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.
Rev.
09.15