University Bulletin
Undergraduate Degree Programs
BIOL 240W
(GN)
Biology: Function and Development of Organisms (4) A study of development and physiological processes at the organismic level. (BIOL 220W, 230W, and 240W each carry only 1 credit of "writing"; all three courses must be taken to meet the writing requirement.)
BIOL 240W Biology: Function and Development of Organisms (4)
(GN)
(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.
This course provides an understanding of the major unifying principles as they apply to the study of the development and physiological mechanisms utilized by organisms from both animals and plants. In lecture a comparative approach will be taken in the examination of reproduction, development, and physiology primarily at the organismal level. In laboratory, experimental, investigations of both animal and plant systems will reinforce the concepts covered in lecture. Through the lab, students are expected to become proficient in the interpretation and presentation of experimental results through written and oral reports. Taken together with the other core courses in the biology curriculum (Biology 110, Biology 22OW, Biology 23OW), Biology 24OW will help students to integrate concepts ranging from molecular and cellular events through principles governing entire populations and ecosystems. Further, Biology 24OW provides the foundation on which students further their study of animal physiology and development - two of the largest options in the biology majors curriculum. Through this class, and the other core course, students will develop skills integral to the General Education mission. Biology 24OW serves from a number of majors and colleges and typically enrolls ca. 500 students at University Park and an equal number at campuses throughout the Penn State system. Given the large size of the class, the facilities requirements are substantial. Currently room 100 Thomas is used for lectures, and provides an excellent opportunity to incorporate multimedia presentations in a relatively intimate format. The laboratory portion of the course requires several fully equipped laboratory rooms, as well as classrooms for recitation meetings. For this purpose, two wet lab rooms in Muller Lab (105 and 108) are designated and are shared with another core course offered currently. Finally, a designated preparatory facility (room 107 Mueller) is used exclusively in the core courses.
Note : Class size, frequency of offering, and evaluation methods will vary by location and instructor. For these details check the specific course syllabus.