Professors: Robert S. Fritz, E. Pinina
Norrodb, Mark A. Schlessmanab, Robert
B. Suter; Associate Professors: Richard B. Hemmes,
David K. Jemiolo (Chair), John H. Long, Jr., Leathem
Mehaffey, III, A. Marshall Pregnall, J. William Straus,
Kathleen M. Susman; Assistant Professors: Cynthia K.
Damer, Nancy J. Pokrywka, Margaret L. Ronsheim; Lecturer
and Coordinator of Laboratory Instruction: Ann H.
Mehaffey.
Requirements for Concentration: 14 units: at the
100-level, Biology 151 and 152; at the 200-level, 4 units of
graded work, not including Biology 206; at the 300-level, 3
units of graded work; 5 units to be apportioned as
follows:
a) 3 units in Chemistry: 108/109 or 110/111, and 244;
b) 2 units to be chosen from among Chemistry 245, 350, or
352, Physics 113, 114, or 205, Mathematics 101, 102, 121,
122, or 125, Geology 115, and Psychology 270; one of the two
units may also be an additional graded 200-level or
300-level Biology course (excluding 206) or ungraded
independent research 298 or 399.
Senior Year Requirements: 2 units of graded
300-level biology taken at Vassar College.
Independent Research: The biology department
encourages students to engage in independent research with
faculty mentors, and offers ungraded courses Biology 178,
298, and 399. The department also offers Biology 303, a
graded research experience for senior majors. Students
should consult the chair or individual faculty members for
guidance in initiating independent research.
Field Work: The department offers field work in
biology. Students should consult the field work office and a
biology faculty adviser for details.
Teaching Certification: Students who wish to
obtain secondary school teaching certification in biology
should consult both the biology and education departments
for appropriate course requirements.
Early Advising: Those students considering a
concentration in biology, particularly those who have
already identified an interest in a subdiscipline of
biology, should consult a departmental adviser early in
their freshman year to discuss appropriate course sequences.
After declaration of the major, no NRO work is permissible
in the major.
Postgraduate Work: Students considering graduate
school or other professional schools should be aware that
such schools usually require courses beyond the minimum
biology major requirements. In general, students should have
at least a full year of organic chemistry, a year of
physics, and a year of calculus. Students are urged to begin
their chemistry and other correlated sciences coursework as
soon as possible, since this will assist them in successful
completion of the biology major. Students should consult
with the chair of biology or the pre-medical adviser at
their earliest opportunity.
Further Information: For additional information on
research opportunities, honors requirements, etc., please
see the biology department website at
http://depts.vassar.edu/~biology/
Advisers: For the Class of 2001, Ms. Ronsheim, Mr.
Fritz, Ms. Norrod; for the Class of 2002, Ms. Pokrywka, Mr.
Mehaffey, Mr. Schlessman; for the Class of 2003, Mr.
Jemiolo, Mr. Pregnall, Mr. Straus.
