Biology (BIOL)

(for non-science majors) Explore contemporary biological topics that you hear and read about or that are part of your daily life and learn the fundamental scientific concepts that underlie them. Topics will cover molecules to cells and organisms to populations as well as inheritance, development, infectious disease and what constitutes well-supported science. The course utilizes projects, hands-on activities, online discussions and group work to illustrate concepts.

(for non-science majors) Explore contemporary biological topics that you hear and read about or that are part of your daily life and learn the fundamental scientific concepts that underlie them. Topics will cover molecules to cells and organisms to populations as well as inheritance, development, infectious disease and what constitutes well-supported science. The course utilizes projects, hands-on activities, online discussions and group work to illustrate concepts.

This course will review botanical topics including ecology and diversity, form, growth and reproduction, selective breeding and genetic modification and other newsworthy botanical topics that arise during the semester. These topics provide a foundation for those interested in agriculture and horticulture, plants in nutrition and pharmaceuticals, and alternative energy production. Class time will be a combination of lectures, discussions, hands-on activities, laboratory exercises, and field work. Pre-requisites: none Co-requisites: none

(required for Science majors) The objective of this course is to gain an understanding of the cellular, molecular and genetic basis of life. Students will be introduced to the physical and chemical principles involved in biological processes, the microscopic world of the cell, regulation of gene expression and the laws that govern inheritance. This course and BIOL-104 and BIOL-104L Biology II are the introductory courses for science majors.

This laboratory course reinforces the understanding of cellular, molecular and genetic processes learned in Biology I lecture. Exercises include microscopic examination of cells and tissues, biochemical analysis of enzyme activity, osmosis, cellular respiration and genetic investigation, including electrophoretic analysis of mutation.

(for science majors) In this course students will apply the principles learned in Biology I to the structure and function of organisms. Physiological processes that will be examined include nutrition, gas exchange, transport and regulation of body fluids, chemical and nervous control, and reproduction.

(for science majors) In this course students will apply the principles learned in Biology I to the structure and function of organisms. Physiological processes that will be examined include nutrition, gas exchange, transport and regulation of body fluids, chemical and nervous control, and reproduction.

In this course, students will explore the ecological, chemical, social, economic and political implications of critical global environmental issues including water pollution, pesticides, energy, acid rain, global warming, waste management, biodiversity loss and population growth. Alternative solutions proposed to address these experimental issues will be explored from multiple perspectives

This course will explore the interconnections of science with the arts across various subfields of the Biological Sciences, including contemporary and historical examples. The course's scientific subject matter will be organized around the theme of "Patterns and Trends". The course will begin by describing the general process of how patterns and trends are identified and described in science and move on to specific examples from a variety of biological fields including climate science, plant and animal development, neurobiology, and genetics. Each scientific example will be placed in a social context that emphasizes how society uses that scientific knowledge for the purpose of interpreting the world around them and for predicting the future. Finally, we will explore how the citizen science and SciArt communities integrate scientific knowledge with artistic and social endeavors. The course will culminate with a student created SciArt project and exhibition.

Students in this course will gain a working knowledge of the core concepts of biology necessary for further studies in biology and the health sciences. These concepts include the relationship of structure and function across scales of biological organization, the flow of energy and information through biological systems, and an introduction to animal physiology in a systems context. This course is the introductory course for students in the health sciences and is a prerequisite for BIOL 201 and 202.

This laboratory course reinforces the understanding of cellular, molecular and genetic processes learned in Biology 112 lecture. Exercises include microscopic examination of cells and tissues, biochemical analysis of enzyme activity, osmosis, cellular respiration and genetic investigation, including electrophoretic analysis of mutation.

This course is the first of a two-semester sequence. This course will examine anatomical and physiological aspects of the following systems of humans: tissues, integumentary, musculoskeletal and neurologic. A close correlation between lecture and laboratory topics will be maintained. During lecture, both anatomy and physiology will be discussed however greater emphasis will be placed on the physiology of each system while during the laboratory session, greater emphasis will be placed on anatomy.

The A&P laboratory sessions will provide students with hands-on learning opportunities to help conceptualize content discussed in lecture. During lab, students will work on problem sets, examine and dissect organs and/or anatomical models, use microscopes, perform basic physiological experiments and examine cadaver specimens. During laboratory sessions of the first half of this two-semester course, emphasis will be placed on the anatomy of the relevant system.

