EXPLORATION COURSES

The following courses are designed for students who wish to fulfill the College natural sciences requirement with the study of biology. These courses are generally not counted toward the biology or any biology-combined major. Students who wish to major or minor in biology after completing one or two exploration courses should consult the department chair concerning the appropriate choice of courses; some exploration courses may be substituted for requirements in the major or minor at the discretion of the department.

NS 101.    NEUROSCIENCE: MIND AND BEHAVIOR    4
An interdisciplinary examination of the neurobiological bases of behavior and mental processing. Topics include the structure and functioning of the nervous system, brain-behavior relationships, and hormonal and genetic effects on behavior and mental processing. Laboratories develop students' understanding of functional neuroanatomy, neural transmission, and human psychophysiology. (Fulfills natural sciences requirement).    Biology and/or Psychology Faculty

BI 110.    BIOLOGY OF THE MIND    4
An introductory level examination of the basic neurobiology of the human brain and nervous system. A sufficient depth of biological perspective is developed to allow the student to consider the neurobiological underpinnings of a wide variety of brain related topics including pathology (select mental and nervous system diseases), socially significant issues (drugs, alcohol), higher function (language, sleep, memory, consciousness), and philosophical issues (mind-body problem, artificial intelligence, ethical issues). Three hours of lecture, three hours of lab per week. (Fulfills natural sciences and QR2 requirements.)    R. Meyers

BI 115H.    ECOLOGY OF FOOD    4
The study of fundamental concepts in ecology from a who-eats-whom perspective. Topics include the behavior and ecology of herbivores, predators, parasites, and mutualists, interactions among competitors in quest of food, trophic connections, and analyses of communities and landscapes managed for agricultural and aquacultural production. Quantitative field investigations of herbivory in Skidmore's North Woods are complemented by laboratory investigations of plant physical defenses and secondary chemicals, including the use and function of these secondary chemicals in world cuisine. A similar investigative approach is taken to the study of pollination, seed dispersal, and predation. Local food producers contribute to the study of agroecology. Ecological impacts of various agricultural and aquacultural practices and the implications and potential ecological impacts of genetically modified foods are explored. Prerequisite: QR1. Three hours of lecture, three hours of lab per week. One Saturday field trip.  (Fulfills laboratory science requirement.)  M. Raveret Richter

BI 120.    THE HUMAN ORGANISM    4
An introduction to the study of life processes, focused on our species. This course will help the student acquire an understanding of basic biological principles, using humans as illustrative material. Topics will include genetics, reproduction, and physiology of humans. Three hours of lecture, two hours of lab per week. (Fulfills natural sciences requirement.)    The Department

BI 135.    ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE    4
Environmental science is an interdisciplinary study of the interaction between humans and the environment chiefly in relation to ecology, resources, and population. The course will show how humans are a force now posing a serious threat to the long-term sustainability of natural life-support systems. Three hours of lecture, two hours of lab per week. (Fulfills natural sciences requirement.)    The Department

BI 140.    MARINE BIOLOGY    4
An examination of the intricate and delicate nature of plant, animal, fungal and microbial life beneath Earth's oceans and on its shorelines. Lecture topics include ocean chemistry and biochemistry, physiology of marine organisms, evolution and diversity of the marine world, marine ecosystems and human-ocean interactions. The lab will include experimental manipulations of marine plants and animals, survey of various life forms, culture techniques, ecological sampling and mariculture. Three hours of lecture, two hours of lab per week. Lab fee $60. (Fulfills natural sciences requirement.)    D. Domozych

BI 145.    UNDERSTANDING BIOTECHNOLOGY: RECOMBINANT DNA AND ETHICAL ISSUES    4
An investigation of the structure, function, and manipulation of DNA. Recent advances in decoding the genome of any organism and in recombining the DNA into functional units within the cell have important ethical, economic, environmental, political, and social implications, which will have major impacts on society, health care, insurance, environmental regulations, business, and the economy. This course will explore the science and technology of manipulating DNA and the potential social, ethical, and environmental consequences. Three hours of lecture, two hours of lab per week. (Fulfills natural sciences requirement.)    The Department

BI 150.    BIOLOGY: THE SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF LIFE    4
An introduction to the basic principles underlying the study of life. Topics may range from the origin and evolution of life to the molecular basis of heredity and development, to the structure and function of the global ecosystem. The lectures and labs emphasize the diversity of life, the unifying characteristics shared by all organisms, and an understanding of life based on scientific methods of analysis. Three hours of lecture, two hours of lab per week. (Fulfills natural sciences requirement.)    The Department

