Biology

Chair: Associate: Professor Tara Allen
Associate Professor: Paul Klawinski
Assistant Professor: Scott Falke
Assistant Professors: Jennifer Moody-Weiss and Wei Wu

Goals for Student Learning

Graduates of the William Jewell College biology program:

• Are literate about biology;
• Communicate with the scientific community;
• Develop expertise in the methodologies of lab and field;
• Rediscover and develop innate intellectual curiosity;
• Think critically as scientists;
• Participate in the community of research and discovery;
• Function in a community of learners;
• Develop a basic understanding of biological principles, facts, and concepts;
• Are exposed to ethical decision making.

The department offers six majors (biology, biochemistry, bioethics, clinical laboratory science, Oxbridge: Molecular Biology, and science & technology management). For further information on the majors other than biology, refer to those sections of the catalog. For biology majors, admission into the department requires the completion of three biology classes of at least 4 credit hours each, including BIO 133 and 134 or the equivalent; a GPA minimum of 2.5 in biology and 2.5 overall; and a formal application including a self-assessment form. After admission into the program, students will complete a four-semester Senior Thesis. Students must have a G.P.A. minimum of 2.5 in biology and 2.5 overall to begin the project. Students must complete a thesis to graduate with a major in biology. Those who select biology as a second major must complete all requirements for the BA degree.

 The Majors 
 Biology

The major in biology leads to a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. Upon completion of a biology major, a student will have been exposed to a broad biology background while having had the opportunity to explore specific areas of interest through a senior thesis project. A degree in biology would allow a student to pursue careers in education, research, medicine, biotechnology, conservation, and industry either through immediate entry into the career or further study at the graduate level.

The department also offers opportunities for study outside the traditional major. Those interested in careers in health-related fields may add a concentration in pre-physical therapy or pre-medicine or earn a BS degree in clinical laboratory science. For those interested in applied professions relating to the environment, William Jewell offers a three-two program with Duke University leading to a Master of Forestry degree or a Master of Environmental Management degree. Applicants for this liberal arts/environment program should indicate their intentions at the time of enrollment in college. Further details of the program are available in the pre-professional section of the catalog.

Students majoring in biology may receive certification to teach biology in grades 9-12 in the state of Missouri by double majoring in biology and secondary education. Procedures to be followed in obtaining teacher certification are included in the Student Handbook for Teacher Certification. Specific course requirements for all certification programs may be found on check sheets available in the Education Department.

Only grades of C- or higher will be accepted as satisfying the biology major requirements. Transfer students must complete a minimum of twelve hours of biology courses in residence at William Jewell College.

Course Descriptions

BIO 126 Introduction to Microbiology (4 cr. hrs.)
The structure, genetics and physiology of both bacteria and viruses will be explored. This basic knowledge will be utilized to understand disease mechanisms using a systems approach that correlates important human diseases with both human organ systems and causative microbial agents. Selected topics in immunology and public heath will complement the course material. The laboratory will introduce the methods used to isolate, culture, stain, visualize, and identify microorganisms. Prerequisite: CHE 113 or and equivalent course. Spring semester.

BIO 133 Evolution and Ecology (4 cr. hrs. )
This is the first of a four-semester introductory sequence of courses for the biology major and introduces students to the topics of evolution and ecology. The principles of ecology are studied from the individual to ecosystem level. The principles of evolution are examined, including macro- and micro-evolutionary processes. The course includes one laboratory session each week. Required of all biology majors. Fall semester.

BIO 134 Biological Diversity and Design (4 cr. hrs.)
A survey of living organisms examining the 3 domains of life (Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya) with emphasis on Eukaryotes including protists, fungi, plants, and animals. The survey will focus on evolutionary relationships, structure and function of physiological systems and ecological and economic importance of organisms. The morphology and physiology of plants and animals will be covered in detail, examining how these organisms cope with environmental stresses. This course includes one laboratory session each week. Required of all biology majors. Prerequisite: None. Spring semester.

BIO 135 Introduction to Biological Investigation (1 cr. hr.)
An introduction to skills necessary to be a successful biology major, including computer literacy, library research, scientific writing and keeping laboratory and field notebooks. Research opportunities, both in the department and off-campus through internships, will be discussed, as well as career options in biology. Ethical issues relevant to biological research will be examined. Required of all biology majors. Prerequisite: None. Fall semester.

BIO 233 Cell and Molecular Biology (4 cr. hrs.)
An introduction to the cellular and molecular levels of biological organization. The students will investigate the numerous, complex events which occur in the life of a cell. The structure and function of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells will be explored. This survey includes the principles of bioenergetics, cell metabolism and its regulation, photosynthesis, membrane transport, enzyme catalysis, gene expression, and the cell cycle. The laboratory experience will utilize cellular and molecular biological techniques to explore these concepts further. This course includes one laboratory session each week. Required of all biology majors. Prerequisite: CHE 122 or current enrollment in CHE 122. Fall semester.

BIO 234 Genetics (4 cr. hrs.)
This course involves the study of classical, population and basic molecular genetics. Classical genetics will include the study of Mendelian genetics, chromosomal and cytogenetics, and quantitative inheritance. The principle and applications of molecular genetic technology will be emphasized in the second part. Student learning will occur mainly by solving problems, group work and investigative laboratories. This course includes one laboratory session each week. Required of all biology majors. Prerequisites: BIO 233; CTI 103 or equivalent. Spring semester.

