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Section I:
The University
Section II:
Graduation Requirements
Section III:
Majors, Minors, Courses
School of Music
College of Liberal Arts
ArtAsian StudiesBiochemistryBiologyBlack StudiesChemistryClassical StudiesCommunication and TheatreComputer ScienceConflict StudiesEconomicsEducationEnglishGeosciencesHistoryHonors ProgramsKinesiologyLatin American and Caribbean StudiesMathematicsModern LanguagesMusic (CLA)Music, School ofOff Campus StudyPhilosophyPhysics and AstronomyPolitical SciencePsychologyReligious StudiesRussian StudiesSociology and AnthropologyUniversity StudiesWomen's Studies
Section IV:
Academic Policies
Section V:
the DePauw Experience
Section VI:
Campus Living
Section VII:
Admission, Expenses, Aid
Section VIII:
University Personnel
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Biology (Program Homepage) Faculty: V. Artman, J. Benedix, D. Dudle, C. Fornari, M. Griswold, W. Hazel, K. Kinney, S. Markov, C. Mays, H. Schneider, D. Seketa, B. Serlin, R. Stark, J. Vaglia Biology is the scientific study of living things. Therefore, the major and minor in biology are designed to introduce students to the methodology of science while providing a broad exposure to the diversity of life at all levels. In addition, biology majors, through their choice of upper-level classes, are able to explore specific areas of interest, such as genetics, molecular biology, organismal biology, ecology and evolutionary biology.
In addition to its standard course offerings, the department offers numerous opportunities for collaborative research and learning with faculty. For example, internships and other research opportunities, both on and off-campus, are available during the January Winter Term and in the summer. In addition, many students spend a semester away from campus, either in an off-campus study program, such as the School for Field Studies, Denmark International Study, or the School for International Training, or as an intern at such institutions as Oak Ridge or Argonne National Laboratories, Eli Lilly Pharmaceutical Research Laboratories, or the Mayo Clinic. Biology majors often serve as teaching assistants, working alongside faculty in the teaching laboratories.
Requirements for a major in Biology: | Total courses required: | Nine |
| Core courses: | BIO 120, BIO 140, BIO 160, BIO 180, BIO 190, BIO 450. |
| Other required courses: | The remaining six courses can be selected from any of the approved courses for the major, with a minimum of three courses at the 300 or 400 level. |
| # 300 and 400 level courses: | Minimum of three |
| Senior requirement: | The senior requirement consists of the completion of BIO 450 with a grade of C- or better. |
| Additional information: | No more than two courses from off-campus programs can count toward the major.
It is recommended that biology majors take a minimum of two courses in chemistry, a year of physics and a semester of calculus. Course work in computer science and statistics is also desirable. |
Requirements for a minor in Biology: | Total courses required: | Five and one-half | | Core courses: | BIO 120, BIO 140, BIO 160, BIO 180, BIO 190 | | Other courses: | The remaining three courses must be at the 200 level or above with a minimum of one course at the 300 or 400 level. | | # 300 and 400 level courses: | Minimum of one | Courses in Biology
| BIO 101.
Understanding Evolution |
Group 1 |
1 course |
| The course examines origin and implications of Darwin's theory of evolution. Topics covered include: the historical development of the theory, the origin of adaptation, human evolution and human behavior. May substitute for BIO 180.
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| BIO 104.
Human Biology |
Group 1, lab |
1 course |
| Includes laboratory. An entry level course that examines general biological principles with emphasis on humans. May not be counted toward a major.
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| BIO 105.
Human Genetics |
Group 1, lab |
1 course |
| Includes laboratory. An entry level course examining basic principles of genetics, emphasizing human genetics, various disorders and their ethical and economic impact on society. May substitute for BIO 140. Not open to students with junior or senior status when taught as a W course.
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| BIO 120.
Introduction to Cell Biology |
Group 1 |
1/2 course |
| An introduction to the biology of cells. Topics covered include macromolecules, membrane and organelle structure and function, cellular metabolism and cell cycle. Normally taken with BIO 140.
|
| BIO 130.
