Biology Courses

Semester specific course descriptions

101. General biology. (1.5 units)
An introduction to ecology, evolution, conservation of biological diversity and ecophysiology using an investigative and problem-based approach. Structured, skill-based lab exercises allow students to develop, perform and present an in-depth independent research project. One three-hour lab, a one-hour peer study session and three lectures each week. Offered in the fall semester. Required for biology, biochemistry, conservation biology and neuroscience majors.

102. General biology. (1.5 units)
An introduction to cell biology, genetics and physiology, using an investigative and problem-based approach. Structured, skill-based lab exercises allow students to develop, perform and present an in-depth independent research project. One three-hour lab, a one-hour peer study session and three lectures each week. Offered in the spring semester. Required for biology, biochemistry, conservation biology and neuroscience majors.

121.  The Natural World w/lab.
A field biology-ecology course with laboratory for non-majors emphasizing the plants and animals of the Northeast. The course focuses on ecological factors and processes affecting individual organisms, communities and ecosystems. Students visit a variety of aquatic and terrestrial habitats to study local ecosystems and to learn the natural history of local plants and animals and how to identify them. Students also learn how to conduct a scientific study and record observational data. This course does not count toward the biology majors but does count toward the outdoor studies minor and the natural science with lab distribution credit. Also offered through Outdoor Studies.

209. Vertebrate Natural History.
A field-oriented course that explores the biology of vertebrate animals, with emphasis on understanding the diversity, life history, evolution and unique adaptations of vertebrates. The laboratory focus is on developing scientifically sound skills in observation and on learning to identify local vertebrates. Some extra class meetings are required for regional field excursions and for early-morning bird-watching sessions. Prerequisite: Biology 101,102. Also offered as Environmental Studies 209 and through Outdoor Studies.

215. Invertebrate biology.
This course covers the life histories, ecology, behavior, physiology, morphology, evolution, relations to humans, and taxonomy of non-vertebrate animals such as clams, starfish, insects, etc. Emphasis is on aquatic invertebrates from freshwater, estuarine and marine habitats. A mixture of field and laboratory work trains students in collection, observation and experimental techniques. Lectures and one laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Biology 101, 102 or equivalent. Also offered through Outdoor Studies.

221. General Ecology.
A study of the factors influencing the abundance and distribution of species, including interactions between individuals and their physical/chemical environment, population dynamics and the structure/function of communities and ecosystems and their responses to disturbance. Labs are field-oriented and emphasize characteristics of local communities or specific techniques such as estimation of population density. Lectures and one lab per week. Prerequisites: Biology 101,102 or equivalent or permission of instructor. Also offered as Environmental Studies 221 and through Outdoor Studies.

224. biology of Vascular Plants.
A study of the evolution, morphology, physiology and life histories of mosses, ferns, conifers, flowering plants and their relatives, in an ecological context. Indoor labs survey the morphology and reproductive characters of the major groups of plants as well as the structure and function of plant organs and tissues. Outdoor labs emphasize ecology, identification and economic uses of local plants. Lectures and one laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Biology 101,102 or equivalent or permission of instructor.

227. Mammalogy.
The objectives of the course are to become familiar with the diversity of mammalian species as well as their distribution, morphology, taxonomy and ecology. Students relate this diversity and specific aspects of their ecology to evolutionary history and learn to identify mammals to the family level. Lectures and laboratory (including fieldwork). Prerequisites: Biology 101, 102 or equivalent. Also offered through Outdoor Studies.

231. Microbiology.
An introduction to the structure, physiology, ecology, genetics and evolution of microscopic organisms including bacteria, archaea and protists. Lectures examine the metabolic activities and adaptations of these organisms as they interact with their environment. Ecological, medical and industrial importance of microbes and microbial communities is also presented. The laboratory involves microbial cultivation, isolation and identification as well as analysis of microbial presence and activity. Laboratory skills acquired in this course are applicable to a variety of fields including genetics, environmental studies, health and industry. Lectures and one laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Biology 101,102; pre- or co-requisite: Chemistry 101 or 103 or permission of instructor.

