Biology

W10 CSI: Calvin College . This course examines the science of personal identification especially the biological and technological bases for identification of people with emphasis on techniques used in medicolegal investigations. Discussions focus on the nature of individual-specific markers that are present in blood, saliva, semen, and hair. Laboratory exercises acquaint students with techniques used in crime laboratories for examining biological specimens and procedures for DNA analyses. The course includes outside speakers, lectures, laboratory exercises, and tours. Evaluation is based on two tests and a paper. D. DeHeer, A. Hoogewerf. 8:30 a.m. to noon.

W11 International Health. International health is the study of the many factors that contribute to health and disease worldwide. This course explores biological, environmental, and social aspects of health in Africa, Asia, and Latin America . Topics include infectious diseases (with a special focus on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria), nutrition, health and the environment (water, land use, biodiversity, etc.), and a discussion of the broader economic, political, and cultural factors that impact health. Learn how to stay healthy when living or traveling abroad and how to advocate for the health of people around the world. Evaluation is based on short writing assignments, a presentation, and an examination. K. Jacobsen . 8:30 a.m. to noon.

W60 Pathophysiology. Pathophysiology is the study of altered normal body function leading to a state of disease. This course presents the etiology, pathology, and prognosis of many human diseases. The structural and functional changes brought about by diseases of the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, hormonal, muscular, neural, renal, reproductive, and respiratory systems are covered using the classic organ system approach and case studies. Students are evaluated on the basis of tests, a research paper, and a class presentation. Prerequisite: Biology 206, 242, or 331. R. Nyhof.

W61 Exploring Medical Missions – Ecuador . Residents of the United States experience one of the most sophisticated healthcare systems in the world while most of the world struggles with considerably less. This course exposes students to some of the unique healthcare problems in a Third World country and permits students to be a part of the solution. Students are exposed to medical missions and are spiritually challenged to consider the option of medical missions. The course is taught with the cooperation of Dr. Bradley Quist, a Calvin graduate and physician with HCJB World Radio Missions, stationed at the Hospital Vozandes Oriente in Shell, Ecuador . While in Ecuador the course focuses on three areas: 1) medicine as practiced in hospitals and clinics in a large city ( Quito ), 2) medicine in an intermediate provincial center (Shell), and 3) medicine in remote areas in the jungles of the Amazon basin. Students are paired with American and national physicians and healthcare workers. Formal lectures, informal discussions, and onsite experiences constitute the bulk of the Interim. The course meets several times in the fall prior to the Interim session. Student evaluation is based on a required journal, a paper, and class participation. Knowledge of Spanish is helpful. Preference is given to students in a health-science program. This course will fulfill the Cross Cultural Engagement core requirement. Prerequisites: satisfactory completion of Biology 141 or its equivalent and permission of the instructor. Fee: $2655. P. Tigchelaar. Off campus.

W62 Electron Microscopy Techniques. This hands-on laboratory course introduces students to electron microscopy. Students concentrate on fixation, embedding, and ultramicrotome techniques for the preparation of specimens suitable to transmission electron microscopy. Students learn the proper use of both the Transmission Electron Microscope, darkroom techniques essential to photoelectron micrography, and the interpretation and analysis of electron micrographs. Course work includes a series of brief lectures, considerable hands-on experience, and an ultrastructure research project. Prerequisites: Biology 141, Chemistry 103 or 115, and permission of the instructor. J. Tatum. 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

W80 Biological Diversity Mechanisms & Human Responsibility. The earth is a dynamic system that has been changing since its inception. A major goal of this course is to help students understand how change occurs in living organisms by examining the basic principles of evolutionary biology. Topics include the age of the earth, population genetics, hybridization, speciation, and island biogeography. A second goal is to encourage students — from a Christian and scientific perspective — to critically assess the controversies that have accompanied the concept of biological evolution over time. Criticisms both from outside and within the scientific community are evaluated. A third goal is to consider the rich historical context of biological change, including more recent human-induced global changes in light of our stewardship responsibilities. This letter-graded course is taught with lectures, labs, discussions, and group work. Evaluation is based on two exams, a variety of assignments, and a group project. This course satisfies a 300-level biology credit. Prerequisites: Biology 141, 242, and 243 or permission of the instructor. R. Stearley , D. Warners. 8:30 a.m. to noon and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (W).

394 Perspectives in Biotechnology. Within a Reformed Christian framework, this course explores historical and philosophical perspectives pertaining to the science and practice of biotechnology. Students delve into the underlying assumptions of current biotechnology research as well as its social and ethical implications. Students survey governmental regulations affecting laboratory safety, biohazards, containment of genetically-modified organisms, and patenting. Lectures and group discussions facilitate critical analyses of recent research articles and other scholarly literature, culminating in each student writing a position paper that critiques a current issue in biotechnology. Prerequisite: senior status in the biotechnology program or permission of instructor. Note: This is a required course in the biotechnology program that also fulfills Integrative Studies core requirement. D. Koetje. 8:30 a.m. to noon.

IDIS-W15 Galapagos and Amazonia: Evolution's Diamonds or Ecuador 's Disney Islands ? C. Blankespoor, S. Vander Linde.

IDIS-W35 Humans, Zombies, and Consciousness. K. Corcoran and S. Matheson.