Biological Sciences

David Lindsey, Chair; David Cowles, Bob Cushman, Joe Galusha, Scott Ligman, Janice McKenzie, Jim Nestler, Joan Redd.

The objectives of the department are to develop an understanding of the principles of biology that will better acquaint students with the world in which they live; to create an atmosphere conducive to individual investigation; to prepare department majors for graduate and professional education, teaching, and certain careers in the biological sciences.

The department offers a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in biology, and jointly with the departments of chemistry, engineering, and physics, a Bachelor of Science degree with majors in biochemistry, bioengineering, and biophysics respectively. A minor in biology is also available. Students have exceptional opportunities for study in the biological sciences during the summer at the Rosario Beach Marine Laboratory, adjoining Deception Pass State Park, Anacortes, Washington. For further information visit the Rosario website at rosario.wallawalla.edu.

For a description of the graduate program leading to the Master of Science degree in biology, see the Graduate Bulletin.

BIOLOGY MAJOR (Bachelor of Science)

A student majoring in biology must complete 62 quarter hours in the major, the required cognates, the general studies program, and all baccalaureate degree requirements as outlined in this bulletin. One summer term (10 credits) at the WWU Rosario Beach Marine Laboratory is required during which at least one upper-division, marine-oriented course must be taken. Senior students are required to take the Major Field Test (MFT) examination in biology.

Major Requirements:

Ten upper-division credits are required to be taken at the WWU Rosario Beach Marine Laboratory during one summer term.

*Electives must include at least one course from each of the following five categories. A course may be used to fulfill more than one category.

Cognates:

(MATH 181, Analytic Geometry and Calculus I, strongly recommended.)

BIOCHEMISTRY MAJOR (Bachelor of Science)

The biochemistry major is a joint program offered by the Department of Biological Sciences and the Department of Chemistry. See the Interdisciplinary Programs section of this bulletin.

BIOENGINEERING MAJOR (Bachelor of Science)

The bioengineering major is a joint program offered by the Department of Biological Sciences and the School of Engineering. See the Interdisciplinary Programs section of this bulletin.

BIOPHYSICS MAJOR (Bachelor of Science)

The biophysics major is a joint program offered by the Department of Biological Sciences and the Department of Physics. See the Interdisciplinary Programs section of this bulletin.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE MAJOR (Bachelor of Science)

The environmental science major is a joint program in Natural Resources Conservation and Management offered through the collaboration of the following departments/schools: Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Engineering, English, History, Humanities, and Religion. See the Interdisciplinary Programs section of this bulletin.

BIOLOGY MINOR

A student minoring in biology must complete a minimum of 27 quarter hours.

BIOLOGY COURSES (BIOL)

BIOL 105, 106 CONTEMPORARY BIOLOGY 4, 4

Introduction to biological concepts and information for nonscience majors. Information is presented in the context of contemporary issues faced by society. First quarter emphasizes the biology of the human organism and the second quarter emphasizes the functioning of ecosystems and the challenges of human impacts upon the environment. Course is designed to meet the general studies science requirements. One laboratory per week. Prerequisite for BIOL 106 is BIOL 105, or BIOL 141, or BIOL 121. Will not apply on a biology major or minor. (Course fees apply.)

BIOL 121, 122, 123 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY 4, 4, 4

Study of human (organ-system) anatomy and physiology with reference to cellular, genetic, and developmental relationships. First quarter focuses on the integumentary, skeletal, and muscular systems. Second quarter focuses on nervous, endocrine, and circulatory systems. Third quarter focuses on digestive, urinary, lymphatic, respiratory, and reproductive systems. Must be taken in sequence. One laboratory per week. Will not apply to biology major electives. High school or college chemistry strongly recommended. (Course fees apply.)

BIOL 141, 142, 143 GENERAL BIOLOGY 4, 4, 4

Study of the basic principles of biology of animals, plants, and microorganisms. Topics include the cell, physiology, genetics, development, taxonomy, and ecology. Must be taken in sequence. One laboratory per week. High school or college chemistry strongly recommended. (Course fees apply.)

BIOL 211 INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH I 2

Study of the process of science throughout history, current principles of scientific research, and the function of the scientific method. Will include methods of literature research and scientific writing. Prerequisite: BIOL 143.

BIOL 222 MICROBIOLOGY 5

Study of the nature and control of bacteria and other disease-producing organisms; consideration of their relationship to human disease and the basic concepts of immunology. One laboratory per week. Will not apply to biology major. Prerequisites: CHEM 101, 102 or BIOL 141, 142 or permission of instructor. (Course fees apply.)

BIOL 250 BIOSTATISTICS 4

Practice and theory of statistical methods in quantitative biology. Prerequisites: BIOL 143, MATH 121, 122, or permission of instructor.

