Click here for Fall 1999 semester Explanatory Notes from the Biology department

Professors Minkoff and Thomas; Associate Professors Pelliccia, Kinsman, Chair, Malloy (on leave, 1998-1999), Abrahamsen, and Baker; Assistant Professors Ambrose, Kleckner (on leave, fall semester), Gerwien, and Sommer; Ms. Rasmussen and Ms. Palin

Biology is the study of living systems and how they interact with the nonliving world and with one another. It is a discipline that bridges the physical and social sciences. Students who major in biology become familiar with all levels of biological organization from molecules to ecosystems, and gain practical experience in both laboratory and field studies.

Required for the major:

1. Chemistry 107A or Chemistry/Environmental Studies 107B; and Chemistry 108A or Chemistry/Environmental Studies 108B; and one of Chemistry 203, 212, 218, Geology 363, or Biology 244. The Chemistry 218 option (with prerequisite of Chemistry 217) is strongly recommended for students interested in attending graduate school, and required for those planning to apply to medical school programs after graduation. Prospective majors are strongly encouraged to complete Chemistry 107A or Chemistry/ Environmental Studies 107B and Chemistry 108A or Chemistry/Environmental Studies 108B in the first year.

2. At least nine courses in biology, seven of which must be advanced courses (200-level and above, or the equivalent), and no more than two of which are introductory (100-level); for two 100-level courses to be applied toward the major, one must have a full laboratory component (Biology 121, 124, 125, 168, or 176). The nine courses must include:
   1. One 100-level biology course (or designated First-Year Seminar: 215, 226). This course serves as prerequisite or corequisite to Biology 201. Completion of this requirement by the end of the first year is strongly recommended.

   2. The three biology core courses which must be completed prior to beginning the senior year: Biology 201 (formerly Biology 101s), Biology 270 (formerly Biology 170), and Biology s42. Prerequisites: for Biology 201: AP credit or any 100-level Biology course (may be taken concurrently with Biology 201); for Biology 270: Biology 201; for Biology s42: Biology 201 and Chemistry 108A or Chemistry/Environmental Studies 108B. Completion of the core courses by the end of the sophomore year is strongly recommended.

   3. Five additional electives to complete the nine required. The advanced courses may include no more than two research or thesis credits from among the following biology courses: 360, 457, 458, 470 through 479, and s50, and no more than one Short Term unit (s30- level and above) in addition to s42. Short Term internships (s26, s46) do not count toward the major. At least one elective must be a laboratory course that focuses on form and function of plants or animals. Courses that satisfy the form and function requirement include: 121 (Plant Diversity), 124 (Plants and Human Affairs), 168 (Entomology), 176 (Physiology of Locomotion), 211 (Marine Invertebrates), 311 (Comparative Anatomy of Chordates), 337 (Animal Physiology), 380 (Plant Physiology), s40 (Mammalian Histology).

   One of Chemistry 321 or 322, Psychology 355 or 363, may be substituted for one advanced course in satisfying the requirements of the major.

3. Additional non-course requirements for the major include completion of the comprehensive examination and extracurricular seminar program (see below).

Planning for the Major. Prospective majors are urged to discuss course selection and scheduling with a member of the department in the first year, particularly if use of AP credits, or participation in a junior study-away program, is anticipated. The department strongly encourages students to complete the required core courses before the end of their sophomore year to allow scheduling flexibility later. Completion of the core courses prior to the beginning of the senior year is required. The department also strongly advises that electives be chosen in close consultation with faculty to ensure breadth of knowledge within biology (from molecules and cells to organisms and ecosystems). Students are encouraged to consider biology as part of an interdisciplinary program (see interdisciplinary major guidelines). Additional allied major programs offered include biological chemistry, environmental studies, and neuroscience (see titled sections in catalog). Students may apply to include in the major a biology internship at the Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine, or Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York.

