Courses

Biology

(BIOL courses are taught by faculty from both biological science departments. For other biology courses, see listings under Botany & Microbiology and Zoology.)

BIOL 120. Introduction to Cell Biology (1.25 units; Carreno, Hamill, Markwardt, Wolverton)
Basic structure and function of cells and the molecular aspects of cell biology. Emphasis on cell evolution; organic compounds, including macromolecules; structure and function of proteins, organelles, and cellular membranes; energy transformations; and classical and molecular genetics. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: a strong background in high school chemistry or CHEM 110. BIOL 120 and BIOL 122 may be taken in either order. F, S. (Group II)

BIOL 122. Organisms and Their Environment (1.25 units; Anderson, Downing, Hankison, Johnson, Kelly, Reichard)
An introduction to ecology, evolution, and the diversity of life at the organismal level. Students investigate the structure, function, physiology, life history, evolutionary adaptations and ecology of organisms using both laboratory and field techniques. Students engage in experimental design and statistical analysis. Lecture and laboratory. BIOL 122 and BIOL 120 may be taken in either order. F, S. (Group II)

BIOL 255. Tropical Biology (1.25 units; Carreno, Johnson)
(Irregular intervals. Not offered 2016-2017)
Biodiversity and ecology of tropical ecosystems of the world, examining evolutionary processes that account for the remarkable diversity of the tropics through reading and discussion of the research literature. Course field trip to the neotropics constitutes the laboratory portion of the course and includes student-designed projects. Each student prepares and presents a research report upon return to campus. Honors Course, Travel-Learning Course. S. (Group II)

BIOL 271. Genetics (Hamill, Wolverton)
A broad-based course in genetics. Topics to be covered include the principles and cellular mechanisms of inheritance, including the inheritance of human traits and diseases; the molecular nature of the gene including the regulation of gene expression; and modern genetic techniques and topics including genetic engineering, cloning, genomics, and proteomics. An optional lab (BIOL 272) is available. Prerequisite: BIOL 120. F, S. (Group II)

BIOL 272. Genetics Laboratory (0.25 units; (Hamill)
Laboratory investigations in classical genetics, cytogenetics, population genetics, and molecular genetics. Concurrent or prior enrollment in BIOL 271. F.

Botany and Microbiology

BOMI 103. Biology of Cultivated Plants (1.25 units; Murray)
An introduction to plant growth and reproduction as well as an exploration of the coevolution of plants and people. A variety of propagation techniques, from seeds and spores to tissue culture allow students to build their own collection of plants. Lecture and laboratory. No prerequisites. F, S. (Group II)

BOMI 104. Field Botany (1.25 units; Murray)
Introductory botany taught in a field setting. Students learn to read the landscape through an understanding of plant diversity and adaptations, including life history traits, found in local habitats. No prerequisites. Summer only. (Group II)

BOMI 106. Enology (Goldstein)
The topics covered include the chemical composition of grapes; the chemical composition of wine; yeasts and fermentation; vinification of red and white wines; storage and aging of wines; clarification stabilization and bottling of wines; winery equipment, design and operation; toxic effects of alcohol on the human body. No prerequisites. Summer only. (Group II)

BOMI 107. Food (Wolverton)
An exploration of food from a scientific point of view, including the biology, origin, composition, and preparations of major crop plants such as corn, wheat, and rice. Other topics include the adaptive biology and human uses of coffee, tea, chocolate, fruit, nuts, spices, and others. Special attention will be given to the adaptive significance of food products from the perspective of the growing plant. No prerequisites. Summer only. (Group II)

BOMI 125. Introduction to Microbiology (1.25 units; Goldstein, Tuhela-Reuning)
Examination of the structure and function of bacteria and viruses including physiological activities, genetics, and ecological roles in the environment. Laboratory experiments in media preparation, microscopic and physiological methods of identification of bacterial cultures. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: a strong background in high school biology or chemistry or CHEM 110. F, S. (Group II)

BOMI 233. Ecology and the Human Future (Anderson)
An introductory course in ecology and environmental science. Ecological principles and current environmental issues are discussed. Topics include climate change, pollution and waste management problems, human population growth, species and ecosystems in jeopardy, biogeochemical cycles, food webs, invasive species, conservation issues, and agricultural impacts on the environment. This course is intended for first and second year science majors and non-science majors of any class year. Lecture. S. (Group II)