BIOL 296 CURRENT TOPICS IN BIOLOGY 1

An informal study of current topics in biology. Students will read scientific articles and lead and participate in weekly discussions. Limited to sophomore and junior biology majors and minors. Prerequisites: BIOL 143 and permission of instructor. Graded S or NC.

Biological Sciences Upper Division Prerequisites

BIOL 141, 142, 143 are prerequisites for all upper-division courses.

BIOL 305 GENERAL ECOLOGY 4

Study of the relationship of plants and animals, both as individuals and assemblages, to their physical and biological environment. Laboratory work includes field studies designed to examine ecological principles. One laboratory per week. (Course fees apply.)

BIOL 316 INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH II 1-2; 2

The student will work with a departmental adviser on research activities such as a literature search, preliminary experiments, data collection, or data analysis. May be repeated with a different research adviser, or continued with the same research adviser. Prerequisite: BIOL 250 and permission of research adviser. Graded S or NC.

BIOL 360 PLANT BIOLOGY 4

Fundamental principles of plant biology with emphasis on morphology, anatomy, taxonomy, physiology, ecology, and natural history of algae, non-vascular, and vascular plants. Three class hours and one three-hour laboratory per week.

BIOL 392 CELL BIOLOGY 4

Study of eukaryotic cells. Topics include structural and functional diversity of membranes, energy and information flow, and structure and function of chloroplasts, mitochondria, ribosomes, and cytoskeleton. Priority will be given to biology majors, followed by bioengineering and health science majors and biology minors. One laboratory per week. Corequisite: CHEM 321 and permission of department.

BIOL 393 GENETICS 4

Study of the principles of inheritance in plants and animals. Laboratory work consists of both descriptive and experimental analysis of heredity. One laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 250, 392 and CHEM 321; or permission of department.

BIOL 403 ORNITHOLOGY 4 or 5

Study of native birds of North America, with emphasis on physiology, identification, migration, and life histories. One laboratory per week. (College Place campus - 4 quarter hours; Rosario Beach Marine Laboratory - 5 quarter hours.) A weekend field trip is required. Offered even years only. (Course fees apply.)

BIOL 405 NATURAL HISTORY OF VERTEBRATES 4 or 5

Study of vertebrates with emphasis on natural history, ecology, physiology, and taxonomy. One laboratory per week. (College Place campus - 4 quarter hours; Rosario Beach Marine Laboratory - 5 quarter hours.) A weekend field trip is required. Offered odd years only. (Course fees apply.)

BIOL 410 LIMNOLOGY 4 or 5

An introduction to the history, structure, physical characteristics, and biota of lakes, river, and streams and to the physical, biological, and geochemical processes occurring there. One laboratory per week with some Sunday labs. Prerequisite: Junior standing in a science, mathematics, or engineering major or consent of instructor. Offered odd years only on College Place campus. (College Place campus - 4 quarter hours; Rosario Beach Marine Laboratory - 5 quarter hours.)

BIOL 416 RESEARCH IN BIOLOGY 1-4; 4

The student will work with a departmental adviser on an independent basis. Research may include data collection and analysis and must include a written manuscript. May be repeated with a different research adviser or continued with the same research adviser. Prerequisite: BIOL 316 and permission of research adviser.

BIOL 419 FIELD STUDIES: 1-2;6

A short-term intensive study of flora and fauna in a region of special biological interest, along with their interrelations with one another. Orientation and follow-up required. May be repeated with professor's permission. Prerequisite: BIOL 143.

BIOL 420 SOCIOBIOLOGY 3

A study of current concepts and ideas relating to the origin and structure of social behavior in animals. Special attention is focused on the adaptive significance of species-specific behavior in a wide variety of environments.

BIOL 426 SYSTEMATIC BOTANY 4 or 5

Study of the principles of plant classification, together with a systematic survey of vascular plants, with emphasis on natural history and ecology. One laboratory per week. (College Place campus - 4 quarter hours; Rosario Beach Marine Laboratory - 5 quarter hours.) Offered as needed. (Course fees apply.)

BIOL 430 MOLECULAR BIOLOGY TECHNIQUES 4 or 5

Introduction to the theory and practice of modern molecular techniques. The laboratory will include techniques such as the purification and analysis of DNA, RNA, and protein, recombination DNA procedures, mutagenesis, hybridization methods, PCR, and DNA sequencing technology. Two laboratories per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 393, CHEM 323, 326. (College Place campus - 4 quarter hours; Rosario Beach Marine Laboratory - 5 quarter hours). Offered even years only.

BIOL 435 DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 4

Principles of development of plants and animals. Emphasizes problems of growth, differentiation, and morphogenesis. Laboratory work consists of both descriptive and experimental analysis of development. One laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 392, 393 and CHEM 322; or permission of department.

