BIOLOGY

Course Descriptions

BIOL 111 — General Biology I (4)
General principles of Biology. Topics include: biomolecules, enzymes; composition and organization of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic cells; regulation of cell structure and function; communication between cells and environment; bioenergetics; photosynthesis; intermediary metabolism; and genetics. 4 lecture and 3 laboratory hours.

BIOL 112 — General Biology I I (4)
The general principles of organismal and population Biology with a concentration on the evolution and diversity among organisms. A further emphasis on structural and physiological adaptations for such processes as nutrition, fluid and gas exchange and hormonal regulation. An understanding of the interactions between organisms and their environment is explored. 4 lecture and 3 laboratory hours.

BIOL 214 — Medical Microbiology (4)
A study of morphology, biochemical activity, and ecology of bacteria, fungi, rickettsia, and viruses. Emphasis is placed on pathogenic microorganisms and the diseases that they cause, control measures, and diagnostic procedures. The laboratory presents the basic skills of clinical diagnostic microbiology. 3 lecture and 3 laboratory hours. Intended primarily for Physician Assistant Majors.

BIOL 221 — Anatomy and Physiology I (4)
A study of human anatomy and the relationship between structure and function. The course provides preparation in systemic physiology with concentration on major body functions and their controls. Topics include cytology, mitosis, meiosis, heredity, histology, organology and the following systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous. 3 lecture and 3 laboratory hours. Intended primarily for Physician Assistant and Athletic Training Education Majors.

BIOL 222 — Anatomy and Physiology I I (4)
A continuation of BIOL 221. Topics include the endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. 3 lecture and 3 laboratory hours. Intended primarily for Physician Assistant and Athletic Training Education Majors.

BIOL 223 — Genetics (4)
An introduction to heredity. A balanced presentation is made in the fields of classical, molecular and population genetics. Topics include: Mendelian inheritance, the nature and behavior of the gene and chromosome, chromosome mapping, cytoplasmic inheritance, human genetics, microbial genetics, and heredity as related to environment and evolution. Laboratory investigations utilizing a variety of organisms and techniques. Prerequisites: BIOL112 and CHEM 114, or permission of the instructor. 3 lecture and 3 laboratory hours.

BIOL 224 — Biochemistry (4)
Biochemistry of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, proteins, nucleotides and nucleic acids; mechanism of enzyme action and regulation of enzymatic pathways; intermediary metabolism; lipid and nitrogen metabolism; physiochemistry of hemoglobin, the vitamins and selected hormones. Laboratory exercises consist of modern techniques and instrumentation of biochemistry: spectrophotometry; electrophoresis; column chromatography; enzymatic determinations; protein isolation and characterization. Prerequisites: BIOL 223, CHEM 241, or permission of instructor. 3 lecture and 3 laboratory hours.

BIOL 229 — Modern Techniques in Biological Sciences, A-F, listed by faculty members’ sections (1)
A laboratory course to introduce students to techniques used to conduct contemporary biological research. Emphasis will be placed on introducing and developing laboratory skills and providing hands-on experience with modern laboratory equipment in the context of an on-going faculty research project. The student will work in the research laboratory of a designated faculty member. Prerequisite: Permission of the department. 3 laboratory hours.

BIOL 310 — Computer Modeling in Biology and Environmental Science (3)
The student will learn the basics of how to use a visual-modeling environment, Stella I I, and Starlogo, to simulate various phenomena in Biology, ecology, and environmental science. computer assignments and models will be tailored to students in their individual major. No computer programming experience is needed and the course is open to any student in the sciences. Cross-listed as ENST 310.

BIOL 326 — Immunology (4)
Fundamentals of immunology, immunopathology, immunochemistry, and serology. Topics include: the immune system; structure, function, and formation of immunoglobulins; cellular and genetic basis of immune response; antigen-antibody reactions; the complement system; immunochemistry; hypersensitivity; transplantation; and methods in immunology. Laboratory exercises consist of methods to measure antibodies and the use of antibodies to detect other substances. Prerequisites: BIOL 111,112. 3 lecture and 3 laboratory hours. Intended primarily for Physician Assistant Majors.

