Biology
BIO 100 Concepts of Biology 4 SH
This is an introductory course for the non-science major. Basic concepts from cell structure and function to evolution and ecology are studied and related to current human concerns. Laboratory activities, which range from microscope investigation to field study, complement the lecture. Every semester (3 hrs lecture — 3 hrs laboratory). General Education: Lab Science; Competency: Scientific Inquiry (SI).
BIO 101 Freshman Seminar for Biology Majors 1 SH
Through interactive activities, this course will provide academic and co- curricular support as freshmen Biology majors begin university life, thus facilitating their transition into the university. The course will introduce students to the values, culture, expectations and resources of the department and of the university community in general. Meets the First Year Navigation (FY) General Education competency. Students must earn a grade of C– to enroll in any biology course at the 200 level or higher. Competency: First Year Navigation (FY).
BIO 103 General Biology I 4 SH
This is the first half of a two-semester introductory course in which the major principles of biology are studied. Topics investigated are the chemical and physical foundations of life, cell structure and function, metabolism, and genetics. Prerequisite: Successful completion of MAT 098/100P and WRT 098/101P, or placement testing above the 098 level in Mathematics and Writing. Fall semester — Day, Spring semester — Evening (3 hrs lecture — 3 hrs laboratory). General Education: Lab Science only if both BIO 103 and 104 are completed; Competency: Scientific Inquiry (SI).
BIO 104 General Biology II 4 SH
This is the second half of a two-semester introductory Biology course, and this half focuses on the diversity of life. The course examines principles and theories that drive biodiversity and emphasize process and pattern of unique biological traits across organismal groups. (3 hrs lecture — 3 hrs laboratory). Prerequisite: BIO 103 with a minimum grade of “C-” or better. Fall semester — Evening. Spring semester — Day. General Education: Lab Science only if both BIO 103 and 104 are completed; Competency: Scientific Inquiry (SI).
BIO 105 Anatomy and Physiology I 4 SH
This course is the first half of a two-semester course providing an introduction to the structure and function of the human organism. Topics covered include an introduction to anatomical terminology, biological chemistry, cells, tissues and the following systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular and nervous. Laboratory exercises complement the lecture material. Fall semester. (3 hrs lecture — 3 hrs laboratory). Prerequisite: Enrollment in a BS or BA program in Pre-Nursing, Health Promotion, or in Health Education, as well as successful completion of MAT100P and WRT101P or placement testing above the MAT100P or WRT101P level in Mathematics and Writing. Competency: Scientific Inquiry (SI).
BIO 106 Anatomy and Physiology II 4 SH
This course is the second half of a two-semester course providing an introduction to the structure and function of the human organism. Topics covered include the circulatory, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Laboratory exercises complement the lecture material. Spring semester (3 hrs lecture — 3 hrs laboratory). Prerequisite: BIO 105 with a minimum grade of “C-” or better. Competency: Scientific Inquiry (SI).
BIO 107 Scientific Inquiry In The Field 4 SH
Scientific Inquiry In The Field will teach students to use appropriate field biology sampling techniques, to record observations, and build hypotheses through inductive and deductive processes. Students will be expected to use quantitative and qualitative reasoning that will be documented in their field journals. Through the activities of this course students will participate in established conservation or field management programs. Students will be required to keep an accurate and detailed field journal. This journal will also include records of lab activities, as well as descriptions and drawings of species and habitat accounts. (3 hrs lecture — 3 hrs laboratory). Competency: Scientific Inquiry (SI).
BIO 110 The Animal World 4 SH
The characteristics of representative vertebrate and invertebrate animals are studied. The course is oriented to a phylogenetic approach, progressing from simple to complex forms. Consideration is given to functional anatomy, behavior and the role of the animal in its ecosystem. Animal dissection is a requirement in the laboratory portion of this course (3 hrs lecture — 3 hrs laboratory). General Education: Lab Science; Competency: Scientific Inquiry (SI).
