59 courses with the subject BIO, 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.
BIO 102Concepts in Human Biology and Health Issues – 3 or4
The application of biological principles to contemporary health issues are examined in this course to provide awareness and scientific literacy about their potential impact and importance to our well-being and the choices we make. Students will gain an appreciation of the design of the human body through a study of its organization, the interrelationships among the many organ systems, patterns of chromosome and genetic inheritance and cancer. Students may take only the lecture portion of the course (3 credits), or the lecture and laboratory portion of the course (3 + 1 credits). However, if electing to take the laboratory portion, it must be taken concurrent with the lecture course.
BIO 111Concepts in Ecology and Environmental Issues –4
Contemporary environmental concerns on global, national and local levels are examined to increase awareness and scientific literacy and promote stewardship in the understanding of their impact and application to human existence. In order to understand these environmental concerns it is important to study the nature of our environment, biodiversity, biogeochemical cycles, populations, and our renewable and non-renewable resources. The laboratory is an integral part of the course and will reinforce lecture material and must be taken concurrent with lecture. The laboratory will include mandatory day field trip(s).
BIO 115Biotechnology and Society: From DNA to Cloning –3
This course will provide a survey of the science behind the biotechnological advances that impact everyday human lives. Students will learn about the Molecular Biology concepts and techniques that serve as the foundation for biotechnological advances that impact human lives. The course will begin with an overview of the scientific method, and the concepts of DNA, genes, gene expression, and cells. Topics will include the applications of biotechnology in medicine (genetic diseases such as cancer, gene therapy, stem cells, and human cloning), and biotechnology in industry (genetically modified crops and organisms (GMOs)). The course will also touch on the ethical, social, and political impacts of these biotechnological advances on society
As a scientific study of the human body, this course will examine the complementarity of structure and function in conjunction with clinical applications and will provide the foundation for understanding the design of the human body from the cell to the system level under the unifying theme of homeostasis. Topics include anatomical terminology, chemistry, cells, tissues, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and sensory systems. The laboratory component will focus on anatomical principles and complement lecture through microscopic and macroscopic observations that include organ dissections. For students whose majors require both lecture and lab, the laboratory component must be taken concurrently with lecture. Students whos
As a continuation of the study of structure and function with clinical applications important to understanding the human body under the unifying theme of homeostasis, this course will continue using physiological principles to study the endocrine, cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive systems, metabolism and development. The laboratory component will focus on anatomical principles and complement lecture with microscopic and macroscopic observations enhanced with fetal pig and organ dissections. For students whose majors require both lecture and lab, the laboratory component must be taken concurrently with lecture. Students whose majors do not require the laboratory may choose to take only the lecture port BIO 12 3 Foundations in Biology – 4 credits In this course students will learn about basic cellular and molecular processes including prokaryote and eukaryote structure and reproduction. Students will review transcription, translation, DNA structure, mitosis and meiosis. These processes will then be studied in the context of their function in protists, fungi and plants, including tissue structure and function. Plant diversity and reproduction and a brief overview of animal reproduction and diversity will be studied. Evolutionary mechanisms, speciation and phylogenetic processes will be included. The course will include an introduction to ecological principles. This course serves as the foundation for the next three core courses in the Biological Sciences curriculum. Lecture 3 hou
Students must complete BIO 117 lecture with a C- or better to enroll in BIO 118 lecture (or permission of the instructor).
