Course Descriptions
The semesters listed after course descriptions indicate when courses are expected to be offered. Schedules are subject to change; students should confirm semester offerings with the department when planning degree programs. You can jump directly to special and advanced courses.
101. Biology and Society (4) (NATURAL SCIENCE)
A general biology course for conscience majors. Selected topics ranging from the level of the cell to the biosphere are covered. Does not count towards Biology elective credit for Biology majors or minors. Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week. FALL.
103. Plant Biology (4) (NATURAL SCIENCE)
The study of the morphology, anatomy, development, metabolism, physiology, classification, genetics, and evolution of plants, bacteria and fungi. Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week. FALL.
104. Animal Biology (4)
Primary emphasis is on the structure, development and physiology of animals. Their genetics and ecology are also examined. Three hours of lecture, two hours of laboratory per week. (Prerequisite: BIOL 101 or 103.) SPRING.
130. Local Flora (3)
A field course dealing with collection, identification and classification of wild flowers and trees of Michigan and other designated areas. OFFERED AS NEEDED.
209. Human Nutrition (3)
The fundamentals of nutrition and their applications in meeting nutritional needs during the life span. Emphasis is on the functions of essential food elements, health and the adequacy of dietary patterns. Not intended for Biology majors (Prerequisite: BIOL 101 or 104). SPRING.
212. Vertebrate Zoology (4)
A survey of the major classes of vertebrates, including anatomy, behavior, ecology, distribution and taxonomy. Three hours of lecture, three hours of laboratory per week. (Prerequisite: BIOL 101 or 104.) FALL.
217. Principles of Ecology (3)
The structure and function of living systems, including patterns of relationship between organisms and their environment. The study begins with populations and builds to the level of ecosystems and the biosphere. Three hours of lecture per week. See Biology 218 for a related laboratory experience. (Prerequisite: Math 101 and 100 level BIOL or ESS.) FALL.
218. Ecology Laboratory (1)
Laboratory and field exercises designed to illustrate principles discussed in BIOL 217. (Co-requisite: BIOL 217.) FALL.
220. Winter Ecology (4)
An examination of the biological responses of organisms to the environmental conditions associated with winter. Additional emphasis on field studies of over-wintering organisms and the identification of the organisms in their winter condition. Two Saturday or Sunday field trips included. Three lectures, one 3-hour laboratory per week. (Prerequisite: BIOL 104 or 217. ENGL 101 when offered as a writing intensive course.) OFFERED AS NEEDED.
221. Principles of Genetics (3)
Mechanisms and laws of inheritance, the nature of the genetic material, and the structure and function of the genes and the regulation of their activity. Three hours of lecture. See BIOL 223 for a related laboratory experience. (Prerequisites: BIOL 104, CHEM 101, MATH 101.) FALL.
223. Genetics Laboratory (1)
Laboratory exercises and experiments designed to illustrate principles discussed in BIOL 221. (Co-requisite: BIOL 221.) FALL.
237. Hematology and Serology (3)
Methods used in the study of blood, including blood cell count, hematocrit value, blood cell morphology, hematologic changes in diseases and immunohematology. Designed for medical technology and other paramedical or premedical students. Two hours of lecture, two hours of laboratory per week. (Prerequisite: BIOL 104; CHEM 106 or 116.) OFFERED AS NEEDED.
262. Invertebrate Zoology (4)
The biology of invertebrates (excluding insects but including parasitic invertebrates) with reference to anatomy, ecology, taxonomy and physiology. Three hours of lecture, three hours of laboratory per week. (Prerequisite: BIOL 101 or 104.) FALL.
301. Junior Seminar (1)
Required for all junior Biology majors. A course exploring critical issues in biology through selected readings, discussion and presentations (oral and written). (Prerequisite: Junior standing, BIOL 103 or 104, BIOL 221 or 326, and four additional hours of BIOL credits.) FALL, SPRING.
309. Topics in Biology (1-4)
Investigations of advanced or specialized topics of current interest. Topics and coverage varies with semester instructor. May be repeated. (Prerequisites vary with coverage.) OFFERED AS NEEDED.
310. Neurobiology (4)
An overview of neuroscience. Lectures and labs cover the key principles, methods, and concepts of the nervous system. Topics include: structural organization and functioning of the nervous system; disorders of the brain; and neural development. (Prerequisites: BIOL 103, 104 and CHEM 311.) SPRING.
324. Conservation Biology (3)
An examination of the genetic and ecological concepts important in developing plans for preserving species and habitats. Techniques designed to gather the required information will be examined. Case studies of work on selected species will be discussed. Three hours of lecture per week. (Prerequisite: BIOL 217 or 221; ENGL 101 when offered as a writing intensive course.) FALL.
326. Microbiology (4)
An introduction to microorganisms including bacteria, fungi and viruses. Cell structure, metabolism and genetics will be covered with an emphasis on current techniques used in medical and environmental studies. Laboratory work emphasizes microscopical, biochemical and molecular genetic identification of bacteria. Three hours of lecture, three hours of laboratory per week. (Prerequisite: BIOL 103 and 104; Co-requisite: CHEM 106 or 116.) SPRING.
