2007-2008 Catalog

Washington College: Your Revolution Starts Here

Biology

Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

The biology major is designed to provide the student with a strong and broad background for future work in any area of biology or in related fields. The curriculum emphasizes a knowledge of biological principles and concepts, and at the same time, provides opportunities for students to become specialized in an area of their interest. With careful course selection made with a departmental advisor, students may prepare themselves for employment in a biologically-oriented profession, graduate work in biology and related areas, professional training in medicine and other health related fields, or a career in secondary education.

Students have two options for the degree. First, the department offers a B. S. in Biology in which students can choose electives from all areas giving them a general background, or they may select electives from one area, such as cell and molecular biology or ecology, thus specializing in that area. The second degree option is a B. S. in Biology with a Concentration in Biochemistry for students with a strong interest in studying biology at the chemical level.

Courses offered in the biology department range from introductory level courses for non-majors and majors to advanced courses in various fields of biology. Undergraduate research opportunities are available in departmental laboratories during both the academic year and the summer. Students can also participate in internships sponsored by off-campus laboratories through existing programs or those proposed by the student. A chapter of Beta Beta Beta, the national biological honor society, provides supplemental activities for students.

The nearby Chester River, a major tributary to the Chesapeake Bay, affords excellent opportunities for ecological studies in a wide variety of biological subdisciplines. Another resource is the Virginia Gent Decker Arboretum, the collection of trees and shrubs on the college campus, in which students can also study a broad range of topics. Collaborative student-faculty research is an important focus of the department and the new Toll Science Center boasts personal labs for each of the faculty and a number of shared research spaces including a set of microsuites (DNA sequencing, fluorescence microscopy, cell and tissue culture, and histology), the aquatic research facility, and a spacious research greenhouse.

Requirements for the B.S. in Biology

To meet course requirements for the biology major, students must complete General Biology (BIO 111,112), seven upper-level biology courses, and supporting courses in chemistry and mathematics. The seven upper-level biology courses must include Ecology (BIO 206), Genetics (BIO 305), one course in addition to Genetics from the Cellular Biology Category (Category II), one course from the Organismal Biology Category (Category III), and two additional courses chosen from any course offering in Categories I (Ecology/Evolutionary Biology), II, or III. The remaining course may be any upper-level departmental offering (Categories I through V). All upper-level courses for the major must be taken at Washington College or in Washington College-approved programs although exceptions may be made by the department chair for transfer students. Required chemistry courses include General Chemistry I and II (CHE 111, 112) and Organic Chemistry I and II (CHE 201, 202). Differential Calculus (MAT 201) is also required. In addition, all majors must complete the Biology Seminar (BIO 000) in each semester of the senior year.

General Physics (PHY 111, 112) is recommended as it is required for admission to medical school, many graduate programs, and some allied health programs. In addition, a course in statistics is recommended for all biology majors.

Students should consult with the appropriate departmental advisor (listed on the departmental web page at biology.washcoll.edu) early in their academic career to assist them in preparing for internships and admission to graduate schools and professional programs. Students are also encouraged to discuss options concerning research opportunities and career choices with members of the department.

Senior Capstone Experience

Each student must successfully fulfill the Department's Senior Capstone Experience(SCE). Students will enroll in the 4-credit SCE course during their final semester, although work on the SCE and related Senior Seminar (BIO 000) meetings will span the entire final academic year. The SCE for a biology major may be satisfied (1) by completing an independent laboratory or field research project, or (2) by writing an in-depth scientific monograph. Both options are under the direction of a faculty member. Students must receive project approval from a sponsoring faculty member and the departmental chair. Guidelines for the Biology SCE, including requirements for receipt of honors, are distributed to all rising seniors and are posted on the departmental web page.

The B.S. in Biology with a Concentration in Biochemistry

Students who complete the concentration in biochemistry will meet the requirements for both the major in biology and the minor in chemistry.