232. Laboratory Animals: Ethics, Care and Techniques.  (.5 unit)
An introduction to the techniques, use and care of laboratory animals. Students gain knowledge and hands-on experience in anesthetics/analgesics, surgical techniques, and proper animal handling and husbandry. The ethical use of animals in research, appropriate and humane care, and the functions of regulatory agencies are covered. Concurrently, students explore the relationships between humans and animals used in teaching and research. Prerequisite: Psychology 100 or 101 or Biology 101 or permission of instructor.

240. Human Anatomy.
An introduction to the principles and science of anatomy and physiology. In lectures, students learn the essential concepts that underlie human physiology. The lab is dedicated to the study of human anatomy and the relationship between anatomical form and function. The course is intended to increase the appreciation of the vast complexity of vertebrate anatomy and one’s own biology. Prerequisites: Biology 101, 102 or equivalent.

241. Field Methods for Environmental Scientists.
This interdisciplinary course is intended for students interested in environmental science (e.g., environmental studies, biology, geology or chemistry majors or minors). Familiarization with experimental design and statistics and training in field techniques including map and compass work, basic surveying, and water, soil, vegetation and faunal sampling. Introduces students to the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for research in environmental science. Students acquire a working knowledge of ArcView GIS software and gain experience creating and managing GIS projects. Students interested in developing highly marketable GIS and field skills in the context of environmental research should consider taking this course. Also offered as Geology 241.

245, 246. Genetics.
An introduction to the principles of the transmission of inherited characteristics and the underlying molecular mechanisms of the regulation of expression of genetic information. Genetic engineering and an introduction to population genetics are included. Three lectures and one laboratory per week. Prerequisite: Biology 101, 102 or equivalent; pre- or co-requisite: Chemistry 101 or 103 or permission of instructor. Counts toward the biochemistry and neuroscience (cellular track) majors.

250. Introduction to Cell biology.
An understanding of the concepts and processes of cell biology is fundamental to all other disciplines in biological sciences. This course introduces cellular structure and the function of these structures in relation to the physiology of the organism. Lectures introduce cell ultrastructure and the methods of studying it, membrane structure and function, protein structure and function, and the fundamentals of primary metabolism and information storage/transfer (i.e., replication, transcription and translation of genetic material). The material is relevant to animal, plant and microbial organisms. The lab consists of a series of protocols to demonstrate some fundamental methodologies in cell biology and introduces the process of scientific research. Lectures and one laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Biology 101,102. Recommended: Chemistry 103,104. Counts toward the biochemistry and neuroscience (cellular track) majors.

258. Ethnobotany.
Ethnobotany is an interdisciplinary field drawing on concepts from both natural and social sciences to investigate human-plant interactions. This course illustrates the importance of plants in our everyday lives and the influence of human activities on plant populations. Independent projects center around surveys and experiments on socioeconomically important plants. Field trips and labs explore Native American reservations, botanical gardens, greenhouses, nature reserves and plant population survey techniques. Three hours lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: Biology 101. Also offered through Asian Studies.

261. Bioethics.
This seminar broadly explores ethical, legal and social implications of recent advances in the biological sciences. Topics such as the human genome project, reproductive technologies, cloning and animal experimentation are explored. Incorporates both lecture and discussion; student projects are emphasized and regular student participation and presentations are required. Prerequisites: Biology 101,102. Major credit restricted.

270. Endocrinology.
Endocrine glands and the messengers they produce can have profound effects on how organisms respond and adapt to their environment. This course examines the production and function of hormones in different organisms. Topics include the types and functions of endocrine glands (e.g., hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid and adrenal) and the ways hormones act as chemical messengers with various target cells. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Biology 101,102. Counts toward the neuroscience major (cellular and behavioral tracks).

288. Introduction to Neuroscience.
This course provides students with a basic understanding of the architecture and processing of information in the brain. Particular emphasis is placed on the cellular properties of cells in the nervous system and how these biophysical properties affect information processing. To this end, students learn neuroanatomy and use computer models to gain insight into the computational power of the brain. Other topics include development of the nervous system, neurophysiology of sensation, and homeostatic control mechanisms. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Biology 101,102. Recommended: Biology 245, 246 or 250. Required for the neuroscience major.

