The Department of Biology offers both B.A. and B.S. degree programs, with minors available in Biology and Environmental Science. Consent of instructor may replace BIO 110-111 as a prerequisite for all upper level biology courses.

To earn the B.A. degree students must complete the 13 course major which consists of BIO 110, 111, 222, 224, 225, 321, 323 and one course in Biology numbered 328 or higher (excluding BIO 400 or 470); one course from CHEM 115, 220, or 221 plus two additional units of Chemistry; two units of mathematical sciences chosen from CPTR 108, 125 and/or MATH 109, 123, 127, 128 or above. In addition, juniors and seniors are required to successfully complete BIO 349/449 (non-credit colloquium) for a maximum of four semesters and complete the capstone experiences described below. Enrollment in student teaching and/or other similar off-campus academic experiences will be accepted by the department in lieu of that semester’s colloquium requirement. Only two courses numbered below 221 may count toward the major. Declared Biology majors may substitute BIO 106-107 for BIO 110-111 with written consent of the department chair.

To earn the B.S. degree students must complete the 13 course major described for the B.A., meet the colloquium requirement, and pass three courses chosen in any combination from the following: BIO 328 or above (including BIO 400 and/or 470), CHEM 200 or above, PHYS 200 or above, or MATH 127 or above. Students electing to graduate with a B.S. must complete the capstone experiences listed below.

Certain specific exceptions to the B.A. and B.S. degrees will be made for students in accelerated programs. The requirements for accelerated programs in Optometry, Forestry or Environmental Studies, Medical Technology, and Podiatry can be found in the Academic Program section of the catalog. Students interested in these programs should contact the program director before finalizing their individual programs.

The following courses, when scheduled as W courses, count toward the writing intensive requirement: BIO 222 and 224.

In order to graduate, all biology majors must demonstrate to the Department their command of biology by meeting the following three criteria.

1. Practical Experience: All students must complete at least one of the experiences in the following list: Internship, Practicum, Relevant Summer Experi- ence, Independent Studies, Honors, Medical Technology Internship, Teach- ing Semester, Biology Laboratory Assistant, Biology-related volunteer work. (Summer experiences, Biology- related volunteer work, or working as a lab assistant must be approved by the Department in order to be used to meet this requirement.)

2. Research & Presentation Component: All junior and senior majors are required to successfully complete Biology Colloquia (BIO 349 and 449) during all their semesters on campus. During their final year, students will research a biological topic and make an oral presentation at the Biology Colloquium. This will provide the student with the basic level of information literacy in the biological science.

3. Assessment: All majors are required to take at least one of the exams listed below or pass a Biology Department Exit Exam. GRE - Bio subject exam, MCAT, OAT, DAT, VCAT, or the Praxis. By the end of their first semester of their senior year, students must provide the Depart- ment official documentation of the scores they have earned on one of these exams. If one or more of these requirements have not been met by the end of their first semester of their senior year, the student must submit a plan signed by their advisor showing when and how these requirements will be completed.

A Biology major interested in becoming certified at the secondary level to teach Biology and/or General Science should, as early as possible, consult the current Department of Education Teacher Education Handbook and should make their plans known to their advisor and the Chair of the Education Department so the required courses can be scheduled before the Professional Semester.

a) To obtain certification in Secondary Biology a student must successfully complete a Biology major, EDUC 200, PSY 138, the Pre-Student Teaching Participation, and the Professional Semester (EDUC 446, 447 and 449). Students may choose EDUC 232 and/or EDUC 239 as Education electives.

b) Students interested in obtaining General Science/Biology certification must com- plete all the requirements for secondary Biology listed in (a) as well as PHYS 108 or 225 and any two courses from ASTR 111, 112 or 243. ASTR 230 is strongly recommended as an additional course.

The Department of Biology offers two minors: Biology and Environmental Science.
A minor in biology requires the completion of four courses numbered 200 or higher, with their appropriate prerequisites (i.e., two introductory biology courses). At least two of these must be from the series of courses BIO 222, 224, 225, 321, or 323.

