Biology Major
LVC biology majors combine in-depth study of biology with a breadth of courses in chemistry and physics, all within the context of a liberal arts education. Students may study biology, biochemistry & molecular biology, or psychobiology, gaining a solid foundation in the principles of these disciplines. Courses are oriented toward lab and field experiences, and the use of modern instrumentation.
Recent biology graduates have pursued careers as scientists for such companies as Pfizer, DuPont, The Hershey Company, Merck, and Upjohn.
Government agencies that have employed LVC graduates include NIH, the FDA, the EPA, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Smithsonian.
LVC's biology program has a remarkable record of graduate school placement. In the last five years, 45 percent of graduates have gone on to graduate or professional schools.
Over the past 10 years, more than 40 biology majors have co-authored and presented research at regional, national, and international scientific meetings.
Students pursue their research interests under the guidance of faculty mentors. Student/faculty research projects are often published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at scientific conferences.
The newly revitalized Neidig-Garber Science Center offers biology students laboratory experiences with a variety of instruments. Proximity to and frequent interaction with the Chemistry and Physics departments provides opportunities for interdisciplinary research, which is excellent preparation for advanced research in graduate or professional school.
Biology faculty are dedicated teachers and scientists. Their research interests cover a wide range of topics—from mammalian physiology to plant ecology to DNA analysis and the role of T cells in the inflammatory response.
Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Science with a major in biology
Required courses:
BIO 111 General Biology I| A rigorous study of basic biological principles, designed for science majors. Topics emphasized include basic biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, embryology, histology, and evolution. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 3 (Natural Science). Corequisite: BIO 111L. 3 credits. |
| Corresponding laboratory for BIO 111. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 3 (Natural Science). Corequisite: BIO 111. 1 credit. |
| This course, also rigorous and designed for science majors, covers concepts in animal and plant physiology, botany, and ecology. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 3 (Natural Science). Must be taken concurrently with BIO 114. 3 credits. |
| Corresponding laboratory for BIO 112. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 3 (Natural Science). Corequisite: BIO 112. 1 credit. |
| A study of the principles, mechanisms and concepts of classical, molecular, and population genetics. The laboratory stresses key concepts of genetics utilizing both classical and molecular approaches. Laboratory exercises include analysis of nucleic acids, genetic crosses, and studies of bacteria and plasmids. Prerequisites: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L; one year of chemistry or permission. Corequisite: BIO 201L. 3 credits. |
| Corresponding laboratory for BIO 201. Prerequisites: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L; one year of chemistry or permission. Corequisite: BIO 201. 1 credit. |
| Each senior student is required to do independent library research on an assigned topic and to make an oral presentation to the biology faculty and students. May be taken twice for credit. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L. 1-2 credits. |
| An introduction to chemistry for the science major. First semester topics include atomic and molecular structure, chemical reactions, calculations involving chemical concentrations, gas laws and bonding. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 3 (Natural Science). Prerequisite: one year of high school chemistry or permission. Corequisite: CHM 113 or CHM 115. 3 credits. |
| A continuation of first semester. Topics include kinetics, acids and bases, equilibrium, oxidation- reduction chemistry, thermodynamics, electro- chemistry and nuclear chemistry. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 3 (Natural Science). Prerequisite: CHM 111. Corequisite: CHM 114 or CHM 116. 3 credits. |
| Laboratory course to accompany 111. Experiments cover stoichiometry, gas laws, quantitative analysis, equilibrium, electrochemistry, chemical synthesis and the use of computers for collecting data. Students are introduced to instrumentation including infrared, UV-visible, and atomic absorption spectrometers. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 3 (Natural Science). Co-requisite: CHM 111. 1 credit. |
| Second semester laboratory course to accompany 112. Experiments cover stoichiometry, gas laws, quantitative analysis, equilibrium, electrochemistry, chemical synthesis and the use of computers for collecting data. Students are introduced to intrumentation including infrared, UV-visible, and atomic absorption spectrometers. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 3 (Natural Science). Corequisite: CHM 112. 1 credit. |
| An introduction to the principles of organic chemistry. The focus of the course is on the structure of organic molecules and how the structure of various functional groups affects their reactivity. The concepts of reactivity, structure and mechanism are applied to organic synthesis. Prerequisite: CHM 112. 3 credits. |
| Second semester of an introduction to the principles of organic chemistry. The focus of the course is on the structure of organic molecules and how the structure of various functional groups affects their reactivity. The concepts of reactivity, structure and mechanism are applied to organic synthesis. Prerequisite: CHM 213. 3 credits. |
| An introduction to the practice of classical organic chemistry and modern instrumental organic chemistry. The techniques of organic synthesis are taught along with instrumental methods including infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. Prerequisite: CHM 114 or 116. Prerequisite or corequisite: CHM 213. 1 credit. |
| Second smester of an introduction to the practice of classical organic chemistry and modern instrumental organic chemistry. The techniques of organic synthesis are taught along with instrumental methods including infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. Prerequisite or corequisite: CHM 214. 1 credit. |
