Biology Courses

This course is one of two introductory general biology courses. Topics include the origin of life, the cellular level of organization, the chemical/physical basis of life, genetics, and the molecular biology of gene expression.

This course presents selected topics in biology. Topics may include evolution, biomechanics (e.g. flight), emerg ing diseases (e.g. AIDS, Ebola virus), history of biological science, antibiotic resistant pathogens, cancer, nutrition, biotechnology and human affairs, etc. As topics change, this course may be repeated for credit.    Science majors may not enroll in this course without the consent of the Instructor.

Please contact your instructor for specific topic.

This course is one of two introductory general biology courses. Topics will include the evolution, diversity, development, reproduction, physiology, ecology, and behavior of living organisms. Laboratory work will include naturalistic observation as well as experimentation and will emphasize the analysis, organization, and presentation of data.

This course describes the structure, physiology and culture of bacteria and related organisms, their importance in nature and their relationship to human problems of food preservation, sanitation, disease, and immunity.

This course is a study of the organization of the human body, and the anatomy and physiology of the skeletal, muscular, and circulatory (heart and circulation) systems. It is the first part of a two part sequence. The laboratory experience will include study of mammalian anatomy.

This course is a study of the structure and physiology of the human circulatory (hematology), respiratory, nervous, “special senses”, digestive, urinary, endocrine, reproductive, and integumentary systems. General information on cells and tissues will be presented. It is the second part of a two part sequence. The laboratory experience will include experiments in physiology.

This is an introductory course focusing on man's environment. The organism, population, community, ecosystem, and biosphere levels of organization will be studied with respect to the interrelationships occurring in the natural world. Aspects of air, water, solid waste, and noise pollution, population problems, our energy dilemma, use of pesticides, and the state of our natural resources will also be discussed. This course is designed for nonscience majors. Science majors may not enroll in this course without the consent of the Instructor.

This course is a study of the life history of man from birth to death including a discussion of all major organ systems and how they function to maintain the organism in the environment. It will include the biology of sex and heredity of man. This course is designed primarily for majors other than biology, and will not count toward the biology major. Science majors may not enroll in this course without the consent of the Instructor.

This course is an in-depth treatment of nucleic acid metabolism and cellular architecture. The lecture emphasizes the relationships between structure and function at the cellular level, while the laboratory component highlights recent developments in recombinant DNA technology.

This course explores the relationship between form and function in selected vertebrate taxa. Emphasis is placed on trends in vertebrate evolution that allowed vertebrates to move from aquatic to terrestrial habitats. Lectures integrate data from topics such as locomotion, feeding, size and scaling, with issues of historical importance and current interest. Labs include dissection of preserved vertebrate animals, field work, and a visit to a museum.

This course introduces the student to the fundamental principles of mendelian, population, and molecular genetics. The biochemistry of genetic material, the physical basis of inheritance as well as the mode of expression of genetic material in individuals and populations will be covered. Laboratory experiments with statistics will demonstrate the principle of molecular, mendelian, and population genetics.

This courses is an introduction to the rapidly expanding field of immunology covering such topics as the immune response, (cellular and humoral) immunoglobulins, antigen-antibody reactions, immunohematology complement and cytotoxicity, immunopathology (hypersensitivity and autoimmune diseases), transplantation and oncoimmunology.

This course is a study of the relationships between animals and plants and their environment. Population growth and species interactions, organization of biological communities, ecosystem structure and function (energy flow and biogeochemical cycles) will be discussed. Current examples (“case studies”) of environmental problems will be examined to show the real application of basic ecological principles. Laboratory consists of experimental and descriptive laboratories with experience in field techniques.

(Also CHM 390) This course is a combined work-study experience in which students work in an approved scientific environment doing relevant job-related functions. Students will also attend seminars in which they report on their work assignments, discuss experiences, study employment demands, and receive counsel. A faculty committee assesses the internship report.

(Also CHM 401) The course presents proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates from the perspective of organic functional group chemistry, physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, and biochemistry. The acid-base properties, kinetics, thermodynamics and reactions of these biomolecules will be covered. Structure correlated to function will be integral component of the discussion. The course consists of lecture and recitation.

(Also CHM 402) This course covers the biochemistry of the nucleic acids and proteins. Topics include DNA replication, transcription, translation, gene regulation, and protein function. The overall regulation of metabolic pathways will also be addressed.

(Also CHM 404) The course considers the qualitative and quantitative aspects of protein, lipid, and carbohydrate analyses. The laboratory includes applications of wet chemistry, as well as analytical techniques such as chromatography [column, thin layer, paper, and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)], colorimetric and spectorphotometric analyses, polarimetry, titrimetry and statistical data analysis.

(Also CHM 405) The course covers basic techniques for the extraction, purification, and characterization of DNA, RNA, and protein molecules.

Topics will include advanced subjects in major areas of the biological sciences. Topics may vary or be repeated. As topics vary, students may repeat the course for credit.

Please contact your instructor for specific topic.

The seminar is designed to bring upperclassmen in all biology concentrations together so that they can discuss the major principles of this discipline. The preparation of a literature research paper and its oral presentation develop the ability to critically assess the research literature, expose students to subject areas not encountered in previous courses, develop communication skills, and serve as a basis for continued learning in individual students’ particular areas of interest.

This course is an opportunity for advanced students to design and conduct experimental research with the assistance of a faculty member. Students will learn the techniques involved in carrying out a research project including: literature search, experimental design and implementation, data collection and analysis, and presentation of results.