Courses Offered by the Biology Department
Course Level: 100 ι 200 ι 300 ι 400
BIOL 111: Biology and the Modern World – NS, SM
This course is intended to introduce students to the principles and concepts that pertain to all living organisms, with special emphasis on those topics typically encountered in everyday life, including human physiology and disease, environmental issues, and the fundamentals of genetics. Lecture and laboratory. Not intended for biology majors. (4)
BIOL 116: Introductory Ecology – NS, SM
A study of the interrelationships between organisms and their environment examining concepts in ecology that lead to understanding the nature and structure of ecosystems and how humans impact ecosystems. Includes laboratory. Not intended for biology majors. (4)
BIOL 125: Molecules, Cells and Organisms – NS, SM
Cellular and molecular levels of biological organization; cell ultrastructure and physiology, energy transduction. Includes laboratory. Co-registration in Chemistry 104 or 115 recommended. (4)
BIOL 126: Genes, Evolution, Diversity and Ecology – NS, SM
An introduction to the concepts and study of Mendelian and population genetics, evolution, ecology, and a systematic survey of life on earth. Includes laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 125 with a C- or better. (4)
BIOL 201: Introductory Microbiology – NS, SM Back to top
The structure, metabolism, growth, and genetics of microorganisms, especially bacteria and viruses, with emphasis on their roles in human disease. Laboratory focuses on cultivation, identification, and control of growth of bacteria. Prerequisite: CHEM 105. Not intended for biology majors. (4)
BIOL 205: Human Anatomy and Physiology I – NS, SM
The first half of a two-course sequence. Topics include matter, cells, tissues, and the anatomy and physiology of four systems: skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine. Laboratory includes cat dissection and experiments in muscle physiology and reflexes. Not designed for biology majors. (4)
BIOL 206: Human Anatomy and Physiology II – NS, SM
The second half of a two-course sequence. Topics include metabolism, temperature regulation, development, inheritance, and the anatomy and physiology of five systems: circulatory, respiratory, digestive, excretory, and reproductive. Laboratory includes cat dissection, physiology experiments, and study of developing organisms. Not designed for biology majors. Prerequisite: BIOL 205. (4)
BIOL 287/288/289: Special Topics in Biology (1-4)
BIOL 324: Natural History of Vertebrates Back to top
A systematic survey of vertebrate diversity including fishes, amphibians, non-avian reptiles, and mammals. Coverage emphasizes phylogenetic relationships, evolutionary trends, natural history, and anatomy. Field trips and laboratory focus on observation and identification of local species. Prerequisite: BIOL 126 (or BIOL 323). (4)
BIOL 325: Invertebrate Zoology
The study of invertebrate animals emphasizing their classification, anatomy, physiology and natural history. Coverage will also include the economic and human health importance of select groups. Laboratory emphasis on identification, taxonomy and anatomy. Field trips to observe living representatives. Prerequisite: BIOL 126 (or BIOL 323) or consent of instructor. (4)
BIOL 326: Animal Behavior
Description, classification, cause, function, and development of the behavior of animals emphasizing an ethological approach and focusing on comparisons among species. Includes physiological, ecological, and evolutionary aspects of behavior. Prerequisite: BIOL 126 (or BIOL 323) or consent of instructor. (4)
BIOL 327: Ornithology
The study of birds inclusive of their anatomy, physiology, behavior, ecology and distribution. Special emphasis on those attributes of birds that are unique among the vertebrates. Laboratory emphasis on field identification, taxonomy, and anatomy/topology. Prerequisite: BIOL 126 (or BIOL 323) or consent of instructor. (4)
BIOL 328: Microbiology
The structure, physiology, genetics, and metabolism of microorganisms with emphasis on their diversity and ecology. The laboratory emphasizes design, implementation, and evaluation of both descriptive and quantitative experiments as well as isolation of organisms from natural sources. Prerequisite: BIOL 126 (or BIOL 323); one semester organic chemistry recommended. (4)
BIOL 332: Genetics
