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Biology

 

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Mission Statement

Requirements for Major

Requirements for Major with Biotechnology emphasis

Requirements for a Biology Major with teacher certification by the State of Illinois

Requirements for Minor

Course Descriptions

 

Chair, Associate Professor Rodney J. Scott

Ruth Kraft Strohschein Professor of Biology, Roger H. Kennett

Professors Pun, Van Dyke

Associate Professors Lewis, Page, Rorem

Assistant Professor Busch

 

The Department of Biology introduces biology majors and other students to the concepts and role of biology as an integrative science helping them to discover and interpret the characteristics of nature as part of God’s creation. Biology majors are expected to comprehend and integrate biological principles at the molecular, cellular, organismal, population, and ecosystem levels in order to be prepared to teach, enter the health professions, pursue graduate work, or enter the biotechnology industry. Both biology majors and students who take the general education component of the biology curriculum are expected to understand the concepts and processes of biology as a scientific discipline. The Department of Biology aids students in the development of both Christian and biological perspectives for their careers and practices as stewards of God’s creation.

            Students who complete a Biology major are granted a Bachelor of Science degree unless they request a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Requirements for a major are 36 hours in Biology including BIOL 241 Organisms, Populations, and Ecosystems, BIOL 242 Physiology, Cell Biology, and Genetics; BIOL 252 Introduction to Biological Research; BIOL 351 General Ecology; BIOL 356 Genetics; one advanced course in botany (BIOL 341 Plant Physiology, 342 Plant Morphology and Development, 343 Plant Taxonomy, or 344 Economic Botany), and BIOL 494 The Integrated Biologist. No more than three non-lab two-hour courses are allowed toward the major. A student majoring in biology is required to develop a good understanding of the chemical bases of biological processes. This requirement may be met by taking CHEM 236 and 237 followed by two semesters of organic chemistry, CHEM 341 and 342.  This provides the most comprehensive basis for understanding biological chemistry. Alternatively, a student can take CHEM 221 and 222 followed by a semester of organic chemistry, CHEM 241. In this case a student is required to take an additional four hours of science to be approved by the advisor on the basis of the student’s educational goals. Biology faculty are prepared to advise students regarding courses that will best prepare them for graduate programs, health professions, or other career objectives.

Requirements for a major with a biotechnology emphasis are 36 hours including BIOL 241, 242, 252, 341, 351, 356, 358 or 374, 362, 364, and 494. Required supporting courses are CHEM 236-237, followed by CHEM 341 and 342. CHEM 241 plus an additional support course in science may be taken in place of 341, 342. CHEM 461 and PHIL 317 are recommended.

            The biology faculty members maintain ongoing research projects and encourage students to participate in their collaborative research groups. Research experiences are designed to provide students with opportunities to play a significant role in the processes of scientific research with the goal of contributing to the biological research literature. Active participation in research develops the student's understanding of the processes and limitations of science and encourages critical thinking skills, as well as the ability to better evaluate published scientific reports. Students who are interested in participating in research should contact the Biology Department office or individual faculty members.

            An honors program in this department requires at least six hours of biological research credit or its equivalent. This requirement can be met by either (1) six credits in BIOL 495 or (2) a research experience off campus* or as a Summer Researcher at Wheaton. In either case communication of results in a publishable paper (in preparation, in review, or in press) or communication of results at a scientific meeting (NCUR, CUR, ACCA, or any professional society meeting) or an equivalent professional accomplishment as determined by the Department of Biology is also required. A minimum GPA of 3.70 in the major, including supporting courses such as chemistry and participation in departmental and college activities are also considered in awarding of departmental honors. An application for honors consideration in biology can be obtained from the departmental office. Application for honors must be made by March 30 of the student’s senior year or by October 30 for a December graduation.

*Approval of the off-campus research must be granted by the department prior to the experience in order to receive BIOL 495 credit or for inclusion of the experience as a consideration for honors.

