Biology
Professors F. Percival, J. Schloss (chair)
Assistant Professors B. Horvath, S. Julio, E. McMahon
Description of the Major. The Biology major at Westmont equips students for the rewarding and challenging professions related to laboratory, environmental, and medical studies. It also cultivates the knowledgeable care and appreciation of the living world as a means of developing a fuller appreciation of God.
There are several components of the Biology program: a schedule of required and elective coursework emphasizing biological concepts at the molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecosystem levels; a laboratory program involving student investigations with opportunities for individual laboratory or field research; and a senior seminar series in which each student develops work on a topic in the biological literature and on an issue of bioethics.
The Biology program emphasizes conceptual understanding, laboratory techniques, field methods, written and oral communication skills, competency in information processing and computer analysis, and informed sensitivity to issues involving biology, ethics, culture, and faith.
Several options are available within the major. The B.A. is designed for those choosing a biology major who wish to maintain a high level of involvement in other disciplines. The B.A. in Biology is common for those entering the health sciences, and for those double-majoring.
The B.S. includes three tracks, each of which is well-suited for those who wish to pursue graduate studies. The General Track affords a comprehensive study of Biology. The Cellular and Molecular Biology Track is designed for those planning study and research in this burgeoning field. The Environmental/Natural History Track is for those whose career goals include environmental studies.
Additional information about the major or the premedical program is available on the Biology web site, <http://www.westmont.edu/departments/biology>.
Distinctive Features. The traditional disciplinary content is enhanced by discussion of ethical and social implications of biology (e.g. genetic engineering and biomedical ethics, world hunger and environmental stewardship, human nature and origins). Students are provided the personal support and intellectual tools necessary to develop mature and reasoned approaches to relating scientific and scriptural perspectives on these emerging issues.
Students have the opportunity to engage in research, field study and internships under the supervision of faculty or associated personnel. These opportunities include research laboratories at the College, field study in the region, internships in local medical clinics or internships at the Santa Barbara Zoo, Museum of Natural History or Botanic Garden.
Students in the Biology program have direct access to contemporary instrumentation for studies in physiological ecology, environmental biophysics, molecular biology, cell biology, neuroscience, physiology, biochemistry and computational biology. These instruments are used throughout one’s upper-division coursework, and may be used for individual and directed study.
Nearby resources for field biology include the Los Padres National Forest and local marine, river, and lake habitats. Desert, alpine, and coniferous forest ecosystems are within driving distance. Students may also take ecological coursework in the Pacific Northwest, Michigan northwoods, or African savannah at our AuSable Institute for Environmental Studies, in our tropical cloudforest Mayterm and semester programs in Costa Rica, or in our rainforest and coral reef centers through the Global Stewardship Studies Program in Belize or the South Pacific. Additional opportunities for an off-campus semester are available through the College, and can be planned into the schedule of any track within the Biology major.
Career Choices. Some of the fields recent biology students have entered include medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, law, biotechnology, graduate study, teaching at secondary and collegiate levels, physician assistant, public health, nursing, third-world development, agriculture, environmental monitoring, laboratory research, environmental education, pharmacology, fisheries industry, occupational therapy, and full-time missionary work.
Requirements for a B.A. Major: 48 units
The bachelor of arts major in biology consists of lower- and upper-division course work in biology and supporting physical sciences and mathematics. The program is designed for students who wish to obtain a strong preparation in biology, while also obtaining a broader exposure to courses outside the major than is generally possible with a bachelor of science degree.
Required Lower-Division Courses: 20 units
BIO 5, 6 General Biology I, II (4,4)
Additional courses to be chosen from the following:
CHM 5, 6 General Chemistry I, II (4,4)
MA 5 Introduction to Statistics (4)
MA 9, 10 Elementary Calculus I, II (4,4)
PHY 11, 13 Physics for Life Science Majors I, II (4,4)
PHY 21, 23 General Physics I, II (4,4)
Required Upper-Division Courses: 20 units
BIO 114 Genetics (4)
At least three additional upper-division biology lab or field courses (12)
One of the following: (4)
Upper-division BIO Elective (4)
CHM 101, 102 Organic Chemistry (4,4)
PSY 125 Physiological Psychology (4)
Additional Courses, either Lower- or Upper-Division: 8 units
Courses in the natural sciences chosen from the BIO listings or from the courses listed above.
