Courses
BI 101. INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY I
3—3—4
The primary goal of this course is to present basic biological concepts in the context of human biology and thus providing the student with a basis for understanding how their bodies work. Concepts of biology will be explored as they pertain to human circumstances, including relevant ethical debates and current events. Lecture material will cover topics beginning with the chemistry of life and continuing through the various systems of the human body. Laboratory topics will include use of the scientific method as well as activities reinforcing lecture material and discussions of ethical issues and current events. This course in conjunction with BI 102 satisfies the Core Curriculum Science Requirement.
BI 102. INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY II
3—3—4
The primary goal of this course is to present basic biological concepts in the context of human biology and thus providing the student with a basis for understanding how their bodies work. Concepts of biology will be explored as they pertain to human circumstances, including relevant ethical debates and current events. This is a continuation of BI 101. Lecture material will cover several systems of the human body, cell division and gamete formation, and introductions to genetics and evolution. Laboratory topics will include activities that reinforce lecture material as well as a project where students will develop and participate in bioethical debates. This course in conjunction with BI 101 satisfies the Core Curriculum Science Requirement.
BI 192 and BI 193. INDEPENDENT RESEARCH
0—4—2 to 0–6–3
These courses are for rising third classmen pursuing research during the summer. Permission of instructor and department head required.
BI 201. BIOSTATISTICS
3—0—3
An introduction to the analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data acquired from biological research. This applied statistics course will help students develop an understanding of descriptive statistics, probability theory, statistical interference, and hypothesis testing by working with real data. The emphasis will be on application rather than theory. Statistical tests that will be covered include: t-tests, Chi-square, regression, analysis of variance, and nonparametrics. Prerequisites: BI 101 and BI 102.
BI 204. PHYSIOLOGY
3—3—4
The course involves a systematic study of how animals regulate their internal environment and respond and adapt to changes in their external environment. Emphasis will be on mammalian physiology. The laboratory component will stress the assessment of physiologic phenomena through data collection and analysis. Prerequisites: BI 101 and BI 102.
BI 205. GENETICS
3—3—4
An introductory study in genetics beginning with the work of Mendel and progressing through modern molecular techniques. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the flow of biologic information from DNA to proteins and the mechanisms of genetic change. The laboratory component includes experiments in karyotyping, gene transfer, restriction digest of DNA, DNA fingerprinting, and PCR, as well as crosses with fruit flies and plants. Prerequisites: Proficiency in BI 101 and BI 102.
BI 215. NUTRITION
3—0—3
Designed to make students think about their food choices and the impact of those choices on their health. Basic concepts of nutrition including, nutrient digestion, absorption, and transport, energy balance, diet planning, and vitamin and mineral requirements will be discussed. Particular attention will be focused on the role of nutrition in the development of chronic diseases. Students will use computer software to analyze their diets and to develop balanced meal plans for themselves and others. No prerequisites.
BI 216. ANIMAL BEHAVIOR
3—0—3
A general introduction to the study of animal behavior. Topics to be covered will include: development of behavior, neural and hormonal control of behavior, learning, aggression, and migration. Particular emphasis will be placed on the interpretation of behavior and research methods. Students will design and conduct a research project and present their projects to the class. Prerequisites: BI 101, 102, or permission of the instructor.
BI 217. GENERAL BOTANY
3—3—4
An introduction to the biology of plants. Plant structure and functioning including the anatomy of tissues, physiology, ecology, systematics and the evolution of non-flowering and flowering plants will be presented in the course. The course will emphasize vascular plants with additional coverage of algae and fungi. Prerequisites: BI 101 and BI 102.
BI 218. BIOLOGY OF WOMEN
3—0—3
Biology of Women is designed to provide a general overview of female biology that will be useful for both male and female students. The course focuses on how the female body functions and how women's health can be affected by social and environmental factors. Topics covered include anatomy, general and reproductive health issues, hormone changes throughout life, contraception, pregnancy, STDs, women's health in developing countries and eating disorders.
BI 220. CURRENT ISSUES IN BIOLOGY (W)
3—0—3
This course involves an examination of current noteworthy issues in biology. Topics selected may range from the implications of the Human Genome Project to the effects of deforestation of the tropical rain forests. Students will give presentations, write summaries of class discussions, and write several longer papers. This course is open to all students.
BI 290 and BI 291. INDEPENDENT RESEARCH
0—4—2 to 0—6—3
These courses are for third classmen pursuing research during the fall and/or spring semesters. Permission of instructor and department head required.
BI 292 and BI 293. INDEPENDENT RESEARCH
0—4—2 to 0—8—4
These courses are for rising second classmen pursuing research during the summer. Permission of instructor and department head required.
BI 303. DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
3—3—4
The normal development of organisms with a comparative description and analysis of the general principles governing growth and development. Laboratory work emphasizes embryology of the frog, chick, and pig. Prerequisites: BI 101 and BI 102.
BI 304. COMPARATIVE VERTEBRATE MORPHOLOGY
3—3—4
This course involves detailed study of the different anatomical systems of the vertebrates. Evolutionary relationships among the groups and functional interpretations of anatomy are stressed. When offered BI 304 may serve as a substitution for or addition to BI 303 Developmental Biology. Prerequisites: BI 101 and BI 102.
BI 312. ECOLOGY
3—3—4
The course is designed to show the interaction and interdependence of all organisms in the biological community. The basic principles of ecology, illustrating how living organisms develop communities. Prerequisites: BI 101 and BI 102.