Requirements for a Biology Major with teacher certification by the State of Illinois may be met by this track in biology: 34 hours in core requirements consisting of BIOL 241, 242, 252, 321, 351, 356, 364, 494, and a botany course (10 hours of biology including the required ecology and botany course and one other elective can be taken in the summer program at the Wheaton College Science Station in the Black Hills.). Supporting courses in CHEM 236-237 (or CHEM 221-222) and CHEM 241, and GEOL 211, PHYS 221, and ASTR 301 or 302 are currently required for state teacher certification. SCI 321 Science for Middle and High School Teachers is also required, as well as teacher certification courses that are listed in the Department of Education section of this catalog. Students opting for this track are encouraged to spend at least two semesters serving as a Laboratory Teaching Assistant in the Biology Department. This program leads to a double major in biology and secondary education and state teacher certification in teaching secondary (6-12) science; therefore, it may require more than four years.

A Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program is available with a biology major. Coursework for a combined Bachelor's/MAT program may be completed in one calendar year past the bachelor's.

 

Requirements for a minor in Biology are 20 hours, including BIOL 241 and 242, and 12 hours recommended by a student's advisor and approved by the Biology Department in accordance with the student's goals.

            Cross-referenced courses cannot be used for the minor in Biology and cannot be counted toward a Biology major if they are included in the major or minor program of another department.

            Students may register for biology elective credit in cooperative programs such as courses provided by the Associated Colleges of the Chicago Area (ACCA) or the Morton Arboretum.

Biology Courses (BIOL)

 

See the Financial Information section of this catalog for course fees.

BIOL 201. Principles of Biology. A study of the concepts generally applicable to living systems, including topics of cell structure and function, heredity, evolution, ecology, and a survey of kingdoms of living organisms. Three lectures, three hours laboratory. Not open to Biology majors. Offered every Fall.

BIOL 241. Introduction to Organisms, Populations, and Ecosystems. This course introduces the conceptual and theoretical foundations of biological classification, genetic inheritance and adaptation, animal behavior, and ecology. Contemporary issues including the ethics and practice of environmental stewardship, the applications of biotechnology in agriculture, and problems and challenges of evolutionary theory to Christian faith are introduced and discussed. Together, BIOL 241 and 242 provide the foundation for a comprehensive understanding of the biological dimensions of natural science needed for further scientific inquiry. Three lectures, three hours laboratory. Offered every Fall.

BIOL 242. Introduction to Physiology, Cell Biology, and Genetics. This course introduces cell structure and function, genetics, development, and physiology, emphasizing structure-function relationships and the role they play in the organism’s interaction with the environment. Ethical implications of biotechnology applications are also discussed. Biology is presented as an integrative science that helps us better understand and appreciate life as part of God’s creation. Basic principles are demonstrated using examples from prokaryotes, protists, fungi, plants, and animals. Together, BIOL 241 and 242 provide the foundation for a comprehensive understanding of the biological dimensions of natural science needed for further scientific inquiry. Three lectures, three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 241. Offered every Spring.

BIOL 252. Introduction to Biological Research—Model Research Systems. Combines seminar and investigative laboratory approaches to focus on the processes of science. Organisms useful for investigation of specific biological questions will be utilized to illustrate the concept of model systems. The course will include reading and discussing primary literature and reviews, and designing and conducting experiments. Two lectures, six hours laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 241 and 242. Fall and Spring.

BIOL 303. Contemporary Issues in Biology. Contemporary issues in genetics, evolution, and ecology. May be applied toward the general education nature requirement but not toward the Biology major. Prerequisite: One general education science laboratory course. S 2009. (2)

BIOL 314. Issues in Environmental Science. An interdisciplinary approach to environmental problems emphasizing humanity's role and responsibility in the stewardship of biological resources. Prerequisite: one general education science laboratory course. May be applied toward the general education nature requirement but not toward the Biology major. F 2008. (2)