303. Biometrics
A study of the techniques and theory utilized in numerical analyses of biological data. Statistical considerations of biological sampling designs, sample description and hypothesis testing are covered, as well as measures of minimum adequate sample size, density, diversity and association. Multivariate techniques are practiced, along with extensive use of Monte Carlo techniques. Readings from current biological literature supplement text and laboratory work. Prior coursework in introductory statistics is required. Also offered through Statistics.

309. Biochemistry.
The course is organized around several themes: the relationship of structure to function in biomolecules, production of energy, regulation and control of metabolism. Topics covered to illustrate these themes include enzyme action and regulation, hemoglobin and the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide, metabolism of carbohydrates for energy production, structure and function of biological membranes, and structure and function of molecules involved in transmission and expression of genetic information. Prerequisite: Chemistry 222 or permission of instructor. Counts toward the neuroscience major (cellular track). Major credit restricted. Also offered as Biochemistry 309 and Chemistry 309.

319. Plant Systematics.
Classical and modern approaches to the taxonomy of higher plants with emphasis on evolutionary trends, principles of classification and geographic distribution. The distinguishing field characteristics of the principle families of ferns, conifers and flowering plants are studied. Also included is the identification of local flora. Prerequisites: Biology 101,102. Offered in alternate years.

320. Reproductive Physiology.
This course examines principles of reproductive physiology at the whole animal and cellular levels. Form and function of reproductive systems in a variety of species are explored, with an emphasis on domestic animals and humans. Reproductive behavior, use of technology to improve outcomes and reproductive toxicology are also discussed. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Biology 101,102 or equivalent. Counts toward the neuroscience major (cellular and behavioral tracks).

325.  Mycology.
A survey of the kingdom fungi. An examination of the morphology, ecology, life histories and systematics of the fungi of the North Country. Groups to be emphasized are mushrooms, rusts, smuts, mildews, cup fungi, bread molds, water molds and slime molds. The importance of fungi in human affairs is also examined. Lectures and laboratory. Frequent field trips. Prerequisite: Biology 102 or equivalent. Also offered through Outdoor Studies.

326. Animal Physiology.
This course is devoted to the general principles and concepts of animal physiology. Lecture topics include functioning of the neuroskeletal, muscular, respiratory, circulatory, excretory and endocrine systems. Six hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory every two weeks. Prerequisites: Biology 101,102 or equivalent.

328. Biology of Non-Vascular Plants.
A study of non-vascular plants including bryophytes, lichens and algae. Lectures and laboratories examine the morphology, life histories, physiology, classification and ecology of these diverse, important but hugely unrecognized organisms. Laboratories include frequent field trips as well as microscope studies. Prerequisite: Introductory biology. Preferred but not required: Biology 224.

330. Ecology of Lakes and Rivers.
The biology of freshwater organisms from a community and ecosystem perspective. Topics include food web dynamics, fisheries science, primary production, seasonal succession and nutrient cycling. Emphasis is on interactions among fish, invertebrate and plant communities as well as the influence of their physical, chemical and geological settings. Class projects investigate local and regional lakes and rivers; thus there is a substantial amount of field work. There is also emphasis on the characterization of watersheds using GIS. Prerequisite: Biology 221 or equivalent. Recommended: any of Biology 215, 340, 360 and 380. Also offered through Outdoor Studies.

335.  Winter Ecology.
This field-intensive course examines animals, plants and fungi in winter. Topics include physiological, behavioral and morphological adaptations that permit survival during our coldest season. Students practice identification of common trees, mosses and lichens and track common mammals in order to study winter nests, burrows and behavior. Animal energetics and the coniferous tree advantage are discussed. Students review local and regional climate data and measure several microclimates under snow, ice and soil as well as microhabitat abiotic nutrient profiles relevant to winter adaptations. Students must have sufficient winter clothes for extended study in the cold and snow. Pre-requisites: Biology 101, 102 and 221. Lunch will be eaten in the field

340. Conservation biology.
This course examines the problem of maintaining biological diversity in a changing world. Emphasis is on the biological concepts involved in population biology, genetics and community ecology, and their use in conservation and management of biodiversity. Labs mix local projects and trips to sites of interest for conservation. Prerequisite: Biology 221 or 245/246. Also offered as Environmental Studies 340 and through Global Studies.

