Dr. Wanda T. Schroeder
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Course Descriptions
WIS 102: Wesleyan Integrative
Seminar Experience II
Goal: To provide students with an understanding of the nature and
value of a Wesleyan education; to provide students with the skills and
strategies needed to be successful in college; to expose students to juxtaposed
disciplinary methods and to have students be part of an academic community
committed to the free and open exchange of ideas; to ask students to reflect
critically on their beliefs and frames of reference; and to help students
discover and explore their talents and passions through study, work, and
service. Content: Problems and issues relating to where women are going
and what women can give back in terms of their careers and their service to the
larger community.
Taught: Spring.
Category: General Education
Credit: 3 hours; see General Education section of this Catalogue
for regulations governing enrollment in WIS 102.
BIO 103: Human Biology
Goal: To familiarize the student with the practice and issues of
applying the scientific method and modern biological techniques to the study of
the human condition.
Content: An exploration of the biological approaches to the study
of the human species, human populations, and the human body. The first
part of the course examines cell theory, Mendelian and molecular genetics,
population biology, ecology, evolution, and modern advances in biotechnology.
These serve as contexts in which to evaluate applications of the scientific
method to understanding human existence and our interactions with the natural
world as individuals and societies. The second part of the course focuses inward
on functions of the human body, including nutrition, maintenance of the internal
environment, neural and endocrine control, immune responses, circulation,
respiration, reproduction, development, and aging. Laboratories involve data
collection and analysis of experiments directly related to human biology, using
both classic and modern technological approaches, computers, biochemical and
physiological test equipment, simulations, and a personal nutrition study. Taken
together with BIO 215 Functional Human Anatomy, this course fulfills the content
of a two semester sequence in Human Anatomy and Physiology at the introductory
to intermediate level.
Taught: Spring.
Prerequisites: None.
Gen. Ed. Category: Exploring how the natural world functions; (SM)
Credit: 4 hours.
BIO 110: Principles of
Biology I—Biological Processes
Goal: To expose the student to the underlying principles of
biology, including the requirements of living systems, the interaction of life
with the physical world which supports it, and the molecular basis that unifies
all living things.
Content: The principles of evolution, ecology, and genetics. An
introduction to the biomolecules that comprise all living things. An
introduction to the cellular basis of life.
Taught: Fall.
Prerequisites: None.
Gen. Ed. Category: Exploring how the natural world functions; (SM)
Credit: 4 hours.
BIO 203: Research Methods
in the Biological Sciences
Goal: To learn basic methods and techniques of research in the
natural sciences, especially biology and chemistry. To become proficient in the
conduct of science and presentation of scientific information. To explore
practical, philosophical, and ethical aspects of science.
Content: A “hands-on” introduction to all aspects of the
scientific method and scientific research. Students conduct experimental
practicums and self-designed research projects, including initial formulation of
hypotheses, experimental design and instrumentation, data
analysis, and preparation of results for presentation. Students prepare critical
reviews of published papers, formal written research
reports, and presentations of original research designs and results in written,
graphical, and oral formats.
Taught: Fall.
Prerequisites: BIO 110, 112; CHM 101.
Gen. Ed. Category: Developing; Speaking Competency; (SM)
Credit: 4 hours.
BIO 245: Microbiology
Goal: To survey the general characteristics of microorganisms,
including morphology, classification, and ecology. To practice sterile
techniques and procedures for identifying and culturing microorganisms.
Content: An introduction to the structure, physiology, and
reproduction of bacteria, viruses, and fungi; disease effects and control of
pathogenic microorganisms; and principles of immunology.
Taught: Spring. . Alternate years.
Prerequisites: BIO 110 and 112.
Credit: 4 hours.
Credit: 4 hours.
Goal: To explore the principles involved in the inheritance of
characteristics from generation to generation, from the molecular basis of
heredity through the population as a unit of evolution.
Content: Mendelian, molecular, and population genetics. Biomedical
applications of new, genetically based technologies.
Taught: Fall. Alternate years.
Prerequisites: BIO 110, 112, and 203.
Credit: 4 hours.
BIO 318: Biochemistry
Goal: To survey the structure, function, and metabolism of the
basic classes of organic molecules. To interrelate the various metabolic
pathways into a unified concept of metabolism at the organismal level.
Content: Protein, carbohydrate, lipid and nucleic acid structure
and synthesis. The metabolic pathways in which these four classes of molecules
participate.
Taught: Spring. Alternate years.
Prerequisites: BIO 110, 112 and CHM 101, 102, 221.
Credit: 3 hours; cross-listed CHM 318.
BIO 320: Molecular Cell
Biology
Goal: To introduce modern cell biology with an emphasis on the
molecular structure, function, and regulation of proteins involved in
fundamental metabolic processes including protein transport, cell signaling,
cell attachment, and cell proliferation.
Content: Definition of cell structures, regulation of activities
by membranes, derivation of energy from the environment, mechanisms of
biosynthesis for growth and repair, transmission of genetic information, and
strategies for cell recognition.
Taught: Fall. Alternate years.
Prerequisites: BIO 110, 112, and 203.
Credit: 4 hours.
BIO 440: Senior Integrative
Exercise in Biology
Goal: To provide a capstone integrative experience for senior
biology majors.
Content: With faculty guidance, students will work individually to
research a focused topic integrating biological concepts and methods with those
of another academic discipline. Students will work collaboratively in a small
group to organize oral presentations
incorporating individual topics into a broader theme, question, or problem.
Students will make their presentations at the end of the semester to students
and faculty in the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.
Taught: Spring.
Prerequisites: Declared major in biology and the completion of at
least 19 semester hours in biology including BIO 110, BIO 112, and BIO 203.
Credit: 2 hours.
Rev.
09.15