BIOL 102 General Biology** (3 semester hours) Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: BIOL 103
Description: This course introduces the student to the major themes of biology, including
properties of living organisms, comparison of eucaryotes vs. procaryotes, patterns of inheritance, the central dogma, mitosis and meiosis, the diversity of life in both plants and animals, classification of organisms, evolution, metabolism, photosynthesis, cell structures, basic structure of the body, infectious disease, the Hardy-Weinberg principle, biodiversity, ecosystems, and the biosphere. A broad understanding of biology and living organisms in the biosphere is developed through hands- on, multi-modal engaged learning opportunities in both the classroom and the companion laboratory component. Offered Semester II (Spring) and Semester III (Summer), annually.
BIOL 103 General Biology Laboratory** (1 semester hour) Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: BIOL 102
Description: Companion laboratory component that demonstrates the major themes of biology presented in BIOL 102. Offered Semester II (Spring) and Semester III (Summer), annually. BIOL 210 Introduction to Bioinformatics (4 semester hours)
Prerequisites: MATH 120 and BIOL 102-103 or BTEC 170 Corequisites: None
Description: Developing automated ways to deal with vast quantities of scientific information is an essential part of modern research. Bioinformatics aims to link scant pieces of seemingly unrelated information. This discipline seeds the very origins of new lines of scientific research investigations. Bioinformatics is shaping many research disciplines from genetics and molecular biology through to drug discovery, computer science, and even entomology. Offered Semester II (Spring), annually. BIOL 214 Anatomy and Physiology I* (4 semester hours)
Prerequisites: BIOL 102-103 Corequisites: None
Description: This course discusses the structural and functional makeup of the human body. Medical and anatomical terminology is mastered, and an emphasis is placed on covering the details of development, histology and functioning of the muscular, circulatory, cardiovascular and endocrine systems. Offered Semester I (Fall), even-numbered years.
BIOL 215 Anatomy and Physiology II* (4 semester hours) Prerequisites: BIOL 102-103, 214
Corequisites: None
Description: This course studies the immune system, lymphatic system, gastrointestinal tract and digestion, genitourinary system, and the nervous system. An in-depth examination of the five senses is also conducted. Offered Semester II (Spring), odd-numbered years.
BIOL 225 Entomology* (4 semester hours) Prerequisites: BIOL 102-103
Corequisites: None
Description: This course introduces the biology, ecology and evolution of insects in both naturalistic and human context. Subject matter and course content includes field observation and collection techniques in addition to case studies of evolutionary, economical and historical importance. Offered Semester III (Summer), even-numbered years.
BIOL 281 Cell Biology Lecture** (3 semester hours) Prerequisites: BIOL 102-103
Corequisites: BIOL 282
Description: This course examines the foundations of cell biology including the structure, function, differentiation, and growth of the eucaryotic cell. It is primarily concerned with eukaryotic cells from their evolution, organization, differentiation and biosynthesis. The simplicity and complexity of macromolecules in the cell are covered through multi-modal learning technologies on nutrition, energy production, and synthesis of cellular components. The student develops a thorough
understanding of the mechanisms underlying mitosis and meiosis, the cell cycle, and cancer. Offered Semester I (Fall), annually.
BIOL 282 Cell Biology Laboratory** (1 semester hour) Prerequisites: BIOL 102-103
Corequisites: BIOL 281
Description: Companion laboratory component that examines the foundations of cell biology including the structure, function, differentiation, and growth of the eucaryotic cell. It is primarily concerned with eukaryotic cells from their evolution, organization, differentiation and biosynthesis. The simplicity and complexity of macromolecules in the cell are covered through multi-modal learning technologies on nutrition, energy production, and synthesis of cellular components. The student develops a thorough understanding of the mechanisms underlying mitosis and meiosis, the cell cycle, and cancer. Offered Semester I (Fall), annually.
BIOL 302 Principles of Ecology* (4 semester hours) Prerequisites: BIOL 102-103 or permission of instructor Corequisites: None
Description: This course examines theories (including a variety of mathematical, verbal, and graphical models of important ecological processes), techniques of study (both laboratory and field- based), and natural history. The student explores: 1) various questions (in a broad sense) asked by ecologists; 2) ideas (theories, models) from which hypotheses are suggested to answer the questions; and 3) ways in which ecologists go about gathering data to refute or support the proposed
hypotheses. Specific ecological studies are used to illustrate what has been learned about the natural world. Offered Semester I (Fall), even-numbered years.