BIOL 315. Special Topics in Biology for General Education. Courses and seminars on special topics offered for general education credit at the discretion of the department, including genetics, biotechnology, environmental issues, and bioethics. One two-hour or four-hour course may apply toward the general education nature requirement. Students may register, with instructor's approval, for one additional hour in a two-hour or four-hour general education biology course to meet state teacher certification requirements. Not open to Biology majors. Prerequisite: junior standing and one general education science laboratory course. Offered at HoneyRock: Basic Ecology. (1-4)

BIOL 316. Populations and Evolution. Evaluation of theories of species dynamics including variation, adaptation, natural selection, and evolution as they are viewed in the creationist/evolutionist positions. Prerequisite: BIOL 241. Not offered 2008-09. (2)

BIOL 317x. Biomedical Ethics. An interdisciplinary consideration of ethical issues in the biological and health sciences with an emphasis on those related to medicine, including issues in biotechnology. Taught jointly with the Philosophy Department. Prerequisites: Science and Philosophy general education requirements. Can be taken as a Diversity requirement. F 2008. (2 lin)

BIOL 319. Introduction to Environmental Ethics. An interdisciplinary consideration of ethical issues in the environmental sciences. May be applied toward the general education nature requirement and the Biology major. Prerequisites: junior standing and one general education science laboratory course. S 2009. (2)

BIOL 321. Human Physiology. An examination of the major systems of the human body (neural, sensory, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, and reproductive).  Interdependence of these systems will be emphasized.  Three lectures, three hours laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 242, CHEM 222 or 237. Alternate years. S 2009.

BIOL 324. Microbiology. A brief survey of microorganisms, especially bacteria and viruses, in relation to health and diseases, and the host response to infection. Lectures and laboratory; offered in the summer only. Not open to Biology majors. Prerequisite: BIOL 201 or 242, college chemistry recommended.

BIOL 331. Anatomy and Physiology I. Examination of musculoskeletal, nervous, endocrine, and cardiovascular systems with an emphasis on their structure, function, and interdependence. Three lectures, three hours laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 241 and 242; CHEM 222 or 237. F 2008.

BIOL 332. Anatomy and Physiology II. Continuation of BIOL 331, with an examination of the lymphatic, immune, respiratory, digestive, renal, and reproductive systems. Three lectures, three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 331. S 2009.

BIOL 333. Environmental Physiology. Animal physiology in relation to the physical factors of the environment. Examination of physiological aspects of adaptation at the animal-environment interface: hibernation, estivation, osmotic balance, physiology of diving and mountain-climbing, biology of cave animals. Three lectures, three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 332. Not offered 2008-09. (2)

BIOL 334. Pharmacological Physiology. Studies of enzyme kinetics and mechanisms by which pharmacological and natural drugs affect the human body. Focus will be given to pathologies of the physiological systems covered in BIOL 321 or BIOL 331/332 and the molecular mechanisms of drug treatment. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory. Laboratory time will include experimental demonstrations and primary scientific journal article discussions. Prerequisites: BIOL 321 or 332; CHEM 342. Not offered 2008-09.

BIOL 336. Neurobiology. Designed to provide an introduction to the concepts and current research literature in neurobiology. Topics include nervous system structure and function at the molecular, cellular, and system levels. Emphasis will be on vertebrate nervous systems with reference to less complex systems to illustrate specific functions and principles. The implications of our understanding of consciousness from both a biological and theological perspective, including the relationship between body, mind, soul, and spirit will be discussed. Class sessions include lectures, discussions, and student presentations of current research papers. Prerequisite: BIOL 242. Alternate years. Not offered in 2008-09. (2)

BIOL 341. Plant Physiology. Basic principles of plant physiology including photosynthesis, mineral nutrition, water economy, respiration, nitrogen and lipid metabolism, development, growth, and plant growth substances. Three lectures, three hours laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 241 and 242 and CHEM 222 or 237. Alternate years. Not offered in 2008-09.

BIOL 342. Plant Morphology and Development. An introductory study of the form, development, reproduction, and life histories of plants from algae through seed plants. Three lectures, three hours laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 241 and 242. Not offered 2008-09.

BIOL 343. Plant Taxonomy. Includes systems of classification, distinguishing characteristics of groups, observation, and classification of vascular plants of the Black Hills and environs. Offered during the summer at the Wheaton College Science Station in South Dakota. Prerequisite: BIOL 241. (3)

BIOL 344. Economic Botany. Principles of plant biology (plant anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, genetics, taxonomy, and ecology) that relate to uses of plants for food, fodder, drugs and other chemicals, lumber, and other uses. Three lectures, three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 241. Alternate years. S 2009.

BIOL 351. General Ecology. Basic concepts of the ecology of populations, communities, ecosystems, biodiversity, and conservation. Field work, laboratory experience, and computer simulation models enhance the understanding of selected topics. Three lectures, three hours laboratory and field work. Prerequisites: BIOL 241, 242, and 252 or ENVR 241 (concurrent). F 2008.

BIOL 352. Parasitology. Includes classification and identification of major groups of endo-and ecto-parasites. Life-cycles and ecology of parasite transmission will be emphasized. Three lectures. Prerequisite: BIOL 241. Alternate years. Consult current year’s course offerings. (2)

BIOL 353. Stream Ecology. The biotic and abiotic aspects of stream ecosystems, including aquatic sampling methods for physical factors such as flow and oxygen, identification of organisms of various taxonomic levels, and the anthropocentric effects on streams in the context of Christian ecological stewardship. Three lectures, three hours laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 241, BIOL 252 or ENVR 241. Not offered 2008-09.

BIOL 356. Genetics. Molecular, cytogenetic, classical, and population concepts of plant, animal, and human genetics. Three lectures, three hours laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 241, 242, and 252. S 2009.

BIOL 358. Techniques in Recombinant DNA. Studies of the methods and principles involved in the cloning and analysis of DNA and the applications and ethical implications of these techniques in biotechnology. Three lectures, three hours of laboratory. Prerequisites: College biology and chemistry laboratory experience. Can be taken as the first half of BIOL 374 Bioinformatics. Alternate years. Not offered in 2008-09. (2)

BIOL 362. Cell and Developmental Biology. An overview of cell structure and function and the mechanisms of biological development. Topics include cellular membranes, signal transduction, the cell surface and extracellular matrix, organelles, the cytoskeleton, the cell cycle and cancer, and cellular differentiation. Understanding of these concepts will provide the basis of study of the development of form and function during embryogenesis. Consideration of the mechanisms of development will include the basic morphological and biochemical changes which occur, as well as the molecular and cellular interactions leading to these changes. Three lectures, three hours of laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 241, 242. Fall 2008.

BIOL 364. Microbiology and Immunology. A survey of the microbial world including selected pathogens; microbial structure and function; microbial physiology and genetics; biotechnology, virology; cellular and humoral immunology; transplantation and tumor immunology. Two lectures, four hours laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 201 or 242. F 2008.

BIOL 365. Marine Biology. Study of the biology of marine organisms in the context of the geological and physical features of the ocean. Lectures, field trips, and learning snorkeling skills on campus are followed by a field trip to the Caribbean over spring break to apply these concepts to tropical marine environments. Additional lab fee assessed to cover travel and accommodation costs. Prerequisite: BIOL 241. Alternate years. Not offered in 2008-09.

BIOL 368. Invertebrate Zoology. A study of the systematics, functional morphology, ecology and research with non-vertebrate organisms. Students are introduced to the amazing diversity of terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates. Field trips to local habitats in addition to the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium are included. The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to often overlooked organisms in the animal kingdom with the goal of cultivating a greater appreciation for this wonderful part of God's Creation. Three hours lecture and three hours lab. Alternate years. Consult current year’s course offerings.

BIOL 371. Animal Ecology. Advanced concepts of the ecology of animal populations at the organism/environment interface. Emphasis will be placed on behavioral and physiological adaptations to ecosystems. Three lectures, three hours laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 241, BIOL 252 or ENVR 241, BIOL 351. Not offered in 2008-09.

BIOL 372. Field Zoology. A course emphasizing observation and classification of Black Hills animals, with a concentration on insects, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Offered during the summer at the Wheaton College Science Station in South Dakota. Prerequisite: BIOL 241 or 242. (3)

BIOL 374. Bioinformatics. A comparative analysis of organisms at the genetic level using molecular and computer techniques. Methods used for sequencing, analysis, and comparison of genome sequences will be covered in both lecture and laboratory exercises. Implications of comparative genomic data for molecular markers of disease, genetic mechanisms, biosystematics, and biodiversity, and the ethics of biotechnology will be considered. Three lectures and three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 241 and 242. Alternate years. Not offered in 2008-09.

BIOL 381. Public Health and Nutrition in Developing Areas. An interdisciplinary approach to the problems of health and nutrition, with emphasis on Third World countries.  Not open to freshmen. May be applied toward the general education nature requirement but not toward the Biology major. (2)

BIOL 382. Field Natural History. Introduction to basic field and lab methods used in field natural history. Includes the basic nomenclature of flora and fauna in terrestrial, as well as aquatic systems. Basic geologic processes are discussed, and the major rock formations of the Black Hills are identified in the field. The course also provides an overview of the history and philosophy of natural history. Offered during the summer only at the Wheaton College Black Hills Science Station.

BIOL 385. Special Topics in Biology. Seminars or courses in special areas offered at discretion of the department. None offered 2008-09.

BIOL 391x. Environmental Modeling. See ENVR 391.

BIOL 421x. Basic Applications in Agronomy. See ENVR 421.

BIOL 461x. Biochemistry. See CHEM 461. Does not satisfy Biology general education requirement.

BIOL 481. Development of Biological Ideas. An exploration of the changing assumptions, ideas, and methods which have shaped biological thought and guided biological research. Prerequisites: BIOL 241 and 242; history and philosophy general education requirements; senior status preferred. Not offered 2008-09. (2)

BIOL 482. Conservation Biology. An examination of the historical foundations and intellectual distinctions of conservation biology as a scientific discipline and the scientific theory and practical applications for conserving genetic diversity, populations, habitats, and ecosystems. Three lectures, three hours laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 241, BIOL 252, or ENVR 241, BIOL 351. Not offered 2008-09.

BIOL 494. The Integrated Biologist. A senior capstone experience reinforcing principles and skills for integrating the content and processes of biology, contributions from differing disciplines and traditions, and the worldview of the Christian biologist. Prerequisites: senior standing and departmental approval. Fall and Spring. (2 lin)

BIOL 495. Biological Research. Laboratory and/or library research conducted with a Wheaton College Biology faculty member or conducted with a biologist at another institution (if pre-approved by the Biology Department). Students wishing to receive 495 credit must have completed BIOL 241 and BIOL 242 (and preferably BIOL 252), and must prepare a short research proposal in collaboration with the participating faculty member prior to, or at the beginning of the research project.  Upon completion of the research experience, a research report must be prepared and submitted to the supervising faculty member before the end of the semester in which the research is conducted. Students will not generally be given 495 credit for conducting paid research. (1-4)

BIOL 496. Internship. General biology and HNGR internships for credit as allowed within college guidelines; must be approved by at least two faculty members and the chair of the Biology Department. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing with Biology major.

BIOL 497. Biology Research Seminar. A weekly seminar featuring presentations and discussions of current research in biology. Most seminars are presented by biologists from other institutions. In the student journal club sessions, students collaborate with faculty in the presentation of recently published articles. Graded Pass/Fail. May be taken up to twice for credit. Can be counted as credit toward the Biology major and is not included in the calculation of the limit of three non-lab courses that can be counted toward the Biology major. One hour per week. Prerequisites: Sophomore or higher standing, S 2009. (1)

Revision Date: May 1, 2008

 

 

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