General Education. A set in biology consists of any two courses and/or designated units in biology, provided that at least one has a full laboratory component. Courses and units with full laboratory components currently include Biology 121, 124, 125, 168, 176, 201, 211, 270, 308, 311, 313, 315, 336, 337, 341, 351, 370, 380, s32, s34, s38, s40, s42. Any biology course or designated unit may be used to fulfill the third course for the natural-science requirement. Designated units include s32, s34, s38, s40, s42, s45. The quantitative requirement can be satisfied by completing Biology 155 (or 255), 158, 201 (or 101s), 270 (or 170), or s45. AP credit may not be used for general education requirements.

Comprehensive Examination. The comprehensive examination requirement must be fulfilled by achieving a score corresponding to the twenty-sixth percentile on the Graduate Record Exam Subject Test in Biology. This requirement must be fulfilled by the December test date of the senior year; students are encouraged to take the test early. Students who have taken the GRE twice by the December test date without achieving a passing score may request to fulfill this requirement by passing a departmental comprehensive exam given once during winter semester or Short Term of their senior year.

Extracurricular Seminar Program. Majors are required to attend eight of the departmental seminars (approximately twelve are scheduled each year), as well as the associated discussions, by the end of February of the senior year. Discussions focus on a research paper describing the seminar speaker's work. No formal course credit is given for the seminar. Majors will be sent a description and periodic announcements each semester.

110. Oceanography. An integrated, interdisciplinary overview of the chemistry, physics, geology, and biology of the world's oceans. Topics include chemical and physical properties of sea water, ocean circulation, evolution of ocean basins, coastal geomorphology, the distribution and abundance of organisms in the major marine communities, the status of the world's most important fisheries, and the role of the ocean in the global carbon cycle. Enrollment limited to 40. Not open to students who have received credit for Biology 210. W. Ambrose.

115. Discover Neuroscience. Neuroscience as a discipline is relatively new, but the process of scientific discovery into brain and nervous system function has taken place for centuries. In this course students explore the major discoveries and ideas that have contributed to our current understanding of the nervous system. Topics may include, but are not limited to, Galen's philosophy of brain function, the contributions of women to discovery in neuroscience, comparisons of early techniques for visualizing brain tissue with modern non-invasive imaging techniques (such as PET scans), and the future of discovery in neuroscience. Open to first-year students. Not open to students who have received credit for First-Year Seminar 215. Enrollment is limited to 40. This course is the same as Neuroscience 115. N. Kleckner

120. Toxins. Issues and potential problems related to toxic materials are reported almost daily by the mass media. Major misunderstandings and confusion often raised by the reports usually are due to a lack of basic knowledge about toxicology. This course introduces basic principles of toxicology by discussing topics such as contaminants in food, endocrine disruption in wildlife, and dioxins and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls). Enrollment limited to 40. R. Sommer.

121. Plant Diversity. A survey of marine and freshwater algae, the fungi, mosses, ferns, fern allies, and seed plants. Lecture and laboratory studies emphasize comparative structures, functions, habitats, and evolutionary relationships. Enrollment limited to 40. Not open to students who have received credit for Biology 221. R. Thomas.

123. Diversity of Function. This course offers an organismal perspective to biological diversity by investigating the evolution of morphological and physiological adaptations among and within different taxa. Possible topics include taxonomy and systematics, the evolution of form and function, characteristics of the major kingdoms, and patterns of physiological adaptations among different organisms. Lectures demonstrate how an understanding of biological diversity and the relatedness among organisms is both useful and necessary for all biologists. Laboratory exercises emphasize the comparative method, quantitative analysis of data, and scientific writing. Open to first-year students. Enrollment is limited to 40. R. Gerwien

124. Plants and Human Affairs. A survey of economically and historically important plants, with emphasis on aspects of agronomy, forestry, plant biochemistry, and ethnobotany. Plant products studied include perfumes, spices, medicinals, fermentation products, oils, rubber, textiles, wood, sugar, cereals, and legumes. Not open to students who have received credit for Biology 224. Enrollment limited to 40. R. Thomas.

