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Photo of a classroom of students Graphic: Otterbein College Academics > Registrar > 2005-2007 Courses > Life Sciences (LSC)

Life Sciences (LSC)

Information about experimental courses, when offered, will be available at the Office of the Registrar late in the Spring Quarter preceding the academic year in which the courses are scheduled. Such courses are numbered 191, 291, 391 or 491.

L SC 101 INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY I (MOLECULES, GENES, AND CELLS) - 5 hrs
Lecture and laboratory
The first course in the introductory sequence emphasizing a study of life at the molecular level. This course includes a basic foundation in biochemistry, molecular genetics and cell biology. The development of the central dogma and our current understanding of the molecular basis of gene structure, regulation and evolution as well as the many impacts of DNA on biology and society are considered. Laboratory exercises include basic techniques in biochemistry, genetic engineering, microbiology and cell biology. Coreq: MATH 115 or 120 or permission.

L SC 102 INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY II (PLANTS, GENETICS, AND EVOLUTION) - 5 hrs
Lecture and laboratory
This is the second course in the sequence that studies cell structure and function, genetics, and anatomy/physiology of plants and plant-like organisms. Emphasis will be given to phylogenetic diversity of biological organisms. Laboratory exercises include detailed microscopic examination and exploration of bacteria, algae, fungi and nonvascular and vascular plants. Prereq: L SC 101 or permission.

L SC 103 INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY III (ANIMALS AND ECOLOGY)
Lecture and laboratory - 5 hrs
The third course in the introductory sequence. This course will focus on the evolution of animal structure and function as well as the examination of animal diversity. Animals and their environments will be examined. Laboratory exercises will include a hands on examination of organisms that illustrate the principles discussed in lecture as well as field experiences in animal ecology. Prereq: L SC 101 and 102 or permission.

L SC 108 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I - 5 hrs
Lecture and laboratory
The first of a two-quarter lecture and laboraory course in human anatomy and physiology with special emphasis on the integration of the body systems and the maintenance of homeostasis. Topics investigated are the molecules of life, cellular biology, microscopic and gross study of tissues, the axial and appendicular skeleton, the muscular system, the hematological, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. Prereq: CHEM 110 or permission.

L SC 109 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II - 5 hrs
Lecture and laboratory
The second of a two-quarter lecture and laboratory course in human anatomy and physiology with special emphasis in the integration of the body systems and the maintenance of homeostasis. Topics investigated are the urinary system, acid-base and fluid balance, the digestive system and intermediary metabolism, the neurological, endocrine, and immune systems, genetics and aging. Prereq: L SC 108 or permission.

L SC 111 HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I - 5 hrs Lecture and laboratory
The first of a two-quarter lecture and laboratory sequence of courses in anatomy and physiology with an introduction to chemistry, cells and tissues and special emphasis on the bony skeleton, joints and the skeletal muscular system. The two-quarter sequence is a preparation for Kinesiology and Exercise Physiology, and is required of all Health and Physical Education Majors, and Health Promotion and Fitness majors. Prereq: HLED 180 and coreq MATH 115, or permission.

L SC 112 HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2 - 5 hrs Lecture and laboratory
The second of a two-quarter lecture and laboratory sequence in anatomy and physiology with emphasis on the systems involved in exercise: nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, hematological, respiratory, urinary, and digestive systems will be considered, with their role in metabolism and heat balance, and fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance. Prereq: LSC 111 or permission.

L SC 201 GENETICS - 5 hrs
Lecture and laboratory
This course encompasses both modern and classical genetics. Topics include the application of Mendelian genetics, the molecular biology of genes and genetic analysis of complex traits. Laboratory activities include the use of fruit flies, fungi, plants and humans as model organisms to explore genetic principles. Prereq: L SC 103 or permission.

L SC 202 CELL BIOLOGY - 5 hrs
Lecture and laboratory
The cell is the fundamental unit of life. This course explores the ability of cells to grow and divide, communicate and perform metabolic processes. Topics include: energy transformation, respiration and photosynthesis, membrane transport, signal transduction, and organelle structure and function. The laboratory experience includes mastery of techniques such as differential centrifugation, SDS-PAGE, spectrophotometry and histochemistry. Prereq: L SC 201 or permission.