Plants in Human Cultures |
Group 1, lab |
1 course |
| Includes laboratory. In this course, students will address the many ways that humans interact with the botanical world. Topics covered include, but are not limited to: the history and evolution of agricultural practices and crop plants, the botanical and chemical aspects of food and spice crops, genetic engineering of crops, traditional uses of medicinal plants in human cultures, modern searches for cures for human diseases using plant-derived chemicals, the effects of humans on the distribution of
plant species and the evolutionary origins of such plant products as wood, cotton, oils, etc.
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| BIO 140.
Introduction to Genetics |
Group 1 |
1/2 course |
| An introduction of the principles of genetics. Topics covered include the transmission genetics of prokaryotes and eukaryotes, DNA structure and function, gene expression and genetic engineering. Normally taken with BIO 120.
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| BIO 156.
Advanced Placement in Biology |
Group 1, non-lab |
1 course |
| Credit for students earning advanced placement in biology. |
| BIO 160.
Introduction to Ecology |
Group 1 |
1/2 course |
| An introduction to the principles of physiological, population, community and ecosystem ecology. Topics covered include adaptive responses to environmental variation, population growth and structure, interactions within and among species, energy flow and nutrient cycling. Normally taken with BIO 180.
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| BIO 180.
Introduction to Evolution |
Group 1 |
1/2 course |
| An introduction to the principles of biological evolution. Topics covered include natural selection and adaptation, population genetics, speciation, phylogenetics and macroevolution. Normally taken with BIO 160.
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| BIO 190.
Laboratory in Diversity |
|
1/2 course |
| An introduction to the diversity of life. Topics covered include phylogeny and systemics and the defining attributes and life cycles of the major taxa. Must be taken to declare a BIO major. |
| BIO 197.
First-Year Seminar |
|
1 course |
| A seminar focused on a theme related to the study of biology. Open only to first-year students. |
| BIO 203.
Human Anatomy |
Group 1, lab |
1 course |
| Includes laboratory. Examination of human structure as it relates to organ and body function and human adaptation to the environment. Laboratory: dissection of a mammal with reference to its comparison with the human. Not open to students with credit in BIO 333.
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| BIO 220.
Molecular Biology |
Group 1, lab |
1 course |
| Includes three-hour laboratory. A modern biotechnology course combining the scientific theory of molecular biology with the experimental evidence and practice of genetic engineering and recombinant DNA technology. Lectures focus on explaining biological phenomena in molecular and biochemical terms, and provide conceptual support for the laboratory experiments. Laboratory work focuses on a semester-long project to investigate a genetic problem using biochemical and molecular techniques. Prerequisites: BIO 120 and BIO 140 half-courses; strongly recommended: one semester of chemistry (CHEM 120); or permission of instructor.
|
| BIO 230.
Plant Biology |
Group 1, lab |
1 course |
| Includes laboratory. An introduction to the principles of plant biology. Topics covered include plant reproduction, development and structure-function relationships. Prerequisites: BIO 120, 140, 160, 180 and 190 or permission of instructor.
|
| BIO 250.
Microbiology |
Group 1, lab |
1 course |
| Includes laboratory. A general overview of microbiology. Topics covered include microbial genetics, physiology, evolution and ecology, microbial techniques and the interplay between microbial life and the human environment. Prerequisites: BIO 120, 140, 160, 180 or permission of instructor.
|
| BIO 290.
Topics |
|
1/2-1 course |
| Selected topics in Biology. May or may not include a laboratory, depending on the subject. Prerequisite: one year of biology or permission of instructor. |
| BIO 314.
Biochemistry and Cellular Biology |
Group 1, lab |
1 course |
| Includes laboratory. A study of the dynamic aspects of the structure, function and regulation of viruses and prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The molecular nature of the gene and gene expression are examined. Principles of biochemistry, including metabolic pathways and enzymology, are examined. Prerequisites: BIO 120, 140, 160, 180 or permission of instructor. CHEM 120 recommended.
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| BIO 320.
Genetics |
Group 1 |
1 course |
| Normally includes laboratory. The study of gene transmission, structure and function. Topics include patterns of inheritance, microbial and molecular genetics, quantitative and population genetics. Prerequisite: BIO 120, 140, 160, 180 or permission of instructor.
|
| BIO 333.
Comparative and Developmental Anatomy |
Group 1, lab |
1 course |
| Includes laboratory. A comparative study of anatomy and morphogenesis of representative chordates. Laboratory work will include dissections and examination of embryonic and histological slides from representative chordates. Prerequisites: BIO 120, 140, 160, 180 and 190 . Not open to students with credit in BIO 203.