BI 155.    EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY    4
An introduction to evolution as the central organizing principle of the biological sciences. This writing-intensive course explores the mechanisms of evolutionary change and introduces the academic and applied issues that challenge modern evolutionary theory. Topics include: human origins, Darwinian medicine, adaptation, and sexual selection. Three hours of lecture and two hours of lab per week. (Fulfills expository writing requirement and natural sciences requirements.)    C. Freeman-Gallant

BI 160.    CONSERVATION BIOLOGY    4
The biology of species, communities, and ecosystems that are perturbed or threatened by human activities. This course will examine the principles and tools for preserving biological diversity. Topics to be covered include principles of ecology, geographic distribution, animal and plant classification, and population dynamics. Three hours of lecture, two hours of lab per week; one all-day field trip. (Fulfills natural sciences requirement.)    The Department

BI 165.    MICROBES AND SOCIETY    4
An introduction to basic microbiology that focuses on the impact microbes have on our society. While everybody knows microbes can causes diseases and spoilage, microbes are more present and have a deeper impact on our lives than most of us realize. Students will focus on basic concepts in microbiology while exploring specific case studies and the latest news regarding the impact of microbes on our society. In the lab students will discover microbes in various environments, put them to work in food production, and address issues of food safety and spoilage while learning basic laboratory techniques. Three hours of lecture, three hours of lab per week. (Fulfills natural sciences requirement.)    S. Franke

BI 170.    HUMAN GENETICS    4
An introduction to the principles of genetics and their application to human biology. Topics include the history of genetics, the structure, function and inheritance of genes, medical genetics, and genetic engineering. Three hours of lecture, two hours of lab per week. (Fulfills natural sciences and QR2 requirements.)    B. Possidente

BI 180.    ECONOMIC BOTANY    4
An introduction to the concepts of plant and fungal biology with special emphasis on how they are utilized by humans. Lectures will focus on the structure and role of plant and fungal systems, their evolution and importance in human-based applications such as agriculture, medicine, and horticulture. Labs will include field trips to sites of botanical and mycological interest, hands-on horticultural exercises, and a survey of the plant-fungal kingdoms. Three hours of lecture and two hours of lab per week. (Fulfills natural sciences requirement.)    D. Domozych


COURSES FOR THE MAJOR / JOINT MAJORS

BI 105.    BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES I: UNITY OF LIFE    4
An introduction to the structures and processes common to all of life. The course explores topics in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell structure and function, evolutionary theory, and population ecology. The laboratory portion of the course is inquiry-based and will introduce students to the methods and theory of modern biology. The course is writing enhanced and partially fulfills the departmental writing requirement. Three hours of lecture, three hours of laboratory per week. (Fulfills natural sciences requirement.) C. Freeman-Gallant and P. Hilleren

BI 106.    BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES II: DIVERSITY OF LIFE    4
A comprehensive introduction to the diversity of life forms and life functions. The course explores topics in organismal biology with special emphasis on animals and plants, reproductive biology, physiology and developmental biology. The course is writing enhanced and partially fulfills the departmental writing requirement.  Prerequisite: BI105. (Fulfills natural sciences requirement.)    D. Domozych and J. Ness

BI 240.    ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY    4
An examination of the physical and biotic features of the earth, the role of humans in affecting the planet's ecology, and the ways ecological systems affect humans. This course provides the fundamental concepts of environmental biology, along with specific examples from the natural world and human modification. Topics include the basics of the physical nature of the earth; physiological ecology, including the biochemistry and metabolism of life forms and nutrient cycles; biodiversity; interspecific relationships; population and community dynamics; ecosystem structure; pollution and environmental toxicology; resource management; and restoration design. Laboratory consists of field trips, ecological sampling techniques, ecological survey of local habitats, phytoremediation, pollution simulation, and examination of biodiversity. Building on BI 105 and BI 106, the course explores writing conventions specific to the subdiscipline; partially fulfills the Departmental writing requirement. Does not count toward the major. Prerequisites: ES105.    J. Ness

BI 241.    ECOLOGY    4
A field, laboratory, and lecture course in which interactions among organisms and between organisms and their environment are explored. Students will observe ecological patterns and evaluate evidence and arguments for why those patterns exist. Prerequisites: BI106 or ES105 and BI240.  Building on BI 105 and BI 106, the course explores writing conventions specific to the subdiscipline; partially fulfills the Departmental writing requirement.   M. Raveret Richter

