Biology
This is an archived copy of the 2018-19 Catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.norwich.edu/.
Charles A. Dana Professor Karen Hinkle; Professor Lauren Howard; Associate Professors Megan Doczi, Scott Page (Chair); Assistant Professors Allison Neal and Simon Pearish; Lecturers Kylie Blodgett, David Ebenstein, Mary Beth Klinger-Lawrence and Virginia Kunkel.
A core curriculum of science, mathematics and English courses ensures development of appropriate analytical and communication skills. Rounding out the major, four free biology electives and seven free electives allow students to design their program to meet specific career goals and develop one or more minors and/or double majors. A special Pre-medical Committee oversees students on a Pre-medical/Pre-dental track and assists in the placement of these graduates.
Biology is the scientific discipline that investigates life in all of its forms. An appreciation of the complexity of structure and function requires the use of a variety of teaching tools, including the use of living and preserved organisms. Consequently, both living and preserved organisms will be ethically and humanely employed whenever appropriate to further student understanding and appreciation for life.
Mission:
Biology and Neuroscience curricula offer students the opportunity to study the structure and function of living systems, from the complexity of cellular components to whole organism dynamics to ecosystem design.
Goals:
- Prepare students for admission into graduate, medical, optometry, dentistry, and veterinary medical schools as well as entry into the workforce in various biology-related fields.
Outcomes:
- Graduates understand and have broad knowledge of the biological or neurological sciences including, but not limited to, the botany, zoology, microbiological and other laboratory-based sciences, as well as ecology and other field sciences.
- Graduates are prepared for successful employment in a profession in the field of biology or neuroscience, or for graduate or professional school.
Careers for these Majors:
- Graduate School: Medical, Optometry, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine
- Environmental Science
- Biotechnology
- Healthcare
- Education
- Research and Development
B. S. in Biology – Curriculum Map 2018-2019 Catalog
| Freshman | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Cr. | Comp. | Spring | Cr. | Comp. |
| BI 101 Principles of Biology I (General Education Lab Science) c | 4 | BI 102 Principles of Biology II (General Education Lab Science) c | 4 | ||
| CH 103 General Chemistry I | 4 | BI 203 Introduction to Scientific Method & Bioscientific Terminology c | 1 | ||
| EN 101 Composition and Literature I | 3 | CH 104 General Chemistry II | 4 | ||
| MA 107 Precalculus Mathematics (General Education Math) | 4 | EN 102 Composition and Literature II | 3 | ||
| MA 108 Applied Calculus (General Education Math) or 232 Elementary Statistics | 3-4 | ||||
| Fall Semester Total Cr.: | 15 | Spring Semester Total Cr.: | 15-16 | ||
| Sophomore | |||||
| Fall | Cr. | Comp. | Spring | Cr. | Comp. |
| BI 205 Ecology c | 4 | BI 226 Cell Biology c | 4 | ||
| CH 225 Organic Chemistry I | 4 | CH 226 Organic Chemistry II | 4 | ||
| General Education History | 3 | General Education Leadership | 1-3 | ||
| General Education Literature | 3 | General Education Social Science | 3 | ||
| Free Elective | 3 | ||||
| Fall Semester Total Cr.: | 14 | Spring Semester Total Cr.: | 15-17 | ||
| Junior | |||||
| Fall | Cr. | Comp. | Spring | Cr. | Comp. |
| BI 303 Genetics c | 4 | BI 395 Evolution c | 4 | ||
| BI Elective c | 4 | BI Elective c | 4 | ||
| PS 201 General Physics I | 4 | PS 202 General Physics II | 4 | ||
| General Education Ethics | 3 | General Education Arts & Humanities | 3 | ||
| Free Elective | 3 | Free Elective | 3 | ||
| Fall Semester Total Cr.: | 18 | Spring Semester Total Cr.: | 18 | ||
| Senior | |||||
| Fall | Cr. | Comp. | Spring | Cr. | Comp. |
| BI 401 Senior Seminar (Capstone) c | 3 | BI Elective c | 4 | ||
| BI Elective c | 4 | Free Elective/Biology Elective c | 3 | ||
| Free Elective/Biology Elective | 3 | Free Elective | 3 | ||
| Free Elective | 3 | Free Elective | 3 | ||
| Fall Semester Total Cr.: | 13 | Spring Semester Total Cr.: | 13 | ||
| TOTAL CREDITS FOR THIS MAJOR: 121-124 | |||||
| c | Grade of C or higher required. |
Biology Minor Curriculum Map 2018-2019 Catalog
Must earn a C or higher in all courses.
