Professors Goodman-F, Hargadon, Wolyniak, Werth; Associate Professors Fischer, Lowry; Assistant Professor Starr; Visiting Assistant Professor Narayanan.
Chair: Michael J. Wolyniak
BIOLOGY 105. (3) BIODIVERSITY. Discussions of the variety of life forms that exist, and have existed, on Earth, with focus on three organizing questions: How is biodiversity measured? How does it arise—what creates diversity? Why does it matter? We will investigate biodiversity of local air, soil, water, leaf litter, and skin surfaces, and explore views of different people including farmers, hunters, zookeepers/aquarists, arborists and gardeners, epidemiologists and parasitologists, soil and water specialists, physicians, scientists, and so on. Assignments include daily essays or quizzes, group projects, and collected writings. Prerequisite: none. Corequisite: none.
BIOLOGY 108. (3) ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY. A consideration, based on basic biological concepts, of the processes leading to the degradation of our environment. The course includes discussions of such topics as environmental pollution by pesticides, industrial by-products, and radioactive materials; the historical background and future prospects of the population explosion; and the need for preservation of our natural resources. Prerequisite: none. Corequisite: none.
BIOLOGY 109. (3) WATER RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES. An introduction to global water resources, in terms of quantity, quality, and geographic distribution. Scientific investigations include aquatic ecology, geomorphology, and hydrology. Human use of water and environmental issues arising from overuse and distributional inequality are discussed, using national and international case studies. Prerequisite: none. Corequisite: none.
BIOLOGY 110. (3) PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY. An introduction to biology, focusing on the major conceptual principles that unite the life sciences. Biology 110 uses evolution as an underlying theme in the study of biology. Prerequisite: none. Corequisite: Biology 151. Offered: every semester.
BIOLOGY 130. (3) BIOETHICS. Examines the growing field of problems lying at the interface between advancing technological expertise in the health fields and the related moral and ethical problems which are being raised by such advances. An attempt is made to place man in his proper biological perspective and to provide students with the mental tools and outlooks with which they can make intelligent judgments in bioethical matters and then live with their decisions. No laboratory. This course does not provide credit toward a Biology major. Prerequisite: none.
BIOLOGY 140. (3) BIOLOGY OF CANCER. An exploration of fundamental biological concepts underlying normal cellular and developmental processes and those that are disrupted in cancer. Topics include cell structure and function, regulation of growth, the genetic and environmental causes of cancer, cancer treatments, and the role of clinical trials. Case histories and specific cancers will be used to explore the personal and social dimensions of a cancer diagnosis. This course is intended for non-majors wishing to fulfill a science requirement and may not be counted toward the Biology major. Prerequisite: none.
BIOLOGY 151. (1) LABORATORY PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY. Laboratory work designed as an introduction to the study of biology. Prerequisite: none. Corequisite: Biology 110. Offered: every semester.
BIOLOGY 201. (4) GENETICS AND CELL BIOLOGY. Fundamental concepts and applications of the principles underlying inheritance and variation. Understanding will build from the patterns of inheritance in transmission (Mendelian) genetics to the molecular expression of genes and will conclude with a treatment of gene flow in populations. Laboratory exercises include work with live organisms, such as yeast, bacteria, and Drosophila, as well as interactive computer simulations, statistical analysis, and class presentations. Prerequisites: Biology 110 and 151.
BIOLOGY 203. (4) ECOLOGY. A study of the interrelationships between living organisms with each other and their non-living environment. Topics to include, but not to be limited to: the history of ecology; the characteristics of the physical environment; ecosystem energetics; biogeochemical cycles; comparative ecosystem ecology; population ecology; community ecology; and the impact of man on natural ecosystems. The laboratory emphasizes the techniques and practice of field ecology and natural history. Local and extended field trips are made. Prerequisites: Biology 110 and 151.
BIOLOGY 204. (4) HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I. The first half of a two-semester course series studying the structure and function of the human body. The primary focus will be on anatomical orientation, clinical terminology, homeostasis and metabolism, membrane physiology, and integumentary, musculoskeletal, and nervous and sensory systems. Laboratory sessions involve anatomical models, microscopy, guided dissection in gross and microscopic anatomy, and physiology experiments. Prerequisites: Biology 110 and 151. Offered: fall semester.
