- BIO 105 The Process of Biology (3 crs)
(meets the first core science requirement).
An introduction to biology as a way of knowing and communicating
about living systems.The themes are how living systems
process energy and information, ecologically relate to their environments
and evolve over time.The goal of this course is for the
student to gain an increased level of proficiency in scientific literacy;
including theory application, evaluating evidence and manipulating
concepts.
BIO 107 Evolutionary and Ecological Biology: The Dynamic Environment (3 crs)
An exploration of how living things relate to each other in both
space (ecology) and time (evolution). Included is an overview of
the history and diversity of life on earth, an examination of representatives
of various taxonomic groups as well as a study of taxonomy
itself. (BIO 107, 108 and 109 are required for Biology majors,
and may be completed in any order.)
BIO 108 The Form & Function of Biological Organisms (3 crs)
An overview of the anatomy and physiology of plants and animals,
with an emphasis on human structures.The inter-relationships of
the heirarchical levels of biological organization will be discussed.
(BIO 107, 108 and 109 are required for Biology majors, and may be
completed in any order.)
BIO 109 Cells and Chromosomes (3 crs)
An exploration of variations on the themes of biology at the cellular
level, including subcellular architecture and ultrastructure;
metabolism; molecular biology; cell signaling; cellular reproduction;
and an introduction into the concepts of genetics and development.
Since this course will involve the examination of living systems
at the molecular level, this course should only be taken after
students have had at least one semester of college-level chemistry.
Prerequisite: one semester of college-level chemistry. (Students
should have had a successful experience in chemistry at the college
level prior to taking BIO 109. BIO 107, 108 and 109 are required for
Biology majors, and may be completed in any order.)
BIO 110 Biology of Reproduction (3 crs)
Reproduction is an impelling force in all biological organisms.This
course investigates the processes and strategies of propagation, with
major emphases on its evolution and meaning in the human race.
BIO 121 The Methods of Biology (1 cr)
(Should be taken by all biology majors in conjunction with BIO 107, 108 or 109)
This fall semester lab is meant to accompany the general biology
lectures.The lab is designed to provide intensive training in laboratory
techniques that are involved in cell biology. Laboratory exercises
include microscopy, genetics, enzymology, biological chemistry and
animal behavior. Students will also gain experience in developing
critical thinking skills, scientific writing, computer applications and
statistical analysis of data.
BIO 122 General Biology II Laboratory (1 cr)
(Should be taken by all biology majors in conjunction with BIO 107, 108
or 109)
This is the spring semester lab that is meant to accompany biology
lectures.Topics include numerous dissections, taxonomic identifications,
a systematic survey of the five kingdoms and ecological studies.
BIO 127 Anatomy Lab (1 cr)
This lab features dissection of the organ systems of the cat, with
supporting dissections of some other animal organs, including the
heart, brain and kidney. Structures of the organs and systems will
be correlated with human structures. Corequisite: BIO 128.
BIO 128 Human Anatomy and Physiology I (3 crs)
The first course in a two course sequence that examines the
anatomy and physiology of the human body.This course begins
with the study of the levels of structural organization and
proceeds with an in-depth study of the integumentary,
musculoskeletal, nervous and endocrine systems.
BIO 129 Human Anatomy and Physiology II (3 crs)
This is the second course in a two-course sequence that examines
the anatomy and physiology of the human body.This course
provides an in-depth study of the cardiovascular, respiratory,
digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Prerequisite: BIO 128
BIO 205 Ecology (3 crs)
Ecology is an introduction to biological organization at the
population, community, and ecosystem level.This course explores
the interrelatedness of the biological, chemical, and physical world.
Topics include experimental design, mathematical modeling, climate,
water balance, energy flow, nutrient cycling, adaptation, community
succession, and symbiosis. Prerequisite: any other biology course.
BIO 221 Ecology Laboratory (1 cr)
Ecology Laboratory involves the practice of designing field
experiments for measuring plant and animal communities. In this
course students will compile databases, conduct statistical analyses,
and present the results of field experiments in both written and
oral formats. Field trips and field work are required. Corequisite:
BIO 205. Prerequisite:Any other biology course.
BIO 210 Genetics (3 crs)
A thorough familiarization with the principles of classical genetics
of representative organisms in all kingdoms, with special emphasis
on humans.The function of genes in developmental systems is
emphasized. Special topics include consideration of ethical issues.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of a core course in mathematics
and any other biology course.
BIO 222 Genetics Laboratory (1 cr)
A hands-on, practical series of experiments and computer
simulations in the analysis of heredity.
BIO 234 (CLS 234) Pathophysiology (3 crs)
A survey of the disease processes which affect the tissues, organs
or the body as a whole. Special emphasis is placed on infectious
diseases, their causes, prevention and treatment.
Prerequisites: BIO 128 and BIO 129.
BIO 242 Cardiopulmonary Physiology (3 crs)
Advanced physiology of the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems.
Topics include connective tissues of the heart, ECG interpretation,
blood pressure regulation, gas exchange and transport, breathing
regulation, respiratory insufficiency and congenital abnormalities.
Prerequisites: BIO 128 and BIO 129.
BIO 320 Vertebrate Biology (3 crs)
An in-depth study of the comparative anatomy and systematic
physiology of the vertebrate organisms, with emphasis on
evolutionary relatedness. Prerequisite:Any 200-level biology course.
BIO 321 Vertebrate Biology Laboratory (1 cr)
Experimental, observational and comparative studies of the structure
and function of organ systems in vertebrates. Corequisite: BIO 320.
BIO 330 Developmental Biology (3 crs)
A detailed study of the mechanisms of development, from
gametogenesis through organogenesis, with particular emphasis on
gene action, induction, cell movements, adhesion and pattern
development. Special topics include regeneration and cancer.
Prerequisite:Any 200-level biology course.
BIO 331 Developmental Biology Laboratory (1 cr)
Experimental study and embryology of the principles of
development in selected invertebrates, amphibians, avians and
mammals. Corequisite: BIO 320.
BIO 340 Cellular and Molecular Biology (3 crs)
A detailed exploration of the physical and chemical processes and
the ultrastructure underlying the functional activities of cells;
aspects of molecular biology, immunology, programmed cell death,
signaling systems and gene regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes
Prerequisite: BIO 107, BIO 108, BIO 109, CHE 222.
BIO 341 Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory (1 cr)
Extensive use of basic and advanced instrumentation and the
development of laboratory skills in the physiological and biochemical
study of the activities of cells and organelles.Topics include subcellular
fractionation, techniques used in cell and tissue culture research,
and the isolation, purification and characterization of biological
macromolecules. Special emphasis is placed on the evaluation and
interpretation of lab data, correlation with library research and presentation
of data in a scientific report format. Corequisite: BIO 340.
BIO 375 Student Research I: Biostatistics and Experimental Design (1 cr)
The first part in a four-part series of student directed research
courses.Topics include preparation for an independent research
project, conducting a literature search and a thorough review of
the pertinent literature, organization and development of a laboratory
protocol with planned statistical treatment of data, preparation
of a research budget and seminar participation. Students will select
a project with the consent and guidance of a faculty mentor.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
BIO 376 Student Research II: Instrumentation and Data Acquisition (1 cr)
The second part in a four-part series of student directed research
courses.Topics include modifications of protocols, methods and
testing materials; data collection and seminar participation.
Prerequisite: BIO 375.
BIO 414 Biochemistry (3 cr)
An intermediate-level course in the description of macromolecular
structure and function.Topics include an in-depth study of the four
classes of Biological macromolecules, enzyme kinetics and metabolic
pathways. Emphasis is placed on metabolic processes, their
regulation and integration in living systems. Prerequisite: CHE 222.
BIO 420 Toxicology (3 crs)
General principles of toxicology, including dose-response
mechanisms, metabolism, distribution and the elimination of
toxicants. Emphasis is placed upon various mechanisms of toxicity
in a diverse representation of chemical substances, carcinogens,
mutagens and teratogens. Prerequisite: BIO 340.
BIO 424 Advanced Physiology Laboratory (1 cr)
An application of physiologic principles and the use of equipment
commonly used in medical and allied health professions.
Prerequisites: BIO 320, BIO 340.
BIO 426 Advanced Molecular Biology Laboratory (1 cr)
Students will use advanced experimental techniques in the areas
of molecular biology and biochemistry.Topics include gene cloning;
DNA isolation, electrophoresis and restriction mapping; gene
amplification using the polymerase chain reaction; the isolation and
characterization of recombinants; the creation of recombinant
fusion proteins and their expression in bacteria. Prerequisite or
Corequisite: BIO 341.
BIO 430 Advanced Animal Physiology (3 crs)
Advanced electrophysiology of selected animal types with
emphasis on renal, neural and cardiopulmonary physiology.
Prerequisite or Corequisite: BIO 320.
BIO 432 Histology (3 crs)
Microscopic anatomy of vertebrate tissues and structure/function
relationships, with an emphasis placed on the tissues of mammals.
Prerequisite: BIO 320
BIO 436 Physiological Ecology (3 crs)
The application of ecological principles to problem solving at the
organismal, population and ecosystem levels. Emphasis is placed on
human interactions.Topics include organismal responses to
stressors, human population dynamics, ecosystem responses to
disturbances and global environmental change.
