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Biology
The goals of the
biology major are to: (1) teach the fundamental concepts and methods
of the biological sciences; (2) engage all students in science
as it is practiced by developing their capacities to use and evaluate
scientific knowledge; and (3) explore relationships of biology
to other sciences and to problems of social, cultural, and intellectual
concern.
By proper selection
of biology and other science courses in consultation with a departmental
advisor, the major in biology can prepare a student for graduate
study and research in a wide range of areas including anatomy,
biochemistry, bioengineering, biophysics, botany, cell biology,
conservation biology, developmental biology, ecology, environmental
sciences, immunology, marine biology, microbiology, molecular
biology, mycology, physiology, virology, zoology, etc. The major
in biology can also lead to a variety of careers in applied biology
(medicine and agriculture and their allied fields) and science
teaching.
Advanced Placement.
Four (4) hours of biology major credit, designated as Biology
605, are automatically granted to students earning 4's and 5's
on the Advanced Placement test, or at least 6 on the International
Baccalaureate Exam. Students granted AP credit in biology who
intend to major in biology are exempted from taking the introductory
sequence (Biology 118, 119, 120) but must still complete the 27-hour
minimum for the major, by earning 23 Biology credits in addition
to the 4 granted as Biology 605. Students with AP credit may elect,
if they so choose, to take either Biology 118 plus 119, or Biology
120, but not both. Students with AP credit must still take at
least five laboratory courses.
Exemptions.
Exemption (not Placement) tests, offered annually every August,
may be taken by any student wishing to be exempted from taking
Biology 118, 119 and/or 120. Note that a grade of 4 or 5 in Advanced
Placement Biology (AP Bio) will also exempt any student from taking
these courses. It must be pointed out, however, that these courses
are appropriate and helpful courses for those intending to take
the MCAT or similar proficiency exams. It is thus recommended
that students who foresee taking such exams take (or, minimally,
audit) these courses.
Entry-Level Course
Sequence Suggestions.
Students with a strong high-school science background find taking
Introductory Biology and Chemistry courses simultaneously in the
first year both useful and challenging. Other students benefit
greatly from taking only one of these courses during their first
semester at Oberlin. Prospective Biology majors are urged to consult
with a Biology faculty member during Freshman Advising Period
to discuss these options.
Major.
The biology major consists of 27 hours minimum in biology. Of
these, 9 hours must be advanced course work (defined as a biology
course numbered 200 or above, except Biology 213/214, which forms
part of the core), completed at Oberlin. No more than 7 hours
of advanced work for the major may be transfer credits. In addition
to the 27 hours in biology, additional cognate work is required
(see below).
A.
Required Courses
1. Core Biology Courses:
Biology 118
(lecture), 119 (lab), Organismal Biology, 4 hours; Biology 120
(lecture and lab) Genetics, Evolution and Ecology, 4 hours; Biology
213 (Cell and Molecular Biology, lecture only), 3 hours. N.B.
Many advanced biology courses require Biology 214 (Cell and Molecular
Biology, laboratory, 1 hour), so students are strongly advised
to enroll in 214 as well as 213. Check the prerequisites for any
course you contemplate taking.
2. Biology Laboratory
Requirement:
Majors are
required to take at least 5 laboratory courses or courses that
include a laboratory. Biology 119 and 120 count as 2 of these
5. Majors may count one semester of research (Biology 501 or 502)
toward the laboratory requirement. Each laboratory course or course
that includes a lab counts as a single lab course, regardless
of how often the laboratory section meets.
3. Cognate Course
Work:
a. Chemistry 101
and 102 (or 103 in lieu of 101 and 102)
c. Four additional
hours selected from the following: Calculus (MATH 131, 132 or 133),
Chemistry (CHEM 254), Physics (PHYS 103), Statistics (MATH 113 or
114).
B. Additional
Biology Courses.
Up to 3
credit hours of a seminar and up to 3 credit hours of research,
as BIOL 501 or 502, may be counted toward a Biology major. Honors
candidates completing 2 full semesters of research may count up
to 4 credit hours toward the major. Work done through Private
Reading does not count toward completion of the major.
