Natural Sciences Faculty:
Lois Bichler, Ph.D.
Karla Bier, Ph.D.
Tara Giblin, Ph.D.
Jeffrey Phillips, Ph.D.
The program in the natural sciences is designed to bring together
students with diverse backgrounds and provide them with a solid
foundation and the skills essential for successful professional
careers in the health and related sciences. This program is built
upon a cross-discipline approach involving explorations and experimentation
in biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics. It provides excellent
preparation for women pursuing postgraduate training for medical
and dental schools, veterinary schools, occupational and physical
therapy programs, and graduate school.
The curriculum is designed to introduce students to various disciplines
within the sciences by focusing on principles, methods of experimentation,
and critical-thinking skills. Our curriculum engages students in
collaborative and investigative activities with faculty to develop
research and critical-thinking skills, and to learn principles and
theories within scientific disciplines concurrently, by working
on complex real-world problems. We foster higher-order thinking
skills, leadership skills and intellectual maturity. Starting with
their first year in the program, students are engaged in conducting
their own research projects, interpreting data and presenting their
results. All students learn the most advanced computer techniques
for presenting scientific information and the results of their research.
The culmination of the natural science experience is the completion
of an internship and senior project in the student's field of interest.
Internships provide students with firsthand experience in a wide
variety of areas including human and veterinary medicine, research
in medicine, chemistry, behavior, commercial laboratory experiences,
and government policy. Our internship program grants students a
competitive advantage over others in their postgraduate careers.
For many, these internships have created important postgraduate
opportunities for jobs, graduate schools and professional schools.
Internships are generally available locally at medical and veterinary
hospitals and clinics, physical and occupational therapists, and
midwives. Some students prefer to do internships in the summer close
to home or at other nationally recognized institutions providing
grants and funding for student research. The senior project is a
synthesis of the student's four years at Stephens. Students are
provided a problem in their field of interest, and they must provide
an in-depth research paper to solve the problem and present their
findings to their peers.
Academic partnerships include a three-year/two-year program with
Washington University in St. Louis, MO in Occupational Therapy (OT)
where a student earns a Bachelor of Arts degree from Stephens College
and a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from Washington University.
Two academic articulation agreements currently exist with Chatham
College, PA. One is a three-year/two-year program in Physician Assistant
Studies. The other is a Doctor of Physical Therapy Program in which
a Stephens College student must graduate from Stephens College prior
to entry.
Students are actively involved in collaborative research with faculty
in the Department of Natural Sciences. The faculty maintains academic
excellence by publishing papers (often with student co-authors),
writing research grant proposals, attending professional meetings
and soliciting seminars from outside professionals and colleagues.
Well-equipped facilities for research exist in chemistry, microbiology,
and molecular biology. Additional research facilities include the
Johnson Plant Science Laboratory/Greenhouse for botanical research
and the Reis Biological Station in the Missouri Ozark Mountains
for behavioral, ecological and environmental research.
Stephens offers a Bachelor of Arts in Biology, and a Bachelor
of Science in Biology.
Requirements for the B.A. Major in Biology
The bachelor of arts major in biology requires completion of liberal arts requirements and a minimum of 51 semester hours in the major. A grade of C- or better must be earned in all required natural science courses (BIO,CHM,NSC,PHY) to graduate.
This major, Bachelor of Arts in Biology, may be modified to meet all the requirements for our agreements with Washington University Occupational Therapy program, and for the Physicians Assistant Studies Program at Chatham College by following the course outline below.
Required Courses (32 semester
hours)
BIO153: Research Methods (3 )
BIO181: Investigations in Biological Concepts I (4)
BIO182: Investigations in Biological Concepts II (4)
BIO496: Research/Clinical Internship (3)
BIO497: Senior Project (3)
CHM111: Gen College Chemistry I (4)
CHM112: Gen College Chemistry II (4)
MAT207: Statistics (3)
PHY211: Physics I (4)
and
BA four year Biology degree (Stephens College only) (17-19 semester hrs.)
Six to eight hours from the 200 level category (6-8)
Eleven hours from the 300 level category. (11)
or
3:2 Masters in Physician Assistant Studies (Chatham College, PA) (27 semester hrs.)
BIO290:Genetics (3)
BIO311:Microbiology (5)
BIO343:Human Anatomy (5)
BIO349:Human Physiology (4)
CHM341: Organic Chemistry I (4)
CHS114:The Child: Life Span/Cross-Cultural Perspective (3)
PSY111:Introduction to Psychology (3)
or
3:2 Master in Occupational Therapy (Washington University, MO) (18 semester hrs.)