BIO 243 Human Anatomy (4 cr. hrs.)
An introduction to the form of the human body. All organ systems will be considered. Some aspects of development of postnatal growth will also be discussed. Does not apply toward a biology major. This course includes one laboratory session each week. Spring semester.

BIO 250 Human Physiology (4 cr. hrs.)
A comprehensive study of the function of all organ systems of the human body with a focus on their role in maintaining a constant internal environment (homeostasis). This course includes one laboratory session each week. Does not apply toward a biology major. Prerequisites: BIO 243. Fall semester.

BIO 309 Conservation Biology (4 cr. hrs.)
Conservation Biology applies ecological principles to practical issues in the conservation of nature and natural resources. Topics of special interest in conservation biology are species diversity, demography, disturbance, habitat fragmentation, genetics, reserve design, economics, politics, and the role of humans in disturbed ecosystems. Practical application of ecological theory will be stressed in both the lecture portions of the course, as well as in the lab where students will examine habitat fragmentation, resource utilization, species diversity, etc., in the expanding urban landscape of the greater Kansas City metropolitan area. The course includes one laboratory session each week. Prerequisite: BIO 133. Spring semester of even numbered years.

BIO 310 Plant Biology (4 cr. hrs.)
A survey of photosynthetic organisms, including their morphology, physiology, ecology, systematics and economic importance. The course includes one laboratory session each week. Prerequisites: BIO 133, 134. Fall semester of odd-numbered years.

BIO 312 Entomology (4 cr. hrs.)
A study of the morphology, life histories, evolution, and ecological and economic significance of the major insect groups. This course includes one laboratory session each week. Prerequisites: BIO 133 and 134. Spring semester of odd-numbered years.

BIO 321 Microbiology (4 cr. hrs.)
Study of the structure, physiology, genetics, taxonomy and ecology of microbes, to include Eukarya, Prokarya, and viruses, including study of the immune response to those agents. Prerequisites: BIO 233; CHE 122 or currently enrolled in CHE 122. The course includes one laboratory session each week. Fall semester of even-numbered years.

BIO 351 Cell Physiology (4 cr. hrs.)
A study of the structure, function, and molecular biology of cells. Will include a discussion of how various cellular events relate to the functioning of the entire organism. This course will discuss membrane structure & function, membrane transport processes, cellular metabolism, and cellular signaling. Prerequisites: BIO 233; CHE 122. The course includes one laboratory session each week. Fall semester of odd-numbered years.

BIO 357 Animal Behavior (4 cr. hrs.)
This course will consider the underlying principles that determine how an animal behaves. Animal behavior will be considered from a variety of perspectives, including: genetic, physiological, evolutionary, and ecological. The course includes one lab period per week. Prerequisites: BIO 133, BIO 134. Spring semester of even-numbered years.

BIO 444 Plant Ecology and Conservation (4 cr. hrs.)
This course will examine the interactions between plants and their environment (both biotic and abiotic) at several levels of organization from individuals through populations, communities, and ecosystems. The effect of spatial distributions within a landscape on these interactions will also be considered. The conversation aspects of these topics will be emphasized, focusing on prairie restoration and invasive species. Prerequisites: BIO 133, 134. Spring semester of odd-numbered years.

BIO 450 Biochemistry (4 cr. hrs.)
A detailed course in biochemistry which includes a study of the occurrence, structure, function, and metabolism of biologically important molecules. There is an emphasis on molecular species such as carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, proteins, and nucleic acids. The course includes work in the laboratory. The course may be credited toward a biology, biochemistry, or chemistry major, as the student elects, but it cannot count towards more than one major. Prerequisites: BIO 233, CHE 301, and/or currently enrolled in CHE 302, and admission to the major (Biology, Chemistry, or Biochemistry). Spring semester in even-numbered years. Also listed as CHE 450.

BIO 452 Molecular Genetics (4 cr. hrs.)
A detailed experimental analysis of the molecular biology of genes. Emphasis will be placed on principle of gene manipulation and its associated techniques in bacterial system. Topics will include the molecular mechanisms of DNA replication, recombination and repair, the process and regulatory control of gene expression, the characterization and generation methods of mutations, genetic analytical tools and gene transfer processes. The course includes one laboratory session each week emphasizing molecular techniques to manipulate DNA and analyze gene expression. Prerequisite: BIO 234. Spring semester in odd-numbered years.

BIO 453 Ecology (4 cr. hrs.)
The study of ecological principles and how they relate to population, community, and ecosystem ecology. Application of principles to specific problems will be emphasized. Field work will include investigation of ecological principles as well as independent data collection and statistical analysis. The course includes one field trip/lab per week. Saturday field trips or trips covering several days may occur. Prerequisites: BIO 133, 360, 361, 460, 461. Fall semester of odd-numbered years.

BIO 360, 361, 460, 461. Senior Thesis (1-3 cr. hrs. each.)
A four-course laboratory, field or library research project is required for the major. BIO 360 (1-3 cr. hrs.), the first course in the Senior Thesis, is generally taken the fall of the junior year and will involve mainly library research. BIO 461 (1-3 cr. hrs.) is generally taken the last semester of the senior year and will require presenting, in written and oral form, the results of the research project. BIO 361 and 460 (1-3 cr. hrs. each) will involve lab, field or library research. Prerequisites: admission to the major and GPA minimums of 2.5 in biology and 2.5 overall.