BOMI 252. Biodiversity of Flowering Plants (1.25 units; Johnson)
Diversity and evolution of the flowering plants, emphasizing woody plant diversity of eastern North America. Breeding systems, hybridization, and speciation processes are examined through reading of primary literature; weekly field trips build plant identification skills. Macroevolutionary trends in morphology, biochemistry, and molecular evolution of flowering plants are outlined, and students are introduced to current techniques of phylogenetic reconstruction. Prerequisite: One BIOL, BOMI, or ZOOL course, or permission of instructor. F. (R Course; Group II)

BOMI 280. Medical Microbiology (1.25 units; Goldstein)
(Alternate years; Offered Spring 2017, Spring 2019)
Concepts and laboratory experiences in microbiology for health sciences, including recognition of major groups of microorganisms and their distribution in the environment; pure culture techniques; morphological, physiological and serological characteristics used in identification; important human bacterial and viral diseases and current approaches to epidemiology and control; principles of infection, immunity, and chemotherapy. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: one introductory course in BOMI or ZOOL (BIOL 120 or BOMI 125 suggested); CHEM 110, CHEM 111. S. (Group II)

BOMI 300.9. Neurobehavioral Genetics (1.00 unit; Ambegaokar)
(Alternate years; Offered Fall 2016, Fall 2018)
This course will discuss the pathophysiology of genes linked to or associated with Alzheimer, Parkinson, frontotemporal dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases, as well as psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and autism. The course will also discuss the design and validity of genetically engineered animal models for these diseases, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and genomic technologies that can be applied to other complex disorders. This course is designed for students with an interest in genetics or neuroscience. Lecture only. Cross-listed as NEUR 300.9. Prerequisites: NEUR 300.1; or PSYC 110 and BIOL 271; or permission of instructor. F. (Group II)

BOMI 300.11. Medical and Medicinal Mycology (1.00 unit; Ambegaokar)
(Alternate years; Not offered 2016-2017)
Medical mycology is the study of fungal-borne diseases pertinent to human and animal (veterinary) health. This course will discuss how fungi infect and invade several types of tissues (skin, mucous membranes, and brain), ways to treat these infections, and compounds produced by fungi that are toxic (mycotoxins). This course will also discuss how fungi can be used for medicinal and/or biomedical research purposes, and take a broader look at the impact fungi have had in human society. Lecture only. Prerequisites: One 100-level BIOL, BOMI, or ZOOL course and CHEM 110, or permission of instructor. S. (Group II)

BOMI 300.12. Molecular & Cellular Neuroscience (1.25 units; Ambegaokar)
The course examines the fundamental molecular and cellular properties of neurons and other cells of the nervous system. Topics include biochemical properties of ion channels, neurotransmitters, and their receptors; signaling cascades and genetic regulation; synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity (the cellular basis of learning & memory); neuronal development and developmental disorders; neural stem cells; and sensory receptors (vision, olfaction, taste, touch, temperature, pain, hearing, and balance). The lab portion includes molecular biology techniques, the use of in vitro and in vivo model systems, and bioinformatics. Lecture and laboratory. Cross-listed as NEUR 300.12. Pre-requisites: NEUR 300.1 or BIOL 271 and CHEM 111 (CHEM 260 recommended), or permission of instructor. S. (Group II)

BOMI 318. Electron Microscopy: Theory and Practice (Tuhela-Reuning)
An exploration of the physical nature of electron microscopy with emphasis on the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Students investigate the influence of electron beam parameters on imaging and how to correct imaging problems to optimize analysis. Topics covered include sample selection, sputter coating, cryo-preparation, and elemental analysis by energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS). Students gain extensive, hands-on experience using the SEM. Lecture and laboratory. Additional lab time required outside of scheduled lab. Cross-listed as GEOL 318 and ZOOL 318. Prerequisites: any two science courses that count toward a science major, or permission of instructor. F. (Group II)

BOMI 326. Plant Physiology (1.25 units; Wolverton)
Introduction to the fundamental concepts of plant physiology by following a seed from germination through growth and development, responses to environmental cues, photosynthesis, defense, and reproduction. The perspective is mostly cellular and molecular, with reference to the whole plant and organs only occasionally. The laboratory includes techniques useful in assessing plant growth and development from many perspectives, with emphasis on the process of scientific investigation. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: one course in BIOL, BOMI, or ZOOL, or permission of instructor. S. (Group II)

BOMI 328. Bacterial Physiology (1.25 units; Goldstein)
(Alternate years; Offered Fall 2017, Fall 2019)
Structure and function of microorganisms; metabolic pathways and energy production; synthetic and regulatory mechanisms of DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis; molecular mechanisms of antibiotic therapy and microbial resistance; microbial genetic recombination; recombinant DNA technology and genetic engineering. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 120 or BIOL 271, CHEM 110, and CHEM 111. F. (Group II)

