Biology

The Biology major allows you to develop a comprehensive knowledge of, and appreciation for, the many dimensions of the living world and the close relationship of biology to other scientific disciplines, such as mathematics and chemistry.

Biology majors might focus on general biology, biotechnology, or other areas of interest, such as field work. Some students choose to combine Biology with another major. Biochemistry and Psychobiology are the most frequently chosen combinations, but many also co-major in History, Business Administration, or Spanish just to name a few. You also may choose a biology education program that leads to certification to teach high school biology in Pennsylvania.

Special affiliations and agreements exist between Albright College and other institutions, such as the Early Assurance Program with Penn State Hershey Medical School.

Some Biology majors declare interest in Nursing or enter the 3+1 Medical Laboratory Science program. Other students might take many Biology courses while majoring in Allied Health.

Requirements for the Biology Major

• A total of 10 courses in Biology, including BIO 151, 152, 203, and one 400-level course.
• One of the following courses: BIO 200, MAT 110, or MAT 128/131 (pending placement assessment by the Math Department)
• CHE 207 and 208
• One course from each of the following three groups must be taken:
  • Group I (Field Biology): BIO 211, 215, 312, 319
  • Group II (Cell and Molecular Biology): BIO 220, 321, 322, 325, 327, 329
  • Group III (Organismal Biology): BIO 234, 235, 331, 333, 337
• Within the context of these guidelines, students may freely elect any Biology course or CHE 325 (Biochemistry) to meet the 10-course requirement.
• No more than two courses at the 100-level may be counted toward the area of concentration.
• Biology majors must pass both of the introductory courses (BIO151 and 152), earning a minimum average grade of 2.0 across these two courses, or have permission of the Biology Department chairperson, in order to enroll in other Biology courses.
• Seniors must take the department exit exam as a graduation requirement.

Requirements for the Combined Major in Biology

• A total of seven courses in biology, including BIO 151, 152, 203, a 400-level course, and one course from each of the three groups (I, II, and III) listed above.
• Biology majors must pass both of the introductory courses (BIO151 and 152), earning a minimum average grade of 2.0 over the two courses, or have permission of the Biology Department chair, in order to enroll in other biology courses.
• Seniors must take the department exit exam as a graduation requirement.

Requirements for the Biotechnology Track

Albright offers a special track in Biotechnology. This track is primarily for Biology majors but may be completed by students in other majors (such as Biochemistry and Psychobiology) who have completed the necessary prerequisites.

Requirements:

• Six of the following courses, with at least one being a 400-level seminar:
  • BIO 321, 322, 325, 327, 329, 495, 498, 499
  • CHE 325, 326

Biology students in the Biotechnology track must also complete the following:

• BIO 151, 152, and 203
• one course from Group I or Group III
• BIO 200, MAT 110, or MAT 128/131
• CHE 207 and 208

Requirements for the Cell and Molecular Techniques Certificate

Students who enroll in certain courses attain knowledge of and practical expertise in several laboratory-based techniques commonly performed in the analysis of nucleic acids, cells, and tissues. Learning these techniques provides marketable skills. This certificate demonstrates to a future employer that a student has gained proficiency in many common molecular-based techniques and assays.

To successfully earn this certificate, a student must pass four of the following five courses: Microbiology (BIO 321), Cell Biology (BIO 322), Molecular Genetics (BIO 325), Histology (BIO 327), and Biochemistry (CHE 325).

Independent Research

Independent research under the supervision of a member of the Biology Department is strongly encouraged. Recent independent research projects have included studies on bat ecology and echolocation, ultrastructure of insect visual receptors, the ecology of area streams, lakes and wetlands, the distribution of endangered species of mammals, and cloning of genes using recombinant DNA techniques. Such projects involve field trips to nearby ecosystems and the use of scientific equipment and techniques, such as a scanning electron microscope, epifluorescence microscope, biological safety cabinets for sterile cell culture, ultramicrotome, computer-assisted recording of physiological variables, and/or amplification and electrophoresis of DNA and proteins. A Geographic Information Systems (GIS) computer laboratory, a greenhouse, and faculty-student research space support laboratory experimentation in many courses and independent study projects.