The major in biology with a concentration in biochemistry requires completion of the following courses: General Biology (BIO 111,112), Cell Biology (BIO 205), Genetics (BIO 305), Biochemistry (BIO 409), three additional upper-level biology courses, and six supporting courses in chemistry and two in mathematics. The additional upper-level biology courses must include one course from the Ecology/Evolutionary Biology Category (Category I), one additional course from the Cellular Biology Category (Category II), and one course from the Organismal Biology Category (Category III). Required chemistry courses include General Chemistry (CHE 111,112), Organic Chemistry (CHE 201,202), Analytical Chemistry (CHE 301), and The Chemistry of Biological Compounds (CHE 303). All upper-level courses in biology and chemistry that count toward the major must be taken at Washington College or Washington College-approved programs although exceptions may be made by the department chair. Required mathematics courses include Differential Calculus (MAT 201) and Integral Calculus (MAT 202). The concentration also requires Biology Seminar (BIO 000) in each semester of the senior year, and the Senior Capstone Experiencemust be based on research in the field of biochemistry. Two semesters of General Physics (PHY 111,112) are highly recommended. Requests to substitute a class not listed above for one of the requirements may be considered by the program advisor.

The Biology Minor

The course requirements for the biology minor include General Biology (BIO 111,112) and five upper-level biology courses. By petition of the biology department, an appropriate upper-level course in chemistry, psychology, or environmental studies may be substituted for one of the required advanced biology courses. Students planning on using the biology minor as a basis for further studies in the biological sciences or for employment should seriously consider taking a year of General Chemistry (CHE 111, 112). All students should note that CHE 111, 112 is a prerequisite for some upper-level biology courses.

Categories of Study

Category II: Cellular Biology

Category III: Organismal Biology

Category IV: Seminars

(excluding summer field courses)

Category V: Research/ Independent Study/ Internship/Summer Field Courses

Course Descriptions

BIO 100 and 104 are distribution courses, and do not count toward the major or minor in biology.

100. Genes, Nature, and Society

An introduction to some of the fundamental principles and concepts of modern biology with emphasis on three dominant themes: cell biology, genetics, and animal physiology. The application of biological phenomena to everyday life will be emphasized. The laboratory will explore topics introduced in lecture and expose students to investigative learning.

104. Society, Ecology, and the Chesapeake Bay

A detailed exploration of the unique features and history of the Chesapeake Bay to demonstrate the dynamic interrelationships between ecology and human affairs. Topics include ecological principles, pollution, endangered species, conservation practices, and public policy. A regularly scheduled laboratory session will complement the lecture.

BIO 111, 112 are also for distribution and along with all upper-level courses (200-level and above) will count toward the major and minor in biology. Introductory courses and many upper-level courses are offered annually, while other courses are offered on an alternate year basis. For planning purposes, information about the semester/year in which a course is to be offered is available on the departmental web page.

111, 112. General Biology

This course provides an introduction to living systems. Topics studied include biomolecules, cell structure and function, metabolism, genetics and molecular biology (111) and diversity of life, physiology of plants and animals, evolution, and ecology (112). The laboratory complements the lecture and also provides an introduction to experimentation and communication of experimental results. These courses are designed for students with a strong interest in the biological sciences and are prerequisites for upper-level biology courses. An honors section of BIO 111 and of BIO 112 is offered. Biology 111 is not required for Biology 112, but it is recommended that they be taken as a sequence.

203. Microbiology

A study of microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protists). Topics include microbial physiology, metabolism, growth, and genetics; infectious diseases; interaction of the microbe and host; and environmental microbiology. The laboratory portion of the course emphasizes staining techniques; culture methods; environmental, food, and medical microbiology; identification of unknown bacteria; and an independent research project. Prerequisite: Biology 111-112.

205. Cell Biology

An examination of the structure and function of cells. Topics covered will include the various chemical components and physical factors which contribute to cell structure and function. Lectures will also include surveys of cellular diversity and subcellular organization, including organelles, membranes, and the cytoskeleton. The laboratory explores these components using microscopy, tissue culture, and molecular techniques. Biology 205 provides a broad foundation for subsequent cellular, molecular, biochemical and genetics courses. Prerequisite: Biology 111-112.