357. Behavioral Ecology.
A seminar course in the evolutionary and ecological approach to understanding animal behavior. Class time is split between lecture and discussion of current primary literature in behavioral ecology. Topics include sexual selection and mating systems, parental care, foraging theory, the evolution of social behavior, cooperation and helping and competition for resources. Major credit restricted. Prerequisite: Biology 221 or permission of instructor. Counts toward the neuroscience major (behavioral track).

360. Marine Ecology.
The marine environment is the largest portion of the earth’s biosphere and holds an amazing diversity of microbial, plant and animal life. This course covers the biology of these organisms, their ecological interactions, their adaptations to the dynamic ocean environment and their importance to humanity. Topics include the life histories, behavior, ecology and commercial use of marine organisms, as well as abiotic factors (e.g., salinity, nutrients, water currents and tides, ocean floor spreading) that influence them. The laboratory portion is an end-of-semester (mid-May) 10-day field trip that focuses on snorkeling studies of coral reef ecosystems and incurs extra course fees (see instructor for details). This portion is not available to seniors graduating in May. Prerequisites: Biology 101, 102 or equivalent. Recommended: any of Biology 215, 221, 330 and 380. Also offered through Outdoor Studies.

380. Tropical Ecology.
A seminar course based on current research in tropical biology. Emphasis is on the structure, function and biology of tropical organisms and ecosystems, especially as compared to temperate systems. Lectures include South American, Australasian and African tropical ecosystems. The course addresses the role of plant-animal interactions, mutualisms, sustainable development, conservation measures and the roles of indigenous cultures in tropical ecosystems. Prerequisite: Biology 221 or permission of the instructor. Major credit restricted. Also offered as Environmental Studies 380 and through Global Studies and Outdoor Studies.

381, 382. Research Methods Training. (0.5 or 1 unit)
Special courses intended to offer non-senior research training specific to a faculty member’s research program. Many techniques covered are not generally taught within the lab of a regular course offering. The course will be indicated on the student transcript as “Research Methods in X” with “X” being the research area (e.g., endocrinology). These offerings are by permission only in consultation with the appropriate faculty mentor. Such courses do not count as one of the minimum six units for the major

386. Advanced Animal Physiology.
This course deals with the properties, composition and function of living matter and its reactions to internal and external agents. The physiology of the nervous, circulatory, respiratory and excretory systems is considered in detail, as are the basic and applied physiology of the digestive and endocrine systems. Mechanisms of integration of the various physiological systems are stressed. Three hours lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Biology 326 and two semesters of organic chemistry or permission of instructor. Counts toward the neuroscience major (cellular and behavioral tracks).

389. Advanced Neuroscience.
Builds on the fundamental concepts presented in Biology 288 (Introduction to Neuroscience) and begins to examine neurobiology from a systems perspective. Topics include the biological basis of sexual orientation, sleep and dreaming, sleep disorders, epilepsy and seizures, motivation and addiction, Alzheimer’s disease, disorders of thought and volition, and mood disorders. Prerequisite: Biology/Neuroscience 288. Required for the neuroscience major.

390. Research Methods in Transmission Electron Microscopy. (1 unit)
Detailed instruction in the use of a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Most of the learning is accomplished in a laboratory setting where students learn techniques for sample fixation, embedding in plastic resins, ultramicrotomy, glass knife making, thin film preparation and photographic techniques. The theory of instrument operation is stressed. A detailed examination of cell ultrastructure is also offered. Prerequisite: any 200- or 300-level science course or permission of the instructor. Counts toward the neuroscience major (cellular track).