Two courses (including associated labs) from the area of Cellular/Molecular Biology:
BCMB 401 Molecular Biology| Gene structure, function and regulation at the molecular level in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Recombinant DNA techniques (genetic engineering) and gene sequencing are covered in detail. Prerequisite: Three semesters of chemistry and BIO 201 or permission of the instructor. Corequisite: BCMB 401L. 3 credits. |
| Gene structure, function and regulation at the molecular level in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Recombinant DNA techniques (genetic engineering) and gene sequencing are covered in detail. Prerequisite: Three semesters of chemistry and BIO 201 or permission of the instructor. Corequisite: BCMB 401. 1 credit. |
| This course takes an in-depth look at the biological and physiological processes that give rise to complexity of the nervous system and ultimately allow for complex function. It examines the biology of vertebrate nervous systems, with particular emphasis on the human nervous system. Topics include cellular and molecular biology of the neuron, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, nervous system development and plasticity, mechanisms of learning and memory, and sensory and motor systems. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L. Corequisite: BIO 231L. 3 credits. |
| Corresponding laboratory for BIO 231. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L. Corequisite: BIO 231. 1 credit. |
| An organismal and molecular approach to the study of animal development using typical invertebrate and vertebrate organisms. The laboratory includes the study of slides as well as experiments on fertilization, regeneration and metamorphosis. Fulfills general education requirement: Writing Process. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L and BIO 201, or permission of the instructor. Corequisite: BIO 304L. 3 credits. |
| Corresponding laboratory for BIO 304. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111L and BIO 112/L, and BIO 201/L, or permission of the instructor. Corequisite: BIO 304. 1 credit. |
| A study of the morphology, physiology and biochemistry of representative microorganisms. The laboratory emphasizes basic bacteriological techniques and procedures. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L; three semesters of chemistry or permission. Corequisite: BIO 306L. 3 credits. |
| Corresponding laboratory for BIO 306. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L; three semesters of chemistry or permission. Corequisite: BIO 306. 1 credit. |
| An introduction to the anatomical, physiological and biochemical factors underlying the immune response. The course begins with a discussion of non-specific immunity, cellular immunity and antibody-mediated immune responses. The course then moves into a study of contemporary immunological topics which are discussed with respect to major research papers in each area. Topics include autoimmunity, histocompatibility, immunogenetics and acquired immune deficiencies. Prerequisites: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L; BIO 201; CHM 111, 113 or equivalent; or permission of the instructor. Corequisite: BIO 323L. 3 credits. |
| Corresponding laboratory for BIO 323. Prerequisites: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L; BIO 201; CHM 111, 113 or equivalent; or permission of the instructor. Corequisite: BIO 323. 1 credit. |
Two courses (including associated labs) from the area of Organismal Biology:
BIO 221 Mammalian Anatomy| Comparative anatomy with special attention to the structure and function of mammalian systems and special references to humans. Intensive laboratory work involves dissections and demonstrations using the cat as a model. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/111L and BIO 112/112L. Corequisite: BIO 221L. 3 credits. |
| Corresponding laboratory for BIO 221. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L. Corequisite: BIO 221. 1 credit. |
| The development and diversity of fungi, algae and land plants and the relationships between them. Field and laboratory work familiarizes the student with the structure and reproduction of algae and plants and with the identification and pollination of flowering plants in the local flora. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/111L and BIO 112/112L. Corequisite: BIO 302L. 3 credits. |
| Corresponding laboratory for BIO 302. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/111L and BIO 112/112L. Corequisite: BIO 302. 1 credit. |
| A study of cell ultrastructure and the microscopic anatomy of vertebrate tissues, including the structure and function of membranes and organelles, cell motility and excitability, and vertebrate tissue similarities and specialization in relation to function. Laboratory includes the preparation and staining of sections using selected histochemical and histological procedures as well as a variety of microscopic techniques. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L. Corequisite: BIO 305L. 3 credits. |
| Corresponding laboratory for BIO 305. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L. Corequisite: BIO 305. 1 credit. |
A physiology course (including associated lab):
BIO 307 Plant Physiology| A study of the functioning of plants, with emphasis on vascular plants. Fulfills general education requirement: Writing Process. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L; three semesters of chemistry or permission. Corequisite: BIO 307L. 3 credits. |
| Corresponding laboratory for BIO 307. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L; three semesters of chemistry or permission. Corequisite: BIO 307. 1 credit. |
| A study of the principles of vertebrate body function, with emphasis on the mechanisms by which cells and organs perform their functions and the interactions of the various organs in maintaining total body function. Fulfills general education requirement: Writing Process. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L; one semester of chemistry or permission. Corequisite: BIO 322L. 3 credits. |
| Corresponding laboratory for BIO 322. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L; one semester of chemistry or permission. Corequisite: BIO 322. 1 credit. |
