Biology and Environmental Sciences (BIO, ENS)

BIOLOGY

Professors Baker, Carty, Faber and Krieger; Associate Professor Berger; Research Associate Stearns

The programs of the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences are designed to provide a background in the earth and life sciences within the context of a liberal arts education, and to prepare majors for occupational goals and advanced training. Courses serve students in the basic liberal arts program, those who plan to teach in elementary or secondary schools, and students who are interested in scientific research. The department offers two majors (Biology
and Environmental Science) and three minors (Biology, Environmental Studies, Geology).

The Biology major prepares those who plan to work in the applied fields of allied health, podiatry, dentistry, medicine, veterinary medicine, medical technology, nursing, pharmacology, physical therapy, public health, agriculture, horticulture, agronomy, forestry, plant pathology, entomology, environmental management, and forensic biology. The Forensics track provides students with skills and knowledge suitable for careers in criminal biology laboratories or graduate work in forensic science.

The Environmental Science major is interdisciplinary, and is designed to prepare students to meet the growing demand for environmental scientists and managers. Students will gain (1) an understanding of environmental issues, (2) skills in a variety of research and monitoring techniques, (3) insights into research and data interpretation, and (4) communication skills in the sciences.

It is anticipated that many Environmental Science majors will interact with programs of the National Center of Water Quality Research (NCWQR). The laboratory has a staff of seven full-time researchers involved in chemical, biological, and hydrological studies. NCWQR programs center on the collection, analysis and interpretation of environmental data necessary for improved water resource management in the Great Lakes Basin. Much of the NCWQR’s research focuses on assessing the impacts of agricultural land use on water resources and on evaluating the effectiveness of agricultural pollution abatement programs. The laboratory’s research programs are supported by governmental agencies, industries, and foundations.

Biology Major: 40 semester hours of which 28 must include Biology 099 (six times), 123, 124, 213, 222, 223, 311 (Junior level discipline specific communication requirement), 312, 363, and a capstone course as described below.

Allied Courses: All biology majors must take 8 semester hours of Chemistry (111 and 112), 8 semester hours of Physics (101 and 102), and two courses of Mathematics.
Capstone Requirement: All Biology majors are required to complete a capstone experience designed to heighten their understanding of their chosen field. To this end, majors are asked to take one of the following courses, a principal component of whch is a semester-long research project: BIO 303, 318, 325, 334, or 415.

Forensic Science Track: All of the above Biology Major and allied requirements, plus additional allied courses: ANT 205, 325, 425, and POL 151. One of the allied math requirements must be MTH 210. Students interested in DNA processing or a graduate program in Forensic Science are strongly encouraged to take the following courses: CHM 201, 404, and 415; FSC 101 and 101L.

Students majoring in Biology may not also major in the Environmental Science Biology track.

Students who do not wish to major in Biology but nonetheless have a strong interest in the biological sciences, have the option of pursuing a minor in Biology. Students have substantial flexibility in fashioning their minor according to the areas of biology that hold the greatest
interest for them.

Biology Minor: 20 semester hours in Biology to include BIO course (123 or 110 with the laboratory, but not both). BIO 311 may not be applied as credit towards the Biology Minor.  Environmental Science majors in the Biology track may not also minor in Biology. No grade of “D” shall be waived in 200, 300 or 400 level biology courses being applied toward either biology major or minor.

Environmental Science Major: 30-36 semester hours including : ENS 101, 101L, 300 (Junior level discipline specific communication requirement), 392, either 393 or 370 (at least 3 hrs.), 422 (Senior Capstone Experience), and all of the required courses for one of the tracks listed below. Additionally, ENS majors must complete 6 ENS 099 Seminar offerings (students must enroll in 099 each semester beginning their sophomore year).

Allied Courses: All ENS majors must complete CHM 111 and 112, PHY 101, BIO 124, GEO 101 and 101L, MTH 115 or 222, MTH 210
Biology Track: 20 sem. hrs. including BIO 123, 213, 222, 334, ENS 323

Biology Track: 20 sem. hrs. including BIO 123, 213, 222, 334, ENS 323
Chemistry Track: 19-20 sem. hrs. including ENS 205, CHM 201, 305, 404, and an elective
Geology Track: 18-19 sem. hrs. including GEO 201, 305, 306, 309, 355, and an elective
Water Resources Track: 18-19 sem. hrs. including ENS 205, 323, BIO 324, GEO 352, and an elective
ENS majors may meet their elective hour requirements within the track by choosing any additional course from a different track, electing a course from the following list:
PHY 102, ENS 361, BIO 325, ECO 344, or obtaining approval from the Environmental Science committee for a different but related course (e.g., special topics course).

Students majoring in Environmental Science with a Biology track may not also major in Biology. No grade of “D” may be waived for any required course above the 100 level applied toward the Environmental Science major.

Environmental Studies Minor: 18-19 semester hours including ENS 101, 101L, PHI 216, GEO 201 and at least 8 hours from the following: BIO 124, 213, CHM 111, GEO 305, 306, ENS 361, ECO 344, or any course approved by the Environmental Science Curriculum committee. Students majoring in Environmental Science may not also minor in Environmental Studies.


Biology Courses (BIO)

110. Contemporary Biological Problems (3 sem. hrs.). This course is designed for non-majors. Students electing to take this course in order to meet their General Education requirement for a laboratory science must take both BIO 110 and BIO

110L in the same semester. The course explores the many ways in which problems facing modern humans can be better understood and addressed through study of the biological sciences. Thus, the course is concerned with the basic biochemistry and cellular structure of all living organisms, genetics, anatomy and physiology of the body, disease, evolution, ecology and environmental issues. This course may not be used for credit towards the 39 hours required for the biology major. Three lectures per week. (Fall and Spring)

110L. Laboratory Studies in Contemporary Biology (1 sem. hr.). This course is designed for non-majors as the laboratory complement to BIO 110, Contemporary Biological Problems. The weekly exercises allow students to more fully explore some of the important concepts discussed in the lecture, and provide them with firsthand experience of how biologists actually “do science.” The laboratory must be taken concurrently with BIO 110. It may not be used for credit towards the 39 hours required for the Biology major. One 2-hour lab each week. (Fall and Spring)

120. Ornithology (3 sem. hrs.). The biology and identification of birds. The primary focus of this course is to involve the student in the increasingly popular hobby of bird watching. Field trips and lectures incorporating color images teach methods of finding and identifying the birds and provide a natural history background for our North American avifauna. Two laboratory/lecture sessions per week. Will not satisfy Natural Sciences requirement of the General Education Requirement. (Spring of odd-even years)

123. Biology I (4 sem. hrs.). First course of a two semester sequence required of majors. The course reviews the scientific method, introduces features of the unity of life (the cell, cell chemistry, genetics, respiration, and evolution), and discusses some characteristics of animal form. Lecture and laboratory components must be taken concurrently. Students with credit for BIO 112 will not also receive credit for 123. (Fall only)

124. Biology II (4 sem. hrs.). Second course of a two semester sequence required of majors. The course reviews the diversity of life including systematics, viruses, bacteria, protists, fungi, invertebrate animals, with special emphasis on plant biology. Material from the first course is combined with the second in the study of ecology and environmental issues. Lecture and laboratory components must be taken concurrently. Students with credit for BIO 114 will not also receive credit for 124. (Spring only)

213. Field Biology (4 sem. hrs.). Familiarizes the student with the diverse array of animals and plants living in natural areas of northern Ohio. Field trips to local forests, fields and streams, as well as lab studies, will acquaint students with some of the commonest flowers, trees, insects and vertebrates. Three 2-hour classes each week. Required of all Biology and Environmental Biology majors. Prerequisites: BIO 123 and 124. (Fall only)

222. Cell and Molecular Biology (4 sem. hrs.). An in-depth study of the structural and functional nature of the cell based on its molecular make-up. Emphasis will be placed on both biological and molecular technology. Three lectures and one 3-hour laboratory each week. Required of all Biology and Environmental Biology majors. Prerequisites: Two semesters of college biology or permission of the instructor. (Spring only)

223. Genetics (4 sem. hrs.). Study of the laws of heredity and some of their applications with special emphasis on transmission and molecular phenomena. Three lectures and one 3-hour lab each week. Prerequisites: Two semesters of college biology or permission of the instructor. Required of all Biology and Environmental Biology majors. (Fall only)

235. Human Physiology (3 sem. hrs.). This course examines how the various systems of the human body function and builds upon biologic principles presented in first-year biology courses. Designed as a service course for nonmajors, this course may not be used towards hours in the Biology or Environmental Sciences majors. Prerequisite: One semester of college biology. Students with credit for BIO 315 will not also receive credit for 235. (Spring)

303. Developmental Biology (4 sem. hrs.). Classical vertebrate and invertebrate embryology, coupled with inquiries into related fields of biochemistry, cellular biology and molecular genetics. Emphasis on the chemical basis of early development through primary organ formation. The laboratory emphasizes experimental techniques and instrumentation. Prerequisites: BIO 222 and 223 or permission of the instructor. Open to juniors and seniors.

311. Biology Seminar (1 sem. hr.). Students will improve their written and oral communication by critiquing several recently published papers from the biological literature. Required of all Biology and Environmental Biology majors during the junior or senior year. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Standing. (Fall and Spring)

312. Evolution (3 sem. hrs.). The process of evolution is defined and evidence from biology and paleontology for the reality of evolution is reviewed. The course next surveys the natural processes which scientists suggest can lead to evolutionary change in groups of organisms and concludes with the postulated evolutionary histories of several important groups, including humans. Three lectures per week. Required of all Biology and Environmental Biology majors. Prerequisites: BIO 123, 124 and 223 or permission of the instructor. (Fall)

318. Human Medical Genetics (3 sem. hrs.). An in-depth look at the role of chromosomes and genes in the etiology of human genetic diseases. Symptoms, treatments, psychological factors and possible screening methods will be presented. This course is suggested for people entering into graduate or professional programs in human health-related fields. Prerequisite: BIO 223 or permission of the instructor. Open to juniors and seniors only.

324. Water Pollution Biology  (4 sem. hrs.). The biological effects of water pollution will be studied through lectures, experimentation, field sampling, laboratory analysis, and data interpretation. Students will employ up-to-date methods of stream biomonitoring and will be introduced to methods of toxicity testing. Two 75-minute lectures/discussions plus one 3-hour lab/field session per week. Prerequisite: ENS 323. Students with credit for WTR 324 will not also receive credit for BIO 324. (Spring of even-odd years)

325. Microbiology (4 sem. hrs.). Introduction to general principles and techniques of the study of micro-organisms of air, water, foods and soils, and relationship of such organisms to health and disease in plants and animals. Three lectures and two 2-hour laboratory periods each week. Prerequisites: Two semesters of both college biology and college chemistry. Open to juniors and seniors only. (Fall)

326. Immunology (3 sem. hrs.). Theories and mechanisms of infection and immunity. A general course dealing with the nature of antigens, antibodies, immunologic reactions with consideration of antibody structure and the cellular, biochemical and genetic basis of immunity. Allergic phenomena, autoimmune disease and transplantation will be discussed. Prerequisite: BIO 325 or permission of the instructor. (Spring of odd-even years)

328. Phycology (3 sem. hrs.). Algae — their identification, economic importance and evolutionary significance. Both freshwater micro-algae and marine macro-algae will be included. Laboratory will emphasize collecting, identifying and counting techniques. Recommended for those interested in careers in aquatic biology or botany. Two lectures and one 2-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BIO 124. (Spring of odd-even years)

334. Ecology (4 sem. hrs.). An investigation of the ways living organisms interact with each other and their physical environments. Topics include adaptations of individuals to environmental stress, the structure and growth of
populations, competition, predation, community ecology and the flow of energy and nutrients through ecosystems. The lab introduces students to experimental ecology. Three 2-hour classes each week. Required of all Environmental Biology majors. Prerequisites: BIO 123, 124 and a statistics course. Open to juniors and seniors only. (Spring)

355. Ichthyology (3 sem. hrs.). This course provides an introduction to the broad field of fish biology. It develops important background for those interested in pursuing careers in fisheries biology, aquaculture, water quality assessment, ecology or vertebrate physiology. We review a number of the traditional concerns of ichthyology including fish taxonomy, anatomy, physiology and distribution, ecology and behavior. Special attention is given to field collection methods involving seining and electroshocking, and to identification of Ohio stream and lake fish species. Prerequisite: BIO 123. (Spring of even-odd years)

363. Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4 sem. hrs.). First of a two-course sequence covering structure and function of the human body. Includes three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week. This course integrates micro and gross anatomy while examining how the human body functions from the cellular level, up through and focusing on the various systems including nervous, integumentary, muscular, and endocrine. Lab utilizes previously prosected cadavers and analysis of live subjects (humans, rats, and frogs). Required of all Biology and Athletic Training majors. Prerequisite: one college biology course. Open to juniors and seniors. (Fall)

364. Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4 sem. hrs.). This course is a continuation of the sequence which begins with BIO 363 and covers the remaining physiological systems including cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, urinary, digestive, and reproductive. Cadavers and live subject models continue to enhance laboratory exploration. This Honors recognition is the prerequisite for BIO 403. Required of Athletic Training majors. Prerequisite: BIO 363. (Spring)

365. Cat Dissection and Anatomy (1 sem. hr.). This course is a companion to BIO 364 for students who wish to qualify for BIO 403, Cadaver Prosection, for the following Fall. Students will develop dissection skills on preserved cats, and will be tested on cat anatomy. Students will assist in conducting tours of the Cadaver lab for local high school students and other interested parties. Prerequisite: B- or higher in BIO 363. Co-requisite: BIO 364. (Spring)

370. Biology Internship (1-15 sem. hrs.). This course gives junior and senior biology majors an opportunity for academic-related work experience outside the usual university environment. The internship should enhance the student’s intellectual development through the application of knowledge. This program cannot be totally observational. Prerequisites: BIO 123, 124 and at least one 4-hour upper level course. A minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.5 is required. An internship contract must be completed and on file in the Internship office before registration. This course may not be used for credit towards the 39 hours required of the biology major. (Each Semester)

375. Caribbean Biogeography (1 sem. hr.). Ten-day trip to Belize, Central America or other suitable area during the spring vacation period. (Offered Spring of odd-even years)

390, 391. Independent Research (1-3 sem. hrs.). An independent study course featuring special laboratory and/ or field work for advanced students. The work must be arranged prior to registration in consultation with an instructor. Permission of the department chairperson is required. A formal written proposal of the expected project is required before registration. All students taking this course will meet together for one period each week to share their problems and ideas and to present progress reports of their project to their peers and faculty. (Fall and Spring)

403. Cadaver Prosection (2 sem. hr.). Anterior or posterior aspect of a cadaver will be prosected by students. Purpose is to gain additional dissecting skill and a more thorough understanding of human anatomy via a regional approach to study. One 3-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: B- or higher in BIO 363, 364 and 365. (Fall)

415. Animal Behavior (3 sem. hrs.). Takes an evolutionary approach in examining the immense diversity of animal behavior for insights into the lives of animals. The course highlights procedures biologists have developed for observing and interpreting behavior in animals, and provides students the opportunity to apply these scientific methods in conducting their own original research into a problem in animal behavior. Prerequisites: BIO 213 and a statistics course, or permission of instructor. Open to juniors and seniors only. (Spring of odd-even years)

425, 426. Special Topics in Biology (1-3 sem. hrs.). The department offers a variety of mini-courses on special biology topics of interest to upper level students and staff. The topics concern areas not commonly stressed in other department courses. In general, the courses will be offered in response to student demand and within the confines of faculty time.

475, 476. Honors Course (3 sem. hrs. each). This course is reserved for seniors. During the two semesters of work the student must go beyond the level of ordinary undergraduate work. Results of the work should approach the level of a master’s thesis. Course requires both comprehensive written examinations in the field of biology and an oral presentation to the staff of the work accomplished. The title of the student’s investigation will appear in the honors ceremony program. A student’s entry to this course must be approved in detail by the department head and another biology faculty member prior to registration. (Fall and Spring)

Environmental Science Courses (ENS)

099. Environmental Science Colloquium Series (0 sem. hrs.). Each semester beginning in the sophomore year, students must attend two of the evening Colloquia sponsored by the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences. This course must be completed a total of six times. For transfer students, completion of this series is pro-rated to student status at the time of transfer into Heidelberg University (students transferring in with 56-87 credit hours must complete the course four times; students transferring in with at least 88 credit hours must complete two 099 courses). Please see the Biological and Environmental Sciences Department Chair for any questions about he colloquium series.