BI 242.    MOLECULAR BIOLOGY    4
The course provides a molecular view of essential features of eukaryotic cell biology. The laboratory portion of the course is project-based and designed to expose students to current methodologies and experimental strategies commonly used in molecular biology research. The overarching goal of the course is for students to gain an understanding of the molecular nature of key fundamental processes in cell biology including i) structure and function of proteins and nucleic acids and how they interact to promote cell function; ii) protein targeting and localization; and iii) eukaryotic cell cycle and regulation of cell growth iv) cancer biology and v) cell death. Prerequisites: BI106, and CH105 or CH107H.  Building on BI 105 and BI 106, the course explores writing conventions specific to the subdiscipline; partially fulfills the Departmental writing requirement.  P. Hilleren

BI 244.    COMPARATIVE VERTEBRATE PHYSIOLOGY    4
The function and structure of major systems of vertebrates considered principally from the perspective of their ability to meet environmental demands. Prerequisites: BI106, and CH105 or CH107H. Building on BI 105 and BI 106, the course explores writing conventions specific to the subdiscipline; partially fulfills the Departmental writing requirement.   R. Meyers

BI 245.    PRINCIPLES OF GENETICS    4
A study of biological patterns of heredity explained by genes, their structure, function, and transmission from cell to cell and parent to offspring, and the expression of genetic information. Topics include an in-depth study of mitosis, meiosis, Mendelian genetics and extension of Mendelian genetics, to complex traits and their analysis in individuals and populations. Breeding and analysis of fruit flies requires lab work outside of scheduled lab time. Prerequisites: BI106 or permission of instructor. Building on BI 105 and BI 106, the course explores writing conventions specific to the subdiscipline; partially fulfills the Departmental writing requirement.   B. Possidente

BI 246.    MICROBIOLOGY: DIVERSITY, DISEASE, AND THE ENVIRONMENT    4
A comprehensive introduction to the biology of three major groups of microbes: bacteria, protists, and viruses. Microbial diversity will be explored in the context of the structure, physiology, metabolism, and molecular genetics of various microbial taxa. We will discuss microbial diseases, non-specific and specific human immune responses, and general strategies used by microbes to overcome these defenses. The final section of the course will explore key concepts in microbial ecology. Emphasis will be placed on the central role of bacteria in geochemical cycles and symbiotic associations with plants and animals. In the laboratory, students will isolate bacteria from a variety of environments (wounds, soil, etc.) and apply standard techniques used in clinical and environmental microbiology labs to study their physiology and metabolism. Prerequisite: BI106. Building on BI 105 and BI 106, the course explores writing conventions specific to the subdiscipline; partially fulfills the Departmental writing requirement.   S. Franke

BI 247.    CELL BIOLOGY    4
The course provides a cellular and organismal view of essential features of eukaryotic cell biology. Students will study cellular functions such as protein structure and function, cytoskeletal organization, cell migration, cellular metabolism, and cell signaling. In laboratory, students will gain experience with modern techniques for visualizing cell biological processes, with emphasis on differential interference contrast (DIC) optics, fluoresence, and confocal microscopy. Prerequisites: BI106, and CH105 or CH107H. Building on BI 105 and BI 106, the course explores writing conventions specific to the subdiscipline; partially fulfills the Departmental writing requirement.   J. Bonner

BI 275.    INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH    1
An introductory exploration of research in the biological sciences. Students plan, design, and implement a small research project from the laboratory or field in coordination with a faculty member. This experience will allow students at various stages of their careers to sample research methodologies in particular subdisciplines of biology. Students may only take four BI275 courses in their careers and no more than two in any given semester. If more than one is taken in one semester, each BI275 must be in a different section. Prerequisites: Completion of one 100-level course in biology or requirements set forth in individual sections plus permission of instructor. BI 275 does not fulfill the Biology department's writing requirement for the major.

NS 277.    INTEGRATIVE SEMINAR IN NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH    1
A study of selected areas of neuroscience research and techniques. Both primary source articles and first-person accounts by faculty in the Biology and Psychology Departments are used to introduce the theoretical and practical aspects of neuroscience research. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the multiple levels (e.g., molecular to behavioral) at which research topics in neuroscience can be addressed and also the ways in which research techniques define the types of questions that can be asked at a given level of analysis. Prerequisites: This course should be taken upon completion of NS101 and the completion of (or current enrollment in) at least one other core or elective course from the list of courses in the Neuroscience major. Must be taken S/U. Building on BI 105 and BI 106, the course explores writing conventions specific to the subdiscipline; partially fulfills the Departmental writing requirement.   Biology and/or Psychology Faculty

BI 299.    PROFESSIONAL INTERNSHIP IN BIOLOGY    3
Internship opportunity for students whose curricular foundations and experience have prepared them for professional work related to the major field. With faculty sponsorship and department approval, students may extend their educational experience into such areas as laboratory or field research, or clinical medicine. Does not count toward the major. Prerequisite: completion of at least one related 200-level course (as determined by the department). Must be taken S/U.

