The biology program studies the breadth of life, from cellular mechanisms to ecosystem processes. Students are encouraged to view biological concepts from historical, political, and ethical perspectives as they integrate new ideas and concepts with older ones. The faculty stresses the process of science and the ability to analyze the surrounding world by generating hypotheses, testing hypotheses, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions. Students develop oral and written communication skills through active participation in lecture/discussions and collaborative projects both in the classroom and in laboratory/field settings.

Biology students at Rocky Mountain College get a broad exposure to the three main areas of biology. Our goal is that graduates, no matter what career path they may choose, will have a solid understanding of the cellular and molecular basis of life, the design and function of individual organisms, and the ecological interactions between organisms. Furthermore, we emphasize research skills, experimental design, and data analysis throughout all courses. The program provides biology majors with a broad foundation, which prepares them for professional schools, the workplace or graduate school.

Major in Biology

A minimum of 29 semester hours of biology courses.
Biology core:
BIO120 Principles of Biology
BIO203 Genetics
BIO306 Evolution

One course from each of the following three categories:
Cell and Molecular Biology:
BIO312 Cell Biology
BIO344/345 Molecular Genetics
BIO350 Microbiology
BIO/CHM452 Biochemistry I
BIO/CHM460 Biochemistry II


Ecology and Behavior:
BIO311 Botany
BIO347 Animal Behavior
BIO410 Conservation Bio
BIO415 Ecology

Structure and Function:
BIO252 Animal Physiology
BIO305 Vertebrate Anatomy
BIO317 Ornithology
BIO321 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
BIO322 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
BIO324 Developmental Biology

Students must have a capstone course and may choose from the following:
BIO415 Ecology
BIO/CHM452 Biochemistry
(This capstone choice may be included as one of the categories above.)

In addition:
IDS243 Scientific Writing and Analysis
CHM101 General Chemistry I
CHM102 General Chemistry II

Choose:
CHM220 Fundamental Organic Chemistry
OR
CHM251/CHM 252 Organic Chemistry I/Organic Chemistry II

Choose:
PHS101/PHS102 Fundamental Physics I/ Fundamental Physics II
OR
PHS201/PHS202 General Physics I/ General Physics II

Only 3 credits of the following electives count toward the 29 credits required in the major:
BIO143 Introduction to Research I
BIO243 Introduction to Research II
BIO343 Introduction to Research III
BIO443 Advanced Biology Research

Internship: BIO450 credits do not count toward the 29 credit minimum.

Major in Biology Education

Students must complete the above biology major and the required secondary education courses.

Major in Science Broadfield Education Biology

This major serves those who desire to teach the several sciences necessary in American schools. In addition to the science courses listed below, students must complete the professional education program for secondary teaching as described in the “education” section of the catalog. The following courses are required:

Biology: A total of 23 credits hours in biology including:
BIO120 Principles of Biology
BIO203 Genetics
BIO306 Evolution

Choose any two of the following:
BIO321 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
BIO350 Microbiology
BIO415 Ecology

Mathematics:
MAT175 Calculus I
MAT210 Probability and Statistics

Chemistry:
CHM101 General Chemistry I
CHM102 General Chemistry II

Choose any one of the following:
CHM220 Fundamental Organic Chemistry
CHM251 Organic Chemistry I

Physics:
PHS101 Fundamental Physics I
PHS102 Fundamental Physics II
PHS225 Modern Physics

Geology:
GEO101 Fundamentals of Geology, Option I
GEO104 Fundamentals of Geology Laboratory

Environmental Science:
ESC105 Environmental Science: Sustainable Communities

IDS422 Methods and Materials: Teaching Science in the Secondary School.

Minor in Biology

A minimum of 20 semester hours in biology (6 credits of upper-division courses), IDS243, plus one course in chemistry with a laboratory component is required.

