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Requirements and Curriculum

Note: This information reflects the requirements and curriculum printed in the 2007-08 course catalog.

Requirements

Required for a major

Minimum of 28 hours in biology, including 151 and 152; 20 credits in biology numbered above 200; chemistry 151 and 152, or 201; and any two courses from the following list:

• chemistry: 202 or higher
• physics: 151 or higher
• math: 130 or higher
• computer science: 125 or higher
• environmental studies: 134, 140 or 320

Special programs are available in dental early admissions, forestry and environmental management, medical technology, cytotechnology, and nuclear medicine technology. These programs are also described in brochures available from the biology department and the admissions office and on the department home page (http://biology.luther.edu). Transfer students must complete at least four biology courses (four credits each) at Luther. See education department for secondary education minor requirements.

Required for a minor

A minimum of 20 hours in biology, including 151 and 152, and 12 hours in courses numbered above 200.

Required for a second teaching area

Twenty-four hours in biology, including 151, 152, and 254, plus one course from each category: a) 252 or 365; b) 243, 248, or 255; c) 251 (or 253) or 258.

Curriculum

110 Introduction to Human Biology 4 hours
This course is intended for students who wish an introduction to human biology, but do not expect to major in biology. Lectures and laboratory. No prerequisite. (NWL)

112 Insects, Humans, and the Environment 4 hours
A study of relationships among insects, humans, and the environment. Using insects as a model, biological concepts such as evolution, form and function, genetics, development, natural history, biodiversity, and conservation will be covered. Includes a presentation of why insects are so successful, giving attention to their behavior and ecological roles in nature, impacts on human society as causes of famines, plagues, and epidemics, and importance in human cultures. Laboratory includes field trips and an investigative approach to learning insect biology. No prerequisites. (NWL)

115 Human Anatomy 4 hours
A basic gross anatomy course including dissection of the cat with reference and comparison made to human organ systems. For non-biology majors. Lectures and laboratory. No prerequisite. (NWL)

116 Introduction to Human Physiology 4 hours
A survey of physiological systems and principles with specific reference to the human body. This course is intended for non-biology majors. Lectures and labs. Prerequisites: 115 or 151 or physical education 261.

124 Introduction to Biological Research 1 hour
Designed for first- or second-year students who have performed exceptionally well in biology 151 or 152 and are interested in obtaining further experience in the process of scientific research. This course provides students with open-ended investigative experiences in the biological sciences. Students will formulate specific hypotheses, design experiments, collect and analyze data, and reach conclusions about their hypotheses. Skills such as retrieving information from appropriate biological literature and presenting information through scientific writing, orally, and visually will be developed. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

139, 239, 339, 439 Special Topics Credit arr.

151, 152 Principles of Biology I, II 4, 4 hours
An introduction to the fundamental biological principles as exhibited by microbes, plants, and animals. Designed as an introduction to the biology major or as a terminal course for science or non-science students. Units in Biology 151 include ecology and evolution, cell biology and vertebrate form and function. Units in Biology 152 include plant biology, animal diversity, microbiology, and genetics. A student may take 152 without having had 151. Lectures and laboratory. No prerequisite. (NWL)

185 First-year Seminar 4 hours
A variety of seminars for first-year students offered each January term.

240 Light Microscopy 2 hours
A study of the theory and practical use of the compound light microscope and digital image processing. This course requires learning research-quality optical microscopes, analog and digital cameras, computers, and software. Lectures and laboratory will examine compound brightfield, darkfield, phase contrast, differential interference contrast, flourescence microscopy and scanning laser confocal microscopy as well as video microscopy, image processing and analysis. Training will be provided on the instrumentation relative to the above techniques. Prerequisite: high school physics or higher recommended.

241 Radioisotopes in Science 2 hours
This seminar introduces the chemistry, physics, and biology of radioisotope use in research and in diagnostics. Laboratory safety, monitoring, and waste disposal will be included. This course does not fulfill the lab science requirement. Offered alternate years. Prerequisites: 151 or consent of instructor.

242 Animal Behavior 4 hours
An examination of the proximate and ultimate causes of behavior in animals. Topics include the development, control mechanisms, evolution, and ecology of behavior. In addition to lectures, this course includes films and behavioral studies of animals. Prerequisites: 151, 152.

243 Microbiology 4 hours
A basic introduction to the study of microorganisms and the principles of immunology and virology. Laboratory includes the study of basic cell processes and the identification and culturing of typical forms. Lectures and laboratory. Prerequisites: 151, 152; or 115, 116.

