Courses of Study - William Jewell College

Courses of Study –
The Oxbridge Honors Program
cialty. Normally, students in a performance, conducting
or composition specialty will research
supportive material while preparing for a fulllength
senior recital or the equivalent, while
those students in a music history or church
music specialty will research material leading to
the writing of an undergraduate thesis in the specialty
area.
OXM 495. Synthesis. 8 (4) cr. hrs.
Tutors: Staff
This tutorial is designed as the capstone course in
the Oxbridge music program. Its primary goal is
to help the student relate and consolidate the
areas of music theory, history, literature and performance.
In addition to synthesizing the material
presented in the tutorials, it will also serve as a
program of preparation for the comprehensive
examinations in the program.
Tutorials for the Oxbridge
Major in Science
Daniel Heruth, Monte Harmon Professor and
Chair of Biology, Coordinator of the major
OXS 100, 200. Cell and Molecular Biology: An
Introduction. 4 (2) cr. hrs.
Tutor: Daniel Heruth, Monte Harmon Professor
and Chair of Biology
An introduction to the study of the molecular
biology of the cell, this tutorial will include a brief
history of cell and molecular biology, an introduction
to the microscope, a comparison of prokaryotic
and eukaryotic cells and an in-depth study of
cellular evolution. Labs included are designed to
give lab and analytical skills and to illustrate the
topics being studied. The tutorial assumes a
knowledge of first year college level chemistry.
OXS 211. Evolution. 4 (2) cr. hrs.
Tutor: Paul Klawinski, Associate Professor of Biology
An introduction to the theory of evolution, which
is the basis for our understanding of biology.
Each student will explore some of the literature
that has led to our current understanding of evolution.
Darwin’s essay “The Origin of Species”
will be referred to throughout the semester to
compare with more contemporary thoughts on
biogeography, selection, and the rate at which
evolution occurs. Other topics to be explore are:
Hardy-Weinburg equilibrium, adaptive radiation,
species and speciation, and co-evolution.
Students will define an evolutionary problem to
explore through the semester with a research proposal
and present the results of that investigation
in the form of a written lab report.
OXS 245. Bioinformatics. 4 (2) cr. hrs.
Tutor: Daniel Heruth, Monte Harmon Professor
and Chair of Biology
A detailed study of the principles of bioinformatics
and functional genomics. Students will explore the
methods for acquisition of sequence data and the
algorithms used to analyze the data. Special
emphasis will be given to understanding how
bioinformatics and functional genomics can be
used to elucidate the mechanisms of evolution and
molecular genetics. Primary and secondary literature
sources, assigned essays, computer analysis,
and a laboratory research project will be used to
facilitate the students’ learning experience.
OXS 250. Genes. 4 (2) cr. hrs.
Tutor: Daniel Heruth, Monte Harmon Professor
and Chair of Biology
A comprehensive, in-depth study of the structure
and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genes
through the use of textual material, primary and
secondary sources and problem sets. The laboratory
component exposes the student to molecular
cloning techniques. A working knowledge of
Mendelian genetics is a prerequisite.
OXS 281. Research Methodology I. 1 cr. hr.
OXS 282. Research Methodology II. 1 cr. hr.
Tutor: Staff
Students work on an independent laboratory
project under the mentorship of an Oxbridge
Science tutor in order to master laboratory techniques
needed for their senior research project.
At the end of the semester they will write a lab
report in standard scientific paper format.
OXS 330, 430. Molecular Biology of the Cell:
Cellular Membranes. 4 (2) cr. hrs.
Tutor: Tara Allen, Associate Professor of Biology
The student will probe the nature of cellular
membranes. This will include intensive studies of
structures and the functions those structures support.
The student will do extensive reading about
and write weekly essays on several cellular mem-
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