Course Descriptions

BIOLOGY (BIO)
First Year Seminar (BIO 1000)
The first year seminar is a reading seminar that is offered each fall. Texts and topics change each year. All freshmen interested in the biology major should enroll in this course. 1 credit.

Basic Anatomy & Physiology (BIO 1023)
An introduction to the fundamentals of human anatomy and physiology, this course uses both systemic and regional approaches to learning. The lecture material will address cells, tissues, organs, integrative systemic function, and an overview of major organ systems using a systemic approach. The laboratory units will focus on anatomy (recognition of structures and their placement within the body) and histology (microscopic structure of tissues). 3 class hours / 2 laboratory hours. 4 Credits.

Winged World (BIO 1033)
This course provides an introduction to basic biological principals, focusing on the evolutionary framework of biology in conjunction with basic genetic and cellular theory. During the semester you will begin to answer three questions:
1. What are the major groups of organisms present on this planet? (pattern)
2. How did they get here? (process)
3. How do we know this? (method of study)
This course will approach these questions from two ends of the spectrum. On the one hand, we will look at the worldwide patterns of all life and try to understand the broad pattern that has resulted from the evolutionary process. On the other hand, we will look specifically at local examples of birds and insects. By looking at individual organisms and local species, we will be working closer to the level at which the process of evolution works. At the same time, we will begin to acquire a familiarity with local fauna and the larger taxonomic groups to which they belong. This course along with BIO 1034 From Fins to Fingers: Vertebrate Natural History and Evolution serves as an introduction to evolution and the nature of science. This is a fall semester introductory biology course. 3 class hours / 2 laboratory hours weekly. 4 Credits.

From Fins to Fingers: Vertabrate Natural History and Evolution (BIO 1034)
This course will acquaint students with biological diversity and with the methodology comparative biologists use in its study. The course begins with a field/laboratory focus, in which students become familiar first with local flora and fauna, then with the relatives of these organisms in a survey of global biodiversity. Topics in the first section will include taxonomy, systematics, adaptation to physical and biological environment, major biogeographic patterns, and an introduction to phylogenetic systematics. 3 class hours / 2 laboratory hours weekly. 4 Credits.

Disease & Disorder: History, Humans, & Hope (BIO 1035)
This course travels through history, from the discovery of cells to the current age of genomics and proteomics, highlighting major discoveries while learning about diseases and disorders that have ravaged mankind. Pressure to search for the molecular basis of disease has taught us much of what we know about how “normal” cells work. We explore prevailing diseases and genetic disorders, as well as look at emerging health issues as they relate to environmental toxins and the industrialized fast-food diet. Topics include biochemistry, cell structure, cell interactions, physiology, genetics, anatomy, morphology, reproduction, and development. Students conduct original research in lab. This is a spring-semester introductory biology course. 3 class hours / 3 laboratory hours weekly. 4 Credits.

Solar Powered Life: The Biology of Plants (BIO 1036)
Plants convert sun, water, and rock into food, habitat, and life itself. To a great extent, plants create our sense of place, from enchanted northern forest to southern live oak hammock. To see how plants work, this course examines structure and function from molecular to organismal levels of organization. Topics include biochemistry, cell structure, cell interactions, physiology, genetics, anatomy, morphology, reproduction, and development. Students conduct original research in lab. This is a spring-semester introductory biology course. 3 class hours / 3 laboratory hours weekly. 4 Credits.

Local Flora (BIO/ELA 1110)
A field-intensive introduction to the plants and plant communities of Vermont and eastern New York. Plant ecology, evolution, conservation, and identification are important themes. Students learn how plants function in plant communities, explore problems and methods in conservation of local flora, learn to recognize major plant families and many local plant species, and become skilled in the use of field guides and technical keys. 3 credits.

Sophmore/Junior Seminar (BIO 2005/3005)
The sophomore/junior seminar is a reading seminar conducted in the spring of each year in conjunction with the and senior seminar.. Student responsibility for leading discussion and critical assessment of the readings increase with each year. Prerequisite: BIO 1000 First Year Seminar or permission of instructor. 1 credit.

Genetics of Human Behavior (BIO 2013/PSY 2014)
Explore the fascinating genetics behind human behavior. What is the role of our genetic make-up in how we behave and interact with others? Studies in twins separated at birth and many animal models described in the primary literature will be evaluated to answer these questions. The on-going debate of “nurture versus nature” will be examined since both environmental and genetic factors must be considered in a complete behavioral analysis. Functional neuro-anatomy and topics in human neuro-psychology will be introduced throughout the course as we explore the genes involved in aggression, consumption (eating disorders, substance abuse), mental capacities and free will (do we have free will?). May also be taken as PSY 2014. 3 credits.

Cell Biology (BIO 2015)
The principal goals of the class are to provide a historical context for present day understanding of cellular systems, while using classical experimentation to explore experimental design and data analysis. Content will include how energy is stored and used by cells, the three dimensional structure of proteins, the relationship between structure and function in proteins, and universal cell functions, specifically DNA replication, transcription and translation. In the laboratory, students will learn basic techniques commonly used in scientific laboratories including: proper use of micropipettes, microcentrifuges, preparation of stock and working solutions/buffers, generation and use of standard curves, PCR and SDS-PAGE analysis. Student projects will include creation of a 3D protein model. Prerequisite: either BIO1033 Winged World or BIO 1034 From Fins to Fingers and either BIO 1035 Disease and Disorder or BIO 1036 Solar Powered Life, CHE 1021 General Chemistry I. 3 class hours / 3 laboratory hours. 4 Credits.

Field Biology (BIO 2021)
This course provides an opportunity to collect biological data in a variety of ecosystems in the northeast and apply field research methods. Emphasis will be on observation, species identification, field notes, sampling methods observational and experimental study design, mapping, data analysis, and scientific writing. Weekend field trips and overnight camping are required. 2 class hours / 4 laboratory hours. 3 credits.

Ecology (BIO 2025)
The course is the study of the interactions of organisms with their environment through application of biology, chemistry, and mathematics. Referring to current and classical research, lectures introduce the sub-disciplines of ecology, including physiological, behavioral, population, community, ecosystem, and landscape ecology. Labs and field trips emphasize observation, scientific method, sampling methods, problem solving, data analysis, and report writing. Prerequisite: one of the following BIO 1033 Winged World, BIO1034 From Fins to Fingers, BIO 1035 Disease and Disorder, BIO 1036 Solar Powered Life, and Level 3 math proficiency or ELA math course. 3 class hours / 2 laboratory hours alternate weeks. 4 credits.

Natural History of Birds (BIO 2052)
Ornithology is the scientific study of birds. This group of organisms is one of the most easily observed and most widely studied. It has traditionally served as an indicator of planetary health. Topics include identification, ecology, behavior, anatomy, physiology, and evolution. Binoculars are a recommended purchase. 3 class hours / 3 laboratory hours weekly. 4 credits.

Special Topics (BIO 3011)
Selected topics in biology presented on a one-time or occasional basis. Credit varies depending upon topic and instructor.

Topics in Organismal Biology (BIO 3012)
This course is an in-depth exploration of organismal biology from taxonomic, evolutionary, and ecological perspectives. The credits are repeatable under different topics, which include Ichthyology, Ornithology, Entomology, and Mammalogy. Each of these is offered on approximately a 3-year rotation subject to demand. The general course structure will include a study of the classification, systematics, evolutionary history, life histories, behavior, and ecology of the taxon in question with particular emphasis on species of the northeast. Laboratory includes in-residence work and extended field trips that focus on field identification and sampling/study techniques. Prerequisite: either BIO 1033 Winged World or BIO 1034 From Fins to Fingers. 4 credits.

Botany (BIO 3013)
An introduction to plant biology, including taxonomy, the role of plants in ecosystems, and the cultivation and use of plants by people. In the field, students collect and identify local flora. Lab and garden exercises emphasize plant morphology and evolution, plant ecology, plant collections, and horticultural methods. Prerequisite: BIO 1033 Winged World or BIO 1034 From Fins to Fingers or permission of instructor. 3 class hours / 2 laboratory hours. 4 credits.

Genetics (BIO 3019)
This upper division course explores the transmission of genes from one generation to the next, the nature of mutations, gene function and regulation, and the genetics of populations. There will be a strong emphasis on models of human disease. Students will be required to present a final seminar on a genetic disorder and review the primary literature in a chosen area of interest. The laboratory will stress sterile technique and introduce students to standard technologies, such as DNA isolation and PCR. Prerequisites: BIO 1034 From Fins to Fingers or BIO 1035 Disease and Disorder required. BIO 2015 Cell Biology highly recommended. 3 class hours / 2 laboratory hours weekly. 3 Credits.