BIOL 305 Evolution (3 semester hours) Prerequisites: BIOL 102-103
Corequisites: None
Description: This course reviews evidence for evolution prior to Darwin’s seminal work and follows through to modern neo-Darwinist concepts. Natural selection, phenotypic and genotypic variation, population biology, extinction, and speciation are covered. The student examines mechanisms of evolutionary change. Material looks at different scales and perspectives from molecular to ecological, generational changes in populations, as well as observable patterns over millennia. Offered Semester II (Spring), odd-numbered years.
BIOL 320 Genetics (3 semester hours)
Prerequisites: BIOL 102-103, 281-282, CHEM 151-152, or permission of instructor Corequisites: None
Description: This course is an introduction to human and population genetics including Mendelian and non-Mendelian genetics (DNA replication, transcription, and translation; genetic recombination and mutation), genetic basis of gender (sex-linked and non-sex linked genetic diseases), and emerging areas of genetics research. The student connects facts together to get a whole picture, to apply knowledge, then to solve a problem. Basic genetics introduces the student to the traditional elements of genetic biology and contemporary genetic topics. Offered Semester II (Spring), annually.
BIOL 330 Microbiology* (4 semester hours)
Prerequisites: BIOL 102-103, 281-282, and CHEM 151-152 Corequisites: None
Description: This course is an introduction to microbial cell structure, growth and physiology combined with basic laboratory techniques. The relationship between host and parasite is emphasized, especially as related to human disease, epidemiology and infection control. A broad range of infectious diseases are covered, including etiologic agent identification, modes of transmission and prevention. Offered Semester II (Spring), annually.
BIOL 340 Biochemistry I* (4 semester hours)
Prerequisites: BIOL 102-103 and CHEM 151-152, 161-162, and 210 or permission of instructor Corequisites: None
Description: This course provides a study of the reactions and molecules of life to understand that biology and chemistry at this level is biochemistry. Particular focus is given to: 1) techniques in biochemistry to separate material; 2) the central dogma; and 3) communication and signal transduction at the cellular level. Offered Semester I (Fall), annually.
BIOL 370 Molecular Biology* (4 semester hours)
Prerequisites: BIOL 102-103, 281-282, and CHEM 151-152 Corequisites: None
Description: The complicated process that goes on in living cells and organisms, in terms of the law of chemistry and physics, is described. The genetic message is examined, as it is carried in the form of DNA through transcription and translation as well as the biosynthesis of macromolecules. The course is designed to follow chemistry (general and organic) and biology coursework to complete an understanding of life chemistry. Offered Semester I (Fall), annually.
BIOL 375 Immunology* (4 semester hours) Prerequisites: BIOL 102-103 and 281-282 Corequisites: BIOL 320
Description: This advanced course explores the specific innate and acquired aspects of the immune system. Innate host defenses, which protect humans against disease and foreign contaminants, are examined. Cellular immune response interaction with viral infections, foreign cells, or defective host cells are covered as to how the humoral immune response produces antibodies against foreign antigen and how these immune responses are controlled. Through an understanding of the nature of antibodies, lymphokines and specific cellular reaction, the student discovers the power and limitation of the immune system. This course also includes a significant laboratory component focusing on the analysis of blood cells, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), blood typing, and rapid commercial test technologies. Offered Semester III (Summer), even-numbered years.
BIOL 380 Special Topics in Biology (3 semester hours) Prerequisites: Consent of the instructor and academic advisor Corequisites: None
Description: This course covers topics in biology. It is an in-depth study of a selected specialized area of biology and the content varies by semester. Offered as needed.
BIOL 440 Biochemistry II* (4 semester hours) Prerequisites: BIOL 340
Corequisites: None
Description: This course provides a study of the reactions and molecules of life to understand that biology and chemistry at this level is biochemistry. Particular focus is given to: 1) techniques in biochemistry to separate material; 2) the central dogma; and 3) communication and signal transduction at the cellular level. Offered as needed.
*Three hours of lecture, three hours of laboratory per week.
** Three hours of lecture, three hours of laboratory per week from both portions of companion courses.