Courses in Biology (Division 328)


100. Biology for Nonscientists.
Not open to those with Advanced Placement or "Departmental" credit in biology, nor to those concentrating in the biological sciences. Credit is granted for a combined total of 12 credits elected in introductory biology. (4). (NS). (BS).
Biology 100 is a one term course designed to introduce students to current biological concepts. The course consists of three hours of lecture per week plus a coordinated discussion session which occupies two hours per week. Biology 100 provides an introduction to some general principles of biology and concentrates on the areas of cell biology, genetics, evolution, and environmental biology. A major objective of this course is to point out to students the nature of the scientific process and illustrate the uses and non-uses of science in contemporary life. Wherever possible, the ethical and social implications of contemporary scientific effort will be discussed.

This course is designed for students with a minimal background in the biological sciences but we do assume some exposure to biology at the high school level. Discussion sections enroll 20 students and are taught by graduate student teaching assistants. In the discussion section, students have the opportunity to review material presented in lecture and participate in discussions of issues raised in the lecture segment. Cost:3 WL:1; you MUST attend the first discussion section to claim your place in the course. (Goldberg, Osgood)

110/AOSS 171/UC 110/NR&E 110. Introduction to Global Change I. Credit is granted for a combined total of 12 credits elected in introductory biology. (4). (NS). (BS).
The course will consider the evolution of the universe, the Earth and its environments, and the evolution of living organisms. Consideration will be given to fundamental processes by which organisms grow and reproduce, how they interact with their environments, and the distribution of major groups of organisms on earth.

140. Genetics and Society. Credit is granted for a combined total of 12 credits elected in introductory biology. (4). (NS). (BS).
This course is designed for students not concentrating in the sciences. The course will provide students with a background in genetics, (1) to allow them to understand and appreciate some of the latest developments in genetics reported in the local and national press, (2) to discuss the social history of the field of genetics, (3) to introduce students to "the scientific method" as applied to genetics, and finally (4) to discuss aspects of genetics which have a bearing on our everyday lives. Topics to be discussed will include, but not be limited to (in no particular order): genetics, race, and IQ; forensic applications of genetic fingerprinting; gene therapy; recombinant DNA technology and possible environmental concerns, T.D. Lysenko and the communist ideal, the human genome project, genetic diseases and therapeutic abortion. The course will meet three times a week, and two hours will be devoted to discussion. Course evaluation will be based on exams (consisting mainly of questions requiring short essay answers) and one or more term papers. Cost:1 WL:1 (Adams)

150. Introductory Biology Workshop. Concurrent enrollment in Biology 152, 154, or 195. (1). (Excl). Offered mandatory credit/no credit.
Small groups of students meet weekly with a faculty member for group discussions on topics selected by the faculty member. Topics may include biological issues in the news, history of biological ideas, and ethical issues in biological sciences. Students will be introduced to biological research through discussion of faculty research projects and tours of active research laboratories and museum collections. Such tours will be coupled with discussion of scientific questions being pursued in the laboratories visited. Introductory students will have the opportunity to interact directly with a faculty member who will introduce them not only to the basic areas of scientific research but also to the structure and opportunities available in biology concentration programs. Evaluation of students will be through class participation and short written assignments.

152. Introduction to Biology: Term A. Chem. 130 or the equivalent, or Chem. 210 placement. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in Biol. 195. Credit is granted for a combined total of 12 credits elected in introductory biology. (4). (NS). (BS). Laboratory fee ($32) required.
First term of a two-term introductory sequence (152/154) intended for concentrators in biology, other science programs or preprof studies. Other suitably prepared students wishing detailed coverage of biology are also welcome. The aims of Biology 152/154 are: (1) to provide factual and conceptual knowledge, (2) to afford experience in obtaining and interpreting biological hypotheses, (3) to give an integrated overview of modern biology and (4) to develop thinking and writing skills. Topics in Biology 152 are divided among four areas: (a) cellular and molecular biology, (b) genetics, (c) evolution, and (d) ecology. Students MUST: (1) attend 3 lectures and one 3-hour lab/discussion section each week; (2) ATTEND THEIR ASSIGNED LAB/DISC MEETINGS EACH WEEK STARTING WITH THE FIRST WEEK OR THEIR SPACE MAY BE GIVEN TO SOMEONE ON THE WAITING LIST; and (3) RESERVE the times and dates for the midterm and final exams (as specified in the Time Schedule) before enrolling. Students usually purchase a textbook, lab manual and course pack consisting of a syllabus and lecture notes. No other study guides or supplementary materials need be bought. For honors credit, register in lecture 002 or 004 of Biology 152 and ANY lab/disc, plus Biology 153 (see below). For further information contact the Biology 152/154 office, 1039 Chem Bldg (764-1430). Cost:3 WL:2, but go to 1039 Chem.

255. Plant Biology: An Organismic Approach. (5). (NS). (BS). Laboratory fee ($60) required. Satisfies a Biology laboratory requirement.
An introductory botany course covering a broad spectrum of topics including principles of plant systematics, evolution, development, and biogeography. The lectures and laboratories concentrate on a group-by-group treatment of plant diversity, ranging from algae and fungi through primitive vascular plants and culminating in flowering plants. The approach is an evolutionary perspective, treating plants as organisms and emphasizing the innovations and structural adaptations of the various plant groups as well as life history strategies. Such topics as pollination biology, plant speciation, and vegetational biomes are included. The course also includes plant growth and structure. Two field trips are scheduled. Two one-hour lectures and two three-hour labs per week. A total of three lecture tests and three laboratory tests will be scheduled. Text: Raven et al., Biology of Plants, 5th edition. Cost:2 WL:3 (Wynne, Frohlich)