This course is the second of a two semester sequence. This course will examine anatomical and physiological aspects of the following systems of humans: sensory, endocrine, circulation, respiration, nutrition-digestion, excretion and reproductive. During lecture, both anatomy and physiology will be discussed. While some lab sessions will focus mainly on the anatomy of the current system, most laboratory sessions will involve physiological experiments to provide students with greater insight into the physiology of the current system. A close correlation between lecture and laboratory topics will be maintained.

The A&P laboratory sessions will provide students with hands-on learning opportunities to help conceptualize content discussed in lecture. During lab, students will work on problem sets, examine and dissect organs and/or anatomical models, use microscopes, perform basic physiological experiments and examine cadaver specimens. While some lab sessions will focus mainly on the anatomy of the current system, most laboratory sessions will involve physiological experiments to provide students with greater insight into the physiology of the current system.

This course focuses on both structure and function of cellular components. Cellular structure is investigated from the molecular level to macromolecular assemblies and organelles with the major emphasis on how these structures function to form a dynamic cell interacting with its environment. Cell growth, reproduction and communication are discussed. Cells studies include single cells to those organized into tissues in multicellular organisms.

This course will consider Mendelian genetics and the contributions of other early research on our present knowledge. Included will be crossover consequences, gene mapping, sex linkage, statistical genetics, mutation, chromosome abnormalities and human genetics.

This is the laboratory course which must be taken to complete the genetics requirement. The laboratory exercises use current techniques of DNA technology as applied to disease diagnosis, forensic determinations and the isolation and structural examination of the DNA molecule.

The purpose of this course is to explore what is known about the abundance and distribution of all species on earth, what threatens and supports these species and what efforts humans have taken both in the United States and globally to destroy and conserve biodiversity. Genetic variability, demographic and population dynamics, environmental variation, economic value and legal status will be compared for the design of captive breeding programs, protected areas management and sustainable use alternatives.

This writing-intensive course focuses on the use of plants and plant products in human health. Topics include a survey of plants and plant families with medicinal properties, their cultivation and conservation, physiological effects of plant extracts, plantderived drugs, historical and cultural aspects of medicinal plant use.

This course provides an introduction to environmental, industrial, food and medical microbiology. An understanding of the methods by which microbes produce disease as well as interact with body surfaces to maintain human health is also discussed. [Writing Intensive]

Laboratories are designed to complement and expand information from lectures. Students will gain experience in classical techniques used by environmental and clinical microbiologists for determining unknown bacteria and molds. Practical studies will also compare historical and current methods for physical and chemical removal of microbes.

This lecture/lab course reviews the structure and function of the macromolecules that manifest genetic information. Topics include DNA and chromatin structure, replication, recombination, repair, RNA structure transcription, regulation of transcription and downstream processes and current investigative technologies. The lab enables students to have hands-on experience with handling and analysis of macromolecules. Students prepare lab reports and seminar presentations typical of real-world dissemination methods. Prerequisite: grade of "C-" or better in BIOL 104 and BIOL 104L

This lecture/lab course reviews the structure and function of the macromolecules that manifest genetic information. Topics include DNA and chromatin structure, replication, recombination, repair, RNA structure transcription, regulation of transcription and downstream processes and current investigative technologies. The lab enables students to have hands-on experience with handling and analysis of macromolecules. Students prepare lab reports and seminar presentations typical of real-world dissemination methods.

This course quantitatively measures the relationship between organisms and their environment at the population, community, landscape and global level. Critical ecological controversies will be explored. Field data for both flora and fauna will be collected, analyzed and presented following guidelines from professional scientific journals.

The course in medical genetics deals with the definition of the role of genetic variation and mutation in predisposing to disease, modifying the course of disease, or causing the disease itself. It will cover single gene defects caused by a critical error in the information carried by a single gene, diseases due to an excess or deficiency of the genes contained in whole chromosomes or segments of chromosomes, and multifactorial inheritance diseases which result of more than one genes which can act together to produce or predispose to a serious defect. The course will also introduce the method collection and interpretation of a family history as an integral tool in medical genetics, and integrate this in all aspects of the presentation.

