Biology

• Faculty
• Description
• Major Requirements
• Minor Requirements
• Program Policies
• Course Descriptions

Faculty

Saundra Herndon Oyewole, Professor of Biology (Program Chair)
Ji-Eun Choi, Assistant Professor of Biology
Cynthia DeBoy, Clare Boothe Luce Assistant Professor of Biology
Lori Estes, Clare Boothe Luce Assistant Professor of Biology
Liliana Losada, Clare Boothe Luce Assistant Professor of Biology

Description

The Biology Program offers a major and a minor to students in the College of Arts and Sciences; several courses are offered for non-majors. In conjunction with various other programs, the Biology Program also supports an interdisciplinary major in biochemistry. Biology majors and minors pursue a diversified program that fulfills a breadth of interests and ultimately prepares them to pursue careers in many areas of the biological sciences, including education, research, and medicine. For those in related majors, the goal of the program is to focus particularly on the interfaces between biology and their major disciplines. Non-majors who take biology courses receive an exposure to biology to its fundamental concepts, latest discoveries, and modes of inquiry in ways that are relevant to their personal and professional lives and consistent with the objectives of the general education curriculum. Extraordinary developments in modern biology offer much to engage students at all levels.

Trinity offers students who study biology the advantages of close faculty-student relationships while providing access to the country's primary resource collections, major research facilities, and outstanding internship opportunities at nationally recognized facilities.

Major Requirements

Required Courses (30 credits)

ALL of the following courses:

BIOL 111 General Biology I BIOL 111 General Biology I

Presents a comprehensive base in biology for majors and non-science majors and is the first of a two-course sequence. The course consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly BIO 151 General Biology I.

4 credits

FLC Area IV

General Educaton Requirements: Knowledge and Inquiry

BIOL 112 General Biology II BIOL 112 General Biology II

Presents a comprehensive base in biology for majors and non-science majors and is the second of a two-semester sequence. The course consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly BIO 152 General Biology II.

4 credits

Prerequisite BIOL 111

FLC Area IV

General Education Requirement: Knowledge and Inquiry

BIOL 231 Vertebrate Development and Anatomy BIOL 231 Vertebrate Development and Anatomy

Examines the embryology and anatomy of representative vertebrate forms. The course requires two hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory each week. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly BIO 211 Vertebrate Development & Anatomy.

4 credits

Prerequisites: BIOL 111 and BIOL 112

BIOL 241 Introductory Genetics BIOL 241 Introductory Genetics

Investigates the principles of heredity, including Mendelian genetics, population genetics, and the genetics of microorganisms. The course consists of two hours of lecture, one hour discussion of journal readings, and three hours of laboratory per week. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly BIO 222 Introductory Genetics.

4 credits

Prerequisite: CHEM 111

BIOL 431 General Physiology BIOL 431 General Physiology

Examines the functions of systems in selected vertebrates and invertebrates. The course consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly BIO 418 General Physiology.

4 credits

Prerequisites: CHEM 221, CHEM 222, and a 300-level biology course or permission of instructor

BIOL 441 General Microbiology BIOL 441 General Microbiology

Introduces the biology of microorganisms and their importance to humans, with special emphasis on bacteria and viruses. The course consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly BIO 449 General Microbiology.

4 credits

Prerequisites: CHEM 221, CHEM 222, and a 300-level biology course or permission of instructor

BIOL 451 Evolution BIOL 451 Evolution

Studies the principles of heredity, population genetics, and modern data collecting from karyotyping to sequencing. Attention is given to data analysis in the systematics field from phenetics to cladistics. The evolution of plant and animal kingdoms is analyzed in view of all the data now available and the paleontological data. The course consists of two hours of lecture and one hour of discussion of journal readings per week. This course is typically taken in the senior year. Formerly BIO 405 Evolution.

