May 06, 2024  
2019-2020 Catalogue 
    
2019-2020 Catalogue [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Courses


 

 

 

Biology

  
  • BIOL 10000 - Topics in Biology

    Course Credit: 1
    (COMD, COMM, ENVS)
    TOPICS IN BIOLOGY The course focuses on a selected topic in biology in order to demonstrate fundamental principles of biology and/or how biology influences human society. The precise nature of the topic will vary from year to year, but in general will focus on a clearly defined topic in biology, often with some discussion of how the topic intersects with human society. Topics taught in the past have included the following: human inheritance, disease, tropical biology, neuroscience, human ecology, animal behavior, and insect biology. All sections of the course are suitable for non-science majors and will feature discussion and lecture formats. Annually. [MNS]
  
  • BIOL 10003 - Human Anatomy & Physiology

    Course Credit: 1
    (COMD, COMM, ENVS)
    HUMAN ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY This course is a requirement for the Music Therapy major at Wooster and is an integral part of the students’ educational experience. In addition to the Music Therapy students this course is designed to serve students majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders who want to pursue further a understanding of the human body, students minoring in Physical Education, and students from multiple disciplines interested in learning about the human body and general health. Annually. [MNS]
  
  • BIOL 10009 - The Biology of Nutrition

    Course Credit: 1
    (ENVS)
    THE BIOLOGY OF NUTRITION The Biology of Nutrition deals with the way biological sciences address issues involving food. We will explore questions about basic food chemistry, how/why the body digests and uses food, the challenge of feeding a growing human population, and how science works to answer these questions. By the end of the course, students will be able to critically evaluate the plethora of nutritional information available in the media so as to make informed decisions on their own food choices. Alternate Years. [MNS]
  
  • BIOL 10010 - Sci Outbreaks:Past, Present, Future

    Course Credit: 1
    SCIENCE OF OUTBREAKS: THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE Infectious diseases are a serious global health problem. Diseases that we once thought were under control are getting the best of us, and new threats seem to be constantly developing. Over time, microbes have evolved specialized strategies that allow them to grow and survive in their hosts. These strategies range from changes in cell biology that benefit the disease-causing organism to changes in host behavior caused by the pathogen. From the Black Death to the new dangers of emerging diseases and antibiotic resistant pathogens, this course will study the microbial and societal factors that lead to infectious disease and what can be done to combat these foes. [MNS]
  
  • BIOL 11100 - Foundations of Biology

    Course Credit: 1
    (BCMB, ENVS, ESCI, GEOL, NEUR)
    FOUNDATIONS OF BIOLOGY This introductory course focuses on concepts considered central to understanding biology, including the nature of science, inheritance, gene expression, descent with modification and evolution by natural selection. This course is designed to provide potential biology majors with the fundamental concepts required for the study of biology. The course serves as a prerequisite for all biology courses number higher than 20000. Three class hours weekly. The course is also open to non-majors. Annually. [MNS]
  
  • BIOL 20100 - Gateway to Molecular & Cellular Biology

    Course Credit: 1.25
    (BCMB, NEUR)
    GATEWAY TO MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR BIOLOGY This course serves as an introduction to the major concepts in the fields of molecular and cellular biology. Topics include cellular structure, bioenergetics, metabolism, biosynthesis, photosynthesis, cell division and growth, and molecular genetics. In laboratory, students will learn specific laboratory techniques and will gain experience interpreting and communicating experimental results. Prerequisite(s): BIOL-11100, Minimum grade C-; Previous or concurrent reqistration in CHEM-11200.; Take BIOL-20100L; CHEM-11200 (and CHEM-11200L) Annually. [MNS, Q]
  
  • BIOL 20200 - Gateway to Eco, Evo & Organ Biology

    Course Credit: 1.25
    (ENVS, NEUR)
    GATEWAY TO ECOLOGY, EVOLUTION, AND ORGANISMAL BIOLOGY An introduction to the major concepts in the fields of ecology, evolution, behavior and physiology. These biological disciplines are approached from the population and individual levels of biological organization. Through lecture, laboratory, in-class exercises and readings, this course focuses on individual organisms, and on their behavior, interactions, evolution, and conservation. Prerequisite(s): BIOL-11100, minimum grade C-; Take BIOL-20200L Annually. [MNS, Q]
  
