• Courses
• Department Goals
• Facilities
• Faculty
• Student Opportunities
• Why Study Biology?

Courses

All students with an interest in majoring in Biology at Waldorf will begin working toward a BA 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 BA student will have a solid preparation in Biology, but also will be able to accrue a minor in Business, or Computers, or 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), then they can elect a greater number of credits in the sciences (esp. biology), and they will graduate with a BS.

In addition to the 40 credits in General Education core courses required by the College, all students majoring in Biology will complete 28 credits in Biology Core Courses.

Biology Core Courses

Biology majors also will complete 28-29 credits in supporting mathematics and science courses.

Required Supporting Courses

Finally, to receive a B.A. in Biology, students will need to complete 8 additional credits in Biology courses numbered 300 or higher; to receive a B.S. in biology, students will need to complete a full year of organic chemistry, Calculus I, and at least 12 additional credits in Biology courses numbered 300 or higher.

Course Descriptions

BIO 105 Principles of Biology (4 cr.) 3-3 (3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory)
An introduction to biological principles for the non-science major; it does not satisfy the perquisites 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 interactions of humans and the environment.

BIO 120 General Biology (4cr.) 3-3
 A foundation course for science and pre­-professional majors that 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)

BIO 125 Introduction to Environmental Science (4 cr.) 3-3
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)

BIO/WEL 207 Principles of Nutrition (3 cr.) 3-0
Students will develop an understanding of the processes of digestion and absorption; the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and protein; the food guide pyramid and accurate food labels; the function of vitamins and minerals; the nutrient density of foods; eating disorders; and the importance of proper nutrition throughout the life cycle. Includes food demonstrations and practical applications.

BIO 220 General Zoology (4 cr.) 3-3
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)

BIO 222 General Botany (4 cr.) 3-3
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)

BIO 253 Human Anatomy & Physiology I (4 cr.) 3-3
The structure and function of the human body, including the study of histology, integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine systems. Dysfunction, current issues, and practical applications are stressed when appropriate. Designed primarily for Wellness, pre-nursing, pre-physical therapy, pre-chiropractic, and related curricula. (Prerequisite: BIO 105 or 120)

BIO 254 Human Anatomy & Physiology II (4 cr.) 3-3
The structure and function of the human body, including the study of the digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular, lymphatic, urinary, and reproductive systems, as well as nutritional concepts homeostasis, and human embryology. Dysfunction, current issues, and practical applications are stressed when appropriate. Designed primarily for Wellness, pre-nursing, pre-physical therapy, pre-chiropractic, and related curricula. (Prerequisites: BIO 253 and CHM 131)

BIO 330 Biochemistry (4 cr.) 3-3
An introduction to biological macromolecules and their components, with an emphasis on the functional aspects of chemical structures. Includes bioenergetics and metabolic processes, including structures, enzyme kinetics, chemical equilibria, biosynthesis, hormone regulation, chemistry of lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids. The laboratory will include modern methods in biochemical analysis, and applications in biomedical and other relevant issues. (Prerequisites: BIO 120 and CHM 242)

BIO 332 Genetics (4 cr.) 3-2
An introduction to the basic principles of both Mendelian genetics and molecular biology as applied to animals, microorganisms, and plants. Laboratories will include work with drosophila, bacteria, electrophoresis, and computer simulations. (Prerequisites: BIO 120 and CHM 132)

BIO 340 Microbiology (4 cr.) 3-4
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)

BIO 350 Comparative Chordate Anatomy (4 cr.) 3-3
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)

BIO 352 Vertebrate Physiology (4 cr.) 3-3
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)

BIO 370 Ecology (4 cr.) 3-3
The study of ecological systems, including energy flow and nutrient cycles; factors that limit distribution, abundance, and growth 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)

BIO 372 Evolutionary Biology (3 cr.) 3-0
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, and migration), the methods by which biologists reconstruct the history of life on the planet, and the directions of current research in the field. (Prerequisite: BIO 220, 222, 332)

BIO 440 Cell and Molecular Biology (4 cr.) 3-3
Cell and organelle organization and function in relation to molecular-level processes including cellular transport and communication across membranes; activities of enzymes and other macromolecules; chromosomes and DNA replication; transcription; mitosis and meiosis. The laboratory will involve modern methods in cell/molecular biology. (Prerequisites: BIO 120, 332, and CHM 242)

BIO 442 Developmental Biology (4 cr.) 3-2
A study of the developmental process from gametogenesis through organogenesis and morphogenesis. Organismal and molecular aspects of the processes will be emphasized. The laboratory will include observation of and experimentation with invertebrate and vertebrate systems. (Prerequisite: BIO 220, 222, and 332; BIO 440 recommended)

BIO 470 Conservation Biology (4 cr.) 3-3
The biological basis of biodiversity and factors that affect it. Discussion topics will include the history and development of resource conservation, introduction to population viability, landscape processes, restoration, and current topics. Terrestrial systems will be emphasized. Students will complete a project in the geospatial analysis lab. Some Saturday trips. (Prerequisite: BIO 370, 372)

BIO 490 Biology Research I (1 cr.)
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)

BIO 491 Biology Research II (1-2 cr.)
The completion phase for the research project proposed in BIO 490. 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 490)

BIO 492 Biology Research III (1-2 cr.)
An opportunity to extend the work started in BIO 491. (Prerequisite: BIO 491)

BIO 495 Biology Internship (1-4 cr.)
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)

BIO 499 Senior Seminar (1 cr.) 1-0
A capstone course required for graduation that 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 491 (Research II) or BIO 495 (Internship) (Prerequisite: senior status as a Biology major.)