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Whittier College Catalog 2021-2022 ARCHIVED CATALOG
Biology Courses
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Department of Biology
BIOL 100 - General Biology
An introductory laboratory science course that concentrates on basic scientific investigation, with a particular emphasis on living organisms, some dissections required.
Co-req: BIOL 100L
4 credits
BIOL 100L - General Biology Lab
Co-req: BIOL 100
0 credits
BIOL 101 - The Physical Science of Biology
This course is designed for freshman students interested in STEM with limited science exposure during their high school education. It will explore biological principles from an interdisciplinary perspective by challenging students to explore how the physical sciences explain biological processes. For example, students will explore how the laws of thermodynamics apply to homeostasis in biological systems, or how acid-base chemistry explains oxygen transport. The Biol 101 Course is designed for freshmen
who are going to be pursuing a Science major.
It is NOT designed to complete breadth science requirements.
4 credits
BIOL 101L - The Phycal Science of Biology Lab
This course is designed for freshman students interested in STEM with limited science exposure during their high school education. It will explore biological principles from an interdisciplinary perspective by challenging students to explore how the physical sciences explain biological processes. For example, students will explore how the laws of thermodynamics apply to homeostasis in biological systems, or how acid-base chemistry explains oxygen transport.
Co-req: BIOL 101
0 credits
BIOL 151 - Cell & Molecular Biology
An introduction to the structure and function of cells. Emphasis will be on how molecules are organized within cells to allow for energy production, synthesis of new materials, communication with other cells, replication of genetic information, and reproduction. The laboratory will introduce many ways of studying cells and molecules, including various forms of microscopy and basic recombinant DNA techniques.
Co-req: BIOL 151L
4 credits
BIOL 151L - Cell & Molecular Biology Lab
Co-req: BIOL 151
0 credits
BIOL 152 - Biology of Organisms
An introduction to the structure and function of the organism as a whole. The course is organized around central problems that all organisms, both plants and animals, must solve. Problems to be examined include feeding strategies, gas exchange, water balance, waste disposal, circulation, thermoregulation, dealing with gravity, and locomotion. Lectures and Laboratories.
Co-req: BIOL 152L
4 credits
BIOL 152L - Biology of Organisms Lab
Co-req: BIOL 152
0 credits
BIOL 190 - Selected Topics
May be repeated for credit
1 to 4 credits
BIOL 225 - Science Behind Obesity
In 2003, the Surgeon General declared obesity as an epidemic. Today, approximately 61% of Americans are now overweight, of which 20% are obese, and health related issues to this condition for 5% of the national health care costs. But, why are we getting fatter? In this course, we will explore the science behind obesity to become familiar with the impact that this health issue has on the human body. In particular, we will look at how fat is stored within the body and the consequent cellular, metabolic, tissue and endocrine changes that occur. We will review various studies looking at human and animal fat use and storage, examine fat deposition, metabolism in men and women, chronicle cultural differences in food procurement, preparation, and consumption, and consider the influence of sedentary occupations and lifestyles. We will also explore various obesity health related illnesses such as Type 2 (fat related) diabetes, stress, hypertension, increased cholesterol, infertility, heart disease, stroke, some types of cancer, arteriosclerosis, gallstones, osteoarthritis, back pain, endocrine disorders, and even the need for transplants.
Pre-req: Sophomore standing or above
3 credits
BIOL 251 - Ecology & Evolution of Organisms
An introduction to the structure and function of populations of plants and animals. Topics to be covered include growth and behavior of populations, ecology of communities, ecosystem function, transmission genetics, and the evolution of populations and species. Lecture, Laboratories, and Field Trips.
Pre-req: BIOL 152 or ENVS 100
Co-req: BIOL 251L
Cross-listed with ENVS 251
4 credits
BIOL 251L - Ecology & Evolution of Organisms Lab
Co-req: BIOL 251
Cross-listed with ENVS 251L
0 credits
BIOL 290 - Selected Topics
May be repeated for credit
Co-req: BIOL 290L
1 to 4 credits
BIOL 295 - Independent Study
Credit and time arranged. May be repeated for credit.
1 to 4 credits
BIOL 300A - Human Physiology & Anatomy I
A study of the structure and function of the human body. The structure and function of individual body systems will be studied with respect to the integrated whole. Emphasis is placed on how structure relates to function. Select dysfunctions and pathologies will be examined. Laboratories include dissections. Lectures and laboratories.
