Independent Study
The independent study program in biology is open to students of junior and senior
status who have demonstrated the potential to complete successfully an original
independent research project. Each student involved in the program selects a faculty
member who will direct the research. Students with a grade point average of 3.0
(B) or better may elect to do an independent study project which could lead to departmental
honors. An honors candidate is required to submit a thesis based on the laboratory
or field investigations and defend it before an examining committee chosen by the
research sponsor, Following successful completion of the defense, the candidate's
record is reviewed by the examining committee, whereupon a decision is made concerning
a recommendation to the Dean of the Faculty that the candidate graduate with departmental
honors (*).
Numerous student research papers have been presented at the Pennsylvania Academy
of Science meetings and at district meetings of BETA BETA BETA, National Biological
Society. Over the past fifteen years LVC students have won five first place awards
and three second place accolades at these district meetings. In addition, some papers
have been published in scientific journals. Independent study projects completed
by students during the past 10 years are listed below:
Botany
A botanical concentration should include:
BIO 302 Plant Diversity| The development and diversity of fungi, algae and land plants and the relationships between them. Field and laboratory work familiarizes the student with the structure and reproduction of algae and plants and with the identification and pollination of flowering plants in the local flora. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/111L and BIO 112/112L. Corequisite: BIO 302L. 3 credits. |
| A study of the morphology, physiology and biochemistry of representative microorganisms. The laboratory emphasizes basic bacteriological techniques and procedures. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L; three semesters of chemistry or permission. Corequisite: BIO 306L. 3 credits. |
| A study of the functioning of plants, with emphasis on vascular plants. Fulfills general education requirement: Writing Process. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L; three semesters of chemistry or permission. Corequisite: BIO 307L. 3 credits. |
| An examination of the basic concepts of ecology with extensive laboratory work and field experiences in freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems. Fulfills general education requirement: Writing Process. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L. Corequisite: BIO 312L. 3 credits. |
| An introduction to elementary descriptive and inferential statistics with emphasis on conceptual understanding. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 4 (Mathematics). A student may not receive credit for MAS 170 after completing MAS 372. A student may not receive credit for both MAS 170 and MAS 270. 3 credits. |
For students interested in plant systematics, ecology, or plant physiology, the following courses are suggested as well as a computer course.
BCMB 401 Molecular Biology| Gene structure, function and regulation at the molecular level in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Recombinant DNA techniques (genetic engineering) and gene sequencing are covered in detail. Prerequisite: Three semesters of chemistry and BIO 201 or permission of the instructor. Corequisite: BCMB 401L. 3 credits. |
| The study of the chemistry of the molecules of life. Topics covered include: the applications of pH & buffers, amino acid chemistry, protein structure & function, the thermodynamics of protein folding, protein purification & analysis, ligand binding, enzyme mechanisms and enzyme kinetics. Prerequisites: CHM 214 and 216. 3 credits. |
| The continued study of the chemistry of the molecules of life. Topics covered include carbohydrate chemistry & metabolism, coenzyme mechanisms, electron transport & oxidative phosphorylation, lipid chemistry, membranes, lipid metabolism amino acid metabolism and the integrated function of intermediary metabolism & its metabolic control. Prerequisites: CHM 214 and 216. 3 credits. |
| A study of many of the invertebrate phyla, concentrating on the physiological mechanisms controlling movement, metabolism, information, and control and reproduction. Fulfills general education requirement: Writing Process. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L. Corequisite: BIO 324L. 3 credits. |
Health Professions
Health-professions schools require a sound science preparation along with a broad background in the humanities and social sciences. Thus, all medical schools require the following courses:
BIO 111 General Biology I| A rigorous study of basic biological principles, designed for science majors. Topics emphasized include basic biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, embryology, histology, and evolution. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 3 (Natural Science). Corequisite: BIO 111L. 3 credits. |
| This course, also rigorous and designed for science majors, covers concepts in animal and plant physiology, botany, and ecology. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 3 (Natural Science). Must be taken concurrently with BIO 114. 3 credits. |
BIO 113
BIO 114
CHM 111 Principles of Chemistry I| An introduction to chemistry for the science major. First semester topics include atomic and molecular structure, chemical reactions, calculations involving chemical concentrations, gas laws and bonding. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 3 (Natural Science). Prerequisite: one year of high school chemistry or permission. Corequisite: CHM 113 or CHM 115. 3 credits. |
| A continuation of first semester. Topics include kinetics, acids and bases, equilibrium, oxidation- reduction chemistry, thermodynamics, electro- chemistry and nuclear chemistry. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 3 (Natural Science). Prerequisite: CHM 111. Corequisite: CHM 114 or CHM 116. 3 credits. |
