Kentucky Wesleyan College
Academic Bulletin

Biology

The Department of Biology offers either a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science degree. Both degrees ensure the graduate has fluency, understanding and skill in the basic principles and practices of life science. Biology students experience directed reading, discussion, audiovisual media and computer applications, as well as laboratory and field work with a variety of living systems ranging from bacteria to humans and from single cells to coral reefs. Through these experiences, students exercise critical, logical and ethical thinking; and develop appreciation for the complexity and majesty of the living world. Both degrees incorporate the college's speaking and computing requirements within course work required for the major. Either degree fulfills the guidelines of the Kentucky Standards for the preparation-certification of Professional School Personnel, provided that students seeking certification complete the core options for pre-service teachers and a 1-hour teaching internship, assisting in the biology laboratories.

The two degrees differ in their advanced departmental requirements and supporting course work. The B.S., involving more mathematics, physical science and cellular/molecular or ecological background, is designed for students wishing to advance to graduate study in biology or to professional schools in medicine, dentistry, optometry, veterinary medicine or environmental science. The B.A., which emphasizes a natural history approach and broad liberal arts experience, is intended as a terminal degree or to supplement career preparation in other fields, such as education, business or journalism.

The Environmental Science Program at Kentucky Wesleyan College is designed for students planning careers in environmental policy and management, resource planning, environmental chemistry, conservation and applied ecology. Program requirements for Environmental Science (listed in the pre-professional program section of this catalog) also may be applied to the biology major. These courses are designed to meet entrance requirements for graduate studies leading to public service or industrial positions in this field.

All biology majors must complete an independent laboratory, field or library research project supervised by a faculty member in the department, preferably before spring semester of the senior year. This requirement may be fulfilled by participation in a summer research program or internship before the senior year. Students seeking secondary education certification may meet the senior research project requirement through curriculum design and implementation during their student teaching.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MAJOR -- 71 HOURS

CORE COURSES REQUIRED OF ALL BIOLOGY MAJORS -- 24-26 HOURS

BIO 2405 General Biology I
BIO 2406 General Biology II
BIO 2114 Sophomore Seminar
BIO 3405 Genetics
BIO 3513 Microbiology I
BIO 4414 Ecology
BIO 4100, 4200 or 4300 Independent Study
BIO 4114 Senior Seminar

REQUIRED SUPPORTING COURSE FOR ALL BIOLOGY MAJORS -- 4 HOURS

MATH 1400 Probability and Statistics or approved statistics course

ADDITIONAL BACHELOR OF ARTS REQUIREMENTS

REQUIRED SUPPORTING COURSES -- 25-26 HOURS

Intermediate foreign language (2301 and 2302) or demonstrated proficiency 
MATH 1300 Elementary Models or MATH 1401 College Algebra & Trigonometry 
CHEM 1351/1251 and CHEM 1352/1252 or other approved chemistry/physics lab courses

REQUIRED BIOLOGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE COURSES -- 11-12 HOURS 

ORGANISMAL BIOLOGY - Three of the following courses
BIO 3390 Ichthyology 
BIO 3406 Entomology
BIO 3408 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy 
BIO 3414 Microbiology II
BIO 3411 Field Botany
BIO 3412 Parasitology

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE - Two courses --  8 HOURS 

ENSC 2400 Environmental Science 
ENSC 4402 Environmental Impact Assessment or BIO 2302 Marine Biology

NATURAL HISTORY - Two courses -- 5 HOURS 

ENSC 3390 Topics in Environmental Science 
BIO 3290 Topics in Biology

ADDITIONAL BACHELOR OF SCIENCE REQUIREMENTS

REQUIRED SUPPORTING COURSES -- 32 HOURS 

MATH 1402 Introductory Calculus 
CHEM 1351/1251 General Chemistry I 
CHEM 1352/1252 General Chemistry II 
CHEM 3301/3201 Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 3302/3202 Organic Chemistry II 
PHYS 2404/2405 General Physics.

