Biology
Faculty
John Frank, Ph.D.
Kathryn Carpentier, Ph.D. (Non-Tenure Track)
J. Christopher Gaiser, Ph.D.
Kathryn Lee, Ph.D. (Non-Tenure Track)
Catherine Reinke, Ph.D.
John Syring, Ph.D. (Chair)
Chad Tillberg, Ph.D.
Jeremy Weisz, Ph.D.
Laboratory Coordinators
Kenneth Kebisek, M.S.
Heather Long, B.S.
Biology courses offer studies to those who wish to major in Biology and either join the work force or continue in graduate study, research, or teaching. They also provide preparation for students wanting to enter medicine, dentistry, or other health professions. In addition, classes familiarize students in other areas of the liberal arts with the vital role that environmental factors play in the lives of all people, and guide them to an appreciation of the intricacy and beauty of the world. The program is enhanced by field study at various locations, including the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the coast, The Siskiyou Mountains, and the California redwoods. January Term courses are offered occasionally in different localities such as Hawaii, Central America, Mexico, and New Zealand.
Courses
A list of the department’s infrequently taught courses can be found on the Registrar’s webpages.
BIOL 106 MICROBES AND MAN (3 credits)
Role of microorganisms in nature and their importance to human welfare. Stimulation of an understanding of such contemporary issues as genetic engineering, cancer and its causes, infectious diseases, and the quality of the environment. For the non-science major; assumes no biology or chemistry.
BIOL 107 ANIMALS IN ACTION (3 credits)
Course explores animal behavior at multiple levels of biological organization from genetic and neurophysiological underpinnings of behavior to resulting behavioral interactions of animals with environment and other organisms. Special emphasis given to relating course concepts to relevant current topics in human health and society, evolution and biological conservation. Topics include: behavioral genetics, hormones and behavior, mating behavior, parent-offspring interactions, habitat selection, navigation, foraging, self defense, communication, learning, cognition, sociality, and behavior and conservation. Course for non-majors intended to promote scientific literacy and quantitative reasoning.
(NATURAL WORLD)
BIOL 108 ECOLOGY OF ECOSYSTEMS (3 credits)
Examination of the diversity and complexity of ecosystems plus critical processes, including nutrient cycling, productivity, and energy flow. Analysis of human impacts on these ecosystems, with considerations of ecosystem resilience and restoration efforts. NOT APPLICABLE for Biology major or minor.
(NATURAL WORLD, QUANTITATIVE REASONING)
BIOL 112 MICROBIOLOGY OF GRAPES AND WINE (3 credits)
Role of microorganisms in the growth of grapes and production of wine. Exploration of both beneficial and harmful microbes, and the mechanisms by which microbes interact with their hosts and each other. For the non-science major; assumes no biology or chemistry. (Listed as BIOL 112 and WINE 112)
Total Course fees: $20.00
(NATURAL WORLD)
BIOL 198 SPECIAL TOPICS: JAN TERM TRAVEL (4 credits)
Topics vary according to faculty availability and interest. May be repeated for credit with different topics.
Prerequisites: IDST 098 previous fall.
Typically offered: January Term
BIOL 201 CONCEPTS IN MARINE ECOLOGY (3 credits)
Physical, chemical, and biological factors in the marine environment, examination of organism types and adaptations, major offshore and coastal ecosystems, and consideration of human impacts. OFFERED THROUGH ONLINE AND CONTINUING EDUCATION (OCE) ONLY.
Typically offered: Spring Semester, Odd Years
(NATURAL WORLD)
BIOL 210 PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY (4 credits)
An introduction to the fundamental principles of biology including the origin and diversity of living things; the molecular, cellular, and genetic bases of life; the structure and function of organisms; their evolution and ecology. Lecture and laboratory. Required for Biology majors.
Total Course fees: $60.00
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in CHEM 210 recommended. BIOL 210L required co-requisite.
(NATURAL WORLD)
BIOL 211 PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY (4 credits)
An introduction to the fundamental principles of biology including the origin and diversity of living things; the molecular, cellular, and genetic bases of life; the structure and function of organisms; their evolution and ecology. Lecture and laboratory. Required for Biology majors.
Total Course fees: $60.00
Prerequisites: BIOL 210, minimum C- grade. CHEM 210 recommended concurrent or previous. BIOL 211L required co-requisite.
Typically offered: Fall and Spring Semesters, Annually
(NATURAL WORLD)
BIOL 212 HUMAN ANATOMY (4 credits)
A systemic approach to structure and basic functions of cells, tissues, and organs of the human body. Lab exercises include cat dissection, microscopic examination of tissues and organs of the body and utilization of human cadaver prosections. Lecture and laboratory.
Total Course fees: $60.00
Prerequisites: Completion of one full semester of college. One year of Principles of Biology or General Chemistry is strongly recommended. BIOL 212L required co-requisite.