| Laboratory course to accompany 111. Experiments cover stoichiometry, gas laws, quantitative analysis, equilibrium, electrochemistry, chemical synthesis and the use of computers for collecting data. Students are introduced to instrumentation including infrared, UV-visible, and atomic absorption spectrometers. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 3 (Natural Science). Co-requisite: CHM 111. 1 credit. |
| Second semester laboratory course to accompany 112. Experiments cover stoichiometry, gas laws, quantitative analysis, equilibrium, electrochemistry, chemical synthesis and the use of computers for collecting data. Students are introduced to intrumentation including infrared, UV-visible, and atomic absorption spectrometers. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 3 (Natural Science). Corequisite: CHM 112. 1 credit. |
| An introduction to the principles of organic chemistry. The focus of the course is on the structure of organic molecules and how the structure of various functional groups affects their reactivity. The concepts of reactivity, structure and mechanism are applied to organic synthesis. Prerequisite: CHM 112. 3 credits. |
| Second semester of an introduction to the principles of organic chemistry. The focus of the course is on the structure of organic molecules and how the structure of various functional groups affects their reactivity. The concepts of reactivity, structure and mechanism are applied to organic synthesis. Prerequisite: CHM 213. 3 credits. |
| An introduction to the practice of classical organic chemistry and modern instrumental organic chemistry. The techniques of organic synthesis are taught along with instrumental methods including infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. Prerequisite: CHM 114 or 116. Prerequisite or corequisite: CHM 213. 1 credit. |
| Second smester of an introduction to the practice of classical organic chemistry and modern instrumental organic chemistry. The techniques of organic synthesis are taught along with instrumental methods including infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. Prerequisite or corequisite: CHM 214. 1 credit. |
| This course will help the student develop his or her own voice while meeting the demands of academic and public expression. It will emphasize the development of clear, organized, and rhetorically effective written prose. Offered fall semester. Fulfills general education requirement: English Communications. 3 credits. |
| This course continues to help the student develop his or her own voice while meeting the demands of academic and public expression. In addition to emphasizing the development of clear, organized, and rhetorically effective written prose, this course also focuses on speaking, reading, and research skills. Offered spring semester. Fulfills general education requirement: English Communications. Prerequisite: ENG 111, FYS 100 or permission of chairperson. 3 credits. |
| A calculus sequence covering functions, limits, differentiation, integration and applications. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 4 (Mathematics). 3 credits. |
| An introduction to the fundamental concepts and laws of the various branches of physics, including mechanics, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, optics, and atomic and nuclear structure, with laboratory work in each area. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 3 (Natural Science). Corequisite: PHY 103L. 3 credits. |
| A continuation of PHY 103. Fundamental concepts and laws of the various branches of physics, including mechanics, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, optics, and atomic and nuclear structure, with laboratory work in each area. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 3 (Natural Science). Prerequisite: PHY 103 or equivalent. Corequisite: PHY 106. 3 credits. |
In addition, many schools recommend the following courses:
BIO 201 Genetics
| A study of the principles, mechanisms and concepts of classical, molecular, and population genetics. The laboratory stresses key concepts of genetics utilizing both classical and molecular approaches. Laboratory exercises include analysis of nucleic acids, genetic crosses, and studies of bacteria and plasmids. Prerequisites: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L; one year of chemistry or permission. Corequisite: BIO 201L. 3 credits. |
| Comparative anatomy with special attention to the structure and function of mammalian systems and special references to humans. Intensive laboratory work involves dissections and demonstrations using the cat as a model. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/111L and BIO 112/112L. Corequisite: BIO 221L. 3 credits. |
| An organismal and molecular approach to the study of animal development using typical invertebrate and vertebrate organisms. The laboratory includes the study of slides as well as experiments on fertilization, regeneration and metamorphosis. Fulfills general education requirement: Writing Process. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L and BIO 201, or permission of the instructor. Corequisite: BIO 304L. 3 credits. |
| The study of chemical systems from a molecular perspective. Basic concepts of quantum chemistry applied to atomic and molecular structure. Thermodynamic laws and functions applied to mechanical, thermal, and material equilibrium in gases, liquids, and solids. Also included are electrochemical systems, as well as kinetic and transport processes occurring in gases, in solutions, and at solid surfaces. Prerequisites: CHM 112, MAS 162, and PHY 104 or 112. 3 credits. |
| Second semester of a study of chemical systems from a molecular perspective. Basic concepts of quantum chemistry applied to atomic and molecular structure. Thermodynamic laws and functions applied to mechanical, thermal, and material equilibrium in gases, liquids, and solids. Also included are electrochemical systems, as well as kinetic and transport processes occurring in gases, in solutions, and at solid surfaces Prerequisite: CHM 311. 3 credits. |
Biological courses that are not specifically recommended but should help in a health-professions school are:
BCMB 401 Molecular Biology
