Biology Major/Minor

This is a general biology course that mainly covers concepts relating to the cell.  This includes cell structure and function, cellular metabolism, mechanisms of cell replication, and cellular protein expression.  This is required for a biology, biochemistry, allied health, or environmental biology major.

This is a general biology course that covers introductory concepts mostly in plant and animal anatomy and physiology.  An emphasis will be placed on the impact of these topics in our everyday lives.  This course is required for a biology, biochemistry, allied health, or environmental biology major.

This course provides an introduction to the topics of ecology, evolution, and natural selection and to the major groups of eukaryotic organisms, including protistans, fungi, plants, and animals.  For each group, emphasis is placed on distinguishing features, evolutionary trends, ecological roles, and interactions with humans.  This course is required for a biology, biochemistry, allied health, or environmental biology major.  Three lectures and one laboratory session per week.  Offered both spring and fall semesters.  

This is a general biology laboratory course that is an inquiry-based field experience. Students will use scientific process to solve problems. This may include generating hypotheses, designing meaningful experiments, controlling variables, gathering relevant data, interpreting results, and drawing conclusions. This is required for a biology, allied health, or environmental biology major and will satisfy the general education requirement for a science with a lab when taken concurrently with the biology course.

This is a general biology laboratory course that is an inquiry-based laboratory experience.  Students will use scientific process to solve problems.  This may include generating hypotheses, designing meaningful experiments, controlling variables, gathering relevant data, interpreting results, and drawing conclusions.  This is required for a biology, biochemistry, allied health, or environmental biology major and will satisfy the general education requirement for a science with a lab when taken concurrently with the biology course.

This course covers the fundamental principles upon which the study of chemistry is based. Stoichiometry, atomic structure, molecular structure, chemical bonding, behavior of gases, kinetic molecular theory, properties of solutions, chemical reactivity and thermochemistry are included.

This laboratory is an inquiry-based approach to understanding the process of doing chemistry. Each week, as a team member with a specific role working for a consulting company, the student receives a letter from a "chemical client" requesting the solution to a chemical problem. It is the responsibility of the team to design a solution, collect data, and report the results to the client in report form.

This course includes the study of the chemistry of molecular forces, redox reactions, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium theory, electrochemistry, chemical dynamics, organic chemistry, phase behavior and solution chemistry.

This laboratory is an inquiry-based approach to understanding the process of doing chemistry. Each week, as a team member with a specific role working for a consulting company, the student receives a letter from a "chemical client" requesting the solution to a chemical problem. It is the responsibility of the team to design a solution, collect data, and report the results to the client in report form.

Organized by chemical functional groups and reaction mechanisms, this course presents both classical and modern theories of organic chemistry while rigorously exploring chemical structure reactivity relationships. The fundamentals of nomenclature, physical properties, chemical structure, stereochemistry, organic-reactions, mechanisms, synthesis, purification, and compound characterization are emphasized. Biological, medical, and familiar real-world examples are discussed in the context of organic chemistry.

This laboratory complements the lecture segment of the course by demonstrating and utilizing the concepts learned in the classroom to acquire, isolate, and characterize desired organic reaction products. In this laboratory, students become familiar with the equipment, glassware, techniques, and expertise required to implement the chemistry proposed on paper, to optimize it, and to communicate it to the chemical community. A practical context for the developed chemical intuition is provided.

This course, followed by M149, provides a two-semester sequence that covers the material of M151 along with built-in coverage of precalculus topics. Topics in M148 include: solving equations, functions, classes of functions (polynomial, rational, algebraic, exponential, logarithmic), right triangle trigonometry, angle measure, limits and continuity, derivatives, rules for derivatives. Credit is not granted for this course and M151 or courses equivalent to college algebra and college trigonometry.

This course completes the two-semester sequence that begins with M148, and together with M148 provides a two-semester sequence that covers the material of M151 along with built-in coverage of precalculus topics. Topics in M149 include: trigonometric and inverse trigonometric functions, rules for derivatives, applications of derivatives, and definite and indefinite integrals. Credit is not granted for this course and M151.

This course provides an introduction to the differential and integral calculus. Topics include: the concepts of function, limit, continuity, derivative, definite and indefinite integrals, and an introduction to transcendental functions. Credit is not granted for this course and M148 and M149.

A study of the theoretical and practical ecological concepts pertaining to species, populations, communities and ecosystems; stress is placed on the concepts of energy flow, nutrient cycles, limiting factors, population dynamics and succession.

The principles underlying hereditary variation in living organisms are the focus of this course. These topics are centered about the transmission of hereditary traits, cytogenetics, basic gene concepts, introductory molecular biology, population genetics, and the genetic basis of evolution.

This course is a study of the cell at the ultrastructural, biochemical, and physiological levels. Special consideration is given to respiration, photosynthesis, secretion, cytoskeleton, cell cycle, cell growth, movement, membranes, and other organelles.

