College of Science

Janeen M. Hill, Ph.D., Interim Dean

The College of Science prepares students for the complex world of the 21st Century. The College of Science offers degrees and programs designed for students who aspire to become tomorrow's scientists or health care providers or who intend to work in fields related to science and technology. The College of Science provides students with opportunities to engage in faculty mentored research, to work with local businesses and agencies as student interns, and to become involved in community outreach through clubs and volunteer work. The College of Science invites you to join our dynamic community of faculty scholar-teachers and graduate and undergraduate students.

Department of Biological Sciences

Anna Brownell, Ph.D., Chair

Professors: Carson, Frisch, Hill, Sumida;

Associate Professors: Brownell, Piper, Wright;

Assistant Professors: Funk, Keller, Rowland-Goldsmith.

Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences

The department of biological sciences prepares students to pursue the diverse areas of biology and supporting sciences. Students may pursue a bachelor of science in biological sciences, a major designed for students interested in careers in the health professions (medicine, physical therapy, dentistry, pharmacy, occupational therapy, podiatry, optometry), biotechnology, veterinary medicine, environmental biology, or marine biology.

Departmental Honors

Department honors is conferred upon graduates who have a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or higher and who have completed independent research. Completion of research includes the submission of a scientific manuscript to the biological sciences faculty, the oral presentation of that research to the faculty, and a vote by the biological sciences faculty that the research, paper and presentation were of sufficient quality to merit honors.

Pre–Medical, Dental, Veterinary, Physical Therapy

Students interested in pre–professional studies need to work closely with an advisor to meet admission requirements at the professional school of choice. The pre–medical, pre–dental and pre–veterinary advisor for all Chapman University undergraduate students is Dr. Virginia Carson. The pre–physical therapy advisors are Dr. Janeen Hill and Dr. Ken Sumida.

Biology Major and the General Education Program

The department recommends students select a minor to fulfill the multi-interdisciplinary component of the general education program. Minors that complement the biology degree include chemistry, computer science, environmental science, mathematics, philosophy, or physics.

Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences

Students must complete 69 credits plus a capstone requirement.

biology core (12 credits)

science core (33 credits)

biology electives (24 credits)

Students select 24 credits of biological sciences electives. 16 credits must be lecture/lab combinations. 20 credits must be upper-division (300 or above).

Capstone Requirement

Students are required to complete a capstone project before graduation. Students cannot graduate until the capstone project has been successfully completed, and the department chair has notified the Registrar that the capstone requirement has been fulfilled. This requirement shall be fulfilled by completing one of the listed options.

Option 1: Successful completion of undergraduate research experience funded by National Science Foundation, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, or other national research agency that sponsors undergraduate research. The research experience must be at least 8 weeks long, require full-time work in a laboratory setting, and lead to the completion of a well-defined research project. A student selecting this option will submit a formal research paper modeled after a formal lab report to the academic advisor by March 31 of the senior year and present this research in poster format at the undergraduate research day.

Option 2: Successful completion of a pre-approved research internship that results in the completion of a research project. The student must register for 4 credits of BIOL 490 and work with a faculty member and research supervisor to identify the student's research project. A student selecting this option will submit a formal research paper modeled after a formal lab report to the faculty internship supervisor by April 10 of the senior year and present this research in poster format at the undergraduate research day.

Option 3: Successful completion of a significant review of the literature. The student must register for 2 credits Reading and Conference in the fall semester senior year to begin work on this project. The student shall expect to invest considerable time and effort researching and writing this review, which will be 30 to 40 pages in length and appropriately cited. The review is due to the faculty mentor the Monday after spring break. The review will be graded. A minimum grade of B- is required for the student to complete the capstone requirement.

Option 4: Successful completion of independent research overseen by a faculty member in the sciences. The student will register for BIOL 384 or 499 for three consecutive semesters and complete a faculty-mentored student research project. The student will write a formal research paper modeled after the formal lab report and will present this research in poster format at the undergraduate research day. When appropriate, a faculty member may substitute a team research project for an individual research project. When a team project is substituted, all members of the team must write a research paper modeled after the formal lab report. The team will present this project in poster format at the undergraduate research day.

*these courses may be waived with the appropriate test scores, as noted below:

PHYS 107- minimum score of 5 on IB Physics HL waives students from this class.

MATH 110 - minimum score of 4 on AP Calculus AB or 5 on MATH HL exam waives students from this class. Minimum score of 4 on AP Calculus BC waives students from MATH 110 and 111.