| Gene structure, function and regulation at the molecular level in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Recombinant DNA techniques (genetic engineering) and gene sequencing are covered in detail. Prerequisite: Three semesters of chemistry and BIO 201 or permission of the instructor. Corequisite: BCMB 401L. 3 credits. |
| The study of the chemistry of the molecules of life. Topics covered include: the applications of pH & buffers, amino acid chemistry, protein structure & function, the thermodynamics of protein folding, protein purification & analysis, ligand binding, enzyme mechanisms and enzyme kinetics. Prerequisites: CHM 214 and 216. 3 credits. |
| The continued study of the chemistry of the molecules of life. Topics covered include carbohydrate chemistry & metabolism, coenzyme mechanisms, electron transport & oxidative phosphorylation, lipid chemistry, membranes, lipid metabolism amino acid metabolism and the integrated function of intermediary metabolism & its metabolic control. Prerequisites: CHM 214 and 216. 3 credits. |
| A study of cell ultrastructure and the microscopic anatomy of vertebrate tissues, including the structure and function of membranes and organelles, cell motility and excitability, and vertebrate tissue similarities and specialization in relation to function. Laboratory includes the preparation and staining of sections using selected histochemical and histological procedures as well as a variety of microscopic techniques. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L. Corequisite: BIO 305L. 3 credits. |
| A study of the morphology, physiology and biochemistry of representative microorganisms. The laboratory emphasizes basic bacteriological techniques and procedures. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L; three semesters of chemistry or permission. Corequisite: BIO 306L. 3 credits. |
| A study of the principles of vertebrate body function, with emphasis on the mechanisms by which cells and organs perform their functions and the interactions of the various organs in maintaining total body function. Fulfills general education requirement: Writing Process. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L; one semester of chemistry or permission. Corequisite: BIO 322L. 3 credits. |
| An introduction to the anatomical, physiological and biochemical factors underlying the immune response. The course begins with a discussion of non-specific immunity, cellular immunity and antibody-mediated immune responses. The course then moves into a study of contemporary immunological topics which are discussed with respect to major research papers in each area. Topics include autoimmunity, histocompatibility, immunogenetics and acquired immune deficiencies. Prerequisites: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L; BIO 201; CHM 111, 113 or equivalent; or permission of the instructor. Corequisite: BIO 323L. 3 credits. |
Marine Biology and Ecology
Students in the marine biology and ecology programs should choose courses in:
BIO 212 Animal Behavior| A study of the basic concepts of invertebrate and vertebrate behavior with emphasis on the development, genetics, physiology and evolution of behavior. Laboratory exercises include ethogram construction, avian foraging, aggressive display analysis and estrous cycle regulation. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L. Corequisite: BIO 212L. 3 credits. |
| The development and diversity of fungi, algae and land plants and the relationships between them. Field and laboratory work familiarizes the student with the structure and reproduction of algae and plants and with the identification and pollination of flowering plants in the local flora. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/111L and BIO 112/112L. Corequisite: BIO 302L. 3 credits. |
| A study of the morphology, physiology and biochemistry of representative microorganisms. The laboratory emphasizes basic bacteriological techniques and procedures. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L; three semesters of chemistry or permission. Corequisite: BIO 306L. 3 credits. |
| A study of the functioning of plants, with emphasis on vascular plants. Fulfills general education requirement: Writing Process. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L; three semesters of chemistry or permission. Corequisite: BIO 307L. 3 credits. |
| An examination of the basic concepts of ecology with extensive laboratory work and field experiences in freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems. Fulfills general education requirement: Writing Process. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L. Corequisite: BIO 312L. 3 credits. |
| A study of many of the invertebrate phyla, concentrating on the physiological mechanisms controlling movement, metabolism, information, and control and reproduction. Fulfills general education requirement: Writing Process. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L. Corequisite: BIO 324L. 3 credits. |
| An intensive study of ecosystem ecology, examining the interactions of biotic and abiotic factors within freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems. This course will examine recent research to demonstrate how ecosystems respond to anthropogenic influences. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L. Corequisite: BIO 409L. 3 credits. |
BIO 500
Additional suggested courses are:
BIO 322 Vertebrate Physiology
| A study of the principles of vertebrate body function, with emphasis on the mechanisms by which cells and organs perform their functions and the interactions of the various organs in maintaining total body function. Fulfills general education requirement: Writing Process. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L; one semester of chemistry or permission. Corequisite: BIO 322L. 3 credits. |
Zoology
A biology major concentrating in zoology should take:
Please contact the Registrars Office for more information.
Cooperative Programs
The Department of Biology also offers several cooperative programs which have more
specialized curricula than the major in biology. These programs are:
- Forestry and Environmental Management
- Medical Technology
Forestry and environmental studies, medical technology and nuclear medicine technology
are programs in which the student spends three years at Lebanon Valley College and
one or two years at the cooperating institution.