The living world around and within us is a source of wonder and inspiration. Biologists strive to understand the complex workings of living organisms and deduce the underlying principles that govern their existence. First-year courses in the Biology Department introduce students to the study of life from a variety of perspectives, ranging from the molecular workings of a single cell, through the complex levels of organization of a higher organism, to the study of large populations and their interactions with the environment. Our courses emphasize the importance of ‘doing’ biology: fieldwork and laboratory exercises are integral and important parts of the study of biology at all levels of the curriculum. We also emphasize the development of our students' written and oral communication skills within the context of our discipline.
The department offers two ways to begin the study of biology at Hamilton College: a traditional two-semester sequence of introductory courses (Bio 101 and 102*) or an intensive pro-seminar (Bio 115*). Students electing to take a biology course should decide which option is best for them based on the strength of their high-school science course background and their confidence in their ability in science subjects. The two-semester sequence provides an overview of the breadth of biology and the necessary background in related topics (e.g., chemistry) in a way that is accessible to all students. Bio 115 is a more intensive course that presents selected biological topics in depth and assumes a strong high school background in biology and chemistry. Students gain entry to Bio 115 through permission of Biology faculty. Students with a score of 4 or 5 on the Biology AP exam receive an additional College credit on the successful completion of Bio 115, Bio 101, or Bio 102 with a grade of C- or better.
* Bio 101F General Biology: Genetics and Evolution Bio 102S General Biology: Cells to Ecosystems Bio 115F Biology: Fundamentals and Frontiers
101F General Biology: Genetics and Evolution.
An introduction to the life sciences. The diversity of living organisms, the molecular basis of life, the mechanisms of inheritance, and the process and patterns of evolution. Three hours of class and three hours of laboratory.
Maximum enrollment, 80.
Chang and E Williams.
102S General Biology: Cells to Ecosystems.
An introduction to the life sciences with a focus on how structure promotes function at cellular, organismal, and ecosystem levels of organization. Three hours of class and three hours of laboratory.
Maximum enrollment, 80.
Lehman and Pfitsch.
115F Biology: Fundamentals and Frontiers.
Introduction to the study of biology at the college level for students with a strong background in biology and chemistry. Intensive study of selected topics that illustrate the fundamental principles of, and new developments in, the biological sciences. Three hours of class/discussion and three hours of laboratory.
(Proseminar.)
Prerequisite, consent of department.
Maximum enrollment, 32.
Gapp and McCormick.
120S Female Biology.
An opportunity for non-science majors to learn more about themselves by engaging in topics that are part of several biology courses. Selected biological topics and concepts are considered using human and non-human female examples. Discussion of body organization is supplemented with limited dissections. Three hours of class, discussion, presentation and some laboratory experiences. May not be counted toward the concentration or the minor.
(Oral Presentations.)
Miller.
150F Environmental Science.
An introduction to environmental science. Emphasis on scientific understanding of the causes and implications of, and potential solutions for, problems that result from human interactions with the environment. Current environmental problems examined from an ecological perspective. Same as Biology 150
(Same as Environmental Studies 150.)
Pfitsch.
[180S]
Tropical Field Studies.
Study of the environment, ecology and human-environment interactions of Belize. 75 minutes of class per week and required Spring Break field trip. Extra cost. One-half course credit.
Maximum enrollment, 16.
200F,S Scientific Digital Imaging.
An introduction to digital imaging techniques used to acquire, enhance and derive quantitative information from a variety of image sources. Use of Adobe Photoshop and other software to produce publication-quality images and extract data from digital images. Topics include digital photography, artifact removal, 3D rendering and quantitative analysis. Prerequisite, two science courses.
Maximum enrollment, 12.
Bart.
213F Marine Biology.
Introduction to life in the sea. Study of marine habitats, food webs, diversity and adaptations of marine organisms, and interaction of human culture and marine life. Three hours of class and one weekend of field work.
(Oral Presentations.)
Prerequisite, 101 and 102, or 115, or consent of instructor.
Maximum enrollment, 20.
Reynolds.