BI 302.    BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY    3
An examination of the relationship between ecological factors and animal behavior, particularly social behavior. Students will analyze comparative studies of behavior, employ and critique economic models of behavior and models of evolutionarily stable strategies, and explore relationships among resource distribution, kinship, breeding systems, and social evolution. Prerequisites: BI106 or ES105 and any two 200-level biology courses.    M. Raveret Richter

BI 305.    CARDIOVASCULAR PHYSIOLOGY    4
A consideration of cardiovascular physiology, including cellular physiology of the heart, mammalian cardiovascular dynamics, aspects of comparative and developmental cardiac physiology, and human clinical cardiology. Three hours of lecture, three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BI106 and two 200-level biology courses or permission of instructor. Offered in alternate years.    R. Meyers

BI 306.    MAMMALIAN PHYSIOLOGY    4
A study of selected topics in mammalian physiology, including respiratory, renal, and neural physiology. Prerequisites: BI106 and BI244 or permission of instructor; for neuroscience students: NS101, BI105, and BI244. Three hours of lecture, three hours of laboratory per week. Offered in alternate years.    R. Meyers

BI 307.    ORNITHOLOGY    4
Birds as model organisms for an integrative study of biology. This course explores avian form and function; the ecology, evolution, and behavior of birds; and avian conservation. Prerequisites: BI106 and any two 200-level biology courses, or ES205 and ES206. Three hours of lecture, three hours of fieldwork or lab a week. One Saturday field trip.    C. Freeman-Gallant

BI 309.    MICROBIAL GENETICS    4
An advanced exploration of the genetic aspects of microbiology. Students will study the genetic characteristics of prokaryotes and how bacterial model organisms contribute to our understanding of fundamental genetic processes in all living cells. Students will also explore applied topics, including the genetics of bioremediation and increasing prevalence of bacterial antibiotic resistance. In the laboratory, students will use modern methods in molecular genetics to explore the use of microorganisms in basic research. Prerequisites: BI106, and CH106 or 107H, and BI242 or BI246.    S. Franke

BI 311.    BIOLOGICAL ELECTRON MICROSCOPY    4
Practical and theoretical study of the operation and application of electron microscopes and the preparation of samples for electron microscopy. Topics include chemical fixation, cryofixation, cytochemistry, immunolabeling, ultramicrotomy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and electron microscopic photography. Prerequisites: BI106 and BI244 or BI247. Two hours of lecture and four hours of lab a week.    D. Domozych

BI 316.    ANIMAL BEHAVIOR    4
Behavior is a product of evolution and a means of animal adaptation. This course considers the mechanisms, proximate causes, and ultimate origins of behavior. Prerequisite: BI106 and any two 200-level biology courses, or ES205 and ES206; for neuroscience students: NS101, BI105, and BI244. Three lectures, three hours of lab or fieldwork a week. One Saturday field trip.    M. Raveret Richter

BI 324.    EVOLUTION    4
A survey of topics in evolutionary theory: the evidence for evolution, mechanism of evolutionary change, species concepts, and speciation. Introduction to the concepts of variability, adaptation, neutrality, and phylogeny through discussion and lab work. Prerequisites: BI106 and any two 200-level biology courses, or ES205 and ES206.. Three hours of lecture, three hours of lab a week.    C. Freeman-Gallant

BI 325.    TROPICAL ECOLOGY    3
An introduction to the ecology of tropical regions, with an emphasis on Central and South American forests. In this course, we will take an ecological approach to investigating the patterns, processes, and organisms characterizing tropical ecosystems. We will study the forces that gave rise to tropical biodiversity, and discuss both the preservation and destruction of tropical ecosystems. Prerequisites: BI106 and any two 200-level biology courses, or ES205 and ES206.    M. Raveret Richter