BIO 115 Plants and Society 4 SH
This course will consider the importance of domesticated plants in human societies. The plants that stand between humans and starvation will be considered in context with how plant domestication occurs. The home vegetable garden will be used as the venue for understanding domestication and the relationships between domesticated plants and their wild relatives. Other topics include the importance of wild populations in crop improvement and plants as sources of beverages, drugs, fibers and dyes. Labs will consist of bench work and field trips; the local supermarket will serve as a surrogate lab for part of the course. General Education: Lab Science; Competency: Scientific Inquiry (SI).
BIO 132 Human Biology 4 SH
This course is intended for students not majoring in biology and will fulfill the general education lab science requirement. Human biology introduces students to the scientific method, the structure and function of the human body, diseases, the evolution of humans, and ecology. Laboratory exercises complement lecture material. Fall semester, odd-numbered years (3 hrs lecture — 3 hrs laboratory). General Education: Lab Science; Competency: Scientific Inquiry (SI).
BIO 150 Science of Climate Change 4 SH
This is an introductory course (with a lab) on the causes of changing climate and its impacts on humans and the biosphere. This course will cover the basic principles of the scientific principles involved in climate change, and include the most recent information available to improve the understanding and potential solutions to the issue. The laboratory portion will be primarily taught in a teaching lab that is routinely used for environmental courses. A climate modelling exercise will be taught in a computer lab. Competency: Information Literacy (IL), Scientific Inquiry (SI).
BIO 200 Ecology 4 SH
This course reviews the basic mechanisms regulating the interaction of living organisms with their environment. Topics include energy flow, community structure, ecological succession, population ecology and biomes. Field trips are required. Fall semester (3 hrs lecture — 3 hrs laboratory). Prerequisite: BIO 104 with a minimum grade of “C-” or better.
BIO 203 Invertebrate Zoology 4 SH
This course will explore the diversity of invertebrate types, morphologically and physiologically. The ecological role of invertebrates will be emphasized. Evolution and global climate change will be addressed. (3 hrs lecture — 3 hrs laboratory). Prerequisite: BIO 104 with a minimum grade of “C-” or better.
BIO 204 Vertebrate Zoology 4 SH
This course uses a comparative examination of the vertebrate groups. The anatomy, physiology, evolution and behavior of the vertebrates is surveyed, with an emphasis on the phylogenetics, and congruence between structure and function. The laboratory stresses anatomy while lectures stress physiology and evolution. Field trips introduce students to vertebrate field sampling techniques. (3 hrs lecture — 3 hrs laboratory). Prerequisite: BIO 103 and BIO 104 with a C- grade or better.
BIO 205 Animal Physiology 4 SH
This course is an introduction to the physiology of animals. Although mammals will be emphasized, invertebrates and other vertebrates will also be covered. Anatomy pertinent to physiology will be discussed. Laboratory experiments complement lecture material and introduce students to various laboratory techniques. Spring semester (3 hrs lecture — 3 hrs laboratory). Prerequisite: BIO 104 with a minimum grade of “C-” or better
BIO 208 Animal Behavior 4 SH
The biological basis of natural animal behavior will be studied with a stress on ecological and evolutionary considerations. Mechanisms of social behavior will be examined, as will specific examples of social systems (3 hrs lecture — 3 hrs laboratory). Prerequisite: BIO 104 with a minimum grade of “C-” or better.
BIO 212 Plant Diversity & Evolution 4 SH
A phylogenetic survey of the structural and functional diversity of land plants. All phyla of land plants will be considered relative to anatomical and morphological evolution, structure-function relationships, ecological diversity, and the phylogeny of each group. Classroom and laboratory activities will be supplemental with field study. Prerequisite: BIO 200.
BIO 215 Microbiology 4 SH
This course is intended for non-biology majors. In the course we will survey important microorganisms found in our environment, with special attention given to those that parasitize humans and animals. Lectures include structure, metabolic activities, control and host response to infection. Laboratory provides supporting study of all groups, with emphasis on the culture, identification and metabolic activities of bacteria. Fall semester (2 hrs lecture — two 2-hr laboratories). Prerequisite: CHE 121 and BIO 106 or permission of instructor.
BIO 216 General Microbiology 4 SH
This course is intended for biology majors. Students will study the fundamental structural and metabolic characteristics of microorganisms (mainly prokaryotes) and will learn basic techniques for enrichment, selection, isolation, enumeration and identification. The course will address the role of microorganisms in health and disease, their role in research, their importance in functional ecosystems and their economic significance. Spring semester (2 hrs lecture — two 2-hr laboratories). Prerequisite: BIO 104 with a minimum grade of “C-” or better, CHE 111 and WRT 101 or appropriate writing placement. Not open to students who have passed BIO 215.
BIO 225 Cancer Biology 3 SH
This course is an introduction to the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer. How cells grow, behave, and communicate will be discussed in the context as to how cancer develops. Current therapeutics and treatments will be examined. Prerequisites: Completion of BIO 103 and BIO 104 with a C- or better, or permission of the instructor.
BIO 250 Introduction to Bioinformatics 3 SH
Bioinformatics, the intersection of computer science and biology, to generate, visualize, store, and manage biological data. It is considered as the sine qua non of 21st-century biology. While bioinformatics has been related to genomics, other sciences (e.g., systematics) benefit also from this discipline. This course will give an overview of how to use some of the most important bioinformatic resources to address questions in biology, focusing on genomics. Students will learn to use the most important genomic databases (i.e., GenBank, UniProt), which will be useful in upper-level courses. Offered even fall years. Prerequisites: BIO 104 or permission of the instructor.
BIO 260 Modes of Scientific Communication 3 SH
Students in Modes of Scientific Communication will receive explicit instruction on how to read the biological literature, write review papers and primary research reports, and to compose and present poster displays of their research. They will also learn the process of writing, including the role of and need for revision in the production of a polished written product. Further, they will learn how to distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources of information on the internet. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or better in BIO 104 and a C- grade or better in a writing intensive course, WRT 101/101P or appropriate placement. Competency: Writing Intensive Tier 2 (W2).
BIO 270 Entomology 4 SH
This course will explore the diversity of insects, insect evolution and physiology. The ecological role of insects will be emphasized. Interactions between insects and humans will be addressed. Prerequisite: BIO 104 with a C- or better.
BIO 297 Biology Cooperative Education
BIO 298 Faculty Developed Study 1–6 SH
BIO 299 Student Developed Study 1–6 SH
BIO 300 Cell Biology 4 SH
Cell biology is defined as the study of cell structure and function. More specifically, a tenet of the Cell Theory states that the cell is the basic structural unit of life. Therefore, to understand how organisms function, we must understand how cells are structured and how cells behave. During the semester we will cover topics including: protein structure and folding, plasma membrane function, aerobic respiration, extracellular matrix, cytoskeleton and cellular motility, vesicular transport, cell division, cell signaling, and cancer. Students will also have the opportunity to explore the intersection between science and society.
The laboratory component of the course is focused on the use of techniques that are heavily utilized by cell biologists, including: bright field and fluorescent microscopy, generation and maintenance of primary cell cultures, and propagation of immortalized cell lines. Spring semester. (3 hrs lecture — 3 hrs laboratory). Prerequisite: BIO 260, MAT 115 or MAT120, and CHE 111.
BIO 305 Neuroscience 4 SH
This course examines the fundamental structures of the brain and nervous system and details the central and peripheral pathways coordinating sensory input and behavior. Electrochemical mechanisms mediating nervous system function will be studied in-depth. Physiology will be discussed in the context of healthy and disease states. Current, special topics in neuroscience will additionally be presented, emphasizing new techniques and research in the field. Laboratory activities will supplement lecture with hands-on experiments. Prerequisite: BIO 106 or BIO 205, BIO 260 and MAT 115 or MAT 120.
BIO 310 Vertebrate Embryology 4 SH
This course is a study of the development of selected vertebrates, providing a foundation for understanding the embryological development of the human body (2 hrs lecture — two 2-hour laboratories). Prerequisite: BIO 104 with a minimum grade of “C-” or better.
BIO 311 Developmental Biology 4 SH
This course focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern development. The first part of the course will cover cell specification and differentiation, differential gene expression, axis specification, and early developmental events including: fertilization, cleavage, and gastrulation. These topics will serve as building blocks that students will use to ultimately study how certain organs form. While emphasis will be on animal development, material on plants will be presented. Laboratory exercises will serve to supplement the lecture material. Fall semester. (2 hrs lecture — 4 hrs laboratory). Prerequisite: BIO 260 and MAT 115 or MAT 120.
BIO 312 Genetics 4 SH
This course will cover the basic principles of genetics, including classical genetics, molecular genetics, gene expression, quantitative genetics, cytogenetics, population genetics and evolutionary genetics. Fall semester. (3 hrs lecture — 3 hrs laboratory). Prerequisite: BIO 104 with a minimum grade of “C-” or better and junior standing.
BIO 321 Immunology 4 SH
This course is an introduction to the mammalian immune system. Lectures include discussion of antibody formation and function, cellular immune responses, allergies, tissue transplantation, cancer and disorders of the immune system. Laboratory experiments complement lecture material while introducing the student to immunological research techniques. Fall semester, even-numbered years (3 hrs lecture — 3 hrs laboratory). Prerequisite: BIO 104 with a minimum grade of “C-” or better or permission of instructor.
BIO 325 Evolutionary Biology 3 SH
This course emphasizes evolution as the unifying theme of biology. Topics covered will include evidence for evolution, historical evolution of life, mechanisms of evolutionary change and the molecular basis of evolution. Current ideas and controversies in evolutionary biology will be discussed. Spring semester (3 hrs lecture). Prerequisite: BIO 312 or permission of instructor.
BIO 375 Climate Ecology 3 SH
This multi-disciplinary course will discuss the nature of climate and the manner that it affects humans and other living organisms. The following central themes will be developed: how we study climate over Earth’s history, how climate has provided the context for evolutionary and cultural changes, and the likely effects of climate change on organisms, communities, and ecosystems in the future. (3 hrs lecture). Prerequisite: BIO 200 with a minimum grade of C- or better or permission of the instructor, BIO 260 and MATH 115 or 120.
BIO/ED 385 Methods of Teaching 3 SH in the Secondary Schools
See ED/BIO 385
BIO/ED 386 Secondary Education 1 SH Professional Development School Experience
See ED/BIO 386
BIO 401 GIS for Biological and Environmental Sciences 4 SH
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are spatially-explicit relational databases that can be used for observing, layering, and analyzing data on maps. In this course, students will learn GIS concepts via projects that apply directly to current environmental issues. This course will provide an opportunity for students to develop a skill set in spatial analysis by gaining hands-on experience using handheld global positioning system (GPS) devices and current GIS software. Students will also apply statistical analysis to answer spatial questions relevant to biology. Students will explore such topics as identifying habitats for conservation, assessing human disease risk, and predicting outcomes from effects of climate change. Prerequisite: BIO 200, BIO 260, and MAT 115 or MAT 120.
BIO 407 Biodiversity of Fungi 3 SH
The fungal kingdom includes an estimated 1.5 million species, with the majority still undescribed. Fungi are found in every known ecosystem, acting as decomposers, mutualists, commensals, and pathogens. They have evolved numerous adaptations for growth in extreme environments. In human health, some fungi are sources of antibiotic discovery, while others are causes of allergies and disease. Invasive fungi may lower diversity of plant or animal species, even threatening some with extinction. Thus, understanding fungal biodiversity is critical for understanding ecosystem functioning and conservation. In this course, students will read and discuss a mix of primary literature and review articles on current research in fungal biodiversity in a range of ecosystems. Students will evaluate study design, with a focus on hypothesis generation, scale and sampling strategies, and identification of open questions in the field. Students will complete a review and analyze metadata to investigate an area in fungal biodiversity relating to their interests. Prerequisites: BIO 260, MAT 120 and permissions of course instructor.
BIO 410 Topics in Molecular Genetics 4 SH
This course will cover selected topics in molecular genetics, with focus on current developments in genomics. Laboratory exercises will consist of an integrated set of experiments utilizing contemporary molecular techniques. Emphasis will be on experimental design and analysis. (3 hrs lecture — 3 hrs laboratory). Prerequisite: BIO 260 and BIO 312.
BIO 422 Conservation Biology 4 SH
Conservation biology is an interdisciplinary field that addresses negative human impacts on biological diversity at scales spanning from genes, populations and species, to ecosystems and global perspectives. The field is mission oriented; finding solutions to problems of habitat destruction and species extinction. In lecture emphasis is placed on reading and evaluating (oral, written) the primary scientific literature which pertain to such topics as wildlife management, invasive species, loss of habitat, and species extinction. Laboratory consists of field trips, guest lectures, and development of science-based conservation management plans. Prerequisite: BIO 200, BIO 260 and one 300-level biology course.
BIO/ED 442 Teaching Science in 3 SH Secondary Schools
See ED/BIO 342.
BIO 455 Conservation Physiology 3 SH
This course involves discussions of principles and current research on the physiological responses and adaptations of animals for survival in changing environmental conditions. The effects of human-induced environmental change including climate change as well as other chemical, physical, and biotic stressors on organismal functions as well as their population and ecosystem-level consequences are explored. This course will also explore how physiological knowledge and tools are used to inform policy and to support management decisions aimed at conserving biodiversity and protecting biological resources. Prerequisites: BIO 205, BIO 260, MAT 115 or 120, and at least one 300-level biology course or permission by the instructor. Offered every 3 years during the Fall semester. Prerequisites: BIO 205, BIO 260, MAT 115 or 120, and at least one 300-level biology course or permission by the instructor.
BIO 480 Group Senior Research 3 SH
Students learn the skills and techniques necessary for designing and carrying out a research project related to the research specialty of the faculty member leading the course and integrated with the primary scientific literature. Students participate in laboratory and written activities and engage in peer discussion and evaluation. The course includes seminar attendance requirements, and may include guest presentations, field trips and other experiences designed to inspire student interest in real-life scientific investigation. By the end of the semester, each student will write a complete lab report, make a formal presentation to the department and complete a programmatic assessment test. Fulfills the “Writing Intensive Tier 3” and the “Culminating General Education Experience” general education requirements. Offered every semester. Every semester (2 hrs lecture — 4 hrs laboratory). Prerequisite: BIO 260, MAT120 or 115 , at least one Biology course at the 300 or 400 level, and at least one exposure to each of the general education competencies (FY, CP, CT, HW, IC, IL, OC, QR, SI, and WI). Instructor Permission is required when off-campus research activities are involved. Competency: Culminating Experience (CE), Writing Intensive Tier 3 (W3).
BIO 490 Advanced Senior Research 3 SH
A collaboration between a student and a sponsoring faculty member on an original research project. Students must negotiate a plan of action with a faculty member, and submit a written hypothesis-driven proposal for approval by the Department by the end of the semester prior to enrollment in the course. Proposal guidelines and submission deadlines are available from the department.. Sponsoring faculty may require completion of BIO 299 prior to submission of the written proposal. By the end of the semester, each student will write a complete lab report, make a formal presentation to the department and complete a programmatic assessment test. Fulfills the “W3” and the “CE” general education competency requirements. Every semester. Prerequisite: BIO 260, MAT 115 or 120, at least one Biology course at the 300 or 400 level, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and at least one exposure to each of the general education competencies (FY, CP, CT, HW, IC, IL, OC, QR, SI, and WI). Competency: Culminating Experience (CE), Writing Intensive Tier 3 (W3).
The following courses also have been approved and are offered periodically:
BIO 108 The Microbial World
BIO 111 General Botany
BIO 125 Food and Human Nutrition
BIO/ENV 126 Animals and Their Environment
BIO 130 Human Life before Birth
BIO 133 Human Development before Birth
BIO/ENV 156 Biology of the Environment
BIO 206 Plant Morphology
BIO 400 Environmental Microbiology