L SC 204 ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY - 5 hrs (alt. yrs.)
Lecture and laboratory
This course gives the student an understanding of the complex issues associated with environmental assessment, mitigation and quality. The laboratory/field experience is centered on the determination of the quality/integrity of nearby aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Field trips providing hands on experience and laboratory sections designed to develop the skills needed to make these determinations are emphasized. Prereq: ENST 101 or permission.

L SC 206 HUMAN MICROBIOLOGY - 5 hrs
Lecture and laboratory
A study of the microbes in relationship to the human body, including indigenous flora and pathogens. Topics include structure, metabolism, genetics and control of microbes; introduction to the viruses; overview of the immune system; treatment and prevention of infectious diseases; resistance and emerging pathogens. Laboratory requires the identification of two unknowns in mixed culture. Prereq: CHEM 110 or permission.

L SC 208 SCIENTIFIC TERMINOLOGY - 2 hrs
A course designed to study the origins, meaning and usage of scientific terms and scientific thinking.

L SC 211 EMBRYOLOGY - 3 hrs (alt. yrs.)
Lecture and laboratory
This course is designed to give students knowledge of the development process of vertebrate embryos. The laboratory experience focuses on the microscopic study of embryo cross sections. Recommended for preprofessional medical and paramedical students.

L SC 212 ORNITHOLOGY - 2 hrs
The study and identification of common bird species of the area. Lectures, laboratories and weekend field trips are required.

L SC 213 WILDFLOWERS OF OHIO - 2 hrs
This course focuses on the identification of Ohio�s wildflowers. It also covers botanical terminology, wildflower ecology and economic utility, and places and habitats in which to find these plants. The course stresses a relationship approach.

L SC 214 TREES OF OHIO - 2 hrs
A study of Ohio�s trees, native and alien. The course covers identification, botanical processes, ecology, morphology, taxonomy, species location and economic utility. An ecological approach is utilized.

L SC 215 HISTOLOGY - 3 hrs (alt. yrs.)
Lecture and Laboratory
A course designed to study animal tissues as the structural components of organs and the site of life processes. Light microscopes are used.

L SC 225 PROBLEM BASED LEARNING IN INTRODUCTORY LIFE SCIENCE - 5 hrs
Lecture and Field Experience
From your K-12 and life experiences, you are already familiar with many of the basic concepts of life science. This course will review and build on this knowledge and help you develop skill in the analysis of data and use this analysis and scientific criteria to draw valid conclusions. Prereq: EDUC 160 or permission.

L SC 250 LIFE SCIENCE PRACTICUM - 2 hrs
The objective of this course is to examine current literature, use current equipment, and become familiar with current techniques in the life sciences. The course emphasizes the development of laboratory and/or field techniques using state of the art technology in the investigation of timely biological phenomena and/or principles. May be repeated for credit.

L SC 298 SOPHOMORE DEPARTMENTAL SEMINAR - 1 hr
Students will hear about the research interests of the departmental faculty and visit the department�s research laboratories. Faculty will demonstrate the types of equipment available in the department and students will develop an understanding of the scientific method. Guest speakers will discuss their research and students will critique presentation style.

L SC 301 MOLECULAR GENETICS - 5 hrs
Lecture and laboratory
A study of the modern synthesis of classical genetics and biochemistry. Topics include the molecular structure of genes and genomes, gene regulation in prokaryotes and eucaryotes, DNA mutation, repair and recombination, molecular evolution and genetic engineering in medicine and other applied fields. Laboratory emphasizes advanced techniques of DNA analysis including gene cloning and sequencing. Prereq: L SC 202 or permission.

L SC 302 FIELD BIOLOGY - 5 hrs (alt. yrs.)
Lecture and laboratory
A study of the land forms, plant life, and animals of central Ohio. Lecture, laboratory, field experience and independent study will be used to identify and examine the interactions between these elements. Prereq: L SC 202 or L SC 204 or E SC 205 or permission.