206. Ecology

A study of the fundamentals of ecology. Topics include the relationship between organisms and their physical environments; population growth, regulation, and interactions; the nature and diversity of biological communities; and ecosystem structure and function. Approximately half of the weekly laboratories will involve off-campus field trips for the collection of data from various ecosystems, while the remaining half will involve processing of collected data. Prerequisite: Biology 111-112.

207. Biotechnology and Molecular Biology

This course introduces the tools and techniques of biotechnology. While the discipline of biotechnology is founded in molecular biology, its tools can be applied to tackle problems in all branches of biology from cell biology to evolution. This course provides the conceptual background for understanding the basis of biotechnology and emphasizes laboratory activities related to DNA and DNA-RNA-protein interconnections. Students will learn standard techniques such as DNA cloning and sequencing in addition to newer techniques including microarray analysis and sequence analysis using bioinformatics. Students will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge to an investigative project. Prerequisite: Biology 111-112.

210. Community Ecology of Coastal Maine

This summer course focuses on the biological communities of coastal Maine as represented by the communities within Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island, ME. Students visit and characterize many of the diverse forest and marine communities represented on the island. The course begins with a consideration of the geological, oceanographic and climatic features of coastal Maine. Other topics considered in lecture and through data collection and observation in the field include succession, disturbance, species diversity, vertical and horizontal community structure, physical and biological stresses on communities, bottom-up and top-down regulation of community structure, and competitive and positive interactions among species. Prerequisite: Biology 112.

212. Botanical Diversity

This course examines the wide range of plants found locally and throughout the world. These range from the tiniest filmy algae and mosses to the largest Australian eucalyptus or Californian redwood. Included are many details relating directly to this diversity, such as information on secondary metabolism and morphology. Students learn both modern and classical methods of identification and classification, practicing these in the laboratory. There is a concentration on diversity of plants from the Eastern Shore of Maryland, fulfilled in part by a number of laboratory field trips made to nearby habitats for identification of a range of plants. Prerequisite: Biology 111-112.

221. The Bermuda Environment

This summer course will investigate the complex ecology of the Bermuda Islands, the impact that human habitation has had on their natural history, and current environmental concerns and means of mitigating those concerns. Major areas of study will include (but not be limited to) coral reef ecology/symbioses, mangrove community ecology and environmental relevance, architectural and military influences during colonization, fisheries practices (past, present and future) and current concerns and problems, and ecotourism and associated environmental impacts. (Also ENV 221) Prerequisite: Environmental Studies 101, or Biology 111-112, or permission of the instructor.

301. Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy

A comparative study of the major body systems of vertebrates, with emphasis placed on system structure, function, and evolutionary modification across vertebrate phylogeny. Laboratory work consists of detailed systems-level examination and comparative dissection in numerous representative vertebrates. Prerequisite: Biology 111-112 and one 200-level biology course.

302. Developmental Biology

A study of the chemical, physical, and conceptual bases of the development of multicellular organisms, with a particular focus on animal development. Topics will include cell communication, establishment of body plans, stages of morphogenesis, cell death, and regeneration, among others. The laboratory complements the topics covered in lecture, concentrating on the development of animal models such as sea urchin, chicken, fruit fly, and frog. Prerequisite: Biology 111-112 and one 200-level biology course. One of the following courses: Biology 205 (Cell Biology), 207 (Biotechnology and Molecular Biology) or 305 (Genetics) is strongly recommended.

303. Parasitology

An introduction to the phenomenon of parasitism, the study of parasites and their relationships to hosts. Lecture and laboratory studies emphasize the morphology, taxonomy, life history, and host-parasite relationships of protozoa, helminths, and arthropods of medical and veterinary importance. Prerequisite: Biology 111-112 and one 200-level biology course.

304. Invertebrate Zoology

A study of the basic patterns of form and function that characterize the major groups of invertebrate animals. Lecture and laboratory work will include invertebrate functional morphology, reproduction, development, evolution, and ecology. Emphasis will be on the diverse adaptations of invertebrates to the aquatic and terrestrial habitats in which they live. Prerequisite: Biology 111-112 and one 200-level biology course.

