Biology

This course will increase retention of first year students majoring in Biology, Chemistry, or Math by equipping them with skillsets needed to ease their transition from high school to college-level science and math curriculum. Students will explore various resources available on-campus and develop skills that will allow them to overcome common obstacles to student success in STEM degree programs.

A study of the basic principles of biology. Course topics will focus on cellular principles, metabolism, genetics, and evolution. 

A hands-on investigation of cellular principles, metabolism, genetics, and evolution.

This is an introductory course on the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Basic cell and tissue structure will be covered, as well as the main organ systems and their functions (Integumentary, Skeletal, Muscular, Nervous, Endocrine, Cardiovascular, Lymphatic, Respiratory, Digestive, Urinary, Reproductive).

This laboratory course involves the application of the anatomical and physiological concepts covered in BIO 120. Microscopic analysis, models, and other exercises will be utilized to better understand the body systems covered in lecture.

This course will cover structure and function of cells, tissues, body organization, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. 

This laboratory course involves the application of the anatomical and physiological concepts covered in BIO 200. Microscopic analysis, models, and other exercises will be utilized to better understand the body systems covered in lecture. 

This course will cover the structure and function of cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, digestive, renal, and reproductive systems, as well as metabolism and homeostatic control.

Application of anatomical and physiological concepts in a laboratory setting. Microscopic analysis of select tissues will be coupled with cadaver inspection, models, dissections, and laboratory exercises to develop a better understanding of the body systems covered in BIO 202. 

An introduction to microbiological techniques. Investigations of bacterial anatomy and physiology.

An introduction to the basic techniques and methods used to study biology in an outdoor environment. A brief survey of botany, zoology, and ecology concepts will be included. Multiple outdoor experiments, collections, and field trips will be performed. Students may not receive credit for both BIO 245 and BIO 345.

An introduction to the morphological, behavioral, and ecological diversity of vertebrate and invertebrate animals.

A hands-on laboratory investigation of the morphological, behavioral, and ecological diversity of vertebrate and invertebrate animals.

Insects represent the largest percentage of the world’s known species and inhabit (or have inhabited) every terrestrial ecosystem on Earth. This course will cover general insect biology, ecology, evolution, and taxonomy. The course will discuss how insects impact our daily lives through things like crop destruction, pollination, food, clothing, and the spread of disease. Current research and topics in entomology will also be covered.

As the study of the interactions between organisms and their environment, ecology is a foundational course in biology studies. This course will identify and explain the principles of ecological science, including the concepts of populations, communities, and ecosystems, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability. Students will develop an understanding of how scientific methods are used to construct ecological knowledge. The course will also explore some global ecological challenges, and the research that is addressing these concerns.

An introductory study of plants, their classification, identification, structure, and life cycles.

A hands-on laboratory investigation of the classification, morphological, life cycles, and ecological diversity of plants.

Study of the basic principles and concepts of the biology of populations, communities, and ecosystems as they relate to environmental sustainability and biodiversity. Environmental threats to biodiversity and environmental sustainability including use of water, mineral, and energy resources and threats from pollution and climate change will be explored.

A hands-on laboratory investigation of the principles and concepts of environmental science laboratory techniques.

A study of the basic principles of microbiology. Topics covered will include the history of microbiology including classic experiments, microbial structure and function, nutrition, growth, control, metabolism, and genetics of microbes. Diverse microbial organisms will be covered and include viruses, bacteria, archaea, fungi, algae, and protozoa. Microbial roles in symbiotic relationships, the environment, and the food industry will be discussed. Biotechnology involving microbes will also be covered. This course is designed for upper level biology majors and minors but is appropriate as a general education science course as well. Concurrent enrollment in the associated laboratory, BIO 301, is required.

An introduction to microbiological techniques. Investigations of bacterial anatomy and physiology, growth conditions, genetics, and basic biotechnology will be conducted. Concurrent enrollment in BIO 300 or departmental approval is required.

This course will cover the chemical organization, cellular organization and tissue organization of the body. Using an organ system based approach students will learn the anatomy and physiology of the integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system, and endocrine system. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the physiology of osseous tissue, muscle contraction and nerve function and conduction, as well as familiarity with the anatomy of neural pathways and CNS regional specialization. Concurrent enrollment in the associated laboratory, BIO 311, is required.

A hands-on laboratory investigation of the principles and concepts covered in Advanced Anatomy and Physiology I.

Application of advanced anatomical and physiological concepts in a laboratory setting. Microscopic analysis of select tissues will be coupled with cadaver inspection, models, dissections, and laboratory exercises to develop a better understanding of the body systems covered in BIO 310 and BIO 311. Concurrent enrollment in the associated laboratory, BIO 313, is required.

A hands-on laboratory investigation of the principles and concepts covered in Advanced Anatomy and Physiology II.

An introduction to the basis of inheritance from molecular to organismal level with emphasis on the role of genetics in evolution and adaptation to the environment, as well as considerable human application. Concurrent enrollment in the associated laboratory, BIO 331, is required.

A study of basic genetic principles with the aid of a variety of organisms and online lab exercises. The laboratory requires considerable independent work.

The course explores the chemistry of key biological molecules such as proteins (and enzymes), nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates. Other topics include structure-function correlation, chemical reactivity, kinetics, and equilibrium, thermodynamics, membrane structure and function, and metabolic energy pathways. (Also listed as CHM 340)

Application of basic methods and techniques in biochemistry. Chemical and enzymatic analyses are performed by colorimetric, electrophoretic and chromatographic techniques. Lab meets 3 hours per week. (Also listed as CHM 341)

See EDU 360.

Deals with the disruption of normal physiology with the alterations, derangements, and mechanisms involved in disruption and how they manifest themselves as signs, symptoms, physical and laboratory findings. General methods of treatment will also be covered.

Structure, function and regulation of genes and gene products are discussed extensively using both eukaryotic and prokaryotic systems. Cell structural/functional relationships are stressed. Special emphasis is placed on biotechnology as it is employed in understanding cell structure and regulation of cellular physiology.

Application of basic methods and techniques of biotechnology. Gene cloning, identification, and mutagenesis techniques are emphasized. Methods employed are southern blots, northern blots, western blots, DNA isolation, RNA isolation, plasmid and viral cloning vectors, and chromatography.

Advanced physiological principles of the human body across the lifespan will be covered. The course will build on principles learned in previous courses and will provide a foundation in human physiology required for future professional health programs.

The course will offer a small number of students (an opportunity to learn macroscopic (gross) anatomy using the cadaver as a teaching tool. Modeled after medical school gross anatomy, the students begin the semester with an intact cadaver and, over the course of the semester, work their way through dissecting the entire body. "Class time" is really dissection time, as students learn by identifying structures, tissue planes and the relationships between them using the dissection guide, cadaver and anatomy atlases as resources. Class time is also used to present information to each other as well as to the course instructor (part of assessment). The course requires a significant time commitment on the part of the student — they will be in the lab dissecting for at least 4-5 hours per week (often times more). In addition, students are responsible for a wide range of anatomic terms and structures, so study time is also a significant requirement of the course. This course is perfect for the student who enjoyed anatomy and wants to take their understanding of the structure of the body to the next level.

A study of normal immune system function (both acquired and innate), normal hematological function and common diseases and derangements of both.

In a classroom format, students will write a scholarly review and critical analysis of a research topic. The final thesis must be written in scientific style and a presentation of the work at Scholar's Day is required.