Conservation Biology (BIO 3021)
Explores how ecological knowledge can be brought to bear to protect diverse ecosystems, maintain viable populations of native species, and perpetuate ecological and evolutionary processes. Students will investigate scientific uncertainty and research priorities. Case studies will be used to investigate how to predict the effects of habitat fragmentation, resource depletion and pollution, habitat loss, and other human effects. Biology will be applied to ecosystem management, landscape design, and regional conservation planning. Prerequisites: BIO 2025 Ecology and ELA1101/MAT 1015 Intro to Statistics, or permission of instructor. 3 class hours. 3 credits.

Advanced Topics in Ecology (BIO 3025)
This course is an in-depth investigation of subdisciplines within ecology. The topics will vary and include Forest Ecology, Plant Ecology, and Aquatic Ecology. Students will investigate the interaction of organisms and their environment at multiple spatial scales including organismal, population, community, ecosystem and landscape ecology. The emphasis will be on both theoretical concepts and applied issues including management, conservation and restoration. Reading will come from the primary and secondary literature. Prerequisites: BIO 2025 Ecology and ELA 1101/MAT 1015 Intro to Statistics. 3 class hours. 3 credits.

Biology Field Trip (BIO 3072)
A study of the ecology of a region during an extended period of time in the field, focusing on comparisons of natural history, plant and animal adaptations, ecology, and conservation biology in a variety of ecosystems. Methods emphasize field observation, rapid assessment of ecosystems, and individual observational research by each student. Destinations, duration, and credit will vary. Prerequisite: BIO 1033 Winged World or BIO 1034 From Fins to Fingers or permission of instructor. 4-day field trip with 5 class hours: 1 credit. 9-day field trip with 14 class hours: 3 credits. 3-week field trip with 14 class hours: 6 credits.

Animal Behavior (BIO 3073)
An ethological approach to the study of animals, this course includes an examination of the physiological, developmental, and evolutionary bases of behavior. Topics include sensation, motivation, learning, instinct, communication, social behavior in an evolutionary context. Prerequisite: One of the following: BIO 1033 Winged World, BIO 1034 From Fins to Fingers, BIO 2025 Ecology, or ELA 1015 Evolution Revolution. 3 credits.

Senior Seminar (BIO 4001)
In this seminar course students will be expected to apply the theory and knowledge from other courses in the sciences to an area of interest within biology. The course will be structured like a graduate seminar course and consist of an exploration or primary literature within one area of biology. When possible, speakers will be brought to campus and students may travel to hear scientists present their research. Prerequisite: BIO 2005/3005 Sophomore/Junior Seminar. 1 credit.

Evolution (BIO 4003)
This course brings together prevailing knowledge, ideas, and controversies about and within the field of evolutionary biology. It is an in-depth examination of topics to which many biology students will have been introduced, but have not explored. These include historical and philosophical issues, origin and early development of life, general features in evolution of major life forms, use of systematics and the influence of molecular tools, the range of mechanisms thought to underlie evolutionary change, and current findings in human evolution. The laboratory will be focused around a population genetic problem for which the class will gather and analyze molecular data, with the goal of producing a publishable scientific study. Prerequisites: either BIO 1033 Winged World or BIO 1034 From Fins to Fingers or BIO 1035 Disease and Disorder or BIO 1036 Solar Powered Life and CHE 1021 General Chemistry I or permission of the instructor. 4 credits.

Biochemistry (BIO/CHE 4015)
This upper division course will greatly enhance detailed understanding of important biological pathways and concepts introduced in general biology and chemistry. Topics will include signal transduction, enzyme structure and function, metabolism and bioenergetics, electron protein structure and function. Students will become proficient with techniques routinely employed in biological research laboratories. Students also enroll in BIO 4016 Microarray, which will constitute a portion of the laboratory component of this course. Prerequisites: either BIO 1035 Disease and Disorder or BIO 1036 Solar Powered Life, CHE 1022 General Chemistry II, C or better in BIO 2015 Cell Biology. 2 class hours / 2 laboratory hours alternate weeks. 3 credits.