Integrative Course
One course, included among the above requirements, which integrates biology with theological and ethical issues. Courses offered by the department which satisfy this requirement are:
BIO 196 Bioethics Seminar (1)
BIO 197 Biology and Faith (4)
BIO 124 Biology, Values, and the Developing World (4)
Requirements for a B.S. Major: 64 units
The biology department offers three options leading to a bachelor of science degree in biology—a general track providing a comprehensive introduction to all areas of biology, a more specialized track emphasizing cellular and molecular biology and a track emphasizing environmental biology and natural history. Each track is comprised of lower-division courses in biology, mathematics, and physical sciences, plus a variety of required and elective upper-division courses.
General Biology Track: 64 units
Supporting Science Courses: 20 units
CHM 5, 6 General Chemistry I, II (4,4)
One Math course, from the following: (4)
MA 5 Introduction to Statistics (4)
MA 9 Elementary Calculus (4)
CS 10 Introduction to Computer Science (4)
Additional courses in chemistry, mathematics, or physics (8)
Required Biology Courses: 26-29 units
BIO 5, 6 General Biology I, II (4,4)
BIO 114 Genetics (4)
One course from each of the following three areas: (12)
Cellular and Molecular Biology
BIO 113 Biochemistry (4)
BIO 130 Cell Biology (4)
BIO 132 Molecular Biology (4)
Organismal Biology
BIO 102 Physiology (4)
BIO 108 Animal Diversity (4)
BIO 110 Microbiology (4)
Population Biology
BIO 104 Marine Biology (4)
BIO 125 General Ecology (4)
BIO 126 Animal Ecology (4) (AuSable)
BIO 128 Physiological Ecology (4)
BIO 129 Tropical Ecology (4)
BIO 195 Seminar in Biological Research Literature (1)
One integrative course from the following: (1-4)
BIO 196 Bioethics Seminar (1)
BIO 197 Biology and Faith (4)
BIO 124 Biology, Values, and the Developing World (4)
Additional courses from the following for a total of 64 units: 15-18 units
Upper-division BIO
Upper-division CHM
MA 9, 10 Elementary Calculus I, II
NS 114 Earth Science
PSY 125 Behavioral Neuroscience (4)
No more than 12 units to be selected from physical sciences or math.
No more than 2 units of Practicum, BIO 190, 191, or 192.
No more than 4 units Research, BIO 198.
Cellular and Molecular Biology Track: 64 units
Supporting Science Courses: 28 units
CHM 5, 6 General Chemistry I, II (4,4)
CHM 101, 102 Organic Chemistry I, II (4,4)
One Math course, from the following: (4)
MA 5 Introduction to Statistics (4)
MA 9 Elementary Calculus (4)
CS 10 Introduction to Computer Science (4)
Additional courses in Chemistry, Mathematics, or Physics (8)
Required Biology Courses: 30-33 units
BIO 5, 6 General Biology I, II (4,4)
Upper-division Biology Laboratory Courses (20)
BIO 113 Biochemistry (4)
BIO 114 Genetics (4)
BIO 130 Cell Biology (4)
BIO 132 Molecular Biology (4)
One course from the following: (4)
BIO 102 Physiology (4)
BIO 110 Microbiology (4)
BIO 162 Neuroscience (4)
BIO 195 Seminar in Biological Research Literature (1)
One integrative course, from the following: (1-4)
BIO 124 Biology, Values, and the Developing World (4)
BIO 196 Bioethics Seminar (1)
BIO 197 Biology and Faith (4)
Additional courses from the following for a total of 64 units: 3-6 units
Upper-division BIO
Upper-division CHM
MA 9, 10 Elementary Calculus I, II
PSY 125 Behavioral Neuroscience (4)
No more than 4 units to be selected from physical sciences or math.