(NATURAL WORLD)
BIOL 213 HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY (4 credits)
Functioning of human body systems relating to organization and structure; support and movement, internal communication; integration, coordination, and sensation; internal transport; energy acquisition and metabolism; fluid regulation; and reproduction. Lecture and laboratory.
Total Course fees: $60.00
Prerequisites: BIOL 212 or consent of instructor.
Typically offered: Fall and Spring Semesters
(NATURAL WORLD)
BIOL 220 RESEARCH METHODS (1 credit)
Instruction and practice in techniques used in research laboratories. May be repeated for Biology major or minor elective credit.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
(EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING)
BIOL 250 PLANT BIOLOGY (4 credits)
Study of the basic structure and function of the cells, tissues, and organs of higher plants. Detailed exploration of the genetic and molecular bases of processes such as flowering and embryogenesis. Emphasis on current models of plant development using scientific papers from the primary literature. Lecture and laboratory.
Total Course fees: $60.00
Prerequisites: BIOL 210, 211. BIOL 250L required co-requisite.
BIOL 260 FUNDAMENTALS OF NEUROSICENCE (4 credits)
Introduction to cellular, organismal and behavioral neuroscience. Examining principles of neurons, synapses, and brain systems; including structural and functional mechanisms of neurons in sensory systems, perception, movement and neural development. (Listed as BIOL 260, HHPA 260 and PSYC 260)
Prerequisites: PSYC 101, BIOL 210, and BIOL 211.
Typically offered: Spring Semester
BIOL 270 GENETICS (5 credits)
Fundamental principles of heredity from viruses to man, with emphasis on chromosomal mapping, gene regulation, and modern concepts of DNA manipulation. Lecture and laboratory.
Total Course fees: $60.00
BIOL 275 INTRODUCTION TO MICROBIOLOGY (4 credits)
Introductory course covering the basic concepts of microbial world, beginning with a review of biological and chemical concepts. Focus on the prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms with clinical and industrial importance. Students are required to return to lab briefly during regular business hours on the day following their scheduled lab section each week. Meets the prerequisites for students planning to major in Nursing. Does not count toward Biology major or minor.
Total Course fees: $60.00
Prerequisites: BIOL 210, or CHEM 210 and CHEM 211, or CHEM 201 and CHEM 202.
BIOL 279 NUCLEIC ACID SEQUENCING (1 credit)
This course is intended to provide a primer on the laboratory skills associated with preparing samples for nucleic acid sequencing. This course couples well with BIOL 340 Bioinformatics which deals with how to manipulate DNA and RNA sequence data. We will first review the purposes of sequencing nucleic acids and compare these purposes to other methods for investigating variation. We will start the course by honing our basic laboratory skills in maintaining a lab notebook, pipetting, gel electrophoresis, and DNA extraction. We will then use those skills as we conduct three common types of sequencing - Sanger, Nanopore, and Illumina. Through each of these sequencing experiments we will gradually add additional skills to our repertoire. In reviewing our sequencing results we will use basic bioinformatic techniques to get a feel for how sequence data is used and manipulated. We will compare and contrast each sequencing method to gain a feel for the pros and cons as well as the costs associated with each method. On a broader perspective, we are hoping to gain knowledge both on how to conduct research in a laboratory setting as well as gain experience in how to operate and maintain a research lab.
Typically offered: Spring Semester, Alternate Years
(EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING)
BIOL 285 PRINCIPLES OF ECOLOGY (5 credits)
Introduction to the structure and functions of ecosystems, communities, and populations with emphasis on terrestrial and fresh water environments. Introduction to the science of laboratory ecology and field research. Quantitative field techniques, basic statistical tools, and independent research study.
Total Course fees: $60.00
Prerequisites: BIOL 211 or ENVS 201. BIOL 285L required co-requisite.
(NATURAL WORLD, QUANTITATIVE REASONING)
BIOL 289 NW ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL WRITING (4 credits)
An interdisciplinary field course focusing on the connections between the processes of the natural world and human creative expression. Serves as an introduction to the science of ecology and the art of creative writing. Weekly class meetings and three mandatory weekend-long field excursions to field stations across the region. Check with faculty on field trip dates as they will vary from year to year. (Listed as BIOL 289 and CRWR 289.)
Total Course fees: $300.00
Prerequisites: INQS 125.
Typically offered: Fall Semester, Even Years
(CREATIVE STUDIES, NATURAL WORLD)
BIOL 290 PLANTS AND SOCIETY (4 credits)
An interdisciplinary study of past, present, and future uses of plants, the products made from them, the sociocultural contexts in which the plants are used, their impact on development of human societies, and the impact of humans on plant populations worldwide. Four hours of lecture/week plus field trips.