333. Biochemistry (3)
See CHEM 333. OFFERED AS NEEDED.
334. Biochemistry Laboratory (1)
See CHEM 334. OFFERED AS NEEDED.
341. Cell and Tissue Culture (3)
The structure and functioning of eukaryotic cells, with emphasis on the control of gene expression. Molecular aspects of the control of development are also discussed. (Prerequisite: BIOL 221 and CHEM 311.) FALL.
343. Molecular Cell Biology (3)
The structure and functioning of eukaryotic cells, with emphasis on the control of gene expression. Molecular aspects of the control of development are also discussed. (Prerequisites: BIOL 221 and CHEM 311.) FALL.
345. Methods in Molecular Biology (3)
The basic techniques utilized in molecular biology are discussed. Students learn the techniques through a series of laboratory exercises with progressively more demanding protocols. One hour lecture and five hours of laboratory per week. (Prerequisites: BIOL 221 or 343 and permission of instructor.) SPRING.
364. Entomology (4)
The biology of insects with reference to anatomy, ecology, taxonomy and physiology, focusing on local species and medically important ones. Three hours of lecture, three hours of laboratory per week. (Prerequisite: BIOL 101 or 104.) OFFERED AS NEEDED.
365. General Physiology (4)
The structural and functional correlates of organismal biology; topics include membrane specializations, intermediary metabolism and homeostatic control mechanisms. Primary emphasis is on animals, usually vertebrates. (Prerequisites: BIOL 104; CHEM 311; MATH 115.) FALL.
366. Biology of Parasites (4)
The biology of common parasites of human and animals. Emphasis is on the study of evolutionary strategies of parasites and their vectors, the identification and life histories of common parasites and the methods used to analyze outbreaks and patterns of disease incidence. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. (Prerequisite: BIOL 101 or 104.) SPRING.
368. Developmental Biology (3)
Modern principles of gene regulation and biochemical control of plant and animal development processes, from embryo through senescence. Includes environmental signals, teratogens and cancer. (Prerequisites: BIOL 221; CHEM 311.) OFFERED AS NEEDED.
370. Immunology (3)
Principles of immunology, including the structure of antigens and the regulation of cell-mediated and humoral immunity. Non-specific immunity and body defenses are also discussed. Recent papers on related topics are discussed. (Prerequisite: BIOL 221 or 326; Co-requisite: BIOL 333, CHEM 312 or 341.) SPRING.
375. Animal Behavior and Communication (4)
The behavior and communication of a variety of animals, particularly vertebrates, examined at the physiological, ecological and evolutionary levels. Both indoor and field laboratory experiences incorporate behavioral and communication instrumentation and computer-aided statistical analysis of results. (Prerequisite: 200 or higher level PSYC or BIOL.) SPRING.
378. Ichthyology (4)
The principles of classification, distribution, behavior and adaptation of fishes, within an ecological and evolutionary context. Includes laboratory and field identification, with emphasis on Michigan fauna. Three hours of lecture, three hours of laboratory per week. (Prerequisite: BIOL 212.) MAY, SPRING, or SUMMER.
379. Herpetology (4)
The principles of classification, distribution, behavior and adaptation of amphibians and reptiles, within an ecological and evolutionary context. Includes laboratory and field identification, with emphasis on Michigan fauna. Three hours of lecture, three hours of laboratory per week. (Prerequisite: BIOL 212.) MAY or SUMMER.
380. Ornithology (4)
The principles of classification, distribution, behavior and adaptation of birds, within an ecological and evolutionary context. Includes laboratory and field identification, with hours of laboratory per week. (Prerequisite: BIOL 212.) SPRING, MAY or SUMMER.
381. Mammalogy (4)
The principles of classification, distribution, behavior and adaptation of mammals, within an ecological and evolutionary context. Includes laboratory and field identification, with emphasis on Michigan fauna. Thee hours of lecture, three hours of laboratory per week. (Prerequisite: BIOL 103, BIOL 104, and two of BIOL 217, 221, or 326; and departmental permission.) FALL,SPRING.
401. Capstone: Senior Seminar (1)
Student-led discussions of recent advances in biological research. One or two hours per week. (Prerequisite: BIOL 103, BIOL 104, and two of BIOL 217, 221, or 326; and departmental permission.) FALL, SPRING.
455. Human Anatomy (3)
Dissection and the anatomical exploration of the human body using cadavers. Two hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week. (Prerequisite: BIOL 104, Junior or Senior standing in Biology and/or permission of instructor.) SPRING.
Special and Advanced Courses
199. Exploratory Internship (1-3)
299. Experimental Course (1-4)
399. Professional Internship (1-12)
Previously approved internships include hospital observational experience and work at Kalamazoo Nature Center and Hidden Lake Gardens.
450. Biological Research (1-2)
Original research in biology requiring acceptance of a thesis proposal by the biology faculty prior to registration. Proposal must include literature survey, budget and time scale for completion of each segment. May be repeated. (Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.) FALL, SPRING.
451. Independent Study (1-3)
Independent study in biology that is supervised by a biology faculty member. May be repeated. (Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.)