This course explores the functions of the body systems of humans. The interrelationships of organ systems processes to maintain homeostasis are emphasized. Laboratory sessions provide experiences with procedures and instrumentation to gather data that highlight the function of the body systems. Course topics are particularly relevant to the health sciences.

This course introduces basic and fundamental statistics with emphasis on the more sophisticated tests and analyses common to biologists and other researchers. Substantial attention is given to analysis of variance procedures and experimental design. The course meets for two seventy-five minute lecture / computer laboratory sessions each week.  Credit is not granted for this course and any of the following: BU215, ST132, or ST232.

The principal concepts of biochemistry are the focus of this course. The major themes include the relationship between the three-dimensional structure of proteins and their biological function and the chemistry and metabolism of biologically important macromolecules including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids. Also offered as C409.  The course meets for three one-hour lectures and one three-hour lab session each week. 

An analysis of the regulation of cellular metabolism at the molecular level is the core of this study. The major themes include the biochemistry of DNA, RNA and protein synthesis and the regulation of gene expression in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

The purpose of this course is to design a research project. The necessary reconnaissance, review of the literature, and other preparations are included. Some emphasis is also given to thesis writing and presentations. 

The course consists of an independent investigation of a field or laboratory problem of the student's choice in a specific area of biology. A written report of the research project in the form of a thesis is required; an oral presentation may be required, at the discretion of the research advisor. This course is a graduation requirement for biology majors.

A continuation of C321/C323, this course builds upon the fundamentals presented in C321/C323. It is organized by functional groups and reaction mechanisms, while integrating this knowledge into chemical synthesis. Additional topics include aromaticity, NMR and IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, carbonyl chemistry, synthetic strategy, and advanced C–C bond forming reactions.

This course is the first half of a two-semester introductory, calculus-based, physics course for all students planning to enter one of the scientific professions. It covers the fundamental principles of mechanics, oscillations, and fluid mechanics.

One three-hour laboratory is held each week covering topics studied in the lectures. Taken concurrently with P201 Introductory Physics

This course explores the design and structure of the human body. Lectures present cellular and histological features of the body systems.

A study of mostly animal development from genetic and molecular perspectives. A brief account of embryology is followed by gametogenesis, fertilization, embryogenesis, and organogenesis. All topics are covered with emphasis upon differentiation.

This course deals with the morphology, physiology and biochemistry of a variety of microorganisms including viruses, bacteria, fungi and algae. Emphasis is placed on the control of microbial growth, the characteristics of these organisms and their relationship to disease.

Topics covered in this course include the nature of the immune system and the immunological response including the roles of lymphocytes, cytokines, antibodies and complement. Some emphasis is placed on the malfunction and diseases of the immune system.

The effects of radiation, particularly ionizing radiation, on molecules, cells, tissues, and the whole organism are studied. A brief background of the nature, sources and absorption of radioactive energy is presented. Some emphasis is also placed on the understanding and use of modern instrumentation and techniques available for biological research and fluorescence analysis.

An examination of the principles, methods, and problems of environmental toxicology is presented. Topics include: pollutant dynamics in ecosystems and individuals, dose-effect relationships, sublethal toxicity, interactions between pollutants, ecosystem responses, and others.

A continuation of C321/C323, this course builds upon the fundamentals presented in C321/C323. It is organized by functional groups and reaction mechanisms, while integrating this knowledge into chemical synthesis. Additional topics include aromaticity, NMR and IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, carbonyl chemistry, synthetic strategy, and advanced C–C bond forming reactions.

This course is the second half of a two-semester introductory, calculus-based, physics course for all students planning to enter one of the scientific professions. It covers the fundamental principles of waves, physical and geometrical optics, and electricity and magnetism.

Concurrent with P212

One three-hour laboratory is held each week covering topics studied in the lectures.

Concurrent with P211

General Psychology provides an overview of the methods, fundamental principles, and major perspectives which define the discipline of psychology. Intrapersonal and/ or interpersonal psychological processes involved in the biological basis of behavior, sleeping and dreaming, conditioning and learning, cognition, lifespan human development, abnormal psychology, and psychological treatment. Classical and contemporary research and perspectives including the biological, cognitive, behavioral, psychodynamic, humanistic, sociocultural and evolutionary perspectives are explored. Students are actively involved through application, interactive exercises, simulations, and projects.

The nature and foundations of society and the individual, the main forces that strengthen and weaken social groups and the conditions that transform social life are examined in this course.

This is a general biology course that mainly covers concepts relating to the cell.  This includes cell structure and function, cellular metabolism, mechanisms of cell replication, and cellular protein expression.  This is required for a biology, biochemistry, allied health, or environmental biology major.

This is a general biology course that covers introductory concepts mostly in plant and animal anatomy and physiology.  An emphasis will be placed on the impact of these topics in our everyday lives.  This course is required for a biology, biochemistry, allied health, or environmental biology major.