| BI 101 | Principles of Biology I | 4 |
| BI 102 | Principles of Biology II | 4 |
| BI Elective (200 level or higher) | 3-4 | |
| BI Elective (200 level or higher) | 4 | |
| BI Elective (200 level or higher) | 4 | |
| Bi Elective (200 level or higher) | 4 | |
| Total Cr. | 23-24 | |
| 1 | PE 365, PE 371, or CH 324 may be substituted for one BI Elective (200 level or higher) course. |
Courses
BI 101 Principles of Biology I 4 Cr.
This course is an introduction to biochemistry, cell structure, metabolism, and protein synthesis, as well as human anatomy and physiology. Dissection of living and preserved animals is required. Credit may not be earned for both BI 101 and BI 122. 3 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours. Offered Fall.
BI 102 Principles of Biology II 4 Cr.
This course explores genetics, evolutionary theory, diversity of life on earth, history of life on earth, and ecology. Dissection of preserved animals is required. 3 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours. Offered Spring.
BI 122 Concepts in Biology 4 Cr.
A lab science course exclusively for non-science majors that aims to give students an appreciation of the major concepts and current topics in biology. Concepts include cell structures, photosynethesis, cellular respiration, genetics and ecology as well as human anatomy and physiology. Current topics may include stem cell research, nutrition, diseases, steroid abuse, traumatic brain injury, global climate change, and other pertinent issues. Credit may not be earned for both BI 101 and BI 122. 3 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours. Offered Spring. Goal 4.
BI 1XL Biology Lab Transfer Elective 4 Cr.
This course is used for transfer when no equivalent Norwich course exits.
BI 1XX Biology Transfer Elective 3 Cr.
This course is used for transfer when no equivalent Norwich course exists.
BI 203 Introduction to Scientific Method & Bioscientific Terminology 1 Cr.
An introduction to the philosophy of science, the scientific method and bioscientific terminology including an analysis of data and interpretation of scientific and science-related popular press articles. Includes exposure to various forms of scientific communication. Prepares students majoring in the biological sciences. 1 lecture hour. Prereq: F1 Biology major. Offered Spring.
BI 205 Ecology 4 Cr.
The interrelationships between living organisms and their total environment are studied. Major concepts include evolution, ecosystem structure and function, community development, species diversity, succession, interspecific and intraspecific relationships, competition, predation, behavior, population growth and regulation. Collection and preservation of plants and animals may be required. 3 lecture hours, 3 lab/fieldwork hours. Prereq: BI 102. Offered Fall.
BI 215 Human Anatomy & Physiology I 4 Cr.
The first half of a two-semester course exploring human anatomy and physiology. Cellular metabolism, tissues, and the skeletal, muscle, integumentary, and nervous body systems are discussed. Dissection of preserved animals is required. 3 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours. Offered Fall and Summer.
BI 216 Human Anatomy & Physiology II 4 Cr.
The second half of a two-semester course exploring human anatomy and physiology. The endocrine, digestive, respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic (including the immune response), urinary, and reproductive body systems are discussed. Dissection of preserved animals is required. 3 lecture hours, 2 laboratory 2 hours. Prereq: BI 215 or permission of the instructor. Offered Spring and Summer.
BI 220 Introductory Microbiology 4 Cr.
A survey of microbiology with emphasis on microorganisms of medical significance. Fundamentals of microbial structure, physiology and control are considered along with the role of pathogenic organisms in the infectious and disease processes. Laboratory exercises are designed to provide facility in visualizing, staining, culturing, enumerating, isolating, maintaining, and identifying microorganisms. 3 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours. Offered Spring.