BIO343:Human Anatomy (5)
BIO349:Human Physiology (4)
CHS114: The Child: Life Span/Cross-Cultural Perspective (3)
PSY111: Introduction to Psychology (3)
PSY320:
Abnormal Psychology (3)
and
Must be able to show competency in the following:
CIS206:Computer Information Systems
BIO195: Medical Terminology
or
Doctoral program in Physical Therapy (Chatham College, PA)
To be eligible to enter this program your degree program must include:
CHS114: The Child: Life Span/Cross-Cultural Perspective (3)
BIO343: Human Anatomy (5)
BIO349: Human Physiology (4)
Requirements for the B.S. Major in Biology
The bachelor of science major in biology requires completion of liberal arts requirements and 36 semester hours of required courses, plus 28-31 semester hours of electives in the natural sciences (BIO, CHM, NSC, PHY), including 18 at or above the 300 level. A grade of C- or better must be earned in required natural science courses (BIO, CHM, NSC, PHY) to graduate. All pre-professional studies (pre-med, pre-vet, pre-dental, etc.) are strongly advised to complete the chemistry sequence through organic chemistry (CHM432) even though it is not a requirement of the major. A student wishing to earn a B.S. degree in Biology and proceed to Chathams Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy, must include CHS114, BIO343 and BIO349.
Required Courses
BIO 153: Research Methods in Biology (3 hrs.)
BIO 181: Investigations in Biological Concepts I (4 hrs.)BIO 182: Investigations in Biological Concepts II (4 hrs.)
BIO 496: Research/Clinical Internship (3 hrs.)
BIO 497: Senior Project (3 hrs.)
CHM 111: General College Chemistry I (4 hrs.)CHM 112: General College Chemistry II (4 hrs.)
MAT 207: Statistics (3 hrs.) orMAT 211: Calculus and Analytical Geometry I (3 hrs.)
PHY 211: College Physics I (4 hrs.)PHY 212: College Physics II (4 hrs.)
10 hours from the following cluster:
BIO 200: Introduction to Crime Scene Analysis (3 hrs.)BIO 231: Botany (4 hrs.)
BIO 283: Invertebrate Zoology (4 hrs.)
BIO 284: Vertebrate Zoology (4 hrs.)
BIO 290: Genetics (4 hrs.)
BIO 292: Cell Biology (3 hrs.)
NSC 211: Earth and Environmental Science (3 hrs.)
18 hours from the following cluster:
BIO 311: Microbiology (5 hrs.)
BIO 315: Immunology (3 hrs.)
BIO 343: Human Anatomy (5 hrs.)
BIO 349: Human Physiology (4 hrs.)
BIO 370: Evolutionary Biology (4 hrs.)
BIO 377: Molecular Biology Techniques (2 hrs.)
BIO 382: Ecology (4 hrs.)
BIO 410: Biochemistry (3 hrs.)NSC 333: Practicum (with lab) (1-3 hrs.)
Requirements for Natural Sciences Minors
A natural sciences minor requires completion of BIO 181, 182, 153, and at least 6 additional hours in the natural sciences (BIO, CHM, NSC, PHY) at or above the 300 level.
Requirements for Chemistry Minors
A chemistry minor, for a biology major, requires the completion of CHM 341–CHM342 and at least two of the following electives: CHM 345, CHM 410/BIO 410, and CHM 496. This is in addition to the chemistry courses required within the biology major. For non-biology majors wishing to earn a chemistry minor, the minor requires completion of CHM111–112, CHM 341–342, plus one of the following electives: CHM 345 or CHM 410/BIO 410. A chemistry minor is strongly recommended for all students considering graduate school or professional programs.
Natural
Sciences Courses
NSC 115: Introduction to Physical Science
(3 hrs.)
(Open to all students)
Liberal arts class for non-science majors and education majors.
Introductory physical science with complementary laboratory experiences
covering the mechanics of motion, including Newton's law of motion,
gravity, work and energy, simple machines, chemistry, thermodynamics,
magnetism, electricity and astronomy. Includes scholarship by and
about women and ethnic minorities. Writing intensive.
NSC 211: Earth and Environmental Science
(3 hrs.)
(Open to all students; lab fee charged)
An overview of scientific principles relating to the study of the
environment. Provides a basic understanding of the process of science,
the physical and chemical properties of the earth and its various
environments, and the ecological principles associated with understanding
the way organisms, including humans, interact and impact the environment.
Includes scholarship by and about women and ethnic minorities. Writing
intensive.