No more than 2 units of Practicum, BIO 190, 191, or 192
No more than 4 units Research, BIO 198
Environmental/Natural History Track: 64 units
Supporting Science Courses: 20 units
CHM 5, 6 General Chemistry I, II (4,4)
MA 5 Statistics (4)
Additional courses in physical or other cognate sciences (8) to be selected from the following:
CHM 101, 102 Organic Chemistry I, II (4,4)
MA 9, 10 Calculus I, II (4,4)
PHY 11, 13 Physics for Life Science Majors I, II (4,4)
PHY 21, 23 General Physics I, II (4,4)
Other environmental courses offered at Westmont field programs (e.g., Environmental Chemistry, Field Geology, Land Resources, Ecological Agriculture, Sustainable Development, Environmental Sociology, Land Stewardship Ecology)
Required Biology Courses: 38-41 units
BIO 5, 6 General Biology I, II (4,4)
BIO 114 Genetics (4)
One of the following organismal courses
BIO 102 Physiology (4)
BIO 110 Microbiology (4)
BIO 128 Physiological Ecology (4)
Five Field Courses: (20)
At least one course must be taken from each of the following four areas. Courses listed include Westmont courses that would meet the requirement as well as representative courses of those offered at field stations with which our program has affiliation.
General Ecology
BIO 125 or equivalent course (4)
Plant Systematics or Field Studies
BIO 151 Plant Classification (4)
Woody Plants, Field Botany or Forest Ecology
Animal Systematics or Field Studies
BIO 108 Animal Diversity (4)
BIO 126 Animal Ecology (4)
Ornithology or Insect Ecology
Regional or Habitat Field Course
BIO 104 Marine Biology (4)
BIO 123 Aquatic Biology (4)
BIO 129 Tropical Ecology (4)
Northwest Natural History or Limnology
Courses at a Biological Field Station
At least two courses for the major must be taken in residence at a biological field station.
One course from the following: (1)
BIO 191 Environmental Practicum (1)
BIO 195 Seminar in Biological Literature (1)
BIO 198 Research (1)
One integrative course from the following: (1-4)
BIO 124 Biology, Values and the Developing World (4)
BIO 196 Seminar in Bioethics (1)
BIO 197 Biology & Faith (4)
Additional courses chosen from the following for a total of 64 units: (3-6 units)
Upper-division BIO
Upper-division CHM
MA 9, 10 Elementary Calculus I, II (4,4)
PSY 125 Behavioral Neuroscience (4)
No more than 2 units of Practicum, BIO 190, 191, or 192
No more than 4 units Research, BIO 198
Requirements for a Minor: 20 units
BIO 5, 6 General Biology I, II (4,4)
Upper-division BIO Electives (12)
Lower-Division Course Descriptions
BIO 5, 6 General Biology I, II (4,4) Prerequisite: CHM 5. Cell structure and metabolism; introductory genetics; systematics and a survey of the kingdoms of living organisms; anatomy and physiology of vascular plants; anatomy, physiology, and behavior of vertebrate animals; ecological and evolutionary biology.
BIO 11 Human Anatomy (4) Not for credit toward the B.S. in biology. Systemic approach to the structures of the tissues and organ systems which make up the human body. Course is designed with careers such as Nursing, Physical Therapy, and Sports Medicine careers in mind.
BIO 12 Human Physiology (4) Not for credit toward the B.S. in biology. Functional characteristics and interrelationships of the organ systems of the human body.
BIO/KNS 40 Human Nutrition (4) Not for credit toward the B.S. in biology. Role of nutrients in human growth, development, and maintenance, including the chemistry and metabolism of carbohydrate, fat, and protein and the role of vitamins and minerals. The principles of energy balance, essentials of an adequate diet throughout the life cycle, and nutritive values of foods. Nutrition concepts applied to current nutrition issues and controversies. (taught without laboratory)
Upper-Division Course Descriptions
BIO 100 Developmental Biology (4) Prerequisites: BIO 114. An examination of the processes and mechanisms involved in animal development. Topics covered include patterns of development, cellular differentiation, cell fate and body axes, and organ formation. Laboratory exercises focus on crucial experiments important in the growth of developmental biology.
BIO 102 Physiology (4) Prerequisite: BIO 114. An examination of the mechanisms which determine the function of animal tissues and organs. The fundamental physiological processes which underlie all the body’s activities are examined in lecture and laboratory, and students also pursue short experimental projects.