391. Research Methods in Scanning Electron Microscopy. (.5 unit)
Detailed instruction in the use of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and support techniques such as critical point drying, specimen coating (standard vacuum and sputter coating), specimen fixation, black and white photographic techniques and computer image acquisition and analysis. The theory and practice of energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDAX) for determining atomic element makeup and element mapping will also be learned. Prerequisite: any 200- or 300-level science course or permission of the instructor. Counts toward the neuroscience major (cellular track). Also offered as Geology 391.

392. Research Methods in Confocal Microscopy. (.5 unit)
Confocal microscopy allows a fluorescence-labeled specimen to be optically sectioned at magnifications up to 1000X. It is a good bridge between standard fluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy. This course offers students detailed instruction in the theoretical and practical aspects of using a laser scanning confocal microscope. Students learn specimen preparation techniques, fluorescent dye properties and selection, immuno-cytochemistry, laser physics, optics, and digital image acquisition and analysis. A good knowledge of cell biology and structure is very helpful. As a half-unit offering, the course meets for about half the semester. Prerequisites: any 200- or 300-level science course or permission of the instructor. Counts toward the neuroscience major (cellular track).

393. Microscopy Project. (.5 unit)
This half-unit module is designed to allow students to develop and carry out a research project with the TEM, SEM/EDAX or Confocal microscope. This module may be taken concurrently with the corresponding half-unit microscopy modules but may be taken at a later time as well. Students should not take more than one unit total of the half-unit modules in this research methods series in one semester. As a half-unit offering, this project should be completed in about half the semester. Students are encouraged to develop their project in consultation with other science faculty with whom they are working on research. Meeting times are by arrangement. Pre-/co-requisites: Biology 390, 391 or 392 or permission of the instructor.

394. Research Methods in Biochemistry.
This course introduces basic laboratory techniques and skills that are common in fields related to biochemistry, and applying those techniques to a guided research project. Attention is paid to both theory and application. Students develop a methodology notebook and prepare lab reports for each exercise, and write up the project in the style of a journal article. All learning is done in the laboratories, which meet two afternoons per week, plus a half-hour recitation section by arrangement. Prerequisites: Chemistry 222 and any one of Biology 231, 245, 246, 250, 391 or Chemistry 309 (which can be taken as a co-requisite). Required for the biochemistry major and also carries credit toward the biology major/minor. Also offered as Biochemistry 394.

395. Research Methods in Molecular biology.
Molecular techniques have revolutionized how biologists address problems in genetics, medicine, ecology, systematics, conservation and many other fields. Students obtain hands-on experience using basic and advanced molecular techniques, such as western blotting, nucleic acid (DNA and RNA) isolation and purification, DNA sequencing, gel electrophoresis and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), to study gene expression and genetic variability. The molecular techniques studied are the same used in laboratories worldwide. In addition to gaining practical experience in the laboratory, students learn about the theories behind each molecular protocol and study how biologists apply molecular techniques to answer fundamental biological questions. Prerequisites: Biology 245, 246, 250 or 394. Also offered as Biochemistry 395.

415. Advanced Biochemistry.
A variety of topics are covered in depth depending on the interests of the students. The course begins with an overview of metabolism and its hormonal regulation. Other topics may include protein synthesis and targeting, molecular immunology, sensory systems and neurotransmission, hormone action, membrane transport, oncogenes and cancer, photosynthesis and advanced topics in metabolism. Topics of current interest may also be included. Through both written and oral presentation, students develop their abilities to use the scientific literature and communicate in science. Prerequisite: Chemistry 309 or permission of instructor. Counts toward the neuroscience major (cellular track). Major credit restricted. Also offered as Biochemistry 415 and Chemistry 415.

447, 448. SYE: Special Topics.
Intended for senior tutorials, these are courses on topics not regularly offered in the curriculum. May be offered for .5 or 1 unit of credit and may include a laboratory. Prerequisites depend on course content and consent of instructor. Major credit restricted

460,461. Seminar in the Techniques of Teaching biology.
Participation in the review, revision, preparation and presentation of materials in the lecture and laboratory portions of the General Biology course; responsibility for presenting a seminar concerning a week/s core curriculum and for student evaluation. Biology 460, no credit, may be repeated. Biology 461 may be taken once for one-half unit of credit following one semester of 460. Major credit restricted

462, 463. Seminars in biology.
Intensive investigation by a group of students and faculty of advanced topics not regularly offered in the curriculum. Students are responsible for preparation and presentation of much of the course content. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. One unit may apply to the minimum requirements for the major; otherwise, major credit restricted.

