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Course Descriptions
Board of TrusteesBIO 1036 - Biology of the Cell : 2 Credits
Introduction to cell biology, intended for students who are not majoring in the natural sciences (biology majors take BIO 1110 and 1120). Topics include the study of structure and function of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids; study of the structure, function and behavior of cells; an introduction to cellular metabolism. 2 class hours. Prerequisite: CHM1020 or CHM 1110.
BIO 1102 - Human Biology and Heredity : 4 Credits
Study of structure, function and heredity of the human body, primarily for students with minimal science background. The content includes cellular structure and function, organ systems of the body, problems in development and function, basic principles of heredity, nature of gene function, inheritance of some human traits, and mechanisms of evolution. This course is not counted towards the biology major, but may be counted towards the minor.
BIO 1103 - Current Environmental Topics : 4 Credits
Discussion of environmental problems which have developed through man's impact on nature: water resources, food supply, overpopulation and pollution problems are stressed.
BIO 1104 - Life Science : 4 Credits
Survey course covering a broad range of topics in the life sciences from cell structure and function to ecology. 3 class hours, 2-hour lab. This course is not counted toward the biology major, but may be counted for the minor.
BIO 1110 - General Biology I : 4 Credits
Study of living systems with particular emphasis on the molecular, cellular levels of organization within the various kingdoms of life. 3 class hours, 2-hour lab. This course is required of all biology majors.
BIO 1120 - General Biology II : 4 Credits
Advanced application of concepts presented in General Biology I with focus on the study of population genetics, evolution, ecology, plant biology and animal diversity. Current topics in biology are also investigated, including the genetic modification of organisms and the impact of global climate change on living systems. 3 class hours, 2-hour lab. Prerequisite: BIO 1110.This course is required of all biology majors.
BIO 1210 - Introduction to Biology : 2 Credits
Introductory Biology course for non-majors. The focus is on the core topics of cells, genes, evolution, and ecology with emphasis placed on concepts and applications that are essential for the student to be biologically literate.
BIO 2001 - Introduction to Anatomy/Physiology : 2 Credits
Introductory material of chemistry, cell biology, genetics and other science background necessary for the successful study of BIO2110/2120, Anatomy/Physiology. Intended for students who have not completed introductory courses in chemistry and biology at the college level. Topics include: Physiologic Control Systems, Tissue Structure, Body Organization, Atomic and Molecular Structure, Organic Molecules, Biochemical Molecules, and Cell Structure and Function. Currently offered only online.
BIO 2020 - Microbiology : 3 Credits
An introduction to microbiology including study of the morphology, diversity, evolution, physiology, genetics, metabolism, ecology, biotechnology, pathogenicity, immunology, epidemiology and control of microorganisms. Prerequisites: BIO 1110 and 1120 or BIO 1036.
BIO 2021 - Microbiology Lab : 1 Credit
An introduction to microbiological laboratory work covering techniques and experiments in microbial structure, metabolism, growth and identification. Prerequisites: BIO 1110 and 1120 or BIO 1036. BIO 2020 may be a prerequisite or a co-requisite. Recommended for all biology majors.
BIO 2110 - Anatomy and Physiology I : 4 Credits
Introductory study of anatomy and physiology of the vertebrate body with an emphasis on the human. Topics include an introduction to cells, tissues, and systems organization, osteology, fluid compartments, gross and microscopic anatomy, physiology of the circulatory system, body defense systems and the gross anatomy of musculature. 3 class hours, 3-hour lab. Prerequisite: BIO 1110 or BIO 1036.
BIO 2120 - Anatomy and Physiology II : 4 Credits
Continuation of BIO 2110. Topics include gross and microscopic anatomy, physiology of the renal system, respiratory system, digestive system, nervous system and endocrine system. 3 class hours, 3-hour lab. Prerequisite: BIO 2110.
