410 Evolution (4) A study of the theory of biological evolution through natural selection. Topics include micro evolution, speciation, macroevolution, ecology and modern methods of determining phylogenetic relationships. Prerequisites: BIO 130 and 132 and junior/senior status or consent. Offered on demand. 412 Chemical Ecology (4) W A study of how organisms use chemicals to mediate interactions within and between species. Students will gain experience interpreting primary research articles as varying topics are discussed, such as plant-herbivore interactions, coral chemical defenses, and insect semiochemicals. Prerequisites: BIO 130, BIO 132, any 200-level CHEM course, ENG 105 with a grade of C or higher or consent. Lecture three hours each week. Offered every fall. 420 Cell and Molecular Biology (4) A study of the structure and function of prokaryotes and eukaryotes at the cellular and molecular level. Emphasizes the molecular nature of cellular structure, metabolism, and physiology. Prerequisite: BIO 288 (grade of C or higher). Offered on demand. 424 Topics in Molecular Techniques (2 or 4) A focused study on molecular techniques necessary for research and biotechnology applications. Students’ conceptual understanding, troubleshooting and lab-skills will develop on given topics. Topics vary with offerings and may include: gene cloning, gene expression analysis or characterization of protein expression and activity. May be repeated as topics vary. Prerequisite: BIO 288 or consent. Offered in selected semesters. 435 Tropical Ecology (4) I An intensive field experience in neotropical ecosystems (coral reefs, rainforests, caves, mangrove swamps, etc.), that links ecological phenomena with social and historical factors to examine the conservation of biodiversity. Field activities require moderately strenuous exercise and considerable hiking. Destinations may include Trinidad, Belize, Costa Rica, or other tropical sites. Prerequisites: Students must have completed a lab science course (L) and have junior or senior status. Course fee is additional. Student may take this course one additional time for credit. Runs concurrently with BIO 375. 460 Zymurgy: The Science of Fermentation (4) I Introduces the science and art of fermentation and considers the use of alcohol by human societies. Prerequisite: senior status or consent. Offered in selected January Terms and spring semesters. 470 Internship in the Natural Sciences (2 or 4) An intensive study of a specific field of science through an on-site field experience with hands-on learning opportunities that are relevant to the chosen site. Students may enroll for 2 or 4 hours in a given semester. A minimum of 80 hours devoted to the internship is expected for 2 semester hours, and a minimum of 160 hours is expected for 4 semester hours, but some placements may require more time. Students must coordinate their internship placement with the supervising faculty member at least two months prior to placement. Pass/fail grading. Prerequisites: junior/senior status and consent. Offered every semester. 475 Natural and Social History of the Chesapeake Bay (4) I Provides a comprehensive view of one of the largest and most diverse estuaries in the world. Students examine the relationships between the natural history and the human history, including social and political aspects, use of the bay by various societies and their impact on and preservation of the bay. Saturday field trips required. Prerequisite: junior/senior status. Offered on demand. 482 Microbiology (4) Teaches basic microbiological concepts and the role of microorganisms in various applied areas. Topics include microbial physiology, cell structure, microbial genetics, pathogenic microorganisms and disease, and environmental and applied microbiology. Students practice aseptic technique, isolation and identification of bacteria, staining, and determination of microbial numbers. Prerequisite: BIO 288 (grade of C or higher). Offered every fall.
Virginia Wesleyan University 2021 - 2022 Academic Catalog
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