MATH 111 - minimum score of 3 on AP Calculus BC exam waives students from this class. Minimum score of 4 on AP Calculus BC waives students from MATH 110 and 111.

CHEM 140/140L - minimum score of 4 on AP Chemistry or 5 on IB Chemistry HL exam waives students from this class.

MATH 203 - minimum score of 4 on AP Statistics waives students from this class.

BIOL 204/204L - minimum score of 4 on AP Biology or IB Biology HL exam waives students from this class.

CPSC 230 - minimum score of 4 on AP Computer Science waives students from this class.

**CHEM 330 - students who are pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, pre-veterinary medicine will need to take CHEM 331.

Minor in Human Biology

A minor in human biology is a concerned study of cells and their components at the molecular level. Students learn theoretical information and lab techniques to study cells and their processes.

required courses (8 credits)

elective courses (10 credits)

select any combination of courses

Course Descriptions – Biology

BIOL 102 Forensics

For non-science majors. Fulfills GE Natural Science Inquiry. This course integrates biology, chemistry and physics as applied to forensics. Students will learn basic principles of science that are used in forensics investigations. They will also see how the scientific method enhances their ability to evaluate arguments surrounding forensics issues. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.

BIOL 112 Human Physiology in Health and Disease

For non-science majors. Fulfills GE Natural Science Inquiry. This course addresses key concepts in physical and biological sciences using human physiology as the platform. Students will learn fundamental laws of science, science methodology, and sufficient science content to enhance their ability to evaluate arguments surrounding current issues related to human physiology in health and disease. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.

BIOL 132 Human Genetics

For non-majors only. Fulfills GE Natural Science Inquiry. Principles of genetics applied to the human population. Lecture. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.

BIOL 199 Individual Study

(Offered as needed.) 1-3 credits.

BIOL 204 From Molecules to Cells: Evolution of Life on Earth (Gen Biol I)

Principles of biology as a chronology of life on earth. Course focuses on the important evolutionary breakthroughs during the history of life that survive to the present day as biological principles: replication by nucleic acids, biochemical systems, gene expression and control, mitosis, meiosis, Mendelian genetics, protist diversity. Lecture, laboratory. Fee: $75. (Offered every semester.) 4 credits.

BIOL 205 Evolution and Diversity of Multicellular Organisms (Gen Biol II)

Evolution of fungi, plants, and animals (invertebrates and vertebrates): Includes development, anatomy, physiology, and ecology. Lecture, laboratory. (Offered spring semester.) 4 credits.

BIOL 207 Science of Life: Understanding Living Organisms

For non-science majors. Fulfills GE Natural Science Inquiry. This course introduces the basic principles of biology in three major components - the structure and function of living organisms, interactions of the organisms with their environment (ecology), and the ways organisms change over time (genetics and evolution). In the laboratory part of this course the students will learn analytical techniques that will enable them to work in teams to make hypotheses, obtain and analyze data and present their conclusions both in oral and written formats. Lecture and lab. (Offered as needed.) 4 credits.

BIOL 208 Introduction to Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology

Prerequisite, BIOL 204, or a minimum score of 4 on the AP or IB Biology exam. Principles of molecular genetics with emphasis on molecular biology of DNA, RNA and gene expression; an overview of cellular organelles and their functions. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.

BIOL 209 Introduction to Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology Laboratory

Corequisite, BIOL 208. Laboratories that use the principles of molecular genetics with emphasis on molecular biology of DNA, RNA and gene expression; an overview of cellular organelles and their functions. Fee: $75. (Offered fall semester.) 1 credit.

BIOL 210 Human Anatomy

An introduction to the study of human structure. The human body is studied from the following multiple levels of anatomical organization: cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and the intact organism. Emphasis is on the functional bases of anatomy. Lecture, laboratory. Fee: $75. (Offered spring semester.) 4 credits.

BIOL 211 Comparative Physiology

Prerequisite, BIOL 204. This course presents aspects of modern physiology with a strong emphasis on the diverse ways physiological challenges are handled by different animals. Small emphasis (yet significant) is place on the ecology, and evolutionary biology aspects of physiology. The course is committed to a comparative approach throughout. While mammalian physiology is consistently treated in depth, emphasis is also given to the other vertebrate groups, arthropods, molluscs, and as appropriate–additional invertebrates. Concepts and integrative themes are emphasized while giving students the specifics consistent with our biological sciences program at Chapman University. (Offered fall semester.) 4 credits.