3 credits

Prerequisites: BIOL 112, BIOL 241, and a 300-level BIOL course

ONE course chosen from between:

BIOL 331 Histology and Cytology BIOL 331 Histology and Cytology

Explores the structure of tissues and cells of animals. The course consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly BIO 336 Histology and Cytology.

4 credits

Prerequisites: BIOL 231 or permission of instructor

BIOL 341 Cell and Molecular Biology BIOL 341 Cell and Molecular Biology

Focuses on the eukaryotic cell at the cell and molecular levels with emphasis on the principles by which cells function in isolation and in multi-cellular communities. The course consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly BIO 325 Cell and Molecular Biology.

4 credits

Prerequisites: BIOL 241 or permission of instructor

ONE senior seminar:

NSCM 499 Divisional Seminar NSCM 499 Divisional Seminar

Examines selected topics in the natural sciences. Requires written and oral presentations based on reading and analysis of the current scientific literature.

3 credits

General Education Requirements: Applications (Leadership)

Electives (6-8 credits)

TWO of the following courses:

BIOL 221 Plant Diversity BIOL 221 Plant Diversity

Surveys the plant kingdom starting with green algae up through angiosperms. Emphasis is on the evolution of this kingdom through a thorough morphological analysis and use of modern analysis methods such as cladistics. The course consists of two hours of lecture, one hour of discussion of journal readings, and three hours of laboratory per week. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly BIO 208 Plant Diversity.

4 credits

BIOL 223 Flowering Plants BIOL 223 Flowering Plants

Surveys flowering plant families. Emphasis will be on those families present in the local geographic area. Students will be expected to read current literature and collect and hand in a 20 species herbarium. The course consists of two hours of lecture, one hour of discussion of journal readings, and three hours of laboratory per week. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly BIO 206 Flowering Plants.

4 credits

BIOL 235 Invertebrate Zoology BIOL 235 Invertebrate Zoology

Studies selected invertebrates from each phylum with emphasis on morphology and systematics. The course requires three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly BIO 225 Invertebrate Zoology.

BIOL 351 Ecology BIOL 351 Ecology

This course is an introduction to the major subdisciplines in ecology: behavioral, population, community and ecosystems ecology. Topics studied will include mating systems and life history strategies; population growth; competition and coexistence; predation, herbivory and parasitism; composition and structure of natural communities; global patterns of biodiversity; and biological succession. Students will learn how to collect ecological data in the field and in the laboratory, and to use statistics to analyze their results. Formerly BIO 318 Ecology.

4 credits

Prerequisites: BIOL 111 and BIOL 112; MATH 110 is recommended

CHEM 431 Molecular Biochemistry I CHEM 431 Molecular Biochemistry I

Explores the molecular basis of biological processes, with special emphasis on the structure and function of proteins and nucleic acids and the interplay between these important classes of macromolecules. Topics are introduced using the current scientific literature in areas such as HIV and cancer. Formerly CHE 411 Molecular Biochemistry I.

3 credits

Prerequisite: CHEM 222

PSYC 241 Physiological Psychology PSYC 241 Physiological Psychology

Examines the structure and function of the nervous system as related to behavior and experience. Physiological correlates of psychological phenomena are emphasized. Formerly PSY 322 Physiological Psychology.

3 credits

Prerequisites: PSYC 101; BIOL 101, BIOL 111, or BIOL 112 is recommended

Students may NOT take both BIOL 221and BIOL 223 Flowering Plants BIOL 223 Flowering Plants

Surveys flowering plant families. Emphasis will be on those families present in the local geographic area. Students will be expected to read current literature and collect and hand in a 20 species herbarium. The course consists of two hours of lecture, one hour of discussion of journal readings, and three hours of laboratory per week. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly BIO 206 Flowering Plants.

4 credits

to fulfill the elective requirement.