NSC 280: Topics in Natural Science
(3 hrs.)
Topics courses are devoted to special subjects that may not be covered
in depth in other courses.
NSC 333: Practicum (with lab)
(1-3 hrs.)
(May be repeated for credit)
(Prerequisites: BIO 182 and permission of instructor; junior and
senior standing preferred)
Practical work experiences related directly to courses and/or program
operations in the natural sciences, supervised by an instructor
of the student's choice.
NSC 365: Women, Science and Society
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: junior or senior standing or permission of instructor;
cross-listed as WST 365)
This course will broaden the student's understanding of the far-reaching
impact that feminist analysis has had on all fields of knowledge,
including the field of science. Students will learn that contemporary
women in science are changing the way people think about science
and practice it. Students in the course will benefit from exposure
to cross-cultural analysis of science and some of the ways people
from various cultures understand the human relationship to the world.
NSC 380: Advanced Topics in Natural Science
(3 hrs.)
Topics courses are devoted to special subjects that may not be covered
in depth in other courses.
Biology Courses
BIO 111: Biological Concepts (with lab)
(3 hrs.)
(Open to all students)
An introduction to the science of biology. The following biological
topics may be addressed: biology as a science, the scientific method,
basic biochemistry, organ systems, ecology and human biology. Laboratory
exercises are designed to illustrate and clarify concepts presented
in lecture. Includes scholarship by and about women and ethnic minorities.
BIO 121: Introduction to Horticulture
(3 hrs.)
(Open to all students. Lab fee charged.) Writing Intensive
A lab oriented study of factors affecting plant growth and care.
Equal time will be given to indoor and outdoor plants and the latter
will include flower and vegetable gardens and landscape design.
Topics covered include light requirements, pest control, organic
gardening and the use of native plants.
BIO 153: Research Methods in Biology
(3 hrs.)
This course will introduce important research and writing skills
for biological science majors. Content includes methods for searching
and evaluating primary research literature, writing science specific
materials and analyzing graphical data. In addition, students will
be introduced to effective experimental design, statistical analysis,
and oral presentation techniques. Use of a computer is required.
This course is writing intensive.
BIO 181: Investigations in Biological Concepts I (with lab)
(4 hrs.)
(Lab fee charged)
This course integrates the ideas and disciplines of biochemistry,
cell biology and genetics. Important topics include basic biochemistry,
cell structure, metabolic activity, molecular genetics and Mendelian
inheritance. Considerable emphasis is placed on the process of scientific
investigation. The laboratory emphasizes proper lab technique, the
process of science and investigation into cellular and genetic processes.
Includes scholarship by and about women and ethnic minorities. Writing
intensive.
BIO 182: Investigations in Biological Concepts II (with lab)
(4 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: BIO 111, BIO 181 or permission of instructor; lab
fee charged)
A continuation of BIO 181. This course emphasizes the philosophy
of science, evolution, diversity, systematics and ecology. The course
emphasizes the mechanisms of evolution, evolutionary history, surveys
of organismal diversity and adaptation, ecology, and the relationship
between ecology and evolution. Students prepare one major diversity
and adaptation presentation and perform one major ecological experiment.
BIO 200: Introduction
to Crime Scene Analysis
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: Open to all students with 2 years of high school
science)
The course will introduce a number of specialized fields in forensic
science. Through the analysis of hair, fluid samples, DNA
evidence, drugs and alcohol, we will learn basic principles of biology
and chemistry and how they can be applied to solve crimes.
BIO 231: Botany (with lab)
(4 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: BIO 182 or permission of instructor; lab fee charged)
Botany will emphasize the evolution, ecology, anatomy, physiology
and taxonomy of extant and extinct plants. The laboratory emphasizes
plant anatomy, systematics and evolutionary history. There is a
field component to the lab and field collections are required. Herbarium
specimens, local plants and greenhouse material will be used to
study plant taxonomy. Writing intensive. Offered periodically.
BIO 280: Topics in Biology
(3 hrs.)
Topics courses are devoted to special subjects that may not be covered
in depth in other courses.
BIO 283: Invertebrate Zoology (with lab)
(4 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: BIO 182 or permission of instructor; lab fee charged)
An introduction to the systematic study of the invertebrates. Using
a taxonomic approach, this course will emphasize the structures,
physiology, life history and evolution of invertebrates. The lab
portion of this course will present students with living and preserved
examples of animals for each phyla and will emphasize characteristics
that distinguish various groups.