Secondary Biology Education

Biology Majors preparing for a career in education take Biology courses and a series of Education and other courses specified by the Education Department to meet Pennsylvania Department of Education regulations. As early as possible in their college experience, candidates for teacher certification in Biology should consult the Requirements section of the Education website and the chair of the Education Department regarding specific course requirements. The Biology Education certification is a grades 7-12 program.

Department Policy on Student Absences and Make-up Work

Lecture:

Students are expected to attend every lecture. Class attendance and on time arrival is necessary but not sufficient to achieve success. Please refer to individual class syllabi for specific penalties for tardiness and unexcused absences. Students should not plan events or schedule appointments that conflict with class. The biology faculty may excuse an absence due to athletic games (not practices), scheduled performances (e.g., band or choir), or class field trips. Other non-emergency cases will require prior approval of the instructor.

Requests for a non-emergency excused absence should be submitted at least one week in advance. Please contact the instructor as early as possible in the semester to determine a course of action. Failure to make arrangements before missing a class for a non-emergency reason will always be considered an unexcused absence.

If missing class is unavoidable due to an illness or other emergency, the student should make every effort to notify the instructor beforehand. The absence will only be excused if written verifiable documentation is provided within two business days of returning to classes.

Exams and quizzes missed for an excused reason must be made-up within one week of the student’s return to classes unless otherwise exempted (e.g., appropriate medical conditions such as concussion or hospitalization). Assignments due during the missed class meeting(s) are to be submitted to the instructor the first day the student returns to classes. Failure to properly follow these guidelines as described will result in a grade of zero for the exam or assignment in question.

Laboratory:

Attendance in lab is mandatory unless otherwise stated by the course instructor or indicated in the lab schedule (e.g., open labs). A 2.5% penalty will be assessed on the course total for the first unexcused absence from lab and an additional 5% penalty for each subsequent absence.

Students should not plan events that conflict with lab. The biology faculty may excuse an absence due to athletic games (not practices), scheduled performances (e.g., band or choir), or class field trips. Other non-emergency cases will require prior approval of the instructor.

Requests for a non-emergency excused absence should be submitted at least one week in advance. Please contact the instructor as early as possible in the semester to determine a course of action. Failure to make arrangements before missing a lab for a non-emergency reason will always be considered an unexcused absence.

If missing lab is unavoidable due to an illness or other emergency, the student should make every effort to notify the instructor beforehand. The absence will only be excused if written verifiable documentation is provided within two business days of returning to classes. Missed lab penalties will be applied after the documentation window has expired.

Make-up labs will not be offered. Lab practical exams must be made up later the same calendar week of the original exam date.

Students must be in lab at the designated start time. Each late arrival will result in a 1% penalty applied to the lab portion of the course grade. Late arrivals after the first 20 minutes will not be admitted and the above missed lab penalties will apply. Unexcused early departures (prior to the completion of all lab work) will likewise result in a 1% penalty applied to the lab portion of the course grade.

BIO 101/102
Concepts and Connections in Biology
This course is designed to enable non-science majors to develop an understanding and an appreciation for how science works from a biological perspective through study of select topics in natural sciences. We will examine current developments in topics such as genetics, human physiology, environmental biology and microbiology in a way that will allow students to construct a framework of key biological concepts and make connections to their lives through consideration of the applications of basic scientific principles. Students will become involved in the process of doing science, implementing lab exercises aimed at answering specific questions and developing their critical thinking skills. Evolution will be discussed as a unifying theme which helps to elevate biology from a bewildering collection of facts to a coherent study of changing life on a changing planet. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. General Studies Natural Science Foundations.

BIO 102 is very similar in scope to BIO 101 except for an emphasis on field biology.

BIO 115
Dinosaurs & Paleontology
This course explores the history of dinosaurs and paleontology. Dinosaurs have long captured our imagination, but how did they come to be? What made them such a diverse and successful group of animals? We will explore the history of the Earth leading up to dinosaurs and the events that led to the evolution of these charismatic giants. Additional topics that will be discussed include phylogenetics and systematics, paleoecology, paleobiology, evolution, extinction, popular culture, biomechanics, and fossil preservation. Students will also learn basic techniques of modern paleontology in preparation for a summer trip (the lab portion of the course) at which time they will travel to Montana to excavate fossils. During this lab portion, students will use knowledge gained in class to locate, identify, and excavate fossils from the Cretaceous period (~66MYA). General Studies Natural Science Foundations (to meet this requirement, students must complete both BIO 115 and BIO 115L).

