Schedule of Classes

Explores the science behind disease including the underlying biology, impact on students daily lives, and accuracy of media coverage.

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.

Students that are invited to participate in this program will examine the unique and integrated nature of sub-organismal, organismal and supra-organismal sub-disciplines of the field of biology through discussions and demonstrations of the scientific method and experimental approaches used across breadth of biology. In the second semester students will continue discussion as a group and will begin to explore hands on research through research experiences with faculty mentors in their research lab.

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.

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.

The genetics laboratory will provide a demonstration of Mendelian genetics as well as an introduction into molecular genetic techniques through guided experiments as well as group research projects. Laboratory exercises will demonstrate DNA cloning, sequencing, restriction digestion and the polymerase chain reaction. Additional experiments demonstrating other aspects of genetics, gene regulation and molecular biology will be employed.

Evolution and ecology of flowering plant reproduction. Characteristics and identification of common flowering plant families of Illinois.

The Human Genome Project, completed in 2001, ushered in a new era of biological research and understanding, as the relationship between DNA sequences and cellular functions became easier to study. The first half the course provides students a general background in genome structure and function, along with an advanced look at selected topics in cell biology. This knowledge will then be used as a basis to delve into detailed explanations of important health-related topics, including immune system function, cancer, and development. Priority for enrollment will be given to students in the biology minor. The course will not count towards the biology major.

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.

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.

Individual assignments of relevant topics in biological sciences.

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.

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.

Selected graduate-level coursework in biology. May be repeated under different topics for a total of 6 credit hours.

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.