Course Listing For Biology Courses

This course introduces core concepts of biology, including: information flow, structure-function relationships, transformation of energy and matter, biological systems, and evolution.

This course is an introduction to biological inquiry, including: biological laboratory procedures and techniques, applying the process of scientific investigation to biological systems, quantitative reasoning and analysis, and communication of biological findings. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in BI 100 or instructor permission

Through a series of compelling stories about great discoveries and scientists, you will learn the basic concepts of biology. Have you ever wondered why the world is green? How does your body protect you from being sick? Do vaccines really cause autism? Will your genes be used for medicine in the future? Are you really what you eat and how does your gut connect to your brain? Using interactive lectures, video documentaries and experiments, students will apply the basics of the scientific method and we will provide answers to all these questions.

This course introduces basic concepts, anatomical terminology, cell structure and function and histology, followed by an in-depth study of the anatomy and physiology of the following organ systems of the human body: Integumentary, arthrology, muscular, cardiovascular and lymphatic systems. A mandatory laboratory component supports and amplifies the lecture material and allows the student to study microscopic anatomy on slides and to perform dissection on representative animal models. An online component allows the student to practice course content with additional exercises. Prerequisites: BI 100 required for Biology and Kinesiology majors, strongly recommended for Health Science majors.

This course consists of an in-depth study of the gross and microscopic anatomy and the physiology of the following organ systems of the human body: The central and peripheral nervous, endocrine, sensory, respiratory, digestive, reproductive, and excretory systems. A mandatory laboratory component will support and amplify the lecture material and allow the student to perform dissection on representative animal models. An online component will allow the student to practice course content with additional exercises. Prerequisites: BI 201 or Instructor permission (3 credit hrs lecture; 1 credit hr lab)

This course examines the flow of biological information at the molecular, cellular, organismic, and population level. This course also explores the relationships between biological information and cellular structure and function. The associated laboratory investigates questions related to information systems and cellular function and develops techniques relevant to these research areas. Prerequisites: BI 100 or NS 110

This course is designed to teach Mendelian and modified Mendelian inheritance including: genotypic and phenotypic variability, DNA replication, protein synthesis and genetic abnormalities.

This course explores biological inquiry as well as technical and analytical skills critical for student senior thesis projects, including: analysis of scientific literature, experimental design strategies, laboratory techniques, and use of laboratory equipment. Prerequisites: BI 105

This course consists of the study of the nutrients required by the human body, the foods from which they are obtained, their utilization by the body and their importance for the maintenance of optimal health throughout the life span.

This course is designed to provide an overview of invertebrate and vertebrate zoology including: classification, development, morphology, anatomy, and physiology of the animal phyla. Prerequisites: BI 100 or NS 110

This course consists of the study of the structure, physiology, histology, ecology, and economic importance of plants. A mandatory laboratory component will support and amplify the lecture material and allow the student to study live and preserved specimens. An online component will allow the student to practice course content with additional exercises and quizzes. (3 credit hrs lecture; 1 credit hr lab) Prerequisites: BI 100

This course concentrates on refining the analytical and technical skills required for completion of the senior thesis project, including: laboratory techniques, analysis of published literature, experimental design, and communication of experimental findings. This course will culminate in a proposal for the student’s senior thesis project. Prerequisites: BI 205

This course focuses on general, medical, ecological, and applied microbiology including: bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and helminthic organisms. Prerequisites: BI 100, BI 105 required for Biology Majors, strongly recommended for Health Science majors .

This course examines the cellular and humoral mediated immunology mechanisms including: structure of immunoglobulins and cellular mediators, autoimmunity, tissue transplantation, tumor immunology, and the immunological basis of diagnosis and therapeutics. Prerequisite: BI 201, BI 203

This course covers ethical issues in biology and medicine such as use of animals in research, euthanasia, reproductive ethics, triage, involuntary medical treatment, informed consent, etc. There will be an examination of literature pertaining to each side of these ethical issues and subsequent discussions of the arguments. The implication of these ethical issues in policy decisions will also be discussed. Students will be evaluated based on class participation and written work. This course does not have any prerequisites and is suitable for both science majors and non-science majors with interests in ethical issues related to biology or medicine.

This course investigates advanced concepts of modern molecular biology in prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems including such topics as transcription, translation, DNA replication, DNA repair, post-translational control, regulation of genetic information flow, and bioinformatics techniques. Prerequisites: BI 203 or instructor permission

This course introduces students to the regulatory policies developed in the United States to address environmental problems. The primary focus will be on federal regulations including the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Recovery Act ("Superfund"), the Safe Drinking Water Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act.

The mix of population, social organization, and technology has a profound impact on the resources and environmental conditions on which human and non-human society ultimately depend. This course examines the interactions between the physical environment in which we live and the human society we have created. Topics covered include energy sources, hazardous wastes, environmental accidents, endangered species, the environmental movement, tropical and temperate deforestation, limits to economic growth, population growth, and alternative views of the future.

Examines conservation principles and applications practiced in the United States. Topics include water use, air quality, land and forest management, endangered species management, fish and game management, and career opportunities.

Introduction to the principles of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) including the input, manipulation, analysis, and storage of geographic data and how GIS can be applied to environmental science surveys and research.

An experimental course covering topics not considered elsewhere in the Biology Area of Study. Specific titles of courses offered under this heading will be listed in the course schedule for the sessions in which they are offered. Not offered every year.

This course examines embryological development including: fertilization, cellular division, early development, differentiation, and precocious growth of multi-cellular organisms. Prerequisites: BI 203

A project developed by student and instructor culminating in a written and oral report to the faculty. Project may involve lab and/or field research and/or an extensive investigation of current scientific literature in a specified area of Biology. Prerequisites: Senior level and permission

A project developed by the student and instructor culminating in a written and oral report to the faculty. The project may involve lab and/or field research and/or an extensive investigation of current scientific literature in a specified area of Biology. Prerequisites: Senior level and BI 305