Biology Course Descriptions

This course provides a general science overview for non-science majors and develops an understanding of scientific processes and reasoning, including knowledge of several developments in the STEM fields. This course also focuses on the appreciation for the interrelationships among the sciences and their relationships to other disciplines. Emphasis is placed on solving problems and developing logical hypotheses. (3)

An introduction to the study of the Earth’s natural systems and the forces that can affect them. Students will explore the Earth’s natural environments and the interactions of organisms with each other, as well as their physical surroundings and the sources and effects of stress on natural environments. Topics include nutrient cycling; the hydrologic cycle; trophic structures and interactions; human populations; soil, water, and air pollution; and the relationship of science to policy making. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: NS. (3)

A laboratory designed to strengthen and support the topics presented in BIO 110 Introduction to Environmental Science. (1)

This course for non-majors introduces the principles of genetics as applied to humans. Recent advances in areas such as using DNA evidence, gene therapy, amniocentesis, in vitro fertilization, and learning and psychiatric disabilities are considered. Social, cultural, and ethical implications are reviewed. Laboratory will include experiences with DNA, karyotyping, pedigree analysis, etc. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: NS. (3)

A laboratory designed to strengthen and support the topics presented in BIO 111 Human Genetics for Non-Majors. (1)

Introduces non-majors to the biological world around them. Energy production, storage, and conversion are explored. A survey of life leads from single-celled organisms to chordates. The basic functioning of the systems of the human body are examined. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: NS. (3)

A laboratory designed to strengthen and support the topics presented in BIO 120 Introduction to the Biological World. (1)

The marine biology and tropical ecology of Belize are experienced firsthand in this study abroad course. Students will have unique opportunities to study and experience tropical jungles, coral reefs, savannas, limestone caves, mangroves, lagoons, and estuaries. Students also will have an opportunity to explore the habitats of manatees, spider monkeys, hawksbill sea turtles, and saltwater crocodiles. They will experience all of this while immersed in a different culture. This course satisfies the Liberal Arts Core requirement for a natural science with laboratory. Field experience/service learning: 30 hours. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: NS. (4-6)

A course for the biology major and a prerequisite for all subsequent courses for the major. This course is also required for certain other majors. The course addresses the chemical and physiological aspects common to organisms, such as cell structure, metabolism, and biosynthesis of molecules. Basic principles of molecular biology will be introduced. Students may enroll in this course only if it is a specific requirement for their major. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: NS. (3)

A laboratory designed to strengthen and support the topics presented in BIO 151 General Biology I. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: DSINQ. (1)

A continuation of the study begun in BIO 151. Topics focus on animal systems and address the diverse organ complexity and physiological functions. The course also extends the introduction of the rapidly evolving knowledge of molecular biology, gene structure, and regulation of expression. Prokaryotes and the kingdoms will be introduced. Kingdom animalia will be discussed in greater depth. Students will also be introduced to ecology. Students may enroll in this course only if it is a specific requirement for their major. Prerequisite: BIO 151 or equivalent. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: NS. (3)

A laboratory designed to strengthen and support the topics presented in BIO 152 General Biology II. (1)

The first of a two-semester introductory course in human anatomy and physiology. This course begins with metabolism and the structure and function of cells and tissues. The form and function of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and digestive systems are also explored. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: NS. (3)

A laboratory designed to strengthen and support the topics presented in BIO 161 Anatomy and Physiology I. (1)

The second of a two-semester introductory course in human anatomy and physiology. This course features an in-depth discussion of the structure and function of the nervous system, blood and the cardiovascular system, and the reproductive systems. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: NS. (3)

A laboratory designed to strengthen and support the topics presented in BIO 162 Anatomy and Physiology II. (1)

This course focuses on the study of human hormones and their chemical classification, receptors, and intracellular mechanisms. Interactions of hormone actions will be stressed as the course progresses. Consequences of hypo- and hyper-hormone conditions will be discussed. Prerequisites: BIO 152 and CHM 152. (3)

An in-depth survey of the plant kingdom, including nonvascular as well as vascular plants. Some members of the kingdoms fungi and protista will also be covered. Topics covered will include photosynthesis, life cycles, growth and propagation, plant and hormone effects, classification and identification, and herbarium techniques. Prerequisite: BIO 151 or equivalent. (3)

A laboratory designed to strengthen and support the topics presented in BIO 250 General Botany. (1)

An analysis of the general principles of microbiology. The course includes the study of microbial growth and the relation of bacteria and viruses to infection, disease, and immunity. The role of pathogenic microbes and parasitic agents in the cause of disease is studied along with the role of various combative chemicals. Prerequisite: BIO 152 or BIO 162. (3)

