BIO

Subject

BIO

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

credits

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

Subject

BIO

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

Subject

BIO

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

The brain is the most complex and least understood organ in our bodies. It is fascinating to consider that the brain is required for a vast array of functions including learning and memory, motor movement, and perception of our environment. The brain’s vital role in our daily life is indisputable, yet we do not fully understand the fundamental underpinnings of brain function. For this reason, the brain is referred to as the last frontier of science. In this course, student-driven approaches will be used to explore what is known and what is not yet fully understood about brain function through the use of case studies of humans suffering from brain injury, hypothesis-driven experimentation, and critical examination of recent science findings as described by the media. Students will refine their practice of the scientific method while enhancing critical thinking skills. Two or three integrated lecture-laboratory sessions per week. Lab fee: $240. This course fulfills the Foundations Program requirement for a natural science. (Spring)

Subject

BIO

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

Biology is the science of life – and life happens all around us. In this course, we will explore fundamental concepts of biology using real-life examples encountered for example in your kitchen or backyard. We will focus on the principles of ecology and evolution, while tackling contemporary problems of global importance – climate change and biodiversity decline. The integrated laboratory experience consists of self-guided explorations of plants, animals, and other organisms commonly found in the Northeastern USA, as well as simple at-home experiments and simulations. This course aims to broaden your horizons and instill an appreciation for the creatures large and small with whom we share the world. By exploring the life that happens right outside your door, you will not only learn basic biological facts, but more importantly the ecological connections that make life on Earth possible and enjoyable! Two or three integrated lecture-laboratory sessions per week. Lab fee: $240. This course fulfills the Foundations Program requirement for a natural science. (Summer)

Subject

BIO

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

Foundations Scientific Pillar course (except for Chemistry majors) Sophomore Year For All Fall Spring Notes

Subject

BIO

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

Subject

BIO

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

Subject

BIO

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

credits

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

People have long struggled with the notion that humans have descended from non-human ancestors. In his 1871 volume Descent of Man, Charles Darwin comprehensively applies his views on evolutionary theory and shared ancestry, including his adaptive mechanisms of natural and sexual selection, to human beings. Using countless examples, rational arguments, and the voice and writing style of a Victorian gentleman, Darwin convincingly demonstrates that humans gradually evolved from animals. The book, therefore, challenges its readers with what it means to be human as Darwin addresses the emergence of language, culture, morality, notions of beauty, sexual attraction, and the origin of race from our animal ancestors. This course helps students learn to read Darwin’s rich text, to understand the extraordinary depth, collaborative style, and limitations of his science, to engage critically with the enduring questions and tensions the text raises, and to reflect on the ways that Darwin’s work still resonates in biology and culture today. Prerequisite: completion of a Foundations Program natural science course. (Fall)

Subject

BIO

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

BIO 320 Evolution or BIO 360 Ecology

Subject

BIO

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

A survey of invertebrate animals from protozoans through invertebrate chordates, emphasizing their functional organization, modes of reproduction, ecological roles, and evolutionary relationships. In the laboratory, we will examine representative living and preserved specimens, concentrating on their structure and behavior. Three lectures and one laboratory or field trip each week. Prerequisite: BIO 160 or equivalent. Lab Fee: $485. (Spring)

Subject

BIO

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

This course is taught at the New England Aquarium by faculty of the Marine Studies Consortium, though it has an Assumption instructor of record who acts as a liaison. Biology of Fishes covers aspects of the evolution, biology, ecology, taxonomy, physiology, and structure of fish. The diversity of extinct and extant fishes will be emphasized. Physiological, behavioral and morphological adaptations for life in the diverse habitats within water will be examined. The role of evolution as the driving force behind the great diversity of fishes will be a constant theme. Prerequisite: BIO 160. (Spring) Marine Studies Consortium/Three credits

Subject

BIO

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

BIO 250 Microbiology (requires BIO 210)

Subject

BIO

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

BIO 370 General Physiology (Spring) (Prerequisites: BIO 240; CHE 102 or CHE 132)

Subject

BIO

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

Microorganisms, especially bacteria and viruses, are studied with respect to their morphological characteristics, growth and metabolism, genetics and environmental significance. The role of microorganisms as pathogens and the control of microorganisms are also considered. Laboratory techniques include sterilization, isolation, and culturing. Three lectures and one laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BIO 210 or BIO 150. Lab Fee: $485. (Fall, Spring)