BIO 124Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology –4
This course covers fundamental concepts in the areas of cell and molecular biology, focusing on cellular reactions in the context of major Biological theories including: Cell Theory, Homeostasis, the Central Dogma, Bioenergetics, and Inheritance. There will be a special emphasis on the molecular reactions and cellular structures found inside of eukaryotic cells. Topics will include microscopy; cell structure and function; cell-cycle and reproduction; gene expression and its control; molecular mechanisms of inheritance, inter- and intracellular signaling and interactions. In conjunction with the lecture course, the laboratory sections will provide the students with firsthand experience in commonly used experimental techniques in cell and
BIO 125The Amazon Basin: Natural History, Culture, and Conservation (Alternate years) –3
This is a seminar and field study on the natural history, conservation, and culture of the Amazon Basin. Students will learn about the natural history of the neotropical rainforest and the conservation issues that affect it through readings, discussions, hikes, boat trips, observations from a canopy tower, and by conducting directed research on various topics of rainforest ecology and conservation. Students will also learn about the culture of indigenous Amerindian communities and how the conservation issues affecting the Amazon rainforest affect their way of life. The seminar portion in the course will take place during Spring Semester Accelerated II and the field portion will take place at a biological field station in the Amazon. Pre
The general characteristics of bacteria, protozoa, yeasts, molds, and viruses are used to understand the role of microorganisms in human health and disease. The interactions between the host and the microorganisms are emphasized as well as the physical and chemical methods of control. Infectious disease agents are covered by body system. For students whose majors require both lecture and lab, these must be taken together the first time a student takes the course. Students whose majors do not require the laboratory may choose to take only the lecture portion of the course (3 credits). Students should consult with their advisors for their major or concentration requirements. Lecture 3 hours (may be offered online), laboratory 3 hours (onl
BIO 128Emerging Infectious Diseases and the Environment (Alternate years) –3
A number of outbreaks in emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) such as Ebola, Lyme disease, malaria, and cholera can be tied to ways that humans interact with the environment. Many of these diseases have animal reservoirs or vectors whose habitats have been destroyed or changed, leading to an increase in the presence of these diseases. This course will cover the biological mechanisms of a diversity of diseases, the ecology of disease agents and vectors, the impact of globalization on the spread of EIDs, and the relationship between the spread of EIDs and the environment. Lectures, debates, book discussions, media clips, and projects will be integral parts of this course.
BIO 129Principles of Epidemiology (Alternate Years) –3
At times, human societies have difficulty separating fact from fallacy. This is especially true during times of stress, such as when the Spanish flu swept the globe killing millions of people in 1918-1919. Uncertainties and false conclusions regarding the identity of the specific pathogen and the mode of transfer from one individual to another led to delayed or poor decisions that resulted in significantly more deaths. Health and human services were far exceeded and measures were taken that most would find unacceptable today. HIV/AIDS is another example of where the blend of fact and fallacy has led to the death of millions. Modern epidemiology has a set of approaches designed to help separate fact from fallacy and to help the human pop
A field course oriented to identification, adaptations, habitat associations, and sociobiology of birds at Hawk Mountain. The course meets for two weekends (one in September and October).
A focus on neotropical migrant birds with consideration of their natural history, identification, and migratory patterns. Students learn orientation and theory in the classroom. Location, identification, and discussion of species are studied in the field (Hawk Mountain Sanctuary and surrounding area). The course meets one weekend in late April or early May.
An introduction to hawk migration, including the effects of weather and geography, hawk identification, migration research, and a small independent project. The course meets for two Saturdays in the fall.
BIO 135Birds of Prey in Winter: A Study in Adaptation (Alternate years) –1
An introduction to the winter ecology of Pennsylvania’s hawks, eagles, and falcons, with emphasis on hunting strategies and tactics, prey selection, competition for food, and aggressive interactions. The course meets for one weekend in late January.
An introduction to the breeding ecology of Pennsylvania’s hawks, eagles, falcons, and owls, with emphasis on territorial behavior, parent-offspring interactions, nestling growth and development, and conservation ecology. The course meets for one weekend in March.
This course is designed for students who are interested in conducting independent research under the guidance of a faculty member from the Department of Biological Sciences in their first year at the college. This is meant to be an initial experience for these students in order for them to gain a basic understanding of how scientists design and conduct biology research. Prerequisite: permission of the faculty supervising the research.
This course is designed to engage students in understanding the major processes of cells including cell structure, growth, and reproduction. The course provides the student with an in-depth understanding of genetics and heredity as well as the roles they play in the overall function and continued growth of a population. Other topics include ecology and biodiversity. Tel-Education Course Number BIO 1304
BIO 200Introduction to Neuroscience: Neurons, Systems, and Brains (Alternate years) –3
This introductory course covers many aspects of neuroscience including synaptic transmission, psychopharmacology, sensory systems, cognition, learning, and basis of neurological disease. Prerequisite: C- or better in either BIO 123 or PSY 100 or permission of the instructor.
