Biology
BIO100 Biology Today - 3 credits
This course challenges students to confront, evaluate, and integrate the major discoveries and principles of the biological sciences within their world view as members of contemporary society. Major themes of the course include the role of genes and inheritance in human growth and development; health and behavior; human origin and relationship to the Earth's biodiversity; and human impact on, role within, and responsibility for the integrity of the biosphere. Lectures, readings, discussions, films, and laboratory activities comprise the course. (Prerequisites: none. Students planning further study in biology or other natural sciences should complete BIO120 and BIO130.)
BIO120 Biology I: The Unity of Life - 4 credits
Emphasizing inquiry and investigation, this course introduces students to the discoveries, both historical and contemporary, that support the unifying theories of modern biological science. Topics considered include the nature and methods of modern biological science; the basis of life in terms of matter, energy, cells, genetics, and reproduction; and the impact of evolution on the unity of life. The course is comprised of lectures, readings, discussions, written assignments, films, and an inquiry-based laboratory component. (Recommended prerequisites: one year of high school biology and chemistry and four years of high school mathematics) )
BIO130 Biology II: The Diversity of Life - 4 credits
Current and competing hypotheses explaining the origin, development, and maintenance of the Earth's biodiversity are critically evaluated. Employing a phylogenetic approach and emphasizing the Eukaryota, the major lineages of life are surveyed and compared by considering evolutionary trends and the relationships between structure and function within and among lineages. Abiotic and biotic factors, including human activity, influencing populations, communities, ecosystems and the biosphere are explored. The course is comprised of lectures, readings, discussions, written assignments, films, and an inquiry-based laboratory component. (Recommended prerequisites: one year of high school biology and chemistry and four years of high school mathematics)
BIO210 Genetics - 5 credits
This course is a study of the principles of heredity based upon concepts and principles of the gene. Major topics include Mendelian genetics, sex determination and sex linkage, gene mapping, structure and function of DNA, translation, transcription, recombinant DNA technology, chromosome mutations and aberrations, transposons, extranuclear genomes and quantitative genetics. Problem solving will be emphasized. Three lecture/discussion sections and one three-hour laboratory period per week. (Prerequisite: BIO120)
BIO220 Plant Biology - 5 credits
This course is a study of botany based primarily upon morphological and physiological concepts and principles. Major topics include the plant cell; the ontogeny, structure and physiology of plant tissues and organs; and the forms, phylogeny and life cycles of representative plant groups. Three lecture/demonstration sessions and one three-hour laboratory period per week. (Prerequisites: BIO120 and BIO130 or instructor consent)
BIO230 Animal Biology and Physiology - 5 credits
This course provides a comparative study of major animal groups within a taxonomic, morphological and physiological framework. Major topics include animal cells, animal tissues, organ systems, animal phylogeny, life cycles and development. Three lecture sessions and one three-hour laboratory period per week. (Prerequisite: BIO120)
BIO231 Field Biodiversity and Natural History - 4 credits
Through observation, sampling, and identification of organisms that characterize local and regional biological communities, students in this course become proficient in standard biological field methods. The historical and contemporary environmental conditions influencing biological diversity are also assessed and investigated in the field. Students use ordination and multivariate statistical methods to analyze field data using various computer software packages. Through completion of curated plant and insect collections, students learn principles of biological diversity, phylogeny, classification, and practical identification. (Prerequisites: BIO120, BIO130, and MAT230 or permission of instructor)
BIO240 Molecular Biology Techniques - 5 credits
This course provides the students with an opportunity to master a number of molecular biology techniques that are used in modern research laboratories. Major topics may include DNA isolation, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Gel Electrophoresis, DNA binding assays, DNA sequencing, Southern blot analysis and Western blot analysis. Five hours laboratory/lecture periods per week. (Prerequisite: BIO120)
BIO256 Research in Biology - 1-4 credits
This course is designed to give second and third year students the opportunity to work on a research project with a faculty mentor. Projects will vary depending on the faculty member. Students will spend three hours in the laboratory with the professor per credit earned. Students are limited to a total of 10 credit hours to count towards graduation. (Prerequisite: BIO120 and/or instructor consent)
BIO300 Microbiology - 5 credits
This course explores the nature and diversity of microorganisms by considering their structural, functional, ecological and taxonomic relationships. Major topics include microbial structure and growth, metabolism, environmental and ecological interactions, viruses, genetics and representative prokaryotic groups. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory period per week. (Prerequisite: BIO120)
BIO315 Human Anatomy and Physiology I - 5 credits
This course is part one of a study of the structure and function of the human body. Major topics include the introduction to the human body, cells, tissues and skeletal, muscle, nervous and cardiovascular systems. Three lectures and one three-hour lab period per week. (Prerequisite: BIO120)
BIO316 Human Anatomy and Physiology II - 5 credits
This course is part two of a study of the structure and function of the human body. Major topics include the autonomic nerves and special senses and endocrine, respiratory, digestive, immune, metabolism, reproductive and urinary systems. Three lectures and one three-hour lab period per week. (Prerequisite: BIO315 or instructor consent)
BIO320 Ecology - 5 credits
This course provides the opportunity to study the inter-relationships between organisms, both plant and animal, and their environment. These studies include intraspecies and interspecies relationships. The lab consists of field study techniques, collecting, analyzing and interpreting data. Three lecture/discussion sections and one three-hour laboratory period per week.(Prerequisites: BIO120 and BIO130. Recommended: MAT110)