BIO 151
General Biology I: Structure and Function
This course provides an introduction to cellular biology, metabolism, biochemistry, anatomy, and physiology. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week plus optional study/discussion sessions. General Studies Natural Science Foundations intended for science oriented majors.

BIO 152
General Biology II: Systematics, Ecology, and Evolution
This course provides an introduction to systematics, evolution, and ecology. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. General Studies Natural Science Foundations intended for science oriented majors.

BIO 200
Biometry
This course teaches biology students how to design an experiment in a format that leads to a statistical analysis which tests the desired hypothesis. Students learn how to recognize and apply statistical analyses most appropriate for a given data set, focusing on real examples from recent or on-going research. Emphasis is placed on some of the more commonly used statistical methods in biology in order to provide a framework for exploration of more advanced methods. This is an applied course with emphasis on using computer programs effectively. Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week. Offered one semester every other year.

BIO 203
General Biology III: Introduction to Genetics 
This course provides an introduction to classical genetics, molecular genetics, DNA technology, and population genetics. It includes a major writing component designed to explore specific topics in genetics and evolution. Three hours of lecture per week. Usually offered every fall semester.

BIO 207
Medical Terminology
This course is intended to provide students with the skills and tools necessary to succeed at the College and beyond in the languages, humanities, and the sciences. In this course, students will learn how to identify and use prefixes, roots, and suffixes of words to convey complex meanings and apply that understanding of the language of medicine (and ultimately the biological sciences in general) through the examination of case studies in medicine and investigation into the historical context(s) of ancient medicine and science. This course is cross-listed with WLC 207.
Prerequisite: BIO 151

BIO 211
Ecology
This course studies the relationships between animals and plants and their natural environments. Factors shaping the distribution and abundance of organisms, populations and communities are discussed. Specific emphasis is given to factors such as competition, predation, herbivory, mutualism, physiology, climate, energy flow, and biochemical cycles that influence species adaptations and, in turn, patterns of distribution and abundance. The laboratory is designed to provide experience in the field using several techniques for monitoring both plant and animal populations, as well as environmental parameters in a variety of habitats. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Offered every fall semester.
Prerequisites: BIO 151 and 152

BIO 214
Botany and Plant Taxonomy
Principles of identification and classification of land plants are discussed in this course. Plant keys and digital photography are used in the field and photomicroscopy in the lab complements field work. This course includes a survey of major vascular plant families and field study of local plants and vegetation types. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Offered during the fall semester of even years.
Prerequisite: BIO 152 or permission of the instructor

BIO 215
Dinosaurs & Paleontology (for Biology majors)
This course explores the history of dinosaurs and paleontology. Dinosaurs have long captured our imagination, but how did they come to be? What made them such a diverse and successful group of animals? We will explore the history of the Earth leading up to dinosaurs and the events that led to the evolution of these charismatic giants. Additional topics that will be discussed include phylogenetics and systematics, paleoecology, paleobiology, evolution, extinction, popular culture, biomechanics, and fossil preservation. Students will also learn basic techniques of modern paleontology in preparation for a summer trip (the lab portion of the course) at which time they will travel to Montana to excavate fossils. During this trip, students will use knowledge gained in class to locate, identify, and excavate fossils from the Cretaceous period (~66MYA).
Prerequisite: BIO 152

BIO 220
Evolution
This is a lecture class focusing on the role of evolution in shaping biological organisms. Major topics include natural selection, adaptation, evolution of life histories, population genetics, and the processes of speciation and macroevolution. Occasional discussions will center on reading current and seminal papers examining the important advances in evolutionary theory. Three hours of lecture per week.
Prerequisites: BIO 152 and 203

BIO 234
Human Anatomy & Physiology I
This is a study of the fundamentals of human anatomy. Structures of the human body are examined through combined systemic and regional approaches. This course will employ a thorough survey of morphological aspects of the human body. It is intended to provide a strong background in human anatomy for human biology students, science majors, and students with an interest in related allied health fields. Three hours of lecture and three hours of lab per week. Offered every fall semester.
Prerequisite: BIO 151