A minor in Environmental Science consists of two introductory biology courses (one of which must be BIO 220), BIO 224, two additional courses numbered 200 or higher, one course in economics (recommended ECON 225), and ASTR 102.

Biology majors who minor in Environmen-tal Science must complete all requirements of the biology major. In addition, they need to complete BIO 220, BIO 401, ECON 225, ASTR 112, and one course selected from either ECON 240, SOC 229, or an advanced biology course (328 or higher).

This institute is designed to provide a forum for the natural resource heritage of North Central Pennsylvania, the Susquehanna River and its major tributaries (Pine, Loyalsock, Lycoming, and Muncy Creeks). The institute provides a service not only to Lycoming College students, through coordination of Environmental internships, practica (BIO 401) and independent study/honors projects, but also the community. This may include seminars or workshops on environmental issues as well as monitoring assistance to watershed groups.

106

CELLS, GENES AND SOCIETY

This course investigates the roles cellular phenomena, genes and biotechnology play in everyday life. The primary goal of this course is to improve recognition and understanding of the implications of biology in health care, agriculture, law, bioethics, and business. Credit may not be earned for both BIO 106 and 110. BIO 106 is not a prerequisite for BIO 107. Three hours of lecture and one-three hour lab per week.

This course is a brief survey of human anatomy and physiology, which includes study of the complementary nature of form and function, as well as study of the levels of biological organization within the body. The objective is to provide students with a back-ground which will allow them to read, comprehend, and appreciate current articles on this subject in the popular press. Students learn the names, structure, and general functions of the major organs of the body. Animal dissection is optional. Credit may not be earned for both BIO 107 and 111. BIO 106 is not a pre-requisite for BIO 107. Three hours of lecture and one-three hour laboratory per week.

INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY

HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

Using the organ-systems approach, the course is an introduction to the human body — its anatomy, physiology, and normal development — with particular attention to structure and function at all levels of its biological organization (molecular through organismal). Three hours of lecture, and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 115 or 220, or consent of instructor.

ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY

This course provides an introduction to eco-logical principles and concepts with an examination of the biological basis of contemporary environmental problems. The effects of human population on earth’s resources are studied against a background of biological and health sciences. This course is designed primarily for students not planning to major in the biological sciences. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week. Pre-requisite: BIO 110. This course is not a substitute for BIO 111 for majors.

GENETICS

A general consideration of the principles governing inheritance, including treatment of classical, molecular, cytological, physiology, microbial, human, and population genetics. Three hours of lecture and two two-hour laboratory periods per week. Prerequisite: BIO 110-111.

ECOLOGY

The study of the principles of ecology with emphasis on the role of chemical, physical, and biological factors affecting the distribution and succession of plant and animal populations and communities. Included will be field studies of local habitats as well as laboratory experimentation. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BIO 110-111.

PLANT SCIENCES

A survey of the structure, development, function, classification, and use of plants and related organisms. The study will comprise four general topic areas: form, including morphology and anatomy of plants in growth and reproduction; function, concentrating on nutrition and metabolism peculiar to photosynthetic organisms; classification systems and plant identification, and human uses of plants. Three hours of lecture and one three hour lab-oratory per week. Prerequisite: BIO 110-111.

A study of microorganisms with emphasis given to their taxonomy and their role in various aspects of human infectious disease. Mechanisms for treating and preventing infectious diseases will be presented. Laboratory to include diagnostic culture procedures, antibiotic sensitivity testing, serology, anaerobic techniques and a study of hemolytic reactions. Three hours of lecture and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: One year of introductory level biology, one year of chemistry or consent of instructor. Not open to students who have received credit for BIO 321.

MICROBIOLOGY

A study of microorganisms. Emphasis is given to the identification and physiology of microorganisms as well as to their role in disease, their economic importance, and industrial applications. Three hours of lecture and two two-hour laboratory periods per week. Prerequisite: BIO 110-111. Not open to students who have received credit for BIO 226.

HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY

The mechanisms and functions of systems, including the autonomic, endocrine, digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, nervous, and reproductive systems. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BIO 110-111.