TX 301.    TROPICAL FIELD ECOLOGY    2
This travel seminar and its companion lecture course, Tropical Ecology (BI325), comprise a classroom- and field-based introduction to the ecology of tropical regions, with an emphasis on Central and South American forests. Students, who must be concurrently enrolled in BI325, will meet in a discussion section throughout the semester, and will travel to the tropical cloud forest community of Monteverde, Costa Rica, during spring break. TX301 does not count toward the biology major as a 300-level elective course, nor does it count as a supportive course for ecology, evolution, and behavior concentrators; BI325 does fulfill these requirements. Prerequisites: Either BI106 or ES105, and any two 200-level biology courses. Offered in alternate years.    M. Raveret Richter and Biology Faculty

BI 327.    CONSERVATION ECOLOGY 3
Focuses upon developing an understanding of the diversity of life, in an ecological and evolutionary context, and applying that understanding to critical analyses of issues and problems in conservation biology. Prerequisites: BI106 and any two 200-level biology courses, or ES205 and ES206.    M. Raveret Richter

BI 337.    PLANT PHYSIOLOGY    4
The behavior, growth, transport processes, and environmental response of plants. Topics include membrane dynamics and function, plant cell development and polarity, solute and water transport, mineral and vitamin nutrition, respiration photosynthesis, hormone action, photoperiodism, taxes and stress biology. Two lectures, four hours of lab a week. Prerequisites: BI106 and any two, 200-level courses in Biology.    D. Domozych

BI 338.    PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY    4
A modern analysis of humankind's use of plants and fungi and their derived products. Major subjects covered include ethnobotany, plant genetic engineering, plant biochemistry, techniques of plant production, agricultural practices, horticulture, and medicinal botany/mycology. Three hours of lecture, three hours of lab a week. Prerequisite: BI106.    D. Domozych

BI 339.    PLANT-ANIMAL INTERACTIONS    4
Exploration of the evolution and ecology of interactions between plants and animals. Topics include mutualism (e.g., pollination, frugivory), antagonism (e.g., herbivory, granivory), indirect effects that cascade across taxa, and mechanisms by which plant-animal interactions affect the susceptibility of both groups to pathogenic microbes and fungi. Students perform all the steps of active research (research design, data collection, analysis and presentation), as well as read and critique classic and recent studies from the literature. Student research in Skidmore's North Woods and surrounding areas will be emphasized. Three hours of lecture/discussion and one three-hour lab per week. Prerequisites: BI106 and any two 200-level biology courses, or ES205 and ES206.    J. Ness

BI 342.    FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE    3
This course will explore "hot topics" in neuroscience. We will discuss how novel approaches in cell culture, animal, and human studies are being used in current molecular neuroscience research. In addition to attending lectures, students will review current literature from top journals, give group presentations in class, and write a paper. This course will be divided into two sections: 1) topics in neurogenesis (neuron birth in the adult brain) and 2) topics in neurodegeneration (mechanisms of cell death in disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease). Students will develop skills in critically reading research papers and giving presentations. Prerequisites: BI106, 242 or 247, and one 200-level biology course; for neuroscience students: NS101, BI105, and BI142, 244, or 247.    J. Bonner

BI 344.    BIOLOGICAL CLOCKS    4
Organisms in all the major taxonomic groups have internalized geophysical and other periodicities in the form of endogenous biological mechanism that function as clocks. Theoretical, molecular, cellular, physiological, behavioral, ecological, and biomedical aspects of biological clocks will be examined, with an emphasis on circadian clocks. Three hours of lecture, three hours of lab per week. Prerequisite: BI106 and any two 200-level biology courses or permission of instructor; for neuroscience students: NS101, BI105, and BI244.    B. Possidente

BI 351.    TOPICS IN BIOLOGY    3 or 4
This course gives students an opportunity to study topics that are not offered on a regular basis. The specific topics will vary each time the course is taught. All courses fulfill the 300-level requirements for the biology major. Three-credit courses are taught without laboratories; four-credit course include a weekly three-hour lab. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: permission of department.
    BI351E fulfills the 300-level supportive course requirement of the ecology, evolution, and behavior concentration.
    BI351M fulfills the 300-level supportive course requirement of the molecular biology, cell biology, and genetics concentration.

BI 352, 353.    TOPICS IN ADVANCED GENETICS    3, 4
An opportunity to study advanced topics in genetics that are not offered on a regular basis. The specific topic may vary each time the course is taught. All courses fulfill the 300-level requirements for the integrative biology concentration. Three-credit courses are taught without lab; four-credit courses include a weekly three-hour lab. Different topics may be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: BI106 and 242, 245, or 247.    The Department
    BI352E and BI353E fulfill the 300-level supportive or elective course requirement for the ecology, evolution, and behavior concentration.
    BI352M and BI353M fulfill the 300-level supportive course requirement for the molecular biology and genetics concentration.

