Spring 2023

Course Code Title/Instructor Meets
BIOL 131-01 Introduction to Organisms, Populations, and Ecosystems: The Physiology of Life
Instructor: Scott Boback, Crystal Reynaga
Course Description:
This introductory course spans levels of biological organization from basic multicellular microanatomy to organismal physiology and ecology, as understood through the lens of evolution. Course content will be focused around a specific theme determined by the instructor, and will include evolutionary principles of variation, selection, competition and cooperation, and how their operation at different levels of organization accounts for form and function of organisms, communities, and ecosystems. We will investigate homeostasis, reproduction and development as physiological processes that take place within organisms, and as ecological processes that interact with the environment and generate diversity of form over evolutionary time. Finally we will take stock of the existing forms and levels of biological organization and ask how their relationships establish the biosphere in which we live. Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory a week. This is one of two courses required of all Biology majors before entering the upper level. It is complementary to BIOL 132 Introduction to Molecules, Genes, and Cells, and the courses may be taken in either order.
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, W
JAMESR 2228
11:30 AM-12:20 PM, MWF
ALTHSE 106
BIOL 131-02 Introduction to Organisms, Populations, and Ecosystems: The Physiology of Life
Instructor: Crystal Reynaga, Scott Boback
Course Description:
This introductory course spans levels of biological organization from basic multicellular microanatomy to organismal physiology and ecology, as understood through the lens of evolution. Course content will be focused around a specific theme determined by the instructor, and will include evolutionary principles of variation, selection, competition and cooperation, and how their operation at different levels of organization accounts for form and function of organisms, communities, and ecosystems. We will investigate homeostasis, reproduction and development as physiological processes that take place within organisms, and as ecological processes that interact with the environment and generate diversity of form over evolutionary time. Finally we will take stock of the existing forms and levels of biological organization and ask how their relationships establish the biosphere in which we live. Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory a week. This is one of two courses required of all Biology majors before entering the upper level. It is complementary to BIOL 132 Introduction to Molecules, Genes, and Cells, and the courses may be taken in either order.
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, R
JAMESR 2228
11:30 AM-12:20 PM, MWF
ALTHSE 106
BIOL 131-03 Introduction to Organisms, Populations, and Ecosystems: Topics in Ocean Ecology
Instructor: Mike Potthoff
Course Description:
This introductory course spans levels of biological organization from basic multicellular microanatomy to organismal physiology and ecology, as understood through the lens of evolution. Course content will be focused around a specific theme determined by the instructor, and will include evolutionary principles of variation, selection, competition and cooperation, and how their operation at different levels of organization accounts for form and function of organisms, communities, and ecosystems. We will investigate homeostasis, reproduction and development as physiological processes that take place within organisms, and as ecological processes that interact with the environment and generate diversity of form over evolutionary time. Finally we will take stock of the existing forms and levels of biological organization and ask how their relationships establish the biosphere in which we live. Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory a week. This is one of two courses required of all Biology majors before entering the upper level. It is complementary to BIOL 132 Introduction to Molecules, Genes, and Cells, and the courses may be taken in either order.
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, T
JAMESR 2228
09:00 AM-10:15 AM, TR
TOME 120
BIOL 132-01 Introduction to Molecules, Genes, and Cells: Cancer Biology
Instructor: David Kushner, Michael Roberts
Course Description:
This introductory course approaches core biological themes from the molecular and cellular level, and is complementary to BIOL 131, Introduction to Organisms, Populations, and Ecosystems. Course content will be focused around a specific theme determined by the instructor, and will include biomolecule and cell structure and function; cell signaling and communication; chromosome and gene structure; DNA replication; transcription; and translation. The course will involve lecture, discussion, and readings from scientific literature. Laboratory exercises include both classic and modern approaches to cellular and molecular biology utilizing prokaryotic and/or eukaryotic organisms. The laboratory will stress the discovery approach in applying current techniques to biological experiments. Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory a week. This is one of two courses required of all Biology majors before completing upper level coursework. It is complementary to BIOL 131 Introduction to Organisms, Populations, and Ecosystems, and the courses may be taken in either order.