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| BIO 335.
Animal Physiology |
Group 1, lab |
1 course |
| Includes laboratory. General principles of animal physiology are considered. All major systems are included. Laboratory work: standard physiological experiments. Prerequisites: BIO 120 and 140 or permission of instructor.
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| BIO 339.
Plant Physiology |
Group 1, lab |
1 course |
| Includes laboratory. Examines the physiological and biochemical factors that influence plant growth, differentiation, adaptation to ever-changing environments. Prerequisites: BIO 120, 140, 160, 180 or permission of instructor.
|
| BIO 342.
Ecology |
Group 1, lab |
1 course |
| Includes laboratory. The study of interrelationships between organisms and their environment, emphasizing population ecology, computer simulations and ecological methods. Prerequisites: BIO 160, 180 and 190 or permission of instructor.
|
| BIO 344.
Population Genetics and Evolution |
Group 1 |
1 course |
| Normally includes laboratory. An examination of the role of evolution as the central organizing concept in biology and role of population genetics as the core of evolutionary theory. Prerequisite: BIO 120, 140, 160, 180 and 190 or permission of instructor. May not be taken pass/fail.
|
| BIO 346.
Plant-Animal Interactions |
Group 1, lab |
1 course |
| Includes laboratory. An examination of plants and animals from a holistic, interactive perspective, focusing on the ongoing coevolution between plants and animals. Prerequisites: BIO 120, 140, 160, 180 and 190 or permission of instructor.
|
| BIO 348.
Behavioral Ecology |
Group 2 |
1 course |
| Includes laboratory. This course is concerned with an evolutionarily based analysis of how the behaviors of animals contribute to survival and reproductive success. Prerequisites: BIO 160 and 180 or permission of instructor.
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| BIO 361.
Immunology |
Group 1, lab |
1 course |
| Includes laboratory. An investigation of the principles of immunology, including the application of the principles in the control of bacterial and viral diseases. Certain serological techniques are introduced in laboratory. Prerequisite: BIO 250 or permission of the instructor.
|
| BIO 364.
Molecular Genetics |
Group 1, lab |
1 course |
| Includes laboratory. A molecular analysis of gene structure, function and the regulation of gene expression in a variety of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms and their viruses. Topics include: gene structure; function and regulation; biotechnology; developmental genetics; and cancer biology. Prerequisites: BIO 120 and 140, BIO 220 and CHEM 120 recommended, or permission of the instructor. May not be taken pass/fail.
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| BIO 375.
Biostatistics |
Group 1, lab |
1 course |
| Includes laboratory. A detailed survey of the techniques involved in the collection and analysis of biological data. Topics include sampling and the types of biological data, hypothesis generation and testing, parametric and nonparametric statistical tests, categorical data analysis and design of experiments. Prerequisites: BIO 120, 140, 160 and 180 or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit in ECON 350, MATH 340 or PSY 210.
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| BIO 381.
Entomology |
Group 1, lab |
1 course |
| Includes laboratory. The biology and ecology of insects and their relatives. Laboratory includes collection and identification. Prerequisite: BIO 120, 140, 160, 180 and 190 or permission of instructor.
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| BIO 382.
Neurobiology |
Group 1, lab |
1 course |
| Includes laboratory. Examines the structure and function of individual neurons and glial cells, the formation of integrative circuits and the comparative organization and evolution of animal nervous systems of increasing complexity from nerve nets to humans. Prerequisite: BIO 120 and BIO 140 or permission of instructor.
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| BIO 390.
Topics |
|
1/2-1 course |
| Selected topics in biology are offered. Prerequisite: one year of biology or permission of instructor.
|
| BIO 400.
Teaching of Biology |
|
1/2 course |
| Deals with the principles and problems of teaching biology. Not applicable to the major or the minor. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. |
| BIO 450.
Senior Seminar |
|
1/2 course |
| Students read, present and discuss research papers from a variety of areas in biology. Prerequisite: a major in biology and senior status. May not be taken pass/fail.
|
| BIO 490.
Research Problems |
|
1/2 course |
| Directed independent study. Prerequisite: two years of biology and permission of department. May be repeated once for credit. |
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