May 15, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalogue 
    
Catalog Navigation
  Catalogue Home
  Block Calendar
  Degree and Professional Programs
  Academic Information
  Courses of Instruction
  Programs of Instruction
  Additional Academic Opportunities
  Additional College Information
  General Information about Courses
HELP
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalogue [ARCHIVED CATALOGUE]

Courses of Instruction

  

Topics Courses  
 

Art and Art History
  
  

  • ART 390 - Independent Study (1)

    See Additional Academic Opportunities . Independent Credit Bearing Courses - 290/390/490 Independent Study. This course is pre-approved for transcript notation in the Ingenuity in Action category, Civic Engagement. To participate and earn notation of completion on your transcript, please complete the Ingenuity in Action application. No alternate grade option.
  

  • ART 391 - Advanced Studio Tutorial (1)

    Sustained projects in studio art. Prerequisites: a minimum of three college-level art courses, experience in the medium of the tutorial, and permission of the instructor at least two terms in advance. May be repeated once for credit. This course is pre-approved for transcript notation in the Ingenuity in Action category, Civic Engagement. To participate and earn notation of completion on your transcript, please complete the Ingenuity in Action application. No alternate grade option. [SA]
  

  • ART 392 - Advanced Art History Tutorial (1)

    An examination of one or more areas of art history not included in the regular offerings, or expanded research of a topic introduced in an art history course previously studied. Prerequisites: a minimum of two college-level art history courses, appropriate experience in the area of proposed study, and permission of the instructor at least two terms in advance. May be repeated once for credit. No alternate grade option. [AH]
  

  • ART 396 - Original Project (1)

    See Additional Academic Opportunities . Independent Credit Bearing Courses. This course is pre-approved for transcript notation in the Ingenuity in Action category, Civic Engagement. To participate and earn notation of completion on your transcript, please complete the Ingenuity in Action application. No alternate grade option.
  

  • ART 483 - Studio Art Seminar (1)

    Readings and discussions about theories of art in conjunction with a studio practicum. Includes a week long stay in Chicago. Additional fees required. Prerequisites: Senior standing and Studio Art major (junior standing with approval by department). This course is pre-approved for transcript notation in the Ingenuity in Action category, Professional Exploration. To participate and earn notation of completion on your transcript, please complete the Ingenuity in Action application. No alternate grade option. No alternate grade option. [SA]
  

  • ART 484 - Art History Seminar (1)

    Readings and discussions about theories of art and the methodologies of art history with a practicum. Includes a week long stay in Chicago. Additional fees required. Prerequisites: declared Art History major. Alternate years. This course is pre-approved for transcript notation in the Ingenuity in Action category, Professional Exploration. To participate and earn notation of completion on your transcript, please complete the Ingenuity in Action application. No alternate grade option. No alternate grade option. [AH]
  

  • ART 487 - Senior Thesis (1)

    A substantial capstone project to be completed during the senior year. Studio majors conceive, create, and mount an exhibition of a new body of work. Art history majors research an art historical problem, write a research paper, prepare an abstract, and provide a public presentation of their work with the goal of creating an original contribution to the discipline. An oral defense is required for either major. This course is pre-approved for transcript notation in the Ingenuity in Action category, Research. To participate and earn notation of completion on your transcript, please complete the Ingenuity in Action application. No alternate grade option.
  

  • ART 490 - Independent Study (1)

    See Additional Academic Opportunities . Independent Credit Bearing Courses  - 290/390/490 Independent Study No alternate grade option.
  
  

  • ART 514 - Life Drawing (1/4)

    Open studio for working from the human figure. Does not fulfill fine arts credit. No alternate grade option.
    (CR)

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  • BMB 485 - Problems (1)

    Investigation of a problem in biochemistry and/or molecular biology, including a review of the literature, collection and interpretation of data, and writing of a research report. For seniors and advanced juniors. This is a capstone experience for BMB majors. Arrangements must be made with the instructor before registering. May be repeated once for credit. This course is pre-approved for transcript notation in the Ingenuity in Action category, Research. To participate and earn notation of completion on your transcript, please complete the Ingenuity in Action application.
    (Natural Sciences) (Writing Encounter)
  