244 Plant Taxonomy and Identification 2 hours
A field study of taxonomy and ecology of local species of flowering plants. Family recognition characteristics and plant identification using technical keys are emphasized. Meets the first half of fall semester or the second half of spring semester. Prerequisites: 151, 152.

245 Ecology of the Amazon Rainforest and Galapagos 4 hours
An introduction to the ecology, evolution, and natural history of the flora and fauna of the Amazon rainforest and Galapagos Islands, and the customs and culture of Ecuador. The class will spend time in Quito, the Amazon rainforest, and the Galapagos archipelago. Offered on an irregular basis. Prerequisite: 152 and consent of instructor. (Intcl)

246 Ornithology 2 hours
An introduction to the biology and diversity of birds. Structure, function, classification, behavior, ecology, and techniques for studying birds are covered. Laboratory emphasizes field identification of local species. Two lectures and two laboratory/field trips per week. Meets the second half of spring semester. Prerequisites: 151, 152.

247 Subtropical and Marine Biology 4 hours
An introduction to the ecology and taxonomy of coral reef, tide pool, tidal creek, high and low energy beach, hypersaline lake, mangrove, and upland organisms and ecosystems. In addition to field excursions, students develop and carry out independent research projects. Consent of instructor required. Offered approximately every other year. Prerequisites: 151, 152.

248 Genetics 4 hours
A study of Mendelian genetics, gene structure, mechanisms of gene expression, mutagenesis, evolutionary genetics, and genomics. Lectures and laboratory. Prerequisites: 151, 152.

251 Entomology 4 hours
An introduction to the biology and diversity of insects, particularly the life histories, form and function, ecology, and behavior of various insect groups found in various habitats. Lectures and laboratory. Offered fall of odd-numbered years. Prerequisites: 151, 152.

252 General Botany 4 hours
A study of the anatomy, physiology, and evolution of the major groups of plants. Lectures and laboratory. Prerequisites: 151, 152.

253 Invertebrate Zoology 4 hours
A study of the morphology, physiology, taxonomy, and ecology of the major phyla of invertebrate animals from marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments. Offered fall of even-numbered years. Prerequisites: 151, 152.

254 Evolutionary Biology 4 hours
Discussion of organic evolution, with emphasis on biological mechanisms and implications. Lecture and discussion. Prerequisite: 151, 152.

255 Human Physiology 4 hours
A study of the essential features of physiology with special reference to the principles of function in the human body. The course covers cellular, cardiovascular, neural, muscular, respiratory, renal, digestive, hormonal, and reproductive physiology. Lectures and laboratory. Prerequisites: 151, 152.

256 Biostatistics 4 hours
This course considers the application of statistical inference to the life sciences; numerous examples will be taken from the health sciences and environmental sciences. Emphasis will be on hypothesis testing and the importance of experimental design. Lectures and laboratory. Prerequisites: 151, 152.

257 Aquatic Biology 4 hours
A study of the biology of freshwater organisms and the functioning of freshwater ecosystems. Laboratory emphasis placed on the methodology used in water quality studies and on the identification of freshwater animals and plants. Lectures and laboratory. Prerequisites: 151, 152.

258 Vertebrate Natural History 4 hours
A study of the classification, natural history, and distribution of the various species of vertebrates. Laboratory emphasis placed on the identification and field study of species typical of this geographical area. Lectures stress principles of vertebrate biology. Lectures and laboratory. Prerequisites: 151, 152.

360 Introduction to Electron Microscopy 4 hours
An introduction to both the theoretical and technical aspects of transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Laboratory includes fixation, dehydration, embedding, knife making, ultramicrotomy, staining, microscope operation, photography and darkroom techniques. Lecture examines the theory of each laboratory technique as well as microscope construction, optics, and special methods. Prerequisites: 151, 152.

361 Developmental Biology 4 hours
A study of gametogenesis, fertilization, organogenesis, and the formation of the body. Both organismal and molecular aspects of these processes will be discussed, ending with a discussion of organ formation, especially the limb, the eye, and gonadal development. Questions such as how sperm and egg interact to create a new organism and how a single cell gives rise to the diverse group of cells that make up the adult body are central to this course. Laboratory will include observation of and experimentation with invertebrate and vertebrate systems. Three lectures and one lab per week. Prerequisites: 151, 152 (243, 248, and 364 recommended).

363 Molecular Biology 4 hours
This course examines molecular functions, gene expression, and regulation from an evolutionary perspective emphasizing structure-function relationships. Laboratory emphasis. Lectures and laboratory. Prerequisites: 151, 152 (248 strongly recommended).