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, W
JAMESR 2218
08:30 AM-09:20 AM, MWF
TOME 115
BIOL 132-02 Introduction to Molecules, Genes, and Cells: Cancer Biology
Instructor: David Kushner, Michael Roberts
Course Description:
This introductory course approaches core biological themes from the molecular and cellular level, and is complementary to BIOL 131, Introduction to Organisms, Populations, and Ecosystems. Course content will be focused around a specific theme determined by the instructor, and will include biomolecule and cell structure and function; cell signaling and communication; chromosome and gene structure; DNA replication; transcription; and translation. The course will involve lecture, discussion, and readings from scientific literature. Laboratory exercises include both classic and modern approaches to cellular and molecular biology utilizing prokaryotic and/or eukaryotic organisms. The laboratory will stress the discovery approach in applying current techniques to biological experiments. Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory a week. This is one of two courses required of all Biology majors before completing upper level coursework. It is complementary to BIOL 131 Introduction to Organisms, Populations, and Ecosystems, and the courses may be taken in either order.
08:30 AM-09:20 AM, MWF
TOME 115
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, R
JAMESR 2218
BIOL 132-03 Introduction to Molecules, Genes, and Cells: Topics in Cell Biology
Instructor: Missy Niblock
Course Description:
This introductory course approaches core biological themes from the molecular and cellular level, and is complementary to BIOL 131, Introduction to Organisms, Populations, and Ecosystems. Course content will be focused around a specific theme determined by the instructor, and will include biomolecule and cell structure and function; cell signaling and communication; chromosome and gene structure; DNA replication; transcription; and translation. The course will involve lecture, discussion, and readings from scientific literature. Laboratory exercises include both classic and modern approaches to cellular and molecular biology utilizing prokaryotic and/or eukaryotic organisms. The laboratory will stress the discovery approach in applying current techniques to biological experiments. Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory a week. This is one of two courses required of all Biology majors before completing upper level coursework. It is complementary to BIOL 131 Introduction to Organisms, Populations, and Ecosystems, and the courses may be taken in either order.
10:30 AM-11:20 AM, MWF
KAUF 187
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, M
JAMESR 2228
BIOL 215-01 Evolution w/Lab
Instructor: Scott Boback
Course Description:
A study of the mechanics of evolutionary change and its role within populations. Topics typically covered include macroevolution vs microevolution, natural selection, adaptation, neutral theory, population genetics, speciation, extinction, and sex and sexuality. Interactive lectures, readings from the primary literature, laboratory and field investigations, and simulation exercises will be used to actively explore the principles of evolutionary change and its consequences. Three hours classroom and three hours laboratory a week. Prerequisites: 131 and 132; for Neuroscience majors only, 132 and PSYC 125.
09:30 AM-10:20 AM, MWF
ALTHSE 08
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, M
RNORTH 1317
BIOL 216-01 Genetics w/Lab
Instructor: Kirsten Guss
Course Description:
A study of Mendelian genetics, linkage, and mutation. An introduction to basic DNA structure and function including replication, transcription, and translation. Laboratory exercises involve both classic and molecular approaches to genetic analysis utilizing prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Six hours classroom a week. Prerequisites: 131 & 132. For Neuroscience majors only, prerequisite is 132 and PSYC 125.
09:30 AM-10:20 AM, MWF
ALTHSE 201
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, M
JAMESR 2206
BIOL 216-02 Genetics w/Lab
Instructor: Dana Somers
Course Description:
A study of Mendelian genetics, linkage, and mutation. An introduction to basic DNA structure and function including replication, transcription, and translation. Laboratory exercises involve both classic and molecular approaches to genetic analysis utilizing prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Six hours classroom a week. Prerequisites: 131 & 132. For Neuroscience majors only, prerequisite is 132 and PSYC 125.
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, R
JAMESR 2206
09:00 AM-10:15 AM, TR
JAMESR 2206
BIOL 301-01 Biomechanics
Instructor: Crystal Reynaga
Course Description:
Biomechanics is an interdisciplinary field that integrates anatomy, physiology, neuromechanics, classical physics, and engineering to understand the principles that govern animal and human movement. Concepts will take a comparative approach across various organisms to investigate different forms of terrestrial movement such as running, walking, and jumping. We will investigate these concepts through multiple levels of biological organization, beginning from muscle cellular mechanics to whole body joint mechanics and whole-body energy exchange. This course will utilize quantitative tools such as basic algebra and trigonometry to characterize varying forms of movement.
10:30 AM-11:20 AM, MWF
ALTHSE 207
BIOL 301-02 Wildlife Ecology
Instructor: Gene Wingert
Course Description:
Wildlife Ecology is designed for majors in both Environmental Science and Biology. This course approaches ecology from the aspect of focusing on individual organisms and the role they play in their environment. Students will visit various habitats in Pennsylvania and view wildlife first hand. The texts are both place based focusing on Northeastern forests and Northeastern vernal ponds. These two ecosystems are intimately linked and the health of one influences the other. Students will have hands on labs with living organisms and investigate the roles each of these organisms play in the forest and vernal pool environment. A focus of the course will be how we must manage these ecosystems if they are to be enjoyed by our grandchildren. Both of these ecosystems are being changed by human ignorance and global climate change. We are at a "squeak point" in our ability to sustain these ecosystems. Only a complete understanding of their ecology and rapid action will sustain them for future generations.
09:00 AM-10:15 AM, TR
RNORTH 2319
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, R
RNORTH 2319
BIOL 316-01 Genomics, Proteomics & Bioinformatics
Instructor: Dana Somers
Course Description:
The genome contains all the information required for the construction and operation of an organism. Selective utilization of the genome determines the transcriptome, which directs the creation of a proteome that is cell-type and condition specific. Today, molecular biologists are able to study whole genomes, transcriptomes, and proteomes allowing for an integrative analysis of living systems. This course will explore these genomic and proteomic techniques and their many applications. Central to these molecular methods are computational tools that facilitate the analysis of the large data sets generated. A variety of bioinformatics approaches will be explored through implementation of student designed, hypothesis-driven, research projects employing existing datasets. Three hours classroom per week. Prerequisites: 216 or permission of instructor.
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, T
RNORTH 1316
BIOL 322-01 Plant Systematics w/Lab
Instructor: Carol Loeffler
Course Description:
Permission of instructor required. A systematic survey of the plant kingdom through the collection and study of living plants. Frequent field trips are conducted as weather permits. An herbarium of named plants is prepared. Emphasis will be placed on the diverse features of plants which permit effective study of fundamental biological problems. Six hours classroom a week. Prerequisites: One 200-level Biology course. For ENST/ENSC majors only, prerequisite is ENST 162.
08:30 AM-09:20 AM, MW
ALTHSE 201
12:30 PM-04:30 PM, M
RNORTH 2319
BIOL 322-02 Plant Systematics w/Lab
Instructor: Carol Loeffler
Course Description:
A systematic survey of the plant kingdom through the collection and study of living plants. Frequent field trips are conducted as weather permits. An herbarium of named plants is prepared. Emphasis will be placed on the diverse features of plants which permit effective study of fundamental biological problems. Six hours classroom a week. Prerequisites: One 200-level Biology course. For ENST/ENSC majors only, prerequisite is ENST 162.
12:30 PM-04:30 PM, W
RNORTH 2319
08:30 AM-09:20 AM, MW
ALTHSE 201
BIOL 334-01 Vertebrate Biology w/Lab
Instructor: Chuck Zwemer
Course Description:
An integrated lecture and laboratory study of the anatomy, embryology, physiology, and evolution of vertebrates. Representative live and dissection specimens are studied from the perspective of structure and function. Six hours classroom a week. Prerequisites: One 200-level BIOL course. For Neuroscience majors, prerequisite is NRSC 200.
10:30 AM-11:45 AM, TR
RNORTH 1317
09:00 AM-10:15 AM, TR
RNORTH 1317
BIOL 342-01 Structure and Function of Biomolecules w/Lab
Instructor: Rebecca Connor
Course Description:
Cross-listed with CHEM 342-01. Permission of instructor required. This course is an introductory biochemistry course focused on the chemistry of the major molecules that compose living matter. The structure and function of the major classes of biomolecules (nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates) are addressed along with other topics including bioenergetics, enzyme catalysis, and information transfer at the molecular level. The laboratory portion of the course focuses on methods used to study the properties and behavior of biological molecules and their functions in the cell. Three hours lecture and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 242; an introductory biology course is highly recommended. This course is cross-listed as CHEM 342.
01:15 PM-05:15 PM, R
STUART 2112
10:30 AM-11:45 AM, TR
ALTHSE 106
BIOL 342-02 Structure and Function of Biomolecules w/Lab
Instructor: Colin Rathbun, Rebecca Connor
Course Description:
Cross-listed with CHEM 342-02. Permission of instructor required. This course is an introductory biochemistry course focused on the chemistry of the major molecules that compose living matter. The structure and function of the major classes of biomolecules (nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates) are addressed along with other topics including bioenergetics, enzyme catalysis, and information transfer at the molecular level. The laboratory portion of the course focuses on methods used to study the properties and behavior of biological molecules and their functions in the cell. Three hours lecture and four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 242; an introductory biology course is highly recommended. This course is cross-listed as CHEM 342.
