Schedule of Classes

Principles of all biology, heredity and reproduction, gene expression, mutation, and evolution for non-science majors.

Principles of ecology and ecosystem function and diversity for non-science majors. BIO 101 is not a prerequisite.

Introduces the concept of biological molecules and discusses the role of these molecules in the genetics and cell biology of the organism.

Emphasizes the concept of biological molecules and discusses the role of these molecules in the genetics and cell biology of the organism though inquiry based laboratory exercises.

Introduces Biology majors to critical concepts in biological sciences on broad topics such as hypothesis testing, ethics in science, and use of humans and animals in research. Exposes students to faculty research in the Department of Biology, as well as provides exposure to invited research seminars.

A comprehensive survey of human physiology and pathophysiology of the major organ systems of the body from a molecular and cellular perspective. To provide students with a combined understanding of all organ systems of the body and their integration in supporting homeostasis while providing insight into the disease process and how it disrupts normal physiology.

Covers anatomical positions and gross anatomy of skeletal muscles, selected nerves, soft anatomy (including the digestive, respiratory, urogenital, excretory, and endocrine systems), systemic, pulmonary, and cardiac circulation, the hepatic portal system, and heart anatomy. Dissected specimens and human models are used.

Basic functions and related anatomy of a variety of organisms at various levels of organization. With laboratory.

Introduction to statistics including basic skills for summarizing data, basic probability theory and probability distributions necessary to understand and evaluate variation in environmental systems.

Individual reading and research projects for qualified underclassmen. Repeatable up to 3 semester hours. Pass/Fail.

Ecosystem; how people interact with their environment. Emphasis on population, pollution, disease, and land use.

Detailed biological survey of major groups of invertebrate animals. Emphasis on marine phyla with good fossil representation. Dissection of representative types. Lecture and laboratory. Cross listed as GES 302.

This course examines the interdependence of humans and plants. Emphasis is on the plants that provide us with food, medicine, recreation, personal hygiene products and material goods as well as those that produce stimulating, intoxicating and psychoactive effects. Also included are the impacts of plants on human history, health and technology. Field trips will enrich the learning experience.

Strengthens the understanding of Mendelian genetics and introduces the topic of non-Mendelian genetics. Modern molecular genetics concepts of DNA replication, transcription, and translation, primarily in prokaryotes, will be included. An introduction to molecular genetic techniques will be provided. The laboratory will include experiments designed to characterize genetic crosses through phenotypic as well as molecular approaches in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

Students will expand upon their basic knowledge of cell structure by examining the various cell types found in the human body. Emphasis will be placed on how cell structure varies between tissue types and how structure determines function. In addition, students will understand how each tissue type develops and what occurs during tissue damage and repair. Priority for enrollment will be given to students in the biology minor. The course will not count towards the Biology major.

An introduction to the basic principles of cellular and molecular neurobiology of the nervous system. General topics include cellular, molecular and developmental biology of nerve cells, synapses and neural systems. Laboratory optional.

Supervised research for qualified students in special areas of biology. May be repeated for a total of 6 credit hours.

Distinguishing features of microorganisms: structure, function, and their underlying basis, genetics. Microbial growth and death. Phylogeny of microbes and horizontal gene transfer. Infectious diseases and immunity. Exploitation of microbes by humans. Lab mandatory. Cross-listed as BIO 506.

Development and evolution of animal behavior in individuals and social groups from various phyla. Cross-listed as BIO 519.

Physiological and growth responses of plants to environmental stresses, and consequences to the structure and function of communities and ecosystems. Cross-listed as BIO 563.

Immune response to foreign challenges. Immunologically important molecules and cells; their formation, generation of diversity, and interaction within specialized tissues to mount and regulate an immune response. Contemporary and classical tools and strategies for investigating immunity and their application to other fields. Anomalous immune responses and resultant diseases. Lab optional. Cross-listed as BIO 568. Course is not open to those students with BIO 396 credit.

Selected coursework in biology. May be repeated under different topics for a total of 8 credit hours.

Individual assignments of relevant topics in biological sciences.

Individual research for qualified students in special areas of biology.

Comprehensive discussion of selected topics of current interest in microbiology, including microbial genetics, microbial growth, environmental microbiology, infectious diseases and immunity, and the exploitation of microorganisms by humans. Laboratory experiments will demonstrate and further explore techniques and ideas discussed in lecture. Students will discuss and critically analyze primary research literature that is complementary to topics discussed in lecture. Lab mandatory. Cross-listed as BIO 406.

Advanced content encompassing a wide variety of vertebrate and invertebrate species with emphasis on comprehension of primary literature and research. Cross-listed as BIO 419.

Detailed presentation of pathological conditions in the human body, with particular focus on the cellular basis for disease in muscular, respiratory, renal, and cardiovascular systems.

Physiological and growth responses of plants to environmental stresses, and consequences to the structure and function of communities and ecosystems. Cross-listed as BIO 463.

Interaction between foreign antigen, antigen presenting cells, B lymphocytes, and T lymphocytes to mount immune responses. Molecules responsible for immune interactions. Random generation of the diversity of the immune response, its associated problems, and natural solutions through selection and energy. Lab required. Cross-listed as BIO 468.

Individual assignments of relevant topics in biological sciences.

Individual research for qualified students in special areas of biology.

Readings in an area of interest to the student.

Research in an area of interest to the student.

Research and thesis preparation. Repeatable to a maximum of six hours of credit.