Prerequisites: BIO 205 and BIO 221.
BIO 437 Physiological Ecology Laboratory (1 cr)
Field and laboratory training in the measurements of the chemical,
physical and biological attributes of ecosystems.The ecosystems
studied include forests, streams, lakes, wetlands and mesocosm
ecosystems. One weekend field trip is required in addition to
regularly scheduled outings. Students are also required to design
and conduct an individual research project. Prerequisite: BIO 221.
BIO 438 Parasitology (3 crs)
A survey of common human parasites from the phyla protozoa,
platyhelminthes and nematoda. Important aspects of their anatomy,
physiology, life cycles, epidemiology and control will be discussed.
Prerequisites:Any 200 level BIO course. Corequisite: BIO 439.
BIO 439 Parasitology Laboratory (1 cr)
Laboratory identification of common human parasites that are
representative of the various genera discussed in the lecture.
Prerequisite:Any 200-level BIO course. Corequisite: BIO 438
BIO 440 Microbiology (3 crs)
The focus of this course in the classification and major
characteristics of bacteria, viruses and microscopic eukaryotes.
Emphasis will be placed upon microbes that are responsible for
infectious diseases in humans.Topics include microbial metabolism
and genetics, basic concepts of epidemiology and immunology.
Corequisite: BIO 441. Prerequisite:Any 200-level BIO course.
BIO 441 Microbiology Laboratory (1 cr)
A practical, hands-on course that provides training in commonly
used techniques of microbe identification and microbiology
research. Laboratory sessions include training in preparing sterile
media, aseptic technique in the culturing of microbial cultures, the
use of biochemical techniques to identify bacteria, microscopy and
staining techniques, and fermentation in food and beverages.
Corequisite: BIO 440. Prerequisite:Any 200-level BIO course.
BIO 444 Instructional and Research Techniques (3 crs)
An intensive laboratory course that uses state of the art
equipment and techniques commonly encountered in various
disciplines of biological research. Students will also learn general
laboratory maintenance, preparation of reagents and solutions, and
techniques for obtaining and analyzing data.
Prerequisite:Any 200-level BIO course.
BIO 450 Molecular Genetics (3 crs)
The gene as a biochemical entity is examined with regard to its
composition and action. Recent evidence from viruses, bacteria
and eukaryotes is studied and interpreted to provide an
understanding of the genetic regulation of life’s processes.
Prerequisite: BIO 340.
BIO 455 Population Genetics (3 cr)
The genetic analysis of population ecology.The concepts of polymorphisms,
speciation, mutation, inbreeding, migration and selection
are considered in light of evolutionary changes. Emphasis is
placed on quantitative models and their analysis in the gene pool.
Prerequisite: BIO 210.
BIO 473 Plant Morphology and Physiology (3 crs)
A study of the structure and function of selected types of plants.
Included propagation techniques such as plant tissue culture.
Prerequisite:Any 200-level BIO course.
BIO 475 Student Research III: Data Analysis (1 cr)
A continuation of the four course sequence of independent student
research.Topics and activities include the completion of testing
and the statistical analysis of data, the preparation of a rough
draft of the entire project, a poster presentation of the student’s
project and seminar participation. Prerequisite: BIO 376.
BIO 480 Literature Seminar (1 cr)
The focus of this course is the presentation of research in a seminar
format. Students will present a primary literature article related
to their research project, and gain experience in evaluating and
critiquing research articles. Participation is all seminars are mandatory.
Prerequisite: junior or senior standing.
BIO 482 Research Seminar (2 crs)
This is the final course in the four-course sequence of student
research. Students will present their data to the class in a seminar
form and a written report, in scientific format, on their original
research project.Additionally, students are required to present
their project at a research symposium. Participation in all seminars
is mandatory. Prerequisite: BIO 480.
BIO 490 Neuroanatomy and Physiology (3 crs)
This is an advanced course focusing on basic and applied neuroscience.
It includes the basic structure of the nervous system
including the structure and morphology of the neuron. Emphasis
is placed on the functional significance of the central, peripheral,
and autonomic nervous systems from development to disease.
Prerequisite: BIO 109 or junior or senior standing as a BIO major.
BIO 401 Animal Behavior (3 crs)
An evolutionary approach to the study of animal behavior.The
course will address the adaptive significance of animal behavior
focusing on how and why various behaviors have developed.
BIO 403 Animal Behavior Laboratory (1 cr)
A study of animal behavior in the laboratory and field.This course,
designed to accompany Animal Behavior 401, will provide students
with hands-on experience in studying animal behavior from a nonanthropomorphic
point of view.The course will include field trips,
laboratory studies, and a personal research project. Regular laboratory
reports will be required.