BIOL 224 Ecology

Prerequisite, BIOL 205. The study of the relationships among living organisms and their biotic and abiotic environments with an emphasis on the evolutionary basis of these relationships. Lecture, laboratory. (Offered fall semester.) 4 credits.

BIOL 235 Impact on Society: Biotechnology

For non-science majors only. Fulfills GE Natural Science Inquiry. A lecture/discussion course addressing numerous issues regarding how the biotechnology revolution of the past three decades has changed our lives both as individuals and as a society. Extensive consideration and discussion of ethical and social issues related to how this information is used especially relating to medical genetics. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

BIOL 278 Investigations in Special Topics in Biology

Prerequisites, BIOL 204, GPA of 3.000, and consent of instructor. Under the guidance of the instructor, students will learn the requisite techniques for an on-going scientific research project related to the instructor's research area. Students will also be involved in a journal club where scientific articles related to the research topic are read and reviewed. Finally, they will assist in the preparation of the research results for presentation to scientific meetings and/or publication. With approval from the department chair this course may count towards departmental honors. May be repeated for credit. (Offered as needed.) 1 credit.

BIOL 301 Plant Biology

Prerequisite, BIOL 205. A comprehensive survey of the major principles associated with the study of plants and fungi. This includes: biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, physiology, diversity, development, evolution and ecology. The lab and lecture are highly integrated with the lab focusing on scientific method and experimental design. A basic working knowledge of biology will be assumed. Lecture and lab. (Offered alternate years.) 4 credits.

BIOL 319 Ecosystem Ecology

Prerequisites, BIOL 205,224. Ecosystem ecology focuses on the flow of energy and materials through the living (e.g., plants, animals and microbes) and non-living (e.g., soils and the atmosphere) components of ecological systems. This course will explore cycles of water, energy, carbon and nutrients in terrestrial ecosystems and how these cycles have been influenced by human activities. Lecture and lab. (Offered fall semester, alternate years.) 4 credits.

BIOL 329 Experimental Course

(Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

BIOL 330 Genetics

Prerequisites, BIOL 204, CHEM 330. Principles of classical and molecular genetics with emphasis on molecular biology of DNA, RNA, and gene expression. Lecture, laboratory. (Offered spring semester.) 4 credits.

BIOL 333 Animal Behavior

Prerequisites, BIOL 205, 224. An introduction to animal behavior and its relationship to fields such as psychology and neurobiology. Course explores mechanistic and evolutionary approaches to understanding behavior. Students observe behavior and write formal reports. Lecture, laboratory. (Offered spring semester, alternate years.) 4 credits.

BIOL 337 Immunology

Prerequisite, BIOL 204. Upper-division biology students are exposed to a broad overview of immunology. Cell–mediated and humoral immunology is studied in detail along with the complement system. The course concludes with a description of the abnormalities of the immune system, immunological disease, and hypersensitivity. Lecture. (Offered spring semester, alternate years.) 3 credits.

BIOL 338 Ornithology

Prerequisite, BIOL 205. The biology of birds: a survey of avian diversity, evolution, systematics, behavior, and conservation. Lecture and Lab. (Offered alternate years.) 4 credits.

BIOL 365 Human Physiology Part A

Prerequisite, BIOL 204. Students learn how physiological systems function in isolation and as part of linked systems. Emphasis on cell physiology and endocrine, immune, nervous, and reproductive systems. Lecture, laboratory. (Offered fall semester.) 4 credits.

BIOL 366 Human Physiology Part B

Prerequisite, BIOL 204. Emphasis on cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, urinary and GI systems. Lecture, laboratory. (Offered spring semester.) 4 credits.

BIOL 384 Student-Faculty Research

Prerequisites, consent of sponsoring faculty, and department chair. Students enrolled in BIOL 384 will pursue faculty-sponsored independent or collaborative research in a laboratory setting, developing methodology, conducting research, and/or analyzing data. Minimum 3 hours of laboratory work per week per credit. P/NP. (Offered every semester.) 1-3 credits.

BIOL 407 Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology

Prerequisite, BIOL 204. Anatomy and function of the human central nervous system with emphasis on sensory and motor pathways. Lecture. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits.

BIOL 410 Developmental Biology

Prerequisite, BIOL 204. Students explore recent advances in knowledge about how organisms develop from a single fertilized egg through various embryonic stages to an adult organism. (Offered spring semester, alternate years.) 4 credits.