L SC 303 PLANT DIVERSITY AND MORPHOLOGY - 5 hrs (alt. yrs.)
Lecture and laboratory
This course covers the evolution and diversity of plants and plant-like organisms. Emphasis will be placed on the phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary origins of plants. Lecture and laboratory include detailed exploration of the classification, life cycles, and ecology of algae, mosses, ferns, gymnosperms, and angiosperms. Prereq: L SC 202 or L SC 204 or E SC 205 or permission.

L SC 304 MICROBIOLOGY - 5 hrs (alt. yrs.)
Lecture and laboratory
Microbiology explores the vast world of organisms usually invisible to the unaided eye. Topics include the biochemistry, morphology, metabolism, and genetics of bacteria, viruses, prions and other microbial life forms. In addition an examination of the dynamic impact of microbes on humans, the immune response and the role of microbes in the environment are also studied. Laboratory experience stresses techniques and methodology of identification, culturing, inhibition and destruction of microbes. These culminate in an investigative experience requiring identification of unknown microbes. Prereq: L SC 202 or L SC 204 or E SC 205 or permission. L SC 301 is recommended.

L SC 305 IMMUNOLOGY - 5 hrs (alt. yrs.)
Lecture and laboratory
A study focusing on the cellular and molecular bases of the immune response which also examines immunology from developmental, systemic and clinical perspectives. An overview of classical experiments of immunology is combined with examination of current areas of immunological research (through readings from the primary literature). The laboratory emphasizes basic immunological techniques and creative application of scientific method. Prereq: L SC 202 or permission. L SC 301 is recommended.

L SC 306 HUMAN GENETICS - 5 hrs (alt. yrs.)
Lecture and laboratory
An exploration of the molecular, transmission and population genetics of our own species. Topics include the genetics of human origins and evolution, behavior and intelligence, health and disease, and the new genetic and reproductive technologies. Social and ethical issues are also addressed. Laboratory includes karotyping, an analysis of human DNA sequence variation and field trips to laboratories applying human genetics in forensics, genetic counseling and research. Prereq: L SC 202 or permission. L SC 301 is recommended.

L SC 307 INVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY - 5 hrs (alt. yrs.)
Lecture and laboratory
A study of the major invertebrate phyla emphasizing taxonomy, identifying characteristics and ecology. The laboratory will be used to collect, identify, catalog and properly preserve representative specimens of the phyla examined. Prereq: L SC 202 or L SC 204 or E SC 205 or permission.

L SC 308 PLANT PHYSIOLOGY - 5 hrs (alt. yrs.)
Lecture and laboratory
This course addresses the vital biochemical and physiological processes of plants. Lecture and laboratory topics include plant metabolism/biochemistry, water relations and mineral nutrition, and plant growth and development. Prereq: L SC 202 or permission. L SC 301 is recommended.

L SC 309 VERTEBRATE MORPHOLOGY - 5 hrs (alt. yrs.)
Lecture and laboratory
The purpose of this course is to examine vertebrate structure and to develop an understanding of the ways in which these structures function within a living animal. Structural elements will be examined in the laboratory while lecture is devoted to an understanding of the function and the ontogenetic and phylogenetic development of the structures examined. Prereq: L SC 202 or permission.

L SC 311 ANIMAL SYSTEMS PHYSIOLOGY - 5 hrs (alt. yrs.)
Lecture and laboratory
An investigative study of physiological mechanisms in animal systems, with emphasis on the human. Prereq: L SC 202 or permission.

L SC 312 BASIC PATHOPHYSIOLOGY - 5 hrs
A one-quarter course comprising basic pathological processes and study of the clinical effects of pathology on the major body systems, with the aim of developing a working understanding of the structures and behavior of the human organism in health and disease. Prereq: L SC 108, 109, 206, and CHEM 220 or permission.