Microarray (BIO/CHE 4016)
In this course, students will use yeast as a model system to explore how gene expression is changed after exposure to a common environmental contaminant. Students will learn a variety of standard as well as advanced laboratory techniques. Weekly lectures will complement the hands-on laboratory portion to effectively couple theory with practice. Students will be taken through basic microarray data analysis procedures to generate lists of genes, which are up or down regulated in response to the environmental contaminant. GMC student-derived data will be added to the statewide database compiling these findings. Prerequisite: BIO 2015 Cell Biology or permission of instructor. 4 hours laboratories meet 7 times. 1 credit.

Research in Biology (BIO 4053)
Independent research under the guidance of a biology faculty member. Prerequisite: Completion of core classes and junior standing. 1-3 credits.

Honors Thesis in Biology (BIO 4099)
This course involves individualized research under the guidance of a member of the Biology faculty, the honors advisor. The student with his/her honors advisor will decide upon the particular goal of the research. To be eligible, a student must have been invited into departmental honors and produced a research proposal that is accepted by the department in the semester prior to beginning the thesis research. The student will produce an honors thesis that will be defended in a public presentation. Prerequisite: A successful petition for honors in biology. 3 credits.

Teaching Practicum in Biology (BIO 4093)
The teaching practicum is intended to give the student experience in the array of skills required to develop and teach a course. The student attends and participates in a course, does supervised course instruction, grading, and evaluation. Together with the course instructor the student learns practices teaching skills. Prerequisite: Junior standing, GPA of 3.5 in Biology, 3.0 overall. 3 credits.


CHEMISTRY (CHE)
General Chemistry I (CHE 1021)
This course is an introduction to the basic concepts of chemistry and emphasizes the use of basic principles of chemistry to understand the complexities of the natural and biological world. Topics include atoms, molecules, chemical stoichiometry, kinetic and molecular theory, gas laws, electronic structure of the atom, polarity, ionic and covalent bonding; the states of matter, properties of solutions, polymers, energy, nuclear processes and organic compounds. Laboratories focus on environmental topics related to water and include field trips as well as wet and instrumental methods of analysis. 3 class hours / 4 laboratory hours alternate weeks. 4 credits.

General Chemistry II (CHE 1022)
This course expands and enhances the topics covered in CHE 1021 primarily by integrating mathematical principles. Topics include advanced treatment of solutions, energy, redox, and equilibrium. Laboratories focus on understanding energy production and usage in the environment, and on the application of analytical instrumentation for chemical analysis. Prerequisite: CHE 1021 General Chemistry I. 3 class hours / 4 laboratory hours alternate weeks. 4 credits.

Organic Chemistry I (CHE 2021)
Organic chemistry investigates fundamental concepts of organic molecules including structure, energy relationships, reaction mechanisms, and spectroscopy. It emphasizes oral and written communication, critical thinking and interpretation of real-world scenarios. The laboratory promotes the understanding of organic and environmental chemistry through the use of specialized techniques and instrumentation. Prerequisite: CHE 1021 General Chemistry I. 3 class hours / 4 laboratory hours alternate weeks. 4 credits.

Organic Chemistry II (CHE 2022)
This course introduces advanced concepts of organic chemistry while emphasizing problem solving and reasoning skills. Topics include investigation of a variety of organic compounds, advanced reaction mechanisms, aromaticity, free radical reactions, polymers, kinetics, energy changes and the chemical basis for biological transformations of fats, carbohydrates and proteins. This class highlights the use of higher order thinking skills to interpret and analyze chemical situations. The laboratory emphasizes green and environmental chemistry through the use of organic techniques. Prerequisite: CHE 2021 Organic Chemistry I. 3 class hours / 4 laboratory hours alternate weeks. 4 credits.

Analytical Chemistry (CHE 3003)
An introduction to the concepts and practices used to determine the nature and quantity of specified chemicals in air, solutions and solid samples. Students investigate techniques commonly used in environmental analysis including electrochemistry, spectroscopy, chromatography and titration. These techniques are then applied to the investigations of real world problems with emphasis on the importance of accurate analysis and data reporting. Prerequisites: CHE 1021 General Chemistry I and either CHE 1022 General Chemistry II or CHE 2021 Organic Chemistry I. 2 class hours. 2 laboratory hours weekly. 3 credits.

The Chemistry of Sustainability (CHE 3005)
This course investigates the natural chemistry of the environment, the interactions of man-made chemicals with the environment, and the processes used to lessen the adverse effects of wastes and byproducts. The course seeks to establish an understanding of the relationships between basic chemical principles and complex natural systems including air, water, watersheds, soils and living organisms. Using this foundation the course then examines the effects of anthropogenic sources of pollution and current methods of pollutant amelioration. Prerequisites: CHE 1021 General Chemistry I. 3 credits.

