Biology Requirements
Biology is a vast discipline that begins with an understanding of the richness of the molecules of life — nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids — and culminates with an examination of the enormity of interactions of life within the biosphere. While professional biologists usually concentrate on a specific area within the broader field (e.g., human or veterinary medicine, molecular biology, forestry, or wildlife ecology), we believe that undergraduate biology students should begin by exploring as much of the field as they can. With this philosophy in mind, Ripon students completing a major in biology will explore the discipline by taking a variety of courses of their choosing.
All biology majors take two courses, a foundational introductory course, Biology 121, and capstone courses Biology 501 and 502. Biology 121 introduces the central concepts of biology to majors and non-majors. In Biology 501 and 502 students prepare a portfolio of their past work, read and analyze papers form the primary literature, and design, carry out, and report on original research projects. In between these two experiences, majors take at least six subject specific courses in three different areas of biology. In all these courses, students develop skills as practicing scientists. That is, they learn firsthand by doing the science of biology. In our labs and discussions students come to know the discipline by posing problems that are meaningful to them, solving problems through observation and experimentation, and presenting their findings to their classmates and professors.
Communicating Plus: Biology In accordance with the college’s emphasis on enhancing our student’s ability to communicate what they have learned, all our biology courses highlight the four skills embodied in the Communicating Plus program: written communication (esp. Biology 200), oral communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving. The biology curriculum has three levels at which the Communicating Plus skills are addressed. Important skills are introduced in Biology 121 and further developed in the subject specific courses. Finally, students have opportunities to perfect and demonstrate their mastery of discipline specific content and the Communicating Plus skills in Biology 501 and 502.
Requirements for a major in biology: A total of 35 credits of biology including the following courses: Biology 121; Biology 200, 501 and 502; one course in cell and molecular biology (Biology 219, 314, 327, 328, 329); one course in zoology (Biology 206, 211, 215, 216); one course in botany (Biology 226, 227, 337); one course in Ecology and Evolution (Biology 206, 215, 216, 227, 247, 339, 450). Courses from the semester in environmental science (SES) at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Massachusetts automatically transfer as Ripon College credit and will count toward the major; courses taken at other field stations must receive prior approval from the chair of the department. Students must complete at least three courses on the 300 level. (Students who have received a score of four or higher on the AP biology exam are not required to take Biology 121.)
Mathematics 120 or Psychology 211 and Chemistry 111/112 are prerequisite to Biology 501 and 502 and must be completed before the senior year. No more than four credits of independent study (Biology 541, 542, 551, 552) may be counted toward the major. Biology 110, 310 and Biology 400 will not count toward any major or minor in biology. Students planning on graduate work in biology or a health-care delivery field should consider additional courses in chemistry, one year of physics, mathematics through calculus and computer science. For further information about preparing for a career in the health professions, consult Professor Margaret Stevens.
Requirements for a minor in biology: Biology 121 plus 19 additional credits in biology courses approved by the department.
Requirements for a minor in environmental biology: Environmental Studies 120, Biology 121 and 247, plus 11 additional credits in biology courses approved by the department. Courses taken at the SES may be used to fulfill certain requirements for the major and minor. For further information regarding the SES, consult Professor Robert Wallace.
Requirements for a teaching major in biology: Thirty-five credits of biology with the following courses being required for a major: Biology 121, 219, 226 or 227, 247, 501, 502 and one course from each of the following areas: Zoology (215, 216); Physiology (211, 314, 327); Mathematics 120 and one year of college chemistry. Majors must elect a minimum of two courses at the 300 or 400 level. Biology 400 is required for teacher certification, but it will not count toward the major. Students planning to take the Praxis II exam are advised that they will need knowledge of chemistry, physics and geology. For further information, consult Professor George Wittler.
Requirements for a teaching minor in biology: Environmental Studies 120; Biology
121, 211, 219, 226 or 227, 247, and either 215 or 216. Biology 400 is required for teacher certification, but it will not count toward the minor. For further information
consult Professor George Wittler.
Requirements for a teaching minor in environmental biology: Environmental Studies 120; Twenty-one credits of biology, with the following courses required for a minor: Biology 121, 247 and one course from each of the following groups: Biology 226 or 227, Biology 215 or 216; and Biology 337, 338, or 450 (Marine Field Ecology). Semester in Environmental Science at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution may substitute within the appropriate group above. Note that Biology 400 (The Teaching of Biology) must be taken for teacher certification but it will not count toward this minor.