Requirements in Related Fields (30 credits)

ALL of the following courses:

CHEM 111 Fundamentals of Chemistry I CHEM 111 Fundamentals of Chemistry I

Introduces some of the general principles of chemistry. Topics include stoichiometry and chemical reactions; the structure and properties of atoms and molecules; chemical bonding; thermochemistry; and acid base chemistry. This course emphasizes active student involvement; many concepts are introduced via direct experimentation. Computers are used extensively. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly CHE 105 Fundamentals of Chemistry I.

4 credits

Prerequisites: MATH 123 (may be taken concurrently)

FLC Area IV 

CHEM 112 Fundamentals of Chemistry II CHEM 112 Fundamentals of Chemistry II

Continues the study of basic chemical principles, focusing on thermodynamics, kinetics, and chemical equilibrium. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly CHE 106 Fundamentals of Chemistry II.

4 credits

Prerequisites: CHEM 111 with a grade of ""C"" or higher

General Education Knowledge and Inquiry

CHEM 221 Organic Chemistry I CHEM 221 Organic Chemistry I

Provides students with a basic knowledge of organic chemistry through an exploration of the properties and reactions of carbon compounds, including structure and bonding, polarization, isomerism, stereochemistry, equilibrium, reaction types, and synthesis. Will ordinarily be taken with the laboratory (CHEM 223). Formerly CHE 231 Organic Chemistry I.

3 credits

Prerequisites: CHEM 111 with a grade of ""C"" or higher; or permission of instructor

CHEM 222 Organic Chemistry II CHEM 222 Organic Chemistry II

Applies the concepts learned in Organic Chemistry I to new classes of compounds. The course includes a further investigation of substitution and elimination reactions, and the utility of infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance in determining organic structure is emphasized. Students learn about reactions and mechanisms pertaining to alkyl halides, aromatic compounds, alcohols, ethers, and a variety of carbonyl compounds. A working knowledge of the reactions covered in both semesters of will enable students to develop multistep syntheses leading from starting material to product. Will ordinarily be taken with the laboratory (CHEM 224). Formerly CHE 233 Organic Chemistry II.

3 credits

Prerequisites: CHEM 221 with a grade of ""C"" or higher

CHEM 223 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I CHEM 223 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I

Provides the laboratory component of CHEM 221. This laboratory experience illustrates modern techniques of purification, identification, and synthesis of organic compounds and the application to structural and synthetic problems. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly CHE 233 Organic Chemistry Lab I.

2 credits

Prerequisites: Concurrent registration with CHEM 221 or permission of instructor

CHEM 224 Organic Chemistry Laboratory II CHEM 224 Organic Chemistry Laboratory II

Provides the laboratory component of CHEM 222. This laboratory experience illustrates modern techniques of purification, identification, and synthesis of organic compounds and the application to structural and synthetic problems. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly CHE 234 Organic Chemistry Lab II.

2 credits

Prerequisites: Concurrent registration with CHEM 222 or permission of instructor

MATH 125 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I MATH 125 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I

Examines the following topics: functions, limits, continuity, differentiation and applications, and basic integration. Formerly MAT 125 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I.

4 credits

Prerequisites: MATH 123 or placement test proficiency

General Education: Knowledge and Inquiry Area

FLC Area IV: Exploration Cluster

PHYS 111 General Physics I PHYS 111 General Physics I

Covers mechanics in a calculus-based course in fundamental physics. Topics include Newton's laws, work and energy, rotational dynamics, conservation of energy, and momentum. Intended primarily for students in math and science but open to all qualified students. The course consists of three hours of lecture, three of laboratory, and a one-hour problem session per week. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly PHY 115 General Physics I.

4 credits

Prerequisite: MATH 125

General Education Requirement: Kniowledge and Inquiry Area

FLC Area IV, Laboratory Science Cluster

PHYS 112 General Physics II PHYS 112 General Physics II

Covers electricity, magnetism, and electro-magnetic propagation in a calculus-based course in fundamental physics. Topics include electric fields, Maxwell's equations, electrical circuits, magnetic fields, and light. Intended primarily for students in math and science but open to all qualified students. The course consists of three hours of lecture, three of laboratory, and a one-hour problem session per week. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly PHY 116 General Physics II.