Green Chemistry (CHE 3021)
This advanced chemistry course will introduce students to the twelve guiding principles of green chemistry. Students will evaluate the effect of chemicals and chemical production on human health. Topics covered in detail will include real world cases that have been recognized nationally through the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards. Students will participate in an on-campus poster session highlighting green chemistry in use. The laboratory component will stress practices of green chemistry, including atom economy, making biodiesel, green waste, and waste reduction. Prerequisite: CHE 1021 General Chemistry I. 3 credits.

Special Topics in Chemistry (CHE 3012/4012)
Special topics in chemistry presented on a one time or occasional basis. Credit and prerequisites vary depending on topic and instructor. 1-4 credits.

Research in Chemistry I (CHE 3053)
This course provides an introduction to research design, measurement, and analysis and provides a one on one opportunity for students to work with a faculty mentor on a research project. 1-3 credits.

Biochemistry (BIO 4015/CHE 4015)
See BIO 4015 for course description. 3 credits.

Research in Chemistry II (CHE 4053)
Along with a faculty mentor, students investigate a research topic at an advanced level. Prerequisites: CHE 1021 General Chemistry I and either CHE 1022 General Chemistry I or CHE 2021 Organic Chemistry I. 1-3 credits.


MATHEMATICS (MAT)
Precalculus (MAT 1013/ELA 1008)
This course provides the essential mathematical background needed to take calculus. Students should have had three to four years of college preparatory high school mathematics. The emphasis is on developing the concepts that play a central role in calculus by exploring ideas from graphical, numerical, algebraic, and oral perspectives. Prerequisite: Placement at Level 4 or permission of the instructor. 3 credits.

Introduction to Statistics (MAT 1015/ELA 1101)
An exploration of the basic concepts of statistics: measures of central tendency, variation, estimating and inference. The focus of this course is on data analysis and making students better consumers of statistics. Exploration of these topics will make use of computer technology. Prerequisite: Placement at Level 4 or permission of the instructor. 3 credits.

Calculus I: Applications in Environmental Issues (MAT 1031/ELA 1009)
Fundamentals of calculus presented in the context of modeling of real world examples. Data from biology, medicine, ecology, education and social sciences is interpreted and modeled with mathematics. Calculus topics taught in relation to the data sets and the context in which the data set arose. This course emphasizes the role of technology in modeling and analyzing data by using calculators. Topics include rates of change, functions and graphs,, differentiation, limits, accumulation functions and integration. This calculus highlights the concepts of calculus and the applications as they arise in different fields of research. Prerequisite: C- or better in MAT 1013 Precalculus or placement at Level 5. 3 credits.

Calculus II (MAT 1032)
Topics include applications of integration, including use of integration in biology, business and statistics. In addition, multivariate calculus, including partial rates of change and multivariate optimization with and without constraints will be studied, as well as differential equations and numerical estimations. Prerequisite: C- or better in MAT 1031 Calculus I. 3 credits.

History of Mathematics (MAT 2001)
In this course the development of mathematics in a historical context will be studied. The evolution of mathematical ideas and the different views of mathematics held by different cultures at different times will be explored. 3 credits.

Topics in Mathematics (MAT 3000)
A seminar course in advanced mathematical topics such as fractals and chaos, geometry, number theory, or graph theory. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. 3 credits.

Mathematical Modeling I (MAT 3100)
An introduction to the art of modeling and mathematical modeling. This course links the study of mathematics together with the applications of mathematics to various fields. Topics include: the modeling process, model fitting, discrete dynamical systems, deterministic and stochastic models, optimization, systems of differential equations. Offered alternate fall semesters. Prerequisite: MAT 1031 Calculus I with a grade of C- or better. 4 credits.

Mathematical Modeling II (MAT 3200)
This is a continuation of MAT 3100 Mathematics Modeling I. Prerequisite: MAT 3100 Mathematics Modeling I. 4 credits.

Seminar in Mathematics (MAT 3500)
Seminar style course used to investigate one or more areas of mathematics. Students will read through various journal articles gaining an understanding of the underlying mathematical theory along with an appreciation of the utility of mathematics. Topics will be selected to reflect the interests of the students and the instructor. Offered on demand. 1 credit.