BI 360.    GENE EXPRESSION I: DNA METABOLISM    3
An examination of eukaryotic chromatin structure, maintenance, and function. We will explore the structural and molecular composition of chromatin, how this macromolecule is assembled, how it is faithfully maintained, and how its molecular architecture controls gene expression. Integral to this course will be the study of the various modes of inquiry and research tools utilized by scientists to investigate these questions. In addition, we will examine how defects in many of these processes contribute to human disease. Prerequisites: BI106 and 242 and CH221; BI245 suggested.    P. Hilleren

BI 361.    BIOLOGY OF VIRUSES    3
An exploration of the structure, genetics, and pathogenesis of all types of viruses, from bacterial to mammalian. Rather than taking an encyclopedic approach, the course begins as an overview of common themes in the life cycles of all viruses. Building upon this foundation, the course will then draw largely from recent published research to explore features of the life cycle and pathogenesis of specific viruses. Prerequisites: BI106 and 242 or 246.    The Department

BI 362.    BACTERIAL PATHOGENESIS: A MOLECULAR APPROACH    3
An exploration of the latest techniques used to study bacteria-host interactions at the molecular level. The course delves into common obstacles that disease-causing bacteria must overcome in order to colonize a human host and the general strategies bacteria have evolved to overcome these obstacles. Comparisons will be made to symbiotic bacteria-host interactions and questions such as "How did pathogenic bacteria evolve?" will be addressed. Grounded in current published research, the class will also explore, at the molecular level, mechanisms used by specific pathogens to colonize and damage host tissue. Prerequisites: BI106 and 246, 245 recommended.    S. Franke

BI 363.    GENE EXPRESSION II: mRNA METABOLISM    3
An investigation into our current mechanistic understanding of the central features of eukaryotic gene expression, including the synthesis, processing, export, translation, and turnover of mRNA and the biological machines that carry out these fundamental processes. In addition, we will examine how defects in these processes contribute to human disease. Prerequisites: BI106, BI242 and CH221; BI360 strongly recommended; BI245 suggested.    P. Hilleren

BI 370.    COMPUTER MODELING OF BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS    4
An introductory course in the methods, procedures, uses, and implications of digital computer modeling of biological processes, from the molecular through the population level or organization, with particular focus on the systems level. Three hours of lecture, three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BI106.    R. Meyers

BI 371.    INDEPENDENT STUDY    3
An opportunity for students to pursue in depth specialized topics not available through regular course offerings. Prerequisite: agreement of a faculty member to serve as tutor, a topic acceptable both to student and tutor, and permission of the Department. Biology majors may take either BI371 or 385 only once to satisfy a 300-level biology course requirement.    The Department

BI 377, 378.    SENIOR CAPSTONE IN BIOLOGY    2, 1
A two-part course consisting of BI 377 (2 credits), to be taken in the fall of the senior year, and BI 378 (1 credit), to be taken in the spring of the senior year. An integration of curricular experiences in the biology major with emphasis on development of students into participating members of the scientific community. Students will independently demonstrate and document their mastery of biological concepts and techniques, and collaborate to communicate research to each other, the department, and the college. Prerequisite: Senior status.    The Department

BI 385.    RESEARCH METHODS IN BIOLOGY    4
An opportunity for students to engage in laboratory or field research in collaboration with a faculty member. Emphasis is on the development of analytical and technical expertise in biological research. Students meet weekly for one hour of discussion but work independently with their individual faculty mentors in pursuit of their research. Students defend their results in the form of an oral presentation to the Department. S/U only. Prerequisites: agreement by a faculty member to serve as mentor, completion of two 200-level courses in Biology, and permission of the Department. Biology majors may take either BI371 or 385 only once to satisfy a 300-level biology course requirement.
    I. Methods in Integrative Biology
    E. Methods in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior
    M. Methods in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Genetics

BI 399.    PROFESSIONAL INTERNSHIP IN BIOLOGY    3 or 6
Professional experience at an advanced level for juniors and seniors with substantial academic experience in the major field. With faculty sponsorship and department approval, students may extend their educational experience into such areas as laboratory or field research, or clinical medicine. Does not count toward the major. Offered satisfactory/unsatisfactory only. Prerequisite: completion of at least one related 300-level course (as determined by the department). Must be taken S/U.