BIO 2777 - Topics : 1 - 4 Credits
Lower-division courses on one-time-only basis. Classes can be developed to respond to student interest in specific areas of current interest. The number of class hours equals the number of credits. Prerequisite: instructor permission.
BIO 3020 - Pathophysiology : 4 Credits
Study of the general mechanisms of disease at the cellular and molecular levels, including abnormalities of fluid distribution, the inflammatory process, abnormal immune mechanisms, and neoplastic disease, followed by an application of the basic principles of pathologic processes to diseases of the neurologic, endocrine, reproductive, hematologic, cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal and digestive systems. Prerequisite: a completed course in Anatomy/Physiology.
BIO 3100 - Life's History : 4 Credits
Study of the events concerning the creation of the solar system, earth and life. The evolutionary history of life and the processes of natural selection will be emphasized. Follow Earth’s 4.6 billion year history as it unfolds producing from so simple a beginning endless forms most beautiful and wonderful. Prerequisite: Must be in second year or higher in college. Recommended for all Biology Majors.
BIO 3101 - Conversations with Naturalists : 4 Credits
Keen observation and interpretation of living organisms and their environment. Naturalists have also done some of the best science writing for the layperson. This course provides students with an opportunity to read, observe, reflect and write about the natural world and its interpretation.
BIO 3110 - Invertebrate Zoology : 4 Credits
Study of the biology of selected groups of terrestrial, freshwater and marine invertebrate animals. This course contains a laboratory component and provides an overview of the evolution, morphology, ecology, physiology, classification, life histories and habits of the major phyla of invertebrate animals with emphasis on organizational, functional, and ecological significance. This course counts as a Biology elective. Prerequisite: Bio 1110 and 1120.
BIO 3120 - Vertebrate Zoology : 4 Credits
Study of the biology of vertebrate animals. This course contains a laboratory component and provides an overview of the evolution, morphology, ecology, physiology, classification, life histories and habits of vertebrate animals with emphasis on organizational, functional, and ecological significance. This course counts as a Biology elective. Prerequisite: Bio 1110 and 1120.
BIO 3130 - Embryology : 4 Credits
Development of vertebrate animals with emphasis on anatomical development in humans. Coursework includes the differentiation of tissues of all major body systems. Prerequisite: a completed course in Anatomy/ Physiology.
BIO 3210 - Field Biology : 4 Credits
A survey course of the contemporary and traditional field methods used by biologists. Topics include techniques used in the areas of entomology, floristics, ornithology, mammalogy and mapping. 4 hour lab course. Prerequisite: Bio 1110 and 1120.
BIO 3220 - Plant Systematics : 4 Credits
Introduction to systematics of vascular plants with emphasis on identification of woody plants, representative families, terminology and use of taxonomic keys. 2 class hours, 4-hour lab. Prerequisite: BIO 1110 and 1120.
BIO 3300 - Virology : 2 Credits
A course designed to strengthen students’ confidence and academic performance, through participation in lessons focusing on the following topics: Time management, note taking, learning style assessment, critical reading, Bloom’s Taxonomy, self efficacy, avoiding procrastination, and test taking. This course is intended to encourage strategic learning.
BIO 3500 - Genetics : 4 Credits
Study of classical and molecular genetics, gene interaction, linkage and population genetics. 3 class hours, 2-hour lab. Prerequisite: BIO 1110 and 1120. This course is required of all biology majors.
BIO 3600 - Cell Biology : 4 Credits
Study of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells and viruses to include membranes, receptor proteins, organelles, cytoskeleton, sorting and trafficking, cellular communication, the extracellular matrix, and experimental methods. Prerequisite: BIO 1110 and 1120.
BIO 3777 - Topics : 0 - 4 Credits
Advanced courses on one-time-only basis. In-depth classes, narrowed in scope to respond to student interest in specific areas corresponding to faculty interest and expertise. The number of class hours equals the number of credits. Prerequisite: BIO 1110 and 1120 and instructor permission.