125. Environmental Microbiology. Microorganisms are ubiquitous and live in a variety of habitats. This course explores the relationships between microorganisms, particularly the bacteria, fungi, and algae, and their biotic and physical environments. Among the topics for discussion are soil microbiology and biogeochemical cycles, bioremediation, and aquatic microbiology. Consideration is given to human health and disease. Laboratory investigations focus on microbial habitats and metabolic diversity. Not open to students who have received credit for Biology 215 or 315. Enrollment limited to 40. K. Palin.

130. Life, Sex, and Cells. One of the great mysteries of the natural world is the prevalence of sexual reproduction. What, really, is sex? How did it begin? Why is it more common in species with complex cells and specialized bodies? Is sex required for reproduction in all of the millions of species, from bacteria to diatoms to mammals? What do "male" and "female" mean for asexual, hermaphroditic, and sex- changing species? This course takes a wide perspective to investigate the patterns of sex and gender among the species, assessing the traditional explanations - and their critiques - of the evolution and consequences of sex and gender. Enrollment limited to 40. Not open to students who have received credit for Biology 105. S. Kinsman.

131. Human Genetics and Biotechnology. How does DNA function to produce the traits seen in plants and animals? How are these traits passed on from generation to generation? These questions are the focus of an analysis of genetics that begins with a review of Mendelian inheritance and ends with a discussion of modern molecular research and its enormous impact on humankind. DNA fingerprinting, in vitro manipulation of embryos, and the production of transgenic plants and animals are discussed. Special attention is given to the ecological and ethical impacts of genetic technology. Enrollment limited to 40. Not open to students who have received credit for Biology 231. J. Pelliccia.

155. Mathematical Models in Biology. Mathematical models are increasingly important throughout the life sciences. This course provides an introduction to deterministic and stochastic models in biology, and to methods of fitting and testing them against data. Examples are chosen from a variety of biological and medical fields, such as ecology, molecular evolution, and infectious disease. Computers are used extensively for modeling and for analyzing data. Recommended background: one college biology course. This course is the same as Mathematics 155. Enrollment limited to 30. Not open to students who have received credit for Biology 255. J. Rhodes.

158. Evolutionary Biology. Evolution is the great unifying theory in biology. It is the context into which all other biological subjects fit. The course examines various aspects of evolution, including the origin of life, the major events in the evolution of life on earth, the nature of the fossil record, the history of evolutionary theories, and creationist objections to these theories. Computer exercises are included as an important part of the course. Enrollment limited to 100. E. Minkoff.

162. Animal Behavior. This course examines the ecological and evolutionary aspects of animal behavior. Topics covered include behavioral genetics, development, habitat selection, foraging behavior, antipredator tactics, reproductive behavior, sociality, and Evolutionary Stable Strategies (ESS). The focus of this course is predominantly on vertebrates; however invertebrate social behavior is also addressed. Enrollment limited to 40. Not open to students who have received credit for Biology 262. R. Gerwien.

168. The Insects. A study of insects, the largest group of animals. Lectures and laboratories introduce insect morphology, classification, evolution, physiology, behavior, ecology, and field study. Selected topics for discussion may include courtship, parental care, control of pests, mutualists, social behavior, chemical ecology. Enrollment limited to 40. Not open to students who have received credit for Biology 268. S. Kinsman.

176. Physiology of Locomotion. An introduction to physiology using human locomotion as a model. Lectures examine both the short-term and long-term responses to exercise that take place at cellular, tissue, organ, and organismal levels. Topics may include glycolytic and oxidative metabolism; muscle function and adaptation; cardiovascular, respiratory, hormonal, and renal responses to exercise; musculoskeletal mechanics; and exercise in unusual environments. Students choose topics of special interest for discussion sections and class projects. Enrollment limited to 40. Not open to students who have received credit for Biology 276. Staff.