BIOLOGY 205. (4) HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II. The second half of a two-semester course series that continues exploration of the human body. The primary focus will be on clinical terminology and the cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, endocrine, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Laboratory sessions involve anatomical models, microscopy, guided dissection in gross and microscopic anatomy, and physiology experiments. Prerequisite: Biology 204. Offered: spring semester
BIOLOGY 260. (4) TROPICAL BIOLOGY. A study of species and habitat diversity characteristics of different tropical biomes. A guided description of the natural history, the interactions between animals and plants, and the effects of human intervention is offered. Students practice the scientific method by emphasizing intensive field work, gathering of data, analysis, and presentation of results. The course includes a study of different taxa unique to each biome and an exploration of the different environmental characteristics that allow some species and not others to be present in those environments. Prerequisites: Biology 110 and 151, or consent of the instructor. Offered: May Term.
BIOLOGY 261. (4) EVOLUTIONARY ECOLOGY. A field-based study of the causal relationship between Darwinian ecology and evolution, examining the principal evolutionary and ecological mechanisms leading to biodiversity, typically in tropical biomes. Using diverse terrestrial and marine ecosystems as living laboratories, this course explores the dynamic interface of biogeography, behavioral ecology, and physiological ecology to investigate means by which organisms adapt to their physical habitat and the other species that live there, both in historical and modern contexts. Prerequisites: Biology 110 and 151. Offered: normally, May Term.
BIOLOGY 271. (4) INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS). This course will introduce concepts related to Geographic Information Systems (GIS). GIS is a computer-based tool used to store, visualize, analyze, and interpret geographic data. Topics covered include cartography, coordinate systems and map projections, data classification and generalization, methods of thematic map symbolization, GIS application domains, data models and sources, analysis methods and output techniques. Lab includes hands-on experience with GIS software. Prerequisites: none.
BIOLOGY 299. (1) JUNIOR SEMINAR. This course is designed to allow Biology majors to refine their scientific communication skills as well as reflect on the directions they will take with their Biology degree after graduating from Hampden-Sydney. Students will attend the Department’s Biology Colloquium seminar series and write reflective response papers on each session, develop documents needed for job searches and graduate/professional school applications, and give a brief oral presentation appropriate for a general audience at a Biology Colloquium based on a scientific paper of each student’s selection. This course is offered every semester and is required to be taken once by each Biology major. Prerequisite: Biology major with Junior standing.
BIOLOGY 302. (3) HISTOLOGY. A structure- and function-based examination of the organization of vertebrate tissues. This involves an examination of the molecular, cellular and gross organization of the four basic tissues (nervous, muscle, connective, epithelial) and an examination of how they are organized into organs and organ systems in the vertebrates. Other activities include the processing of live tissue samples and the examination of microscope slides and electron micrographs. Prerequisites: Biology 201 or 204.
BIOLOGY 303. (4) ENDOCRINOLOGY. This course involves a study of the synthesis, actions and metabolism of a variety of chemical messengers (hormones) that act as agents of action of the vertebrate endocrine system. The course focuses on integration of a variety of vertebrate tissues and organs that can act as signal generators and receptors. The course primarily examines normal endocrine function, but some attention is also given to clinical disorders resulting from hormonal imbalance. Laboratory exercises are experimental in nature and involve cell culturing and manipulation of live animals. Prerequisites: Biology 110, 151, 204.
BIOLOGY 304. (4) MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR BIOLOGY. An examination of the workings of cells and how molecular processes govern cellular function. Topics include gene expression and regulation, structure and function of DNA, RNA, biological membranes, the cell cytoskeleton, and organelles, signaling within and between cells, and the organization of the extracellular matrix. Laboratory exercises are long-term experiments focused on giving students an authentic research experience. Prerequisites: Biology 110, 151, and 201. Offered: spring semester of odd-numbered years.
BIOLOGY 310. (4) DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY. A survey course that examines the processes involved in the transformation of a single diploid cell into a mature animal. Topics include the early sequence of cellular interactions that generate form (morphogenesis) and the molecular mechanisms involved in controlling gene expression during development. Laboratories are experimentally based and include experiments and microsurgery with a variety of live embryos, including fruit fly, sea urchin, frog, fish, chick and others. Prerequisite: Biology 201 or 204.