BIO 4000 - Outcomes Assessment : 0 Credits
Advanced courses on one-time-only basis. In-depth classes, narrowed in scope to respond to student interest in specific areas corresponding to faculty interest and expertise. The number of class hours equals the number of credits. Prerequisite: BIO 1110 and 1120 and instructor permission.
BIO 4125 - Biology of Aging : 2 Credits
Aging changes evident in humans as the result of time interacting with molecular mechanisms of biological systems. Current knowledge of these mechanisms will be examined, followed by an application of the basic principles of biological aging to the systems of the body. Prerequisite: a completed course in Anatomy/ Physiology.
BIO 4130 - Endocrinology : 4 Credits
Chemical systems of control of physiologic processes in the vertebrate animal with emphasis on the human. Pathologic activities will be included to the extent that they increase understanding of normal function. Prerequisite: a completed course in Anatomy/Physiology and biochemistry.
BIO 4135 - Histology : 4 Credits
Study of tissue structure of vertebrates with emphasis on the human. Principles of basic tissue construction will be applied to studies of the major body systems. Photomicrographs on videodisc will accompany lecture presentations. Prerequisite: a completed course in Anatomy/Physiology.
BIO 4150 - DNA Analysis : 2 Credits
Study of the polymerase chain reaction with emphasis on STRs and DNA sequencing with analysis based on agarose gel electrophoresis and fluorescent capillary electrophoresis. This course will provide a solid background for students pursuing graduate school, clinical disease diagnosis, forensics and paternity testing. Prerequisite: BIO 3500 and instructor permission.
BIO 4160 - Molecular Biology : 2 Credits
Current molecular biology research techniques, hypothesis testing and communication of results. Topics may include molecular cloning, plasmid isolation, restriction digest analysis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and DNA sequencing. Prerequisite: Bio 3500 and instructor permission.
BIO 4170 - Ecology : 4 Credits
Study of the basic principles of ecology, interrelationships and identification of plants and animals making up principal communities of this region, the dynamic balance of communities and the productivity of natural resources. The course includes a research experience. 3 class hours, 3-hour lab. Prerequisite: BIO 1110 and 1120.
BIO 4180 - Animal Behavior : 4 Credits
Patterns of animal behavior, functional values of animal behaviors in terms of survival, significance of behaviors as indicators of evolutionary relationships among species. The course includes a research experience. 3 class hours, 3-hour lab. Prerequisite: BIO 1110 and 1120.
BIO 4210 - Advanced Physiology I : 2 Credits
First in a two-semester sequence of courses including a semi-quantitative study of functions of the nervous system, musculoskeletal system and the circulatory system of humans. Prerequisite: a completed course in Anatomy/Physiology and Pathophysiology.
BIO 4220 - Advanced Physiology II : 2 Credits
Continuation of BIO 4210/5210which includes a semi-quantitative study of functions of the body defense system, respiratory system, renal system, digestive system and reproductive system of humans. Prerequisite: BIO 4210/5210.
BIO 4350 - Advanced Laboratory : 1 - 4 Credits
An introduction to original laboratory research in collaboration with a faculty member; requiring literature searching, experimental planning, a minimum of 4-10 hours laboratory work per week depending on credit, a final written report and a seminar presentation of the work. The subject of the research could be of the student's own choosing. Prerequisite: junior standing, application according to department policy and instructor permission.
BIO 4555 - Internship : 1 - 16 Credits
Internship.
BIO 4777 - Topics : 1 - 4 Credits
An introduction to original laboratory research in collaboration with a faculty member; requiring literature searching, experimental planning, a minimum of 4-10 hours laboratory work per week depending on credit, a final written report and a seminar presentation of the work. The subject of the research could be of the student's own choosing. Prerequisite: junior standing, application according to department policy and instructor permission.
BIO 4999 - Problems in Biology : 0 - 16 Credits
Advanced study and research in an area of special interest. Prerequisite: BIO 1110 and 1120 and instructor permission.