BIO 235
Human Anatomy and Physiology II
This is a study of the fundamentals of human physiology. Functions of the organs of the human body are examined through combined systemic and regional approaches. This course will employ a similarly thorough survey of physiological aspects of the human body to that applied in BIO 234 Human Anatomy. This course is intended to provide a strong background in human physiology for human biology students, science majors, and students with an interest in related allied health fields. Some basic concepts of biology and chemistry will be integrated with this course, which serve as a basis for developing specific concepts in anatomy and physiology. Three hours of lecture and three hours of lab per week. Offered every spring semester.
Prerequisite: students must earn a quality grade in BIO 234

BIO 242
Nutrition
Nutrition is the study of what an organism eats and how this material is used in the body to perform daily activities. In general, this course we will focus on the interaction between what an animal consumes and their core physiological and biochemical functions. This will be framed around the concept of maximizing human athletic performance and health. In lecture, topics will cover macronutrients, micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), nutrient deficiencies, digestion, biochemical processes, and basic exercise science. Three hours of lecture and three hours of lab per week. General Studies Natural Science Foundations.

BIO 318
Marine and Aquatic Science
Over 70 percent of the world is covered by water with about 97 percent of it in the oceans.  Despite this, much of these aquatic environments are not well explored or understood.  This is a problem since even though the underwater world may seem alien and distant, we are irrevocably interconnected with this ecosystem. From fisheries to deep ocean carbon dioxide pumping humanity’s future is tied with the aquatic world.  In this course you will be introduced to the general concepts of oceanography, limnology (the study of freshwater systems), and aquatic ecology. Through a series of fieldtrips and lab exercises, you will gain firsthand experience with the tools and techniques used to discover the secrets under the waves. This course includes a trip to a marine research lab during which you will run self-designed surveys and experiments to truly become aquatic scientists. Three hours of lecture and three hours of lab per week.
Prerequisites: BIO 211 and CHE 106 or permission of the instructor

BIO 319
Vertebrate Natural History
This course is a survey of the natural history of the vertebrates. Students learn the ecology, evolution and the natural history of the major vertebrate classes including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. Laboratory focuses on taxonomic identification of vertebrates native to Pennsylvania and on various field techniques used to study and survey vertebrates. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. At least one field trip will be over a weekend. Offered during the spring semester of even years.
Prerequisite: BIO 152

BIO 321
Microbiology
This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of microbiology. Physiology, genetics, immunology, medical bacteriology, virology, and concepts of applied microbiology are discussed. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Offered every fall semester.
Prerequisites: BIO 151 and 203; co-requisite CHE 207 or permission of the instructor

BIO 322
Cell Biology
This is an investigation into the many aspects of cell structure and function, including the importance of proteins and other macromolecules encountered within cells, as well as specific cellular organelles. Intracellular sorting, protein targeting and signal transduction are examined, along with the mechanisms involved in cancer and programmed cell death. Laboratory exercises introduce students to sterile cell culture techniques and the skills involved in establishing and manipulating plant tissue and animal cell cultures. Fluorescence and Scanning Electron Microscopy, SDS PAGE and other techniques will be learned. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Offered every spring semester.
Prerequisites: BIO 151 and 203

BIO 325
Molecular Genetics
In this course, students gain an understanding of the genetic systems of viruses, bacteria, protists, plants and animals in molecular terms. Areas of discussion include immunogenetics, transposition, gene cloning, control of gene expression and the molecular biology of developmental processes. Lab work emphasizes basic methods used for isolation, analysis, and cloning of DNA molecules. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Offered during the spring semester of odd years.
Prerequisites: BIO 151 and 203

BIO 327
Histology and Microtechniques
A study of tissue histology and ultrastructure, including an introduction to a number of methods for preparing material for study using light and electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, photomicroscopy, macrophotography, digital imaging and image processing. The course introduces students to research techniques and clinical procedures. Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week plus additional lab time by arrangement. Offered every spring semester.
Prerequisite: BIO 151

BIO 329
Virology
Viruses are intracellular parasites that require a living cell in order to replicate and produce new progeny. Within a historical context, the study of viruses is a relatively new area of scientific investigation with many exciting discoveries occurring on a regular basis. There have been numerous types of viruses discovered to date and they have been shown to infect virtually every form of life on earth. In terms of human health, there are several reasons why the study of viruses is an important undertaking. For example, some viruses cause severe disease but they can also be used as delivery vehicles for vaccine antigens, cancer therapeutics, or gene therapy. In this class, students will be exposed to studies published in the primary literature and learn important concepts via lecture, class discussion, and problem sets. Three hours of lecture per week. Offered during the spring semester of even years.
Prerequisites: BIO 203 and CHE 207