10:30 AM-11:45 AM, TR
ALTHSE 106
01:00 PM-05:00 PM, F
STUART 2112
BIOL 343-01 Metabolism
Instructor: Thomas Arnold
Course Description:
Cross-listed with CHEM 343-01. A survey of the metabolic processes in animals and plants, including signal transduction, aerobic and anaerobic respiration, and photosynthesis, as well as the biosynthesis of the major types of biomolecules. For each metabolic pathway, we will examine the regulation of enzymes and related genes, their energetic requirements, and the function of pathway end products. Both the normal functioning of metabolic pathways and common metabolic malfunctions, e.g., human inborn errors of metabolism, will be considered. Selected readings from the primary literature and the popular press are required. Students will complete detailed case studies focusing on human metabolism and metabolic disorders. Three hours classroom a week. Prerequisite: CHEM 242. This course is cross-listed as CHEM 343.
09:30 AM-10:20 AM, MWF
KAUF 187
BIOL 412-01 Plant-Animal Interactions
Instructor: Carol Loeffler
Course Description:
Through a combination of fieldwork and detailed examination of the primary biological literature, we will examine relationships between plants and animals that affect their health, distribution, and reproduction in local forests. Although our focus will be broad and will range into plant identification and taxonomy as well as animal behavior, we will be especially concerned with two interactions that affect the entire structure of local forest communities: white-tailed deer and their winter food plants, and the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid on Eastern hemlock. Students will produce research papers and presentations based on individual areas of interest in the literature as well as on data collected on field trips. This course fulfills the requirement for a research experience for the Biology major. Students in other majors but with interests in local forest biology are also welcomed. Prerequisites: one 200-level Biology course and one upper-level Biology course.
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, T
RNORTH 2319
BIOL 412-02 Bio-Imaging
Instructor: John Henson
Course Description:
The revolution that has taken place in microscopic imaging over the last two decades has driven significant advances in the fields of cell and molecular biology as well as biochemistry and neuroscience. In this research course students will first learn about the theory and practice of a number of forms of microscopy as well as some basic digital image processing techniques. They will then employ these methods in a number of research projects that will culminate with groups presenting research posters. During the course of the semester students will also read, analyze and present papers from the primary literature that reflect advances in microscopy. Note that knowledge of and experience with microscopy is a skill that often serves graduates well as they seek out research technician employment or graduate school opportunities. Questions? Contact Prof. Henson (henson@dickinson.edu).
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, R
JAMESR 1218
BIOL 425-01 The Biology of Cancer w/lab
Instructor: Michael Roberts
Course Description:
Cancer is a genetic disorder that affects some 10 million people worldwide. In the United States, cancer is a close second to heart disease as the leading cause of death. This course will examine the molecular basis of cancer including the genes and signaling pathways involved in malignant transformation and the physiological consequences of uncontrolled cell growth. Current methods in cancer research and recent advances in cancer treatment will also be discussed. Specific topics covered will include: oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, oncogenic mutation, tumor viruses, apoptosis, angiogenesis, metastasis, tumor immunology, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and biological therapy. Six hours classroom/laboratory a week. Prerequisite: One of the following: 216, 313, 316, 318, 326, 327, 380, or permission of the instructor.
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, M
RNORTH 1316
09:00 AM-10:15 AM, TR
TOME 115
BIOL 433-01 Molecular Pathophysiology w/Lab
Instructor: Tiffany Frey
Course Description:
Human diseases often result from disordered physiology (pathophysiology) and therefore the abilities to understand disease and design specific and effective treatments are dependent on understanding normal physiological processes and the ways in which these can become disordered. This course will review the normal structure and function of select systems in the human body and subsequently examine the cellular, molecular, and systemic pathophysiological mechanisms that underlie common diseases related to that system with an emphasis on critical analysis of current biomedical literature. The laboratory portion of the course will involve original research projects using cell culture and animal models of human disease. Six hours of classroom/laboratory a week. Prerequisites: at least one upper-level physiology or cellular & molecular biology course: 216, 313, 318, 326, 327, 330 ,333, 334, 335, 342, 380 or permission of instructor.
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, W
JAMESR 2206
11:30 AM-12:45 PM, MF
ALTHSE 207
BIOL 550-01 Independent Research on Cardiovascular System
Instructor: Chuck Zwemer
Course Description:

BIOL 550-02 Analyzing Freshwater Turtle Mark Recapture Data Using the Rstudio and Excel 2
Instructor: Gene Wingert
Course Description:

BIOL 560-01 Genetic Reprogramming of Human Leukemia Cells
Instructor: Michael Roberts
Course Description:

BIOL 560-02 Metabolic Demands of NCAA Division III Men's Lacrosse
Instructor: Chuck Zwemer
Course Description:

BIOL 560-03 Kinematics of Saltatory Feeding in American Toads
Instructor: Chuck Zwemer
Course Description:

BIOL 560-04 Yeast Evolutionary Genomics
Instructor: Dana Somers
Course Description:

BIOL 560-05 Cardiovascular Research
Instructor: Chuck Zwemer
Course Description:

BIOL 560-06 Control of Monocyte MicroRNA Expression by the Mevalonate Pathway
Instructor: Tiffany Frey
Course Description:

BIOL 560-07 Role of Cholesterol Pathway Metabolites in Inflammation
Instructor: Tiffany Frey
Course Description:

BIOL 560-08 Reprogramming of Leukemia Cells
Instructor: Michael Roberts
Course Description:

BIOL 560-09 Investigating Trade-Offs in Locomotion: Comparing Hoppers and Jumpers in Variable Environments
Instructor: Crystal Reynaga
Course Description:

BIOL 560-10 Yorkie Function In The Fly Ventral Nerve Cord
Instructor: Kirsten Guss
Course Description:

BIOL 560-11 Impact of Climate Change on First Budding Flowers in Spring
Instructor: Gene Wingert
Course Description:

BIOL 560-12 Collaborative Comparison Research of Current Flower Blooming Times in the Pine Hill Arboretum
Instructor: Gene Wingert
Course Description:

BIOL 560-13 Reprogramming Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells
Instructor: Michael Roberts
Course Description:

BIOL 560-14 Investigating Multi-Generational Effects of Natural HDAC Inhibitors on Insect Herbivores
Instructor: Thomas Arnold
Course Description:

BIOL 560-15 Effect of Enrichment On The Behavior of Boa Constrictor
Instructor: Scott Boback
Course Description: