48 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 101Concepts of Biology4
A general survey course designed for education majors and students making a transition to the biology, molecular biology, or environmental science curriculum. (Students from other non-science majors seeking to fulfill their Scientific Discovery IP should consider other 100-level courses.) Students explore ways of observing and thinking about fundamental biological processes common to many living organisms. The goal of this class is to help students become better citizens and teachers of science by increasing their ability to make informed decisions regarding current and future scientific discoveries. Emphasis is placed upon identifying and studying topics of a biological nature that are relevant to modern society. A laboratory is included, during which time students will apply the scientific method and develop critical thinking and inductive reasoning skills. Meets Scientific Discovery Intellectual Perspective requirement (SD).
A course for the non-science major. Biological evolution is examined from a historical perspective, from inception to our current understanding of this unifying theory of biology. Natural selection and the modern genetic theory of evolution as continuing processes are emphasized, as are the ways that evolution as a theory is testable by the scientific method. A laboratory is included. If this course is offered as a cluster, students must also register for ENG 106. Meets Scientific Discovery Intellectual Perspective requirement (SD).
This is a cluster course for the non-science major. Students will learn how scientific discoveries are made and they will use the scientific method to investigate biological systems. Ecological concepts will be used to illustrate biological patterns at the individual, population, and community level and to explain the importance of change in the natural world. A laboratory which emphasizes field work is included. Meets Scientific Discovery Intellectual Perspective requirement (SD).
An introductory course for non-science major designed to introduce the student to the workings of the human body. Emphasis will be placed on an understanding of how a homeostatic balance must be maintained for proper functioning of our various organ systems. A laboratory is included. This course is intended for non-science majors and is not open to biology, molecular biology, neuroscience, or environmental science majors. Meets Scientific Discovery Intellectual Perspective requirement (SD).
An introductory course for non-science majors. The primary objectives of this course are to provide college students with a fundamental understanding of scientific technologies and concepts underlying the Human Genome Project and genetic research, and to make students aware of the ethical, social, and legal implications of this monumental achievement. Students will also develop an appreciation for the types of questions that science can and cannot answer using the scientific approach. During laboratory sessions, students will study the inheritance patterns of humans and other organisms, extract DNA from their own cells, analyze their DNA using a variety of genetic techniques and participate in a mock trial. If this course is offered is a cluster, students must also register for ENG 137. Meets Scientific Discovery Intellectual Perspective requirement (SD).
An introductory course for non-science majors which explores the causes, pathobiology, epidemiology, and treatment of selected worldwide infectious diseases, with a special focus on the United States. The course will emphasize infectious diseases that have impacted American society and shaped our public health infrastructure. It will include an introduction to public health and epidemiology which will be then followed by discussions on selected infectious diseases. During laboratory sessions, students will learn about scientific communication, through reviewing and presenting scientific literature, learn about laboratory methods used to diagnose and study infectious agents, and acquire skills in epidemiological research and outbreak investigations. This course meets the Scientific Discovery Intellectual Perspective requirement (SD).
This introductory course for non-majors provides students with a background in cell and molecular biology as it relates to the development of human disease. The course covers a range of topics in cell and molecular biology including: cell organization, the structure of DNA and protein, the effect of DNA mutations on protein function, the relationship between genotype and phenotype and genetic inheritance. This content knowledge will then be applied to a variety of diseases in order for students to understand the science behind the symptoms. Specifically, students will explore the molecular underpinnings of cancer biology, immune system related disorders and rare diseases. Laboratory sessions will explore techniques related diagnostic tests for diseases as well as negotiating how to interpret and assess the overwhelming online content available regarding human disease. If this course is offered is a cluster, students must simultaneously register for ENG 156. Meets Scientific Discovery Intellectual Perspective requirement (SD).
