Oberlin Course Catalog

201. Invertebrate Biology 4 hours
4NS, WR
Next offered Fall 2002.

203. Vertebrate Structure and Evolution 5 hours
5NS
A study of vertebrate structure from evolutionary and functional perspectives. This topic is introduced by a discussion of the origin of vertebrates and their phylogeny and basic embryology. The morphological differences in each major organ system are studied primarily in terms of phylogenetic history and functional adaptation. All students must participate fully in the anatomical laboratory exercises. Prerequisites: BIOL 119 or consent of instructor. BIOL 120 recommended. Enrollment Limit: 20.
Sem 2 BIOL-203-01 TuTh 11:00-12:15 Ms. McCormick
TuTh 1:30-4:20

204. Plant Biology 4 hours
3, 5NS
An introduction to the anatomy, development, and physiology of plants with emphasis on flowering plants. Lectures and laboratories will highlight fundamentals of plant structure and function including adaptive features for life in specific types of environments. Labs will meet seven times over the course of the semester, schedule to be distributed during the first week of classes. Prerequisites: BIOL 118, 119, 120, or consent of instructor. Enrollment Limit: 16.
Sem 2 BIOL-204-01 MWF 10:00-10:50 Mr. Benzing, Mr. Miller
W 1:30-4:20

205. Community Ecology 4 hours
4NS, WR
This course will be taught by a new faculty member. Please see the supplement to the course catalog for a full description. Prerequisites: BIOL 120 or consent of instructor. Enrollment Limit: 24.
Sem 2 BIOL-205-01 To be arranged Staff

206. Population Ecology 4 hours
4NS, QPh, WR
Next offered fall 2002.

207. The Fungi 3 hours
3NS
A study of the major groups of the fungi. Lectures and laboratory will deal with the ecological and economic importance, the life cycles, and evolutionary relationships of the fungi. Laboratories will emphasize the collection and identification of local edible and poisonous species of mushrooms with field trips during the first half of the semester. Smaller, less well-known fungi will be studied during the second half of the semester. Prerequisities: BIOL 118, 119, and 120 or permission of instructor. Enrollment Limit: 16
Sem 1 BIOL-207-01 TuTh 10:00-10:50 Mr. Miller
Th 1:30-4:30

208. Vascular Plant Diversity 2 hours
2NS
A study of the structure, life cycles, and evolutionary relationships of the major groups of vascular plants. Prerequisites: BIOL 118, 119, or consent of instructor. Enrollment Limit: 16
Sem 1 BIOL-208-01 TuTh 9:00-9:50 Mr. Benzing MODULE 2
TuTh 1:30-4:30

211. Genetics 3 hours
3NS
The principles of heredity: an examination of the genetics of plants, animals, bacteria, and viruses. Topics include concepts of dominance, gamete formation, epistasis, penetrance, mutation, and linkage. Microbial genetics will be treated extensively. Probability will be discussed, as will human genetics, genetic screening and counselling, and issues raised by genetic advance. Prerequisites: BIOL 120 or permission of instructor.
Sem 1 BIOL-211-01 TuTh 11:00-12:15 Mr. Levin

213. Cell and Molecular Biology (Lecture only) 3 hours
3NS
A detailed study of cell structure and function at the molecular level. Topics to be discussed include structure and function of membranes and cell organelles; gene structure, function and regulation; bioenergetics; cell cycle control, signal transduction and genetic engineering. The intent of the course is to integrate molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology in order to provide a firm foundation for many of the more specialized courses in the major. Prerequisites: BIOL 118, 119, or 120, and CHEM 102 or 103. Not recommended for first-year students.
Sem 1 BIOL-213-01 MWF 11:00-11:50 Mr. Luck, Ms. Treichel

214. Cell and Molecular Biology (Laboratory only) 1 hour
1NS
Laboratory exercises are designed to illustrate processes central to cell and molecular biology and to familiarize students with basic skills required at the laboratory bench. Co-requisite: BIOL 213. Enrollment Limit: 20.

Sem 1	BIOL-214-01	M 1:30-4:20	Mr. Luck
	BIOL-214-02	Tu 1:30-4:20	Ms.Treichel
	BIOL-214-03	W 1:30-4:20	Mr. Luck
	BIOL-214-04	Th 1:30-4:20	Ms.Treichel
	BIOL-214-05	F 1:30-4:20	Ms. Thornton