L SC 313 ECOLOGY - 5 hrs (alt. yrs.)
Lecture and laboratory
A study of the interrelationships between organisms and their physical environments. Topics include the flow of energy and matter within an ecosystem, community structure and function, and the characteristics of freshwater, terrestrial and marine environment. Field techniques and instrumentation are stressed. Prereq: L SC 202 or L SC 204 or E SC 205 or permission.

L SC 314 DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY - 5 hrs (alt. yrs.)
Lecture and laboratory
Developmental biology has been transformed in the last ten years as scientists have discovered the molecular mechanisms that allow a single cell to give rise to a complex multicellular organism. This field of study includes the morphogenetic phenomena of growth, differentiation, regeneration, metamorphosis and aging. The laboratory experience will use microscopic, genetic and molecular techniques to explore these topics. Prereq: L SC 202. For majors or permission. L SC 301 is recommended.

L SC 315 ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT/LAND USE PLANNING
Lecture and laboratory - 5 hrs (alt. yrs.)
A study of the skills needed, the techniques utilized, and the problems encountered as you develop a comprehensive land/resource management plan for a large natural area. Students will develop a complete master plan for a central Ohio park reservation including budget and staffing, public use facilities, wildlife management and interpretive programming. Prereq: L SC 202 or L SC 204 or E SC 205 or permission.

L SC 316 PLANT BIOLOGY - 5 hrs (alt. yrs.)
Lecture and laboratory
A broad-based plant science course detailing main themes in plant biology and research. Major topics to be covered include: angiosperm plant body, energy relations in plants, plant evolution and diversity, plant physiology, plant ecology, economic plant science and plant biotechnology. Laboratory activities emphasize anatomy, physiology and genetics of flowering plants. Prereq: L SC 202 or L SC 204 or E SC 205 or permission.

L SC 317 PLANT PATHOLOGY - 5 hrs (alt. yrs.) Lecture and Laboratory
An introductory course in plant pathology dealing with the nature, cause and control of plant disease. Emphasis will be given to diversity and life histories of plant pathogens, physiology and genetics of host resistance, and the control of plant disease through traditional methods and the use of biotechnology and molecular techniques. Laboratories will deal with techniques used in plant pathology, including fungal and bacterial isolation, identification and inoculation. Prereq: L SC 202 or permission. L SC 301 is recommended.

L SC 318 MICROBIAL PHYSIOLOGY - 5 hrs (alt. yrs.)
Lecture and Laboratory
The diversity of microorganisms is due to adaptations required for growth in different habitats including extremes in pH, temperature, and oxygen availability. This course is designed to explore how these organisms have adapted to thrive in these environments. Topics include bioenergetics, metabolic regulation, cell-cell signaling and response to environmental stresses. The laboratory experience will explore questions such as solute transport mechanisms and metabolic diversity for a variety of microbial organisms. Prereq: L SC 202 or permission.

L SC 319 CORAL REEF ECOLOGY - 5 hrs (alt. yrs.)
Lecture and Field Experience
A study of the physical and biological processes that shape coral reefs. Topics will include reef geology, diversity of marine organisms, and human impacts. The course will include a field trip to a coral reef environment and the completion of a research project. Prereq: LSC 202 or L SC 204 or E SC 205 or permission.

L SC 390 INDEPENDENT STUDY - 1-5 hrs
This course provides students with an opportunity to engage in independent research on a life science topic of their choice under the direction of a life science faculty member. Prereq: Permission of Instructor.

L SC 398 JUNIOR DEPARTMENTAL SEMINAR - 1 hr
Students will identify an advisor for their research project and develop a research proposal. Guest speakers will discuss their research and students will critique the style and content of the talks.

L SC 490 INTERNSHIP - 1-15 hrs
Cooperative internships in health and environmental science. The student is advised to apply to The Department of Life and Earth Sciences for prerequisites and guidelines at the initiation of the program and in no case should application be made later than one term prior to registration for an internship. Prereq: Permission

L SC 498 SENIOR DEPARTMENTAL SEMINAR - 1 hr
Students will examine ethical issues in the biological and geological sciences, present a seminar on their research project, and assess their preparation as scientists through an exit interview. Guest speakers will discuss their research and students will critique the science being presented.