Co-req: BIOL 300AL
4 credits
BIOL 300AL - Human Physiology & Anatomy Lab
Co-req: BIOL 300A
0 credits
BIOL 300B - Human Physiology & Anatomy II
A study of the structure and function of the human body. The structure and function of individual body systems will be studied with respect to the integrated whole. Emphasis is placed on how structure relates to function. Select dysfunctions and pathologies will be examined. Laboratories include dissections. Lectures and laboratories.
Pre-req: BIOL 300A
Co-req: BIOL 300BL
4 credits
BIOL 300BL - Human Physiology & Anatomy II Lab
Co-req: BIOL 300B
0 credits
BIOL 301 - Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology
This course covers the anatomy and physiology of the human body from an applied perspective. It is designed for students from BIOL, CHEM, PSYCH, and KNS interested in allied health fields. Medical case studies and group problem solving exercises will be used to explore the major physiological systems. The laboratory will utilize hands on techniques to explore the normal and disease physiology of the major systems studies.
Co-req: BIOL 301L
4 credits
BIOL 301L - Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab
This course covers the anatomy and physiology of the human body from an applied perspective. It is designed for students from BIOL, CHEM, PSYCH, and KNS interested in allied health fields. Medical case studies and group problem solving exercises will be used to explore the major physiological systems. The laboratory will utilize hands on techniques to explore the normal and disease physiology of the major systems studies.
Co-req: BIOL 301
0 credits
BIOL 302 - Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology
This course covers the anatomy and physiology of the human body from an applied perspective. It is designed for students from BIOL, CHEM, PSYCH, and KNS interested in allied health fields. Medical case studies and group problem solving exercises will be used to explore the major physiological systems. The laboratory will utilize hands on techniques to explore the normal and disease physiology of the major systems studies.
4 credits
BIOL 302L - Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab
This course covers the anatomy and physiology of the human body from an applied perspective. It is designed for students from BIOL, CHEM, PSYCH, and KNS interested in allied health fields. Medical case studies and group problem solving exercises will be used to explore the major physiological systems. The laboratory will utilize hands on techniques to explore the normal and disease physiology of the major systems studies.
Co-req: BIOL 302
0 credits
BIOL 331 - Immunology
The study of the innate and adaptive immune mechanisms of organisms in response to foreign pathogens. The physiological function of the immune system in health and disease is also discussed. Lectures, journals, seminars and laboratory exercises.
Pre-req: BIOL 251
Co-req: BIOL 331L
4 credits
BIOL 331L - Immunology Lab
Co-req: BIOL 331
0 credits
BIOL 333 - Insects and Their Arthropod Relatives
This course will provide a comprehensive introduction to insects and their arthropod relatives. It will cover the key features of their classification, physiological structure and function, behavior and ecology, all within the context of the latest ideas on the evolution of the group. The course will also examine the economic importance of insects in veterinary and human medicine, pest management and pollination biology.
Pre-req: BIOL 251 or ENVS 100
Co-req: BIOL 333L
Cross-listed with ENVS 333
4 credits
BIOL 333L - Insects and Their Arthropod Relatives Lab
Co-req: BIOL 333
Cross-listed with ENVS 333L
0 credits
BIOL 340 - Invertebrate Zoology
Invertebrate zoology is an examination of the diversity of animals without a backbone, focusing on morphological and functional adaptations of major groups such as sponges, jellies, worms, arthropods, mollusks, and sea stars. The course will include discussions on ecological, commercial, and medicinal importance of invertebrates, as well as current research on evolutionary relationship hypotheses to help students develop their critical thinking skills. Some dissections and examination of preserved specimens will be involved.
4 credits
BIOL 341 - Neurobiology
This course will explore the structure and function of the mammalian nervous system. The course will investigate how ion gradients allow cells to generate electrical currents and how these processes underlie higher functions such as learning and memory. Additionally we will explore the mechanisms underlying neurological diseases such as ADHD and autism.
Co-req: BIOL 341L
4 credits
BIOL 343 - Microbiology
The principles of microbial growth, metabolism, morphology, taxonomy, pathogenicity, immunity and control will be discussed. The course emphasizes views on microorganisms as agents of disease and normal inhabitants of man’s environment. The laboratory will deal with techniques of isolation, cultivation and identification of these organisms.