BIOL 417 Microbiology

Prerequisite, BIOL 204. Characterization and classification of organisms that constitute the microbial world (bacteria, viruses, protozoa, algae, fungi) with an emphasis on microbial physiology and cellular structure. The various roles of microorganisms in the environment and in disease are examined. Lecture, laboratory. Fee: $75. 4 credits.

BIOL 426 Current Issues in Genetics

Prerequisite, BIOL 204. Selected topics in genetics and current biological research and their potential impact on society. Consideration of the technical, social, and ethical implications of these developments. Lecture. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.

BIOL 436 Molecular Genetics

Prerequisite, CHEM 335. Students will examine experimental approaches to issues in molecular biology using primary journal articles in conjunction with assigned textbook. Students will conduct laboratory exercises using advanced molecular biology techniques. Fee. $75. (Offered spring semester.) 4 credits.

BIOL 440 Marine Biology

Prerequisite, BIOL 205. Systematics, ecology, distribution of marine organisms. Lecture, laboratory. (Offered alternate years.) 4 credits.

BIOL 441 Restoration Ecology

Prerequisites, BIOL 205, 224, 319. This course will focus on the ecological issues associated with restoration of degraded habitats. An important aspect of the course will be the application of ecological theory to restoration practice, and the use of restoration as an "acid test" of our knowledge of how natural systems function. The course will include discussion of restoration in a variety of habitat types, with special attention devoted to those present in southern California. Lecture and lab. (Offered spring semester, alternate years.) 4 credits.

BIOL 442 Wetland Ecology

Prerequisites, BIOL 205, 224, 319. Wetlands are diverse ecosystems that provide wildlife habitat, filter nutrients from the landscape, and store globally significant amounts of carbon in their soils. Despite these benefits (and many others), over 50% of the historical wetlands in the conterminous United States have been lost. This course will investigate the unique hydrology, soil, biogeochemistry and flora that define wetlands. The changing legal status of wetlands and efforts to conserve and restore these ecosystems will also be explored. Lecture and lab. (Offered fall semester, alternate years.) 4 credits.

BIOL 450 Cell and Molecular Biology

Prerequisites, BIOL 204, CHEM 330. An integrated approach to cell biology, biochemistry, and molecular biology with the traditional topics of cell ultrastructure and physiology updated with regard to recent advances in molecular biology. Lecture and laboratory. (Offered fall semester.) 4 credits.

BIOL 455 Pharmacology and Physiology of Chemical Dependency

Prerequisite, BIOL 204. An in-depth study of the physiological effects of alcohol and other drugs causing physical dependency. Lecture. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.

BIOL 478 Advanced Investigations of Special Topics in Biology

Prerequisite, BIOL 278, GPA of 3.000. Under the guidance of the instructor, students will design and implement an original scientific research project related to the instructor's general research area. Students will frame scientific questions, in reference to a particular literature, perform experiments, take measurements, analyze data, and discuss their findings. They will also prepare their research results for presentation to scientific meetings and/or publication. With approval from the department chair, this course may count toward departmental honors. May be repeated for credit. (Offered as needed.) 1 credit.

BIOL 490 Independent Internship

Gain experience working in the field you think you might like to enter. P/NP. May be repeated for credit. (Offered every semester.) ½–3 credits.

BIOL 496 Seminars: Biology Lecture Series

A series of seminars presented by guest lecturers, designed around a current issue of importance in biology. May be repeated for credit. (Offered as needed.) 1–3 credits.

BIOL 497 Capstone: Exercise Physiology

Prerequisites, BIOL 365, 366. Capstone course for the exercise physiology emphasis. Students examine the acute and chronic adaptations made by physiological systems during high-intensity endurance exercise and during exercise performed in conditions of specific environmental stresses. Students read primary literature and participate in group research projects. Lecture, laboratory. Fee $75. (Offered as needed.) 4 credits.

BIOL 498 Capstone: Molecular Genetics

Prerequisite, senior standing. Students will work in small groups to design and implement a research project under the guidance of the instructor. Lecture, laboratory. Fee: $75. (Offered spring semester.) 4 credits.

BIOL 499 Research in Biology

Prerequisites, 3.000 average in biology courses and consent of instructor. Independent research/study in many different aspects of biology, from cell and molecular biology to organismal biology and field studies. May be repeated for credit. (Offered every semester.) ½–6 credits.