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Biology Course Descriptions

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BIOL 111; 112 Human Anatomy and Physiology (4;4)

A study of the macroscopic and microscopic structure and functions of tissues, organs, and systems of the human body with overviews of pathological applications. Does not apply toward a biology major or minor. Three lectures and one laboratory period per week. (Fall and Spring Semesters)

BIOL 125 Field Natural History (4)

A course intended especially for students who wish to become acquainted with the common animals of eastern North America. Emphasizes identification and habits of mammals and birds. Two lectures, one five-hour laboratory per week. (Offered as needed)

BIOL 130 Humans and Their Environment (4)

Biological and ecological issues and choices facing society. Topics include basic environmental principles, human population dynamics, land and soil use, world food supplies and distribution, energy utilization, deforestation, solid and nuclear waste disposal, air and water pollution, and endangered species. Applies to the general education science requirement and recommended for approved teacher education certification programs. Three lectures, one video/discussion laboratory per week. (Spring Semester)

BIOL 140 The Human Body in Health and Disease (4)

The structure and function of the human body as it relates to health maintenance and health problems encountered in everyday living. The Adventist philosophy of health, especially as expressed by Ellen White, is an integral part of the course. Does not apply toward a biology major or minor. Three lectures and one laboratory period per week. Cross-listed as HLSC 140. (Fall Semester)

BIOL 150 Microbiology (4)

Prerequisites: CHEM 105. CHEM 110 strongly recommended. A study of the structure, function, organization, classification, distribution, activities, and medical significance of viruses, monera, protista, fungi, and animal parasites. Three lectures and one laboratory per week, with additional lab time required for some labs. (Spring Semester)

BIOL 161; 162 College Biology (4; 4)

BIOL 161: This course identifies and elaborates basic themes in the study of biology, reviews important chemical concepts including the biochemical and structural basis of cell function with a focus on the relation between structure and function of cells as well as higher order assembly. Considers basic concepts regarding heredity; introduces mechanisms of evolution. Topics include cell structure and function; consideration of macromolecules, including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids; enzyme structure and activity; hormone control; protein synthesis; photosynthesis; energy and metabolism; structure and function of nucleic acids and chromosomes; Mendelian and molecular genetics, including regulation of gene expression; and basic principles of evolution. Three lectures and one laboratory per week. (Fall Semester)

BIOL 162: This course is a survey of animal systematics and animal biology including nutrition, gas exchange, transport systems, excretion, reproduction and embryonic development, nervous and chemical regulation, muscle physiology, animal behavior, structure and function of plants, ecosystems, and populations and community ecology. Three lectures and one laboratory per week. (Spring Semester)

BIOL 265 Animal Diversity (4)

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. A systematic study of the phyla and major classes of animals, including taxonomy, life histories, general structure, and representative genera with emphasis on the invertebrate phyla and on forms affecting man. Three lectures and one laboratory per week. (Spring Semester)

BIOL 266 Plant Diversity (4)

Major plant and fungal groups including taxonomy, life cycles, general structure, and representative genera. Three lectures and one laboratory per week. (Fall Semester)

BIOL 294 Topics in Biology (1-4)

Designed for students who wish a course not listed in the regular offerings. A current topic in biology will be explored. (Offered as needed)

BIOL 295 Independent Study in Biology (1-3)

Study on an independent basis in collaboration with the instructor on a topic in biology at the lower division level. (Offered as needed)

BIOL 305 Genetics (4)

Prerequisites: BIOL 161; 162 with a minimum grade of C. A thorough survey of the field of genetics covering biochemistry, organization, replication, transcription, translation, regulation, mutation, recombination, repair of the macromolecules forming the genetic apparatus; Mendelian inheritance, cytogenetics, gene mapping, and population genetics. Three lectures and one laboratory per week. (Spring Semester)

BIOL 311 A Scientific Study of Creation (2)

A study of the evidences supporting a creation origin of the earth. The approach is scientific rather than biblical. (Offered through External Degree Only)

BIOL 315 Histology (4)