BIOLOGY 311. (3) BIOCHEMISTRY. A structural and functional study of the cell, with emphasis on the role of macromolecules in metabolism, information transfer, and structure. Topics also include an introduction to the kinetics and thermodynamics of biochemical reactions. Students who have received credit for Chemistry 335 may not receive credit for Biology 311. Prerequisites: Biology 110, 151, and 201; and Chemistry 110, 221, 230, 251, and 231; or consent of instructor. Offered: fall semester of oddnumbered years. (Cross-listed as Chemistry 335 in the fall of even-numbered years.)
BIOLOGY 313. (3) GENOMICS AND BIOINFORMATICS. This course explores the theory and applications of genomics and appreciates how it has revolutionized molecular biology. Classes draw from both textbook readings and discussions of primary scientific literature. Lab activities include the use of computer-based genetic databases, genetic library construction and analysis, and an exploration of the frontiers of DNA sequencing technology. Prerequisites: Biology 110 and 201.
BIOLOGY 314. (3) MEDICAL GENETICS. This course addresses current research literature as a means of exploring the genetics of several diseases of clinical relevance. The focus is on experimental design and execution as well as critical reading of primary scientific literature to better understand how research scientists in both standard and clinical laboratories approach the development of treatments and cures for a variety of mutation-derived human diseases. Students are expected to analyze and argue the pros and cons of experimental techniques used in the literature as well as to lead a full class discussion based on current selected scientific papers. Prerequisite: Biology 201.
BIOLOGY 317. (3) BIOSTATISTICS. Examination of selected important topics in experimental design, biostatistical concepts and reasoning. In addition to a survey of common data and data types found in biological research, the course uses case studies and examples from popular and scientific literature to introduce topics including experimental design, categorical data analysis, analysis of variance and regression. Topics include bias, proper design of experimental controls and treatment assignments and randomization protocols. Emphasis on practical applications will include the interpretation and presentation of data, the use of analyses in formal presentations of research, and ethics associated with experimental design, analysis, and reporting. Prerequisite: Biology 201 or Biology 203 or Biology 204.
BIOLOGY 321. (4) MICROBIOLOGY. An intensive study of the structure, energy-harnessing mechanisms, ecology, and genetics of bacteria. Also considered is the biology of viruses (structure and genetics), fungi, and eukaryotic microbes. Laboratory work focuses on skills and practices recommended by the American Society for Microbiology, featuring opportunities for students to work independently and in small groups to sample the environment, identify unknown bacteria, and develop microscopy and microbial research laboratory skills. Prerequisite: Biology 201.
BIOLOGY 323. (4) IMMUNOLOGY. A discussion and laboratory class that investigates the major principles of the immune response. The focus throughout is to understand how the body distinguishes “self” from “nonself.” Specifically, topics include innate and acquired immunity, active and passive immunity, characteristics of cells involved in the immune response, humoral and cellular immunity, and applications of immunological principles to medical situations, such as recovery from infectious disease, successful organ transplantation, allergic responses, and treatment of cancer. Laboratory experiences include immunologically based assays as well as the study of cells and molecules of the immune response. Prerequisites: Biology 110, 151, and 201.
BIOLOGY 324. (4) VIROLOGY. This course involves a study of the major families of viruses, including the structure, genetics, and replication cycles of these virus families. Attention is given to bacteriophages, plant viruses, animal viruses, and the virus-like agents prions and viroids. Emphasis is placed on clinically relevant topics in the field of virology, including viral pathogenicity, antiviral therapies, and host immunity to virus infection. The laboratory component of the course introduces students to cell culture techniques as well as techniques for the identification and enumeration of viruses and a semester-long project. Prerequisites: Biology 110, 151, and Biology 201.
BIOLOGY 331. (4) VERTEBRATE ANATOMY. An intensive comparative study of vertebrate structure and evolution, from materials and tissues to organs and organ systems, including chordate systematics and diversity. Laboratories involve dissection, gross and microscopic examination of vertebrate tissues, and experimental methods in functional morphology. Prerequisites: Biology 110, 151, 204.