  • BIOL 20300 - Research Skills in Biology

    Course Credit: 1
    (ENVS, NEUR)
    RESEARCH SKILLS FOR LIFE SCIENTISTS This course is an introduction to experimental design, data analysis and other important research skills in the life sciences. In addition to sound statistical and experimental practice, emphasis will also be placed on other important skills for life scientists such as how to find and read the literature and how to communicate scientific information effectively. Covered topics also include descriptive statistics, probability theory and many of the commonly used parametric and non-parametric statistical tests. A final group project will allow students to apply what they’ve learned by designing, carrying out, analyzing and interpreting data from an original research project of their design. Prerequisite(s): BIOL-11100, minimum grade C- and either BIOL-20100 or BIOL-20200, minimum grade of C-; or permission of instructor Annually.
  
  • BIOL 30400 - Human Physiology

    Course Credit: 1.25
    (BCMB, NEUR)
    HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY This course is about how humans function at the molecular, cellular, tissue, and organ level. Topics will include the circulatory system and heart, neuromuscular system, respiratory system, and urinary system. Throughout emphasis will be placed on abnormal states, homeostasis, the interconnectedness of systems, and how humans respond physiologically to environmental stressors. Three classroom meetings and one laboratory/recitation period weekly. Prerequisite(s): Prereq: BIOL-20100 and CHEM-11200 (previously offered as CHEM-12000) with a minimum grade C-
  
  • BIOL 30500 - Cell Physiology

    Course Credit: 1.25
    (BCMB, NEUR)
    CELL PHYSIOLOGY This course focuses on the cellular and molecular basis for complex physiological processes such as aging, disease pathologies, tissue formation and maintenance, and intracellular communication. Specific concepts covered include, signal transduction, membrane biology, cell division, maintaining cellular organization, and motility. The laboratory will include student-led investigations, using model organisms to explore complex cellular processes. Three lectures and one laboratory/discussion section a week. Prerequisite(s): CHEM-11200, minimum grade C-, and BIOL-20100, minimum grade of C-; or permission of the instructor.; BIOL-30500L Annually.
  
  • BIOL 30600 - Genes & Genomes

    Course Credit: 1.25
    (BCMB, NEUR)
    GENES AND GENOMES Genetic analysis has been transformed by the ability to investigate not only single genes, but also complete genomes. This course examines the structure, function, and variation of genes and genomes and provides an introduction to the fundamental methodologies for the modern analysis of genes and genomes. Three classroom meetings and one laboratory/recitation period weekly. Prerequisite(s): CHEM-11200, minimum grade C-, and BIOL-20100, minimum grade C-; or permission of instructor; BIOL-30600L Annually.
  
  • BIOL 30700 - Developmental Biology

    Course Credit: 1
    (BCMB, NEUR)
    DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY Throughout this course we will investigate the current understanding of the genetic, molecular, and cell biological basis of multicellular organismal development. Emphasis is placed on critically analyzing historical and current experimental approaches from many different model systems with particular reference to the processes of cell differentiation, body plan formation, morphogenesis, and organogenesis. Three lectures weekly. Prerequisite(s): CHEM-11200, minimum grade C-, and BIOL-20100, minimum grade C-; or permission of instructor. Annually.
  
  • BIOL 31100 - Natural History of Vertebrates

    Course Credit: 1.25
    (ENVS)
    NATURAL HISTORY OF THE VERTEBRATES This course covers the major lineages of extinct and extant vertebrates. Emphasis in lecture is on ecology, behavior, conservation and the evolutionary history of each clade. The laboratory component has two foci: field based experiences (accommodated through numerous field trips) and identification. Students will learn to identify many common vertebrates of Ohio by sight and sound. Three classroom meetings and one laboratory period weekly. Prerequisite(s): BIOL-20200, minimum grade C-; or permission of instructor; BIOL-31100L Annually.
  
  • BIOL 32300 - Natural History of Invertebrates

    Course Credit: 1.25
    NATURAL HISTORY OF THE INVERTEBRATES This course is about the worlds of invertebrates and how these animals interact with their natural environment, with a focus on a subset of species found in Northeast Ohio. We will study invertebrates in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats and explore the mechanisms they use to overcome the challenges of survival and reproduction. We will learn about the value and process of natural history studies, including requisite skills such as observation, collection, identification, literature searches, posing and answering interesting questions, and communicating science effectively. Two meetings weekly that are combined classroom, lab, and field studies. Prerequisite(s): BIOL-20200, minimum grade C-; or permission of instructor; BIOL-32300L
  
  • BIOL 33500 - Microbiology

    Course Credit: 1.25
    (BCMB)
    MICROBIOLOGY physiology, biochemistry, and genetics of bacteria and viruses, and resistance to diseases caused by these organisms. The laboratory provides training in current technology using bacteria and viruses. Three classroom meetings and two laboratory periods. Prerequisite(s): CHEM-11200, minimum grade C-, and BIOL-20100, minimum grade C-; or permission of instructor.; BIOL-33500L Annually.
  
  • BIOL 34000 - Field Botany & Systematics

    Course Credit: 1.25
    (ENVS)
    FIELD BOTANY Introduction to the principles of field botany. Lecture topics will include floral biology and pollination, hybridization and speciation, plant physiology, ethnobotany and biogeography. Labs topics include floral and vegetative morphology, plant family characteristics, the use of keys, and basic collecting techniques. Three clasroom meetings and one laboratory weekly. Prerequisite: C- or better in BIOL-20200. Prerequisite(s): BIOL-20200, minimum grade C-; or permission of instructor; BIOL-34000L
  
  • BIOL 34400 - Comparative Animal Physiology

    Course Credit: 1.25
    (NEUR)
    COMPARATIVE ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY A detailed study of selected aspects of the physiological ecology of vertebrates and invertebrates, with emphasis on circulatory systems, respiratory systems, energetics, thermoregulation, salt and water balance, and chemical regulation. The laboratory component emphasizes techniques in organismal physiology and experimental design. Three classroom meetings and one lab meeting weekly. Prerequisite(s): BIOL-20100, minimum grade C-, BIOL-20200, minimum grade C-, and CHEM-11200, minimum grade C-; or permission of instructor; BIOL-34400L Annually.
  
  • BIOL 35000 - Population & Community Ecology

    Course Credit: 1.25
    (ENVS)
    POPULATION AND COMMUNITY ECOLOGY A study of ecological principles as they apply to populations, communities, and ecosystems. Topics include physiological ecology, population growth, competition, predation, community structure, patterns of energy and nutrient cycling, and species diversity. Laboratory exercises emphasize experimental techniques used to investigate ecological questions. Three classroom meetings and one laboratory weekly. Prerequisite(s): BIOL-20200, minimum grade C-; or permission of instructor; BIOL-35000L Annually.
  
  • BIOL 35200 - Animal Behavior

    Course Credit: 1
    Maximum Credit: 1.25
    (ENVS, NEUR)
    ANIMAL BEHAVIOR Why do animals behave the way they do? In this course, we will study this question from a variety of angles including: development, mechanistic causes, functional significance, and evolution. We will draw examples from a wide taxonomic spectrum of animals. The laboratory-field period of the course will emphasize how to address animal behavior questions by involving students in studies in which they learn techniques and tools used for observation, experimental design, conducting experiments, and analyzing and presenting results. Prerequisite(s): BIOL-20200, minimum grade C-; or permission of instructor Annually.
  
  • BIOL 35600 - Conservation Biology

    Course Credit: 1
    Maximum Credit: 1.25
    (ENVS)
    CONSERVATION BIOLOGY This course examines the theory, methods, and tools by which biologists attempt to understand and to protect biological habitats and their attendant natural populations of organisms. Topics included demographic and genetic conservation, invasive species, fragmentation and habitat loss, design of nature reserves, management for conservation, and sustainable development within a conservation context. We also examine economic, social, and political pressures that influence conservation decision-making. Laboratory exercises include computer simulations, field trips, and group projects. Normally two classroom meetings and one three-hour laboratory weekly. Prerequisite(s): BIOL-20200; minimum grade C-; or permission of the instructor Annually.
  
  • BIOL 36000 - Evolution

    Course Credit: 1
    (ESCI, GEOL, GSCI)
    EVOLUTION This course provides an in-depth introduction to evolutionary theory using both molecular and organismal approaches. Topics include: natural and sexual selection, population genetics, speciation, phylogenetics, and adaptation. The history of evolutionary thought and its place in human tradition will also receive emphasis. Three classroom meetings weekly. Prerequisite(s): BIOL-20100, minimum grade C-, and BIOL-20200, minimum grade C-; or BIOL-20200, minimum grade C-, and GEOL-25000; minimum grade of C-; or permission of instructor. Annually.
  