Correlate Sequences in Biology:
The Department of Biology offers four correlate
sequences, each with a different emphasis. The student
interested in undertaking a correlate in biology should
consult with the chair of the department who serves as the
adviser for correlate sequences. The requirements for each
are listed below:
Cellular Biology/Molecular Biology (7 units)
Biology 151 The Evolution of Biological Diversity (1)
Biology 152 The Cellular Basis of Life (1)
Chemistry 108/109 or Chemistry 110/111
Two of the following:
Biology 202 Plant Physiology and Development (1)
Biology 205 Introduction to Microbiology (1)
Biology 228 Animal Physiology (1)
Biology 232 Developmental Biology (1)
Biology 238 Genetics (1)
Biology 272 Cellular Biochemistry (1)
One of the following:
Biology 316 Neurobiology (1)
Biology 323 Cell Biology (1)
Biology 324 Molecular Biology (1)
Biology 370 Immunology (1)
Animal Physiology (6 units)
Biology 151 The Evolution of Biological Diversity (1)
Biology 152 The Cellular Basis of Life (1)
Biology 228 Animal Physiology (1)
Three of the following, at least one at the
300-level:
Biology 226 Animal Structure and Diversity (1)
Biology 232 Developmental Biology (1)
Biology 238 Genetics (1)
Biology 316 Neurobiology (1)
Biology 370 Immunology (1)
Ecology/Evolution (6 units)
Biology 151 The Evolution of Biological Diversity (1)
Biology 152 The Cellular Basis of Life (1)
Biology 241 Ecology (1)
Biology 350 Evolutionary Biology (1)
One of the following:
Biology 202 Plant Physiology and Development (1)
Biology 205 Introduction to Microbiology (1)
Biology 238 Genetics (1)
One of the following:
Biology 208 Plant Structure and Diversity (1)
Biology 226 Animal Structure and Diversity (1)
Biology 354 Plant-Animal Interactions (1)
Biology 356 Aquatic Ecology (1)
Behavior/Neurobiology (6 units)
Biology 151 The Evolution of Biological Diversity (1)
Biology 152 The Cellular Basis of Life (1)
Two of the following:
Biology 226 Animal Structure and Diversity (1)
Biology 228 Animal Physiology (1)
Biology 241 Ecology (1)
One of the following:
Biology 232 Developmental Biology (1)
Biology 238 Genetics (1)
One of the following:
Biology 316 Neurobiology (1)
Biology 340 Animal Behavior (1)
I. Introductory
151a and b. The Evolution of Biological Diversity
(1)
The diversity of life on this planet is the result of
genetic, ecological, and evolutionary processes. The course
examines these processes through detailed consideration of
gene transmission and variation, the mechanisms and
consequences of evolution, and ecological interactions. In
the laboratory, exercises include studies in field ecology
and experiments in genetics and evolution. Emphasis is on
experimental design, data collection and analysis, and use
of the scientific literature. The department.
Three 50-minute periods; one 4-hour laboratory.
152a and b. The Cellular Basis of Life (1)
An examination of the cell as a fundamental unit of life,
the functions of which permeate all levels of biological
organization. Cell structure and function, energy
transformations, and processing of genetic information are
studied in detail and related to biological phenomena at
many levels. Experimental design, data analysis using
computers, and the use of laboratory techniques such as
light microscopy, spectrophotometry, and electrophoresis
will be incorporated in a series of extended laboratory
projects. Each project will investigate an important problem
in cell biology. The department.
Prerequisite: Biology 151 or permission of
instructor.
Three 50-minute periods; one 4-hour laboratory.
153. Introductory Cell Biology Laboratory
(1/2)
This course is identical to the laboratory portion of
Biology 152. It is open only to students who have advanced
standing in the college and an outstanding background in the
theory of cell biology, but who have not had adequate
training in laboratory techniques and analysis. The
department.
Permission of department chair is required.
One 4-hour laboratory.
154. Evolution of Biological Diversity Laboratory
(1/2)
This course is identical to the laboratory of Biology
151. The course is open only to students who have advanced
standing in the college and an exceptional background in
evolution, genetics, and systematics, but who have not had
adequate laboratory experience. The department.
Permission of department chair is required.
One 4-hour laboratory.
178. Special Projects in Biology
(1/2)
Execution and analysis of a laboratory or field study.
Project to be arranged with individual instructor. The
department.
Open to freshmen and sophomores only.
Biology 151 and 152 are prerequisites for entry into
200-level courses unless otherwise stated.
202. Plant Physiology and Development (1)
An examination of the cellular and physiological bases of
plant maintenance, growth, development, and reproduction;
with emphasis on the values of different plants as
experimental systems. Mr. Pregnall.
Three 50-minute periods; one 4-hour laboratory.
205. Introduction to Microbiology (1)
An introduction to the world of microbes, including
bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The study of bacteria is
stressed. Studies of the morphology, physiology, and
genetics of bacteria are followed by their consideration in
ecology, industry, and medicine. Ms. Norrod.
Two 75-minute periods; two 2-hour laboratories.