Minor in Biology Education

For students pursuing a teaching minor in biology, the following courses must be taken in addition to coursework required in the secondary education program: a minimum of 24 hours in biology including:
BIO120 Principles of Biology
BIO203 Genetics
BIO306 Evolution
BIO415 Ecology
IDS243 Scientific Writing and Analysis

Choose one of the following:
BIO311 Botany
BIO317 Ornithology
BIO350 Microbiology

Choose one of the following:
BIO252 Animal Physiology
BIO321 Human Anatomy and Physiology I

Additionally, one chemistry course with a laboratory component is required. Note: The following courses are eligible for biology credit:
ESC307 Advanced Field Botany/ Spring Wildflowers
ESC314 Range Ecology
ESC325 Wetlands and Riparian Ecology

EQS300 will be accepted as a biology elective for students who have successfully completed BIO111 and BIO112 or BIO120, CHM101, and CHM102. Note: EQS300 and EQS400 are highly recommended for students pursuing veterinary school or graduate programs in animal science.

BIO102 - Introduction to Biology

Semester: Summer
Semester hours: 4
This course is a broad survey of biology approaching different levels of biological organization from the perspective of the organism in the environment. Specific topics include genetics, evolution, ecology, metabolism, and the cell. The laboratory emphasizes the process of scientific investigation, including the design, conduct, analysis, and presentation of biological experiments. This course is appropriate for non-biology majors and does not count toward a major or minor in biology.

BIO105 - Current Biology

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 3
This course for non-majors will explore concepts that are both rooted in biology and important in our everyday lives. One such example is the stem cell: what exactly are stem cells, and why are they important tools for biology and medicine? In this course we will examine a broad range of topics including stem cells, genetically modified organisms, evolution, cancer, and the practice of science itself. These subjects will be addressed in a traditional classroom setting, but assignments will demand that students apply the course material to current happenings in our society. Points will be earned by completing quizzes, response papers, and projects. This course has no laboratory component and does not count toward a major or minor in biology.

BIO111 - General Biology I

Semester: On Demand
Semester hours: 4
An introductory survey emphasizes the cell, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, genetics, and molecular biology. The weekly laboratories teach basic laboratory skills, safety, experimental design, and the application of statistics. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory session per week.

BIO112 - General Biology II

Semester: On Demand
Semester hours: 4
An introductory course emphasizes organization within the individual, population, and community levels of biology. Topics include basic genetics, population genetics, evolution, diversity of organisms, and ecology. The laboratory emphasizes the process of scientific investigation, including the design, analysis, and presentation of biological experiments. Field trips outside of regular class time may be required. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory session per week.

BIO120 - Principles of Biology

Semester: Fall and Spring
Semester hours: 4
An introductory survey course that covers cell structure and metabolism, patterns of inheritance, molecular genetics, evolutionary mechanisms, and diversity. The weekly laboratory sessions teach basic laboratory skills, experimental design, application of statistics, and communication of results via laboratory reports. This course is appropriate for both major and non-majors. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory period per week.

BIO143 - Introduction to Research I

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 1
Introduction to Research I is a laboratory based course that teaches students the fundamentals of biological research. The course is limited to ten freshmen students who must submit an application and be accepted into the course. Those students gain exposure to several of the model organisms that are commonly used in research. They learn techniques for growing, handling and characterizing those organisms, along with routine procedures that are universally applicable for molecular biology. Students who complete Introduction to Research I are eligible to enroll in Introduction to Research II. Students must apply for acceptance to the course.

BIO203 - Genetics

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 4
The course provides a detailed overview of the mechanisms of heredity. Topics include Mendelian, quantitative, and molecular genetics. Three hours of lecture per week and one two-hour laboratory session per week.
Prerequisites: BIO 111, BIO 112, and CHM 101
Co-requisite: IDS 243

BIO240 - Biology of HIV/ AIDS

Semester: On Demand
Semester hours: 3
This course explores HIV from its mechanism of action to its contribution to the opportunistic infections of AIDS, and includes the scientific/biological basis for therapies. Guest speakers play a vital role in linking the biological aspects to the human condition.
Prerequisites: BIO 120 and CHM 101/102