BIO 284: Vertebrate Zoology (with lab)
(4 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: BIO 182 or permission of instructor; lab fee charged)
A survey of the anatomy, physiology, zoogeography, evolution and
ecology of vertebrate animals. In a mixed laboratory, discussion,
and presentation format, students will investigate the major evolutionary
changes that have occurred in fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds
and mammals.
BIO 290: Genetics (with lab)
(4 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: BIO 182 or permission of instructor; lab fee charged)
An examination of the transmission, structure and function of genetic
material in plants and animals. Course content progresses from classical
Mendelian genetics, including the chromosome theory of inheritance,
structure and replication, organization and regulation of genetic
information of bacterial, eukaryotic and viral genes, to current
topics and techniques in molecular biology. Writing intensive.
BIO 292: Cell Biology
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: BIO 182 or permission of instructor)
A study of the cell as the unit of structure and function of living
things. The molecular, metabolic and ultrastructural systems emphasized
together with bioenergetics, communication, heredity and gene expression.
BIO 311: Microbiology (with lab)
(5 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: BIO 182, BIO 292, or permission of instructor; lab
fee charged)
The study of the morphology, physiology, genetics and ecology of
important microorganisms of human health and disease, and of environmental
concern. Emphasis on bacteria and viruses. Writing intensive.
BIO 315: Immunology
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: BIO 311 or permission of instructor)
An advanced introductory course in a rapidly advancing field, using
experimental design as a tool to elucidate immunological principles.
Includes (1) an introduction to the cells and tissues of the immune
system; (2) the molecular mechanisms used by the immune system to
recognize antigens and the process of activation of the immune system
that results from antigen recognition; (3) a description of the
means by which the stimulated immune system eliminates foreign molecules,
cells and organisms; and (4) an examination of clinical problems
that are primarily immunologic. Writing intensive. Offered periodically.
BIO 343: Human Anatomy (with lab)
(5 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: BIO 182 or permission of instructor; lab fee charged)
An advanced course in anatomy. Examines the organization of the
human body, human embryology, gross and microscopic anatomy of tissues
and organ systems and pathology, diseases and developmental abnormalities
of the human body. Instruction includes the use of prepared slides,
actual mammalian dissections and computer-based human dissection.
BIO 349: Human Physiology (with lab)
(4 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: BIO 182 or permission of instructor; lab fee charged)
An advanced course in human physiology. Examines the function of
the human body, including basic cellular processes, regulation and
homeostasis of the body, control of body movement, cardiovascular
and respiratory physiology, metabolism, reproduction, development,
aging and pathology. Instruction will include laboratory experiments
and computer-based simulations.
BIO 370: Evolutionary Biology (with lab)
(4 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: BIO 290 or BIO 182 with permission of instructor;
lab fee charged)
Evolutionary biology will emphasize the following topics: the synthesis
of evolutionary theory and genetics, population genetics, molecular
evolution, mechanisms of evolution, speciation, phylogeny reconstruction
and evolutionary history. The laboratory will involve computer simulations,
phylogeny reconstruction, readings and a selection experiment. Writing
intensive.
BIO 377: Molecular Biology Techniques
(2 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: BIO 292 or permission of instructor)
This course will focus on examination of current molecular biology
research techniques. The class will be laboratory based and writing
intensive. Special emphasis will be placed on methodology and application
of specific molecular techniques and essays commonly used in research
and clinical environments. Additionally, this course will serve
to develop critical analysis skills of current research and provide
opportunity to expand in scientific writing, presentation and discussion.
Writing intensive.
BIO 380 Topics in Biology
(3 hrs.)
Topics courses are devoted to special subjects that may not be covered
in depth in other courses.
BIO 382: Ecology (with lab)
(4 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: BIO 182 or permission of instructor; lab fee charged)
Study of interactions between organisms and their physical, chemical
and biological environment. Students analyze the regulatory and
evolutionary factors that affect organisms at the population, community
and ecosystem level. The laboratory component emphasizes an experimental
approach to understanding ecological interactions and develops skills
useful for ecological or environmental research. Writing intensive.
BIO 410: Biochemistry
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: BIO 182, CHM 341; crosslisted as CHM 410)
This course blends complex biological and chemical concepts. Advanced
problem-solving skills are used to investigate amino acids/proteins,
enzymes, protein purification, nucleic acids, flow of genetic information,
analysis and cloning of genes, membranes, carbohydrates, and metabolic
pathways. Offered periodically.
BIO 496: Research/Clinical Internship
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: permission of instructor)
Provides opportunities for select junior and senior science majors
to participate in a research program in biology under the supervision
of a full-time professional scientific investigator in industry
or shadow professionals in the student's chosen occupational field.
