All students with an interest in majoring in Biology at Waldorf will begin working toward a B.A. degree. This track has great flexibility and will allow a student to combine other areas (including a solid minor) with biology. For example, the Biology B.A. student will have a solid preparation in biology, but also will be able to accrue a minor in business, computers, communications, education, wellness, etc. This flexibility will increase the student's ability to sell him/herself more effectively and broadly in a greater variety of markets.
For those students who know (or decide after a year or two) they want to apply to graduate schools or to professional schools (medicine, physical therapy, dentistry, etc), and need a deeper preparation in a particular area of biology (e.g., molecular, cellular, physiology, ecology), they can elect a greater number of credits in the sciences (esp. biology), and they will graduate with a B.S.
In addition to the 40 credits in General Education core courses required by the College, all students majoring in biology will complete 24 credits in Biology Core Courses.
To receive a B.A. in biology, students will need to complete 4 additional credits in biology courses numbered 300 or higher. To receive a B.S. in biology, students will need to complete MTH 203 and at least 12 additional credis in biology courses numbered 300 or higher, including BIO 491 and 492.
CHM 241 and 242 may be required for some advanced biology courses. MTH 103 or 201 is recommended.
A one-credit orientation for any student interested in majoring in the biological sciences. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to : 1) the scope and interrelated nature of the biological sciences, 2) the diversity of professions available to graduates of the biological sciences, and 3) some of the requirements students must meet for these professions. Speakers from a wide range of biological sciences will visit class to dialog with students.
(3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory) This course is an introduction to biological principles for non-science majors. It does not satisfy the prerequisites for most advanced biology courses. The course material is presented within the context of human experience and covers topics such as cell biology, vertebrate systems, genetics, evolution, ecology, and the interaction of humans and the environment. (Course Fee $65)
A foundation course for science and preprofessional majors, this course includes an introduction to cellular structure and function, genetics, and principles of ecology and evolution, all based within a context of scientific inquiry. (Prerequisites: 1 year of high school biology and 1 year of high school chemistry. Concurrent enrollment in CHM 131 recommended) (Course Fee $65)
This course is an introductory study of the environmental sciences. Students will examine how human cultures have changed habitats in their pursuit of resources and how these changes have affected ecosystems and human cultures. Examples will include local, national, and global topics. The influence of economic and political aspects on environmental issues also will be explored. Lab exercises will illustrate concepts. (Prerequisite: BIO 105 or 120 or PHY 151 or CHM 131) (Course Fee $65)
The structure and function of the human body, including discussions of dysfunction, current issues, and practical applications. Designed for Wellness and Physical Education majors. Credit will not be given for students majoring in Biology or Pre-professional health programs. (Prerequisite: BIO 105) (Course Fee $65)
Introductory course designed to familiarize students with biochemical processes of digestion, absorption, and metabolism, as well as the contributions of various nutrients to the health of individuals at various ages; appropriate for pre-health professionals.
A survey of the animal kingdom. Topics include animal structure and function, growth and development, taxonomy and phylogeny, ecology and distribution. Concepts learned in BIO 120 will be applied to this study of animals. (Prerequisite: BIO 120) (Course Fee $65)
A survey of the plant kingdom. Topics include plant structure and function, growth and development, taxonomy and phylogeny, ecology and distribution. Concepts learned in BIO 120 will be applied to this study of plants. (Prerequisite: BIO 120) (Course Fee $65)
An introduction to biological macromolecules and their components. Topics will include enzymatic catalysis, thermodynamics and kinetics, and the control and integration of metabolic and catabolic processes. At all points in the course particular emphasis will be placed on the structure and function of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. (Prerequisites: BIO 120 and CHM 242) (Course Fee $65)
A survey of the principles of Mendelian, molecular, population, and human genetics. Laboratories will provide an introduction to some of the major organisms used for studying genetics and will explore both classical and molecular techniques. (Prerequisites: BIO 120 and CHM 132) (Course Fee $65)
The biology of microorganisms emphasizing morphology, physiology, and ecology of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and their importance in medicine, the environment, agriculture, and industry. Laboratory emphasis on staining, observing, culturing, and identifying microorganisms. (Prerequisite: BIO 120; CHM 132) (Course Fee $65)
A rigorous study of the origin and evolution of chordates, comparing anatomy, functional morphology, and evolutionary morphology across taxa. Laboratories include comparative dissections of different chordates, ranging from primitive fish to mammals. (Prerequisite: BIO 220 (Course Fee $65)
A rigorous study of the physiological systems and adaptive mechanisms of vertebrates to environmental variables. Topics include cellular, cardiovascular, neural and muscular, respiratory, renal, digestive, hormonal, and reproductive physiology, and pathophysiological conditions. Emphasis on mammalian physiology. (Prerequisites: BIO 350 and CHM 132; CHM 242 recommended) (Course Fee $65)
The study of ecological systems, including energy flow and nutrient cycles; factors that limit the distribution and abundance of organisms; population and physiological ecology; and the impact of humans on the environment. The laboratory will include field trips (Saturdays possible), the application of statistics, and an introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS). (Prerequisites: BIO 220, 222, CHM 132, and MTH 201) (Course Fee $65)
Evolutionary theory forms the foundation for all modern biological thought. This course will examine the processes of evolution in detail (selection, genetic drift, genetic mutation on the molecular level, gene flow, speciation, and phylogeny), the methods by which biologists reconstruct the history of life on the planet, and directions of current research. (Prerequisite: BIO 220, 222, or 332)
An introduction to the cell as a biological unit and various molecular aspects of DNA, RNA, and protein structure, function, and expression. Topics include ultrastructure of the cell, macromolecular organization and function of cell components, recombinant DNA and genetic engineering, and regulation of gene activity. The laboratories focus on modern methods and instrumentation in cell and molecular biology. (Prerequisites: BIO 330, 332) (Course Fee $65)
A study of the developmental processes that occur within the organelles, cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems of both plants and animals. Topics will include gametogenesis through organogenesism morphogenesis, and senescence. Laboratories will include observation and experimentation with animal and plant systems. (Prerequisite: BIO 220, 222, and 332; BIO 440 recommended) (Course Fee $65)
The biological basis of biodiversity and factors that affect it. Topics will include the history and development of resource conservation, introduction to population viability, landscape processes, restoration, and other current topics. Terrestrial systems will be emphasized. Students will complete a project in the geospatial analysis lab. Some Saturday trips. (Prerequisite: BIO 370, 372) (Course Fee $65)
A preparatory course using a literature search and proposal preparation for a research project. Students meet periodically with a research advisor and submit a literature review and project proposal at the end of the semester. (Prerequisite: completion of at least 36 credits in the Biology major)
The completion phase for the research project proposed in BIO 491. At the end of the semester, students prepare a written report and an oral summary to be presented in BIO 499, Senior Seminar. (Prerequisite: BIO 491)
A capstone, investigative experience for Secondary Education majors pursuing a Science Endorsement. Students will apply their knowledge and skills in the biological sciences to design and complete a research-type project. A final paper is required. (Prerequisite: Senior status)
Supervised work experience in a biology lab or area related to career choice. At the end of the internship, students prepare a written report and an oral summary to be presented in BIO 499, Senior Seminar. (Prerequisite: completion of at least 36 credits in the Biology major)
A capstone course required for graduation that is designed to provide an integration of concepts in biology with a discussion of the ethics of applied biology. Students submit a written paper and make an oral presentation based on the completed work for either BIO 492 (Research II) or BIO 495 (Internship). (Prerequisite: Senior status as a Biology major)