BIO243 - Introduction to Research II

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 2
Introduction to Research II is a laboratory and lecture based course that meets for three hours once a week. As a continuation of Introduction I, sophomore students learn advanced biological research protocols in a laboratory setting. Protocols include DNA cloning and various forms of DNA and RNA hybridization. Students also participate in a weekly discussion format where they learn to read, analyze and present scientific journal articles. Students who have completed Introduction to Research I are eligible to enroll in Introduction to Research II. Students completing Introduction to Research II are eligible to enroll in Introduction to Research III.
Prerequisite: BIO 143

BIO252 - Animal Physiology

Semester: On Demand
Semester hours: 3
Designed for students pursuing studies in ecology, biodiversity, and environmental science. This class introduces students to the basic concepts of animal regulation. Feedback and homeostasis are foundational concepts in biology. An introductory biology and introductory chemistry class are highly recommended.

BIO305 - General Vertebrate Zoology

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 4
This course provides a detailed overview of the species diversity, natural history, and evolution of vertebrates. These concepts are highlighted through comparisons within and between vertebrate groups. Special emphasis is placed on evolutionary relationships to track key innovations in morphology, physiology, and ecology that have contributed to vertebrate diversification. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory session per week.
Prerequisite: BIO 306

BIO306 - Evolution

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 3
A broad but detailed discussion of the genetic, ontogenetic, and morphologic changes inherent in populations. Topics include population genetics, molecular evolution, natural selection, genetic drift, gene flow, speciation, phylogenetics, and coevolution. Three hours of lecture per week.
Prerequisite: BIO 120

BIO307 - Bacteria and Antibiotic Resistance

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 3
This course will focus on antimicrobial drugs and their use in fighting bacterial infections. Topics will include the history of antibiotics, antibiotic resistance of bacteria, including resistance mechanisms and transfer of resistance, development of new antibiotics and the drug development pipeline, how antibiotics work, antibiotic stewardship, and use of antibiotics in the animal industry. Bacteria of particular public health concern, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, will be featured.
Prerequisite: BIO 203 and CHM 102, both passed with a grade of C- or better.

BIO311 - Botany

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 4
This course provides a detailed exploration of plant anatomy and physiology. Microscope study allows for detailed observation of roots, stems and leaves and their component tissues. Examination of flowers, fruits, and seeds provides the details of pollination, fertilization, dispersal and germination. During the laboratory, students explore topics such as plant physiological responses to hormones and nutrients, characteristics and mechanisms of genetic inheritance, and ecological aspects of plant competition. The course emphasizes the relationship between plant form and function.
Prerequisite: BIO 120 and CHM 101

BIO312 - Cell Biology

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 3
Cells are the basic units of life, and understanding cells is important for many disciplines within biology. This course examines fundamental cell biology, with emphasis on the mechanisms of molecular biology, cellular trafficking, and cell-to-cell signaling. The semester will culminate with the discussion of complex cellular behaviors such as regulation of the cell cycle, renewal of stem cells, and the progression of cancer. Each of these concepts will be discussed in the context of experimentation and hypothesis-driven research. Three hours of lecture per week.
Prerequisite: BIO 203

BIO317 - Ornithology

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 3
This lecture course details the anatomy, physiology, and evolution of birds. Topics include evolutionary origins of birds and flight, development, and an overview of avian anatomy, physiology, and ecology. Three hours of lecture per week.
Prerequisite: BIO 306

BIO319 - Ornithology Lab

Semester: On Demand
Semester hours: 1
This combined field and laboratory course covers the anatomy, physiology, ecology, evolution, and identification of birds. Topics include evolutionary origins of birds and flight, development, avian anatomy, and bird identification in the field. One two-hour laboratory session per week.
Co-requisite: BIO 317

BIO321 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 4
A course requiring students to incorporate concepts from physics, chemistry, and biology to understand the interface between human structure and function and the regulatory mechanisms in play. Topics include tissue types, skeletal, muscular, nervous, respiratory, and reproductive anatomy and physiology. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory session per week. Human cadavers are used in the laboratory.
Prerequisites: BIO 111 and BIO 112 or BIO 120 and CHM 101 and CHM 102. CHM 251 and CHM 252 and PHS 102 or PHS 202 are highly recommended.