[206. Environmental Biology] (1)
(Same as Science, Technology, and Society 206,
Environmental Studies Program 206) A biological exploration
of the impacts of contemporary agricultural production,
transportation, waste disposal, and energy production, as
well as human population growth, on the health of
terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The course will also
treat biological conservation, recycling, renewable resource
utilization, and energy efficiency, and their roles in the
transition to a sustainable society. Mr. Hemmes.
Not offered in 2000/01.
208. Plant Structure and Diversity (1)
A study of the origins and diversification of plants.
Problems to be analyzed may include mechanical support,
internal transport, mechanical and biochemical defenses,
life-histories, reproductive strategies, and modes of
speciation. Laboratories will include comparative study of
the divisions of plants and identification of locally common
species and families in the field. Mr. Pregnall or Mr.
Schlessman.
Three 50-minute periods; one 4-hour laboratory.
226. Animal Structure and Diversity (1)
The structures and functions of animals are compared,
analyzed, and interpreted in a phylogenetic context.
Emphasis is placed on the unique innovations and common
solutions evolved by different taxonomic groups to solve
problems related to feeding, mobility, respiration, and
reproduction. Laboratory work centers on the comparative
study of the anatomy of species representative of the major
animal phyla. The department.
Three 50-minute periods; one 4-hour laboratory.
228. Animal Physiology (1)
A comparative examination of the diversity of approaches
animals use to move, respire, eat, reproduce, sense, and
regulate their internal environments. The physiological
principles governing these processes will be developed in
lecture and applied in the laboratory. Mr. Long or Mr.
Mehaffey.
Three 50-minute periods; one 4-hour laboratory.
232. Developmental Biology (1)
The study of embryonic development including
gametogenesis, fertilization, growth, and differentiation.
Molecular concepts of gene regulation and cell interactions
are emphasized. The laboratory emphasizes classical
embryology and modern experimental techniques. Mr.
Straus.
Two 75-minute periods; one 4-hour laboratory.
238. Principles of Genetics (1)
Principles of genetics and methods of genetic analysis at
the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels. Emphasis is
placed on classical genetic experiments, as well as modern
investigative techniques such as recombinant DNA technology,
gene therapy, genetic testing, and the use of transgenic
plants and animals. Laboratory work includes experiments on
prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Ms. Damer or Ms. Pokrywka.
Three 50-minute periods; one 4-hour laboratory.
Population growth, species interaction, and community
patterns and processes of species or groups of species are
discussed. The course emphasizes these interactions within
the framework of evolutionary theory. Local habitats and
organisms are used as examples of how organisms are
distributed in space, how populations grow, why species are
adapted to their habitats, how species interact, and how
communities change. Field laboratories at Vassar Farm and
other localities will emphasize the formulation of
answerable questions and methods to test hypotheses. Mr.
Fritz or Ms. Ronsheim.
Three 50-minute periods; one 4-hour field laboratory.
(Same as Chemistry 272) Basic course covering protein
structure and synthesis, enzyme action, bio-energetic
principles, electron transport and oxidative
phosphorylation, selected metabolic pathways in prokaryotic
and eukaryotic cells. Mr. Jemiolo, Mr. Straus, or Mr.
Eberhardt (Chemistry).
Prerequisite: Chemistry 244.
Three 50-minute periods; one 4-hour laboratory.
290. Field Work (1/2 or 1)
298. Independent Work (1/2 or 1)
Execution and analysis of a field, laboratory, or library
study. The project, to be arranged with an individual
instructor, is expected to have a substantial paper as its
final product.
Permission of instructor is required.
2 units of 200-level biology are prerequisites for
entry into 300-level courses; see each course for specific
courses required or exceptions.
Critical analysis, usually through observation or
experimentation, of a specific research problem in biology.
A student electing this course must first gain, by
submission of a written research proposal, the support of a
member of the biology faculty with whom to work out details
of a research protocol. The formal research proposal, a
final paper, and presentation of results are required parts
of the course. A second faculty member will participate both
in the planning of the research and in final evaluation.
Permission of instructor is required.
An examination of nervous system function at the cellular
level. The course emphasizes the physical and chemical
foundations of intercellular communication, integration and
processing of information, and principles of neural
development. Laboratory includes demonstrations of
biophysical methodology and experimental approaches to the
study of nerve cells. Mr. Mehaffey or Ms. Susman.
