Course Descriptions

BIO 105 - Biology of Plants

Introduction to the science of biology through topics in botany.  Designed to meet science requirements of non-science majors.  No laboratory.

Prerequisites & Notes
Not open to students who have credit for Biology 109, 111, or 112, except by permission of the chair. (Fall)

BIO 107 - Special Topics in Biology II

BIO 108 - Human Biology

Introduction to the science of biology by exploring human health, physiology, and disease.  Designed to meet science requirements of non-science majors.  One laboratory meeting per week.

Prerequisites & Notes
Not open to students who have credit for Biology 111 or 112 except by permission of the chair.  (Fall and Spring)

BIO 109 - Biology of Plants

Introduction to the science of biology through topics in botany.  Designed to meet science requirements of non-science majors.  One laboratory meeting per week.

Prerequisites & Notes
Not open to students who have credit for Biology 105, 111, or 112 except by permission of the chair.  (not offered in 2010-2011)

BIO 111 - Molecules, Genes, and Cells

BIO 112 - Organisms, Evolution, and Ecosystems

BIO 301 - Genetics

Examination of classical and molecular genetics, including the physical nature of genetic material, transmission of genetic information, patterns of inheritance, gene mapping via linkage and association studies, gene regulation including epigenetics, recombinant DNA technology, and the history of genetics. Attention is paid to issues such as gene therapy, human cloning, and genetically modified crops.

Prerequisites & Notes
Biology 111 required.  Biology 112 recommended.  Chemistry 115, 160, or 201 recommended. One laboratory meeting per week. Not open to first-year students. Satisfies Group A. (Fall)

BIO 302 - Microbiology

BIO 303 - Biochemistry

BIO 304 - Molecular Biology

BIO 305 - Microanatomy of the Vertebrates (Histology)

BIO 306 - Developmental Biology

Investigates cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate animal development covering topics such as fertilization, cleavage, gastrulation, axis specification, and organogenesis via analysis of classical and modern experiments. Laboratory emphasizes direct experimental manipulations of early embryos including student-designed research projects.

Prerequisites & Notes
Biology 111 and 112. Biology 301 or 308 recommended. One laboratory meeting per week. Satisfies Group A. (Spring)

BIO 307 - Immunology

Introduction to the immune system with an emphasis on mammalian models. Course focuses on the cellular and molecular levels of the immune system in health and disease. Topics include recognition of antigens, development of lymphocyte repertoires, and adaptive immune responses.

Prerequisites & Notes
Biology 111, 112, and one of the following: Biology 301, 302, 304, 306, 308, 309.  Limited to juniors and seniors or permission of instructor. One laboratory meeting per week.  Satisfies Group A. (Fall)

BIO 308 - Cell Biology

BIO 309 - Genomics, Proteomics, and Systems Biology

Students will utilize print and online resources to understand how genome-scale information (e.g., DNA sequences, genome variations, microarrays, proteomics, and clinical studies) can provide a systems biology perspective. Students will use computers, databases, and bioinformatics tools to analyze data and post their analyses online.

Prerequisites & Notes
Biology 111, 112, and one of the following 301, 302, 304, 306, 308 or 310. One laboratory meeting per week.  Satisfies Group A if taken with lab.  (Spring)

BIO 310 - Bioinformatics (= CSC 310)

BIO 311 - Comparative Anatomy

BIO 312 - Animal Physiology

Introduction to the physical and chemical principles governing the lives of animals with an emphasis on understanding the physiological problems animals face, how those problems vary in relation to animals’ environments, and the processes by which animals solve their problems. Topics include thermal biology, water regulation, gas exchange, transport, and energetics. The laboratory focuses on independent investigation.

Prerequisites & Notes
Biology 111 and 112. One laboratory meeting per week. Satisfies Group B.  (Fall)

BIO 316 - Botany

BIO 317 - Entomology

Biology of insects and related arthropods, structured around application and investigation of issues such as medical entomology, evolutionary history, biodiversity and systematics of insects, forensic entomology, conservation, and ecology.  Major emphasis in the laboratory involves an independent research project, field trips, and the making of a collection of local insects.

Prerequisites & Notes
Biology 111 and 112, or permission of instructor.  One laboratory meeting per week.  Satisfies Group B. (Spring)

BIO 321 - Ecology

BIO 322 - Vertebrate Field Zoology

Natural history of vertebrates (fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, birds) emphasizing phylogeny, adaptations, ecology, and behavior.  One weekend field trip is required.

Prerequisites & Notes
Biology 111 and 112, or permission of the instructor.  One laboratory meeting per week.  Satisfies Group C. (not offered 2010-2011)

BIO 323 - Animal Behavior (= PSY 323)

BIO 331 - Behavioral Neuroscience (= PSY 303)

(Cross-listed as Psychology 303). Role of the nervous system; sensory and motor mechanism; physiological bases of motivation and emotion; sleep and arousal; and physiological bases of learning, memory, and language. Extensive laboratory training. Work with animals is required.

Prerequisites & Notes
Psychology 101 or Biology 111 or Biology 112 and permission of the instructor required. Recommended completion by Fall, senior year, for majors.  (Fall)

BIO 332 - Functional Neuroanatomy (= PSY 324)

BIO 333 - Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

BIO 341 - Biostatistics and Experimental Design

BIO 342 - Evolutionary Biology

BIO 343 - Laboratory Methods in Genomics

In this lab-only course, students will participate in a real genome sequencing project.  The sequencing will be performed by a genome institute.  Students will analyze sequences and annotate all the genes in the genome.  This original research is computer intensive and will contribute to the growing body of knowledge in genomics.  The final results will be posted on a public database for investigators from all over the world to use.

Prerequisites & Notes
Prerequisite: Biology 111 plus one course from 301 through 310 except 305. Permission of the instructor. (Spring)

BIO 351-359 - Group Investigations

Series of courses introducing students to methods and techniques of biological research. Courses serve as background to student decisions for optional senior research.

Prerequisites & Notes
Permission of the instructor required. (Fall and Spring)

BIO 361-367 - Seminar

Group study of selected topics of biological interest.  See www.bio.davidson.edu for examples of seminar topics.

Prerequisites & Notes
Open to juniors and seniors. Permission of the instructor required.  (Fall and Spring)

BIO 368, 369 - Study and Treatment of Human Disease

Group study of major tropical diseases and their treatment in Africa.  Course includes seminar discussions during the spring semester and a one month experience in a hospital setting in either Kenya or Zambia during the summer.  

Prerequisites & Notes
Permission of the instructor is required. Satisfies the cultural diversity requirement. (Spring)

BIO 371, 372, 373 - Research/Independent Study

BIO 381, 382, 383, 384 - Courses in Environmental Field Studies

BIO 385 - Techniques in Environmental Field Research

Permission of the instructor required.
See www.bio.davidson.edu/programs/sfs/sfshome.htm (Summer)

BIO 401 - Senior Colloquium

BIO 450 - Advanced Seminar in Biochemistry

CIS 220 - Introduction to Film and Media Studies

An introduction to film history and analysis, with an equal emphasis on film language (cinematic means of expression) and thematics.  Viewing and discussion of films from a wide variety of national traditions and genres, supplemented by discussion of analytical and theoretical texts.

Prerequisites & Notes
Required course for fulfilling the Film and Media Studies Concentration. (Spring)

CIS 321 - Interactive Digital Narratives

A close study of selected video games using an interdisciplinary blend of methodologies culled from cultural studies, film and media studies theory, literary criticism, and history.

Prerequisites & Notes
CIS 220 or ENG 293. Film and Media Studies Concentration Credit.

CIS 380 - Issues in Medicine

CIS 381 - Health Regulation and Public Policy

CIS 388 - History of Medical Law

This course examines the interrelationship between law and medicine in the United States and how  physicians’ roles in the legal system have evolved through U.S. history. The course considers physicians as medical examiners, expert witnesses, defendants, and politicians; the course looks at issues or incidents in which physicians have had a large impact on the law.

Prerequisites & Notes
Satisfies a requirement for the Medical Humanities Concentration.
 

CIS 390 - Health Care Ethics

CIS 391 - Research Ethics

This course provides students with a comprehensive overview of the responsible conduct of research. Students will learn the conventions for appropriate animal and human research. They will also develop critical thinking and moral reasoning skills to resolve situations that may arise during the course of research. The course will address the following topics: historical and social context of science; government oversight and regulation of research; guidelines for research involving animals; and guidelines for research involving human subjects. Special consideration will be given to topics where moral dilemmas in research are more likely to occur, including conflicts of interest, informed consent, confidentiality, data ownership and intellectual property, disclosure, and dissemination of results.

CIS 392 - Introduction to Epidemiology

Epidemiology is the systematic and rigorous study of health and disease in a population. According to the Institute of Medicine, epidemiology is the basic science of public health. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to core concepts in epidemiology, including history, philosophy, and uses of epidemiology; descriptive epidemiology, such as patterns of disease and injury; association and causation of disease, including concepts of inference, bias, and confounding; analytical epidemiology, including experimental and non-experimental design; and applications to basic and clinical science and policy. The course is designed to require problem-based learning of epidemiological concepts and methods, so that students can use epidemiology as a scientific tool for addressing the health needs of the community.

Prerequisites & Notes
Medical Humanities concentration credit.

CIS 395, 396 - Independent Study

CIS 397 - Future of American Health Care

CIS 421 - Seminar in Film and Media Studies

Advanced topics in the area of film history, thematics, aesthetics, and production. 

Prerequisites & Notes
CIS 220. Required course for fulfilling the Film and Media Studies Concentration. (Fall)

CIS 470 - Global Health Ethics

Global health ethics seeks to understand values and principles which guide medical and public health practice throughout the world. Particular attention will be given to health inequalities and how medicine and public health may work to resolve these problems. Students will apply ethical frameworks to identify and clarify the dilemmas posed intra- and internationally related to the study, prevention and treatment of disease. Ultimately, students will be able to analyze various courses of actions and their consequences and propose pragmatic and value-driven solutions to current global health concerns.

Prerequisites & Notes
Permission of the instructor required. Medical Humanities concentration credit.

CIS 495 - Thesis

CIS 496 - Thesis

CHE 103 - Topics in Chemistry

An introduction to chemistry designed to meet the science requirement of non-science majors.  Course content and emphasis will vary with instructor.  Possible offerings may focus on the chemistry of food and drink, environmental chemistry, or archaeological chemistry.

Prerequisites & Notes
No prerequisites.  May not be taken for credit after any chemistry course numbered 200 or above has been taken for credit.  No laboratory.

CHE 104 - Chemistry of the Environment

CHE 105 - Chemistry and Society

CHE 106 - Chemistry of Art and Artifacts

CHE 107 - Chemistry of the Environment

Introduction to chemistry and its application to environmental issues.  Topics include general, analytical, and organic chemistry; basic toxicology; air, water, and ground pollution; major classes of pollutants; recycling techniques; and an introduction to green chemistry.  Designed for students who do not plan to take additional courses in chemistry.

Prerequisites & Notes
May not be taken for credit after Chemistry 105, 106, or 115 has been taken for credit without permission of the instructor.  One laboratory meeting per week.

CHE 110 - Introduction to Chemistry

CHE 115 - Principles of Chemistry

CHE 201 - Introductory Organic Chemistry I

CHE 202 - Introductory Organic Chemistry II

CHE 215 - Chemical Equilibrium

Aqueous and non-aqueous chemical equilibria with applications in biological, environmental, forensic, archaeological, and consumer chemistry. Laboratory experiments include qualitative and quantitative analyses using volumetric, electrochemical, and spectroscopic methods.

Prerequisites & Notes
Chemistry 201 or permission of the instructor. One laboratory meeting per week. (Fall and Spring)

CHE 301 - Chemistry of Natural Products

Examination of the chemistry of natural products from plants. Topics may include the study of isolation techniques, structure elucidation, biosynthesis, chemical synthesis, and applications at the molecular level of naturally occurring substances such as alkaloids, terpenes, steroids, antibiotics, polyphenols, porphyrins, and/or other phytochemicals of medicinal and/or nutritional interest.