302. Developmental Biology 5 hours
5NS, WR
A survey of the developmental processes which occur during the life of a multicellular organism (mostly metazoa, but also certain plants and protists). Lectures focus on the cellular and molecular aspects of such phenomena as differentiation, pattern formation, morphogenesis, and senescence; and draw attention to the evolutionary underpinnings of these processes. The laboratory exercises consist of experiments designed to demonstrate fundamental concepts in development and to familiarize students with experimental approaches to embryological investigations. Live and preserved animals are used in most of the laboratory exercises. Prerequisites: BIOL 118, 119 and 214; consent of instructor. Enrollment Limit: 20.
Sem 2 BIOL-302-01 MWF 8:00-8:50 Ms. Cruz
MW 1:30-4:20

303. Microbiology 4 hours
4NS
The biology of microorganisms, with major emphasis on bacteria. Both medical and non-medical topics are covered, as are basic principles of microbial genetics, virology, and immunology. Prerequisites: BIOL 214 and CHEM 205. Enrollment Limit: 16.
Sem 2 BIOL-303-01 TuTh 1:00-4:20 Mr. Levin

308. Genes and Genetic Engineering (Lecture only) 3 hours
3NS
A lecture course on the chemical, physical and biological properties of nucleic acids, with emphasis on current topics related to the organization, replication, transcription, translation, regulation, and manipulation of genetic material. Prerequisites: BIOL 213 and CHEM 205.
Sem 2 BIOL-308-01 MWF 9:00-9:50 Mr. Luck

309. Genes and Genetic Engineering (Lecture and Laboratory) 4 hours
4NS
Identical to BIOL 308 but with the addition of one laboratory per week. Laboratories will emphasize techniques used in working with nucleic acids. Prerequisites: BIOL 214 and CHEM 205.
Sem 2 BIOL-309-01 MWF 9:00-9:50 Mr. Luck Limit: 24
Laboratories
BIOL-309-02 M 1:30-4:20 Mr. Luck Limit: 12
BIOL-309-03 Tu 1:30-4:20 Mr. Luck Limit: 12

312. Animal Physiology 4 hours
4NS
This course concerns the function of the body from the molecular level (e.g., the generation of electrical signals in the nervous system) to the organismal level (e.g., adaptations to pregnancy or exercise). Classes and laboratory sessions examine the physiology of the following: excitable cells (e.g., nerves and muscles); the heart and cardiovascular system; the lungs and respiratory system; the kidneys and body fluid homeostasis; and reproduction. Prerequisite: BIOL 213 or permission of instructor.
Sem 1 BIOL-312-01 MWF 9:00-9:50 Mr. Allen Limit: 28
Laboratories
BIOL-312-02 M 1:30-4:20 Mr. Allen Limit: 16
BIOL-312-03 Tu 1:30-4:20 Mr. Allen Limit: 16

313. The Living Cell 3 hours
3NS
Addressing the foremost questions in cell biology, this course explores the following: how cells obtain and alter their shape (e.g., during cell division or cell death); how intracellular motility (e.g., shuttling of vesicles, organelles, and chromosomes) arises; how cells adhere and migrate (e.g., during immune responses, embryonic development, or cancer); and how these various activities are signaled and orchestrated. Particular attention is given to the cell biological basis of problems in neurobiology, immunology, developmental biology, and disease. Involves two class meetings and one small-group tutorial, at which research literature is discussed and analyzed, per week. The tutorial generally replaces Friday's class and is scheduled informally. Prerequisite: BIOL 213 or permission of instructor. Enrollment Limit: 24.
Sem 2 BIOL-313-01 MWF 11:00-11:50 Mr. Allen

314. Cell Biological Research 3 hours
3NS
The heart of this course is an individual or small-group research project lasting the entire semester and relating to cell motility. Through the project, students will gain mastery of one or more of the following techniques: site-directed mutagenesis; classical genetic screens for mutants and revertants; bacterial expression and purification of eukaryotic proteins; biochemical and biophysical analyses of protein function; advanced light microscopy (e.g., with polarizing, fluorescence, or differential interference contrast optics). Additionally, students will examine the design and execution of research (from inception of idea to communication of results). Laboratory work, amounting to 6-8 hours/week, is scheduled informally. Prerequisite: BIOL 214 or equivalent. Consent of instructor required. Enrollment Limit: 12.
Sem 2 BIOL-314-01 W 7:00-7:50 p.m. Mr. Allen

318. Evolution 4 hours
4NS, QPh
Principles of microevolution (selection, gene flow, mutation, genetic drift, and factors that influence population genetic structure), evolutionary ecology (competition and predation, and abiotic factors) and macroevolution (changes above the species level) will be studied. Special attention will be given to how these subjects are related, and how they are fundamental to understanding organic evolution. Prerequisites: BIOL 118, 119, 120, and 213. Enrollment Limit: 28.
Sem 1 BIOL-318-01 MWF 10:00-10:50 Mr. Laushman Limit: 14
M 1:30-4:20
BIOL-318-02 MWF 10:00-10:50 Mr. Laushman Limit: 14
T 1:30-4:20