BIOL 330 —Introductory Bioinformatics (3)
Modern manipulation of molecular genetic data in the field of bioinformatics. Topics include genomics, proteomics, and systematics. A discussion of data collection techniques is followed by demonstration of data manipulation and analysis. A semester-long project based on human genetic diseases allows for the development and implementation of pertinent techniques in the field via computer analysis of international genetic databases. Prerequisite: BIOL 223, or permission of the instructor. 3 lecture hours.

BIOL 336 — Cell Biology (4)
Application of genetic and biochemical concepts to the rigorous analysis of the structure and function of cells. Special attention is devoted to the interactions between cells and between cells and the noncellular environment, signaling and response mechanisms and regulation of gene activity. Specific examples for illustration will be drawn from developmental contexts and disease states. The laboratory will use cell culture as a means of providing model systems to afford students experience with techniques used to elucidate cellular integration and regulation mechanisms. Alternate course. Prerequisites: BIOL 224, CHEM 242, or permission of the instructor. 3 lecture and 3 laboratory hours.

BIOL 341 — Topics in Biochemistry/Physiology/Genetics (3)
Provides rigorous coverage of key areas of biochemistry, physiology, and genetics, which are prerequisite to the understanding of physiological control mechanisms fundamental to modern medical practice. integration of information and its application to clinical situations is emphasized. The role of genetics in the etiology of various pathological states is also emphasized. recent advances in molecular biology and reproductive technology and the associated moral, ethical, and legal dilemmas discussed as they relate to patient education and referral situations. Intended primarily for Physician Assistant Majors.

BIOL 349 — Animal Behavior (4)
The study of behavior has become complex, requiring knowledge in more than one discipline. in this class students will learn about animal behavior from a physiological, developmental, functional, and evolutionary perspective. Areas of concentration will include behavioral genetics, communication, behavioral endocrinology, altruism, neurobiology, social behavior, sexual behavior, parental care, and human behavior. Lab activities will include both laboratory study and field work. Cross listed as NEUR 349.

BIOL 350 — Vertebrate Embryology (4)
A comparative study of vertebrate development considering gametogenesis, fertilization, cleavage, formation of germ layers and an analysis of the differentiation of tissues, organs, and systems of representative vertebrates. Alternate course. Prerequisites: BIOL 224, CHEM 242, or permission of the instructor. 3 lecture and 3 laboratory hours.

BIOL 355 — Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (4)
Emphasis is placed on the comparative anatomy and physiology of vertebrate animals. comparison is made in terms of systematic structural and functional units, patterns of development, adaptation, and phylogenetic relationships among representative species of extant and extinct vertebrates. The evolutionary origin of the chordates and their invertebrate ancestors is traced. Alternate course. Prerequisites: BIOL 224, CHEM 242, or permission of the instructor. 3 lecture and 3 laboratory hours.

BIOL 360 — Histology (4)
A study of the microscopic structures of mammalian tissues with emphasis on histogenesis, regeneration, repair and the classification of tissues and their arrangement in organs and systems. Alternate course. Prerequisites: BIOL 224, CHEM 242, or permission of the instructor. 3 lecture and 3 laboratory hours.

BIOL 370 — Biology Seminar (2)
Biology Seminar is the setting for the Sophomore/Junior diagnostic Project, a discipline specific assignment required of students in all majors. The assessment is designed to serve as a diagnostic screening device to determine the ability of students to transfer information literacy, critical thinking and effective communication skills developed through the core curriculum and major program to a selected question, case study, or project related to their major field of study. The Sophomore/Junior diagnostic Project provides a process check for competency growth plans. The project is evaluated by department faculty, and feedback is provided to students by either the instructor in the designated course or by the individual student’s academic advisor. The Sophomore/Junior diagnostic Project helps students develop a clearer understanding of the expectations of faculty in their major field of study with respect to their ability to apply critical thinking skills and to communicate effectively. it also helps students to develop a better understanding of the specific criteria faculty use to judge work of students in their respective major fields of study. Prerequisites: BIOL 224 and CHEM 242, or permission of the instructor. 2 lecture/seminar hours.

BIOL 401A-D — Special Topics (3 or 4)
Selected topics in modern biological studies. Topics are announced prior to registration. classes consist of lectures, discussions, and student reports or labs. Topics include A) conservation Biology, B) Wildlife Ecology and Management, c) Ecotoxicology, and d) Wildlife Techniques. Prerequisite: BIOL 224, or permission of the instructor. 3 or 4 lecture/lab hours. Cross-listed as ENST 401.