Subject

BIO

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

Bioinformatics is the umbrella term for a wide range of methods and tools used to analyze large and complex biological data sets, especially DNA and RNA sequence data. This course introduces students to broadly applicable bioinformatic methods. Students will learn to access and use information from public databases, align homologous sequences, construct and interpret phylogenetic trees, and extract information from genomes using a variety of computational tools, including the use of basic command line interface. Relevant primary literature will be analyzed and discussed. The laboratory portion of the course is dedicated to practice with the analysis tools introduced in lectures, and to student projects. Students will work in groups to explore real data sets, select and apply suitable bioinformatic methods, interpret analysis results in the context of published works, and present their findings to the class. This course counts as an elective towards the Biology, Biotechnology, and Data Analytics majors. Three lectures and one laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIO 160 Concepts in Biology or CSC 120 Statistical Programming or permission of instructor. Lab Fee: $485. (Spring, even-numbered years)

Subject

BIO

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

This course is taught remotely by faculty of the Marine Studies Consortium, though it has an Assumption instructor of record who acts as a liaison. Biology of Whales explores the biology, ecology, conservation, and management of whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Prerequisite: BIO 160. (Spring) Marine Studies Consortium/Three credits

Subject

BIO

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

This special topics course will explore an area of biology using the literature, and if appropriate, a cross-disciplinary approach. The course will allow the students and faculty an opportunity to investigate areas of biology that are not part of the regular curriculum.

Subject

BIO

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

Sensory Systems provides an understanding of how organisms see, hear, smell, taste, and feel sensations. In this course, we discuss the physiological and cellular mechanisms that allow organisms to receive sensory information. We introduce reflex pathways in organisms with complex nervous systems, and then compare these to how organisms with reduced nervous systems carry out stereotyped behavior. These simpler examples of sensory processing and behavior provide a foundation to understand how information is processed by the early stages of central nervous systems for more complex behavior. Our focus is on the mechanisms and sensory pathways the nervous system uses to process sensory information and control movement. Using comparative animal model systems, topics include sensory transduction and the sensory physiology for the best known sensory systems (olfactory, visual, somatosensory, auditory, gustatory) and models of sensory processing. We also ask: what can we learn from animals with senses that primates are currently not known to have, such as magnetic and electric senses? These are currently active areas of animal research. Prerequisites: BIO 160 and a 4-credit course in biological or physical science, OR BIO 160 and PSY 225 and PSY 251, OR BIO 160 and PSY 225 and PSY 250. Fee: $485. (Fall)

Subject

BIO

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

Directed study within an internship program. The student will be expected to keep a journal detailing the internship. The student will also be expected to write a paper, usually approximately 10 pages in length, summarizing an area related to the internship experience. An evaluation by the on-site supervisor will be considered when determining the grade. The student will be required to have a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 to enroll.

Subject

BIO

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

RESEARCH SEQUENCE (3)

Subject

BIO

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

This course is an introduction to genetic changes in populations over time and to the models and evidence we use to identify and explain those changes. Topics include: influence of the environment, genotype-phenotype connections, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, genetic variation, genetic drift, in-breeding, natural selection, gene flow, speciation, phylogeny, macro-evolutionary trends, and the fossil record. Prerequisite: BIO 210. (Spring)

Subject

BIO

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

CHE 131–132 General Chemistry I and II (Note: MAT114 is a pre-requisite for CHE 132)

Subject

BIO

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

This course is designed to familiarize students with the biology and natural history of marine mammals. Emphasis is placed on whales, dolphins, and seals of the western North Atlantic, but species from all over the world will be discussed. Topics to be considered include evolution, anatomy, behavior, field identification, the history of whaling, and contemporary conservation problems. Hands-on activities include one evening laboratory work (harbor porpoise or seal dissection) and marine mammal survey on Massachusetts Bay. Prerequisites: BIO 160 and two additional biology course. (Fall) Marine Studies Consortium/Three credits

Subject

BIO

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

In this course, students interpret published data, critique some original papers, and participate in class discussion on the following topics: limits on species distributions, demography, population growth and regulation, interactions of species, energy flow, nutrient cycling, community dynamics, succession, and patterns of species diversity. In laboratory, students participate in class exercises, and design, perform, and report their own group field projects. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Lab Fee: $485. Prerequisite: Two Biology courses or permission of instructor. (Fall, odd-numbered years)

Subject

BIO

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

Human and animal physiology, with a comparative approach to the study of muscle contraction; blood circulation and respiration; metabolic and temperature controls; digestion and excretion; and nervous, sensory, and endocrine functions. The laboratory exercises focus on the investigation of basic concepts of animal and human physiology at the cellular and systems levels. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory period each week. Lab Fee: $485. Prerequisites: BIO 240 and either CHE 102 or CHE 132. (Fall, Spring) Cromarty, Lemons, Lessios/Four credits

Subject

BIO

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

NEUROSCIENCE CAPSTONE COURSES (2)

Subject

BIO

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

This course will explore the biology of cancer. Beginning with an examination of the personal, social and economic consequences of this disease, it will move to a focus on the cellular and molecular biology of cancer. Specially, it will study the nature of cancer, the role of viruses in cancer, cellular oncogenes, cellular signaling mechanisms, tumor suppressor genes, and the maintenance of genomic integrity. Other topics to be examined include: the cell cycle, apoptosis, cellular immortalization, tumorigenesis, angiogenesis and metastasis. Finally, this course will examine how modern molecular medicine is being used to treat cancer. Theroux/Three credits.

Subject

BIO

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

Prerequisite

BIO 160, BIO 210, BIO 340. (Fall)

This advanced course is designed to provide students with applied knowledge relative to the human’s physiologic responses to acute and chronic exercise stress. Students’ basic knowledge of neuromuscular physiology, energy metabolism, cardiovascular and respiratory physiology will be honed to focus on human exercise response, with the focus of the course being on applications to exercise training and programming, sport, nutrition, youth, aging, and disease. Laboratory exercises will enable practical skills to be gained in measuring and testing for physiological markers of human readiness and response to exercise. Lab Fee: $485. Prerequisites: BIO 240 and BIO 370. (Fall)

Subject

BIO

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

PSY 402 Social and Affective Neuroscience OR PSY 403 Cognitive Neuroscience BIOLOGY ELECTIVE, CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING (1)

Subject

BIO

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

PSYCHOLOGY ELECTIVE, CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING (1)

Subject

BIO

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

TWO BIOLOGY ELECTIVES (2) Two additional biology courses at the 200 level or higher. One BIO elective must be at the 400-level that includes lab work. FOUR INTERDISCIPLINARY ELECTIVES (4) Any additional courses in BIO at BIO 200 or higher, Up to three additional CHE courses at CHE 200 or higher, PHY 202, PHY 213 Up to one course in each of the following categories: Environmental Science (200 or higher) Health Sciences (200 or higher) ECO 115 Statistics with Excel OR PSY 224 Statistics OR SOC 300 Statistics Psychology (PSY 250, 251, 252, 402) For EDU majors, up to two of the following: BIO 140, EDU 221, EDU 346 A maximum of two independent study (i.e., BIO 490 and 491) courses may be taken. Additional independent study credits will count toward degree requirements but will not count toward the major in Biology. FOUR-YEAR PLAN FOR THE B.A. IN BIOLOGY The following is a possible four-year schedule for classes in the biology major. It is important that first year students enroll BIO 160, the CHE 131-132 sequence, and BIO 210 or an organismal biology course to start the major and to best balance the remaining three years of the curriculum. Students should work closely with an advisor in the science department to tailor course selection to their interests and goals and to be confident of course availability and sequencing 62

Subject

BIO

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

This course integrates the disciplines of cellular biology, molecular biology, and protein chemistry through a series of related experiments. The course will expose students to: 1) recent journal articles within the scientific literature; 2) selected methods, techniques, and instruments used in biotechnology; and 3) strategies that can be employed to solve interesting biological problems. The laboratory experience will introduce the student to DNA amplification by the polymerase chain reaction; oligonucleotide-directed site specific mutagenesis; gel electrophoresis; isolation of protein, DNA and RNA; gene cloning; DNA sequencing; cell culture; gene expression in mammalian cell lines; and Southern hybridization analysis. Class meets six hours per week for lecture, laboratory, and discussion. Lab Fee: $485. Prerequisites: CHE 202 and BIO 340. (Spring)

Subject

BIO

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

Subject

BIO

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

Directed study or experimental research. Prerequisites: Six courses in Biology and consent of instructor. The student is expected to have a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 to enroll. (Offered by arrangement only.)

Subject

BIO

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

Provides an interdisciplinary, state-of-the-art introduction to biotechnology. Covers the molecular foundations of biotechnology, molecular microbiology, receptor pharmacology, drug development processes, biotech process development and scale-up, drug approval and regulatory affairs, genomics, microarray analysis, proteomics, computational biology, molecular modeling, analytical biotechnology, and bioterrorism and biotechnology. This course is offered at Northeastern University as BIOT 5120. Northeastern University/Three credits

Subject

BIO

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

Prerequisite

BIO 210, BIO 340.

Covers the principles and concepts involved in the development of mammalian and other types of cell culture processes for the manufacturing of biopharmaceutical products such as monoclonal antibodies and recombinant proteins. Topics include protein expression and clone generation, batch and perfusion processes and media development, bioreactor operations and scale-up, and innovations in cell culture processes. Regulatory concepts include quality assurance in a cGMP environment. This course is offered at Northeastern University as BIOT 5631. Prerequisite: BIO 340. Northeastern University/Three credits

Subject

BIO

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

Exposes students to the business of biotech from scientific discovery startup through its product launch and subsequent organizational and scientific pipeline growth. Topics include scientific discovery, biotech-related funding and organizational structures, regulatory and clinical trial considerations, biotech alliances, patient access, ethics and compliance, and commercialization and growth while meeting unmet patient or consumer needs in this highly regulated industry. Although the focus is on the highest regulated standards in biopharma, the course also touches upon various aspects of other biotechnology domains. This course is offered at Northeastern University as BIOT 5219. Northeastern University/Two credits

Subject

BIO

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

Introduces selected key skills and techniques central to life sciences research. Combines hands-on training in basic laboratory skills with lecture and live demonstration. Laboratory exercises highlight the importance of precision/accuracy in dispensation of liquids and in the preparation of solutions and standards, documentation and record keeping, and maintaining a safe and sterile work environment while performing scientific research. This course is offered at Northeastern University as BIOT 5145. Northeastern University/One credit

Subject

BIO

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

Describes proteins (what they are, where they come from, and how they work) in the context of analytical analysis and molecular medicine. Discusses the chemical properties of proteins, protein synthesis, and the genetic origins of globular proteins in solution, membrane proteins, and fibrous proteins. Covers the physical intra- and intermolecular interactions that proteins undergo along with descriptions of protein conformation and methods of structural determination. Explores protein folding as well as protein degradation and enzymatic activity. Highlights protein purification and biophysical characterization in relation to protein analysis, drug design, and optimization. This course is offered at Northeastern University as CHEM 5620. Prerequisite: CHE 414. Northeastern University/Three credits 86

Subject

BIO

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

Integrates biochemistry and molecular biology in the cellular context. Includes the organization and replication of genomes, principles and methods for genetic manipulation, the regulation of gene expression, and the structure and function of organelles. Emphasizes protein synthesis, including translation, post-translational modifications, and translocations of proteins within the cells and secretion. This course is offered at Northeastern University as BIOL 6299. Prerequisite: BIO 340. Northeastern University/Three credits

Subject

BIO

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

Explores the principles of experimental design and statistical analysis. Emphasizes research in the molecular and biological sciences and biotechnology. Topics include probability theory, sampling hypothesis formulation and testing, and parametric and nonparametric statistical methods. This course is offered at Northeastern University as BIOT 6214. Prerequisite: ECO 115. Northeastern University/Two credits

Subject

BIO

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

Focuses on the fundamental programming skills required in the bioinformatics industry. Focuses on Python and R as the main programming language used. Topics include string operations, file manipulation, regular expressions, object-oriented programming, data structures, testing, program design, and implementation. Includes substantial out-of-classroom assignments. This course is offered at Northeastern University as BINF 6200. Prerequisite: BIO 548 Bioinformatics Computational Methods. Northeastern BINF 6308, may be taken concurrently. Northeastern University/Four credits

Subject

BIO

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

Offers the first semester of a two-semester sequence on the use of computers in bioinformatics research. Offers students an opportunity to work with current methods and computational algorithms used in contemporary sequence analysis. Teaches practical skills necessary to manage and mine the vast biological information being generated and housed in public databases. Emphasizes the use of Python as the primary computer language and requires students to learn and understand basic computer logic and syntax, including an introduction to scalars, arrays, hashes, decision statements, loops, subroutines, references, and regular expressions. A focus on fundamental skills, including the command line interface found in the Linux operating system, is designed to prepare students for second-semester applications. This course is offered at Northeastern University as BINF 6308. Northeastern University/Four credits

Subject

BIO

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

Prerequisite

BIO 260 Bioinformatics and CSC 120 Statistics Programming.

Designed to build upon the core topics covered in BINF 6308, i.e., use of the computer as a tool for bioinformatics research. Builds upon the Python language fundamentals covered during the first semester but requires students to apply these fundamentals to a semester-long project. The project includes protein family analysis, multiple sequence analysis, phylogeny, and protein structure analysis. Additionally, students have an opportunity to learn to build, load, connect, and query custom MySQL databases, and parse command line flags. This course is offered at Northeastern University as BINF 6309. Prerequisite: BIO 548 Bioinformatics Computational Methods 1 (Northeastern BINF 6308). Northeastern University/Four Credits

Subject

BIO

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu

Introduces the concepts of probability and statistics used in bioinformatics applications, particularly the analysis of microarray data. Uses statistical computation using the open-source R program. Topics include maximum likelihood; Monte Carlo simulations; false discovery rate adjustment; nonparametric methods, including bootstrap and permutation tests; correlation, regression, ANOVA, and generalized linear models; preprocessing of microarray data and gene filtering; visualization of multivariate data; and machine-learning techniques, such as clustering, principal components analysis, support vector machine, neural networks, and regression tree. This course is offered at Northeastern University as MATH 7340. Prerequisite: ECO 115 Statistics with Excel and BIO 260 Bioinformatics. Northeastern University/Four credits 87

Subject

BIO

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

www.assumption.edu