326. Vascular Plant Systematics 4 hours
4NS, WR
A study of flowering plant biology. Lectures will concentrate on plants at the population level. Topics include: angiosperm diversity, plant speciation, pollination biology, and reproductive strategies. Laboratories during the first several weeks of the semester acquaint students with methods of plant identification. Laboratories during the second half of the course will be devoted to field trips designed to acquaint students with the local spring flora together with ecological principles important to higher plants. Prerequisites: BIOL 118, 119, and BIOL 120, or consent of the instructor. BIOL 204 recommended. Enrollment Limit: 24.
Sem 2 BIOL-326-01 TuTh 9:00-9:50 Mr. Benzing
TuTh 1:30-4:20

327. Immunology 3 hours
3NS
A comprehensive introduction to our current understanding of the immune system, including innate, humoral, and cell- mediated components. Emphasis is placed on the molecular and cellular events underlying immunity. Lectures, discussions, and problem sets present the important experimental techniques currently used by immunologists. Discussion of current applications (e.g., vaccination) and challenges (e.g., autoimmune disease, AIDS) illustrate the link between basic research and clinical immunology and reveal social and political aspects of biomedical research. Prerequsites: BIOL 118, BIOL 120 and BIOL 213. Enrollment Limit: 25. Preference to juniors and seniors.
Sem 2 BIOL-327-01 TuTh 11-12:15 Ms. Treichel

328. Immunology Laboratory 1.5 hours
1.5NS
The laboratory introduces students to techniques for detecting the reaction between antigens and antibodies and for isolating and characterizing cells of the immune system. Cell-culturing techniques are taught. Much of the course utilizes a research approach consisting of a series of semi-independent experiments: these include culturing hybridomas, isolating, purifying, and quantifying monoclonal antibodies, and determining their various functional characteristics. Most experiments will require one to two hours outside the regularly scheduled laboratory meetings. Prerequisites: BIOL 214 and concurrent enrollment in BIOL 327. Enrollment Limit: 10.
Sem 2 BIOL-328-01 Tu 1:30-4:20 Ms. Treichel

329. Virology 3 hours
3NS
Next offered Spring 2003.

333. Laboratory in Mammalian Cell Culture 2-3 hours
2-3NS
Next offered Spring 2003.

411. Seminar: Conservation Biology 3 hours
3NS, WR
A discussion format is used to study important biological concepts pertaining to the conservation and management of natural animal and plant populations. Papers from the current primary literature are used to cover topics such as founder effect, inbreeding, genetic drift, and habitat fragmentation. Genetic and life history variation, species diversity, and community ecology are examined in relation to habitat conservation. Students alternate as discussion leaders; term papers and oral presentations required of all students. Prerequisites: BIOL 120. Consent of instructor required. Enrollment Limit: 12. Preference to juniors and seniors.
Sem 2 BIOL-411-01 W 7:30-10:00 p.m. Mr. Laushman

414. Seminar: Reporting in the Biological Sciences 2 hours
2NS, WR
This course is primarily intended to serve students wishing to improve their skills as authors and editors of biological information. Prerequisites: Two courses in biological science. Enrollment Limit: 6.
Sem 1 BIOL-414-01 Tu 7:00-9:00 p.m. Mr. Benzing

Independent Work

501, 502. Research 1-3 hours
1-3NS
Projects for original investigation are developed by students in consultation with a faculty member. Students in the Honors Program enroll for both semesters of their senior year. A maximum of three credit hours (four hours for Honors students completing two semesters of research) and one laboratory unit may be earned in this course towards the requirements for a biology major. Research sponsored by Mr. Allen, Mr. Benzing, Mr. Braford, Ms. Cruz, Ms. Garvin, Mr. Laushman, Mr. Levin, Mr. Luck, Ms. McCormick, Mr. Miller, Ms. Thornton, Ms. Treichel. Consent of instructor required.

995. Private Reading 1-3 hours
1-3NS
Independent study of a subject arranged by student with member of Biology teaching staff, who supervises the project. Only subjects beyond the range of catalog course offerings permitted. Special approvals required from: project supervisor, student's academic advisor, and department chairman. Note: A student is limited to one private reading course per semester. Private Reading sponsored by Mr. Allen, Ms. Bennett, Mr. Benzing, Mr. Braford, Ms. Cruz, Ms. Garvin, Mr. Laushman, Mr. Levin, Mr. Luck, Ms. McCormick, Mr. Miller, Ms. Thornton, Ms. Treichel. Consent of instructor required.

Biochemistry

A major in Biochemistry is offered in the Chemistry Department. Biochemistry major requirements are described in the Chemistry section of this catalog.