364 Cell Biology 4 hours
A study of the biochemical and structural basis of cell activity. The laboratory stresses the use of biochemical and cytological techniques to study living systems at the cellular and molecular levels of organization. Lectures and laboratory. Prerequisites: 151, 152 (243 recommended).

365 General Ecology 4 hours
A study of the relationships between living organisms and the environment. Emphasis is placed on community and ecosystem concepts in terrestrial ecology. Laboratory includes field trips and independent research. Lectures and laboratory. Prerequisites: 151, 152; junior or senior standing strongly recommended.

366 Histology 4 hours
Microscopic anatomy of human tissues, organs, and organ systems. Epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissues, as well as digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory, immune, and urogenital systems will be covered. Lectures and laboratory. Prerequisites: 151, 152; junior or senior standing strongly recommended.

367 Endocrinology 4 hours
This course will emphasize the role of hormones in maintaining homeostatis. We will examine the chemical messengers most relevant to human biology, and explore the structure, sites of synthesis and the mechanisms by which hormones exert their effects. Finally, through laboratory exercises, students will directly utilize current research methodologies to examine the role of hormones in physiologic control systems. Prerequisites: 151, 152 (255 recommended).

368 Human Dissection and Anatomy 4 hours
An in-depth gross anatomy course which includes dissection of a human cadaver. Skeletal, muscular, nervous, digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory, and urogenital systems will be covered. Lectures and laboratory. Prerequisites: 151 and 152 or 243. Junior or senior standing strongly recommended.

375 Directed Readings 1-2 hours
Prerequisite: 151, 152, 12 hours in the department and consent of the instructor.

380 Internship 1 hour
Registration in the following internships only by permission of the biology department and the cooperating institution. Prerequisites: 151, 152, and consent of instructor.
A. Environmental biology internship. A work-study program in soils, conservation, forestry, fisheries, wildlife, or outdoor education. Field work to be completed in cooperation with conservation agencies, zoos, nature centers, and other environmental agencies.
B. Health career internship. A work-study program in the various health professions in cooperation with area health care delivery institutions.
C. Research internship. A work-study program at a major research institution or in an industrial setting. This would usually include participation in a specific research project.

389 Directed Research 1, 2, or 4 hours
Directed research involves students in research projects conducted under the supervision of department faculty. Encouraged for those students with expectations of graduate study. With the approval of the department, students may register for more than one semester (cumulative total may not exceed four credit hours). Prerequisites: 151, 152, and consent of instructor.

395 Independent Study 1,2, or 4 hours
Prerequisites: 151, 152, 12 hours in the department, and consent of instructor.

475 Year of Professional Study: Medical Technology 32 hours
Additional information concerning medical technology, including catalog descriptions of specific courses taken during the off-campus professional year of study, is available from W. Stevens, coordinator for medical technology. Prerequisites: 151, 152, and consent of instructor.

476 Year of Professional Study: Cytotechnology 32 hours
Additional information concerning cytotechnology, including catalog descriptions of specific courses taken during the off-campus professional year of study, is available from W. Stevens, coordinator for cytotechnology. Prerequisites: 151, 152, and consent of instructor.

477 Year of Professional Study: Nuclear Medicine Technology 34 hours
Additional information concerning nuclear medicine, including catalog descriptions of specific courses taken during the off-campus professional year of study, is available from M. Kaehler, coordinator for nuclear medicine technology. Prerequisites: 151, 152, and consent of instructor.

485 Seminar Credit arr.
Prerequisites: 151, 152.

487 Biology Colloquium 1 hour
The biology colloquium meets regularly during the academic year for lectures and discussions led by visiting scholars and faculty. Students participate for the entire academic year for one credit. Juniors and seniors are encouraged to attend colloquium. Students may not count more than one credit of colloquium toward major. Prerequisites: 151, 152.

490 Senior Project 1, 2, or 4 hours
Prerequisites: 151, 152, and senior standing.

493 Senior Honors Project 2 or 4 hours
A year-long independent research project. Applications are completed on the “Honors Program” form available at the registrar’s office, requiring the signatures of a faculty supervisor, the department head, the honors program director, and the registrar. Interdisciplinary projects require the signatures of two faculty supervisors. The project must be completed by the due date for senior projects. The completed project is evaluated by a review committee consisting of the faculty supervisor, another faculty member from the major department, and a faculty member from outside the major department. All projects must be presented publicly. Only projects awarded an “A-” or “A” qualify for “department honors” designation. The honors project fulfills the all-college senior project requirement. Prerequisites: 151, 152, and consent of instructor. (R)