1. ORGANISMAL BIOLOGY EMPHASIS -- 12 HOURS 

At least three of the following:
BIO 3407 Vertebrate Embryology 
BIO 3408 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy Histology 
BIO 3412 Parasitology 
BIO 4412 Immunology 

OR 

2. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE EMPHASIS -- 11 HOURS  

ENSC 2400 Environmental Science
ENSC 3390 Topics in Environmental Science 
ENSC 4402 Environmental Impact Assessment

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR -- 21 HOURS \

BIO 2405 General Biology I
BIO 2406 General Biology II 
BIO 3405 Genetics 
BIO 3513 Microbiology I 
One field course chosen from BIO 3406, 3411 or 4414

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Biology 1400 -- Concepts in Biology -- 4 hours. 
A study of basic cell biology, photosynthesis, plant and animal diversity, vertebrate anatomy and physiology, genetics, evolution, and ecology. Three lecture and two laboratory hours per week. Primarily for non-biology majors--does not count towards the hours required for the biology major or minor.

Biology 2114 -- Sophomore Seminar -- 1 hour.
An opportunity to learn and develop the skills necessary for the successful organization, analysis, and written presentation of ideas and information in biology. The student will learn to select a research topic, practice using bibliographic resources--printed and computerized and present that topic in the format of a research proposal. During this course students will learn about areas of specialization in biology and potential careers in the biological sciences. One lecture per week.

Biology 2302 -- Marine Biology -- 3 hours.
Topics covered will emphasize diversity and interaction of life forms in a tropical marine environment, including the coral reef, seagrass beds, rocky shore, and mangrove swamp. This is a spring semester course with lab and field experience, including a 10-day field trip to Jamaica or Belize. Prerequisite: Biology 1400 or Biology 2503 or Biology 2504 or permission of instructor.

Biology 2403 --  Human Anatomy and Physiology I -- 4 hours.
A familiarization with the basic terminology applying to the major parts of the body - the organs, systems, and regions. A detailed study of the general structure, function and the physiological activities of the systems with an accent on clinical significance will be covered. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.

Biology 2404 --  Human Anatomy and Physiology II -- 4 hours.
This course continues the detailed study of structure and physiological activities of the human body. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.

Biology 2405 -- General Biology I -- 4 hours.
A study of the fundamental mechanisms driving living systems, including ecological, evolutionary, cellular and genetic processes. Establishes a foundation of skills and concepts required for advanced study in biology. Three lectures and three laboratory hours per week.

Biology 2406  -- General Biology II -- 4 hours.
A survey of life on earth, including the anatomy, physiology, development, classification and phylogenetic relationships among major groups of organisms. Completes the foundation of concepts and skills required for advanced study in biology. Prerequisite: Biology 2405 or permission of the instructor. Three lectures and three laboratory hours per week.

Biology 3190-3290-3390 -- Topics in Biology -- 1-3 hours.
An in-depth study of a subdiscipline in biology--generally a topic of interest or concern among non-scientists. The course subject for a given semester will be determined by the instructor and biology faculty. The schedule of course offerings will list the specific title. Examples of subjects include sociobiology, ichthyology and evolution. Prerequisite: Biology 1400 or Biology 2405 or Biology 2406. One to three lecture hours per week.

Biology 3405 -- Genetics -- 4 hours.
The mechanisms of inheritance are examined at the molecular, cellular, organismal and population levels of organization. Laboratory work includes classical demonstrations of Mendelian and chromosomal principles as well as more recently developed techniques for characterizing and manipulating DNA. Prerequisite: Biology 2504.

Biology 3406 -- Entomology -- 4 hours. (Summer session only.)
The general nature and structure of insects will be studied. Emphasis will be on habitats, life cycles, and the use of keys to identify insects to family. This is a laboratory and field course--field trips are required. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

Biology 3407 -- Vertebrate Embryology -- 4 hours.
A study of the development of the individual from gamete formation, cleavage, and development of germ layers through organ systems. The use of slides and living specimens will be emphasized in laboratory work. Two lecture and four laboratory hours per week. Prerequisite: Biology 2406.

