Summer 2024 Courses

Upper-Division and Graduate Courses

Upper-division and graduate courses are offered in two blocks. Block A courses run concurrently and typically meet the first half of each week; Block B courses run concurrently and typically meet the last half of each week. Thus, students may register for only one course in each block.

BLOCK A

You may take ONE of these Block A courses

• Marine Phycology (BIOL 463):
  • Course description: A systematic survey of marine algae, covering the principles of their classification, natural history, ecology, physiology, and practical use.
  • Course Instructor:  Rob Fitch, MS (Wenatchee Valley College)
  • Credits: 5
• Neuroanatomy (BIOL 400):
  • Course description: Studies the basic structures and functions of all aspects of the human central and peripheral nervous systems. Also undertakes the study of the specific sensory and motor pathways of the central and peripheral nervous systems and provides an opportunity to examine a more detailed look of each of the twelve cranial nerves. The laboratory component is a systematic dissection of human cadaveric brains with organization of the lab topics correlating with the progression of the lecture objectives.
  • Course Instructor: John Banks, PhD (Loma Linda University)
  • Credits: 5
• Scientific Diving (SCDI 400):
  • Course description: This course meets the training and performance standards for scientific divers as prescribed by the American Academy of Underwater Sciences. Course includes safety training, underwater and surface search and rescue, emergency management, basic and advanced underwater scientific methodology, and small boat operations. Activities will occur in classroom, confined water, and open water settings. Will apply to marine biology or biology major electives. PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR ONLY
  • Course Instructor: Jim Nestler, PhD (Walla Walla University)
  • Credits: 5

BLOCK B

You may take ONE of these Block B courses:

• Marine  Biology (BIOL 403):
  • Course description: An integrated approach to understanding the marine environment primarily from an ecological perspective. Included are principles of basic oceanography, plankton biology, deep-sea biology, and shallow-water marine communities.
  • Course Instructor: Dave Cowles, PhD (Walla Walla University)
  • Credits: 5
• Animal Behavior (BIOL 400):
  • Course description: Studies the behavior of animals with a focus on both proximate causes (mechanisms) and ultimate causes (survival strategies) of behavior. Special importance is placed on understanding techniques of experimental study and hypothesis testing. Topics covered include genetic, developmental, and physiological bases of behavior; instinct and learning; communication; habitat selection; feeding, anti-predatory, reproductive, and parenting strategies; mating systems, social behavior and human sociobiology.
  • Course Instructor: David Nelsen, PhD (Southern Adventist University)
  • Credits: 5

Upper-division students are required to take two courses during their first upper-division summer at Rosario.  A scholarship is available for WWU biology majors taking upper-division classes at Rosario. During subsequent summers upper-division students may take one course, provided they are actively participating in an academic activity (such as research or internship) during their non-course time; documentation of specific plans for the academic activity is required prior to acceptance.  Graduate students may take zero or one course during the summer, provided they are actively participating in an academic activity (such as research or internship) during their non-course time; documentation of specific plans for the academic activity is required prior to acceptance.