BIO 331
Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
This course emphasizes understanding the functional and comparative anatomy of the vertebrates through exploration of vertebrate structure and function from an evolutionary perspective. Protochordates, lampreys, sharks, salamanders, and cats are dissected to compare the basic architectural patterns of vertebrate systems and to discover ways in which existing structural patterns are modifications of ancestral patterns. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Offered during the spring semester of odd years.
Prerequisite: BIO 151

BIO 333
Developmental Biology
This course emphasizes topics relevant to vertebrate development. The lecture shows continuity between classical embryological work and modern experimental biology. The laboratory is divided between classical and experimental work. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Offered every fall semester.
Prerequisites: BIO 151 and 203

BIO 337
Comparative Physiology/Ecophysiology
This course will explore the interplay between the physiological mechanisms of organisms, and the ecological responses of populations to environmental stress. Topics covered will include basic physiological mechanisms, the effect of natural and human-induced environmental change on animal physiology, the special adaptations that allow organisms to survive in a variety of aquatic habitats, and the ecological implications of physiological responses to stress and environmental change. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Offered once every two years usually in the spring semester.
Prerequisites: BIO 151 and 152

BIO 485
Behavior and Morphology
This seminar explores the anatomical structures, past and present, that are fundamental to observed behaviors. An emphasis is placed on birds in this seminar. Lectures present students with background knowledge in avian behaviors, anatomy, and mechanics. Students are expected to read and discuss journal articles from the primary literature and will work on a semester-long academic project. This project will consist of a written and oral assignment analyzing and synthesizing an important aspect of behavior and its underlying anatomical structure. Three hours of lecture per week. Offered during the fall semester of even years.
Prerequisite: BIO 151

BIO 491
Seminar on Special Topics
Discussions and written assignments provide an opportunity for exploration of specific topics in depth using a seminar format. Emphasis is placed on development of communication skills and ability to read and evaluate original scientific literature. Seminar topics include such areas as cell ultrastructure, immunobiology, neurobiology, and environmental issues.

BIO 495
Molecular Biology Seminar
This course explores several different aspects of molecular biology, with an emphasis on plant molecular biology, and plant genetic engineering through the use of soil bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The genetic components of tumor-inducing plasmids of Agrobacterium and methods to engineer this plasmid to deliver genes of interest into a plant are described. Strategies to increase and control gene expression in genetically engineered plants are outlined, along with antibody production in transgenic plants, pathogen-derived resistance, virus resistance in plants, strategies for gene isolation and phytoremediation. An overview of immunology will be presented and human gene therapy is discussed along with issues of risk assessment, genetic containment and safety. Three hours of of lecture per week. Offered every spring semester.
Prerequisite: BIO 203

BIO 497
Toxicology Seminar
Toxicology is the science of drugs and poisons. Toxicologists seek to understand how these chemicals impact the survival and function of organisms and ecosystems. This course will cover the principles of toxicology, including the ramifications of toxins on the biochemistry, physiology, and ecology of animals. The course will be comprised of lectures on the essential of toxicology combined with debates and discussions about current papers and topics in toxicology. Three hours of lecture per week. Offered during the spring semester of odd years.
Prerequisites: BIO 151 and CHE 207

BIO 498
Immunology Seminar
This course is an analysis of the vertebrate immune system, including antibody structure and function, B and T-cell function, immune response mechanisms, serology, immunogenetics and immunopathology. Written and oral assignments emphasize critical analysis and discussion of current journal articles in immunobiology. Three hours of lecture per week. Offered every fall semester.
Prerequisites: BIO 151 and 203

BIO 499
Cell Signaling Seminar
This seminar course will explore some of the major cell signaling pathways and how they influence cellular behaviors such as cell replication, apoptosis, and migration. We will examine how genetic mutations can cause aberrant signaling leading to the development of pathology, such as cancer or diabetes, as well as how pathogens, like cholera or chlamydia, use our own signaling pathways against us. Using primary literature as our resource text we will discuss current work to define signaling pathway components as well as the development of therapeutics. Three hours of lecture per week. Offered during the spring semester of even years.
Prerequisite: none