A laboratory designed to strengthen and support the topics presented in BIO 260 Microbiology. (1)

This course for majors is a study of the basic principles of inheritance from the classical studies of Mendel to current developments in molecular genetics. Students study the applications of genetic technologies to microorganisms, plants, and animals. The potential benefits of engineering and related ethical issues are discussed. Prerequisites: BIO 260 or BIO 151 and MA 181 or MA 172. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: NS. (3)

A laboratory designed to strengthen and support the topics presented in BIO 262 Genetics for Majors. (1)

The study of the biochemistry, physiology, nutrition, immunology, life cycles, epidemiology, control, and chemotherapy of parasitic protozoans, helminths, and arthropod vectors. Emphasis is on parasites of man. Prerequisites: BIO 152 and CHM 152. (3)

A laboratory designed to strengthen and support the topics presented in BIO 272 Parasitology. (1)

A discipline-specific approach to writing for biology majors, this course will acquaint the student with the range of writing styles in science. Students will apply their knowledge in the sciences to both the critique and writing of research abstracts, literature summaries, and pieces to be read by the non-scientific audience. Prerequisite: EN 102. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: DSINQ, WI. (3)

The marine biology and tropical ecology of Belize are experienced firsthand in this study abroad course. Students will have unique opportunities to study and experience tropical jungles, coral reefs, savannas, limestone caves, mangroves, lagoons, and estuaries. Students also will have an opportunity to explore the habitats of manatees, spider monkeys, hawksbill sea turtles, and saltwater crocodiles. They will experience all of this while immersed in a different culture. This course satisfies the Liberal Arts Core requirement for a natural science with laboratory. Field experience/service learning: 30 hours. Prerequisite: BIO 151 or equivalent. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: NS. (4-6)

Examination of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure and function with an emphasis on metabolism, regulation of cellular events, and basic genetic processes. The course provides an introduction to control of gene expression. Prerequisites: BIO 262 and CHM 152. (3)

This is a laboratory-intensive course that will provide the student with a working knowledge of current laboratory techniques common to many scientific disciplines, including cell biology, immunology, and virology. Students will learn to use standard and state-of-the-art laboratory equipment. The course also will explore the application of each technique to different scientific questions. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIO 363. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: WI. (3)

This course prepares the student to teach biology at the secondary level by integrating content mastery with effective pedagogical strategies. Field experience: 20 hours. Prerequisites: ED 200SL, ED 327, and PSY 110. (3)

Senior students may register for an internship with a cooperating employer in the Washington metropolitan area. The internship is monitored by a supervising professor and a representative of the employing firm. Prerequisite: senior status. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: EXP. (3-6)

Provides an opportunity for an in-depth study of a topic of current interest selected annually. Discussion and research of the literature is encouraged as a means for examining both scientific aspects of the topic and the relationship of science to societal, legislative, and economic issues. Prerequisite: senior status or permission of instructor. (3)

Investigation of a selected topic in biology in collaboration with or under the direction of a faculty advisor. The project is intended to demonstrate the ability to conduct and report independent research. Prerequisite: approval of department chair. (1-3)

A student in this course will conduct collaborative research (scholarly work leading to new knowledge) under the direction of a faculty member. Prerequisites: application and approval of department chair. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: EXP. (1-6)

A study of the structures and functions of biomolecules and an introduction to bioenergetics and kinetics as applied to those systems. An introduction to modern biochemical experimental methods of studying chemical and physical properties of biological molecules will be included. Topics covered will include protein isolation and purification, enzyme kinetics, computational chemistry of biomolecules, and characterization and isolation of nucleic acids. Independent laboratory skills, literature analysis, and proper reporting and interpretation of data will be emphasized. Prerequisites: BIO 363 and CHM 222 or equivalents. (3)

A laboratory designed to strengthen and support the topics presented in BIO 441 Biochemistry. (1)

A continuation of the study that began in BIO 441 that further examines nucleic acid function, including topics such as nucleotide biosynthesis, gene expression and regulation, DNA replication and repair, and RNA transcription and processing. In addition, an in-depth study of the regulation and integration of metabolic pathways will be emphasized. Prerequisite: BIO 441. (3)

This course explores the immune response through investigation of relevant organ systems, cell types, and regulatory interactions. An introduction to aberrant immune responses is also provided. Prerequisite: BIO 363. (3)

This course examines the principles of animal virus structure and replication with an emphasis on viruses that pose a significant health risk to humans. Mechanisms of disease production are explored. Prerequisite: BIO 363. (3)

The majority of this class is spent in the laboratory since it emphasizes hands-on exploration of the techniques currently employed in research, forensic, and diagnostic laboratories. Prerequisite: BIO 363. (4)