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Course Descriptions

WIS 101: Wesleyan Integrative Seminar Experience I
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 make a successful transition to 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, service,
and work.
Content: Problems and issues relating to who women are and what tools women need to be successful in today’s world.
Taught: Fall.
Category: General Education
Credit: 3 hours; see General Education section of this Catalogue for regulations governing enrollment in WIS 101.

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: None.
Gen. Ed. Category: Developing; Speaking Competency; (SM)
Credit: 4 hours.

BIO 235: Histology
Goal: To deepen student understanding of tissue function by examining tissue form at the microscopic level. Special emphasis will be made in helping students understand the dimensional context of structures and the function of these structures in relation to organ
and organ system physiology.
Content: Identification of cell structure and relation of form to function. Microscopic analysis of all major organ systems.  Development of proficiency in common histological techniques, including tissue fixation, embedding, sectioning and counterstaining.  Identification of select histopathological forms and the impact of these alterations on normal organ function.
Taught: Fall. Alternate years.
Prerequisites: BIO 110 and 112.
Credit: 4 hours.

BIO 256: Reproductive Biology
Goal: To examine the mechanisms which govern reproductive tract function in vertebrate animals, using a combination of theoretical and experimental techniques. A major focus of this course will be human reproductive biology, with additional emphasis
on the use of animal models to illustrate underlying molecular principles which regulate reproductive function.
Content: Examination of reproductive strategies and the utility of sexual versus asexual reproduction in maintaining diversity.  Microscopic exploration of embryonic reproductive tract development and examination of disorders in this process. Introduction of
conserved molecular mechanisms which govern reproductive tract function. Discussion of environmental and social factors which impact reproductive success. Consideration of ethical implications of new reproductive technologies.
Taught: Fall. Alternate years.
Prerequisites: BIO 110, 112, 203 or permission of instructor.
Credit: 4 hours.

BIO 341: Developmental Biology
Goal: To introduce the student to the processes and structures involved in the ontogeny of animals.
Content: The development of animals from gametogenesis through fertilization, gastrulation, and organogenesis, including intra-and extracellular regulation and control of developmental mechanisms and structures. A comparison of the developmental processes of protostomes and deuterostomes.
Taught: Spring Alternate years.
Prerequisites: BIO 110, 112, and 203.
Credit: 4 hours.

BIO 345: Forensic Biology
Goal: The course will require students to apply fundamental cell biological, biochemical, histological, physiological and molecular biology principles and techniques to the analysis of trace materials that are typically found at crime scenes.
Content: This course will emphasize critical thinking and problem solving skills and will reinforce the importance of accuracy in laboratory science experiments. Course material will cover the biochemical, physiological and molecular basis of forensic methods and case studies will be used to contextualize the use of forensic biology techniques as they are applied to crime scene investigation and conservation biology. Laboratory exercises will include histological analysis of plant, animal and human tissues, basic and forensic serology techniques and forensic DNA analysis.
Taught: Fall, alternate years
Prerequisites: BIO 110 and BIO 112
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.

 

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 Rev. 09.15