305. Genetics

A study of heredity in cells, individuals, and populations, and of the molecular expression of genes. The course emphasizes genetic analysis in both lab and lecture. Topics in the laboratory include experiments in transmission, population, cellular, and molecular genetics using a variety of organisms as models. Prerequisite: Biology 111-112 and one 200-level biology course. Corequisite: Chemistry 112.

308. Plant Physiology

A study of the function of plants ranging in scope from molecular to environmental physiology. Topics include water relations, acquisition of inorganic nutrients, energy transduction and carbon metabolism, regulation of plant development, and responses of plants to stress. The lab includes representative experiments in plant physiology and emphasizes independent research projects. Prerequisite: Biology 111-112 and one 200-level biology course. Corequisite: Chemistry 111.

309. Marine and Estuarine Biology

A study of marine and estuarine ecosystems. The biological, chemical, and physical parameters influencing these ecosystems will be discussed and the natural history, physiology, and ecology of selected ecosystems, invertebrate, and vertebrate phyla will be emphasized. About one-half of the laboratory will be spent in off-campus field trips and will include a two-or three-day mandatory trip to a field station. There will be some extra expense to the student, probably not more than $80. Prerequisite: Biology 111-112 and one 200-level biology course.

310. Microbial Ecology

A study of microbes, particularly the bacteria, fungi, and protists, and their relationship to the natural environment. Specific topics include microbes in terrestrial and aquatic habitats; microbial interactions with other microbes, plants, and animals; microbial enumeration and activity determination; and biogeochemical cycling. These topics will be explored with emphasis on microbial physiology, metabolism, and adaptation. The laboratory portion of the course will focus on the Chesapeake Bay region and will include an independent research project. Prerequisite: Biology 111-112 and one 200-level biology course. Biology 203 strongly recommended.

336. Ichthyology

Ichthyology encompasses the study of fishes. Topics will include the systematics, physiology, behavior, ecology, and evolution of this diverse group. Identification of specimens during a weekly lab will familiarize students with the major fishes of the Chesapeake region. A multi-week independent project will familiarize students with the scientific method and with aspects of fish behavior. Field trips to the fish collection at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, the largest in the world, and to the National Aquarium in Baltimore will broaden the perspective of the course. There may be some additional cost to the students for these trips, though not more than $50. Prerequisite: Biology 111-112 and one 200-level biology course.

404. Immunology

An examination of the specific defense system of mammals. Topics include leukocyte characteristics and their responses to antigen; antigen characteristics; antibody structure, diversity, function, genetics, and synthesis; the major histocompatibility complex; vaccines; and disorders of the immune system. The laboratory focuses on animal handling, antibody purification, and detection of antigen-antibody interactions. Prerequisite: Biology 111-112 and one 200-level biology course. Corequisite: Chemistry 112.

409. Biochemistry (CHE 309)

An examination of living systems at the chemical level. Topics will include structure and function of macromolecules, cellular energetics, cellular respiration, with a particular focus on protein structure and enzyme function. A laboratory will be conducted weekly to introduce students to experimental techniques and molecular modeling. Prerequisite: Biology 111 and Chemistry 202, or permission of instructor.

415-90. Evolutionary Biology - Honors

Evolutionary Biology is a seminar-style class revolving around discussion of readings from popular literature and scientific papers drawn from the primary literature. Topics of consideration will include natural selection, sexual selection, speciation, the co-evolution of man and disease, the selfish gene, and battle of the sexes as it is fought on the molecular level. The course will include a number of short writing assignments. Periodic Friday recitation sessions will be used for debates, oral presentations, videos, and other activities. Prerequisite: Biology 111-112 and one 300-level biology course, college GPA or 3.3 or higher.