Other Courses.
The following courses (including their laboratory components,
when applicable) count toward the biology major:
1. All Neuroscience
courses at the 200 and 300 level.
2. Environmental
Studies 316 (Systems Ecology) and 340 (Environmental
Systems Modeling).
3. Chemistry 374
(Biochemistry).
4. Geology 320
(Paleontology).
Minor.
There is no minor offered in Biology.
Honors.
Candidates for honors in biology enroll as seniors in BIOL 501
and 502, carry out a research project in consultation with a faculty
committee, write and defend a thesis based on completed work,
and give a required research seminar. Students interested in this
program should initiate a discussion of research possibilities
with any member of the staff during the junior year. Students
are not accepted formally into the honors program until their
proposed research is reviewed by the department at the beginning
of their first semester of research.
Off-Campus or
Summer Study.
The Department offers limited scholarships for summer course work
at approved field (inland and marine) stations in the United States.
Applications for these scholarships are invited early in the Spring
Semester; awards are made in May. In general, students planning
off-campus study are advised to consult first with their advisor,
and then the Chairman to determine acceptability of courses to
the major.
Transfer of Credit.
Credits in biology earned elsewhere may be applied to the Oberlin
biology major with the approval of the department chair, as long
as 14 of the 27 hour minimum in biology, including 9 hours of
advanced course work (defined above, under 'major'), are completed
at Oberlin.
Winter Term.
Among the topics for Winter Term projects that members of the Biology
department are willing to sponsor are the following: Mr. Allen:
projects relying upon genetic, molecular biological, and biophysical
techniques to address cell physiological questions. Readings in
the physiology of muscle and motile cells. Instruction and readings
in Old Icelandic and Old English literature. Ms. Bennett:
intensive science review; pre-medical internship. Mr. Benzing:
the technology of winemaking and viticulture; tropical biology.
Mr. Braford: laboratory research in comparative neuroanatomy
for students who have had Biology 320; neurobiology; evolution;
systematics. Ms. Cruz: projects involving comparative embryology,
developmental biology, marsupial biology. Readings in the history
of biology, philosophy of science, evolution. Ms. Garvin: projects
and readings in parasitology, entomology, ornithology, epidemiology,
and ecology. Mr. Laushman: projects involving conservation
biology, population genetics, and aquatic vascular plants. Mr.
Levin: compiling and evaluating certain AIDS data for students
who have done one course (with laboratory) in microbiology. Mr.
Luck: laboratory research involving recombinant DNA technology
for students who have had Biology 309. Ms. McCormick: projects
on the evolution of vertebrate auditory and lateral line systems;
topics on the evolution of vertebrate structure. Mr. Miller:
holistic health; new age/transformational subjects; psychic healing
group project; new paradigms in science; noetic sciences. Mr.
Tarvin: projects and readings in vertebrate evolutionary and
behavioral ecology, ornithology, avian blood parasites, molecular
genetic tools for evolutionary analyses and readings in human behavioral
ecology and evolutionary biology. Ms. Thornton: projects
involving neuroendocrinology and behavioral neuroendocrinology.
Ms. Treichel: projects involving immunology, virology, or
cancer; health career internships.
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Preparation
for Post-Graduate Education
Medical
School, Dental and Veterinary Medicine. Most medical, dental,
and veterinary schools require:
1. One year of
General Biology with laboratory.
2. Two years of
Chemistry with laboratory.
3. One year of
Mathematics.
4. One year of
Physics with laboratory.
Students planning
careers in medicine should consult the Health Career Advisors,
the Office of Career Services, and references in the Science
Library for details.
Graduate Schools.
Most graduate schools in biology expect a major in the biological
sciences to include:
1. Two years of
Chemistry with laboratory.
2. One year of
Physics with laboratory.
3. College-level
Mathematics (Calculus and Statistics).
4. Courses in Computer
Science.
Certain deficiencies
in course work may be made up in graduate school but generally
not for graduate credit. Students planning to pursue an advanced
degree should consult individual admission requirements of the
schools and graduate departments in which they are interested.