Courses
110. Topics in Biology (Staff)
Two-Four credits; may be offered as a half-semester course. Designed to acquaint the student with some of the historical and present-day biological topics that relate to humans and their environment. Topics will vary. Students can repeat the course for credit when the topics change. Lecture, reading, discussion, activities, and required field trips depending on the nature of the topic.
116. Advanced First-Year Tutorial (Staff)
One credit. A laboratory opportunity for highly motivated
students to design and carry out an individual investigative project
of their own choosing on some aspect of the life sciences. Registrants
in this program will choose a biology faculty member who will act as
tutor for the study. Available by invitation only, based on student
performance during a semester in Biology 121. Prerequisites: Consent
of the department chair and the designated tutor.
121. Introductory Biology (Staff)
Four credits. Offered in the Fall semesters. Three basic concepts of biology are explored, emphasizing laboratory work and exploration. The major topic areas of the course are cell biology, genetics and evolution. Laboratory class size will be small to facilitate discussion and analysis of laboratory work. Lecture, reading, discussion, laboratory, and required field trips. This course is a prerequisite for all biology courses numbered 200 and above.
200. Scientific Writing and Communication (Staff)
Three credits. The writing of scientific papers in a biological context. Consideration of the historic and modern role of writing primarily for an audience of scientists is examined in a variety of ways. Proper format, data interpretation and presentation, writing style, and methods of literature review will be covered. A review paper and a research paper will be written in a style acceptable for publication in professional journals. Application of the use of computers in writing papers and visual presentation of data in the form of tables and figures for both papers and poster presentation will be covered. Formal papers written for biology courses will follow this style. Lecture, discussion. Prerequisites: Biology 121; English 110; sophomore standing; or consent of the instructor.
206. Ornithology (Khan)
Four credits. Study of the biology of birds including their evolution, unique morphology, physiological adaptations, migratory behavior and mating systems. Laboratories will include examining preserved
specimens, identifying local bird species by sight and sound and becoming acquainted with ornithological field methods. Lecture, laboratory, required field trips. Prerequisite: Biology 121 or consent of instructor.
211. Human Anatomy and Physiology I: Support, Movement, and Integration (Staff)
Four credits. Introduction to the structure and function of the human body with an emphasis on the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine systems. This course examines these systems from cellular to organismal levels, emphasizing correlations between structure and function. Anatomical and physiological changes occurring in diseased states also are discussed. An integrated laboratory includes study of general physiology, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, the special senses and gross anatomy of relevant structures. Lecture, laboratory, discussion. Prerequisite: Biology 121.
215. Invertebrate Zoology (Wallace)
Four credits. Comprehensive study of the biology of invertebrate animals. Ecology and systematics of the invertebrate fauna from local habitats are emphasized on field trips. Live, preserved and fossilized specimens are studied in the laboratory; emphasis is given to parasitic forms and species of significant economic and ecological importance. A collection trip to fossil-bearing strata is conducted. Lecture, laboratory, discussion, and required field trips. Prerequisite: Biology 121.
216. Vertebrate Zoology (Khan)
Four credits. Study of vertebrate diversity in morphology and physiology as a result of these organisms’ evolutionary history, biogeography and ecology. This course will acquaint the student with anatomy, systematics, life history and adaptive strategies of the vertebrate groups. Laboratories include dissections of selected vertebrate groups and identification and field study of local species.
Lecture, laboratory, discussion, required field trips. Prerequisite: Biology 121.
219. Genetics (Stevens)
Four credits. Study of heredity, structure and function of genes. Classical, molecular and population genetics are discussed in lecture. Modern recombinant DNA techniques are introduced. Laboratories include mapping of eukaryotic and bacterial genes, cytology of chromosomes, restriction digestion and electrophoretic analysis of bacterial DNA, and transformation of bacteria using a recombinant DNA molecule. Lecture, laboratory. Prerequisite: Biology 121. Chemistry 111 or AP Chemistry is recommended.
226. Plant Anatomy and Physiology (Wittler)
Four credits. The anatomy of flowering plants as it relates to the physiological phenomena of nutrition, water relations, photosynthesis, development, and physiological ecology. Lecture, laboratory, discussion, and required field trips. Prerequisite: Biology 121.