BIOLOGY 332. (4) VERTEBRATE PHYSIOLOGY. An intensive comparative study of the physical, chemical, and metabolic functions of vertebrates, including humans. Emphasis is placed on physiological ecology and adaptation to the environment. Laboratory experiments investigate the function of structural tissues and internal organ systems, utilizing computer software and instrumentation. Prerequisites: Biology 110, 151, 204.
BIOLOGY 333. (4) NEUROBIOLOGY. This course covers basic neuroscience principles governing brain-behavior relationships. Topics include the organization of the nervous system, functional neuroanatomy, brain development, molecular properties of neurons, synaptic function and synaptic plasticity, neurological disorders, and cognitive neuroscience. In addition, the course focuses on effectively translating neuroscience concepts to real life by examining neuroscience information in the media, and designing and running novel experiments answer neuroscience questions. Prerequisite: Biology 201 or Biology 204.
BIOLOGY 336. (4) TISSUE ENGINEERING. Tissue engineering aims to regenerate or repair diseased or injured tissues and organs in the body. This course examines principles and applications of tissue engineering concepts, including biomaterials, cell types, growth factors, bioreactors, and current medical treatments and their limitations. Specific tissues, organs, and systems covered can include the integumentary, cardiovascular, skeletal and smooth muscle, ligaments and tendons, cartilage, bone, liver, and pancreas. The laboratory sessions focus on mammalian cell culture technique, scaffold fabrication, and various analytical techniques. Prerequisite: Biology 201 or 204.
BIOLOGY 339. (1) MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY. A study of anatomical and clinical terms, including essential vocabulary of human organ systems and terminology related to pathological conditions, diagnostic and laboratory techniques, and surgical instruments and procedures. Following an introduction to Greek and Latin medical etymology, the course considers combining forms and rules, prefixes and suffixes, and reasons why standardized terminology is crucial in clinical settings. Terminology includes anatomical planes, sections, positions, and regions; acronyms, eponyms, and abbreviations; and specialized idioms and vocabulary of medical professions including radiology and imaging, dermatology, orthopedics, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, geriatrics, cardiology, hematology, pulmonology, oncology, endocrinology, psychiatry, and pharmacology. Prerequisite: none. Offered: on sufficient demand.
BIOLOGY 341. (4) PLANT DIVERSITY. An intensive study of the anatomy, morphology, and physiology of the organisms of the kingdom Plantae with laboratory experiences. Also included in the lectures and laboratories is a review of the other non-animal organisms, namely cyanobacteria, algae, and fungi. Prerequisites: Biology 110, 151.
BIOLOGY 343. (3) MARINE BIOLOGY. An introduction to biological oceanography including physical, chemical, and biological processes that govern life in the sea. The course focuses on diverse marine habitats and ecosystems; taxonomic and geographic diversity of marine organisms and their ecology and physiology; and marine resources and conservation. Lectures, discussions, and films explore the ecological and evolutionary mechanisms at work within marine environments. Laboratory exercises involve trips to coastal environments and aquaria plus on-campus activities. Prerequisite: Biology 203 or 204.
BIOLOGY 347. (4) ANIMAL BEHAVIOR. An introduction to the mechanisms, diversity, and evolution of animal behavior. Students examine the development, adaptive function, evolution, and physiological control of behaviors in both vertebrates and invertebrates. Field and laboratory exercises emphasize exposure to methods used in the study of animal behavior, including research design, data collection, and statistical analysis of data. Prerequisites: Biology 110 and 151.
BIOLOGY 349. (4) WILDLIFE BIOLOGY. This course introduces the study and management of game and non-game species of wildlife, including mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles. Topics include population monitoring, habitat use and management, threats to wildlife, hunting and trapping regulations, history and human dimensions of wildlife management and conservation, and preparation for and diversity of careers in this field. Lab includes identification of local species of mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles by sight and sound, field trips, and local field surveys. Prerequisite: Biology 203.
BIOLOGY 350. (4) ENTOMOLOGY. This course introduces Class Insecta and explores interactions between insects and humans. Lectures and lab will provide a basic understanding of insect morphology, physiology, function, identification, diversity, evolution, and ecology. Lab will include the collection, preservation, and identification of insect specimens collected during field trips. Each student will create a personal insect collection. Prerequisites: Biology 110, 151, 203. Offered: fall semester every other year.
