Biology

This biology core class is a theme-based, lecture and discussion course that covers unifying concepts in the biological sciences. Several sections of this course will be offered, with each section covering topics within a specific discipline of biology. Major themes will be consistent in each section offering, including historical aspects, principles of evolution, understanding science as "a way of knowing" and others, but most important is the connection made among people, the environment, society, and the scientific process used to discover what we know. Each section will incorporate supplemental resources in lieu of standard textbooks to make the course a unique liberal arts experience and to establish connections with other areas of the core curriculum. Some sections may also have laboratory components, demonstrations, or field trips to complement what is being taught in the lecture.
Does not count towards the biology major or minor.

An introduction to cellular structure and function, and the biochemical basis for life and genetic control of the cell. This course covers fundamental cellular processes such as replication, transcription, translation, inheritance, gene expression, photosynthesis, and respiration. Laboratory work is included. Required in the field of concentration.

An introduction to the major taxonomic groups of organisms and their phylogenetic relationships. This course applies cellular and genetic processes to the evolutionary mechanisms within organismal populations and the resultant biological diversity of life. Laboratory work is included. Required in the field of concentration

This course examines the characteristics of populations, communities and ecosystems in terms of energy flow, biogeochemistry and multivariate interactions (biotic and abiotic). The course will demonstrate the role of evolution in ecosystem composition, structure and function. The nature of the major North American Biomes will also be discussed with an emphasis on the importance of biodiversity and the interdependence of living things. Two weekend field trips are required. Also offered during the summer at the G.H. Gordon Biological Station. 

An introduction to the techniques and style of scientific writing. Required in the field of concentration. Must be taken before BIO 590. 

An introduction to vertebrate development, including studies of germ cells, segmentation, and growth of the principal tissues and organs. Laboratory work is included. 

The lecture will present an introduction to the major organ systems and their evolutionary history within vertebrates. The course will include a brief review of the diversity of vertebrates and their phylogenetic relationships. Emphasis will be placed on structural modifications and functional changes between vertebrate groups and how they are related to differences in environments and modes of life. The weekly two-hour laboratories will involve dissections of lamprey, sharks, cats, and observation of a pro-sected human cadaver. Offered occasionally.

The principles and mechanisms of function in animals and their constituent parts from molecules to organs. The course will consist of three lecture hours and two laboratory hours each week. Offered occasionally.

The study of plants as living organisms through a survey of the diversity in the plant kingdom. Emphasis will be placed on plant morphology, anatomy, classification, and evolution of structure and function in response to the environment. Laboratory work with fresh and preserved materials is included. 

The study of physiological processes in plants. Laboratory work is included. 

An advanced study in the plant sciences focused on understanding the concept and theories that govern the distribution and abundance of plant populations and communities. 

A study of the structure and function of the human body; fundamental processes including nervous function, hormones, integument, respiration, circulation, blood, muscles, and skeleton. Laboratory work is included. 

The study of the principles of heredity, gene function and mutation, and growth and reproduction.

An introduction to field biology with an emphasis on hands-on field research techniques. Very minimal lecture, and substantial time in forests, lakes, streams, and other habitats of northern Michigan. Field experiences will focus on experimental design, sampling terrestrial and aquatic organisms, population estimations, community interactions, ecosystem evaluations, and proper use of field research equipment. Offered at the G.H. Gordon Biological Station during the 2nd summer session.

The study of Michigan's native plants, including trees, shrubs, wildflowers, aquatic plants and grasses. Includes extensive field work and overnight field trips.

An introduction to the history of the earth from its formation to the present, including the development of the earthís interior, crust, oceans, climate, continents, mountains and glaciers. In addition to the abiotic history of our planet, prevailing scientific theories on the origins, evolution and diversity of life (from bacteria to dinosaurs) on earth will be examined. Emphasis is placed on developing skills in both spatial and temporal cognition. Lectures are enhanced by field trips. 

A study of the infrastructure and function of cells. Topics include the study of electron micrographs, cellular respiration, enzyme kinetics, mechanisms of movement, protein synthesis and the implications of cellular function in multicellular organisms. Laboratory work is included. 

An introduction to the study of the microscopic features of cells, tissues, and organs, the physiology that arises from that microanatomy, and laboratory techniques for the preparation of histological specimens. The course will emphasize the major organ systems and tissue types of mammals. 

An introduction to philosophy of science, logical structure of the scientific method, and principles of univariate statistics for the biological sciences. Laboratory work is included, which will require the mastering of a statistical software program. Must be taken before BIO 591. 

An overview of anthropogenic environmental degradation and solutions for achieving a sustainable planet. Topics include the history of conservation, economics and ethics, sustainable engineering and building, principles of ecology, overpopulation, world hunger, principles of soil science, agriculture, waste management, air and water pollution, climate change, habitat loss, and extinction. Course includes field trip opportunities for hands-on learning that can be applied to environmentally responsible homestead management. 