This course provides an introduction to the topics of ecology, evolution, and natural selection and to the major groups of eukaryotic organisms, including protistans, fungi, plants, and animals.  For each group, emphasis is placed on distinguishing features, evolutionary trends, ecological roles, and interactions with humans.  This course is required for a biology, biochemistry, allied health, or environmental biology major.  Three lectures and one laboratory session per week.  Offered both spring and fall semesters.  

This is a general biology laboratory course that is an inquiry-based field experience. Students will use scientific process to solve problems. This may include generating hypotheses, designing meaningful experiments, controlling variables, gathering relevant data, interpreting results, and drawing conclusions. This is required for a biology, allied health, or environmental biology major and will satisfy the general education requirement for a science with a lab when taken concurrently with the biology course.

This is a general biology laboratory course that is an inquiry-based laboratory experience.  Students will use scientific process to solve problems.  This may include generating hypotheses, designing meaningful experiments, controlling variables, gathering relevant data, interpreting results, and drawing conclusions.  This is required for a biology, biochemistry, allied health, or environmental biology major and will satisfy the general education requirement for a science with a lab when taken concurrently with the biology course.

The goal of this course is to introduce students to the ecology and classification of mammals.  Students will be presented with information on the evolutionary history and special adaptations of mammals within the context of their ecological roles as individuals or populations in a biological community. This course also examines contemporary conservation issues related to mammals. The laboratory component of the course will allow students to practice some the techniques used by mammologists with particular emphasis on field techniques. The development of scientific literacy skills will be heavily emphasized. This course is open to science and non-science majors. Two one-hour class meetings and one two-hour lab each week.

A study of the theoretical and practical ecological concepts pertaining to species, populations, communities and ecosystems; stress is placed on the concepts of energy flow, nutrient cycles, limiting factors, population dynamics and succession.

This course explores the design and structure of the human body. Lectures present cellular and histological features of the body systems.

This course is an organ systems approach to learning and understanding medical terms. A word building programmed learning format is utilized to understand Latin and Greek root words from which our English medical words originate. Common medical abbreviations and case studies are also incorporated into the course.

The principles underlying hereditary variation in living organisms are the focus of this course. These topics are centered about the transmission of hereditary traits, cytogenetics, basic gene concepts, introductory molecular biology, population genetics, and the genetic basis of evolution.

This course is a study of the cell at the ultrastructural, biochemical, and physiological levels. Special consideration is given to respiration, photosynthesis, secretion, cytoskeleton, cell cycle, cell growth, movement, membranes, and other organelles.

This course explores the functions of the body systems of humans. The interrelationships of organ systems processes to maintain homeostasis are emphasized. Laboratory sessions provide experiences with procedures and instrumentation to gather data that highlight the function of the body systems. Course topics are particularly relevant to the health sciences.

The first half of this course introduces the basic concepts necessary to an understanding of geographic information systems (GIS) including their purpose, hardware, software, data bases, and applications. Special attention is paid to the concept of map projections, coordinate systems and geo-referencing data. The second half introduces and spurs the development of core competencies with the desktop GIA Arcview. Students learn how to conduct queries, undertake simple and complex spatial analyses and develop presentations, incorporating views, charts, and images, among others.

This course introduces key concepts in conservation biology with an emphasis on biodiversity.  Both theory and practical applications in conservation biology will be explored.  Concepts explored include definitions and locations of biodiversity, the valuation of biodiversity, threats to biodiversity, conservation at the species and population levels, and how conservation biology intersects with current issues facing human societies.  This course will take a global perspective on issues current in the field of conservation biology.  Additionally, the development of scientific literacy skills will be heavily emphasized.

A study of mostly animal development from genetic and molecular perspectives. A brief account of embryology is followed by gametogenesis, fertilization, embryogenesis, and organogenesis. All topics are covered with emphasis upon differentiation.

This course deals with the morphology, physiology and biochemistry of a variety of microorganisms including viruses, bacteria, fungi and algae. Emphasis is placed on the control of microbial growth, the characteristics of these organisms and their relationship to disease.

Topics covered in this course include the nature of the immune system and the immunological response including the roles of lymphocytes, cytokines, antibodies and complement. Some emphasis is placed on the malfunction and diseases of the immune system.

All aspects of genetics as they pertain to the human are discussed. These topics include the human genome, inborn errors of metabolism, Mendelian inheritance, human cytogenetics, gene mapping, complex traits, consanguinity, cancer genetics, behavioral genetics, and gene therapy. In every case, connections are made to applications and issues pervading society.

This experience is arranged individually for interested students and provides an opportunity for the student to work with/for a public or private entity and become familiar with biologically related aspects of the entity. The biology internship, although flexible, must be a biological learning situation with a final report required. Juniors or seniors are eligible and must have the consent of the department chair.