The qualifying examination for most graduate schools is the
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) which consists of two parts,
the General Examination and an Advanced component in biology.
The majority of graduate schools require the General Examination
for admission but there is variation with respect to the Advanced
requirement. Students are strongly urged to consult with members
of the Biology Department in preparing for graduate work.
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Courses
Primarily for Nonmajors
013. Colloquium:
Sexually Transmitted Diseases: 1.5 hours
Biology, History and Misery
1.5NS,
WR
First Semester.
Open to students in any class, but for full course description see
section entitled "Colloquia for First- and Second-Year Students."
Permission of the instructor required for admission. Attendance
at all classes is mandatory.
014. Colloquium:
Biological Advances and Ethical Dilemmas 3 hours
1.5NS,
1.5HU, WR
First Semester.
This colloquium seeks to develop an appreciation for and understanding
of recent discoveries and developments in biology. It will consist
of class discussions, presentation and writing projects focused
on understanding biological advances and applications to human health
and welfare (for example, the Human Genome Project, stem cell research,
gene therapy, cloning, medical treatments and procedures), agriculture
(for example, genetically manipulated crops, pesticide use, land
use), and conservation (for example, globalization, pollution, species
extinction, overpopulation). Ethical considerations germane to these
advances will be included in both discussions and written work.
Attendance at all classes is mandatory. Enrollment Limit:
12 first-year students.
016. Colloquium:
Field-Based Writing: Ecology of the 3 hours
Vermilion River Watershed
1.5NS,
1.5HUM, WR
First Semester.
Ecology is the study of interactions between organisms and their
environment. This course will use ecological concepts as a framework
for understanding the natural processes of autumn at a local metropark.
Students will research the climate, geology, history, and animal
and plant life of the area, using writing, sketching, and photography
as means of recording and communicating what they observe. Enrollment
Limit: 15.
017. Colloquium:
Everyday Evolution 3 hours
3NS, WR
First Semester.
Evolution is the unifying concept in modern biology. As such, this
colloquium will focus on the importance of understanding biological
evolution as it relates to various topics: e.g., speciation, agriculture,
conservation biology, ecology, and medicine. We will examine the
fundamental connections between genetic principles and evolution.
These will provide the foundation for understanding natural selection
and other modes of genetic change over time. Essays will be used
as a format for organizing ideas and critically evaluating examples
of everyday phenomena which demonstrate the principles of evolution.
Enrollment Limit: 12 first-year students.
019. Colloquium:
Ecology and Evolution of Birds 3 hours
3NS, WR
First Semester.
In this course, we will examine birds both as a unique group and
as representative of vertebrates. The course will emphasize adaptation,
ecology and behavior of birds, and will introduce students to experimental
methods used in modern ornithology. We also will discuss the evolutionary
history of birds, including the scientific debate regarding their
origin in relation to dinosaurs and other reptiles, and current
views of the systematic relationships among living birds. Three
Saturday field trips are offered. These are recommended, but are
not required. Enrollment Limit:
Two sections
of 14 first-year students. Note: Up to 6 spaces in each section,
if available, may be filled by second-year students.
030. Colloquium:
Sound Medicine or Dangerous Magic: 3 hours
The Science Behind Traditional Medicine
3NS
101. Topics
in Human Biology 4 hours
4NS
First Semester.
The focus will be on various aspects of health and disease in humans.
Topics will include certain bodily functions and attributes of healthy
humans and how these may be disrupted by genetic and infectious
disease and hormonal disorders. Although major emphasis is not on
anatomy or physiology, selected systems (i.e., endocrines and the
immune system) will be discussed in the context of gender issues,
reproduction, immunity, and cancer. Ethical, legal, and economic
implications of scientific advances will also be considered. Notes:
Two hours of credit may be applied toward the Biology major. Please
sign up for both BIOL 101 and one of the four lab sections. Enrollment
Limit: 64.
Mr. Levin
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Introductory
Courses for Nonmajors and Prospective Majors
115. Field
Botany 2 hours
2NS
Second Semester.