BIO 104 Marine Biology (4) Prerequisites: BIO 5, 6. Recommended: BIO 125. The class presents an overview of the marine science disciplines, including oceanographic (both physical and biological), zoology, ecology, biogeography, island biology and diversity, as they are represented and featured here in the Southern and Central California marine environments. There is a strong emphasis on field experiences, introducing students to the natural history of this area, as well as the current areas of research and study being conducted here. Class does involve some travel up and down the Central California coast, will involve students in cooperative efforts with marine organizations in the area and will ask students to develop the ability to recognize organisms specifically in the field so that small field projects can be developed.
BIO 108 Animal Diversity (4) Prerequisite: BIO 6. Recommended: BIO 114. The class will expose students to the diversity of animal life on the planet, emphasizing the adaptive nature of diversity through structure, function and life history, will involve students in actual case studies of animal populations currently experiencing loss of diversity, and will expose students to the issues of field research involving animal subjects. There is a major emphasis on Animal Behavior, Conservation Biology, and Wildlife Management. Many of these issues will be addressed not only in the classroom, but in the field, talking with and hearing from those who are actively engaged in aspects of this work. Thus, travel to field sites, and to institutions involved with the issues of animal conservation, is an integral component of the class.
BIO 110 Microbiology (4) Prerequisites: BIO 5, 6, 114 and CHM 5, 6. Recommended: CHM 101, 102 and BIO 113. A survey of microbial life, emphasizing the structure, metabolism, diversity and ecology of prokaryotes. Includes introductions to immunology, virology and the pathology of infectious disease.
BIO 113 Biochemistry (4) Prerequisites: BIO 5 and CHM 101, 102. Introduction to the chemistry and metabolism of biologically important substances, characteristics of enzyme action, and structure-function relationships in proteins. Laboratory work emphasizes enzyme isolation and characterization.
BIO 114 Genetics (4) Prerequisites: BIO 5, 6. Introduction to genetic analysis, emphasizing the physical basis for patterns of heredity in eukaryotes and prokaryotes, gene structure and function, cytogenetics, quantitative inheritance, and population genetics.
BIO 123 Aquatic Biology (4) Ecology, identification, systematics, culture, and care of aquatic plants and animals, and adaptations to freshwater environments. Human impacts on aquatic species and ecosystems, stewardship of aquatic habitats, and aquatic restoration ecology. Fieldwork in lakes, ponds, bogs, marshes, and streams. (Offered summers at the Au Sable Institute.)
BIO 124 Biology, Values, and the Developing World (4) Prerequisites: BIO 5, 6. An introduction to how biological processes both influence and are influenced by cultural values and lifestyle with emphasis on Third World issues. Discussion of world hunger and the neo-Malthusian controversy, biological theories of ethnic variation, Third World agricultural and health problems, equatorial natural history, tropical deforestation and desertification.
BIO 125 General Ecology (4) Prerequisite: BIO 5, 6 and one semester of college mathematics. An overview of organism/environment interactions at the physiological, population and community levels. Entails biostatistics, a field research project, and consideration of issues in human ecology and environmental stewardship.
BIO 126 Animal Ecology (4) Interrelationships between animals and their biotic and physical environments, emphasizing behavioral aspects. A field course that centers on the ecology of northern Michigan fauna from a stewardship perspective. Included are individual student research projects. (Offered summers at the Au Sable Institute.)
BIO 128 Physiological Ecology (4) Prerequisite: BIO 5, 6 and one upper-division biology course. An overview of the relationships between physiological adaptation and the environment. Includes examinations of water and energy balance, chemical defenses, biological rhythms, physiological tolerances, and ecological genetics.
BIO 129 Tropical Ecology (4) Prerequisites: BIO 5, 6 and permission of instructor. Examination of general ecological principles as they underlie the unique structural and functional characteristics of tropical ecosystems. Emphasis on environmental biophysics and climatology, energy balance and ecophysiological adaptation, plant/animal interactions, chemical and behavioral ecology, and specific threats to ecological integrity of local communities. Intensive exposure to field methodology, including student research projects. (Offered in Mayterm in Costa Rica.)
BIO 130 Cell Biology (4) Prerequisite: BIO 114. Cell biology is the study of the structures and functions which define cells. The course examines the components and properties of the cell membrane, subcellular organelles, intra- and inter-cellular communication, and genetic material, to learn how cellular properties and functions are related.