  

Biology
  
  
  

  • BIO 103 - Investigations (1)

    Investigative approach to the solution of biological problems, emphasizing designing, executing, and interpreting research. Specific research areas are confined to the interests of each instructor. Recommended for non-science majors.  This course is not open to students who have completed any 200-level biology course.
    (Laboratory Science)
  

  • BIO 106 - Plants and People (W) (1)

    In addition to being the foundation of the ecosystems we depend on, plants provide us directly with food and medicine, poison and pleasure. This course will discuss the ways that people and plants depend on each other, and what this dependency can teach us about ecosystems, evolution, history and human nature. Readings and assignments will cover various plants and their uses, as well as topics such as evolution and domestication, genetic engineering, traditional medicine, and sustainable agriculture. Not open to students who have previously completed a First Year Writing Course.
    (First Year Writing Seminar (FYW)) (Science)
  

  • BIO 108 - Topics: Gene Hacking (1)

    Genetic engineering has tremendous potential from optimizing agriculture by developing disease-resistance plants and improving crop yields, to treating cancer, genetic diseases and infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS. However, along with these potentials come ethical considerations such as the potential for human germline manipulation and the production of “designer babies”. This course will consider the basic concepts of genetics including the structure and function of genes and genomes. We will discuss how the genome of an organism can be manipulated by “adding in” or “cutting out” genes. We will consider the potential of gene editing using CRISPR/Cas9 and how this technology is being used in agriculture and particularly in human health.

    Recommended for non-science majors.
    (Science)
  

  • BIO 108 - Topics: The Biology of Climate Change (1)

    “Climate change” is a phrase that can be found throughout the news of our everyday lives. What does it actually mean? What is climate change? How will it impact the planet’s biology? What does it mean for humanity? In this course, we will endeavor to answer these questions. We will explore the science behind climate change and what is predicted over the next 30 to 80 years. We will also discuss how species react to changes in the environment, the impacts on important local and iconic biological systems and what we as humans are, can and might do in response to climate change. 
    (Science)
  

  • BIO 141 - Foundations: Cellular Biology (1)

    The course introduces students to the principles of cell structure, cell function and information transfer by emphasizing the investigative approach to biological questions. Students design, execute, and interpret research. Research topics will vary with each instructor. This course is a prerequisite for most upper-level Biology courses.
    (Laboratory Science)
  

  • BIO 142 - Foundations: Organismal Biology (1)

    The topics of genetics, evolution, speciation, classification, the diversity of life, ecology, biological communities, and animal behavior. This course is a prerequisite for all upper-level Biology courses.
    (Laboratory Science)
  

  • BIO 205 - Cell and Molecular Biology (1)

    Basic metabolism and organization of cells and intracellular organelles. Introduction to the structure and synthesis of biological macromolecules. Prerequisites: BIO 141 , BIO 142 , and CHE 225 .
    (Laboratory Science)
  

  • BIO 207 - Systems Physiology (1)

    Fundamental study of the complementarity of human anatomical structure and physiological function of the integumentary, endocrine, nervous, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal systems. Special emphasis on development of a mechanistic understanding of organ system function and integrated physiological function across systems to promote homeostatic regulation in the human body. Inclusion of experiential learning through laboratory activities. Prerequisite: sophomore standing. Cross Listed as KIN 207 .
    (Laboratory Science)
  

  • BIO 209 - Plant Morphology (1)

    Structure and function of plants. Ecological, evolutionary, and physiological perspectives. Prerequisite: BIO 141  and BIO 142 .
    (Laboratory Science)
  

  • BIO 211 - Evolution (1)

    Principles of evolution. Emphasis on modern evolutionary biology, evidence, and methods of hypothesis testing. Prerequisite: BIO 141  and BIO 142 .
    (Laboratory Science)
  

  • BIO 230 - Conservation Biology (1)

    Ecological, evolutionary, and other biological principles and their application to the maintenance of global and local biodiversity. One or more field trips may extend beyond normal class hours. Prerequisite: BIO 142 .
    (Science)
  

  • BIO 231 - Population Genetics and Conservation (1)

    Population Genetics and Conservation is designed for students majoring/minoring in ecology and evolutionary biology and/or in environmental science with an environmental biology concentration. The focus of this course is the study of genetics at the individual, population, and species scales. Throughout the course, students become familiar with molecular tools, methods, and metrics for describing and assessing population genetic diversity, and how these are used to learn more about a species’ ecology and evolutionary biology. Concepts covered are paired with case studies and exercises that demonstrate how molecular tools can be used by ecologists and evolutionary biologists to ask and answer real world questions. 