Interns become familiar with all aspects of the research project,
including the design, carrying out the research plan and analyzing
and reporting the research results. Interns have opportunities to
present papers at the Missouri Academy of Science and the Tri-Beta
Biological Society meetings. Graded on Pass/Fail basis.
BIO 497: Senior Project
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: senior standing or permission of instructor)
This course assesses the ability of graduating students to assimilate
diverse biological information into a meaningful synthesis. Course
projects will be tailored to the interests and training of the student.
Students work independently during the semester to develop written
and oral syntheses of scientific literature to be presented in an
open seminar at the end of the semester. Writing intensive.
Chemistry Courses
CHM 111: General College Chemistry I (with
lab)
(4 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: two years of high school algebra or concurrent enrollment
in MAT 111: College Algebra; approved eye protection required; lab
fee charged)
First semester of the sequence covering the fundamental principles
of chemistry. Topics include matter, chemical compounds and reactions,
stoichiometry, thermodynamics, atomic structure, bonding and molecular
geometry. Also emphasized are the accomplishments and contributions
of women within the chemical sciences. The laboratory introduces
students to basic skills and techniques.
CHM 112: General College Chemistry II (with lab)
(4 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: CHM 111; approved eye protection required; lab fee
charged)
Second semester of the sequence covering the fundamental principles
of chemistry. Topics include chemical kinetics and equilibrium,
properties of gases, liquids, solids and solutions, acid-base chemistry,
electrochemistry and nuclear chemistry.
CHM 280: Topics in Chemistry
(3 hrs.)
Topics courses are devoted to special subjects that may not be covered
in depth in other courses.
CHM 341: Organic Chemistry I (with lab)
(4 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: CHM 112; approved eye protection required; lab fee
charged)
First semester of the sequence covering the chemistry of carbon-containing
compounds. Topics include orbitals and bonding, the nomenclature
and physical properties of functional groups, conformations and
stereochemistry, substitution and elimination reactions at sp3-hybridized
carbon, additional reactions to carbon-carbon multiple bonds and
spectroscopy. The laboratory introduces basic skills and techniques.
CHM 342: Organic Chemistry II (with lab)
(4 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: CHM 341; approved eye protection required; lab fee
charged)
Second semester of the sequence covering the chemistry of carbon-containing
compounds. Topics include spectroscopy, addition and substitution
reactions at the carbonyl group, enolates, aromatic compounds, radicals
and pericyclic reactions. Studies in biochemical compounds such
as amino acids, peptides and proteins may be included. Laboratory
will focus on the investigations of important organic reactions.
CHM 345: Quantitative Instrumental Analysis
(4 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: CHM112)
This quantitative analysis courses the principles of instrumental
analysis. Instruments such as gas chromatograph (GC), ultraviolet/visible
spectrometer (UV/Vis) fourier transfom spectrometer (FTIR) and high
performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) will be utilized. The complimentary
laboratory experience allows hands-on experience conducting quantitative
analysis. Students will learn calibration techniques and method
development. The laboratory will also include an individualized
research component.
CHM 380: Advanced Topics in Chemistry
(3 hrs.)
Topics courses are devoted to special subjects that may not be covered
in depth in other courses.
CHM 410: Biochemistry
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: BIO 182, CHM 341. Cross- listed as BIO 410)
This course blends complex biological and chemical concepts. Advanced
problem-solving skills are used to investigate amino acids/proteins,
enzymes, protein purification, nucleic acids, flow of genetic information,
analysis and cloning of genes, membranes, carbohydrates and metabolic
pathways. Offered periodically.
CHM 496: Research Internship
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: permission of instructor)
Select junior and senior science majors are able to participate
in a research project in chemistry under the supervision of a professional
scientific investigator. Interns become familiar with all aspects
of the research process, including project design, planning, experimentation,
analysis and presentation. Opportunities to present data and results
at meetings of professional societies, such as the American Chemical
Society, are available.
Physics Courses
PHY 211: College Physics I (with lab)
(4 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: MAT 111 or MAT 211 or the equivalent, or permission
of instructor; lab fee charged)
Topics include statics, kinematics, dynamics, oscillations, work,
energy, gravitation, thermodynamics and sound. Includes scholarship
by and about women and ethnic minorities.
PHY 212: College Physics II (with lab)
(4 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: PHY 211 or permission of instructor; lab fee charged)
Continuation of PHY 211. Includes electricity and magnetism, optics,
matter, waves and particles.