Prerequisites & Notes
Chemistry 202 and 215. (Fall)

CHE 303 - Bioorganic Chemistry

CHE 304 - Topics in Environmental and Green Chemistry

CHE 305 - Forensic Chemistry

Introduction to forensic chemical principles and methodology.  Course topics include key forensic and legal concepts, statistics, sampling, quality control, sample preparation and analysis as applied to drugs, arson, explosives, gun-shot residue, inks, paints, fibers, papers, and glass.

Prerequisites & Notes
Prerequisite or Corequisite: Chemistry 215.  No laboratory. (Not offered 2010-11)

CHE 306 - Biophysical Chemistry

CHE 308 - Chemistry of Biomedical Polymers

CHE 309 - Medicinal Chemistry

CHE 351 - Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics

CHE 352 - Physical Chemistry: Kinetics and Quantum Mechanics

CHE 361 - Biological Chemistry

Introduction to the chemistry of biological systems with an emphasis on molecular interactions.  Includes the study of amino acids and proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, carbohydrates, enzymes and enzyme mechanisms, and the chemistry of important metabolic pathways and regulatory mechanisms.  This course is intended for chemistry majors.

Prerequisites & Notes
Chemistry 202 and 215, Biology 111 recommended.  One laboratory meeting per week. (Fall)

CHE 371 - Analytical Chemistry

CHE 391 - Advanced Experimental Techniques

CHE 395 - Literature Investigation

This course is designed for any qualified student who desires to pursue a literature research project in an area of special interest in chemistry under the direction and supervision of a faculty member.  The latter reviews and approves the topic of research and evaluates the student’s work.  Admission by consent of the faculty member following acceptance of the student’s written research proposal.  Consult the department’s guidelines for the preparation of independent research proposals.

Prerequisites & Notes
Permission of the instructor. (Fall and Spring)

CHE 396 - Laboratory Research I

Experimental chemistry projects conducted with the direction and supervision of a faculty member, who reviews and approves the topic of the research and evaluates the student’s work.  Admission by consent of the faculty member following acceptance of the student’s written research proposal.  Consult the department’s guidelines for the preparation of independent research proposals.  This course is intended for non-senior students.

Prerequisites & Notes
Permission of the instructor. (Fall and Spring)

CHE 397 - Laboratory Research II

Experimental chemistry projects conducted with the direction and supervision of a faculty member, who reviews and approves the topic of the research and evaluates the student’s work.  Admission by consent of the faculty member following acceptance of the student’s written research proposal.  Consult the department’s guidelines for the preparation of independent research proposals.  This course is intended for non-senior students.

 

Prerequisites & Notes
Chemistry 396.  Permission of the instructor. (Fall and Spring)

CHE 401 - Inorganic Chemistry

CHE 410 - Advanced Organic Chemistry

CHE 420 - Advanced Physical Chemistry

CHE 450 - Advanced Seminar in Biochemistry

CHE 496 - Senior Research I

CHE 497 - Senior Research II

CHI 101 - Elementary Chinese I

CHI 102 - Elementary Chinese II

CHI 120 - Introduction to Modern Chinese Culture

CHI 121 - Introduction to Traditional Chinese Culture

CHI 201 - Intermediate Chinese I

CHI 202 - Intermediate Chinese II

CHI 206 - Introduction to Traditional Chinese Literature

CHI 207 - Engendering Chinese Cinema

CHI 224 - Martial Arts and Heroism in Chinese Fiction and Film

CHI 225 - Crime and the Chinese Detective Fiction and Film

CHI 226 - In the Name of Religion: Love and Gender in Chinese Fiction and Film

CHI 228 - Modern Chinese Literature in Translation

CHI 253 - Business Chinese Language

Business Chinese is designed to develop students’ communicative competency in reading, writing, and speaking in business Chinese at the intermediate and advanced level. Chinese 202 or equivalent is required.  Satisfies a requirement for the Chinese minor, Concentration in Asian Studies.

CHI 301 - Advanced Chinese I

CHI 302 - Advanced Chinese II

CHI 303 - Advanced Conversational Chinese

CHI 350, 351 - Advanced Reading and Writing

CHI 353 - Advanced Composition and Conversation

Shen

This course is designed to develop students’ communicative competency in speaking and writing at the advanced level. Students are expected to have completed three years of modern Chinese at the college level.

Prerequisites & Notes
Satisfies a requirement for the minor in Chinese.