BI 226 Cell Biology 4 Cr.
A molecular level examination of the ultrastructure and function of the cytoplasm, intracellular components, cell membrane, extracellular structures and formation, and excretion of extracellular products. Recent molecular biology developments are stressed, including the implications for the biotechnology industry. The laboratory component includes state-of-the-art procedures and emphasizes hands-on experimental techniques. May require dissection of living animals. 3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours. Prereqs: BI 102 and CH 104. Offered Spring.
BI 253 Foods and Nutrition 4 Cr.
Provides a background in organizational structure and activities that emphasize the physiological basis of nutrition with an analysis of nutritional needs at various age levels. Consideration given to the relationship of nutrition to health and fitness, principles of food selection, metabolism of nutrients, vitamins and minerals, energy balance and obesity, food safety and technology. 3 lecture hours, 2 lab/fieldwork hours. Prereq: BI 101. Offered Spring.
BI 2XL Biology Lab Elective 4 Cr.
This course is used for transfer when no equivalent Norwich course exists.
BI 2XX Biology Elective 3 Cr.
This course is used for transfer when no equivalent Norwich course exists.
BI 302 Embryology 4 Cr.
A study of the fundamental principles of development through the establishment of the major organs and systems, exemplified in the laboratory by study of representative embryonic forms. May require dissection of living and preserved animals. 3 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours. Offered Spring even years.
BI 303 Genetics 4 Cr.
The physical and chemical basis of inheritance, expression, and interaction of the hereditary units, linkage, and variation. The application of Mendelian principles to plants and animals. Consideration is also given to microbial and viral genetics, genetic engineering, and related topics. 3 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours. Prereq: BI 102. Offered Fall.
BI 304 Physiology 4 Cr.
A study of the physiologic systems of humans and homeostatic feedback mechanisms that regulate the internal environment. Physical and chemical principles, cell physiology, with emphasis on homeostatic mechanisms and the study of functions of organ systems. 3 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours. Prereqs: BI 102 and CH 104. Offered Fall even years.
BI 305 Biomedical Techniques 4 Cr.
Students are familiarized with the theories and applications of the new technologies that pervade the fields of biotechnology and molecular biology. Laboratory exercises illustrate key concepts and provide hands-on experience in the use of instrumentation essential to molecular biologists. 2 lecture hours, 4 laboratory hours. Prereqs: BI 101, BI 102 or BI 215, BI 216, and CH 103, CH 104. Offered Occasionally.
BI 316 Plant Taxonomy 4 Cr.
A general survey of the taxonomy and evolution of vascular plants, emphasizing herbaceous plants. Recognition of plant families, identification of species, and principles of collecting and preserving are stressed. 3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours. Prereq: BI 102 or permission of instructor. Offered Fall even years.
BI 326 Natural History of the Vertebrates 4 Cr.
A study of the classification, identification, and ecology of the vertebrates with special emphasis on the local fauna including collection and preservation of organisms. 3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours. Prereq: BI 102. Offered Fall odd years.
BI 330 Immunology 4 Cr.
A course presenting the basic principles of immunology, including antigen-antibody characteristics, the role of the immune system in defense and disease, and the application of fundamental concepts in the development of new technologies and immunodiagnosis. 3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours. Prereqs: BI 102 or BI 216, and 1 year of college chemistry. Offered Spring odd years.
BI 341 Plant Anatomy 4 Cr.
The anatomy of vascular plants analyzed from an evolutionary viewpoint are discussed including cell structure, tissues, their distribution in roots, stems, leaves and reproductive organs, and plant development. 3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours. Prereq: BI 102 or permission of instructor. Offered Spring odd years.
BI 351 Dendrology and Silvics 4 Cr.
An introduction to major woody plant species in the Northeast, including taxonomic characteristics, life histories, habitat requirements, and economic importance. 3 lecture hours, 3 laboratory/fieldwork hours. Prereq: BI 102 or permission of instructor. Offered Fall odd years.