BI 313. MICROBIOLOGY
3—3—4
A survey of the biology of microorganisms encompassing their diversity, structure, metabolism, pathogenesis, and ecology. A primary focus will be on medical and veterinary pathogens, including viruses, and the molecular basis of disease. Laboratory exercises will cover identification and manipulation of bacteria and single-celled eukaryotes. Prerequisites: BI 101 and BI 102.
BI 318. PLANT MORPHOLOGY
3—3—4
Considerations of the structure and functions of plant cell types, tissues, and the morphology of organs in non-vascular and vascular plants. Prerequisites: BI 101 and 102 or BI 217.
BI 321. INVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY
3—3—4
The course will cover the general form and function, life histories, ecology and evolution of the major invertebrate phyla. An emphasis will be placed on animals which are representative of their particular group and those that effect the lives of humans. Laboratories will focus on observation of slides and prepared specimens, and dissection of representative organisms. Observation and collection of animals in the field in both freshwater and marine environments will also be required. Prerequisites: BI 101 and BI 102.
BI 323. EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY
3—3—4
This course will examine how the body responds and adapts to exercise. It will focus on a study of the metabolic, muscular, cardiovascular, and respiratory changes associated with both aerobic and anaerobic exercise. Emphasis will be placed on the application of our physiologic understanding of exercise to developing training programs and improving performance. The laboratory component will introduce students to state of art equipment used to assess different components of fitness. Data collection and analysis will be emphasized. Prerequisites: BI 101 and 102 or permission of instructor.
BI 324. ORNITHOLOGY
3—3—4
The course will examine the biology of birds. Lecture topics will include a consideration of the anatomy and physiology of birds, ecology and evolution of birds, and avian behavior with specific emphasis on communication, territoriality, courtship and reproductive behaviors, and migration. The laboratory portion of the course will stress identification of birds in the field. Students will be expected to make visual and auditory identification of local avifauna. Prerequisites: BI 101 and BI 102; BI 216 highly recommended.
BI 351 and 352. SELECTED TOPICS IN BIOLOGY
2—0—2 to 3—3—4
Selected topics to be discussed by faculty or visiting professors. Topics will be determined upon adequate student interest. This course will not necessarily be offered each academic year.
BI 353 SUMMER SCHOLARS PROGRAM I
0—8—4
BI 354 SUMMER SCHOLARS PROGRAM II
0—8—4
The Summer Scholars Program is divided into a seminar course and an intensive research experience. Students selected to participate in the program will conduct independent research under the guidance of a faculty mentor and participate in the seminar portion of the course throughout the summer. Permission of department head, only.
BI 390 and BI 391. INDEPENDENT RESEARCH
0—4—2 to 0—8—4
These courses are for second classmen pursuing research during the fall and/or spring semesters. Permission of instructor and department head required.
BI 392 and BI 393. INDEPENDENT RESEARCH
0—4—2 to 0—8—4
These courses are for rising first classmen pursuing research during the summer. Permission of instructor and department head required.
BI 401. SENIOR HONORS THESIS
0—6—0
BI 402. SENIOR HONORS THESIS
0—6—6
Only senior biology majors who are enrolled in the Institute Honors Program may apply. During the first class year, the cadet will be expected to complete an honors thesis with the criteria, scope, and management of the thesis determined by the department.
BI 404. CELL BIOLOGY
3—3—4
An introduction to cell structure and function including: membrane structure and physiology, functions of organelles, nuclear regulation, role of the cytoskeleton, the extracellular matrix, the cell cycle and cell death. Special emphasis is placed on the molecular biology of cellular processes and on current laboratory techniques including PCR and electrophoretic separation of nucleic acids and proteins. Prerequisites: CH 223, BI 101, and BI 102.
BI 405. HISTOLOGY
3—3—4
Histology is the study of anatomy at the tissue level. This course will examine the characteristics of the four basic tissue types and the structure and organization of organ and organ systems. The laboratory portion of the course will emphasize the identification of different tissue types and organs throughout the body based on tissue composition. This course is highly recommended for those students planning on pursuing a career in medicine. Histology will be offered on an every other year basis. Prerequisites: BI 101 and BI 102.
BI 410. ORGANIC EVOLUTION
2—0—2
An introduction to the principles and modern theories of evolutionary processes. The course covers biochemical evolution and the origin of life, examines the evidences upon which the concept of organic evolution is based, critically reviews the mechanisms of speciation and geographical isolation, and assesses the role of Darwin and his contemporaries in the formulation of the Darwinian theory. Prerequisites: BI 101 and BI 102.
BI 411. IMMUNOLOGY
3—0—3
The course will focus on the human immune system. Students will first develop an understanding of the varied components of the immune system and then learn how those components interact to efficiently recognize and remove foreign invaders. Regulation of immune responses and immunpathologies will also be discussed. Prerequisites: BI 101, BI 102, and BI 204 or BI 302.
BI 420W. BIOLOGY SEMINAR
3—0—3
This course is required of all biology majors and is a writing intensive course. The course will follow a seminar format and the topics covered will be drawn from a broad range of areas in biology and will emphasize current developments in these areas. Cadets will lead discussions and write summaries for the topic they present. A term paper will be written on a specific area of interest in biology. Prerequisites: Completion of at least one course from each of the four areas and first-class status.
BI 430. Molecular Biology
3—0—3
Pre: BI 101, CH /224/225 (Organic), BC (CH) 421/422, BI 205 (Genetics) or BI 302 (Cell Biology)
BI 490 and BI 491. INDEPENDENT RESEARCH
0—4—2 to 0—8—4
These courses are for first classmen pursuing research during the fall and/or spring semesters. Permission of instructor and department head required.