    This course may not be used as a substitute for BIO 315 which is required for BMB majors. Prerequisite(s): BIO 141 , BIO 142  
    (Science)
  

  • BIO 254 - Ornithology (1)

    Basic biology of birds, emphasizing taxonomy, structure, ecology, behavior, distribution, and natural history. May include an extended field trip. Other field trips may extend beyond normal class hours.

    Offered subject to availability of staff. Prerequisite:  BIO 142 . Alternate years.
    (Laboratory Science)
  
  
  
  

  • BIO 305 - Advanced Molecular Biology (1)

    A continuation of BIO 205 , with coverage of a topic of interest in molecular biology such as virology, aging, cytoskeleton, gene regulation, hormones, or oncology. Prerequisite: BIO 205 .
    (Laboratory Science)
  

  • BIO 308 - Invertebrate Zoology (1)

    Structure, classification, physiology, reproduction, life history, natural history, ecology, and evolution of invertebrates. Prerequisites: BIO 211  or BIO 141 , BIO 142 , and permission of instructor. Offered subject to the availability of staff.
    (Laboratory Science)
  

  • BIO 311 - Molecular Evolution (1)

    Genes, genomes, DNA, RNA, and proteins are products of evolution: how do they evolve? Understanding the evolution of molecules is critically important to fields of medicine, agriculture, and conservation and to the reconstruction of the evolutionary history of all organisms. This course is required for Ecology and Evolutionary Biology majors. Prerequisite(s): BIO 211  
    (Science)
  

  • BIO 312 - Vertebrate Zoology (1)

    Survey of the biology of vertebrates, emphasizing structure, classification, physiology, reproductive biology, ecology, natural history, and evolution. Prerequisites: BIO 211  or BIO 141 , BIO 142 , and permission of instructor. Offered subject to the availability of staff.
    (Laboratory Science)
  

  • BIO 313 - Developmental Biology (1)

    Principles of development with an emphasis on early developmental changes. The course focuses on cellular and molecular changes associated with gene expression, induction, and morphology. Prerequisite: BIO 205 . Alternate years.
    (Laboratory Science)
  

  • BIO 315 - Genetics (1)

    Principles of inheritance in plants and animals. Emphasis on the laws of heredity and molecular genetics. Laboratory research in molecular genetics. Not to be taken in the same academic year as BIO 205. Junior or senior standing only.  Prerequisite: BIO 205 .
    (Laboratory Science)
  

  • BIO 321 - Ecology (1)

    Ecological theory. Why do individuals and species live the way they do, in the numbers they do, in the areas they do; and what environmental influences guided their evolution? Field trips may extend beyond normal class hours. Prerequisites: BIO 211  and permission of instructor.
    (Laboratory Science)
  

  • BIO 323 - Endangered Species Ecology (1)

    This course is designed for students interested in learning about endangered species and their conservation. It is required for students majoring in ecology and evolutionary biology and/or in environmental science with an environmental biology concentration. This course investigates the biology and ecology of endangered specCies.  Using case-studies and real-world examples, students will explore factors that contribute to species endangerment such as habitat degradation and loss, anthropogenic disturbance, unregulated hunting, natural and human-caused rarity, and ecological specialization.  Students will learn how level of endangerment is assessed at the international, national, and state levels, and through training in this class, they will become certified in risk assessment by the IUCN. Students will also learn conservation management tools, such as population viability analysis (PVA) modeling to predict population persistence likelihood of species. Prerequisite(s): BIO 142 , BIO 321 
    (Science)
  

  • BIO 326 - Microbiology (1)

    Survey of microbial world with emphasis on bacterial genetics and metabolism, and the role of microbial activities in the environment. Prerequisite: BIO 205 .
    (Laboratory Science)
  

  • BIO 327 - Immunology (1)

    A study of the human immune system including the basic principles involved in host defense mechanisms and methods of immunology. Prerequisite: BIO 205 . Alternate years.
    (Laboratory Science)
  

  • BIO 328 - Neurobiology (1)

    The molecular, cellular, and physiological aspects of the nervous system. Emphasis is placed on basic properties of nerve cells, neural circuits, and organization and function of the mammalian nervous system. Prerequisite: BIO 205 . Alternate years.
    (Laboratory Science)
  

  • BIO 329 - Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology I (1)

    An integrative approach to understanding basic anatomical and physiological relationships of the nervous, endocrine, immune, cardiovascular, respiratory, and excretory systems of the human. Prerequisites: BIO 205  or BIO 141  and sophomore standing and permission of instructor. Alternate years. No alternate grade option.
    (Laboratory Science)
  

  • BIO 330 - Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology II (1)

    An integrative approach to understanding basic anatomical and physiological relationships of the human skeletal, muscular, digestive, and reproductive systems and the control of these systems by the nervous and endocrine systems. Prerequisites: BIO 205  or BIO 141  and sophomore standing and permission of instructor. Alternate years. No alternate grade option.
    (Laboratory Science)
  

  • BIO 332 - Plant Systematics (1)

    Evolution and classification of vascular plants with an emphasis on field identification of flowering plants. Prerequisite: BIO 211 .
    (Laboratory Science)
  

  • BIO 334 - Animal Behavior (1)

    This course includes one overnight field trip which requires an additional fee for lodging and facility rental. Other field trips may extend beyond normal class hours.Evolution, development, causation, and function of behavior with emphasis on the origins and adaptive function of behaviors of vertebrates and invertebrates.

    Offered subject to availability of staff. Prerequisite: BIO 211 .
    (Laboratory Science)
  

  • BIO 335 - Chemical Ecology (1)

    This course explores how organisms use naturally occurring chemicals to influence ecological interactions. Case studies will illustrate both interspecific and intraspecific interactions among plants, insects, animals, and microbes, including behaviors such as mate selection, colony organization, and defense. Some attention will be given to the biochemical origins of these compounds. Prerequisite: BIO 205 . Alternate years.
  

  • BIO 337 - Entomology (1)

    The evolutionary history, morphology, taxonomy, physiology, ecology, behavior, and economic importance of insects. Laboratories will focus on sampling, preservation, identification, and experimentation with insects. Field trips may extend beyond normal class hours. Prerequisites: BIO 211  or BIO 141 , BIO 142 , and permission of instructor. Offered every third year.
    (Laboratory Science)
  
  

  • BIO 381 - Topics: Molecular Evolution (1)

    Much of the world learned about molecular evolution while reading about the emergence of variants of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2). Techniques used to trace SARS-CoV-2 evolution were developed by evolutionary biologists who study the evolution of molecules, and who use molecules to study the evolution of organisms. Evolutionary biologists continue to develop new analytical methods to measure evolution. In this course, you will learn current methods used to study molecular evolution. This course meets the “cell elective” requirement for BIO and BMB majors. BIO 211  
    (Science)
  
  
  

  • BIO 399 - Preservation Ecology Summer Internship (1)

    Field experience during the summer under the auspices of the Iowa Nature Conservancy in preservation ecology techniques, including biological resource assessment, monitoring animal and plant populations, landowner contacts, mapping, preparing reports, and designated preserve management tasks. Prerequisites: (1) at least five term credits in Biology; (2) at least two of the following: BIO 209 , BIO 254 , BIO 308 , BIO 312 , BIO 321 , BIO 332 , BIO 334 , or BIO 337 ; (3) junior standing; and (4) acceptance by the Nature Conservancy.
  

  • BIO 483 - Senior Seminar in Biology (1)

    Readings, presentations, and discussions from the recent research literature focused on an area of interest and/or expertise of the instructor. Prerequisites: BIO or BMB major and senior standing. Recommended prerequisite: BIO 315 .
  