215F Genetics and Society.
Study of the science of genetics with particular focus on its application in society, e.g., in medicine and agriculture. Discussion of the social, ethical and legal issues arising from the Human Genome Project. Three hours of class and occasional time in lab. May not be counted toward the concentration or the minor. Garrett.
[218S]
Industrial Ecology.
The science of sustainability. Using a variety of tools students will assess the total environmental impact associated with the manufacturing, use and disposal of a variety of common consumer goods. Key concepts to be introduced include life-cycle analysis, eco-design, product stewardship, product dematerialization, industrial metabolism and industrial symbiosis. Popular strategies for reducing the environmental burden of industrial activities will also be examined.
(Proseminar.)
Prerequisite, any 100-level course in science, government or economics.
Maximum enrollment, 16.
[220F]
Molecular Evolution.
An exploration of evolutionary biology, with particular focus on molecular evolution, evolutionary developmental genetics, the history of life on Earth, and the methods and applications of phylogenetic analyses. Oral presentations and writing assignments on controversial issues in evolution. 220 and 441 may not both be counted for the major. Prerequisite, 101 and 102, or 115, or consent of instructor.
221S Microbiology.
Introduction to microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, single-cell eukaryotes (yeast, algae, protozoa) and viruses, with an emphasis on prokaryotic metabolism and ecology. Basic laboratory techniques, including isolation, cultivation and identification of microbes. Three hours of class and three hours of laboratory. Prerequisite, 101 and 102, or 115 and Chemistry 120 or 125, or consent of instructor. McCormick.
222S Vertebrate Organization.
Inquiry-based study of functional gross anatomy and histology. Laboratory emphasizes dissection to understand mammalian organization. Fresh material is the basis for some labs. Student groups dissect and present non-mammalian vertebrates. Three hours of class and three hours of laboratory.
(Oral Presentations.)
Prerequisite, 101 and 102, or 115, or consent of instructor.
Maximum enrollment, 18.
Miller.
228F Invertebrate Biology.
Survey of animal diversity, including marine and freshwater fauna, parasites, insects and the origin of vertebrates. Emphasis on morphology, physiology, ecology and evolution. Three hours of class, three hours of laboratory. Prerequisite, 101 and 102, or 115, or consent of instructor. The Department.
237F Ecology.
The relationships among living organisms and their physical environment, population growth and regulation, interspecific interactions, community and ecosystem structure and function, and biogeography. Prerequisite, 101 and 102, or 115, or consent of instructor. Three hours of class and three hours of laboratory or field exercises.
Maximum enrollment, 28.
Pfitsch and E Williams.
240F Plant Diversity.
Evaluation of the diversity of form and function of vascular and non-vascular plants in an evolutionary context. Field exploration of the diversity of local plant communities. Laboratory and greenhouse study of external and internal structure of terrestrial plants. Three-hours class and three hours of laboratory or field exercises.
(Writing-intensive.)
(Oral Presentations.)
Prerequisite, 101 and 102, or 115, or consent of instructor.
Maximum enrollment, 20.
Pfitsch.
248S Genes and Genomes.
Study of the structure and function of genetic material using classical, molecular and genomic analyses. Consideration of the social, medical and agricultural applications of genetic technologies. Three hours of class and three hours of laboratory. Prerequisite, 101 and 102, or 115, or consent of instructor.
Maximum enrollment, 32.
Garrett.
[260S]
Geomicrobiology.
Interaction of microbes and minerals from early in Earth's history to the present day. Emphasis on the diverse habitats of bacteria and archaea, mineral biogenesis and dissolution, and the roles that microorganisms play in geochemical cycles. Special topics will include geochemical influences on microbial evolution and community structure, life in extreme environments and the role of geomicrobiology in restoration of contaminated environments. Three hours of class and two hours of laboratory/discussion. Required weekend field trip. Prerequisite, Biology 111 or 115, or Principles of Geoscience or consent of instructor.
(Same as Geosciences 260.)
262S Geomicrobiology of Antarctica.
The habitats of bacteria and archaea in Antarctica, and the roles that these microorganisms play in geochemical cycles. Particular emphasis on the adaptations of microbes to the extreme environmental conditions of Antarctica. Special topics will include geochemical influences on microbial evolution and community structure, biogeography of microbes and life in extreme environments Prerequisite, Either an introductory course in Biology (Bio 101, 102, or 115) or Principles of Geoscience (Geosc 103 to 122). One semester of chemistry is desirable but not required. 0.5 credit
(Same as Geosciences 262.)
McCormick.
270S Biological Chemistry.
A survey of the chemical and physical nature of biological macromolecules, including nucleic acids, proteins, lipids and carbohydrates; biochemistry of enzyme catalysis; bioenergetics and regulatory mechanisms. Principles and techniques of experimental biochemistry, focusing on isolation methods and techniques for analyzing structure and function. Three hours of class and three hours of laboratory. Prerequisite, 190.
(Same as Biochemistry/Molecular Biology 270 and Chemistry 270.)
Elgren.
290F Paleontology.
A study of the origin of life, evolution and the fossil record. Topics include the general principles of paleontology, nomenclature, taxonomy, identification techniques, fossilization processes, plants, microfossils, invertebrates and vertebrates. Three hours of class and three hours of laboratory with field trips. Prerequisite, Principles of Geoscience.
(Same as Geosciences 290.)
Maximum enrollment, 24.
C Domack.
330S Neural Plasticity.
An analysis of the anatomical, physiological and chemical changes that occur in the nervous system as a function of experience and development. Laboratory work includes intracellular and extracellular recording from muscle cells and neurons. Three hours of class and three hours of laboratory.
(Oral Presentations.)
Prerequisite, 205 or Biology 111.
(Same as Neuroscience 330 and Psychology 330.)
Maximum enrollment, 18.
Weldon.
331S Vertebrate Physiology.
Fundamentals of vertebrate physiology, emphasizing the functional and homeostatic controls that regulate nerve and muscle tissue, and the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and endocrine systems. Three hours of class and three hours of laboratory.
(Writing-intensive.)
Prerequisite, 101 and 102, or 115, junior standing or consent of instructor.
Maximum enrollment, 20.
Gapp.
333F Vertebrate Development.
Developing anatomy emphasized with integration of molecular aspects of embryogenesis. Students prepare and present selected topics. Laboratory emphasizes microscopy and analytical skills using amphibian, avian and mammalian developmental anatomy with selected projects and observation of live embryos. Three hours of class and three hours of laboratory.
(Oral Presentations.)
Prerequisite, 101 and 102, or 115, or consent of instructor.
Maximum enrollment, 18.
Miller.
[336F]
Cell Biology.
A study of eukaryotic organisms, with an emphasis on the interrelation of structure and function, cell cycle, protein trafficking and specialized activities of cells. Three hours of class and three hours of laboratory. Prerequisite, 101 and 102, or 115, or consent of instructor.
[340S]
Plant Physiology.
The physiology of flowering plants. Includes plant growth and development, photosynthesis, mineral nutrition, water relations and stress physiology. Three hours of class and three hours of laboratory. Prerequisite, 101 and 102, or 115, or consent of instructor.
342S Genes and Animal Behavior.
An advanced study of the genetic mechanisms that regulate complex animal behaviors. This course will review and introduce up-to-date studies on the genetic regulation of behaviors, e.g. circadian rhythms, courtship and mating, chemical/drug tolerance, emotion, learning and memory, and social behavior. Laboratory exercises will focus on the study animal behavior and the molecular, genetic and bioinformational tools used to analyze genes that underlie behavioral mechanisms. Prerequisite, 248. Yu.
346F Biochemistry.
The advanced study of the origin of life, the origin of organelles, and biochemical pathways in living organisms, with emphasis given to metabolisms of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. Includes in-depth discussion of contemporaneous developments in molecular biology and comprehensive training on molecular cloning in laboratory. Three hours of class and three hours of laboratory. Prerequisite, 101 and 102, 115, or consent of instructor.
(Same as Biochemistry/Molecular Biology 346.)
Chang.
[349S]
Transmission Electron Microscopy.
The preparation of electron micrographs in the study of the cellular level of biological organization and digital imaging techniques. Prerequisite, four laboratory courses in biology.
Maximum enrollment, 6.
352F Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-Ray Microanalysis.
Theory, practice and application of the scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis to selected research projects. Prerequisite, two laboratory courses in science. Open to juniors and seniors with consent of instructor. Bart.
357F Cellular Neurobiology.
A study of the fundamental functions of eukaryotic cells. The interrelationships of cellular structure and function, the cell cycle, protein trafficking and cellular communication will be examined through the study of neurons, the basic unit of the nervous system. Additional topics will include specialized activities of neurons. Three hours class and three hours of laboratory. Prerequisite, 101 and 102, 115, or consent of instructor.
(Same as Neuroscience 357.)
Lehman.
380S Parasitology.
A survey of eukaryotic parasites (excluding bacteria and viruses) of humans and other animals. Morphology, classification, pathology and diagnosis of medically important parasites will be discussed, as will ecological and evolutionary aspects of parasites in human and non-human hosts. Laboratory exercises will include examination of preserved material as well as dissection of invertebrate and small vertebrate hosts to collect, examine and preserve live parasites. Three hours of class and three hours of laboratory. Prerequisite, 101 and 102, or 115, or consent of instructor.
Maximum enrollment, 32.
Smythe.
437S Tropical Ecology.
In-depth study of basic and applied topics in tropical ecology including biodiversity and the structure and function of tropical ecosystems. Discussion of readings from the literature.
(Oral Presentations.)
Prerequisite, 237 or consent of instructor.
Maximum enrollment, 12.
Pfitsch.
[438S]
Seminar in Biological Form.
The analysis of organismal form as it relates to physiology, ecology, biomechanics and evolution. Discussion of recent literature, including studies of all kingdoms of life from the cellular to organismal level.Three hours of class (lecture/discussion). Prerequisite, 101 and 102, or 115, and a 200-level biology course or consent of instructor.
Maximum enrollment, 12.
441S Seminar in Evolutionary Biology.
Study of natural selection, behavioral evolution, genetic variability, molecular evolution, speciation and macroevolution. Discussion of readings from the literature.
(Writing-intensive.)
Prerequisite, 101 and 102, or 115, and junior standing.
Maximum enrollment, 12.
E Williams.
443S Seminar in Bioinformatics.
Study of computer-based approaches to molecular investigations: sequence variation, molecular evolution, functional and comparative genomics, and computational biology. Both literature-based lecture and training on the use of bioinformatic software are included. Prerequisite, 101 and 102, or 115, or consent of instructor. 215, 248 or 346 recommended. Chang.
[445F]
Integrative Animal Biology.
Evolutionary perspective on the role of chemical messengers in the regulation of animal function. Consideration of endocrine, nervous and immune systems and the role of pheromones and allelochemicals. Three hours of class and one hour of discussion/exercises. Prerequisite, 330, 331, 357 or consent of instructor.
(Same as Neuroscience 445.)
448F Seminar in Molecular Genetics.
Study of the molecular mechanisms of inheritance through critical analysis of recent literature in molecular genetics. Emphasis on the scope and limitations of the genetic approach for studying biological processes. Three hours of lecture/discussion. Prerequisite, 248 or consent of instructor.
Maximum enrollment, 12.
Garrett.
550F Senior Thesis I.
An intensive library and laboratory or field research project carried out in association with a faculty member.
(Oral Presentations.)
Prerequisite, acceptance by the department of a written proposal. The Department.
551F,S Senior Thesis II.
Completion and presentation of the senior research project. Includes written and oral presentation.
(Oral Presentations.)
Prerequisite, 550. One-half credit. The Department.
552F,S Senior Thesis III.
A continuation of the senior research project for a more in-depth study of special topics in biological research. Open to students whose project in 550 warrants additional investigation. To be taken concurrently with 551. Prerequisite, 550 and consent of instructor. One-half credit. The Department.