Prerequisites: BIOL 161; 162 with a minimum grade of C. A detailed study of the gross and fine structure of the cells and tissues that comprise the organs and organ systems of the vertebrate body. Lecture will deal with the structure-function relationships seen in the tissues of the body; lab will emphasize the microscopic identification of normal vertebrate tissues. Three lectures and one laboratory per week. (Fall Semester odd years)

BIOL 330 Animal Physiology (4)

Prerequisites: BIOL 161; 162 with a minimum grade of C or BIOL 111; 112 with a minimum grade of B. PHYS 272 recommended. A study of the major functional systems of animals and their physiological interactions with the environment. Emphasis is on a comparative physiology approach. Three lectures and one laboratory per week. (Spring Semester)

BIOL 381 Natural History of the Chesapeake Bay (4)

This course focuses below the fall line of coastal regions of the Chesapeake Bay. It considers the major non-biotic factors of the bay including geology, salinity gradients, tides and circulation, as well as major habitats of the bay, including plant and animal species typical of each habitat. It also considers the economic and political issues that help determine present and future uses of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and its biota. Three lectures per week and seven (8-hour) Sunday laboratory field trips. (Fall Semester)

BIOL 405 Cell and Molecular Biology (4)

Prerequisites: BIOL 161; 162 with a minimum grade of C. BIOL 305 recommended. An in-depth analysis of the structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells both as organisms and as subunits constituting multicellular organisms. The lecture will examine the physiology of the nucleus and cytoplasmic organelles, cell growth and division, and cellular regulatory mechanism. The laboratory will introduce students to a variety of microscopic, cytological, protozoological, and cell culture techniques useful in experimental cell biology. Three lectures and one laboratory period per week. (Fall Semester)

BIOL 410 Developmental Biology (4)

Prerequisite: BIOL 162; BIOL 305 and BIOL 405 recommended. An examination of the processes of embryonic development at the molecular, cellular, and organismic levels. The lecture will cover experimental studies of the biological mechanisms controlling developmental processes, while the laboratory will stress descriptive studies of embryonic structural development. Three lectures and one laboratory per week. (Fall Semester even years)

BIOL 420 General Ecology (4)

Prequisite: BIOL 162, BIOL 265, BIOL 266, BIOL 305 and MATH 110 strongly recommended. The study of the relationships of plants and animals, both as individuals and assemblages, to their biological and physical environments. It will consider such topics as: features of the physical environment, biological communities, ecosystems and the flow of energy, life history strategies, population structure and growth, species interactions, biodiversity, biogeography, extinction and conservation, and the role of humans in the ecosphere. Three class lectures per week; one three-hour laboratory or equivalent per week, with Sunday field trips. (Offered Fall Semester, odd years)

BIOL 425 Life Origins and Speciation (2)

A comparative study of life origins and speciation from the viewpoint of contemporary creationists and evolutionists, an examination of the geological and biological evidence and consequences of the Noachian flood, and an overview of mechanisms and processes of variation and speciation. Two lecture-discussion periods per week. (Spring Semester)

BIOL 435 Advanced Human Physiology (3)

Prerequisites: BIOL 112 or BIOL 162 and CHEM 110 or equivalent. An advanced study of the physiological mechanisms in the body with emphasis on the cardiopulmonary, muscular, and endocrine systems. Physiology at the molecular level is emphasized. Cross-listed as RESP 435. (Available only through the External Degree Program)

BIOL 491; 492 Senior Seminar (1; 1)

Prerequisite: Approval of the chair. A discussion of the philosophy of science, scientific method, exchange and interpretation of data, reference resources, etc., as well as an introduction to the critical evaluation of periodical literature in the biological sciences and the writing of grant proposals. One class meeting per week. (Fall Semester; Spring Semester)

BIOL 494 Topics in Biology (1-4)

Prerequisite: Approval of the chair. Designed for a group of students who wish a course not listed in the regular offerings. Examples: biogeography, avian biology, human reproductive physiology. Not more than four hours of credit may be earned in any one term. (Offered as needed)

BIOL 495 Independent Study in Biology (1-4)

Study on an independent basis in collaboration with the instructor on a topic in biology at the upper division level. (Offered as needed)

The following courses are offered during the summer at the Walla Walla College marine station. Each course is not necessarily offered every summer. The following courses are classified as marine courses: BIOL 460, 462, 463, and 475.