468,469. SYE: Tutorial Research. (.5 or 1 unit)
Mentored study and research that is not experimental in design yet requires the analysis of primary literature-based data and the integration of this with current knowledge of the subject matter. A thorough understanding of the methodologies used in acquiring the published data will be critical for this integration. This research will be presented orally to the mentor’s research team and in appropriate written formats (e.g., journal manuscripts, etc.). This experience typically earns one unit of credit toward the minimum major requirements and is at least one semester in duration. If not intending to accomplish honors designation, students may do a full year of research for .5 units per semester or they may elect to earn more than one unit of research credit, though only one such unit will count toward the minimum major requirement. Open to senior students majoring in biology. Prerequisite: sponsorship by a faculty member.

489, 490. SYE: Experimental Research. (.5 or 1 unit)
Field or laboratory research projects for students desiring to pursue directed, experimental research in biology. Students integrate acquired research skills and subject knowledge to collect original experimental data and to analyze the results in reference to the existing scientific primary literature. Results will be presented orally to the mentor’s research team and in appropriate written formats (e.g., journal manuscripts, etc.). This experience typically earns one unit of credit toward the minimum major requirements and will be of at least one semester in duration. If not intending to accomplish honors designation, students may do a full year of research for .5 units per semester or they may elect to earn more than one unit of research credit, though only one such unit will count toward the minimum major requirement. Open to senior students majoring in biology. Prerequisite: sponsorship by a faculty member.

499. Honors Projects. (.5 or 1 unit)
Graduation with honors in biology requires exceptional academic accomplishment as demonstrated by a biology GPA of 3.5 or above and the completion of a second semester of SYE honors research according to departmental guidelines. This research will be presented orally to the mentor’s research team and will be written as an honors thesis. Open to seniors majoring in biology. See honors guidelines above or at it.stlawu.edu/~biology/biology_honors.htm. Prerequisite: sponsorship by a faculty member.

Neuroscience

288. Introduction to Neuroscience.
This course provides students with a basic understanding of the architecture and processing of information in the brain. Particular emphasis is placed on the cellular properties of cells in the nervous system and how these biophysical properties affect information processing. To this end, students learn neuroanatomy and use computer models to gain insight into the computational power of the brain. Other topics include development of the nervous system, neurophysiology of sensation and homeostatic control mechanisms. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Biology 101,102. Recommended: Biology 245, 246 or 250.

389. Advanced Neuroscience.
Advanced Neuroscience builds on the fundamental concepts presented in Biology 288 (Introduction to Neuroscience) and begins to examine neurobiology from a systems perspective. Topics include the biological basis of sexual orientation, sleep and dreaming, sleep disorders, epilepsy and seizures, motivation and addiction, Alzheimer’s disease, disorders of thought and volition, and mood disorders. Prerequisite: Biology/Neuroscience 288.

489, 490. SYE: Senior Project.
All neuroscience senior majors are required to do a senior research project that normally would earn 1 to 2 units of credit, depending on the scope of the proposed work. The project should integrate acquired research skills and/or subject knowledge gained through the major and culminate in an appropriate written format and an oral presentation. Presentation at the St. Lawrence Festival of Science is encouraged.

499. SYE: Honors Research.
Students integrate acquired research skills and subject knowledge gained through the major to collect original experimental data and analyze the results in reference to the existing scientific primary literature. Results will be presented orally to the neuroscience faculty and/or at the annual Festival of Science and be written as an honors thesis, to be bound and archived in both departments and in the science library. Graduation in neuroscience with the designation of honors requires exceptional academic accomplishment as demonstrated by a major GPA equal to or above a 3.5, and completion of a second semester of SYE honors research according to established guidelines.