Second Module. A study of vegetation emphasizing vascular plants
as they occur in Northern Ohio. Identification of species and types
of plant communities and selected aspects of natural history will
be emphasized. Prerequisites: BIOL 118, 119, or consent of
instructor. Enrollment Limit: 15.
118. Organismal
Biology (Lecture only) 3 hours
3NS
First Semester.
This course provides prospective biology majors and others with
an integrated introduction to the organismal biology of animals
and plants, from the subcellular level, up through the cellular,
tissue, organ, and whole organismal level. Priority will be given
to first- and second-year students.
119. Organismal
Biology (Laboratory only) 1 hour
1NS
First Semester.
Laboratory exercises will emphasize anatomical and physiological
studies of higher vertebrate and flowering plant whole organisms.
Preserved animals are dissected in some laboratories. Some exercises
and discussions are designed to develop critical thinking and problem-solving
skills in data analysis and interpretation. Enrollment Limit:
24 per section. Notes: Students must be concurrently enrolled in
or have already had BIOL 118. Priority will be given to first- and
second-year students.
Ms. Bennett, Ms.
Cruz, Staff
120. Genetics,
Evolution, and Ecology 4 hours
4NS
Second Semester.
This course provides prospective biology majors and others with
an integrated introduction to key biological principles of genetics,
ecology, and evolution. The labs feature exercises and discussions
designed to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
in data analysis and interpretation. Priority will be given to first-
and second-year students.
Ms. Garvin, Mr.
Laushman, Ms. Bennett
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Intermediate
and Advanced Courses
201. Invertebrate
Biology 4 hours
4NS,
WR
First Semester.
Invertebrates represent over 97% of the animal kingdom. This course
is a study of the anatomy, physiology, behavior, and ecology of
representatives of the major phyla and their evolutionary relationships.
Lectures will emphasize functional adaptations of the major organ
systems. Classroom discussions and writing assignments will be
based on readings from the primary literature. Laboratories will
include observation, collection, identification and dissection
of terrestrial, aquatic, and marine invertebrates and will involve
afternoon and overnight field trips. Prerequisite:
BIOL 120.
Consent of instructor required. Enrollment Limit: 15.
203. Vertebrate
Structure and Evolution 5 hours
5NS
Second Semester.
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. Prerequisite: BIOL 119 or consent of instructor.
BIOL 120 recommended. Enrollment Limit: 20.
204. Plant
Biology 4 hours
4NS
First Semester.
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.
Prerequisite: BIOL 118, 119, 120, or consent of instructor.
Enrollment Limit: 16.
205. Community
Ecology 4 hours
4NS,
WR
206. Population
Ecology 4 hours
4NS,
QPh, WR
First Semester.
Population ecology deals with the biotic and abiotic factors that
influence population size and stability. Variation in these factors
leads to temporal and spatial differences among populations. Major
topics include: population growth; demographic variation &
stability; population cycles; metapopulation dynamics; and management
considerations. Labs will include field rips to study natural
populations, and computer modeling to understand population dynamics.
Prerequisite:
BIOL 120, or consent of instructor. Note: This course is
offered in alternate years. Enrollment Limit: 14.
207. The
Fungi 3 hours
3NS
First Semester.
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. Prerequisites:
BIOL 118, 119, and 120 or permission of instructor. Enrollment
Limit: 16.
Mr. Miller
211. Genetics 3
hours
3NS
Second Semester.
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. Prerequisite:
BIOL 120 or permission of instructor.
212. Behavioral
Ecology 4 hours
4NS,
WR, QPh
Second Semester.
Behavioral ecology is the study of how behavior (broadly defined)
influences lifetime reproductive success of individuals. It is
therefore deeply rooted in evolutionary theory, and considers
the ways in which behavior may be adaptive. Topics will include
life history strategies, optimal foraging and habitat selection,
signaling and communication, sexual selection and mating strategies,
and social organization and cooperation. Lectures, laboratories,
and discussion sessions will primarily emphasize field studies,
and will illustrate observational, experimental, comparative,
and modeling approaches. Laboratories occasionally meet at night.