  • BIO 485 - Biological Problems (1)

    Investigation of a biological problem, including a review of the literature, collection and interpretation of data, and writing of a research report. Intended for seniors or advanced juniors, this is a capstone experience for Biology majors. Arrangements must be made with the instructor before registering. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite(s): Declared BIO major and junior standing. May be repeated once for credit. This course is pre-approved for transcript notation in the Ingenuity in Action category, Research. When taught off-campus, this course is pre-approved for transcript notation in the Ingenuity in Action category, Global Connections. To participate and earn notation of completion on your transcript, please complete the Ingenuity in Action application.
    (Science) (Writing Encounter)
  
  
  

  • BIO 511 - Extended Research in Biology (1/4)

    Reading in depth on a topic of current interest and the pursuit of an experimental or theoretical problem related to the topic. This adjunct course must be taken over four successive terms. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

Chemistry
  

  • CHE 111 - Chemistry in the Natural World (1)

    Basic concepts of chemistry and their implications for a technological society. Emphasis on quantitative and qualitative aspects of chemistry as they apply to topics of importance today. Intended for non-science majors. No previous study of chemistry required.
    (Laboratory Science) (Quantitative Reasoning Encounter)
  

  • CHE 121 - Chemical Principles I (1)

    Fundamental concepts of chemistry, mole concept, energy, theories of the atom and the chemical bond, and molecular geometry. This course is intended primarily for those considering a major in science. CHE 121 utilizes concepts from high school algebra I and II.  Students should take the Chemistry Placement Exam (available at www.cornellcollege.edu/chemistry) prior to registering for this course.
    (Laboratory Science) (Quantitative Reasoning Encounter)
  

  • CHE 122 - Chemical Principles II (1)

    Rates of chemical reactions, equilibrium, acids and bases, electrochemistry, and an introduction to thermodynamics. Reactions and properties of selected elements and their compounds. Prerequisite: CHE 121 .
    (Laboratory Science) (Quantitative Reasoning Encounter)
  

  • CHE 161 - Accelerated General Chemistry (1)

    Fundamental concepts of chemistry: atomic theory, quantum theory, bonding, states of matter, thermodynamics, equilibrium, and kinetics. The course is designed for students who have a good understanding of atoms, molecules, and mole calculations. This course is the equivalent of CHE 121  and CHE 122 . Credit may be given for either 161 or CHE 121  - CHE 122 , but not both. Prerequisite: placement exam or permission of the instructor.
    (Laboratory Science) (Quantitative Reasoning Encounter)
  

  • CHE 200 - The Environment & Public Health (SYS) (1)

    How do environmental issues such as climate change and ozone depletion affect global health? What are the effects of air, water, and soil pollution on the health of communities around the world? How are particular groups of people differently affected by an environmental crisis? This course will consider the impact of environmental issues on health in our community and around the world with special attention to the water crisis in Flint, Michigan and the contamination of soil in our local community. We will learn how to measure the amount of lead contamination in soil, test soil samples across the community, and communicate the results, risks, and possible remediation options. Students from all academic backgrounds will be able to apply their skills and knowledge. No college level science experience is necessary. Only open to sophomores.
    (Sophomore Year Seminar (SYS)) (Science)
  

  • CHE 202 - Analytical Chemistry (1)

    Concepts of analysis, volumetric techniques, and an introduction to instrumental techniques. Prerequisite: CHE 122  or CHE 161 .
    (Laboratory Science) (Quantitative Reasoning Encounter)
  

  • CHE 225 - Organic Chemistry I Lecture (1)

    Chemistry of carbon compounds. Determination of molecular constitution and configuration and the chemistry of common functional groups. Prerequisite: CHE 122  or CHE 161 .
    (Science)
  
  
  
  

  • CHE 323 - Physical Chemistry I (1)

    Concepts of physical chemistry, including the kinetic-molecular theory of gases, kinetics, quantum mechanics, atomic and molecular structure and energetics, spectroscopy, symmetry, and classical and statistical thermodynamics. This course has both classroom and laboratory components. This course also satisfies a 300-level PHY major requirement. Prerequisites: MAT 122  and either CHE 122  or CHE 161 . Recommended prerequisite: PHY 263 .
    (Laboratory Science)
  