Prerequisites: 2 units of 200-level biology or 1 unit of
200-level biology and Psychology 214 or 278. Recommended:
Biology 228, 272.
Investigations with a biochemical emphasis into the
dynamics of the eukaryotic cell. Topics include the cell
cycle, membrane trafficking, cytoskeleton, and cell
signaling. Ms. Damer or Ms. Pokrywka.
Prerequisite: Biology 272.
324. Molecular Biology (1)
(Same as Chemistry 324) An examination of the
macromolecular processes underlying storage, transfer, and
expression of genetic information. Topics include the
structure, function, and synthesis of DNA; mutation and
repair; the chemistry of RNA and protein synthesis; the
regulation of gene expression; cancer and oncogenes; the
molecular basis of cell differentiation; and genetic
engineering. Mr. Jemiolo.
Prerequisites: one of the following: Biology 205, 238, or
272.
Examination of the relationship between behavior and the
individual animal's survival and reproductive success in its
natural environment. Evolutionary, physiological, and
developmental aspects of orientation, communication, habitat
selection, foraging, reproductive tactics, and social
behavior are considered. Methodology and experimental design
will be considered in lectures, but will be given particular
emphasis in the laboratory component of the course. Mr.
Hemmes or Mr. Suter.
Prerequisites: 2 units of 200-level biology or 1 unit
each of 200-level biology and psychology; recommended:
Biology 226, 228, 238, or Psychology 270.
350. Evolutionary Biology (1)
Study of the history of evolutionary thought, mechanisms
of evolutionary change, and controversies in the study of
organic evolution. Topics include the origin and maintenance
of genetic variability, natural selection, adaptation,
origin of species, macroevolution, co-evolution, and human
evolution. Mr. Hemmes or Mr. Schlessman.
Prerequisites: any two of Biology 208, 226, or 241; or
permission of the instructor.
354. Plant-Animal Interactions (1)
An explanation of the predominant interactions between
plants and animals that influence their ecology and
evolution. The course focuses on the kinds of interactions
(herbivory, mutualism, pollination, seed dispersal, etc.),
the costs and benefits of interactions, the ecological
contexts that favor certain types of species interactions
(environmental stability, competition, and predation
intensity), and the evolution (natural selection models and
co-evolution) of interactions. Primary literature and case
histories are regularly discussed while the theory that
explains the evolution and ecology of interactions is
explored. The laboratory includes individual and group
independent projects that permit observation and
experimentation with plant-animal interactions. Mr.
Fritz.
Prerequisite: Biology 241 or permission of
instructor.
[356. Aquatic Ecology] (1)
A consideration of freshwater, estuarine, and marine
habitats that examine material and energy fluxes through
aquatic systems; physiological aspects of plant production;
the biogeochemical cycling of nutrients; adaptations of
organisms to physical and chemical aspects of the aquatic
environment; and biological processes that structure
selected communities. Mr. Pregnall.
Not offered in 2000/01.
An examination of the immune response at the cellular and
molecular levels. Topics include the structure, function,
and synthesis of antibodies; transplantation and tumor
immunology; immune tolerance; allergic responses; and immune
deficiency diseases. Mechanisms for recognition;
communication; and cooperation between different classes of
lymphocytes in producing these various responses are
stressed, as are the genetic basis of immunity and the
cellular definition of "self'' which makes each individual
unique. Ms. Norrod.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 244 or permission of instructor;
Biology 238, 272 recommended.
Two 75-minute lectures; four hours of laboratory.
399. Senior Independent Work (1/2 or
1)
Execution and analysis of a field, laboratory, or library
study. The project, to be arranged with an individual
instructor, is expected to have a substantial paper as its
final product.
Permission of instructor is required.
IV. Graduate
400. Thesis (1)
416. Neurobiology (1)
423. Cell Biology (1)
424. Molecular Biology (1)
440. Animal Behavior (1)
450. Evolutionary Biology (1)
454. Plant-Animal Interactions (1)
456. Aquatic Ecology (1)
470. Immunology (1)
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