Prerequisite:
BIOL 120
and consent of instructor. Enrollment Limit: 24. Note:
BIOL 212 meets during alternate spring semesters.
213. Cell
and Molecular Biology (Lecture only) 3 hours
3NS
First Semester.
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.
214. Cell
and Molecular Biology (Laboratory only) 1 hour
1NS
First Semester.
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 per section.
Mr. Luck, Ms. Treichel,
Ms. Thornton
215. Ornithology
3 hours
3NS
Next offered
2003-2004
.216.
Ornithology Laboratory 1 hour
1NS
302. Developmental
Biology 5 hours
5NS,
WR
Second Semester.
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.
303. Microbiology 4
hours
4NS
Second Semester.
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.
308. Genes
and Genetic Engineering (Lecture only) 3 hours
3NS
Second Semester.
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.
309. Genes
and Genetic Engineering (Lecture and Laboratory) 4 hours
4NS
Second Semester.
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. Enrollment Limit: 24.
312. Animal
Physiology 4 hours
4NS
313. The
Living Cell 3 hours
3NS
314. Cell
Biological Research 3 hours
3NS
318. Evolution 4
hours
4NS,
QPh
325. Principles
of Vascular Plant Taxonomy and Systematics 2 hours
2NS,
WR
First Semester.
First Module. This course constitutes an introduction to plant
taxonomy and systematics. Lectures, discussions, and readings
will focus on the evolutionary history of vascular plants, mechanisms
of speciation, methods for inferring plant phylogeny and taxonomic
nomenclature. The laboratories will be devoted primarily to familiarization
with the information necessary to identify plants in the field
and from preserved specimens. Enrollment
Limit:
24. Prerequisite: BIOL 119, 120 or consent of instructor.
Mr. Benzing
326. Vascular
Plant Diversity and Systematics 2 hours
2NS,
WR
Second Semester.
Second Module. This course deals with the diversity of vascular
plants broadly defined. Specific subjects include the adaptive
strategies of higher plants, relationships among the major taxa,
particularly families within the angiosperm complex, and plants
as actors within biological communities and as partners in symbioses.
Most of the laboratories will be devoted to field work and familiarization
with the local flora in winter condition and early during the
growing season. Enrollment Limit:
24. Prerequisite:
BIOL 119, 120 or consent of instructor. BIOL 325 highly recommended.
327. Immunology 3
hours
3NS
328. Immunology
Laboratory 1.5 hours
1.5NS
329. Virology 3
hours
3NS
Second Semester.
An introduction to the basic principles of virology, including
the biochemistry, molecular genetics, and genetics of viruses
with emphasis on animal viruses. Lectures will examine viruses
as important model systems for elucidating the basic principles
of molecular biology and also as important agents of disease.
Medical topics will include a discussion of the pathogenesis,
immunology, and prevention/treatment of important human viral
diseases. Prerequisite: BIOL 213. Enrollment Limit:
24.
333. Laboratory
in Mammalian Cell Culture 2-3 hours
2NS
Second Semester.
An introduction to the basic principles and essential techniques
for culturing mammalian cells. Emphasis will be placed on developing
practical laboratory skills. Topics will include lab orientation
and safety considerations, cell line repositories, media and reagent
formulations; cultivation of adherent and suspension cells; mycoplasma
detection; freezing, thawing, and cryopreservation; growth curve
analysis; proliferation assays; fluorescent detection of subcellular
structures. Students will be expected to work independently for
1/2-2 hours three times per week in addition to the scheduled
group meetings. Prerequisites: BIOL 214 and consent of
the instructor. Enrollment Limit: 8.
411. Seminar:
Conservation Biology 3 hours
3NS,
WR
Second Semester.
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. Prerequisite:
BIOL 120. Consent of instructor required. Enrollment
Limit:
12. Preference to juniors and seniors.
Mr. Laushman
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, Mr. Tarvin, 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, Mr. Tarvin, 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.
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