Research Directors (RD’s) lead a team of 3-6 BIO 124 lab students through the many steps of scientific research. Developing a research plan and schedule, teaching laboratory and/or field techniques, critiquing oral presentations and a written abstract are the primary responsibilities of an RD. Prerequisite: BIO 124 and permission of the instructor.
A study of plants from the green algae through the angiosperms. Plant structure, function, physiology, ecology, and conservation will be addressed. The laboratory portion of the course will focus on the evolutionary relationships among different plant families, learning of key characteristics to aid in plant identification, and understanding the economic/medicinal/cultural/agricultural (taste!) importance of specific plant groups. The laboratory is highly recommended, but not required. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisite: C- or better in either BIO 111 or BIO 123 or permission of the instructor.
BIO 220Sensation and Perception: Processing Reality (Alternate years) –3
An in-depth study of sensory systems including vision, taste, olfaction, audition, and somatic senses. This course fulfills only the 3 credit SCI requirement. Lecture (3 hours) may be taken without the laboratory, but BIO 223 lab is required for Neuroscience majors. Prerequisite: C- or better in either PSY 100 or BIO 124.
BIO 223Sensation and Perception Laboratory (Alternate years) –1
The laboratory section for Sensation and Perception allows students to understand the research methods used in historical and modern investigations of perception, often by serving as subjects in their own experiments. This laboratory does not fulfill the SCI requirement. Laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisite: C- or better in either PSY 100 or BIO 124; Co-requisite: BIO 220.
BIO 224Animal Behavior: An Evolutionary Approach (Alternate years) –3
A study of the underlying (proximate) mechanisms and evolutionary (ultimate) causes of animal behavior. Discussions will include the scientific method and its application to the study of animal behavior and the evolution of behavioral adaptations (habitat selection, territoriality, migration, communication, predator avoidance, foraging strategies, reproductive strategies, and social behavior). The evolution of human behavior will also be discussed. Concepts will be introduced and discussed using a hypothetico-deductive approach. Prerequisite: C- or better in BIO 111, BIO 123, or PSY 100.
BIO 225The Amazon Basin: Natural History, Culture, and Conservation (Alternate years) –3
This is a seminar and field study on the natural history, conservation, and culture of the Amazon Basin. Students will learn about the natural history of the neotropical rainforest and the conservation issues that affect it through readings, discussions, hikes, boat trips, observations from a canopy tower, and by conducting directed research on various topics of rainforest ecology and conservation. Students will also learn about the culture of indigenous Amerindian communities and how the conservation issues affecting the Amazon rainforest affect their way of life. The seminar portion in the course will take place during Spring Semester Accelerated II and the field portion will take place at a biological field station in the Amazon. Pre
This course surveys microbial life including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses (with an emphasis on bacteria). Topics covered include microbial characteristics, physical and chemical control, metabolism, enzymes, regulation of enzyme activity, bacterial genetics, microbial diversity, microbial control, and applications of microbiology. The laboratory includes aseptic technique, staining procedures, culture methods, cultural and physical characteristics, microbial control, microbiology of food, water, and soil, microbiology of the body, and identification of unknowns. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisites: C- or better in both BIO 123 and BIO 124, and C- or better in both CHE 111 and CHE 112 (CHE 205 and CHE 206 are rec
This course is an introduction to the organisms, habitats, and ecosystems that make up the marine realm and the conservation issues that affect them. Topics include physical oceanography, marine biodiversity, the ecology of marine organisms and communities, and marine conservation ecology. The optional field experience is taught at a marine station in the Caribbean. While at the field site, students will: (1) conduct comparative biodiversity studies of neotropical ecosystems, including coral reefs, sea grass beds, and mangroves and (2) conduct marine conservation research projects. Snorkeling is required. Students are responsible for all travel and lodging expenses, as well as cost to rent or buy snorkeling equipment. While this is a fa
BIO 229Ecology and Natural History of the American Southwest (Alternate years) –3
This course will take place in Arizona. Students will fly to Arizona to study Sonoran desert and mountain habitats in the Tucson area as well as in field sites in southern and eastern Arizona. Students will learn about the plants and animals of the southwestern deserts and mountains by visiting several museums and parks, in addition to collecting data in the field. In addition to completing several field-based research projects, students will read published papers on research conducted in the area previously and complete discussion questions on the readings. This course has additional fees associated with it. Prerequisites: C- or better in either BIO 111 or BIO 123, and permission of the instructor.
A study of the principles and mechanisms of heredity and variation at the organismal, molecular, and population levels. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisites: C- or better in both BIO 123 and BIO 124.
BIO 239Animal Ecology, Development, and Evolution –4
This course is a comparative study of major innovations in form and function in animal evolution. The course will survey the major taxonomic groups of animals and course material will be organized using the Bauplan concept – basic themes of form and function: body symmetry; cellularity, body size, germ layers, and body cavities; support and movement; feeding and digestion; circulation and gas exchange; nervous system and sense organs; and development. The foundation concepts of ecology and the natural history of each taxonomic group will be covered to provide an ecological context for the evolution of animal form and function. The phylogenetic relationship among and within taxa will be covered to provide an understanding of the nature o
This course is designed for students who are interested in conducting independent research under the guidance of a faculty member from the Department of Biological Sciences but have not developed a research proposal for their independent project. This course may be repeated; 2 credits per semester is the standard load. Prerequisites: C- or better in either BIO 123 or BIO 143, and permission of the faculty supervising the research.
Subject
BIO
Credits (min)
1
Credits (max)
2
Credit unit
credits
Type
course
Repeatable
may be repeated; 2 credits per semester is the standard load.
An introduction to descriptive and inferential statistical methods that enable scientists to generate and test hypothesis, and to accurately convey to the scientific community the information within their data sets. Both parametric and nonparametric methods are addressed. An emphasis is placed on analysis of biological data. This course is intended for students who are at least at the sophomore level when taking the course. Prerequisite: C- or better in MAT 141.
This course involves in-depth study of mechanisms of evolution and how they relate to the complexity of the world and its organisms. Evolutionary change will be studied as it occurs at the genetic level, within populations, between species, and as it relates to physical changes in the environment. The use of fossil, morphological, and molecular data to tease apart evolutionary relationships among taxa will be discussed and examined further in the lab. Students may take only the lecture portion of the course (3 credits) or the lecture and laboratory portion of the course (4 credits). Prerequisites: C- or better in both BIO 231 and BIO 239.
From the cellular, tissue and organ level, the general principles of disease and the underlying changes in human physiology that result from disease and injury will be studied for their effects on homeostasis. This course will also examine the etiology, diagnosis, manifestations, medical treatment, and prognosis of disease states, organized by a system approach, and the interrelationships among organ systems in deviations from homeostasis, Clinical studies and medical case histories will be examined in order to analyze and assess disease states. Prerequisites: C- or better in both BIO 117 and BIO 118 (can be taken concurrently), or C- or better in both BIO 217 and BIO 218, or permission of the instructor.
BIO 311Multidisciplinary Solutions for Global Diseases –1
This capstone seminar course for the Global Diseases minor provides an opportunity for students, through in class readings and discussion, a presentation and a project, to propose their multidisciplinary solution for health-related problems within the region of their respective cultural experience. Prerequisites: an approved cultural experience, completion of a majority of the courses in the minor with grades of C- or better.
BIO 315Case Studies in Conservation Biology (Alternate years) –3
This course will be taught in a seminar style and involve a review and discussion of readings, issues and examples in biodiversity and conservation biology. Students will work independently and in small groups to critique federally endangered species recovery plans, create materials that would be informative to the public regarding conservation issues, and debate the design of a park/preserve. Students will also participate in service-learning projects involving environmental issues in the local community. Prerequisites: C- or better in BIO 239; BIO 316 is strongly recommended (can be taken concurrently).
BIO 316Conservation Biology and GIS (Alternate years) – 3 or4
An overview of the science of conservation covering 1) the nature of conservation biology and the definition, origin, and global patterns of biodiversity, 2) the threats to biodiversity including habitat destruction and fragmentation, invasive species, overexploitation, and climate change, 3) how these threats affect the genetic and demographic processes of small populations, and 4) the methods used to stop the loss of biodiversity. In lab, the relationship of GPS (Global Positioning System) and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to the field of conservation biology and land management will be discussed through readings in the primary literature and experienced through class projects. Projects include mapping and data basing the Cedar
BIO 317Human and Biomedical Genetics (Alternate years) –3
A survey of Mendelian, quantitative, and population genetics and genomics of humans. Emphasis will be placed on inheritance of traits relating to human health. The genetics of organisms of biomedical relevance will also be covered. Prerequisite: C- or better in BIO 231.
This project-based course is a study of advanced ecological principles and concepts, including patterns, causes and consequences of biodiversity, population growth and regulation, intra- and interspecific competition, and metapopulations. These concepts and principles will be explored through group discussion and lab and field projects, which will include a campus Bioblitz, modeling population growth and regulation using matrix modeling, modeling the effects of climate change on plant phenology and species distribution, and modeling metapopulation dynamics. Prerequisite: C- or better in BIO 239.
BIO 327Microbial Pathogenesis and Human Immunology (Alternate years) – 3 or4
This course will introduce the microorganisms responsible for many common diseases and the ways in which the human body can protect itself against these disease agents. Topics include immunology, bacteriology, virology, mycology, parasitology, and microbial pathogenesis. Lectures, case studies, current events, and discussions will be integral parts of this course. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Students may take only the lecture portion of the course (3 credits) or the lecture and lab (4 credits).
C- or better in BIO 227 or permission of the instructor.
BIO 330Drugs and the Brain: Neuropharmacology of Disease and Addiction (Alternate years) –3
An in-depth study of the pharmacological aspects of neuroscience with an emphasis on clinical applications. Prerequisite: C- or better in BIO 200, BIO 231, or PSY 215 or permission of the instructor.
BIO 332Developmental Biology (Alternate years) – 3 or4
Developmental Biology can be defined as the study of the formation of an adult organism from a single cell. Students will be introduced to the field of Developmental Biology using approaches ranging from traditional embryology to cell biology to modern molecular biology. The ethics of applying Developmental Biology knowledge to human health, including assisted reproductive technologies, human cloning, and genetic testing will also be examined. Laboratory activities will allow students to perform techniques presented in the lecture, including designing their own experiments using model organisms. Lecture may be taken without the laboratory. Prerequisites: C- or better in both BIO 231 and BIO 239.
Part one of a two-part course in molecular genetics, this semester emphasizes molecular mechanisms as they apply to prokaryotic organisms. Lectures will begin with a general review of genetics and cell biology, cover basic techniques used in molecular biology research, and then detail the processes of DNA replication and transcription in prokaryotes. They will explore controversial issues as they relate to molecular genetics and present their findings using various formats such as position papers, online threaded discussions, podcasts, and poster displays. In the laboratory portion of this course, students will use restriction endonucleases to clone specific genes from bacterial DNA. They will demonstrate their success through restricti
Part two of a two-part course in molecular genetics, this semester emphasizes molecular mechanisms as they apply to eukaryotic organisms. Lectures explore basic techniques used in molecular biology research as the processes of transcription and translation in eukaryotes are examined. The impact that current research in the field of molecular genetics has on society health issues and world politics is also examined. In the laboratory portion of this course, students design and conduct original research projects to explore gene expression in eukaryotic organisms. Prerequisite: C- or better in BIO 335.
This course covers the genetics, molecular biology, and cellular biology of cancer from DNA mutagenesis to cellular transformation. We will try to answer the following questions: What is cancer? What causes cancer? How can cancer be treated? Specific topics to be covered include maintenance of genomic integrity, cell-cycle control, oncogenes and tumor suppressors, metastasis, and anti-cancer treatment strategies. The course will rely heavily on the primary literature with a special focus on current topics in Cancer Biology. Prerequisite: C- or better in BIO 231 or permission of the instructor.
BIO 340Advanced Brain Lab: Experimental Approaches to Neuroscience (Alternate years) –4
This laboratory course introduces students to several of the methods currently used by neuroscientists including electrophysiological, histological and molecular techniques. The lecture component explores both classical and current literature in Neuroscience. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisites: C- or better in either BIO 239 or BIO 231, and C- or better in BIO 200.
BIO 341Mammalian Cell Culture & Microscopy (Alternate years) –1.5
This lab intensive course will explore animal cell culture and associated microscopy techniques. Students will learn how to grow and maintain animal cell cultures, work with immortalized cell cultures, and how to transfect cells with exogenous DNA. There will also be a focus on the theory and application of advanced techniques in microcopy, including inverted microscopy and fluorescence microscopy of animal cells. This course is intended for students in their junior or senior year. Prerequisite: C- or better in BIO 231 or permission of the instructor.
BIO 343Advanced Polymerase Chain Reaction Techniques (Alternate years) –1.5
This lab-intensive course focuses on the theoretical and practical applications of polymerase chain reaction (PCR), one of the most important tools of molecular biology, and has applications in a broad range of scientific disciplines, including clinical characterization and treatment of disease, forensic science, evolutionary biology, and genetics. The course exposes students to advanced PCR techniques including site-specific DNA mutagenesis, reverse transcriptase PCR to measure gene expression, High Resolution Melt Analysis (HRM) real time PCR to identify genetic diseases, and PCR Genotyping of criminal suspect DNA. This course is intended for students in their junior or senior year. Prerequisite: C- or better in BIO 231.
This lab-intensive weekend course will help students to better understand both the Sanger and Maxam-Gilbert Methods of sequencing. Students will experience Sanger sequencing through both manual and automated sequencing methods. They will also learn how to interpret data as they use biotechnology to identify sequences and build basic sequence comparisons. This course is intended for students in their junior or senior year. Prerequisite: C- or better in BIO 231.
BIO 345Advanced Recombinant DNA Techniques (Alternate years) –3
This capstone course for Genetic Engineering majors will cover advanced techniques in molecular biology, with a special focus on molecular genetic and recombinant techniques. The course will include discussions of mechanisms of manipulating the genomes of scientifically important model organisms and discuss the clinical and ethical implications of such manipulations. We will also cover the multiple “omics,” including genomics and proteomics that are used to study biological and clinical problems. The course will have a strong emphasis on readings and discussions of the primary literature related to topics covered in class. Prerequisites: C- or better in both BIO 335 and BIO 336 (BIO 336 can be taken concurrently).
BIO 348Diseases of the Nervous System (Alternate years) – 3 or4
Our brains control everything that makes us human, including how we think, feel, learn, and how we perceive the outside world. When the brain is damaged by disease or injury or fails to form correctly during development, the results can be catastrophic. This course will examine selected diseases of the nervous system at both the clinical and the molecular level and assess current treatments. Diseases to be discussed may include Alzheimer, schizophrenia, neural tube defects, autism, and spinal cord injuries. Readings from the primary literature and laboratory activities will complement the lecture material. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours; laboratory may not always be offered. Lecture may be taken without the laboratory. Prerequisite
BIO 349Protein Purification and Analysis (Alternate years) –1.5
This laboratory-intensive weekend course covers the methodologies of protein purification, such as column chromatography and ammonium sulfate precipitation, quantification of protein concentration through colorimetric methods, and protein analysis through both denaturing and non-denaturing PAGE. Various methods of detection are used including Coomassie blue stain, an enzymatic assay, and Western blot. By the end of the course, students generate their own data, compare purification methods, and produce an end report in either a paper or poster format. This course is intended for students in their junior or senior year. Prerequisite: C- or better in BIO 231.
This course fulfills two goals: (1) development of career plans and skills, including interviews, resumes, and oral, written, and digital communication. (2) development of critical thinking skills through the selection of a research topic and preparation of a research proposal. Should a student select the thesis option for her major, this proposal will be the foundation for her thesis research. This course is part of the capstone requirement for all majors in the Department of Biological Sciences and is normally taken in the fall of the junior year. Prerequisites: C- or better in both BIO 123 and BIO 124, and D or better in one lecture and one lab of BIO 239 or BIO 231.
This course is designed for students who are interested in conducting independent research under the guidance of a faculty member from the Department of Biological Sciences and have previously developed a proposal that outlines their research plan in fulfillment of Junior Colloquium. This course may be repeated; 2 credits per semester is the standard load. This course may be used to satisfy the Thesis Option for majors within the Department of Biological Sciences, which requires a minimum of 4 credits earned by working in a coherent research project. Prerequisites: C- or better in BIO 350 and permission of the faculty supervising the research.
Subject
BIO
Credits (min)
1
Credits (max)
2
Credit unit
credits
Type
course
Repeatable
may be repeated; 2 credits per semester is the standard load.
This course serves as the capstone course for the Thesis Option for all majors in the Department of Biological Sciences. Completion of this course requires (1) submission of a written thesis to the faculty supervising the student’s thesis research and (2) a final oral presentation of the student’s research project to the college community. Prerequisites: Declared major within the Department of Biological Sciences; permission of the faculty supervising the research; and 4 credits of BIO 353 ( or two semesters of BIO 243 and one semester of BIO 353) or 4 credits of CHE 391/392 (2 credits of BIO 353 – CHE 391/392 may be taken concurrently) with grades of C- or better.
BIO 357Reflection on an Integrated Biology Major –0.5
A student who majors in Integrated Biology will take a minimum of 12 credit hours of coursework in another discipline and should be able to demonstrate how this discipline integrates with biology. In this course, the student will reflect on this integration through a written assignment and, as appropriate, a supporting portfolio. Prerequisites: Senior standing, a declared major in Integrated Biology, and completion of integrated coursework with grades of C- or better (may be taken concurrently).
This course provides science majors with an opportunity to form connections between their scientific background and society as a whole. Students will gain an understanding of the role of science in society, including the challenges facing women in science, and the importance of ethics within science. This course is part of the capstone requirement for all majors in the Department of Biological Sciences and is normally taken in the fall of the senior year; successful completion of the course fulfills the Ethics and Writing-2 LAC requirements . Prerequisites: C- or better in BIO 231 with lab, BIO 239 with lab, and BIO 350.
Biology Courses Offered in Affiliation with Hawk Mountain Sanctuary All Hawk Mountain courses can be used to partially fulfill the Natural Science (SCI) designation of the Liberal Arts Curriculum (LAC). BIO 132 Field Ornithology can fulfill the 3-credit requirement. The 4-credit SCI requirement can be satisfied by successfully completing BIO 132 along with one of the 1-credit Hawk Mountain courses (BIO 133 -136). All Hawk Mountain courses are held regardless of weather conditions and require outdoor fieldwork and hiking on rugged terrain. Appropriate clothing and footgear are recommended. Students must provide their own transportation to the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Kempton, PA. Unless otherwise stated, classes are held at the Acopian Center for Conservation Learning (ACCL) at Hawk Mountain.
This course deals with fundamental and advanced concepts in probability, statistical methods, and hypothesis testing. Topics include, but are not limited to, fundamentals of probability; summary statistics; basic hypothesis testing; analysis of frequency data; analysis of variance; regression and correlation; factor analysis and principal components analysis; discriminant analysis; and other multivariate methods. Nonparametric approaches will also be covered. Statistical power will be discussed in the context of research design. Prerequisites: One year of undergraduate calculus (e.g. MAT 141/142), and either a 200-level undergraduate course in statistics (e.g. BIO 248 or MAT 210) or an earned Bachelor’s degree; grades of C- or better ar