181. Introduction to Paleontology. Evolutionary principles above the species level are illustrated by studying the evolution of the vertebrates and selected invertebrate groups. Enrollment limited to 40. Not open to students who have received credit for Biology 281. E. Minkoff.

201. Biological Principles. The methods and principles of biology are introduced in the context of an issues-oriented approach that emphasizes coherent understanding of the origin and cellular basis of life, mechanisms of evolution, genetics, and biological diversity. Other selected issues, which may vary from year to year, may include cancer, AIDS, drugs, sociobiology, plant adaptations, and conservation biology. Laboratories involve design and execution of experiments in cooperative laboratory groups and a group project on organismal diversity. Quantitative analysis of data and peer-reviewed scientific writing are emphasized. Students experience the connections among the fields of biology, the interdisciplinary nature of today's biology, and the connections between biological and social issues. Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): any 100-level course in biology, or designated First-Year Seminar (215, 226), or advanced placement credit. Open to first-year students. Enrollment limited to 21 per section. Not open to students who have received credit for Biology 101s. J. Pelliccia.

211. Marine Invertebrates. A survey of the varieties, morphology, development, evolution, and behavior of invertebrates with an emphasis on marine animals. Laboratory work includes the study, through dissection and experiment, of representative organisms. Field trips to local marine habitats. Prerequisite(s): Biology 101s or 201. Enrollment limited to 14 per section. W. Ambrose.

212. Physiological Ecology. This course examines physiological diversity in relationship to the environments in which animals live. Topics covered include thermoregulation, energy metabolism, allometry, locomotion, respiratory adaptations, and water balance. Emphasis is given to the central role of the organism in biology, and how animals are designed with reference to their natural environments and evolutionary histories. Prerequisite(s): Biology 101s or 201. R. Gerwien.

231. Genetics. A course in classical and molecular genetics that extends a Mendelian analysis of genetics to topics that include molecular, biochemical, developmental, behavioral, and human genetics. Reading includes primary literature. The role of genetics in evolutionary processes is emphasized. Not open to students who received credit for Biology 131 in 1997-1998. Prerequisite(s): Biology s42. Enrollment limited to 40. K. Rasmussen.

240. Epidemiology. Epidemiology is the study of patterns of disease and injury occurrence within populations. Biological, environmental, physical, and socioeconomic factors are examined in relation to disease occurrence and spread. Discussion focuses on measurements and studies of infectious, communicable, chronic, and emerging diseases. Readings and discussions emphasize current topics such as the recent rabies, Ebola, and hemorrhagic E. coli outbreaks. Prerequisite(s): one of the following: Biology s42, 170, or 270. Staff.

244. Biostatistics. A course in the use of both descriptive and inferential statistics in the biological sciences, including such topics as types of data, population structure, probability distributions, common types of statistical inference (t-, F-, and chi-square tests), correlation and regression, analysis of variance, and an introduction to nonparametric statistics. Prerequisite(s): one college biology course. Enrollment limited to 50. E. Minkoff.

260. Environmental Toxicology. Environmental toxicology is the study of the impacts of pollutants upon organisms and the structure and function of ecological systems. It draws from a variety of disciplines, including ecology, chemistry, organismal and developmental biology, genetics, epidemiology, and mathematics. This course provides an overview of the field by discussing toxicant introduction, movement, distribution, and fate in the environment, toxicant sites and mechanisms of action in organisms and ecosystems, and toxicant impact upon organisms and ecosystems. Basics of toxicity testing design and analysis are an important part of the laboratory. Prerequisite(s): Chemistry 107A and 108A or 107B and 108B, and Biology 201. Open to first-year students. Enrollment is limited to 24. R. Sommer

270. Ecology. An introduction to ecological and evolutionary patterns, principles, and processes. Topics include life history and adaptation, speciation, population dynamics and interactions, community structure, and ecosystem processes. Laboratories include experimental investigations of several levels of biological organization using cooperative lab groups. Prerequisite(s): Biology 101s or 201. Open to first-year students. Not open to students who have received credit for Biology 170. S. Kinsman, W. Ambrose.