BI 364 Pathophysiology in Sports Medicine 4 Cr.
The study of human pathology with primary emphasis on the pathogenesis of those pathological states most commonly encountered in sports medicine, their disruption of normal physiology and the body's mechanism for restoring the steady state (homeostasis) are discussed in this course. The biology of the disease process is examined at the molecular, cellular, tissue, organ and organ system level. 3 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours. Prereqs: BI 215 (C) & BI 216 (C) or permission of instructor. Offered Spring even years.
BI 370 Introduction to Neuroscience 4 Cr.
An interdisciplinary course introducing the structure and function of the mammalian nervous system. Topics include, neuronal development, sensory and motor systems, chemical control of the brain and behavior, and the underlying mechanisms of neurodegenerative disease. May require dissection of living animals. 3 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours. Prereqs: BI 101 and either BI 215 or PY 230. Offered Fall.
BI 395 Evolution 4 Cr.
This course introduces Darwinian and Non-Darwinian mechanisms of evolutionary change, a history of life in the context of contemporary biology, and scientific and cultural controversies surrounding this topic. 4 lecture hours. Prereqs: BI 102 and BI 303.
BI 399 Pilot Course in Biology at the Upper-Level 4 Cr.
Pilot course in biology at the upper level.
BI 3XL Biology Lab Transfer Elective 4 Cr.
This course is used for transfer when no equivalent Norwich course exists.
BI 3XX Biology Transfer Elective 3 Cr.
This course is used for transfer when no equivalent Norwich course exists.
BI 401 Senior Seminar 3 Cr.
The capstone course integrating reading, writing, speaking and critical thinking skills. It includes instruction in scientific writing, use of contemporary scientific biological literature, and library research techniques. Students prepare research papers on current topics using primary sources and give oral presentations to the department faculty. 3 lecture hours. Prereqs: J2, S1 or S2 or permission of the instructor. Offered Fall.
BI 415 Neuroanatomy 4 Cr.
The anatomy of the brain and nervous system, with an emphasis on human neuroanatomy is discussed in this course including gross and microscopic anatomy, with in depth treatments of physical and functional organization, and major neural pathways. 3 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours. Prereq: BI 370. Offered Fall odd years.
BI 420 Diseases of the Nervous System 4 Cr.
An in-depth study of the biological basis of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Topics include developmental disorders, impairments of higher function, and the underlying mechanisms of neurodegenerative disease. Drug development and other therapeutic treatment strategies are discussed. 4 lecture hours. Prereq: BI 370. Offered Spring even years.
BI 424 Woodland Ecology and Management 4 Cr.
A review of biotic and abiotic factors controlling the forest environment, methods for determining vegetation structure and succession, introduction to major forest associations in the Northeast, and consequences of various harvesting and management techniques. 3 lecture hours, 3 field hours. Prereqs: BI 351 or BI 316, or permission of instructor. Offered Spring even years.
BI 426 Ecological Parasitology 4 Cr.
A broad overview of major groups of eukaryotic parasites with an emphasis on internal parasites important to human and veterinary health. In addition to covering the basic morphological and phylogenetic details of each group, focus is on how these parasites interact with and affect each other and their hosts. 3 lecture hours, 3 lab hours. Pre-reqs: BI 205. Offered: Fall even years.
BI 440 Reading and Research 3,4 Cr.
Independent study. BI 440 may be taken no more than twice, for 7 maximum credits. An approved topic, a brief outline of the research to be conducted, and a signature from a biology mentor are submitted to the department chair prior to the seventh day of the term in which enrolled. Prereqs: J2, S1, S2 Biology majors, 3.0 cum. GPA in biology courses, or department approval.
BI 450 Internship in Biology 3-7 Cr.
Internship in Biology. Seven maximum credits are allowed.
BI 4XX BI Advance Transfer Course 4 Cr.
This course is used for transfer when no equivalent Norwich course exists.