BIO322 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 4
In this continuation of BIO321, topics include digestive, cardiovascular, renal, urinary acid-base balance, endocrine, and immune system anatomy and physiology. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory session per week. Human cadavers are used in the laboratory.
Prerequisite: BIO 321

BIO324 - Developmental Biology

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 4
How do many animals develop from a fertilized egg into complex animals, some with trillions of cells? This course examines the development of complex animals from embryo to adult. In this course you will explore the mechanisms behind how an embryo establishes a body plan, grows new structures, and determines its sex. The course concludes by considering environmental effects on this process, as well as its implications for medicine and evolutionary biology. Each of these concepts will be discussed in the context of experimentation and hypothesis-driven research. Students will apply their knowledge by conducting novel research during the laboratory portion of the course. Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: BIO 203

BIO343 - Introduction to Research III

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 2
Introduction to Research III is a laboratory and lecture based course that prepares students for independent upper division research. By working with individual faculty members, each student will develop an independent research project. Using techniques learned in Introduction to Research I and II, students will perform preliminary research associated with their projects, and they will learn to write and present formal research proposals for those projects. Students enrolled in Introduction to Research III will also act as mentors to students enrolled in Introduction to Research I. Students must complete Introduction to Research I and II to be eligible to enroll in Introduction to Research III.
Prerequisite: BIO 243

BIO344 - Molecular Genetics

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 3
Students will study the molecular mechanisms that compose the Central Dogma of Molecular Biology. Special attention will be given to genomic structure, DNA replication, transcription,
RNA processing, translation, and post-translational modification. Basic techniques in molecular biology will be discussed, and these techniques will be practiced during BIO345, which is a co-requisite course. Three hours of lecture per week. (Note: Students who have completed BIO143 and who are enrolled in BIO243 are exempt from the BIO345 laboratory course.)
Prerequisite: BIO 111
Co-requisite: BIO 345

BIO345 - Molecular Genetics Laboratory

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 1
This course includes a hands-on, laboratory-based introduction to basic molecular biology techniques, with special emphasis on cloning and manipulation of DNA. Techniques include electrophoresis, restriction digestion, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), logation, transformation, DNA extraction, and Southern blotting. Students who have completed BIO143 and
who are enrolled in BIO243 are exempt from this course. Two hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: BIO 111
Co-requisite: BIO 344

BIO347 - Animal Behavior

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 3
This course provides a broad overview of the development, expression, and control of behavior. This course provides a foundation for understanding animal ecology, revealing evolutionary relationships, and managing fish and wildlife populations. Topics include communication, predation, foraging, mating, parental care, and sociality.
Prerequisite: BIO 306

BIO349 - Animal Behavior Lab

Semester: On Demand
Semester hours: 1
This course provides a broad overview of the development, expression, and control of behavior. This course provides a foundation for understanding animal ecology, revealing evolutionary
relationships, and managing fish and wildlife populations. Topics include communication, predation, foraging, mating, parental care, and sociality. One two-hour laboratory session per week.
Co-requisite: BIO 347

BIO350 - Microbiology

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 4
This course is an investigation of the structure, metabolism, and reproduction of microorganisms. The course will emphasize understanding microbiology as it pertains to human health, including normal flora, disease mechanisms, immunology and immunity, and a sampling of major microbial diseases. In the laboratory, students will detect, isolate, and identify both harmless and pathogenic microbes.
Prerequisite: BIO 203 and CHM 102, both passed with a grade of C- or higher.

