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Course Descriptions
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 112: Principles of
Biology II—Diversity of Biological Systems
Goal: To expose the student to the unity and diversity of the
living organisms that inhabit the earth. To examine the mechanisms involved in
the structures and processes used by living things to accomplish the
requirements of continued existence.
Content: The systematic survey of the major groups of organisms
from the bacteria to the higher vertebrates. A systems approach to the
functioning of living organisms from the cellular to the whole organism levels.
Taught: Spring.
Prerequisite: BIO 103 or BIO 110 or permission of department
chair.
Credit: 4 hours.
ESC 150: Principles of
Environmental Science
Goal: To appreciate that the Earth and its living systems sustain
humankind, and to understand how the agricultural and industrial activities of
human societies modify biogeochemical cycles and transform natural ecosystems,
often to the detriment of ourselves and other species.
Content: An introduction to environmental sciences, an
interdisciplinary field integrating concepts from ecology, chemistry, politics,
and economics. The focus is on interactions between people and the environment,
with specific topics including: human population growth; fuels and energy;
pollution of air, water and soil; human alterations to global biogeochemistry,
including global warming and acid rain; and responses of human societies to
environmental issues. Laboratory exercises will take place in the lab and in the
field.
Taught: Fall.
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/ESC 208: Field Biology
Goal: To practice field techniques and quantitative skills
commonly used in outdoor scientific disciplines. To learn to identify the
conspicuous plant and animal species of Georgia and consider how they are
adapted to their environments.
Content: Students will be introduced to the flora, fauna, and
ecosystems of the southeastern United States in this field-intensive course.
Emphasis will be on practical aspects of conducting scientific investigation
outdoors, namely: taxonomic skills, field identification of plants and animals,
use of dichotomous keys, techniques for sampling and describing natural
populations and communities, and quantitative skills for analysis of data.
Taught: Fall. Alternate Years.
Prerequisites: BIO 110 and BIO 112; or ESC 150.
Credit: 4 hours.
BIO/ESC 280: Ecology
Goal: To understand the interrelationships between living
organisms and their physical and biological environment. To develop a broad
understanding of the field of ecology. To conduct ecological research.
Content: Ecological principles at the level of the individual,
population, community, and ecosystem. Specific topics include nutrient cycles,
flow of energy in ecosystems, population dynamics, evolutionary ecology, life
histories, competition and other community
interactions, succession, and island biogeography. Current topics in
anthropogenic global change.
Taught: Fall. Alternate years.
Prerequisites: BIO 110 and 112.
Credit: 4 hours.
BIO 350: Principles of
Evolution
Goal: To understand the mechanisms and results of evolution. To
review historic and current controversies in evolutionary studies. To
examine the diversity of approaches, both theoretical and empirical, used in the
study of evolution.
Content: The principles of evolution, genetic variation,
population genetics, adaptations, natural selection, population structure,
speciation, biogeography, phylogeny, coevolution, and macroevolution.
Taught: Spring. Alternate years.
Prerequisites: BIO 110, 112, and 203, or permission of instructor.
Credit: 3 hours.
BIO/ESC 360: Conservation
Biology
Goal: To understand the reasons why many species are endangered,
to examine possible solutions, and to consider the ethical and ecological
ramifications of species extinctions. To appreciate the interdisciplinary nature
of conservation biology by considering issues ranging from the level of the gene
to the scale of the entire biosphere.
Content: Students read, review, and discuss current literature in
this speaking-intensive course. Students will conduct both laboratory and
field-based studies. Topics include defining diversity, threats to biodiversity,
population genetics of rare species, conservation strategies and nature
preserves, and legal and ethical issues.
Taught: Spring. Alternate years.
Prerequisites: BIO 110 and 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. 12.09