424. Comparative Animal Physiology

A comparative study of physiological processes in animals. Topics will include gas exchange, circulation, water and ion balance, and excitable cells. As a comparative study, we will examine a variety of animals that are adapted to function in diverse environments. A weekly laboratory illustrates physiological principles. Prerequisite: Biology 111-112 and one 300-level biology course.

Special Courses

190, 290, 390, 490. Biology Internship

An internship developed by a faculty mentor and student in close consultation with the supervisor at the internship site. A learning contract will be developed prior to enrollment in the course. Evaluation of student performance will be completed by the faculty mentor based on fulfillment of the contract terms and written evaluation by the internship site supervisor. Not offered as Pass/Fail. Prerequisite: Permission of faculty mentor, academic advisor, and biology department chair.

194, 294, 394, 494. Special Topics in Biology

The study of areas in biology that are not regularly offered in the curriculum. Courses may be interdisciplinary, seminar or summer field-type courses. Prerequisite: Biology 111-112.

394. Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-Basic)

Course modules include: preparatory; airway; patient assessment; medical emergencies; trauma; obstetrics, infants, and children; operations. Throughout the semester, the class will meet during two three-hour time blocks per week and four times on a Saturday, for a total of 131 class hours (95 hours didactic, including testing; 36 hours practical). Clinical time can be done with the Rescue Squad and/or with Queen Anne's County EMS. Limited time is also available in the Emergency Department at Chester River Hospital Center.

Successful completion of the program enables the student to take the Maryland State and/or National Registry EMT-B exams. Affiliation with an EMS agency is required for state certification. Students may choose to affiliate with the Kent and Queen Anne's Rescue Squad in Chestertown, or with another fire/EMS agency of their choice. Once certified, students will be able to function as a volunteer or paid EMT with a commercial ambulance company (example, Best Care Ambulance) or a 9-1-1 EMS service (e.g. Kent and Queen Anne's Rescue Squad, Queen Anne's EMS). Students who enroll in the course are encouraged to serve the local community as an EMT.

Students may audit the course or enroll for academic credit (four credits). Credit cannot be applied toward any major or toward distribution. Both those who audit the course and those who receive academic credit are eligible for certification. There are no prerequisites. The class is open to any matriculated Washington College student, any Washington College staff member, or any community member (Washington College audit fee would apply) who is 16 years of age or older (parental consent needed if not yet 18). Students should have transportation to travel to an EMS agency. Contact Dr. Kathleen Verville in the Washington College Biology Department for more information.

195, 295, 395, 495. On-campus Research

A ten-week on-campus summer research project to be guided by a faculty mentor. Based on mutual interests, the student and faculty mentor will develop a research project, supported by a reading list and involving theoretical, laboratory, or field investigations. Participants will produce a final report detailing the findings of their research. Selection of students will depend on academic background, scholastic achievement, and the results of a personal interview with the faculty mentor. Not offered as Pass/Fail. Prerequisite: Permission of faculty mentor.

196, 296, 396, 496. Off-campus research

The course consists of an individual research project chosen by the student in consultation with a faculty mentor. The project involves the design and performance of an experiment or experimental series and submission of a written report. Not offered as Pass/Fail. Prerequisite: Permission of faculty mentor, academic advisor, and biology department chair.

197, 297, 397, 497. Independent Study

The in-depth study of an area of particular interest to a student and faculty mentor not covered by the regular curriculum. Not offered as Pass/Fail. Prerequisite: Permission of faculty mentor, academic advisor, and biology department chair.

000. Biology Seminar

A weekly noncredit-bearing seminar focusing on ethical issues in biology, biological research, and career development. Seminars are led by faculty, staff and invited guests. Students will present their senior thesis proposals and findings as part of the seminar. Required of all senior biology majors.

SCE. Senior Capstone Experience

Every senior is required to complete a Senior Capstone Experience(SCE). Students will enroll in the 4-credit SCE course during their final semester, although work on the SCE and related Senior Seminar (BIO 000) meetings will span the entire final academic year. The SCE can take the form of a laboratory or field research project or a scientific monograph. Upon completion of the SCE, the student will receive a letter grade.

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