AQUATIC BIOLOGY

A field-oriented course dealing with freshwater ecosystems. Studies will include a survey of the plankton, benthos, and fish—as well as the physical and chemical characteristics of water that influence their distribution. Several local field trips and an extended field trip to a field station will familiarize students with the diversity of habitats and techniques of limnologists. Alternate years. Prerequisites: BIO 110-111.

TROPICAL MARINE BIOLOGY

A field-oriented course where students study the creatures of the fringing reefs, barrier reefs, lagoons, turtlegrass beds and mangrove swamps at a tropical marine laboratory. Studies will include survey of plankton, invertebrates, and fish as well as the physical and chemical characteristics that influence their distribution. Prerequisite: BIO 110-111. Alternate May terms.

MEDICINAL AND POISONOUS PLANTS

An overview of plants that produce physiologically active substances that are important to humans and animals. Major themes include: Mechanisms and symptoms of poisoning, and plant chemicals with useful physiological effects. Laboratory topics include plant classification and techniques for compound identification. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIO 110-111, or consent of instructor. Alternate years.

INVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY

Comparative study of the invertebrate phyla with emphasis on phylogeny, physiology, morphology, and ecology. Two three-hour lecture/laboratory periods per week. Prerequisite: BIO 110-111. Alternate years.

HUMAN ANATOMY

An upper-division elective course which uses a combined organ-system and regional approach to the study of human anatomy. The course includes lecture, laboratory and individual and/or group mini-projects. Computer simulated dissection software packages are used extensively. Video presentations of cadaver dissections and a video disk of cross-sectional anatomy are available for study. Prerequisites: BIO 110 and 111.

PLANT ANIMAL INTERACTIONS

An investigation of different herbivorous animals, plant defenses, and how herbivores influence plants. Topics include evolution of herbivores and plants, effects of herbivory on individuals and communities, and types of plant defenses. We will also discuss how animals deal with plant defenses, the advantages and disadvantages of monophagous and polyphagous lifestyles, different types of herbivores and herbivore damage, and mutualisms between plants and their herbivores. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIO 110-111, or consent of instructor. Alternate years.

VERTEBRATE EMBRYOLOGY

A study of the development of vertebrates from fertilization to the fully formed fetus. Particular attention is given to the chick and human as representative organisms. Two three-hour lecture/laboratory periods per week. Prerequisite: BIO 110-111. Alternate years.

ANIMAL BEHAVIOR

A study of causation, function, evolution, and biological significance of animal behaviors in their normal environment and social contexts. Three hours of lecture and one four-hour laboratory each week. Prerequisite: BIO 110-111. Alternate years.

VIROLOGY

An introduction to the study of viruses. The course will cover virus anatomy and reproduction, diseases caused by viruses, modern treatments of viral infections and viral vaccines produced by recombinant DNA and other technologies. Course content will also include a description of how viruses are used as tools for genetic engineering and for studying cellular processes like membrane signal transduction, regulation of genetic expression and oncogenesis (cancer). Four hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: BIO 110-111 or consent of instructor. Alternate years.

IMMUNOLOGY

The course introduces concepts concerning how pathogens cause disease and host defense mechanisms against infectious diseases. Characterization of and relationships between antigens, haptens, and antibodies are presented. Serological assays will include: agglutination, precipitations, immunofluorescence, immunoeletrophoresis, and complement fixation. Other topics are: immediate and delayed hypersensitivities (i.e. allergies such as hay fever and poison ivy), immunological renal diseases, immunohematology (blood groups, etc), hybridome technology, the chemistry and function of complement, autoimmunity, and organ graft rejection phenomena. Three hours of lecture, one three-hour laboratory, and one hour of arranged work per week. Prerequisite: BIO 110-111. Alternate years.

ENDOCRINOLOGY

This course begins with a survey of the role of the endocrine hormones in the integration of body functions. This is followed by a study of the control of hormone synthesis and release, and a consideration of the mechanisms by which hormones accomplish their effects on target organs. Two three-hour lecture/laboratory periods per week. Prerequisite: BIO 110-111. Alternate years.