285. Primates and Human Origins. A course in primatology and physical anthropology for students of biology, psychology, anthropology, and other fields. Topics include primate evolution, paleoanthropology, primate sociobiology, primate behavior, human diversity, and the physical prerequisites for culture. Conflicting views on phylogeny, race, intelligence, and behavior are also discussed. Prerequisite: Biology 201. Not open to students who have received credit for Biology 185. E. Minkoff.

308. Neurobiology. The course is an introduction to the molecular and cellular principles of neurobiology, and the organization of neurons into networks. Also included are the topics of developmental and synaptic plasticity, and the role invertebrate systems have played in our understanding of these processes. Laboratories include electrical recordings of nerve cells, computer simulation and modeling, and the use of molecular techniques in neurobiology. Recommended background: Neuroscience 200. Prerequisite(s): Biology s42. This course is the same as Neuroscience 308. Enrollment limited to 24. Not open to students who have received credit for Biology 278. N. Kleckner. 311. Comparative Anatomy of the Chordates. An introduction to the comparative anatomy of the vertebrates and their kin, with laboratory study of both sharks and mammals. Prerequisite(s): Biology 101s or 201. Enrollment limited to 25. E. Minkoff.

313. Marine Ecology. An examination of the complex ecological interactions that structure marine systems. Habitats studied include intertidal, estuary, coral reef, deep sea, salt marsh, and pelagic. Laboratories include work in local marine communities and require occasional weekend trips. Prerequisite(s): Biology 170 or 270. Enrollment limited to 20. Not open to students who have received credit for Biology 213. W. Ambrose.

314. Virology. A lecture and seminar examination of the molecular biology of viruses, including viroids and bacteriophages. Topics include viral infection and replication cycles, morphology, oncogenesis, and virus-host interactions. Viruses of epidemiologic and biotechnologic importance are emphasized. Prerequisite(s): Biology s42. L. Abrahamsen.

315. Bacteriology. A survey of the structure and physiology of bacteria, emphasizing adaptations of these organisms to specific environmental niches. Particular attention is given to organisms of medical, ecological, or industrial interest. Prerequisite(s): Biology s42. Enrollment limited to 25. Not open to students who have received credit for Biology 215. L. Abrahamsen.

316. Plant and Animal Development. An investigation of developmental processes in complex plants and animals. The course focuses on embryonic development and includes the roles of genetic and environmental determinants. There is an emphasis on cell communication processes mediating such processes as cell fate specification, differentiation, pattern formation, and sex determination. The similarities and differences among these processes in different organisms are highlighted. Prerequisite(s): Biology s42. Not open to students who have received credit for Biology 216. Staff.

320. Pharmacology. Pharmacology is the study of the actions and effects of drugs within a living system. It deals with all drugs, legal and illegal, prescription and over-the-counter, used to prevent disease or treat illness. This course presents mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, and toxicity of important drugs, including drugs that affect the peripheral nervous system, central nervous system, cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, endocrine system, reproductive system, and agents used to treat cancer. Prerequisite(s): Biology s42. Recommended background: Biology 176 or 337. R. Sommer.

331. Molecular Biology. An introduction to the molecular biology of genes and chromosomes. The course emphasizes current research about gene structure and function, experimental techniques, and viral and prokaryotic genetics. The laboratories demonstrate recombinant DNA technology. Prerequisite(s): Biology s42. J. Pelliccia.

336. Field Ecology. A course in methods of investigating patterns and interactions in natural populations and communities. Students conduct several outdoor field investigations, gaining practical experience in problem identification, experimental design, data collection, and analysis and communication of results. Research methods and their conservation applications are examined through primary literature and visits to active research sites. Some weekend field trips. Prerequisite(s): Biology 170 or 270. Enrollment limited to 14 per section. Not open to students who have received credit for Biology 236. R. Gerwien.