Pre-req: BIOL 251
Co-req: BIOL 343L
4 credits
BIOL 343L - Microbiology Lab
Co-req: BIOL 343
0 credits
BIOL 345 - Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
A comparative analysis of vertebrate morphology with an emphasis on how form relates to function. Students will trace the evolution of vertebrate characters and examine how morphology may be explained by phylogeny, environmental pressures, ontogeny, and/or individual variation. The laboratory will involve detailed anatomical study of representative vertebrates with an emphasis on form and function. Lectures and laboratory.
Pre-req: BIOL 251
Co-req: BIOL 345L
4 credits
BIOL 345L - Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy Lab
Co-req: BIOL 345
0 credits
BIOL 351 - Principles of Ecology
This course examines the fundamental concepts in the rapidly developing areas of ecology. The topics covered include the factors that limit the distributions and abundance of organisms, the effects that organisms have on ecosystems, the integration of ecosystems around the globe, and the conservation of species diversity. The class will also explore how the behavior and physiology of individual organisms shape both local and global patterns of distribution and abundance. Laboratories focus on experimental and quantitative analyses of local ecosystems, with an emphasis on field studies.
Pre-req: BIOL 251
Co-req: BIOL 351L
Cross-listed with ENVS 351
4 credits
BIOL 351L - Principles of Ecology Lab
Co-req: BIOL 351
Cross-listed with ENVS 351L
0 credits
BIOL 365 - Epidemiology
This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of epidemiology- the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in human populations and the application of theses studies to the prevention and control of health problems. The course will cover epidemiological theory, approaches, techniques, research designs, and how they are applied to answer health related questions. In addition, in this course students will apply their foundational biological and statistical knowledge to work through various case studies and news files covering topics of epidemiology. At the end of this course, students will apply their new epidemiological knowledge to design and propose an epidemiological study that addresses a current public health issue. Note: Sophomore Standing or higher.
Pre-req: Prereq: MATH 80 and BIOL 100 or 151 or 152.
4 credits
BIOL 379 - Conservation Biology
Conservation biology deals with the study of preserving biodiversity. Topics to be covered include the effects of habitat fragmentation on populations, reserve design, the effect of fragmentation on levels of diversity, and issues surrounding the problem of maintaining genetic diversity. Lectures and field work.
Pre-req: BIOL 251 or ENVS 100
Co-req: BIOL 379L
Cross-listed with ENVS 379
4 credits
BIOL 379L - Conservation Biology Lab
Co-req: BIOL 379
Cross-listed with ENVS 379L
0 credits
BIOL 380 - Cell Physiology
Biochemical approach to the understanding of cellular functions with emphasis on the interactions of biochemical pathways and their importance. Lectures and seminars.
Pre-req: BIOL 251
Co-req: BIOL 380L
3 or 4 credits
BIOL 380L - Cell Physiology Lab
Co-req: BIOL 380
0 credits
BIOL 381 - Molecular Genetics
In-depth study of how genetic information is stored and utilized by cells, including DNA replication, transcription and translation, and the control of gene expression. Emphasis will be split between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Pre-req: BIOL 251
Co-req: BIOL 381L
4 credits
BIOL 381L - Molecular Genetics Lab
Co-req: BIOL 381
0 credits
BIOL 383 - Genetics
This course will cover principles of heredity, from Mendelian genetics and patterns of inheritance to linkage and complex traits. We will then explore genomics as a method for understanding human disease and consider the ethical implications of genetic testing. Students are required to concurrently enroll in BIOL 383L.
Pre-req: BIOL 251
Co-req: BIOL 383L
4 credits
BIOL 383L - Genetics Lab
Genetics Lab
Co-req: BIOL 383
0 credits
BIOL 384 - Marine Biology
The ocean covers approximately 71% of the Earth’s surface. It is home to an incredible diversity of species from unicellular bacteria to whales. Such diversity exemplifies the variety of habitats that differ in abiotic and biotic factors that determine the niche of each species. Thus, many species have evolved in different ways to survive in a complex, multidimensional environment.
The ocean environment provides us with food, medicine, recreation, transport, and many other resources. However, overutilization of these resources has resulted in habitat destruction and species extinction. With the threat of accelerated climate change, research and conservation efforts are as important as ever, to protect existing and yet to be discovered species. Marine Biology is a multidisciplinary course that includes physics, chemistry, geography, ecology, and conservation.
This course will examine how marine organisms live and survive in their habitats through dissections, experiments, field trips, lectures, literature discussions, presentations, and reports.