| A study of many of the invertebrate phyla, concentrating on the physiological mechanisms controlling movement, metabolism, information, and control and reproduction. Fulfills general education requirement: Writing Process. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L. Corequisite: BIO 324L. 3 credits. |
| Corresponding laboratory for BIO 324. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L. Corequisite: BIO 324. 1 credit. |
One course (including associated lab) from the area of Population Biology:
BIO 212 Animal Behavior| A study of the basic concepts of invertebrate and vertebrate behavior with emphasis on the development, genetics, physiology and evolution of behavior. Laboratory exercises include ethogram construction, avian foraging, aggressive display analysis and estrous cycle regulation. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L. Corequisite: BIO 212L. 3 credits. |
| Corresponding laboratory for BIO 212. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L. Corequisite: BIO 212. 1 credit. |
| An examination of the basic concepts of ecology with extensive laboratory work and field experiences in freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems. Fulfills general education requirement: Writing Process. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L. Corequisite: BIO 312L. 3 credits. |
| Corresponding laboratory for BIO 312. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L. Corequisite: BIO 312. 1 credit. |
| This course is an introduction to organic evolution and evolutionary mechanisms/processes including a study of the origins, history, and evidence supporting evolution and evolutionary concepts. Examples of topics to be covered include history of evolution, classification and phylogeny, biological diversity, variation and genetic drift, natural selection, phenotypic traits, speciation, reproductive success, evolution and development, and macroevolution. Evolution will be examined from several perspectives, from molecular to ecological levels, and over different time scales. The course will cover both plant and animal evolution. Laboratory exercises will be drawn from the online publication, Spreadsheet Exercises in Ecology and Evolution. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L, and BIO 201. Corequisite: BIO 402L. 3 credits. |
| Corresponding laboratory for BIO 402. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L, and BIO 201. Corequisite: BIO 402. 1 credit. |
One of the following physics sequences:
PHY 103 General College Physics I| An introduction to the fundamental concepts and laws of the various branches of physics, including mechanics, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, optics, and atomic and nuclear structure, with laboratory work in each area. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 3 (Natural Science). Corequisite: PHY 103L. 3 credits. |
| Laboratory course to cover the fundamental concepts and laws of the various branches of physics, including mechanics, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, optics, and atomic and nuclear structure. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 3 (Natural Science). Corequisite: PHY 103. 1 credit. |
| A continuation of PHY 103. Fundamental concepts and laws of the various branches of physics, including mechanics, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, optics, and atomic and nuclear structure, with laboratory work in each area. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 3 (Natural Science). Prerequisite: PHY 103 or equivalent. Corequisite: PHY 106. 3 credits. |
| A continuation of PHY 104. Laboratory course to cover the fundamental concepts and laws of the various branches of physics, including mechanics, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, optics, and atomic and nuclear structure. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 3 (Natural Science). Prerequisite: PHY 103/L or equivalent. Corequisite: PHY 104. 1 credit. |
OR
PHY 111 Principles of Physics I
| An introductory course in classical physics, designed for students who desire a rigorous mathematical approach to college physics. Calculus is used throughout. The first semester is devoted to mechanics and heat with laboratory work in each area. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 3 (Natural Science). Prerequisite or corequisite: MAS 111 or 161. Corequisite: PHY 111L. 3 credits. |
| Corresponding laboratory for PHY 111. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 3 (Natural Science). Prerequisite or corequisite: MAS 111 or 161. Corequisite: PHY 111. 1 credit. |
| Second semester of Principles of Physics. An introductory course in classical physics, designed for students who desire a rigorous mathematical approach to college physics. Calculus is used throughout. The second semester is devoted to electricity, magnetism and optics with laboratory work in each area. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 3 (Natural Science). Prerequisite: PHY 111/L and MAS 111 or 161. Corequisite: PHY 112L. 3 credits. |
| Corresponding laboratory for PHY 112. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 3 (Natural Science). Prerequisite: PHY 111/L and MAS 111 or 161. Corequisite: PHY 112. 1 credit. |
One of the following mathematics classes:
MAS 111 Analysis I| A calculus sequence for department majors and other students desiring a rigorous introduction to elementary calculus. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 4 (Mathematics). 4 credits. |
| A calculus sequence covering functions, limits, differentiation, integration and applications. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 4 (Mathematics). 3 credits. |
| An introduction to elementary descriptive and inferential statistics with emphasis on conceptual understanding. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 4 (Mathematics). A student may not receive credit for MAS 170 after completing MAS 372. A student may not receive credit for both MAS 170 and MAS 270. 3 credits. |
Areas of concentration in the biology major include botany,
health professions, marine biology and ecology,
and zoology.
Cooperative Programs
The Department of Biology also offers several cooperative programs which have more
specialized curricula than the major in biology. These programs are:
Forestry and environmental studies, medical technology and nuclear medicine technology
are programs in which the student spends three years at Lebanon Valley College and
one or two years at the cooperating institution.