337. Animal Physiology. The major physiological processes of animals, including digestion, circulation, respiration, excretion, locomotion, and both neural and hormonal regulation. Examples will be drawn from several species and include a consideration of the cellular basis of organ-system function. Recommended background: Biology 176 or 276. Prerequisite(s): Biology s42. Enrollment limited to 12 per section. R. Gerwien.

338. Drug Actions on the Nervous System. This course focuses on the biochemistry and physiology of neural tissues. An emphasis is placed on neurotransmitter systems, and on drugs thought to act on these systems. The relationships between the actions of drugs at molecular, cellular, and behavioral levels are also discussed. Current literature is reviewed related to topics of special interest. Recommended background: Neuroscience 200, Biology/Neuroscience 308, or Psychology 363. Prerequisite(s): s42. N. Kleckner.

341. Electron Microscopy. An introduction to the principles of electron optics, with emphasis on biological applications. Topics covered in lecture or laboratory include preparation of specimens for transmission and scanning electron microscopy, use of the scanning electron microscope, use of associated photographic, X-ray dispersive, cytochemical, immunological, and autoradiographic techniques, and interpretation of data. Special interest topics are chosen by students for independent research projects. Prerequisite(s): Biology s42. Enrollment limited to 6. R. Thomas.

351. Immunology. The immune system is studied as an example of the body's chemical communication networks and as one mechanism for memory. Topics include production of an immune response, immune surveillance in the maintenance of health, the effects of psychological and environmental factors on the immune system and on health, and the effects of immune dysfunctions (auto-immune diseases and immune deficiencies including AIDS). The course emphasizes the human immune system but briefly covers comparative immunology. Includes a laboratory. Prerequisite(s): Biology s42. P. Baker.

352. Membrane and Receptor Biology. A detailed examination of the structure and function of biological membranes. Lectures and readings focus on those aspects of cell and organelle membranes which account for their biofunctional properties. Prerequisite(s): Biology s42 or Chemistry 321. P. Baker.

360. Independent Study. Independent study and/or research by an individual student under the direction of a staff member. A detailed summary report is required at the end of each semester of work. Submission of a proposal approved by both the faculty sponsor and the department is required prior to registration. Students are limited to one independent study per semester. Staff.

365. Special Topics. Offered at irregular intervals by a faculty member in an area of contemporary interest.

380. Plant Physiology. A study of organismal and cellular functions important in the life of green plants. Topics include mineral nutrition, water relations, metabolism, and regulatory processes. Prerequisite(s): Biology s42. R. Thomas.

457. 458. Senior Thesis. Permission of the department and the thesis advisor are required. Students register for Biology 457 in the fall semester and for Biology 458 in the winter semester. Majors writing an honors thesis register for both Biology 457 and 458. Written permission of the department chair is required. Staff.

470. Seminar and Research in Experimental Ecology. Laboratory, field, or library study of a current research topic in experimental ecology. A topic is selected with reference to the research interests of the instructor. Prerequisite(s): Biology 170 or 270. Enrollment limited to 6. Written permission of the instructor is required. S. Kinsman.

471. Seminar and Research in Experimental Botany. Laboratory, field, or library study of a current research topic in experimental botany. A topic is selected with reference to the research interests of the instructor. Enrollment limited to 6. Written permission of the instructor is required. R. Thomas.

472. Seminar and Research in Animal Physiology. Laboratory or library study of a current research topic in animal physiology. Students may select a topic with reference to the research interests of the instructor. Recommended background: Biology 176/276 or 337. Enrollment limited to 6. Written permission of the instructor is required. R. Gerwien.

473. Seminar and Research in Cell Biology. Laboratory and library study of a current research topic in the experimental study of biology at the cellular level. A topic is selected with reference to the research interests of the instructor. Recommended background: Biology s42. Enrollment limited to 6. Written permission of the instructor is required. Staff.

474. Seminar and Research in Marine Biology. Laboratory, field, and library study of advanced topics in marine biology. Topics are selected in relation to research interests of the instructor and students. Recommended background: Biology 211. Prerequisite(s): Biology 170 or 270. Enrollment limited to 6. Written permission of the instructor is required. W. Ambrose.

475. Seminar and Research in Environmental Toxicology. Laboratory and library study of a current research topic in environmental toxicology. Topics are selected in relation to research interests of the instructor and students. Recommended background: Biology s42. Enrollment limited to 6. Written permission of the instructor is required. R. Sommer

476. Seminar and Research in Neurobiology. Laboratory or library study of a current research topic in molecular or cellular neurobiology. A topic is selected in reference to the research interests of the instructor. Recommended background: Biology 278, 308, 320 or 338. Enrollment limited to 6. Written permission of the instructor is required. N. Kleckner.

478. Research and Seminar in Biochemical Genetics. The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, and the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, have served as useful model organisms for cellular and molecular research. The genome sequencing projects for these organisms have given us an unprecedented insight into what it takes to code for the myriad functions that make a multicellular animal. A diversity of molecular genetic techniques makes the production and analysis of transgenic animals routine, and basic developmental and neurobiological processes first described in these model organisms have served as a starting point for understanding the function of homologous processes in more complex animals. Students perform laboratory, literature, and genome database research on current problems in the biology of these model organisms. Recommended background: at least one elective course in genetics, biochemistry, cellular or molecular biology. Prerequisite: Biology s42. Enrollment is limited to 6. Written permission of the instructor is required. J. Pelliccia

Short Term Units

s25. Biological Conservation and Human Communities. The long-term success of biological conservation depends on local human communities. How do appropriate efforts develop in the conservation locale? This unit focuses on grass-roots institutions dedicated to biodiversity conservation and research, education, social change, or educational tourism. Through individual service projects, students learn about and contribute to the multiple activities that strengthen biological conservation in a tropical reserve. Recommended background: course(s) in ecology, sociology, anthropology, political science, or other relevant background, and conversational Spanish. Open to first- year students. Enrollment limited to 6. Written permission of the instructor is required. S. Kinsman.

s26. Work-Study Internship in the Natural Sciences. Participation by qualified students in the work of some local or distant institution or agency concerned with the application of scientific knowledge. Such institutions may include hospitals, aquacultural farms, and medical or veterinary offices, among others. By specific arrangement and with departmental approval only. Each intern is supervised by a staff member. Not open to students who have received credit for Biology s36. Written permission of the instructor is required. Staff.

s27. The Social Context of Science. Science is a distinctly human activity that takes place in the social context of a larger society. The focus here is on scientists as people who are members of societies and of particular groups within those societies. This unit examines the influence of gender and other personal characteristics on scientists and their careers and on the recruitment and training of scientists. Lengthy readings include biographies of selected scientists. Prerequisite: one semester of any science. Open to first-year students. Enrollment limited to 25. Not open to students who have received credit for Biology 200. E. Minkoff.

s29. Nature Photography. A study of photographic techniques used by biologists in the field and laboratory, with emphasis on close-up photography of plants and animals. Additional areas covered include landscape and aerial photography, photomicrography, and preparation of photographs for lectures or publication. Required: access to a 35mm single lens reflex camera. Recommended background: one course in biology at the 100 level. Enrollment limited to 15. Written permission of the instructor is required. R. Thomas.

s32. Experimental Marine Ecology. A study of marine plants and animals, and their relationships with each other and with their environment. Students carry out individual research projects. The unit involves extensive fieldwork and, sometimes, full-time/off-campus residence. Recommended background: Biology 270 or 211. Enrollment limited to 12. Written permission of the instructor is required. W. Ambrose.