The study of microorganisms, focusing on bacteria and viruses. General topics include morphology, growth, reproduction, metabolism, mechanisms of genetic exchange, control, pathogenic and applied microbiology. Fundamental concepts of virology and immunology are also covered. Laboratory work includes isolation and identification techniques. 

An introduction to the ecology of inland waters, including lakes, ponds, wetlands, and streams. Major topics include geologic origins, typology, geographic distribution, biota, ecological succession, ecosystem function, and restoration/management. Emphasis is placed on the interaction between organisms and the environment. Laboratories include use of field equipment, field research techniques, and identification of aquatic organisms, including protozoa, invertebrates, fish, herpetofauna, and plants. Many laboratories will be conducted out of doors, and there is one required field trip off campus. 

An introduction to historical microbiology, microbial physiology, environmental microbiology, microbial genomics, and current trends in microbiology. The topics will be presented in an informal lecture/discussion format three days per week. Laboratories will emphasize individual and group projects covering aspects of bacterial photosynthesis, as well as selected laboratory exercises. 

Insects represent 80 percent of all animal species. This course examines their classification, anatomy, physiology, behavior, and ecology, as well as their positive and negative impacts on people and the effects of insect pest control. The laboratory will encompass both indoor activities and several field trips to local environments. 

The study of empirical, theoretical, and conceptual foundations of animal behavior. Laboratory experiments, emphasizing ethological methodology, as well as discussion, will reinforce these foundations. 

The lecture will present the diversity and biology of mammals from an evolutionary perspective. It will examine the diversity of living and extinct mammals and explore the mechanisms responsible for their evolution and extinction and will include discussion of mammal origins, evolution, phylogeny, paleontology, physiology, behavior, ecology and economic importance. There are approximately 4,600 living species of mammals that are spread throughout all the earth ís environments and make up 26 diverse orders, such as carnivores, whales, bats, rodents, and primates.  

A survey of animal parasites, including their taxonomy, structure, life histories, and evolution. Emphasis is on the practical implications of medical and veterinary parasitic diseases. 

The lecture will present both an introduction to theoretical studies, and discussion of actual molecular and phenotypic variation in natural populations and how processes such as mutation, recombination, and selection affect genetic variation. Topics discussed will include genetic variation, Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium, genetic recombination, linkage and disequilibrium, basic natural selection models, molecular evolution and phylogenetics, mutation, genetic drift, inbreeding and nonrandom mating, population subdivision and gene flow, and the neutralist versus selectionist debate. 

This is primarily a course in human gross anatomy as it involves fours hours of directed cadaveric dissections each week. In addition to laboratory dissections, there will be weekly lectures on advanced topics in physiology. 

An introduction to the basic concepts of molecular biology: the nature, control, recombination and rearrangement of genes; gene manipulation; recombinant DNA (rDNA) techniques; and bioengineering strategies. Laboratory work is included. 

An advanced study of the human immune system. Lecture topics include the structure and function of the organs and cells of the immune system, immune system development, intrinsic and innate immunity, antigen recognition and presentation, adaptive immunity, immunological memory, immune system failure, autoimmunity, and allergies. 

Science as a way of knowing will be emphasized to understand how biology seamlessly fits within the liberal arts. This course will familiarize future secondary school teachers with the design, implementation, and evaluation of lectures, demonstrations, and laboratories. The goal is for any major to learn more about the field of biology, how best to build a foundation in biological understanding, and foster a sense of wonder about the natural world in their future students. This course may fulfill one of the elective requirements for the Classical Education minor.

An advanced study of the virosphere. Lecture topics include virus structure, replication cycles, categories of infection, pathogenesis, immune response and evasion, transmission, and treatment. A broad range of virus families are represented. 

An advanced study into the neurophysiology of human cognition. Topics, starting with basic neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, will build toward an understanding of cognitive functions, emphasizing sensory processing, memory formation, decision making, emotions, and brain diseases. Ultimately the course aims to help students link brain functions to modern views of consciousness. 

Introduction to research; group format. Required in the field of concentration. To be taken by majors in the fall semester of their junior year.

Exempt from tuition overload charges. 

Senior research project; group format seminar. Required in the field of concentration. To be taken by majors in the fall semester of their senior year.

Exempt from tuition overload charges. 

Individualized literature review leading to research proposal. Required in the field of concentration. To be taken by majors in the spring semester of their junior year.

Exempt from tuition overload charges. 

Capstone preparation, presentation, and defense of the senior research project. Required in the field of concentration. To be taken by majors during the spring semester of their senior year.

Exempt from tuition overload charges. 

Capstone preparation, presentation, and defense of the senior research project, plus a written thesis approved by the research advisor and an additional outside reader. Required of students pursuing department honors or those who have received LAUREATES funding. Optional for all other students. To be taken by majors during the spring semester of their senior year.

Exempt from overload tuition charges. 

The comprehensive biology examination is offered twice per year, typically at the beginning of fall and spring semesters. All biology majors must pass the exam in order to graduate. It is highly recommended that students take it during their final semester at Hillsdale.