BIOLOGY 353. (4) BIODIVERSITY. This course attempts to survey the diversity of life on Earth, including both prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms, animals, plants and fungi. After an introduction to systematic biology and phylogenetics, lectures focus on the unique and fascinating characteristics of groups and their evolutionary relationships. The primary source of information and reference is the Internet, and students are expected to do substantive research on particular organisms in which they become interested. This culminates in an in-class presentation and a professional-quality poster, as well as a lengthy paper. Laboratory activities utilize living materials wherever possible, including the collection and observation of unusual organisms from local environments. Prerequisite: any 200-level Biology course.
BIOLOGY 354. (4) COMMUNITY ECOLOGY. This course expands on the community sub-discipline from general ecology. We will examine the organization, structure, and function of living communities across the living world. Subjects include study of interactions between species as well as effects of factors from the non-living environment. Factors covered in detail include drivers of species richness, diversity, and patterns of species abundance and distribution. Important themes will consider dynamics of community change over time and current developments in the science of management of elements of the biosphere. Prerequisite: Biology 203.
BIOLOGY 355. (4) BIOGEOGRAPHY. This course will examine the historical and ecological foundations for understanding the distribution and abundance of species, and changes in their distribution and abundance over time. Relevance of Biogeography during a time of increasing human impact in our region and around the globe is explored along with critical examination of current issues relating to Biogeography, including species invasions, both anthropogenic and natural, loss of biodiversity, and varying impacts of agricultural development, urbanization, and the beneficial effects of park lands and military bases. Prerequisite: Biology 203.
BIOLOGY 356. (3) MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY. An introduction to the study of insects and other arthropods of medical importance with emphasis on the role of insects in the causation of disease in animals and humans. Course topics include the ecology, systematics, potential for disease transmission, and management of insects. Prerequisites: Biology 110, 151, 203, or permission of the instructor.
BIOLOGY 358. (1) BIOCHEMISTRY LABORATORY. A laboratory analysis of the structural and functional components of the cell. Techniques will focus on the purification and analysis of subcellular components and macromolecules, especially proteins and nucleic acids, and the kinetic analysis of metabolic reactions. As appropriate, students may engage in novel research. Prerequisite or corequisite: Biology 311 or Chemistry 335. Offered: fall semester of oddnumbered years.
BIOLOGY 360. (3) EVOLUTIONARY THEORY. An introduction to evolutionary thinking and the modern synthetic theory. Mathematical models of population phenomena are derived and tested through problemsolving. The process of speciation is examined, and basic biogeographical principles are studied. Some discussion of the history of evolutionary biology and the lives of its major contributors also takes place. Prerequisites: Biology 201, 203, or 204.
BIOLOGY 361. (4) VERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGY. A survey of the major groups and events in vertebrate history (including physical anthropology), with emphasis on significant ecological and structural transitions, as well as the broader evolutionary framework of origins and extinctions. Laboratories and field trips develop geological principles of paleontology and provide for examination and preparation of fossil vertebrate specimens. Prerequisite: Biology 203 or 204.
BIOLOGY 362. (3) HISTORY OF LIFE. A course presenting some fundamentals of plate tectonics, using this information to reconstruct past environments and past geographies. The development of life on earth is reviewed from an historical perspective, emphasizing faunal and floral changes, the processes of extinction and recovery, and the phylogeny of major groups of organisms. Prerequisites: Biology 110, 151, 203, 204.
BIOLOGY 363. (3) HUMAN EVOLUTION/ANTHROPOLOGY. An introductory survey course in paleoanthropology, examining the origins and relationships of humans to ancestral primates and exploring various stages along the transition from the earliest hominids to modern Homo sapiens. The course considers all evidence-fossil, genetic, behavioral, archaeological-that bears on the subject of human evolution, and investigates a variety of topics, such as classification of humans into “races” and the roles of cloning and stem cells in the future of our species. Prerequisites: Biology 110, 151, and 201 or 204. Offered: fall semester of even-numbered years.
BIOLOGY 376. (4) AQUATIC ECOLOGY. Provides an overview of the physical, chemical, and biological processes of freshwater lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands. Also addresses the relationships between humans and freshwater, and the conservation measures. Lab includes methods for sampling the physical and biological environment, identification of organisms, field trips and local field surveys Prerequisites: Biology 110, 151, 203. Offered: fall semester every other year.
updated 8/19/24