s33. Experimental Animal Physiological Ecology. This unit investigates patterns of physiological adaptation in animals. Students design their own research projects using both laboratory and field methodologies. Possible topics include ecological consequences of locomotor performance, physiological/ecological consequences of body size, examination of interindividual variation, and correlates of reproductive performance. Prerequisite(s): Biology 212 or 270. Enrollment limited to 12. R. Gerwien.

s34. Tropical Field Biology. Tropical ecosystems harbor the majority of species. This advanced unit introduces the biology of the tropics, with an emphasis on ecology. Readings and written assignments serve as preparation for fieldwork and travel in a Latin American country. Trips to a variety of ecosystems (for example: mangrove swamps, plantations, rainforests, alpine sites) introduce tropical community diversity. Activities include lectures, reading, field experiments, field trips, and research projects. Recommended background: one or more of Biology 121, 124, or 270. Open to first-year students. Enrollment limited to 7. Written permission of the instructor is required. S. Kinsman.

s37. Forest History. An investigation of the patterns and history of New England's forests, with an emphasis on field study and research. Students review the influences of geological events, climate, unusual soil and water conditions, natural disturbance, and human activities on forest type, occurrence, and history. Visits to a variety of forests, both old-growth and young, emphasize the importance of field learning. Central to the unit is a research project to describe a forest's structure and composition, dendrochronology, and land-use history. Primary literature is emphasized. Prerequisite(s): Biology 270 or Environmental Studies 302. Written permission of the instructor is required. Enrollment is limited to 10. S. Kinsman

s38. Geologic and Biologic Field Studies in the Canadian Arctic. This unit examines the biology and Quaternary geology of the eastern Canadian Arctic. Fieldwork is in Auyuittuq National Park, Baffin Island, Canada. Research focuses on glaciology, snow hydrology, and sedimentation in fjords and lakes, and the adaptations required of terrestrial and aquatic plants and animals to survive in the Arctic. Students prepare geologic and vegetation maps, examine animal distributions, study modern fjord and lacustrine environments, and collect and analyze water and sediment samples from lake and marine environments. Emphasis is placed on the relations between biological and geological patterns. Recommended background: geologic or biologic field experience. Prerequisite(s): one of the following: Biology 101s or 201, Geology 103, 104, 105, or 106. This unit is the same as Geology s38. Open to first- year students. Enrollment limited to 12. Written permission of the instructor is required. M. Retelle, W. Ambrose.

s40. Mammalian Histology. The study of mammalian tissue types, with emphasis on tissue structure and function in class and tissue structure and identification in the laboratory. Prerequisite(s): one of the following: Biology 276, 181, 281, 311 or 337. Open to first- year students. Enrollment limited to 15. E. Minkoff.

s42. Cellular and Molecular Biology. A view of life at the cellular and molecular levels. Topics include cellular energetics, membrane phenomena, and molecular biology. Laboratory techniques include enzymology, cell fractionation, microbial genetics, and electrophoresis. Prerequisite(s): Biology 101s or 201; and Chemistry 108A or Chemistry/Environmental Studies 108B. Open to first-year students. Staff.

s45. Computer Applications in Biology and Medicine. Through individual projects, students are introduced to some of the techniques of computer programming, as well as some of the biological problems that lend themselves to investigation with the aid of computers. No previous experience in computer programming is assumed. Prerequisite(s): one of the following: Biology 158 or 270. Enrollment limited to 15. E. Minkoff.

s46. Internship in the Natural Sciences. Off-campus participation by qualified students as team members in an experimental program in a research program. By specific arrangement and with departmental approval only. Enrollment limited to 15. Written permission of the instructor is required. Staff.

s50. Individual Research. Registration in this unit is granted by the department only after the student has submitted a written proposal for a full-time research project to be completed during the Short Term and has secured the sponsorship of a member of the department to direct the study and evaluate results. Students are limited to one individual research unit. Staff.

© 1998 Bates College. All Rights Reserved. Last modified: 3/8/99 by mkm