BIOL 101, 102, 103 General Biology (2.7, 2.7, 2.7)

(Equivalent to BIOL 161,162) Study of the basic principles of biology. Topics such as anatomy, physiology, cytology, genetics, taxonomy, ecology, and embryology are considered with reference to both plants and animals.

BIOL 389 Natural History of Vertebrates (3.3)

Prerequisite: BIOL 162 (CUC) or BIOL 103 (WWC). Study of vertebrates, with emphasis on natural history, ecology, physiology, and taxonomy.

BIOL 403 Ornithology (3.3)

Study of native birds of North America, with emphasis on physiology, identification, migration, and life histories. (Research project and field trips required. Binoculars required.)

BIOL 412 Plant Anatomy (3.3)

Study of the microscopic anatomy of plant tissues with emphasis on their origin and development. Emphasizes the vascular plants. (Research project required.)

BIOL 426 Systematic Botany (3.3)

Study of the principles of plant classification, together with a systematic survey of vascular plants, with emphasis on natural history and ecology.

BIOL 458 Marine Biology (3.3)

An integrated approach to understanding the marine environment primarily from an ecological perspective. Included are principles of basic oceanography, plankton biology, deep-sea biology, and shallow-water marine communities. (Research project and field trips required.)

BIOL 460 Marine Ecology (3.3)

Prerequisite: BIOL 162 (CUC) or BIOL 103 (WWC). Study of interspecific, intra specific, and community relationships demonstrated by marine organisms.

BIOL 462 Ichthyology (3.3)

Prerequisite: BIOL 162 (CUC) or BIOL 103 (WWC). Systematic study of the fishes found in Puget Sound, with a survey of the fishes of other waters.

BIOL 463 Marine Phycology (3.3)

Prerequisite: BIOL 162 (CUC) or BIOL 103 (WWC). Systematic study of plants found in Puget Sound, with a survey of marine plants from other areas.

BIOL 468 Comparative Physiology (3.3)

Prerequisite: BIOL 330 (CUC) or BIOL 392 (WWC). Comparative study of the physiology and life processes of animals with emphasis on invertebrates.

BIOL 475 Marine Invertebrates (3.3)

Prerequisite: BIOL 162 (CUC) or BIOL 103 (WWC). A study of the biology of selected groups of marine invertebrates.

BIOL 494 Topics: Molecular Biology-Techniques and Theory (1-4)

A course designed to give the student hands-on experience in the isolation and manipulation of DNA, RNA, and protein. Lab exercise accompanied by lecture, the reading of biological literature concerning molecular biology, and independent projects will familiarize the student with how molecular biological techniques are used to study biological systems.

BIOL 494 Topics: Quantitative Methods in Physiology (3.3)

Prerequisites: PHYS 272 and BIOL 405. Course will explore the methods used for making quantitative measurements in physiology, with particular emphasis on the cardiovascular syste. Didactic sessions dealing with the theoretical principles of the methods will precede laboratory applications in several living systems, including marine organisms. (Research project required.)

BIOL 494 Topics: Molecular Biosystematics (3.3)

Analysis of genetic events at the molecular level that underlie speciation and population divergence. Laboratory work integrated with lecture, demonstrating basic molecular genetic research tools used in current molecular biosystematics research.

BIOL 494 Topics: Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (3.3)

The comparative morphology of representative marine and terrestrial animals, including humans. The various body systems will be discussed and representative fish, birds, and mammals will be dissected. The special project for each student will consist of dissecting and reporting on a selectee vertebrate.

BIOL 494 Topics: Advanced Techniques in Cell and Molecular Biology (3.3)

Recent advances in the understanding of cellular and molecular biology processes. Techniques of basic cellular, molecular, and biotechnology research are discussed, developed, and applied to the construction and analysis of genomic library, DNA cloning by polymerase chain reaction, analysis of subcellular components by differential centrifugation, and protein fractionization methods – including affinity chromatography.