Histology provides students with an integrated perspective of how adaptations in physiology, biochemistry and morphology allow cellular organization into human organs and support systems. Laboratory studies will introduce students to abnormal embryology, which is the core of many aspects of disease, especially those affecting children. As well as analysis of prepared slides, students will learn to interpret and present abnormal histology/embryology in the form of case histories.

This upper-level biology elective course examines the scientific, physiological, behavioral and policy dynamics associated with preventative medicine and effective outreach to different patient populations. Students will design experiments to measure their own prevention practices in a series of hands-on interactive laboratory exercises while comparing their results to national level demographic, epidemiological, historical trends and current intervention alternatives for the nation's leading health issues. Client case studies will be used to engage students in problem-solving scientifically sound interventions that examine the environmental, socio-cultural, behavioral, and biological determinants of success preventative practices.

This laboratory experience supports evaluation of the demographic, epidemiological and historical trends to intervention of the nation’s leading health issues with hands-on measurements, analysis, synthesis and comparison to current environmental, socio-cultural, behavioral, and biological norms for whole person healthcare.

This course is an elective for students who have completed BIOL 104/104L and required for those in the genetics minor.It will consider animal embryology from gametogenesis (of sperm and egg) to organogenesis (development of organs) and specification with emphasis placed the genes controlling these processes. The course includes cytogenesis (development of cells) and morphogenesis(genes which control change in body form) of the developing embryo.

In this upper level biology course students will take a hands-on approach to applied molecular biology and genetics. In the first part of the semester students will learn to extract, amplify, and sequence DNA from a target organism. In the second half of the class students will apply bioinformatics techniques to characterize and analyze their sequences with the tools of bioinformatics. Along the way students will be introduced to numerous additional techniques in applied molecular biology.

The laboratory component of Applications in Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics. In the laboratory component of this course students will spend time in the biology laboratory and working in the computer lab. This lab is closely integrated with the lecture activities.

This course is an upper-level elective for Biology majors and may count towards the Genetics minor. Other students who have completed General Biology and General Chemistry may also take this course. To get the most out of this course, it is suggested that students complete Principles of Genetics (BIOL 207) or Molecular Genetics (BIOL 256).

The laboratory component of Applications in Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics. In the laboratory component of this course students will spend time in the biology laboratory and working in the computer lab. This lab is closely integrated with the lecture activities.

Natural lands and natural systems occur in densely populated areas and because of the human impacts present vast challenges to the landscape architects and environmental planners who are entrusted with their protection and enhancement. This course studies in detail urban ecological systems, and the human impacts that shape them. The student will also be exposed to current restoration techniques, which are being utilized in the urban setting to restore natural ecological functioning to the city.

An introduction to the biological, chemical, geological and physical aspects of the ocean environment with particular emphasis on the importance of the oceans to human beings and the impact we have on them. Students may participate in an optional field trip highlighting estuarine/coastal biodiversity, aquacultural techniques and oceanographic sampling techniques.

This course is an introduction to the field of biotechnology, one of the major technologies of the twenty-first century. Its wide-ranging, multi-disciplinary activities include recombinant DNA techniques, cloning, and the application of microbiology to the production of goods from bread to antibiotics. This course introduces both the principles and applications of Recombinant DNA technology to animals, plants and microbial organisms. Basic biotechnology, biology and bioprocessing topics will be combined to provide a complete overview of biotechnology. Students engage in ethical debate surrounding biotechnology. Students review employment and careers in the biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industries.

(writing intensive) The objective of this course is to introduce students to the innate mechanisms by which the human body prevents infection, as well as those involved in specifically acquired immunity. Topics include the structural, functional and genetic aspects of a fully competent immune system that can successfully prevent attack by millions of microorganisms each day. Exploration of the many medical conditions which result from hyperactive- or impaired-immune responses including allergy, autoimmunity, cancer and AIDS are studied.

This course is an international overview of current strategies used for wildlife conservation of mammals, birds, fish and other vertebrate species. Population ecology, habitat, disease, foraging and behavior will be covered in depth. Students will research the historical, legal and economic foundation for current best-management practices. Through intensive field studies, students will compare and contrast scientific-field techniques used in wildlife management.

This course provides an opportunity to explore topics in biology not developed in other courses. Examples include specialized areas of organismal biology, conservation biology, developmental and molecular biology. Students may take this course more than once as the topics differ each time it is offered.

Independent research is taken under the guidance of a faculty member. The research will include a written proposal prior to initiation of the project, a literature search, experimental work, a written abstract and report upon completion of the semester and an oral presentation of the work. Guidelines for approval and for final evaluation are available in the College of Life Sciences office.

Continuation of BIOL-391.

This writing intensive course will expose the student to the fields of population genetics and several emerging and important subdisciplines (behavioral, conservation, and evolutionary genetics). Human health will be a recurring theme. The seminar format will encourage an independent learning experience. Papers and presentations will build research, communication, and critical thinking skills. [Writing Intensive]

This course will guide the student through the working dynamics of the nervous system at chemical, cellular, and anatomic levels. The connections to disease states, behavioral health, and our clinical intervention methods will be a recurring theme. Learning assessment tools will include exams, research papers, and presentations. Models and radiological images will substitute for dissection and preserved specimens.

This is a gross anatomy course that will be taught using a regional approach. Five major regions of the body (back, arm, leg, thorax and abdominopelvic, and head and neck regions) will be covered each semester, with each body region being a unit in the course. Each unit will start with the bones of that particular region, then muscles, articulations, nerves, arteries and veins. For the units covering the thorax and abdomen and head and neck, organ systems will be discussed. When applicable, the anatomical basis for common conditions (herniated discs, bulging discs, carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatic etc.) will be discussed to show real world applications for the content being discussed.

This laboratory course supplements the BIOL 405 lecture course with hands on learning using cadaveric remains and virtual cadavers. Bones, muscles, arteries, veins, nerves, and organ systems will be studied using a regional approach. Pre-requisites: BIOL 201 and BIOL 201L and BIOL 202 and BIOL 202L with a minimum grade of B. Co-requisite: BIOL 405.

A comparative study of the structure, function and evolutionary relationships of the major vertebrate groups.

This course will teach fundamental methods of contemporary cellular and biotechnology. Laboratory exercises focus on microscopic, biochemical and molecular analysis of cells and cell structures.

The course covers recent advances in the biological and medical sciences by way of formal presentations and discussions involving both students and invited faculty. In addition, students will learn techniques for the preparation of a research project involving a literature search. Students will be required to carry out a research project and present a formal seminar on this work to their peers.

Pathology represents an integrated perspective of how disease results from a series of common, underlying changes resulting from initial and continued cell stresses. Students will relate disease processes to the symptoms and signs reported by patients and interpreted by physicians through the use of case history presentation and will acquire a variety of light microscopy techniques routinely used in hospitals for the diagnosis and monitoring of abnormal pathology.

Pathology represents an integrated perspective of how disease results from a series of common, underlying changes resulting from initial and continued cell stresses. Students will relate diseases processes to the symptoms and signs reported by patients and interpreted by physicians through the use of case history presentation and will acquire a variety of light microscopy techniques routinely used in hospitals for the diagnosis and monitoring of abnormal pathology.

This course explores the existing state of the world's natural resources including forests, fisheries, rangeland, soil, water, wildlife, air and energy. Management options for each resource will be explored in depth. Field trips will compare cost, impact and implementation of different approaches used by environmental agencies. Students will write and present a resource-management plan for a key issue.

The preceptorship experience is designed to enhance the student?s knowledge, technical skills and problem-solving abilities within the biomedical science realm. These studies will be performed off campus under the supervision of biomedical professionals and other practitioners in the medical sciences, previously approved by the program director. Designed to be taken as summer classes between the sophomore and junior years. A minimum of 54-hours required, preferably as six, one-week periods of nine hours per week.

The preceptorship experience is designed to enhance the student?s knowledge, technical skills and problem-solving abilities within the biomedical science realm. These studies will be performed off campus under the supervision of biomedical professionals and other practitioners in the medical sciences, previously approved by the program director. Designed to be taken as summer classes between the sophomore and junior years. A minimum of 54-hours required, preferably as six, one-week periods of nine hours per week.