54 courses with the subject BIOL, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
BIOL 1000Introduction to Life Science3
Credit(s) Offered: every semester The course focuses on the scientific study of living organisms, including plants, animals and microorganisms. Content will include understanding the function of cells, basic mechanisms of genetics and evolution, the chemicals required to support life and major classes of biological molecules. Lecture and laboratory work will also address experimental design, hypothesis development and how theories and established scientific laws are formed through scientific rigor. Lecture and Lab.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
BIOL 1001Introduction to Health Professions Seminar1
Credit(s) Offered: Spring This is a seminar course for students interested in going on to a health professional career. The intent of the course is to expose students to various health professions, define goals, direct students to various resources available to them,and begin professional training. Students will attend seminars by health professionals, submit reflective papers, and research the profession of their choosing. The course is designed for freshmen and sophomores, but any student is welcome. Attention will be given to developing a set of required skills to be a successful candidate for admission to the student’s chosen field of advanced study. Open to any student interested in health professions. Cross-listed with EXSS 1001
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
1
Credits (max)
1
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Credit(s) Offered: every fall semester The goal of Introduction to Environmental Science is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts and methodologies required to understand interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Credit(s) Offered: every semester This course covers a broad array of life science topics including cellular, organismal, and human biology. It is designed to provide a foundation in the life sciences for education majors (K-8). This course will include a laboratory component designed to develop the students’ understanding of the scientific method and provide some biology methodologies that will aid students in the development of lesson plans and classroom activities. An integrative approach will be taken for some aspects of this course to establish connections to other sciences (earth science, chemistry, engineering).
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Credit(s) Offered: every fall; occasionally summer The course explores the structure and function of the human organism on the cellular, tissue, organ, and system levels. Cellular metabolism, histology, and the following systems: skeletal, muscular, and nervous (including the special senses) are examined. The laboratory emphasizes both physiology and the dissection of preserved mammalian specimens.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Credit(s) Offered: every spring; occasionally summer This course is a continuation of BIOL 1200 . The following systems are covered: circulatory, respiratory, digestive, excretory, endocrine, and reproductive.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Credit(s) Offered: occasionally The course focuses on the biology of bryophytes, ferns, gymnosperms, and angiosperms. The relationship of plant biology to agriculture and medicine is also discussed. The laboratory involves the study of live and preserved plant materials, simple physiological experiments, and a plant growth project.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Credit(s) Offered: as needed This course provides students with the opportunity to engage in scientific research. Participants work under the supervision of faculty to contribute to the lab’s current, ongoing research projects. This course may be repeated once but only 2 credits can be earned in total. Restricted to Biology majors or by permission of the instructor. Cross-listed with CHEM 1600
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
1
Credits (max)
2
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Repeatable
may be repeated once but only 2 credits can be earned in total.
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Credit(s) Offered: every semester The course involves an examination of nutrients in foods and their metabolic role in normal nutrition. Emphasis is on energy sources and utilization, vitamins and minerals, water and the impact of diet on health and chronic disease prevention. Students will be introduced to a variety of nutrition tools, learn how to evaluate nutritional advice and critically analyze their own diet and physical activity. Other aspects of personal wellness such as physical fitness and stress management as well as food insecurity will also be discussed. Cross-listed with SCED 2000
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Credit(s) Offered: occasionally Students learn the anatomy and physiology of the cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems of the human organism as well as their functional inter-relationships, relevant bioethics issues will be presented.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Credit(s) Offered: occasionally Decoding Your Genome introduces the knowledge and applications of human genetics. Students will explore how their genome shapes their sense of self as well as their understanding of the human condition. Students will learn the basic science underlying the inheritance of traits, molecular genetics, and introductory genomics. This foundational knowledge will be used to explore the role genetic variation plays in human health, identity, and history. Laboratories are designed to introduce students to basic scientific techniques while emphasizing problem solving and data analysis.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
0
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Credit(s) Offered: fall, spring, and summer The course examines principles of molecular, cellular, and genetics biology. Topics include biomolecules, cell structure and function, and information processing and inheritance. The laboratory emphasizes the scientific method through experimentation.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Credit(s) Offered: spring and summer The class is a continuation of BIOL 1800 , so students are advised to take that course first. The course examines principles of organismal biology. Topics include evolution, diversity of life on earth, plant biology, and animal biology. The laboratory emphasizes hypothesis formation and testing as well as data collection and analysis.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Credit(s) Offered: Fall The course provides a detailed examination of the structure and function of the human body on the cellular, tissue, and organ system levels. Cellular metabolism, histology, and the skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine systems and special senses are examined. Laboratory complements lecture topics.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Credit(s) Offered: Spring This course is a continuation of BIOL 2004 (Human Anatomy and Physiology I) . The following systems are covered: circulatory, respiratory, digestive, lymphatic, digestive excretory, and reproductive. The laboratory complements lecture topics.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Credit(s) Offered: summer This course is an introduction to the vegetation of New England. The emphasis of this course is to become familiar with the flora and the factors that influence the different ecological associations found in New England. Laboratory is devoted to the techniques of plant identification with emphasis on the terminology and use of botanical keys. Field trips are taken for collecting representative elements of the local flora and preparation of a herbarium.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Credit(s) Offered: every year The structure, nutrition, and growth of microorganisms are examined. Major groups that are covered include bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa and parasites. Genetics, metabolism, ecology and microbiomes are covered. Immunology and immunological techniques are studied. Laboratory work includes aseptic technique, isolation and cultivation of microbes, staining techniques, microscopy and diagnostic testing.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Credit(s) Offered: fall Cellular and subcellular structure and function are covered in this course. Major topics include membranes, cell organelles and biogenesis, energy metabolism, regulatory mechanisms, signal transduction, DNA structure and function, transcription and translation, cell cycle control, and cancer development. Laboratory experiments focus on current cell biology methodologies and instrumentation, and include spectrophotometry, cell fractionation, microscopy, electrophoresis and cell culture technologies.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
A grade of at least 1.7 in BIOL 1800 , or permission of instructor.
BIOL 2300Ecology4
Credit(s) Offered: every fall The course studies the dynamic relationships between organisms and their environment. Field and laboratory work emphasize problem identification, formulation of hypotheses, data collection, and analysis and interpretation of results in terms of their biological implications.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Credit(s) Offered: every other year This course focuses on classical and current research exploring the mechanisms and evolution of Animal Behavior. Course topics include the genetic, ecological, evolutionary, cellular and physiological processes that shape animal behavior. Particular emphasis is placed on reviewing primary literature to understand the evolution of adaptive behaviors for communication, predator avoidance, foraging, habitat selection, courtship, mating, parental care, kin recognition, and cooperations. Weekly laboratory sessions will provide students with the opportunity to conduct independent experiments on animal behavior using a variety of model systems.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Credit(s) Offered: spring This course explores the fundamental relationships between the nervous system, behavior and cognition, giving particular emphasis to the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie behavioral and cognitive activity. Starting with a thorough grounding in basic molecular, cellular, and systems neurobiology, students will examine the neurobiological correlates of sensation and perception, movement, language and communication, learning and memory, and neuropharmacology. Required for majors with a concentration in Neuroscience and Behavior.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
BIOL 1800 or BIOL 1900 and PSY 1100 or PSY 3050 . Meets
BIOL 2700Medical Microbiology4
Credit(s) Offered: spring The course serves as an introduction to the biology of major groups of micro-organisms including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi. Emphasis is placed on their relationship to man as agents of infectious diseases. In the laboratory principles and practices of aseptic techniques and diagnostic identification and culture of disease entities are explored. 3 hrs. lecture, 2 hrs. lab per week plus some additional time.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Credit(s) Offered: every semester Basic principles of biological information processing are examined including Mendelian inheritance, sex determination, chromosome cytogenetics, linkage, recombination and genetic mapping, mutagenesis, molecular genetics and gene-enzyme relationships, and quantitative inheritance. Laboratory work includes study of mutational effects and recombinational analysis in Drosophila, bacteria, and viruses.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
A grade of at least 1.7 in BIOL 1800 , or equivalent (2.0 for Biology majors) Meets
BIOL 3000Parasitology3
Credit(s) Offered: may be less than once every two years The morphology and diagnostic identification of representative groups of parasitic protozoa, helminths, and arthropods are studied along with their functional life cycles and pathogenic relationships to animal and human hosts. Emphasis is placed on epidemiology, pathology, control, and treatment of important parasitic diseases.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Credit(s) Offered: every other year This course introduces the study of viruses. Virus structure, classification, and replication strategies will be discussed. Infection of host cells, host immune responses, anti-viral drugs, and vaccine strategies will be examined. Viruses that infect humans will be emphasized. The use of viruses in biotechnology will also be discussed.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Credit(s) Offered: every other year Invertebrate biology is an introduction to the biology, evolution, and ecology of the major invertebrate phyla; including how and where they live and how they intersect our lives. Lectures will be complemented with laboratory investigations of invertebrate morphology and physiology. Emphasis will be placed on terrestrial, freshwater, and marine invertebrates of New England.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
A grade of at least 1.7 in BIOL 1900 and BIOL 2300
BIOL 3015Methods in Teaching Biology (8-12) I3
Credit(s) Offered: Spring This is the first of two methods courses and will focus on content pedagogy of science (including general science, biology, and chemistry) at the middle and secondary level. Teacher candidates design and implement standards-based instruction and assessments that are aligned with best practices for teaching and learning in science. Special emphasis is placed on employing a variety of instructional practices and classroom management strategies that provide learning opportunities for diverse student populations and enhance multicultural pluralism. Disciplinary literacy is particularly emphasized to enhance reading, writing, speaking, and listening in science. A pre-practicum of 25 hours is required. Students will arrange pre-practicum hours on their own or through the support of the Placement Coordinator. An observation by the Supervising Practitioner, and the accompanying Pre-Practicum Targeted Feedback Form are required. Cross-listed with CHEM 3015 and SCI 3015
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
BIOL 1800 , EDUC 2011 , EDUC 2012 , SPED 3800 , and either CHEM 1000 or CHEM 1300
BIOL 3030Biochemistry I3
Credit(s) Offered: Fall This course is designed for those who need a foundational course in biochemistry as part of their chemistry curriculum or pre-medical requirements. It is also designed to satisfy the biochemistry pre-requisite for other health professions, such as dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, and physician assistant. The coverage may include topics such as water, fundamental building blocks (amino acids, sugars, fatty acids, lipids and nucleotides), biopolymers, membranes, enzymes, metabolic pathways and regulation, biosynthetic pathways, biological oxidations and reductions, and bioenergetics. Cross-listed with CHEM 3030
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Minimum grade of 1.7 in BIOL 1800 and CHEM 2000 Meets
BIOL 3040Biochemistry II3
Credit(s) Offered: every other year This course can be taken in any sequence with Biochemistry I. Topics include enzyme mechanisms, pathways and regulation of carbohydrate, lipid, amino acid, and nucleic acid biosynthesis and catabolism, photosynthesis, DNA replication, transcription and translation. Prerequisites are same as Biochemistry I (BIOL1800, CHEM 2000).
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Credit(s) Offered: every other year This course introduces students to the most commonly used techniques in a biochemistry lab. Students will have hands-on experience with techniques such as buffer preparation, spectrophotometry, recombinant protein expression, protein purification, column chromatography, gel electrophoresis, Western blotting, affinity purification, enzyme activity assays. Cross-listed with CHEM 3060
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
CHEM 3030 / BIOL 3030 with a 1.7 or higher, OR CHEM 2000 and BIOL 2800 each with a 1.7 or higher Meets
BIOL 3100Conservation Biology3
Credit(s) Offered: every other year Conservation Biology studies biological diversity and strategies to protect it. Major themes include 1) the patterns, ecology and evolution of biodiversity; 2) contemporary threats to diversity; 3) approaches to preserve diversity. Within those themes we explore case studies and assess conservation strategies.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Credit(s) Offered: every other year Biology and ecology of marine life are covered in this course. Major topics include the marine environment, biology of marine invertebrates and vertebrates, intertidal ecology, fisheries, and marine conservation issues.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Credit(s) Offered: every other year This course consists of a survey of the techniques and experimental approaches used in cell culture experimentation. The design and maintenance of a cell culture facility will be included. Topics covered will include sterile technique, media preparation, types and sources of cells, cell propagation and quantification, and viability assays. Students will develop their own research project based on their interests. They will use the scientific method to formulate hypotheses and carry out appropriate experiments to address the hypotheses. Students will maintain a proper lab notebook and will present formal presentations of their work at the end of the semester including a poster and/or a seminar.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Credit(s) Offered: every other year in the spring The course is a study of the chemistry of biologically important molecules and macromolecules, including water, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids and vitamins. Metabolic pathways, regulation of metabolic flux, and inborn errors of metabolism are covered. Laboratory emphasizes manual and instrumented techniques for isolation, qualitative and quantitative analysis of macromolecules, enzyme kinetics and protein expressions.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Credit(s) Offered: spring Developmental Biology is a course that examines animal development from fertilization through various stages leading to the adult organism. Current theories regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying cell differentiation and other developmental processes are important themes of this course. The lab involves a semester-long research project using the C. elegans worm model system. In addition, students will use sea urchins and planaria to study in vitro fertilization and regeneration respectively. This is a Biology capstone course.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
A grade of at least 1.7 in BIOL 1800 , BIOL 1900 , and BIOL 2800 Meets
BIOL 3650Plant Biology4
Credit(s) Offered: every other year Plant Biology is a course designed for students interested in expanding their knowledge of plant biology and plant physiology. The course examines plant evolution and diversity as well as the cellular and biochemical characteristics of plants. This course focuses on the physiology, ecology, and molecular biology of plants including leaf and root physiology, reproduction, and stress responses. Consideration will be given to the importance of plants in environmental studies, the biotech industry, and human culture. In laboratory experiments, students will use plants to investigate molecular, physiological, and ecological questions. This is a Biology capstone course.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
BIOL 2300 and BIOL 2800 or permission of the instructor Meets
BIOL 3700Bioethics3
Credit(s) Offered: every other year Bioethics explores the clash between modern biology and human values. Students will have the opportunity to develop ethical guidelines and be prepared to think in a critical fashion about biologically precipitated problems. Ethical theories, genetic engineering and cloning are some of the topics to be discussed. The course uses lectures, discussions, and case study analyses.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
BIOL 1000 or BIOL 1200 or BIOL 1300 or BIOL 1800 or BIOL 1900 Meets
BIOL 3800Vertebrate Biology4
Credit(s) Offered: occasionally This course provides students with a thorough introduction into the biology of vertebrate animals. Lecture topics include anatomy, physiology, ecology and evolution of classes of vertebrates. Laboratories emphasize the mastery of skills needed to collect and identify vertebrates.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Credit(s) Offered: every other year An examination of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that contribute to the development of cancer. Therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment will be considered. In the lab, students will use bioinformatics techniques to explore the molecular changes associated with tumorigenesis.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
A grade of 1.7 in BIOL 2300 and BIOL 2800 or permission of the instructor. Meets
BIOL 4012Practicum Seminar3
Credit(s) Offered: Spring semesters concurrent with the Practicum This course is taken in conjunction with the practicum. Using peer collaboration and self-reflection, teacher candidates explore strategies to improve instruction, promote positive student behavior and social-emotional growth, and provide leadership at a school-wide level. The course also serves as a culminating experience in which candidates produce a Teacher Work Sample (TWS), a multi-step performance assessment that models the planning-teaching-assessment cycle of the professional educator, and that provides evidence of the candidate’s readiness to teach. Cross-listed with CHEM 4012 , ENGL 4012 , HIST 4012 , MATH 4012 , ENGT 4012 and SCI 4012
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Credit(s) Offered: alternate years Medicinal chemistry is an interdisciplinary science involving the design, chemical synthesis, and biological evaluation of drug molecules. Medicinal chemistry is a useful course for students wishing to pursue a career in health sciences such as medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry, or those contemplating graduate studies in biological and health sciences. The course gives a historical perspective behind the development of various drug molecules and also helps students appreciate the challenges involved in designing an effective compound and bringing it to market. Specific case studies are presented throughout the course to help students understand the chemical principles underlying drug action. Cross-listed with CHEM 4020
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Credit(s) Offered: every other year This course offers studies of molecular techniques including restriction enzymes, plasmids, gene cloning, recombinant DNA, DNA sequencing, methods of gene expression analysis, and other topics of current interest. Laboratory work includes restriction enzyme digests, DNA cloning, bacterial transformation, minipreps, PCR, cell culture and transfection and bioinformatics. During this course, students will be conducting a laboratory-based research project that they will present at the end of the semester. This is a Biology capstone course.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
A grade of at least 1.7 in BIOL 2800 and also complete one of the following: BIOL 2250 , BIOL 3350 , BIOL 3450 or BIOL 2150 or permission of instructor. Meets
BIOL 4600Evolution3
Credit(s) Offered: every other year The course is an introduction to the principles and processes governing the evolution of living organisms. Emphasis is placed on the ways by which various other biological disciplines relate to evolutionary studies. A survey of paleontological evidence is given to demonstrate how evolutionary principles have affected life.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Credit(s) Offered: every other year This course combines an introduction to the core principles of animal physiology with an in-depth discussion of how these principles are modified and shaped by environmental and ecological pressures uniquely confronted by each species. Topics will include neural and sensory physiology, circulation, gas exchange and transport, ion and water balance, digestion and metabolism, movement, and thermal physiology. We will strive for a balanced treatment of representative species and groups from across the animal kingdom, both invertebrate and vertebrate, in lectures, discussions, readings of primary literature, and laboratory exercises. This is a Biology capstone course.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
BIOL 1800 , BIOL 1900 , plus at least one advanced course with laboratory BIOL 2000+ level.
BIOL 4810Immunology3
Credit(s) Offered: every other year The course consists of a survey of immune response, antibody formation and function, immunosuppression, blood group antigens and antibody-antigen reactions. The principles of complement activity, hypersensitivity and autoallergic reactions are discussed.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Credit(s) Offered: fall This is the second part of the methods course that focuses on science (including chemistry, biology, general science) pedagogy at the middle and secondary level. Teacher candidates continue designing and implementing standards-based instruction and assessments that are aligned with best practices for teaching and learning in science. Special emphasis is placed on employing a variety of instructional practices and classroom management strategies that provide learning opportunities for diverse student populations and enhance multicultural pluralism. Moreover, teacher candidates will gain knowledge in using technology to facilitate teaching and learning appropriate for the needs of diverse learners and across varied subject areas. This course also addresses select biology (8-12), chemistry (8-12), and general science (5-8) subject matter knowledge (5-12) required by ESE. A pre-practicum of 25 hours is required. Cross-listed with CHEM 4850 , SCI 4850
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Credit(s) Offered: every semester Teacher candidates complete a practicum in an educational setting under the direction of a supervising practitioner who is certified in the area of licensure sought by the candidate, and under the guidance of a program supervisor. The purpose of the practicum is to ensure candidates are ready to teach and make impact with students on day one in a classroom. Targeted and specific feedback on observations of candidates, measurement of candidate impact on student learning, student feedback and additional evidence will be used to demonstrate and improve candidate performance on Professional Standards for Teachers indicators and the Candidate Performance of Assessment.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
4.5
Credits (max)
6
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Credit(s) Offered: every semester Teacher candidates complete a practicum in an educational setting under the direction of a supervising practitioner who is certified in the area of licensure sought by the candidate, and under the guidance of a program supervisor. The purpose of the practicum is to ensure candidates are ready to teach and make impact with students on day one in a classroom. Targeted and specific feedback on observations of candidates, measurement of candidate impact on student learning, student feedback and additional evidence will be used to demonstrate and improve candidate performance on Professional Standards for Teachers indicators and the Candidate Performance of Assessment.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
4.5
Credits (max)
4.5
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Credit(s) In the Independent Study, participants fulfill laboratory or other independent research under the guidance and supervision of one or more faculty members. A comprehensive term paper and/or an oral presentation are required for successful completion of the project.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
1
Credits (max)
1
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Repeatable
May be repeated for credit to a maximum of nine semester hours.
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Junior or senior standing, 15 credits of Biology and special permission of the Biology Department.
BIOL 4902Independent Study2
Credit(s) In the Independent Study, participants fulfill laboratory or other independent research under the guidance and supervision of one or more faculty members. A comprehensive term paper and/or an oral presentation are required for successful completion of the project.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
2
Credits (max)
2
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Repeatable
May be repeated for credit to a maximum of nine semester hours.
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Junior or senior standing, 15 credits of Biology and special permission of the Biology Department.
BIOL 4903Independent Study3
Credit(s) In the Independent Study, participants fulfill laboratory or other independent research under the guidance and supervision of one or more faculty members. A comprehensive term paper and/or an oral presentation are required for successful completion of the project.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Repeatable
May be repeated for credit to a maximum of nine semester hours.
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Junior or senior standing, 15 credits of Biology and special permission of the Biology Department.
BIOL 4950Internship1-6
Credit(s) Offered: every semester The Internship involves off-campus laboratory or field experience in conjunction with established research programs at cooperating governmental, industrial, or private facilities. Supervision is shared by program directors and faculty members at Fitchburg State University. Assignments are contingent upon students’ abilities and acceptance by the cooperating institution. One or two full days of work per week may be expected. A comprehensive term paper and/or an oral presentation are required after each semester of Internship work for successful completion of the project.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
1
Credits (max)
6
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Repeatable
May be repeated for up to a maximum of 12 semester hours.
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Junior or senior standing and approval of the Biology Department.
BIOL 4960Internship3-12
Credit(s) Offered: every semester The Internship involves off-campus laboratory or field experience in conjunction with established research programs at cooperating governmental, industrial, or private facilities. Supervision is shared by program directors and faculty members at Fitchburg State University. Assignments are contingent upon students’ abilities and acceptance by the cooperating institution. One or two full days of work per week may be expected. A comprehensive term paper and/or an oral presentation are required after each semester of Internship work for successful completion of the project.
Subject
BIOL
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
12
Credit unit
Credit(s)
Type
course
Repeatable
May be repeated for up to a maximum of 12 semester hours.
Edition
2025-2026
Catalog
Fitchburg State University 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