Pre-req: BIOL 251
Co-req: BIOL 384L
Cross-listed with ENVS 384
4 credits
BIOL 384L - Marine Biology Lab
Co-req: BIOL 384
Cross-listed with ENVS 384L
0 credits
BIOL 390 - Selected Topics
May be repeated for credit
Co-req: BIOL 390L
1 to 4 credits
BIOL 390L - Selected Topics Lab
Co-req: BIOL 390
0 credits
BIOL 395 - Independent Study
Credit and time arranged. May be repeated for credit.
1 to 4 credits
BIOL 404 - Developmental Biology
The processes that allow a single cell to develop into an entire organism will be explored. Topics will include classical embryology, control of development at the cellular and molecular level, and mechanisms of differentiation. Extensive laboratory work included. January, 4 credits.
Pre-req: BIOL 251.
Co-req: BIOL 404L
4 credits
BIOL 408 - Pathologies of Aging
This course is designed to provide the student with the latest background information about the molecular and cellular changes (the how and why) that lead to organismal aging with an emphasis on human aging and age-related diseases. The course will focus on three components. The first component will address how we define and measure aging. In this section, we will address the benefits and hurdles of studying aging at the individual vs. the population level. The second component of the course will deal with the various theories and molecular hallmarks of cellular aging. Specifically, we will review both recent and hallmark scientific literature on age-specific cellular and molecular changes that affect gene expression and protein modification, which lead to organismal aging. In addition, we will explore how we can use this new information to modulate the aging rate. The third component of the course will focus on technical laboratory skills used to study aging. This part of the course will use a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) where every student will work independently. Research-intensive projects will incorporate techniques such as cloning genes into plasmids, RT-PCR and flow cytometry to evaluate aging-specific signaling pathways and age-specific phenotypic changes.
Pre-req: BIOL 251
Co-req: BIOL 408L
4 credits
BIOL 428 - Animal Physiology
Investigation of how animals function in their environment. This course will compare the major physiological systems in vertebrates and discuss adaptations to these systems that allow animals to thrive under diverse environmental conditions. Lectures and laboratories.
Pre-req: BIOL 251
Co-req: BIOL 428L
4 credits
BIOL 428L - Animal Physiology Lab
Co-req: BIOL 428
0 credits
BIOL 435 - Oncology
This course will engage you in the principals of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of cancer. Cellular signaling, genetic variables, viral implications and environmental factors involved in cancer development will also be discussed. This course will cover the findings of three decades of recent cancer research and is intended to empower the student to move directly into the primary research literature on cancer biology.
Pre-req: BIOL 251
Co-req: BIOL 435L
4 credits
BIOL 435L - Oncology Lab
Co-req: BIOL 435
0 credits
BIOL 450 - Introduction to Bioinformatics
The huge amount of genetic data being collected need to be organized and analyzed to further our understanding of the diversity of life and to develop ways to cure diseases. Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary field that integrates biology, computer science, graphics, and statistics to manage and analyze data. BIOL450 serves as an introduction to the field of bioinformatics. Lectures will include theories behind genetic evolution, sequence analyses, genome annotation, and protein structure analyses. Labs will involve retrieving genetic data from online databases and computer programming (R software) to analyze those data. A solid understanding of genetics and statistics are required, but prior programming experience is not required. Minimum Junior Class Level; STEM Majors
Pre-req: Pre-req: BIOL 251/ENVS 251
4 credits
BIOL 473 - The Southern California Flora: Ecology, Evolution & Taxonomy
Taxonomic and ecological study of native plants. Lectures, laboratory, and field work.
Pre-req: BIOL 251 or ENVS 100
Co-req: BIOL 473L
Cross-listed with ENVS 473
4 credits
BIOL 473L - Southern California Flora: Ecology, Evolution & Taxonomy
Co-req: BIOL 473
Cross-listed with ENVS 473L
0 credits
BIOL 485 - Advanced Field Studies
Instructor permission required.
Cross-listed with ENVS 485
4 credits
BIOL 490 - Selected Topics
May be repeated for credit
1 to 4 credits
BIOL 493 - Biology Seminar
Discussion of current biological research. May include student oral presentations. Credit and time arranged. May be repeated for credit.
1 credits
BIOL 495 - Independent Study
Credit and time arranged. May be repeated for credit.
1 to 4 credits
BIOL 496 - Undergraduate Research in Biology
Credit and time arranged. May be repeated for credit.
1 to 4 credits
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