BOMI 337. Adaptive Biology of Plants (1.25 units; Johnson)
(Alternate years; Not offered 2016-2017)
Evolutionary rise of complexity in green plants: structure and life-cycles of living forms, field study, review of fossil record. Examples of adaptive morphology in plants, chosen by class members from a list of possible topics and treated in seminar format. Team research projects, involving work with primary literature, oral presentations, and written reports. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: One course in BIOL, BOMI, or ZOOL, or permission of instructor. S. (R Course; Group II)

BOMI 344. Plant Communities and Ecosystems (1.25 units; Anderson)
Students will explore the structure and function of plant communities, with a focus on the vegetation types of Ohio. Topics include methods of vegetation sampling, major plant associations of the world, connections between plant communities and climate, soils, succession, competition, facilitation, invasive plants, primary productivity, and biogeochemical cycles. Readings from the primary literature will be discussed. Field trips to local plant communities are a major focus of the laboratory component. Students will design and carry out an independent research project. Lecture and laboratory. This course is intended for sophomore to senior science majors. Prerequisite: BIOL 122 or BOMI 233, or permission of instructor. F. (Group II)

BOMI 353. Molecular Genetics (1.25 units; Goldstein)
(Alternate years; Offered Fall 2016, Spring 2018)
Structure, function, and organization of DNA in eukaryotic cells, bacteria, and viruses; molecular mechanisms of regulation of DNA replication, RNA and protein synthesis; recombinant DNA techniques in gene cloning. Laboratory consists entirely of experiments dealing with the cloning and expression of recombinant DNA in bacterial virus and/or plasmid vectors in E. coli. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 120 or BOMI 125, BIOL 271, CHEM 110, and CHEM 111. F, S. (Group II)

BOMI 355. Plant Responses to Global Change (1.25 units; Anderson)
(Alternate years; Offered 2016-2017 as Travel-Learning Course)
Global warming is one of the most significant environmental issues of the 21st century and interacts in complex ways with many other ecosystem processes. Students will explore plant and ecosystem responses to four major global changes: increasing temperature, increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide, increasing nitrogen deposition, and changing precipitation patterns. Laboratory exercises include observations of flowering times in local plant communities, plant gas exchange, tree coring, and hands-on training in statistical analyses. Readings from the primary literature will be discussed, and students will design and carry out an independent research project. Lecture and laboratory. The laboratory is replaced by the travel component when taught as a Travel-Learning Course. This course is intended for junior and senior science majors. Prerequisites: BIOL 122 or BOMI 233, plus one additional course in the biological sciences, or permission of instructor. S. (Group II)

BOMI 357. Molecular Biology of Viruses (1.25 units; Ambegaokar)
Molecular biology of bacterial, plant, and animal viruses, including replication strategies, virus induced cytopathology and disease, viruses and cancer, and immune defenses. Laboratory includes in vitro cell culture work with continuous lines of human epithelial and/or monkey kidney cells, and methods for quantifying viruses and viral infectivity. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 271, CHEM 110, and CHEM 111, or permission of instructor. F. (Group II)

BOMI 379. Molecular Techniques (0.5 unit; Staff)
An advanced course in molecular biology techniques. Includes a discussion of the most common techniques along with extensive laboratory experience including PCR technology. Critical analysis of scientific articles, experimental design, and the use of the scientific method are emphasized. May be repeated with change of topic. Prerequisites: BOMI 353 or ZOOL 351, or permission of instructor. F, S.

BOMI 490. Individual Study and Research (Staff)
Original experimental work, in lab or field, under the supervision of a faculty member. Students may generate their own ideas or work on projects suggested by faculty members. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. F, S.

BOMI 491. Directed Readings (Staff)
Students choose a topic of special interest and explore it in detail with a faculty member. Students research the primary literature and other sources, and discuss their understandings with the faculty instructor. Term paper may be required. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. F, S.

BOMI 495. Apprenticeship (Staff)
Practical experience related to a senior or junior’s major area of study. The department maintains formal ties with the Stratford Ecological Center, hospitals, and other local institutions to facilitate internship participation, but arrangements may be made with any worthy program to meet student needs. Prerequisite: advanced planning and approval; permission of faculty instructor. F, S.

BOMI 499. Seminar in Current Research (0.50 unit; Staff)
Discussion-based consideration of selected topics; student presentations and/or papers. Each semester earns 0.50 graduation units. Completion of two seminars within a department results in an upper-level unit course credit. A BOMI seminar and a ZOOL seminar also may combine to equal a 1.0 unit course. Instructor’s permission required for underclass students. F, S.