Course Descriptions
1121. Introduction to Cell Biology Laboratory 1 hour
Prerequisite: MAT 1302, Eng 1301 and concurrent enrollment in BIO 1321
An introduction to basic research techniques and applying those techniques to an extended project.
1121. Introduction to Cell Biology 3 hours
Prerequisite: CHE 1315, ENG 1301, MAT 1302 (or take concurrently),
concurrent enrollment in BIO 1121
This is the first course of the Biology Core. This course provides an
introduction to the scientific study of biology and focuses on basic
biochemistry and the organization of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
This course must be taken concurrently with the associated laboratory
course, BIO 1121.
1122. Introduction to Genetics Laboratory 1 hour
Prerequisite: CHE 1315 and concurrent enrollment in BIO 1322
A laboratory course survey that focuses on the acquisition of basic research techniques and their application to selected laboratory projects. These projects will cover a variety of topics in basic cell biology. BIO 1122 is to be taken as a companion course for BIO 1322. One 3-hour laboratory per week
1322. Introduction to Genetics 3 hours
Prerequisite: Biology 1321 and concurrent enrollment in BIO 1122
An introduction to the structure and operation of genes as they are
expressed in cells, organisms and populations.
1340. Human Anatomy and Physiology I (1440) 3 hours
This course will be dedicated to “constructing the human organism”
beginning with the basic building block of the body, the cell. Subsequently, other systems vital to the construction process will be examined including, but not limited to, the skeletal, muscular, nervous, gastrointestinal and integumentary systems.
1140. Human anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory 1 hour
The course will consist of laboratory observations, data collection and
analysis about human cell structure and function body, the structure of bone and the organization of the skeleton , the skin, muscles of the upper and the lower body, the spinal cord and nerves and the brain and cranial nerves, as well as the digestive system. Students will keep records of observations in a laboratory notebook.
1341. Human anatomy and Physiology II (1440) 3 hours
Prerequisite: BIO 1340, 1140
The course is dedicated to the “integrative systems” of the human body that facilitate nutrient delivery, waste removal, and the proliferation of life. Topics that will be examined include, but are not limited to, the respiratory, cardiovascular, lymphatic, endocrine, renal, and reproductive system.
1141. Human anatomy and Physiology II Laboratory 1 hour
Prerequisite: BIO 1340, 1140
This course will cover scientific method and measurement and involve
laboratory observation and data collection about respiratory volumes and capacities, structure of the heart, the cardiac cycle, pulse rate and blood pressure, the functional anatomy of the lymphatic system, humoral factors governing homeostasis, the structure and function of the kidney and male and female reproductive biology. Students will keep records of observations in a laboratory notebook.
2124. Evolution and Ecology Laboratory 1 hour
Prerequisite: BIO 1321, 1322, and concurrent enrollment in BIO 2324
A laboratory course in the interactions of populations with their
environment, including natural selection, population genetics, speciation, ecosystems, and behavior. One 3-hour meeting per week.
2324. Evolution and Ecology 3 hours
Prerequisite: BIO 1321, 1322 and concurrent enrollment in BIO 2124
The interactions of populations with their environment, including natural
selection, population genetics, speciation, ecosystems, and behavior.
2341. Microbiology 3 hours
Prerequisite: BIO 1121, BIO 1321, BIO 1122, BIO 1322 and concurrent
enrollment in BIO 2141
An in-depth study of the microbial world with emphasis on bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Addresses classification, structure and function, metabolism, genetics, and the role of these organisms in the environment and medicine.
2141. Microbiology Lab 1 hour
Corequisite: BIO 2341
Course covers bacterial taxonomy including: morphological, physiological, and biochemical distinguishing characteristics, methods employed for their study, immunology, infection and antibiotics.
3202. Field Biology 2 hours
Prerequisite: Biology Core
A practical experience in the techniques of sampling and identifying life in natural habitats. The class will travel to a specific habitat or region and spend an extended time intensively studying the local flora or fauna. This course may be repeated once.