BIOL 445 ADVANCED MICROBIOLOGY 4

Study of the principles of morphology, physiology, and function of bacteria and other microorganisms. One laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 143 and CHEM 143. Offered odd years only.

BIOL 449 VERTEBRATE HISTOLOGY 4

Study of the microscopic anatomy of vertebrate cells, tissues, and organs, including reference to their functions. Two laboratories per week.

BIOL 450 PALEOBIOLOGY 4-5

Study of the biology, diversity, and history of ancient life and of the principles and methods employed in interpreting life of the past. Special consideration will be given to the fossil record of western North America. (College Place campus - 4 quarter hours; Rosario Beach Marine Laboratory - 5 quarter hours). Offered even years only.

BIOL 464 ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY 4

Study of animal physiology with emphasis on integration of vertebrate organ systems. One laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BIOL 392. PHYS 213, 216 strongly recommended. Offered as needed.

BIOL 465 ECOLOGICAL PHYSIOLOGY 3

The study of how an animal's physiology helps it survive in its unique environment. Special attention will be focused on internal physiological specializations and how these enable an animal to cope with a range of environments and habitats. Prerequisite: BIOL 143. BIOL 392 is recommended.

BIOL 466 IMMUNOLOGY 4

Study of the molecular and cellular bases of the immune response including clinical applications. One laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 392, 393.

BIOL 470 BIOPHYSICS (or PHYS 470) 4

Study of the structure and function of biological systems from the perspective of the physical sciences. Prerequisites: BIOL 143; PHYS 213 or PHYS 253; MATH 123 or MATH 181 or permission of instructor.

BIOL 483 PHILOSOPHY OF ORIGINS AND SPECIATION 3

Comparison of the various theories on the origin and history of living organisms in light of present scientific knowledge in biochemistry, paleontology, morphology, geology, genetics, and other related areas. For majors and minors only. Recommended for senior year.

BIOL 494 COOPERATIVE EDUCATION/RESEARCH 0

Specialized field or laboratory experience at an off-campus academic, industrial, or government site. A contractual arrangement between student, faculty adviser, and off-campus representative is required before work begins. Prerequisite: approval of major adviser.

BIOL 495 COLLOQUIUM 0

Lecture series designed to expose students to modern scientific research and researchers. Each lecture is normally given by a visiting scientist. Six quarters required of all biology majors. Graded S or NC.

BIOL 496 SENIOR SEMINAR 2

Presentation and discussion of current topics in biology. Students will read scientific articles and lead and participate in weekly discussions. Prerequisite: BIOL 250, 296, and senior standing. Graded S or NC.

ROSARIO BEACH MARINE LABORATORY COURSES

BIOL 141, 142, 143 or equivalent is prerequisite for all courses listed below. Rosario Beach Marine Laboratory courses of 5 credits include an additional credit for the requirement of a research problem (See BIOL 403, BIOL 405, BIOL 410, BIOL 426, BIOL 430, BIOL 450). Normally a maximum of two of the following courses are taught during a summer; see annual Rosario Beach Marine Laboratory Bulletin.

* Qualifies as a marine-oriented course.

BIOL 417 BEHAVIOR OF MARINE ORGANISMS* 5

A study of inter- and intraspecific behaviors of marine animals and their behavioral responses to the physical environment. The course involves laboratory experience, field observations, and research project. Prerequisite: a course in animal behavior, organismal biology and/or psychology.

BIOL 440 HUMAN ANATOMY 5

Comprehensive study of human anatomy covering all systems of the head, neck, trunk, and extremities. A solid morphological basis for a synthesis of anatomy, physiology, and clinical sciences. Dissection and identification of anatomical structures using cadavers, charts, and models.

BIOL 458 MARINE BIOLOGY* 5

An integrated approach to understanding the marine environment primarily from an ecological perspective. Included are principles of basic oceanography, plankton biology, deep-sea biology, and shallow-water marine communities.

BIOL 460 MARINE ECOLOGY* 5

Study of interspecific, intraspecific, and community relationships demonstrated by marine organisms.

BIOL 462 ICHTHYOLOGY* 5

Systematic study of the fishes found in Puget Sound, with a survey of the fishes of other waters.

BIOL 463 MARINE PHYCOLOGY* 5

A systematic survey of marine algae, covering the principles of their classification, natural history, ecology, physiology, and practical use.

BIOL 468 COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY* 5

Comparative study of the physiology and life processes of animals with emphasis on invertebrates. Prerequisite: BIOL 392.

BIOL 475 MARINE INVERTEBRATES* 5

A study of the biology of selected groups of marine invertebrates.

Graduate Biological Sciences Courses

Please see the Graduate Bulletin for a listing of Biological Science graduate courses.