BIOLOGY PRACTICUM

ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICUM

A work-oriented experience for junior or senior students interested in environmental science. Students work on projects jointly sponsored by the Clean Water Institute and a public or private agency. The practicum is designed to integrate classroom theory with field and/or laboratory practice. In addition to attendance at a weekly seminar, students spend 10-12 hours per week at the sponsoring agency or project. Academic work includes, but is not limited to a log, readings, recitation and an assigned research paper related to the specific agency or project activity. May be repeated once for credit with permission of the instructor.

Detailed examination of the origins, structure, and functions of the principal organs of the vertebrates. Special attention is given to the progressive modification of organs from lower to higher vertebrates. Three hours of lecture and one four-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BIO 110-111. Alternate years.

HISTOLOGY

A study of the basic body tissues and the microscopic anatomy of the organs and structures of the body which are formed from them. Focus is on normal human histology. Three hours of lecture and one four-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BIO 110-111. Alternate years.

CELL BIOLOGY

An intensive study of the cell as the basic unit of life. Topics will include: origins of cellular life, biochemistry of the cell, enzymatic reactions, cellular membranes, intracellular communication, the cell cycle, the cytoskeleton and cell motility, protein sorting, distribution and secretion. Prerequisites: BIO 110-111 and one semester of organic chemistry. Alternate years.

EVOLUTION

The study of the origin and modification of life on earth. Topics discussed include molecular evolution, population genetics, gene flow, natural selection, sexual selection, kin selection, neutral theory, extinction, co-evolution, and the evolution of man. Four hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: BIO 110-111, or consent of instructor. Alternate years.

MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

An in-depth analysis of fundamental cellular information flow processes with particular emphasis on how these processes have been harnessed in the laboratory, resulting in technologies such as DNA cloning and sequencing, the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), genetic testing, gene therapy, genetic engineering, DNA forensics, and construction of gene libraries. Two hours of lecture, a one-hour lab and a three-hour lab per week. Prerequisites: BIO 110-111 and one semester of organic chemistry.

MEDICAL GENETICS

This course is concerned with the relationships of heredity to disease. Discussions will focus on topics such as chromosomal abnormalities, metabolic variation and disease, somatic cell genetics, genetic screening, and immunogenetics. Laboratory exercises will offer practical experiences in genetic diagnostic techniques. Prerequisite: BIO 110-111. May term only.

The biology of parasites and parasitism. Studies on the major groups of animal parasites and anthropod vectors of disease will involve taxonomy and life cycles. Emphasis will be made on parasites of medical and veterinary importance. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BIO 110-111. Alternate years.

BIOCHEMISTRY

Emphasis is given to the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, proteins, and nucleic acids; integration of metabolism; and biochemical control mechanisms, including allosteric control, induction, repression, signal transduction as well as the various types of inhibitive control mechanisms. Three hours of lecture, one three-hour laboratory and one hour of arranged work per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 221, or consent of instructor. Cross-listed as CHEM 444. Alternate years.

RADIATION BIOLOGY

A study of the effects of ionizing and non-ionizing radiations on cells, tissues and organisms. Consideration will be given to repair mechanisms and how repair deficiencies elucidate the nature of radiation damage. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIO 110-111, one year of chemistry. Alternate years.

PLANT PHYSIOLOGICAL ECOLOGY

BIOLOGY COLLOQUIUM

This course offers the student a chance to become familiar with research in the biological sciences using techniques such as meeting and talking with active researchers, reading a nd critically analyzing the current literature, and discussing the ideas and methods shaping biology. Students will be required to read and analyze specific papers, actively participate in discussions. Biology majors with junior and senior standing are required to successfully complete colloquim during all semesters on campus except for semesters when student teaching. The grade will be P/F. Non-credit course. One hour per week. Prerequisites: biology majors with junior or senior class standing.

INTERNSHIP (See index)

Recent samples of internships in the department include ones with the Department of Environmental Resources, nuclear medicine or rehabilitative therapies at a local hospital.

INDEPENDENT STUDY (See index)

Departmental studies are experimentally- oriented and may entail either lab or field work.