1/2, 1) Fall, Spring (Summer as
available)
Prerequisites: Junior or senior
standing and approval by both the faculty sponsor and department chair of
a research proposal prior to registration.
Independent research by an individual
student under the direction of a staff member. A detailed summary research
paper or other appropriate evidence is required at the end of the work.
Staff.
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