Biology 3408 -- Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy -- 4 hours.
The organs and systems of selected vertebrate animals are studied comparatively in laboratory. This is a course in laboratory dissections with lectures covering the evolution of the chordates. Two lecture and four laboratory hours per week. Prerequisite: Biology 2504.

Biology 3410 -- Histology -- 4 hours.
Microscopic study of mammalian cells, tissues, and organ systems. The course affords an opportunity to develop familiarity with normal tissue structure of the major organs of the body. Emphasis will be placed on development of independent observation of the details of mammalian microanatomy. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week. Prerequisite: Biology 2406.

Biology 3411 -- Field Botany -- 4 hours. (Summer Session Only)
Use of taxonomic keys in the identification of local flowering plants; principles of nomenclature; methods of mounting herbarium specimens; flower types, structure and arrangement of floral parts; the major classes and families of flowering plants. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

Biology 3412 -- Parasitology -- 4 hours.
A study of the principles of parasitism and other aspects of parasite biology using human parasites as models. Parasites causing human disease will be studied with emphasis on the occurrence, transmission, reservoirs, and methods of control. Animal parasites, especially those of domestic animals, will also be included when appropriate. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week. Prerequisite: Biology 2406.

Biology 3513 -- Microbiology I -- 5 hours.
An introduction to subdisciplines of microbiology, primarily medical microbiology, this course will focus on epidemiology of the causative agents of human infectious diseases and an overview of immunology. Laboratory will include experiences with aseptic techniques, isolation and identification of microorganisms, serological testing, and methods of control of microorganisms. Three lecture hours and two, two hour laboratories per week. Prerequisites: Biology 2405 and 2406 or Biology 2403 and 2404.

Biology 3414 -- Microbiology II -- 4 hours.
A continuation of Biology 3513, this course focuses on microbial genetics, microbial diversity/ecology, and environmental and industrial microbiology. Laboratory will be primarily project-oriented experiences. Three lectures and one, three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Biology 3513 and Chemistry 1351/1251 and 1352/1252.

Biology 4100/4200/4300 -- Independent Study -- 1-3 hours.
An opportunity for the biology major to carry out a research project (library, laboratory and/or field) under the supervision of a Biology Department faculty member. This course is also the format whereby biology majors wishing to teach at the high school level fulfill the requirement to ``design, develop, and evaluate laboratory and field instructional activities.'' Prerequisite: Biology major and permission.

Biology 4114 -- Senior Seminar -- 1 hour.
A further study of the topics presented in Biology 2114, but with additional emphasis on experimental design, statistical interpretation, design and production of graphs and other figures, and oral presentations in biology. Students will prepare and present a report (library or laboratory) as a requirement for this course. One hour lecture per week. Prerequisite: Biology 2114, 2406.

Biology 4302/4402 --  Environmental Impact Assessment -- 3 or 4 hours.
A capstone course for students interested in Environmental Science studies. Students will carry out an environmental impact assessment of a local stream system that may be affected by (simulated) proposed industry such as a PCB removal facility, a battery recycling facility, etc. This course can be a three-semester hour, non-laboratory course (mainly non-science majors) or a four-semester hour laboratory course. For biology majors this course can be substituted for Biology 4412. Prerequisite: Environmental Science 2400.

Biology 4412 --  Immunology -- 4 hours.
A study of the fundamental aspects of immunity, hypersensitivity, serology, and mechanisms of resistance to various infectious diseases. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week. Prerequisite: Biology 3513.

Biology 4414 -- Ecology -- 4 hours.
A study of biological processes larger in scope than the individual organism. Adaptation to the physical environment, population biology, community interactions and ecosystems will be considered. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week. Prerequisite: Biology 2406.

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11/10/00
dschmied@kwc.edu