BIOL 410 -- Fundamentals of Parasitology and Protozology (4)
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of both classical and modern Parasitology and Protozology. Life cycles of significant nematodes, trematodes, cestodes, and protozoa are covered. Topics covered will include basic principles of parasitology, life cycles, epidemiology, host-parasite interactions, drug treatments and vector control programs, along with information on the basic biology, ecology, biochemistry and genetics of selected organisms. The students will learn to prepare and identify samples using common laboratory and molecular techniques. Prerequisite: BIOL 223 and 224, or permission of the instructor. 3 lecture and 3 laboratory hours.

BIOL 430 — Ecology (4)
The study of the interrelationships and interactions of organisms and their environments. Topics include population dynamics, interspecific relationships, community structure and function, nutrient cycling and energy flow in ecosystems and biome diversity. Laboratory topics include field trips and study of local natural areas, and introduction to ecological methods and biostatistics. Prerequisite: BIOL 224, or permission of the instructor. 3 lecture and 3 laboratory hours.

BIOL 447 — Physiology (4)

The study of the functions and interactions of organ systems. Topics include respiration, circulation, muscle contraction, digestion, homeostasis and removal of waste material. includes one hour per week discussion on the effects of venoms on human physiology. Laboratory investigations utilize computer data acquisition to study the major lecture topics using frogs, mice and humans as test subjects. BIOL 224, CHEM 242, or permission of the instructor. 3 lecture and 3 laboratory hours.

BIOL 448 — Microbiology (4)
A study of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, rickettsiae, fungi, and other microbial forms. The morphology, physiology, ecology, evolution of these organisms, their pathogenesis, host responses, epidemiology, and control are discussed. Laboratory exercises illustrate morphology, growth, biochemical characteristics, identification and classification, microbial immunity, genetics and various laboratory techniques. Prerequisite: CHEM 242 or permission of the instructor. 3 lecture and 3 laboratory hours.

BIOL 450 — Molecular Genetics: DNA Science (4)
Genetic structure and regulation of gene expression in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organ- isms: recombinant DNA technology; mutation/suppression; transcription/translation; DNA polymorphisms: Laboratory exercises include; RE digest and analysis, directional cloning using PCR, genomic DNA and plasmid isolation, site-directed mutagenesis, gene fusions, DNA sequencing, DNA fingerprinting. Prerequisites: BIOL 224 and CHEM 242, or permission of the instructor. 3 lecture and 3 laboratory hours.

BIOL 451 — Molecular Genetics: RNA Science (4)
Lectures focus RNA chemistry, isolation and manipulation; DNA replication; DNA repair; recombination; microarray technology; Laboratory exercises include: RT-PCR, MRNA isolation, CDNA synthesis, size fractionation of CNDA library, phage lambda packaging of CNDA, 5’/3’ RACE. Prerequisite: BIOL 450, or permission of the instructor. 3 lecture and 3 laboratory hours.

BIOL 453 - Systems Biology (4)
Systems Biology attempts to correlate the growing databases of genomic and proteomic information within the context of the function of cells as a whole. Techniques used include a combination of molecular biology and biochemistry wet labs followed by computer analysis and modeling of the results. A metabolic pathway will be studied in detail to discover changes in both genetic and protein regulation in response to changing conditions.

BIOL 490 — Biological Research I (4)
This course is the Biology department’s Senior integrated Assessment course. Science is the process of scientific research; therefore, this course introduces Biology Majors to the process of scientific research. The student works in the research laboratory of a faculty member conducting original and independent scientific research. The culmination of the course is a written and oral presentation of a scientific report. Biology 490 is the required capstone course for all Biology Majors. Prerequisites: BIOL 223, 224, 370. 2 lecture and 2 three-hour laboratory sessions.

BIOL 491 — Biological Research I I (2, 3 or 4)
For students who want to continue original, independent research. Prerequisites: BIOL 490 and CHEM 242. Variable credit; time and credit established by contract between Instructor and student.

BIOL 499 — Biology Internship
A Biology internship may be taken during the junior or senior year. The Department Chair- person should be consulted. A minimum G.P.A. of 2.50 is required