227. The Biology of Plants (Wittler)
Four credits. A comprehensive study of the kingdom Plantae. Emphasis on the morphology, reproduction and evolution of the algae, bryophytes, ferns, and seed plants. Lecture, laboratory, discussion, and required field trips. Prerequisite: Biology 121.
247. General Ecology (Wallace)
Four Credits. Interactive of aquatic and terrestrial plants and animals with their environment. Emphasis is placed on community structure, energy flow, nutrient cycling, competition, niche development, and population dynamics. Lecture, laboratory, and required field trips. Prerequisite: Biology 121 or equivalent.
300. Departmental Studies (Staff)
Two to four credits. Offered on demand. Special subjects in biology not covered by regular courses. Some examples include: Biology of Cancer; Dinosaurs; Microtechnique; STDs and Other Plagues; Use of the Transmission Electron Microscope. This course may be repeated for credit when topics change. Prerequisites: Biology 121 and consent of the instructor.
304. Immunology (Stevens)
Three credits. Basic concepts of the vertebrate lymphoid system and immune response mechanisms. Topics include immunochemistry, inflammation, immunoglobulin structure, antigen-antibody reactions, complement, hypersensitivity, autoimmunity, and immuno/tissue transplant problems. Lecture, discussion. Prerequisites: Biology 121, Chemistry 111 and 112.
305. The Biology of Cancer (Stevens)
Three credits. Study of the nature and causes of cancer from a biological viewpoint. Lectures and discussion will examine what happens within cells to cause them to become cancerous and why the consequences are so often disastrous, as well as how cancer can be prevented, detected and treated. A student project is included, as are opportunities for service learning. Prerequisites: Biology 121 and one course in organismal or cell biology.
310. Laboratory Assistant (Staff)
One credit. Participation as a laboratory assistant for the department of biology. Selection for positions will be determined by the biology staff and will depend on prior performance in classes and/or as an assistant. Duties will vary depending on the semester and experience of the student. A limited number of credits may be counted toward graduation. Will not count toward fulfilling major requirements. Prerequisite: Consent of the department chair. Grading is Pass-Fail.
312. Human Anatomy and Physiology II: Maintenance and Continuity (Staff)
Four credits. Introduction to the structure and function of
the human body with an emphasis on the respiratory, digestive, cardiovascular,
immune, urinary, and reproductive systems. This course examines these
systems from cellular to organismal levels, emphasizing correlations
between structure and function. Anatomical and physiological changes
occurring in diseased states also are discussed. An integrated laboratory
includes study of respiration, digestion, blood, circulation, the heart,
metabolism, urine formation, and gross anatomy of relevant structures.
Lecture, laboratory, discussion. Prerequisites: Biology 211 or Biology
332, and Chemistry 111. Prerequisite or corequisite: Chemistry 112.
314. Microbiology (Wallace)
Four credits. Morphology and physiology of viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms. Current research on pathogenic forms involved in infectious diseases, recent advances in microbial genetics, and microbes of economic significance are stressed. Aseptic technique, safety, culture methods, microbial metabolism, and bacterial identification are emphasized in laboratory. Lecture, laboratory. Prerequisites: Biology 121 and Chemistry 111: Prerequisite or corequisite: Chemistry 112.
327. Cell Physiology (Stevens)
Four credits. Study of the structure and function of cells, particularly of the cytoplasmic structures of eukaryotic cells. Topics include enzymatic function, structure and function of membranes, motility, cell division, signaling, and cancer as a cellular disease. Laboratories introduce important techniques such as phase, interference contrast, and electron microscopy, spectrophotometry, protein electrophoresis, cell fractionation, cell culture and immunocytology. Lecture, laboratory. Prerequisites: Biology 121, Chemistry 111.
328. Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics (Stevens)
Four credits. Offered in 2007-08 and alternate years. Study of the principles of molecular biology including the organization of genomes, DNA replication, transcription, translation and regulation of gene expression. Modern recombinant DNA technology, such as DNA fingerprinting, sequencing, use of cloning and expression vectors, and bioinformatics will be discussed and demonstrated. Lecture, discussion, demonstrations and lab. Prerequisites: Biology 219; Chemistry 111. Prerequisite or corequisite: Chemistry 112.
329. Developmental Biology (Stevens)
Four credits. Offered in 2008-09 and alternate years.