3352. Research Methods in Biology 3 hours
Prerequisites: Biology Core and any 3000- or 4000-level biology course
Under supervision of biology faculty mentors, students will select a
research project, write a literature review and research proposal, conduct preliminary experiments, and write a research report. Research methods and experimental design will be emphasized, including the location and study of articles from the professional literature. One 2-hour lecture period per week. Students must also schedule time for consultation with the supervising faculty member and for 6 hours of library/laboratory work per week.
3401. Developmental Biology 4 hours
Prerequisite: Biology Core
A study of model systems that illustrate the control mechanisms governing plant and animal development. Three hours of laboratory per week.
3405. Introduction to Human Physiology (2405) 4 hours
Prerequisite: Biology Core
A study of normal human physiological processes with emphasis on their regulation. Three hours of laboratory per week. Credit may not be received for both this course and BIO 1440 Human Anatomy and Physiology.
3420. Assays and Experiments in Medical Botany 4 hours
Prerequisite: Biology core, Chemistry 2317, 2217.
This course focuses on the experimental testing of pharmacologically active principles from a diversity of vascular plants. The course surveys extant plant diversity examining phylogenetic relationships based on the bioactive constituents of natural taxonomic groups. Students design experiments to test hypothesies about bioactivity of plant extracts. Three hours of laboratory per week.
3422. Introduction to Tropical Biology 4 hours
Prerequisite: Biology Core
A practical experience designed to introduce students to the ecology and evolution of tropical ecosystems. Classroom work will be supplemented by travel to the tropics to observe plant and animal life.
3431. Genetics 4 hours
Prerequisite: Biology Core
A study of the nature, transmission, activity, and evolution of genetic
information. Three hours of laboratory per week.
4351. Senior Research in Biology 3 hours
Prerequisites: Biology Core; BIO 3352; PSY 2420 or MAT 3391 strongly recommended
Under supervision of biology faculty mentors, students will extend the research project begun in BIO 3352, and write and present a formal professional research paper. Data analysis and professional writing will be emphasized. Students will also attend research presentations by area professionals. One 2-hour lecture period per week. Students must also schedule time for consultation with the supervising faculty member and for 6 hours of library/laboratory work per week.
4410. Advanced Topics in Cell Biology 4 hours
Prerequisite: Biology Core; any Biology 3000-level course, completion or concurrent enrollment in Organic Chemistry I
A study of the biochemical and ultrastructural organization of the
eukaryotic cell, focusing on advanced topics in the field of cell biology.
Potential topics will include cancer biology, immunology, neurobiology,
mechanisms of cell differentiation, and prokaryotic cell biology. Emphasis will be placed on contemporary research in cell biology as presented in primary journal articles. Three hours of laboratory per week.
4412. Techniques of Molecular Biology 4 hours
Prerequisite: Biology Core and two years of chemistry; BIO 3431 is
strongly recommended
A laboratory-based course designed to familiarize students with the
techniques of molecular biology including restriction enzyme analysis,
Southern blots, DNA sequencing, the polymerase chain reaction, and
cloning. Data interpretation is a strong component of this course.
4426. Infection and Immunity 4 hours
Prerequisite: Biology Core
This course provides the students with a basic understanding of infectious disease and host responses. Students will study the microorganisms involved in infection and immune related disease, current treatments, and research directions. The course has three hours of laboratory per week.
4470. Conservation Biology 4 hours
Prerequisites: Biology Core; PSY 2420 or MAT 1324 and any BIO 3000-level course in a related area strongly recommended
Examines the biological diversity crisis and the social implications of
human’s domination of the earth’s ecosystems. Three hours of laboratory each week and field data collection and analysis required.
4393. Internship I 3 hours
Prerequisite: Completion of 45 hours or dean’s approval; 2.0 GPA
Graded academic experiences that provide students with an opportunity to put classroom learning into practice. Internships provide supervised work experience directly related to one’s major field of study.
4394. Internship II 3 hours
Prerequisite: Completion of 45 hours or dean’s approval; 2.0 GPA
Graded academic experiences that provide students with an opportunity to put classroom learning into practice. Internships provide supervised work experience directly related to one’s major field of study.