  • BIOL 36600 - Immunology

    Course Credit: 1
    (BCMB)
    IMMUNOLOGY This course will investigate concepts in immunology from a physiological and molecular perspective. Topics to be covered include the lymphatic system and the lymphoid organs, immune cell development and function, antibody structure and function, specific and nonspecific response to infections, allergy, hypersensitivity and other immunological disorders, transplantation immunology, vaccination, and immunological applications in biotechnology. Laboratory exercises will focus on basic immunological techniques such as antibody-antigen interactions, antibody production, and cellular response to infection. Prerequisite(s): CHEM-11200, minimum grade C-, and BIOL-20200, minimum grade C-; or permission of instructor Annually.
  
  • BIOL 37700 - Behavioral Endocrinology

    Course Credit: 1
    Maximum Credit: 1.25
    (NEUR)
    BEHAVIORAL ENDOCRINOLOGY A study of the interrelationships of the endocrine system and behavior of animals. Topics include reproduction, parental behavior, aggression, biological rhythms, mood, and stress. Special emphasis will be placed on endocrine and neuroendocrine mechanisms of behavior. Laboratory exercises include an introduction to endocrine techniques, experimental investigations of hormones and behavior, and comparative anatomy of the endocrine system. Prerequisite(s): BIOL-20100, minimum grade C-, BIOL-20200, minimum grade C-, and CHEM-11200, minimum grade C-; or permission of instructor Annually.
  
  • BIOL 38000 - Cellular Neuroscience

    Course Credit: 1.25
    (BCMB, NEUR)
    CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE This course focuses on the cellular and molecular aspects of the nervous system. Topics include nerve cell physiology, synapse structure and formation, axon guidance, simple pattern generators, and the cellular basis of learning and memory. Three lecture periods and one laboratory period weekly. Recommended: 1 upper level Biology course or PSYC-32300 Prerequisite(s): BIOL-20100, minimum grade C-, and CHEM-11200, minimum grade C-; or permission of the instructor. Annually.
  
  • BIOL 39900 - Special Topics in Biology

    Course Credit: 1
    (ENVS)
    SPECIAL TOPICS IN BIOLOGY A seminar for advanced students in the life sciences to further explore topics in biology, such as Biological Rhythms, Plant-Animal Interactions, and Biogeography.
  
  • BIOL 39904 - Plant-Insect Interactions

    Course Credit: 1.25
    (ENVS)
    PLANT-INSECT INTERACTIONS. This course will focus on the evolution and ecology of plant-insect interactions in basic and applied contexts. We will take a case study approach to exploring major themes in the area of plant-insect interactions, including pollination biology, plant-herbivore interactions, plant carnivory, and agricultural pest management. Throughout the course, we will emphasize both content and skill knowledge through a combination of lectures, discussions, lab activities, and field trips. For both plants and insects, skills learned will include morphology, family characteristics, the use of keys and basic collecting techniques. Prerequisite(s): BIOL-20200; Minimum grade C-; BIOL-39904L
  
  • BIOL 39905 - Visual Ecology

    Course Credit: 1
    (ENVS)
    VISUAL ECOLOGY Animal eyes often differ in what information they gather. Some can detect worlds that are invisible to humans, while others can barely resolve an object a meter away. Visual Ecology is the study of how an animal’s visual system meets their ecological needs. In this class we will explore the diversity of animal eyes from an ecological and evolutionary perspective. Topics will include the evolution of eyes, visual signaling, light environments, matched filters, and polarization and color vision. Three lectures weekly.
  
  • BIOL 39906 - Computational Biology

    Course Credit: 1
    (BCMB, ENVS)
    COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY This course focuses on core concepts in mathematical and computational modeling of complex biological processes. Specific topics include modeling of molecular networks, cellwide processes such as metabolism, physiological processes, pattern formation and population dynamics. A key objective of the course is to showcase the power of, and need for theoretical and computational approaches in biological and biomedical research. The course will include student-led investigations of current primary literature, and the use of computational models to gain insight into the dynamics of complex biological processes at multiple scales. Computer programming skills are not a pre-requisite. Three hours of lecture a week Prerequisite(s): BIOL-20100, minimum grade C-, and 1 BIOL-30500, BIOL-30600, BIOL-30700, BIOL-33500, BIOL-36600, BIOL-37700, BIOL-38000, or IDPT-20013.
  