  • CHE 324 - Physical Chemistry II (1)

    Thermodynamics and descriptions of systems of equilibria from both classical and statistical perspectives, molecular spectroscopy, quantum mechanics, atomic structure, and theories of reaction rates. This course has both classroom and laboratory components. This course also satisfies a 300-level PHY major requirement. Prerequisite: CHE 323 .
    (Laboratory Science)
  

  • CHE 326 - Organic Chemistry II Lecture (1)

    Continuation of CHE 225 . Methods of synthesis and the reactions of organic compounds. Prerequisite: CHE 225 .
    (Science)
  

  • CHE 327 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory (1)

    Practical laboratory aspects of organic chemistry. Isolation and purification of substances; one-step transformations of substances; and, possibly, synthesis projects. Prerequisite: CHE 326 .
    (Laboratory Science) (Writing Encounter)
  

  • CHE 328 - Advanced Organic Chemistry (1)

    Selected advanced topics of reaction mechanisms or syntheses of organic compounds. Prerequisite: CHE 327 . Not offered every year.
    (Laboratory Science)
  

  • CHE 333 - Advanced Analytical Chemistry (1)

    Theory of analytical chemistry with an emphasis on instrumental methods. Prerequisites: CHE 202 , CHE 323 , and CHE 327 . Not offered every year.
    (Laboratory Science)
  

  • CHE 334 - Biochemistry (1)

    Cellular metabolism, with emphasis on energy extraction pathways and energy homeostasis. The approach is primarily mechanistic with a quantitative discussion of kinetics, free-energy changes, and the electrochemistry of electron transport chains. Prerequisites: BIO 205 , CHE 202 , and CHE 327 .
    (Laboratory Science)
  

  • CHE 335 - Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (1)

    Properties of inorganic compounds with emphasis on theories of bonding and the chemistry of coordination compounds. Prerequisites: CHE 323  and CHE 327 . Not offered every year.
    (Laboratory Science)
  

  • CHE 339 - Advanced Physical Chemistry (1)

    Quantum mechanics, symmetry and group theory, applications of thermodynamics, and selected topics. Study of current research literature in physical chemistry. Emphasis on both formal and informal methods of communication in science. This course has both classroom and laboratory components. This course also satisfies a 300-level PHY major requirement. Prerequisite: CHE 324 . Not offered every year.
    (Laboratory Science)
  
  
  
  

  • CHE 485 - Chemical Research (1)

    Research in selected areas of chemistry. Prerequisite: a 300-level course in Chemistry and permission of instructor. This course is pre-approved for transcript notation in the Ingenuity in Action category, Research. To participate and earn notation of completion on your transcript, please complete the Ingenuity in Action application.
  
  
  

  • CHE 511 - Extended Research in Chemistry (1/4)

    Reading coupled with research on a specialized topic. This adjunct course must be taken over four successive terms. Prerequisites: departmental GPA of 3.0 or higher, prior completion of one course in the Department at or above the 200 level, and permission of instructor.
    (CR)
  

  • CHE 512 - Reading and Conversation in Chemistry (1/4)

    Reading and discussion of current articles, historical texts, or general interest books about chemistry. Readings are selected in consultation with the participating students. Course meets weekly for one semester.
    (CR)
  

Civic Engagement
  

  • CIV 280 - Internship (1)

    See Additional Academic Opportunities , All-College Independent Study Courses 280/380. This course is pre-approved for transcript notation in the Ingenuity in Action category, Civic Engagement. To participate and earn notation of completion on your transcript, please complete the Ingenuity in Action application.
  
  
  

  • CIV 380 - Internship (1)

    See Additional Academic Opportunities , All-College Independent Study Courses 280/380. This course is pre-approved for transcript notation in the Ingenuity in Action category, Civic Engagement. To participate and earn notation of completion on your transcript, please complete the Ingenuity in Action application.
  
  
  
 

Page: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 … Forward 10 -> 13