BIO327 Bioethics - 2 credits
This course provides an opportunity to study and discuss medical ethics issues, such as genetic engineering, gene therapy, abortion, the new reproductive technologies, human experimentation, patient rights, organ and tissue transplantation, distribution and funding of health care and cultural differences in approaching these issues. Two discussion sections per week. (Prerequisite: BIO120)
BIO330 Cell Biology - 5 credits
This course is a study of the structure and function of eukaryotic cells from a molecular viewpoint. Major topics include molecular cell structure, energy requirements of the cell, membranes and compartments of the cell, nucleus and information of the cell and specialized cellular organelle functions. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory period per week. (Recommended prerequisites: BIO120 and BIO210 or instructor consent)
BIO336 Marine Biology - 2 credits
This course provides students with an opportunity to study marine organisms in their natural environments while simultaneously experiencing the culture of Jamaica. The major marine habitats studied include turtle grass beds, mangrove swamps, coral reefs, tide pools and rocky beaches. Students also conduct an independent, inquiry oriented investigation. This course includes a ten-day trip to Jamaica during January. (Prerequisite: BIO120 or instructor consent)
BIO337 Tropical Biology - 2 credits
This course provides students with an opportunity to study tropical organisms in their natural habitats. This course focuses on Costa Rica for examples of tropical climate, species diversity in the tropics, tropical forest variety, plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. The student works on a field project while in Costa Rica. In addition, students experience the Costa Rican culture. (Prerequisite: BIO120 or instructor consent)
BIO338 Desert Biology - 2 credits
This course provides students with an opportunity to study desert organisms in their natural habitats. The major course topics will include desert plant adaptations, desert animal adaptations and life zones of the Sonoran Desert. An emphasis will be placed on the ecological interrelationships found among desert organisms and the biotic factors of the desert. (Prerequisite: BIO120 or instructor consent)
BIO339 Outdoor Education Activities - 2 credits
This course provides students with the opportunity to engage in and plan outdoor education activities for elementary and secondary pupils. Students also plan and teach one lesson to a small group of children. Various materials are examined. (See also ED349)
BIO400 Conservation Biology - 3 credits
(Course being developed)
BIO410 Developmental Biology - 3 credits
This course provides an analysis of animal development from fertilization to the establishment of the adult body form. Lectures and discussions will examine the key processes of animal embryogenesis, as well as the molecular and cellular mechanisms that control these developmental processes. (Prerequisite: BIO330)
BIO420 Bacterial Pathogenesis - 3 credits
This course provides students with a detailed study of the interactions between bacteria and humans and the diseases that may result. Major topics include bacterial adhesion to human cells, invasion of human cells, the effects of bacterial proteins on human cells, avoidance of the immune response by bacteria, disease symptoms and treatments. Three lecture/discussion periods per week. (Prerequisite: BIO 300)
BIO425 Ornithology - 3 credits
This course provides an opportunity to study one class of vertebrates, birds, in detail. Course topics include behavior, songs and calls, territoriality, courtship, nests and eggs, incubation and care of young, ecology of birds, migration and orientation and bird identification. Several field trips are taken to various habitats. (Prerequisite: BIO120 recommended)
BIO430 Immunology - 3 credits
This course provides a comprehensive study of the immune system. Major topics include passive immunity, cell-mediated immunity, humoral immunity, autoimmune diseases, vaccination strategies and other medically relevant topics. (Prerequisite: BIO330)
BIO450 Special Topics in Biology - 1 credit
The topic for this course will vary each semester, chosen from a wide range of current research in biology. Students will read background material, participate in discussions and complete writing assignments as directed by the instructor. This course will meet for one lecture/discussion hour per week. (Prerequisite: BIO120)
BIO455 Research Proposal - 1 credit
This course provides the foundation for the Research in Biology Course (BIO456). The students will engage in a literature survey of research in the instructor's area of expertise and develop a research proposal consisting of a research hypothesis, a rationale for the work and experimental design. Course will meet one hour per week. (Open to students in the last two years of study and with instructor consent. Students will plan to complete BIO456 in the following semester with the same instructor.)
BIO456 Research in Biology - 4 credits
This course offers students an opportunity to do original research in an area of expertise of one of the biology faculty members. When applicable, the research will be followed with presentation of a paper at an undergraduate research conference and submission of a paper for publication. Six hours of laboratory and/or library work per week. (Open to students in their last two years of study and with instructor consent. Must have successfully completed BIO455 prior to registration for BIO456.)
BIO488 Independent Study - 1-4 credits
Independent Study courses can be designed by the student and instructor to meet special needs. Presently offered as independent study are Scientific Presentation and Bottle Biology, both one credit experiences.
BIO497 Biology Teaching Assistant - 1-4 credits
Students enrolled in this course will work with a faculty member to gain teaching experience in biology courses. Activities may include: Designing laboratory exercises; working with students in laboratory, classroom and tutoring environment; preparing and delivering lectures; developing course materials; grading. (Prerequisite: Instructor consent)
BIO498 Internship - 4-16 credits
The internship is designed to provide students with a work/educational experience which will help them determine their future educational and occupational goals.
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