Study of biological systems that change in structure or function. Lectures include descriptive accounts of embryological development of plants and animals. Concepts of determination, differentiation, long term regulation of genes, and pattern formation are discussed as well as recent studies on the effects of developmental processes on evolution. Laboratory exercises may include experimental manipulation of a variety of developing systems from the algae, fungi, vascular plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates. Lecture, laboratory and discussion. Prerequisites: Biology 219, Chemistry 111 and 112.
337. Terrestrial Ecology (Wittler)
Four credits. Offered in 2006-07 and alternate years. Study of the ecology of the terrestrial ecosystems of central Wisconsin. Emphasis will be placed on the natural history of plant communities of the natural areas near Ripon. Field trips to prairies, savannas, woodlands and forests will demonstrate firsthand the range of communities in this part of Wisconsin. Lecture, laboratory, and required field trips. Prerequisite: Biology 247.
338. Aquatic Ecology (Wallace)
Four credits. Offered in 2007-08 and alternate years. Study
of the ecology of aquatic ecosystems, both inland waters (lotic and
lentic) and of the world's oceans and estuaries. Topics
include: plate tectonics, basin origin and morphology,
properties of drainage systems, physical and chemical properties, flora
and fauna, lake aging, cultural eutrophication, fisheries biology,
aquaculture, abuse of the environment. Lecture, laboratory, and required
field trips. (This course is designed as a prerequisite to Biology
450 (Marine Field Ecology) and must be taken prior to the Maymester
field trip for that course.) Prerequisite: Biology 247; a college
course covering inorganic chemistry is strongly encouraged.
339. Behavioral Ecology (Khan)
Four credits. Study of the reproductive and survival consequences of animal behavior. We will examine the diversity of behavioral tactics used by animals to improve their chances of survival and reproduction within the context of their ecology (where they live, what they eat, and what eats them). Lecture topics include foraging behavior, predator-prey interactions, group living, mating systems, parental behavior, and cooperative behavior. Laboratories consist of conducting short field and lab experiments to illustrate principles covered in the text. Lecture, discussion, laboratory, and required field trips. Prerequisites: Biology 121 and 200.
400. The Teaching of Biology (Staff)
Two credits. Offered on demand. Designed to acquaint the prospective teacher with special techniques, procedures, and resources useful in teaching biology at the secondary level. Students interested in a biology major or minor for teaching certification should consult the chair of the department. Lecture, discussion, laboratory rotation, and required field trips. Prerequisite or corequisite: Education 344 and sophomore standing or higher. Prerequisite: Biology 121.
410. Advanced Seminar in Biology (Staff)
Two or three credits. Journal readings and discussions on issues of current interest in the biological sciences. Seminar topics will vary. Can be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Biology 121, sophomore standing, consent of the instructor.
450. Intensive Field Studies (Staff)
Variable credit depending on topic. Offered on a rotational basis
as a Maymester course. An extensive
field trip off campus to one of several study regions. Topics will
vary from year to year, but may include the following: Desert and Montane
Field Ecology: Field Geology and Physical Geography of Wisconsin; Field
Ornithology; Marine Field Ecology; Plant Evolution and Systematics.
The Maymester course is highly selective; selection to participate
is based, in part, on performance in other courses taken at Ripon. Prerequisites:
Variable depending on the topics, but always requiring consent of the
instructors. It also is recommended that courses in botany (226,
227), invertebrate zoology (215), vertebrate zoology (216) or ecology
(247) be taken prior to this one.
501, 502. Senior Studies (Staff)
Two credits per semester . Will emphasize the important of reading, writing and oral communication in biological research. A senior thesis will be researched and written, and presented as a talk at a spring symposium. During the fall semester students will begin their research projects and work on completing their portfolio. Under certain circumstances students may register for Biology 501 or 502 without the necessary prerequisites, but will not receive credit for either course until all prerequisite courses have been completed successfully. Prerequisites: 20 credits in Biology, Mathematics 120 or Psychology 211, and Chemistry 111, 112.
541, 542. Independent Study (Staff)
One to four credits each semester. Individual investigation of some aspect of biological science of special interest to the student. The study is carried on under the supervision of a staff member. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing, consent of the department chair and a biology faculty adviser, and 12 credits toward the major.
551, 552. Independent Study: Internship (Staff)
One to five credits each semester. Supervised field study combining scholarly achievement and practical experience with an industry, government agency, or other institution providing a specific direction that relates to a career in the life sciences. A paper is required. Approval must be obtained from both the chair of the department and the faculty member coordinating the internship. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing, consent of the department chair and a biology faculty adviser, and 12 credits toward the major.
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