  • BIOL 39907 - Computational Genomics

    Course Credit: 1
    (ENVS)
    COMPUTATIONAL GENOMICS The Human Genome Project and related efforts with model organisms have produced massive data sets of genomic information. This “big data” can serve as the basis for exploring novel biological questions. This course will provide an introduction to the underlying statistical and computational concepts essential to the field of computational genomics, a subdiscipline of bioinformatics. In addition, students will gain experience using freely available tools to analyze genomes, transcriptomes, proteomes, and molecular phylogenies. 1.0 credits. Pre-requisites: BIOL-30600. This course counts toward the Biology major and the computational requirement of the BCMB major. Prerequisite(s): BIOL-30600
  
  • BIOL 39908 - Sensory Biology

    Course Credit: 1
    (ENVS)
    BIOL 39907. SENSORY BIOLOGY Understanding how animals gather, filter, and process information is critical to understanding their behavior, ecology, and evolution. In this class we will study the sensory worlds of animals. Our approach will cover sensory biology at the mechanistic, ecological, and evolutionary levels, and will sample heavily from the primary literature. Potential topics include the five human senses (sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch) plus senses seen only in non-human animals such as electroreception, magnetoreception, polarized vision, echolocation, and thermal imaging.
  
  • BIOL 40000 - Tutorial

    Course Credit: 1
    TUTORIAL Evaluation of the student’s accomplishment will be based on a contract with the supervising professor. Normally, laboratory exercises constitute at least one-quarter of the tutorial. Students will apply to the departmental chair for this option. This course does not count toward a major or minor in Biology. May be repeated.
  
  • BIOL 40100 - Independent Study and Biostatistics

    Course Credit: 1
    (NEUR)
    JUNIOR INDEPENDENT STUDY AND BIOSTATISTICS An introduction to the techniques and practices of biological research. One classroom meeting weekly will focus specifically on the design of experiments and the analysis of biological data. An additional weekly meeting with the student’s advisor will focus on project design and exploration of the literature related to the proposed I.S. thesis. A written I.S. thesis proposal is due at the end of the semester. Prerequisite(s): BIOL-20100, minimum grade C-; BIOL-20100, minimum grade C-; BIOL-20200, minimum grade C-; biol-20300, minimum grade C-; and 1 300-level course in BIOL, minimum grade C-. Annually.
  
  • BIOL 41000 - BIOL 41000 Internship

    Course Credit: 0.25
    Maximum Credit: 4
    INTERNSHIP ***MUST VISIT REGISTRAR (APEX) TO ADD COURSE*** This course can only be added to your schedule by visiting the Registrar’s Office. If you do not visit the Registrar’s office, you cannot add this course to your schedule. A structured, usually off-campus experience, in which a student extends classroom knowledge to a work position within a community, business, or governmental organization. Student interns work and learn under the joint guidance of a host organization supervisor and a College of Wooster mentor. The student must arrange the internship in advance through the appropriate department or program. No more than six internships, and a maximum of four Wooster course credits will count toward graduation. The form for registering for an internship and the Internship Learning Plan are available in the office of the Registrar. May be repeated. S/NC
  
  • BIOL 45100 - Independent Study Thesis

    Course Credit: 1
    (NEUR)
    SENIOR INDEPENDENT STUDY–SEMESTER ONE The thesis in Biology is based on a laboratory or field investigation in which data are collected and analyzed in comparison with the literature related to the project. A student should devote the same amount of time to the research and the subsequent thesis in BIOL 45100 and 45200 as that required for two major laboratory courses. The work is ordinarily done in two terms, one of which may be completed in the summer session. Data may be collected off campus if suitable supervision can be arranged. Normally, a student will have one research adviser. Prerequisite(s): BIOL-40100 Annually.
  
  • BIOL 45200 - Independent Study Thesis

    Course Credit: 1
    (NEUR)
    SENIOR INDEPENDENT STUDY–SEMESTER TWO The research adviser, together with a second professor, reads the thesis and conducts an oral examination of the student on the field of research. The evaluation of the thesis will be determined by these two readers in consultation with the department as a whole. Prerequisite(s): BIOL-45100 Annually.