BIO380 - Coastal Field Ecology

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 1
Coastal Field Ecology is a one credit course featuring a field trip to Puget Sound and the Washington coast in early May. During the spring semester, a series of five lectures will introduce students to the geological and ecological characteristics of the Puget Sound area. During the field portion of the course, students will stay on Whidbey Island at the Pacific Rim Institute's field station. Daily classroom and field sessions will focus on the variety of coastal habitats (rainforest, estuaries, rocky inter-tidal zone, etc.), with an emphasis on the marine conservation issues.
Prerequisite: BIO 306

BIO410 - Conservation Biology

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 2-3
Students experience a multi-disciplinary approach to conservation encompassing genetics to ethics. Discussions emphasize biological diversity, extinction probability theory, reserve design, management, and reintroduction strategies. Written and oral presentations are required.
Prerequisite: BIO 306

BIO415 - Ecology

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 5
Students are provided with an overview of the interactions among biotic and abiotic environments. Topics include climate and vegetation, resource acquisition and allocation, demography, population growth and regulation, sociality, competition, niche theory, predation, and community and ecosystem ecology. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory session per week.
Prerequisite: BIO 306

BIO420 - Methods and Materials of Teaching Secondary Science

Semester: On Demand
Semester hours: 2
This course requires focused study with a science teacher in an accredited secondary school or other acceptable professional. Hours will be arranged in consultation with the content area professor, the secondary education professor, the student, and the professional mentor. The course provides competence for the delivery and evaluation of planned learning activities. Areas of concentration include active hands-on experiences, reviewing texts for content appropriate to various grade levels, and the use of technology in the classroom.
Prerequisite: Acceptance in the teacher education program; senior standing required.

BIO443 - Advanced Biology Research

Semester: Fall and Spring
Semester hours: 1-3
In this course, students work with a research advisor on an independent research project. Enrollment is based upon instructor consent and requires each participant to have arranged a working agreement with a research advisor. Included in the course is a weekly forum for students to present and discuss their research projects. All enrolled students are required to give presentations highlighting their research. Through those presentations, participants in the class will be exposed to the diverse research initiatives at Rocky Mountain College. This course is offered every semester and can be taken up to four times.
Prerequisite: BIO 343 or consent of instructor

BIO450 - Internship

Semester: On Demand
Semester hours: 1-12
Pass/fail. An internship is arranged between a member of the discipline’s faculty and the student. The internship will not count as part of the minimum number of required credits to the major or minor. Contract required. If an internship is two or more credits, the student will typically be required to write a paper. The contract will specify the minimum length of the paper and the required scholarly sources.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing

BIO452 - Biochemistry I

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 5
Biochemistry focuses on the study of the molecules and chemical reactions of life, bringing together principles learned in biology and chemistry. After an introduction to the chemistry and structure of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins, discussions of enzyme structure and kinetics set the stage for a detailed exploration of metabolism and its regulation. The laboratory component of this course involves a semester-long integrated project that requires independent student work. This project incorporates many different types of instrumentation, including low pressure chromatography, electrophoresis, UV-Visible spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and ultrafiltration. Three lecture hours plus one laboratory lecture hour per week. Significant time working independently in the laboratory is required.
Prerequisite: CHM 220 or CHM 252 with a grade of C- or higher; BIO 111 is strongly recommended. Junior or senior standing is required.

BIO460 - Biochemistry II

Semester: On Demand
Semester hours: 3
An introduction to the chemistry and structure of nucleotides and nucleic acids is followed by a detailed study of DNA replication and repair, RNA transcription and processing, protein synthesis, and the regulation of these processes. Bioethics, an important and interesting topic, is covered as
an extension to the scientific content. This course covers topics in more depth and with a different emphasis than genetics. This course is cross listed with CHM 460.
Prerequisite: CHM 220 or CHM 252 and BIO/CHM 452 or BIO 203

BIO483 - Dissection

Semester: Summer
Semester hours: 2-3
Students begin to learn how to dissect a human cadaver. Each student chooses or is assigned to a region. By permission of the instructor only.
Prerequisite: BIO 322

BIO490 - Seminar

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 1
Selected topics in biology are explored.

BIO499 - Independent Study

Semester: On Demand
Semester hours: 1-3
This course allows a superior student to devise and pursue independent study in an area agreed upon in consultation with, and supervised by, a faculty member. Students should be either a major or minor and have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or greater.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing