Biology (BIOL)
Basic concepts of ecology will be presented in sufficient detail to allow an examination of our environmental problems within an ecological worldview. There will be an emphasis on developing stewardship lifestyles. For non-majors only.
A study of the origin and structure of cells, energy transformation, the structure and function of major organ systems, inheritance, reproduction and development. For non-majors only.
An overview of the major areas of biology. Topics to be covered include cell biology; heredity; protists; plants; diversity of animals; human body systems; ecology; major ecosystems of the world; conservation biology; evolution/natural selection. For non-majors only.
Required course for the student interested in majoring or minoring in biology, biological studies, environmental science, or the pre-physical/occupational therapy tracks in exercise science. The course surveys basic concepts of biology with an emphasis on field-oriented disciplines, including ecology, zoology, botany and macroevolution.
Required course for the student interested in pre-med, majoring, minoring in biology, biological studies, environmental science, biochemistry or the pre-physical/occupational therapy tracks in exercise science. The course surveys basic concepts of biology with an emphasis on lab-oriented disciplines, including cell biology, physiology, genetics and evolutionary mechanisms.
The biology and natural history of birds. Field work with emphasis on recognition and behavioral observations of local species. May require Saturday field trips.
This course is an introduction to marine biology, surveying marine life, marine ecosystems, and human interactions with the sea. Prerequisites : none. Recommended for biology and environmental science majors and other majors with an interest in field biology or marine ecosystems.
A study of the classifcation and biology of microbes and application of microbiological techniques. The course is intended for biology majors and allied health students.
This course is an introduction to the immune system and how it protects from disease, with an emphasis on humans and some reference to other mammals. This is an elective for biology and biochemistry majors, and other majors with an interest in medicine, immunology, and infectious disease.
The first course of a two-semester sequence which surveys the human as a functioning organism. The first semester will emphasize the musculoskeletal system, nervous system and senses. The laboratory will emphasize human structure and techniques for studying muscle and nerve function. The course is designed for students in Athletic Training, Exercise Science, Psychology, and Nursing, and as an elective course for Biology students considering graduate work in health professions. Offered in the fall and offered in spring on adequate demand.
The second of a two-semester sequence. Emphasis will be on mechanisms of internal homeostasis, i.e., circulation, nutrition, excretion, etc. Course purpose and format are the same as 233.
This course focuses on the study of the anatomical structures of the head and neck. The osteology of the skull, the structure of the nasal cavity and sinuses, the muscles, nerves, and vascular system of the head and neck are introduced.
This is an on-ground course that introduces freshmen and sophomore students with a strong interest in biology to mentored laboratory research. Students will participate in a research project in which the faculty member is engaged, in order to develop basic lab skills and increase foundational knowledge in the mentor's area of expertise. Prior approval of the faculty mentor is required.
The principles of ecology with some emphasis on their applications to humans. Field projects and laboratory work complement the theoretical considerations. This is a writing intensive course. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory. Some Required Saturday field trips.
An inquiry into the physiological basis of life at the molecular, cellular and systems levels. Physiology of multicellular organisms is stressed with an emphasis on human biology and homeostasis.
Emphasis will be on the morphology and physiology of the cell. Biological molecules, reactions and cellular energetics will be studied, as well as membranes and the cell surface, cell motility, and cellular synthesis. Lab work will include fluorescence microscopy, cell culture, and cytological and biochemical analyses.
A survey of genetics, including (1) Mendelian inheritance and variations in chromosomal segregation, (2) microbial genetics, (3) molecular genetics, with an emphasis on human disease, and (4) population and behavioral genetics.
An introduction to classical and current understanding of embryogenesis and development, with an emphasis on the genetic control mechanisms. Recommended elective for biology majors and other majors with interest in medicine and genetics.
A survey of "biologically active" plants and the techniques used to study them and develop new medicines. Topics include pharmacokinetics and drug application procedures, cultural concepts of healing, medicinal, allergenic and poisonous effects of plants, plant sources of new anticancer drugs, foods as medicine and some problems in natural products research. Three hours lecture.
The course will introduce students to a wide range of techniques used in research laboratories. Basic skills will be emphasized with hands-on directed experiences in sterile technique, molecular biology, and laboratory management.
This course builds upon principles established in ecology to examine specific environmental issues. Fulfills the Social Justice General Education requirement. Major issues related to environmental degradation will be covered, including problems of policy and management choices.
A general introduction to the biology and classification of non-insect arthropods, with a focus on spiders and other arachnids. This course targets the remaining members of the Arthropod phylum (BIOL 350A covers Entomology), which covers much of the groups that an Invertebrate Biology course would. The course takes a comparative anatomy approach, and surveys arthropod morphology, taxonomy, behavior, ecology and diversity. We will spend some of the lecture time looking at specimens, or going out on campus to observe and collect arthropods in their natural environments. We'll consider reasons for the success and diversity of arthropods, which comprise 75% of all living organisms on Earth! We'll focus on spiders (my speciality!) for at least one third of the semester, and current research in arachnology, as well as applied research utilizing spider silk, venom and genomes. We'll also spend some time considering the significance of arthropods across various cultures and mythologies, as well as in art forms.
An introduction to the general biology of major parasitic groups, parasitic protozoa, monogeneans, digeneans, cestodes, nematodes, acanthocephalans, and parasitic arthropods of humans and domesticated animals. Lectures will emphasize the morphology, physiology (form and function), life cycles, symptomatology, and pathogenesis of representative taxa from these major parasitic groups. The labs will provide students with an opportunity to identify and study commonly occurring parasites. Emphasis will be placed on the taxonomy, morphology, life cycles, and histopathology of parasites of humans and domestic animals. Overall, the course aims at providing a basic theoretical and practical foundation in parasitology so as to enable students to better appreciate the impact that parasites have on society.
This course is designed to provide the science major with a thorough introduction to the biology of nucleic acids. It will cover the theoretical aspects of the field. Topics covered will include molecular cloning, an introduction to genomics, and an in depth study of DNA replication, transcription in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, post-transcriptional events, and translation.
This laboratory course provides hands-on experience with common experimental techniques used in molecular biology research such as restriction digestion, PCR, electrophoresis of DNA and protein, DNA purification, gene cloning, bacterial transformation, bacterial culture manipulation, PCR primer design, and the analysis of genomes and genes using the basic online bioinformatics tools. As with a research project, the experiments carried out in this course are organized around a common theme - cloning the gene for lactate dehydrogenase (ldhA), an enzyme involved in metabolism, from its native context in the genome of the Lactobacillus bulgaricus bacterial strain that is used to produce Activia yogurt.
The phyla of the Invertebrates are examined with reference to diversity in taxonomy, morphology and adaptation, with a particular emphasis on insects and consideration of species important in agriculture and medicine. Offered as part of the flexible core on a rotating basis with BIO 350B and 350C. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory. Saturday trips may be required. Recommended for biology majors and other majors with interest in field biology and evolutionary mechanisms.
The organization, structure and taxonomy of the major groups of the Chordates. Laboratory work focuses on comparison of anatomy of Vertebrates. Application of this discipline to particular research problems will also be made. Offered as part of the flexible core on a rotating basis with BIOL 350A and 350C. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory. Saturday trips may be required. Recommended for biology majors and other majors with interest in field biology and evolutionary mechanisms.
A lecture and laboratory course concerning the classification of vascular plants, with emphasis on family characteristics and relationships. Identification and description of local flora, use of keys and manuals, and field recognition will be emphasized. Application to research problems related to agriculture, biodiversity or medicine will be made. Offered as part of the flexible core on a rotating basis with BIOL 350A and 350B. Saturday trips may be required. Recommended for biology majors and other majors with interest in field biology and evolutionary mechanisms.
An advanced course studying the theoretical base of the origin of biological forms. The course discusses the nature of scientific theory, evolution and creation as theories, biological system theory, the mechanisms of population change, fitness and speciation, and the integration of faith and scientific work.
The course will survey the history of environmental policy in the United States and give overviews of specific critical areas, such as wetlands, coastal zones, species protection, hazardous waste, and land management. Case studies will allow students to apply their knowledge of science, environmental ethics, and policy to examine modern environmental problems. Three hours lecture. Prerequisites: Minimum grades of C in BIOL 151, and BIOL 309W or consent of instructor. May apply to Political Science major or minor. Offered spring of odd-numbered years.
This advanced course involves the selection and approval of a thesis topic, the preparation of a comprehensive literature review, the preparation of a research proposal, and a seminar presentation describing the proposed research project and its relationship to the existing literature. A formal written proposal is submitted at the end of the semester.
This course involves performing an original experimental research study, analyzing the data, and preparing a written thesis. A seminar will be presented at the end of the semester describing the research findings and the relationship to the existing data in the field of study. Those students who wish to continue the research for another semester may do so in BIOL 427. A second paper and seminar will be required.
This course involves performing an original experimental research study, analyzing the data, and preparing a written thesis. A seminar will be presented at the end of the semester describing the research findings and the relationship to the existing data in the field of study. Those students who wish to continue the research for another semester may do so in BIOL 427. A second paper and seminar will be required.
Qualified students will be assisted in obtaining laboratory/research positions in industry or academia; positions in parks, zoos, aquariums; or other positions in the student's area of interest. Internships must be approved by the department. Students will complete 40 hours of internship for every credit hour. Journal of experience and term paper are required. Up to 5 credits can apply to biology elective requirement.