BIO 132 Molecular Biology (4) Prerequisites: BIO 114. Molecular Biology is a relatively new field in biology that is concerned with the molecular mechanisms involved in DNA replication and expression, including transcription of RNA and translation of protein. Laboratory exercises include techniques for DNA analysis, manipulation and cloning, as well as for RNA isolation and analysis.
BIO 135 Conservation Biology (4) Principles of conservation biology with applications to sustainable human society and biospheric integrity. Integrative relationships between population biology, ecological principles, biogeochemical cycles, ecosystem functions, and human society in the context of biospheric degradation. Principles for conserving plant and animal species, biotic communities, ecosystems, and human societies. (Offered summers at the Au Sable Institute.)
BIO 138 Forest Ecology (4) Ecology of the Great Lakes Forest, including forest community analysis and community structure, soils and soil development, hydrology, and post-glacial history. Prerequisite: one year in biology and one course in ecology, or permission of professor. (Offered summers at the Au Sable Institute.)
BIO 139 Marine Mammals (4) Biology, behavior, ecology, identification, and conservation of the marine mammals of the Pacific Rim. The study area covers some major habitats in Puget Sound and the Salish Sea, with attention to the diving physiology, social behavior, and communications of whales and seals. The course aims to develop a stewardship perspective rooted in biological principles and directed at the global conservation of marine mammals and their ecosystems. Special attention is given to their use by cultures of the region in order to understand current issues. Prerequisite: one year of general biology or one semester of zoology. A course in anatomy and/or physiology is recommended. (Offered summers at the Au Sable Institute.)
BIO 140 Marine Invertebrates (4) A study of invertebrate taxonomy, ecology, life histories, and economic importance. Field methods are stressed. Prerequisite: one year of general biology or one semester of general zoology. (Offered summers at the Au Sable Institute.)
BIO 150 Topics in Biology (1-4) Prerequisites: BIO 5, 6 and consent of instructor. Special courses offered on selected topics in biology. Content as announced.
BIO 151 Plant Classification (4) Prerequisite: BIO 5, 6. An introduction to the major families of vascular plants and to the principles of botanical nomenclature and systematics. Field work emphasizes the flora of Southern California with a survey of the plant communities of the region.
BIO 162 Neuroscience (4) Prerequisite: BIO 114. The function of the nervous system, including CNS structure and function, sensory and motor system activity, neuronal cell properties and synaptic mechanisms. The course will develop an understanding of the brain and nervous system, critically read and discuss the scientific literature, and understand experimental neuroscience through direct laboratory experience.
BIO 190 Practicum (1) Prerequisite: Junior standing. Internship experience in any biological or biomedical field, including the health sciences.
BIO 191 Environmental Practicum (1) Prerequisite: Junior standing. Supervised internship experience with national park service, local museums, environmental education facilities, conservation agencies, or other environmental settings.
BIO 192 Lab/Instructional Practicum (1) Prerequisite: Junior standing. Supervised internship in the design, preparation, and instructional implementation of laboratory exercises and other curricular components. Entails both laboratory and instructional activities.
BIO 195 Seminar in Biological Literature (1) Prerequisite: Senior standing. Each student will conduct a survey of the primary literature on a selected research topic, write a comprehensive and critical review paper, and make an oral presentation in a departmental forum.
BIO 196 Seminar in Bioethics (1) Prerequisite: Senior standing. Discussion of a variety of issues in bioethics, broadly conceived, drawing from lifeboat ethics and the Malthusian controversy, environmental ethics, biological theories of race and gender, sociobiological theories of morality, biological warfare, and biomedical ethics. Students lead seminar discussion of assigned readings, write and present a review paper, and/or participate in a formal debate.
BIO 197 Biology & Faith (4) Prerequisite: Senior standing. An overview of relationships between the Christian worldview and major themes in the biological sciences. Considers models for relating science and religion; biological and theological perspectives on human nature, freedom, and mind; sociobiological and biblical views of morality, sexuality, and altruism; neuro-evolutionary interpretations of religion; and ecological and theological assessments of human place in and responsibility toward the natural world. (taught without laboratory)
BIO 198 Research (1-4) Laboratory and/or field research with a faculty member. Students will conduct experiments, analyze the data, and present written and/or oral presentations based on their work.