4 credits

Prerequisites: MATH 125 and PHYS 111

Recommended Courses

MATH 225 Calculus and Analytic Geometry II MATH 225 Calculus and Analytic Geometry II

Examines the following topics: applications of the definite integral, integration of algebraic and transcendental functions, infinite series, and topics in analytic geometry. Formerly MAT 126 Calculus and Analytic Geometry II.

4 credits

Prerequisite: MATH 125

Additional courses in computer science and statistics are also recommended.

Minor Requirements

Required Courses (18 credits)

ALL of the following courses:

BIOL 111 General Biology I BIOL 111 General Biology I

Presents a comprehensive base in biology for majors and non-science majors and is the first of a two-course sequence. The course consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly BIO 151 General Biology I.

4 credits

FLC Area IV

General Educaton Requirements: Knowledge and Inquiry

BIOL 112 General Biology II BIOL 112 General Biology II

Presents a comprehensive base in biology for majors and non-science majors and is the second of a two-semester sequence. The course consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly BIO 152 General Biology II.

4 credits

Prerequisite BIOL 111

FLC Area IV

General Education Requirement: Knowledge and Inquiry

BIOL 231 Vertebrate Development and Anatomy BIOL 231 Vertebrate Development and Anatomy

Examines the embryology and anatomy of representative vertebrate forms. The course requires two hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory each week. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly BIO 211 Vertebrate Development & Anatomy.

4 credits

Prerequisites: BIOL 111 and BIOL 112

SIX additional credits of biology

Program Policies

Advanced Placement: Credit will be granted for the score of 4 or 5 on the AP examination. A score of 4 or 5 will be accepted in lieu of BIOL 111 General Biology I BIOL 111 General Biology I

Presents a comprehensive base in biology for majors and non-science majors and is the first of a two-course sequence. The course consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly BIO 151 General Biology I.

4 credits

FLC Area IV

General Educaton Requirements: Knowledge and Inquiry

.

CLEP Policy: A satisfactory score on the CLEP examination in general biology will be accepted in lieu of BIOL 111 General Biology I BIOL 111 General Biology I

Presents a comprehensive base in biology for majors and non-science majors and is the first of a two-course sequence. The course consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly BIO 151 General Biology I.

4 credits

FLC Area IV

General Educaton Requirements: Knowledge and Inquiry

..

Grades in Major Courses: Students are required to have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 in all courses counted to fulfill the requirements for the major.

Pass/No Pass: Courses fulfilling the major requirement may not be taken pass/no pass.

Senior Assessment: The senior assessment in biology consists of a written exam drawn from a set of comprehensive study questions and a one-hour oral exam.

TELL Policy: TELL credits do not count towards the major in biology.

Transfer Credits: Transfer credit will be awarded after appropriate program review and approval.

Course Descriptions

BIOL 101 Introduction to Biology BIOL 103 Critical Thinking about Disease BIOL 111 General Biology I BIOL 112 General Biology II BIOL 121 Human Anatomy and Physiology I BIOL 122 Human Anatomy and Physiology II BIOL 130 Microbiology for the Health Professions BIOL 219 Biology of Women BIOL 221 Plant Diversity BIOL 223 Flowering Plants BIOL 231 Vertebrate Development and Anatomy BIOL 235 Invertebrate Zoology BIOL 241 Introductory Genetics BIOL 242 Human Genetics BIOL 331 Histology and Cytology BIOL 341 Cell and Molecular Biology BIOL 343 Immunology BIOL 351 Ecology BIOL 431 General Physiology BIOL 441 General Microbiology BIOL 451 Evolution BIOL 491 Internship BIOL 497 Directed Research BIOL 498 Independent Study