Total Course fees: $60.00
Prerequisites: BIOL 211, SOAN 111 or ENVS 203.
Typically offered: Spring Semester, Annually
(NATURAL WORLD)
BIOL 295 SOPHOMORE SEMINAR IN BIOLOGY (1 credit)
Career planning and skills in biology. Career guidance, networking, ethics, problem solving, scientific exploration, resume and/or CV writing, informational interviews, attendance at and summary of several Science Colloquium meetings, and class presentations.
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing.
BIOL 298 SPECIAL TOPICS: JAN TERM TRAVEL (4 credits)
Topics vary according to faculty availability and interest. May be repeated for credit with different topics.
Prerequisites: IDST 098 previous fall.
Typically offered: January Term
BIOL 300 TOPICS IN BIOLOGY (3 credits)
Specialized focus on new developments, advanced topics, or subjects of current interest in biology. Lecture/lab, lecture/field work, or seminar format. May be repeated once for credit with different content.
Total Course fees: $60.00
BIOL 330 INSECT BIOLOGY (4 credits)
This course will explore the evolution, diversity, anatomy, physiology, reproduction, development, ecology, and behavior of the most abundant animal form on planet earth--the insects. Class meetings will be a mixture of traditional lecture format with frequent in-class discussions and activities. The laboratory will include experimental and experiential investigations of material coordinated with the lecture. Students will also assemble and curate an insect collection.
Total Course fees: $60.00
Prerequisites: BIOL 211 and junior standing, or consent of instructor. BIOL 330L required co-requisite.
BIOL 335 HUMAN EMBRYOLOGY (3 credits)
An examination of human developmental anatomy, beginning with an analysis of early embryonic development and an overview of the fundamental principles of developmental biology, and continuing with a description of the development of each of the systems of the human body.
Prerequisites: BIOL 212.
Typically offered: Spring Semester, Every Third Year Or Less Often
(NATURAL WORLD)
BIOL 340 BIOINFORMATICS (4 credits)
Computer-based explorations of large biological datasets to test hypotheses in ecology, evolution, and genetics. This is a project-based course, in which students learn fundamental concepts and methods in bioinformatics, gain practical experience with bioinformatics tools, and develop basic skills in the collection and presentation of big data, as well as the rudiments of programming in a scripting language. Programming experience is not required.
Total Course fees: $60.00
Typically offered: January Term
BIOL 350 BIOL & IDENTIFICATION OF WOODY PLANTS (4 credits)
Intensive field and lecture course for identification of tree, shrub, and vine species prominent in Oregon ecosystems. Biogeographic history, landscape and disturbance ecology, ecological specialization, evolutionary history, and impacts of global warming and other anthropogenic environmental changes. Lab trip to the Redwoods.
Total Course fees: $60.00
Prerequisites: BIOL 211. BIOL 350L required co-requisite.
Typically offered: Fall Semester, Odd Years
(NATURAL WORLD)
BIOL 361 GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY (4 credits)
Biology of major groups of microorganisms with emphasis on bacteria and viruses. Microorganisms in human disease, the environment, and applied microbiology. Lab techniques for isolating and identifying bacteria. Three lectures and one laboratory per week. Appropriate for Biology & Exercise Science majors.
Total Course fees: $60.00
Prerequisites: BIOL 211, CHEM 210. BIOL 361L required co-requisite.
BIOL 380 MARINE ECOLOGY (4 credits)
The physical and biological factors in the marine ecosystem and their interrelationships, emphasizing the rocky intertidal, sandy beach, and deep abyss environments. Lecture, laboratory, field work, and projects.
Total Course fees: $60.00
Prerequisites: BIOL 285. BIOL 380L required co-requisite.
BIOL 385 PLANT SYSTEMATICS (5 credits)
Evolutionary perspective of diversity and adaptations of vascular plants. Special emphasis given to vascular plant classifications, recognition of family-level traits, and plant nomenclature. Collection and identification of ferns, gymnosperms, and flowering plants in Oregon. Lecture, lab, and field trips.
Total Course fees: $60.00
Prerequisites: BIOL 210, BIOL 211, and junior standing; BIOL 270 strongly recommended. BIOL 385L required co-requisite.
Typically offered: Spring Semester, Odd Years
(NATURAL WORLD)
BIOL 390 ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY (4 credits)
Exploration of select topics in animal physiology including sensory systems, endocrinology, respiration and water balance. Discussion, problem-solving, presentations, in-depth analysis of primary literature, research-based writing assignments and laboratory independent research projects. Lecture and laboratory.
Total Course fees: $60.00
Prerequisites: BIOL 211 and CHEM 211. BIOL 390L required co-requisite.
BIOL 395 JUNIOR SEMINAR: TOPICS IN BIOLOGICAL LITERATURE (1 credit)
Detailed investigation of selected topics in the biological literature via discussion and critique of current research papers. Student oral presentation.
Prerequisites: BIOL 210, BIOL 211, and junior standing.
Typically offered: Spring Semester
BIOL 398 SPECIAL TOPICS: JAN TERM TRAVEL (4 credits)
Topics vary according to faculty availability and interest. May be repeated for credit with different topics.
Prerequisites: IDST 098 previous fall.
Typically offered: January Term
BIOL 400 MOLECULAR CELL BIOLOGY (5 credits)
Study of the molecular mechanisms of fundamental biological processes such as transcription, translation, and DNA replication; molecular cell biology of eukaryotic organisms. Concepts introduced at the beginning of the course applied to the molecular biology of complex multicellular processes such as development, immune response, and cancer.
Total Course fees: $60.00
Prerequisites: BIOL 211, CHEM 211 and junior standing. BIOL 400L required co-requisite.
(MAJOR WRITING INTENSIVE)
BIOL 410 ANIMAL BEHAVIOR (4 credits)
Concepts in animal behavior at multiple levels of biological organization. Perspectives range from genetic and neurophysiological underpinnings of behavior to the resulting behavioral interactions of animals with their environment and other organisms. Topics include behavioral genetics, hormones and behavior, mating behavior, parent-offspring interactions, habitat selection, navigation, foraging, self defense, communication, learning, sociality, and behavior and conservation. Laboratory includes experimental hypothesis testing in the field and lab; data collection, analysis, and presentation; and a grant proposal.
Total Course fees: $60.00
Prerequisites: BIOL 211 and junior standing. BIOL 410L required coprequisite.
BIOL 420 ANIMAL DEVELOPMENT (4 credits)
Study of the early development of vertebrates and selected invertebrates, with emphasis on genetic, biochemical, and physiological processes influencing formation and growth of organ systems. Lecture and laboratory.
Total Course fees: $60.00
Prerequisites: BIOL 211, CHEM 211 (BIOL 270 strongly recommended). BIOL 420L required coprequisite.
BIOL 432 IMMUNOLOGY (4 credits)
Immunology involves the study of the immune system. The immune system renders protection from infections through various lines of defense. This course will focus on the development of mammalian immune system, nature of antigens, lymphocytes, immunoglobulins, and the regulation of the immune response. Applications to infection, hypersensitivity, tumor immunity and autoimmunity. The concepts introduced in the course will be applied to understand complex processes like immune response and cancer. This course uses an intensive laboratory component to instruct students in the practical and technical aspects immunology.
Total Course fees: $60.00
BIOL 439 PEER INSTRUCTION (1-2 credits)
Advanced study opportunity for outstanding students to assist faculty members in the classroom or laboratory. Focus on course content and pedagogy.
Prerequisites: Junior standing; application and consent of instructor.
(EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING)
BIOL 441 BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (4 credits)
Study of the biochemical and molecular processes within a cell. Consideration of the role of lipids, amino acids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids in the fundamental cellular processes of replication, transcription, translation, signaling, and transport.
Total Course fees: $60.00
Prerequisites: BIOL 210, BIOL 211, CHEM 210, and CHEM 211, plus junior standing. BIOL 441L required coprequisite.
BIOL 450 EVOLUTION (5 credits)
Historical development of modern synthetic theory; sources and maintenance of variation, population differentiation, origin of species; applications to conservation and human welfare. Lecture and field trips.
Total Course fees: $60.00
Prerequisites: BIOL 211 and junior standing; BIOL 270 strongly recommended. BIOL 450L required coprequisite.
(MAJOR WRITING INTENSIVE)
BIOL 480 INDEPENDENT STUDY (1-5 credits)
Supplemental work for students with advanced standing in biology. A maximum of 5 credits can be applied to the major.
BIOL 486 SENIOR COMPREHENSIVE EXAM (1 credit)
Preparation for oral examination emphasizing breadth of knowledge in general biology and depth of knowledge in areas of course work.
Prerequisites: BIOL 270 and 285 (minimum C- grade)
Typically offered: Fall and Spring Semesters, Annually
BIOL 487 INTERNSHIP (1-5 credits)
Opportunity to gain practical experiences, e.g. at a field station, with a health care professional, in a business, or with a governmental agency. Written report. One credit per 40 hours of experience. A maximum of 5 cr may be applied to the major.
Prerequisites: Consent of department.
(EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING)
BIOL 490 INDEPENDENT RESEARCH (2-5 credits)
Field or laboratory research on topics of interest to student. Library work and extensive written report. For advanced, self-reliant students. A maximum of 5 credits may be applied to the major.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
BIOL 498 SPECIAL TOPICS: JAN TERM TRAVEL (4 credits)
Topics vary according to faculty availability and interest. May be repeated for credit with different topics.
Prerequisites: IDST 098 previous fall.
Typically offered: January Term