101. Introduction to Environmental Science (3 sem. hrs.). An introduction to the relationships between air, soil, water, rock, and life, with emphasis on human interactions in these systems, and how society deals with the major environmental concerns: population growth, air and water pollution, wastes, loss of wildlife, fuel and mineral resources, climate change. Students will develop skills in observation, scientific method, and critical scientific inquiry. Students electing this course to meet their General Education requirement for laboratory science must take both ENS 101 and ENS 101L in the same semester. Students with credit for BIO 109 will not also receive credit for ENS 101. (Fall and Spring)

101L. Environmental Science Laboratory (1 sem. hr.). This course is the laboratory complement to ENS 101 Introduction to Environmental Science. The weekly exercises allow students to more fully explore some of the important concepts discussed in the lecture. The laboratory must be taken concurrently with ENS 101. One 2-hour lab each week. (Fall and Spring)

205. Environmental Sampling and Analysis (4 sem. hrs.). Students will examine environmental matrices, such as surface water, groundwater, and sediment samples, using contemporary sampling and analytical equipment and methods. In addition, students will employ appropriate documentation and quality control procedures, interpret data and learn to assess and communicate environmental quality information suitable for research and governmental agency use. Prerequisites:
CHM 111 and CHM 112. Students with credit for CHM 205 or WTR 205 will not also receive credit for ENS 205. (Spring only)

300. Issues in Environmental Science (3 sem. hrs.). Students will improve their written and oral communication skills by investigating topical and current issues in environmental science. Instructors will emphasize relationships between traditional academic fields for concerns related to population growth, natural hazards, and pollution and waste in the bio-, hydro-, litho-, and atmospheres. Topics will focus on areas of student interest in preparation for research and internship experiences. This course satisfies the junior level discipline specific communication requirement for all ENS majors. Prerequisites: ENS 101, BIO 124, GEO 101, CHM 111, PHY 101. (Fall only)

323. Limnology (4 sem. hrs.). Study of the interrelations among the physical, chemical and biological components of aquatic ecosystems within continental boundaries. In this course students investigate the ecology of streams, lakes and wetlands. Laboratory and field sessions include techniques for measuring water and habitat quality and an introduction to biological diversity, with a broad taxonomic survey of aquatic biota. Information gathered on field trips and from student research is integrated into written reports which draw on concepts presented in lecture. One required Saturday field trip. Two 3-hour sessions per week. Prerequisites: BIO 124, CHM 111 and 112. Students with credit for WTR 323 will not also receive credit for ENS 323. (Fall only)

361. Environmental Law and Regulations (3 sem. hrs.). It is through law that our society makes its values functional. This course explores the relationship between ecological science, social and economic policy, and the American legal system. It uses the broad field of environmental science as a way to explore the entire legal system. We begin with an examination of the common law concepts of liability and remedies, and proceed with a consideration of public law statutes and regulations addressing the nation’s environmental concerns. Students with credit for BIO 361 will not also recieve credit for ENS 361. (Spring of even-odd years)

370. Internship in Environmental Science (1-4 sem. hrs.). This course gives junior and senior Environmental Science majors an opportunity for academically related work experience outside the usual university environment. The internship should enhance the student’s intellectual development through the application of knowledge. The program may not be totally observational. Supervised site and schedule must be determined by the student with ENS committee approval. Prerequisites: ENS 392 or approval of the ENS committee. (Fall and Spring)

392. Training in Environmental Science (1 sem. hr.). Preparation for research and internship experience to be completed in ENS 370 or 393. This course involves investigation of scientific literature, writing and communication in environmental science, preparation of budgets, experimental design, and types of field work. During this course students will arrange an internship or research project and choose a mentor for the following semester in either ENS 370 or 393. Students meet once a week to review progress. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing with major in Environmental Science. Students with credit for WTR 392 will not also receive credit for ENS 392. (Spring)

393. Environmental Science Research (3 sem. hrs.). Continuation of ENS 392, Training in Environmental Science. Experiments and/or field observations will be completed and results analyzed and graphically portrayed. A technical report will be written. Students will meet regularly with their faculty mentor to review progress. It is expected that students will spend a minimum of nine hours a week on this course. Prerequisites: Successful completion of ENS 392, Junior or Senior standing with major in Environmental Science. Students with credit for WTR 393 will not also receive credit for ENS 393. (Fall)

422. Environmental Science Seminar (1 sem. hr.). Series of discussions related to both (1) contemporary research literature, and (2) student internship and research experiences in Environmental Science. Students will present the results of their experience in class, and, optimally, at the Student Research Conference and off-campus symposia. Satisfies capstone requirement for all ENS tracks. Prerequisites: ENS 370 or 393, Senior standing with major in Environmental Science. Students with credit for WTR 422 will not also receive credit for ENS 422. (Spring)