An introductory course in human nutrition with emphasis on cells, nutrients, hormones and human body systems. The primary goal of the course is to expose students to current concepts, facts and myths regarding human nutrition. Life cycle nutritional needs of women, infants, children, teens and older adults is also discussed. Students become familiar with various nutritional charts and are encouraged to examine their own dietary practices to improve their nutritional health. The course includes food safety, food technology, hunger and the global environment. Principles of scientific inquiry are integrated throughout the course.
This course serves as an introduction for students who have chosen biology or molecular biology as a major or minor. A combination of lectures, laboratory exercises, and assignments will introduce students to ways of observing and thinking about fundamental concepts and processes in the following areas of biology-biochemistry, cell structure and function, metabolism, genetics, and biotechnology. Various resources will be utilized to reinforce biological concepts, learn new laboratory skills, and improve critical thinking skills. Meets Scientific Discovery Intellectual Perspective requirement (SD).
The second in a series of two foundational courses (with BIO201) in biology, designed to serve as an introduction for students who are taking a biology or molecular biology major or minor, or for students in some related disciplines. This lecture and lab course employs similar structure and pedagogical approaches as BIO201. BIO202 is an integrative, evolution-themed exploration of structure and function in plants and animals, along with study of interactions of organisms at the population, community and broader scales. In addition to exposure to laboratory skills and techniques, concepts and practices of experimental design and data analysis and interpretation are emphasized in investigative labs.
Successful completion (C- or better) of BIO 201 Lab Included: LB
BIO 206Biostatistics and Experim Design4
An introductory course in experimental design and data analysis designed to encourage an understanding and appreciation of the role of experimentation, hypothesis testing, and data analysis in biology. The course will emphasize principles of experimental design, methods of data collection, exploratory data analysis, and the use of graphical and statistical tools commonly used by biologists to analyze data. Meets Quantitative Reasoning (QR) IP
A study of the diversity in viruses, bacteria, fungi, and algae with an emphasis on the role of evolution in generating the diversity found in microorganisms. Consideration will be given to various energy metabolisms, genetic strategies, molecular systematics, and microbial adaptations that allow such diversity. Also considered will be the importance of microorganisms in medical, industrial, and environmental settings. A laboratory is included.
Successful completion (C- or better) of BIO 201 . Lab Included: LB
BIO 302Cell and Molecular Biology4
A study of molecular structure and function in eukaryotic cells. Topics include organic molecules that contribute to cells the function of cells, membrane transport and signal transduction, gene expression, intracellular transport, structure and motility, energy conversions, tissue composition and cell division. Laboratory exercises will reinforce many of concepts covered in lecture. Required for the molecular biology major.
Successful completion (C- or better) of BIO 201 . Lab Included: LB
BIO 303Molecular Genetics and Heredity4
This course serves as a broad introduction to the structure and function of nucleic acids, processes that regulate expression of genetic information, and processes that direct inheritance of genetic information. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic organism will serve as model systems for studying topics such as nucleic acid structure, function, replication, damage, repair, and control of gene expression. Additional topics include, but are not limited to, Mendelian genetics, epigenetics, population genetics, and the genetics of cancer. Weekly laboratory exercises are an essential component of this class and will be used to explore various molecular and biochemical techniques for isolating, replicating and analyzing nucleic acid sequence as well as studying modes of inheritance. Required for the molecular biology major.
Successful completion (C- or better) of BIO 201 . Lab Included: LB
BIO 304Developmental Biology4
A study of the mechanisms of organism development from fertilization to birth. Both molecular and classical morphologic aspects of development are covered, with emphasis on the vertebrates. A laboratory is included.
Successful completion (C- or better) of both BIO 201 and BIO 202 . Lab Included: LB
BIO 334Physiology4
An introduction to the physiology of cells and animals. Major emphasis is placed on the functional interrelationships that exist within cells and organisms. Topics covered include thermoregulation, osmoregulation, control systems, circulation and respiration. The laboratory is complementary to the material covered in lecture and includes hands-on experimention using animal and human test subjects.
Successful completion (C- or better) of BIO 201 and BIO 202 . Lab Included: LB
BIO 335Anatomy and Physiology I4
First of a two-course sequence studying the anatomical and physiological principles of the human body, including a survey of the major organ systems of the human body and their relationship to health and disease. Emphasis is placed on cells, tissues, and the musculo-skeletal, nervous, and endocrine systems. A laboratory is included.
Successful completion (C- or better) of BIO 201 and BIO 202 . Lab Included: LB
BIO 336Anatomy and Physiology II4
Second of the two-course sequence studying the anatomical and physiological principles of the human body. Emphasis is placed on the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, immune, and reproductive systems. A laboratory is included.
Successful completion (C- or better) of BIO 335 . Lab Included: LB
BIO 337Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy4
A study of the phylogenetic history of the vertebrates through gross anatomy. Emphasis is placed on adaptive radiation of structures which are homologous through the classes of the vertebrate subphylum. The laboratory includes dissection of representative vertebrates.
Successful completion (C- or better) of BIO 201 and BIO 202 . Lab Included: LB
BIO 338Evolution4
A study of the population as the unit of evolution. Considered are the origins of life, gene pools and genetic equilibrium, adjustments and adaptations to the environment including natural selection, fluctuations in numbers, genetic drift, polymorphism, isolation, and the origin of races and species. A laboratory is included with some field work.
Successful completion (C- or better) of BIO 201 and BIO 202 . Lab Included: LB
BIO 339Molecular Evolution4
A course exploring how recent advancements in DNA sequencing and analysis can be used to study evolution and ecology. Topics include how DNA mutations arise, how mutations can ultimately lead to the creation of new species, and how studying patterns of mutation can be used to reconstruct evolutionary histories and improve our understanding of population dynamics. The laboratory includes students collecting novel DNA sequences and performing their own evolutionary and ecological analyses.
Successful completion (C- or better) of BIO 201 and BIO 202 Lab Included: LB
BIO 360Ecology4
A study of the structure of ecological populations, communities, and ecosystems, and the processes that affect them. Topics include population growth, regulation and dynamics, population interactions, food webs, species diversity, succession, biogeography, and energy flow and nutrient cycling. Laboratories stress experimental design and data analysis.
This course is an examination of principles and practices of conserving global biological diversity. Conservation biology draws from various sub disciplines of biology including ecology, genetics, evolution, and biogeography. The course begins with an analysis of the global distribution of biodiversity and examines patterns of biodiversity at genetic, species, ecosystem, and landscape levels. Emphasis is placed the main threats to biodiversity and the consequences of loss of biodiversity. Students will also examine tools and strategies for conserving biodiversity and discuss the application of conservation biology in today’s society. Laboratory exercises focus on specific topics including assessment and monitoring of species diversity in the field, population viability modeling, and the design of nature reserves.
This course examines traditional and more recent advances in nucleic acid analysis and manipulation. Topics include genome analysis, subcloning, sequencing, gene expression, microarrays, RNAi, bioinformatics, vaccine development, pharmacogenomics, and gene therapy. Information literacy assignments reinforce topics covered in lecture and lab. Weekly laboratory exercises are an essential component of this class and will be used to reinforce and explore many of the concepts covered in lecture.
Successful completion (C- or better) of BIO 302 or BIO 303 . Lab Included: LB
BIO 402Biology of Infectious Disease4
This course investigates the causes, pathology, prevention and treatment of important infectious diseases that occur around the globe. The course is in a lecture/discussion format with focus on case studies and readings from primary literature, and includes hands-on laboratory investigations of living microorganisms. BIO 402 is a service-learning course. Students will be expected to participate in an ongoing, service learning project which includes the development of a lab manual and a set of experiential learning exercises to aid in the health education of school students at home and overseas.
Successful completion (C- or better) of BIO 201 and BIO 202 Lab Included: LB
BIO 403Biology of Cancer4
This course provides students with a general introduction to the nature of cancer, a conceptual understanding of the molecular events underlying the development of human cancers, and an historical perspective on its underlying causes, including the role of tumor viruses, cellular oncogenes and tumor suppressors. The larger implications of these causes will be addressed by studying the mechanisms of tumorigenesis, metastasis, and angiogensis. In addition, students will investigate the development and clinical use of therapies based on major discoveries in cancer research. This is a textbook-based course, but will involve substantial use of the related primary literature and will include a laboratory component exploring a range of techniques used in the study of cancer biology.
The study of the cell nucleus provides an amazing bridge between the architectural aspects of cell biology and the functional/molecular understanding of gene expression and genomes. This course uses these links to apply the fundamental knowledge students learned in 300 level courses in cell biology or genetics to the microcosm of the nucleus, in order to build on the concepts and skills covered in the pre-requisite courses. Specifically, the course uses current primary and secondary literature to broaden student’s scientific knowledge and skill set across four main topics, the nuclear periphery, nuclear transport, chromatin, and nuclear bodies. Beyond the specific content, this course emphasizes the building of skills in content comprehension, productive scientific discussion, refined oral presentation, and scientific writing. Furthermore, the accompanying lab applies basic cellular and molecular laboratory techniques to the study of the nucleus, with an emphasis on experimental design, interpretation of results and presentation of new research.
Successful completion (C- or better) of BIO 302 or BIO 303 . Lab Included: LB
BIO 405Bioinformatics Explorations4
A hands-on exploration of how computational approaches are being used in a variety of biological subdisciplines. Using case studies, students will gain background knowledge on a topic and then carry out an investigation using state-of-the-art web-based tools and software. This course is designed for students with career goals in biological research as well as healthrelated professions and will give students an appreciation for the diverse applications of bioinformatics.
Analysis of how nervous systems activity underlies sensory, perceptual and higher cognitive activities including motivation, memory, language, thought and mental illness. A laboratory is included. Meets Scientific Discovery Intellectual Perspective requirement (SD).
PSY 101 or BIO 201 . Cross-Listed: NS 341 , PSY 341 Intellectual Perspective: SD Lab Included: LB
BIO 434Neurobiology4
This course is an exploration of advanced topics in the field of neurobiology, with the focus being the nervous system as the central control and integrating system in animals. It reviews fundamental neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, as well as more specific topics such as sensory systems, neuroendocrinology and nervous system development and disease. Recent advances published in the field of neurobiology will also be discussed. The lab component will be complementary to material covered during lectures.
Successful completion (C- or better) of BIO 334 or BIO 335 . Cross-Listed: NS 434
BIO 461Field Biology4
This course examines the local flora and fauna and is based upon field observation, natural history, and identification of local plants and animals. The lab component will involve extensive field work, including techniques for monitoring and assessment, and will be a major focus of this course.
Successful completion (C- or better) of BIO 338 , BIO 360 , or BIO 361 .
BIO 463Marine Biology4
A detailed study of marine organisms and their interactions with physical, chemical, and biological factors in their environment. Adaptations of the most important groups of marine organisms will be examined from evolutionary, ecological, and physiological points of view. Major marine ecosystems will be described. In addition, the course will examine how marine organisms and ecosystems are affected by human activities and how those activities affect the future of ocean resources on Earth.
Successful completion (C- or better) of BIO 338 , BIO 360 , or BIO 361 .
BIO 464Freshwater Biology4
A study of inland water systems, including lakes, rivers, estuaries, and wetlands. The biological, physical, and chemical features of these systems are described, and the interaction between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems is discussed. A laboratory emphasizing field work is included.
Successful completion (C- or better) of BIO 338 , BIO 360 , or BIO 361 . Lab Included: LB
BIO 466Ornithology4
A primary goal of this course is for students to emerge with a lasting knowledge of and appreciation for birds and birding. Through lecture and laboratory, students will develop understanding and appreciation for the systematics, anatomy, physiology, distribution, abundance, life histories, morphological traits, ecological relationships, behaviors, and conservation of birds. Field experience will help students gain skills in field identification and sampling techniques. Literature-based assignments and field or lab research projects will help students learn how to find and read primary literature, analyze original data, and communicate results. For some students, these activities will provide the foundation for a lifetime of serious scholarly pursuit of all things avian. For others, these activities can facilitate contribution to the body of knowledge in ornithology derived from citizen scientists. Students who excel in this course should be prepared to train to conduct aural and visual surveys for birds anywhere in North America.
A combination of on-campus study, with off-campus study in a natural setting to gain firsthand knowledge of biological concepts and principles that are particularly well illustrated in the region being studied. Experiential, problem-based learning is emphasized. The specific region, topics, and focus are likely to change with each offering. Meets Scientific Discovery Intellectual Perspective requirement (SD).
An experience planned cooperatively with a research center, laboratory, clinic, government agency, or similar institution. The course does not replace any of the three biology elective courses for a biology major.
department approval after submission of an internship application.
BIO 601Capstone I2
The first semester of a two-course sequence emphasizing biological discovery and the synthesis of knowledge and skills from previous courses in the major. Focus of the capstone is on application of the scientific method through the design, execution, analysis, and presentation of an experimental study. In the spring of their junior year, students produce a formal proposal for research to be completed in the second half of the capstone, BIO 602 . Required of all biology and molecular biology majors.
Junior or senior status, and successful completion of BIO 201 , BIO 202 , and BIO 206 , and above a 2.0 GPA within the major (all courses listed as BIO).
BIO 602Capstone II2
The second semester of capstone experience. Students in the class perform individual studies that were proposed in the prior semester, analyze their data, and present the results of their research in an appropriate forum. Required of all biology and molecular biology majors.
A one-semester, non-experimental capstone experience for students enrolled in the BA in Biology degree program. The course will begin with a group exploration of a select biological topic including a seminar style immersion and discussion of the topic. Students will then identify and research a biological topic of their own interest and develop a proposal for a project to create novel informational content on their topic for a targeted audience in a style of their choosing. The course will culminate with the creation of a publication-quality piece of work that will be presented in an appropriate forum.
department approval after submission of a proposal.
BIO 660Honors Research1-4
Honors Scholars are expected to attend and participate in BIO 601 while they write their Honors proposal. They are also expected to attend and participate in BIO 602 while completing their project. Honors status will be assessed and reviewed at various points during the project by an Honors Committee and select members of the biology department.
Successful completion of BIO 201 , BIO 202 , and BIO 206 and a minimum GPA of 3.500 (total GPA, and GPA of courses in the major) are required to be considered.
BIO 670Honors Research1-4
Honors Scholars are expected to attend and participate in BIO 601 while they write their Honors proposal. They are also expected to attend and participate in BIO 602 while completing their project. Honors status will be assessed and reviewed at various points during the project by an Honors Committee and select members of the biology department.
Successful completion of BIO 201 , BIO 202 , and BIO 206 and a minimum GPA of 3.500 (total GPA, and GPA of courses in the major) are required to be considered.
BIO 680Honors Research1-4
Honors Scholars are expected to attend and participate in BIO 601 while they write their Honors proposal. They are also expected to attend and participate in BIO 602 while completing their project. Honors status will be assessed and reviewed at various points during the project by an Honors Committee and select members of the biology department.
Successful completion of BIO 201 , BIO 202 , and BIO 206 and a minimum GPA of 3.500 (total GPA, and GPA of courses in the major) are required to be considered.
BIO 690Honors Research1-4
Honors Scholars are expected to attend and participate in BIO 601 while they write their Honors proposal. They are also expected to attend and participate in BIO 602 while completing their project. Honors status will be assessed and reviewed at various points during the project by an Honors Committee and select members of the biology department.
Successful completion of BIO 201 , BIO 202 , and BIO 206 and a minimum GPA of 3.500 (total GPA, and GPA of courses in the major) are required to be considered.