Basic concepts considering the molecular basis of gene expression, recombination, genetic variability, as well as cytogenetics, and population genetics. Includes tutorials and demonstration sessions. Prerequisite: BIOL 126 (or BIOL 323). (4)
BIOL 333: Comparative Ecology of Latin America
A comparative study of the structure and function of biotic communities, and the ecological and evolutionary forces that have shaped plants and animals. Topics include dispersal, natural selection, physiological ecology, natural history, and systematics. Conservation biology, development, and indigenous rights will be highlighted. Taught in Central or South America. Prerequisite: BIOL 126 (or BIOL 323) or consent of instructor. (4)
BIOL 340: Plant Diversity and Distribution
A systematic introduction to plant diversity. Interaction between plants, theories of vegetational distribution. Emphasis on higher plant taxonomy. Includes laboratory and field trips. Prerequisite: BIOL 126 (or BIOL 323). (4)
BIOL 348: Cell Biology
Focuses on cellular organization and function, enzyme kinetics, membrane structure and function, energetics, signaling, and cell cycle. Laboratory employs modern techniques including animal cell culture, cell fractionation, molecular, genetic, and biochemical assays, and microscopy (light, phase contrast, fluorescence). Prerequisite: BIOL 126 (or BIOL 323) and CHEM 331 or consent of instructor. (4)
BIOL 361: Comparative Anatomy
Evolutionary history of the vertebrate body, introduction to embryology, and extensive consideration of the structural and functional anatomy of vertebrates. Includes laboratory dissections following a systems approach. Mammals are featured plus some observation of and comparison with human cadavers. Prerequisite: BIOL 126 (or BIOL 323). (4)
BIOL 364: Plant Physiology
Physiology of plant growth and interactions with the environment. Emphasis on model plants (Arabidopsis and rice) with generalizations to other species. Topics include: photosynthesis, morphogenesis, hormones, defense. Implications for agriculture and ecology will be explored. Includes laboratory. Prerequisite: 126 (or BIOL 323); genetics or molecular biology recommended (4).
BIOL 365: Plant Anatomy
Tissue organization and cellular details of stems, roots, and leaves of seed plants, with emphasis on development and function. Includes laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 126 (or BIOL 323). (2)
BIOL 387/388/389: Special Topics in Biology - NS (1-4)
Selected topics as announced by the department. May be repeated for credit. (1-4)
BIOL 403: Developmental Biology Back to top
The embryonic and larval development of multicellular organisms (primarily animals). Examples are chosen from popular contemporary model systems, and the emphasis is on cellular and molecular aspects of development. The laboratory includes descriptive and quantitative experiments, as well as student-planned projects. Prerequisite: BIOL 126 (or BIOL 323). (4)
BIOL 407: Molecular Biology
An introduction to molecular biology, emphasizing the central role of DNA: structure of DNA and RNA, structure and expression of genes, genome organization and rearrangement, methodology and applications of recombinant DNA technology. Laboratory features basic recombinant DNA techniques. Prerequisite: BIOL 126 (or BIOL 323). (4)
BIOL 424: Ecology
Organisms in relation to their environment, including organismal adaptations, population growth and interactions, and ecosystem structure and function. Prerequisite: BIOL 126 (or BIOL 323). (4)
BIOL 425: Marine Biology
The ocean as environment for plant and animal life; an introduction to the structure, dynamics, and history of marine ecosystems. Lab, field trips, and term project in addition to lecture. Prerequisite: BIOL 126 (or BIOL 323). (4)
BIOL 427: Conservation Biology and Management
Based upon the principles of population ecology and ecological genetics, an integrated study of the impacts of people on nature - specifically the diversity of plants and animals. Includes practical applications, techniques, and case studies in forest, fish, wildlife and land management. Laboratories and field trips concern resource management and use. Prerequisite: BIOL 126 (or BIOL 323). (4)
BIOL 441: Mammalian Physiology
An investigation of the principles of physiological regulation. Part I: fundamental cellular, neural, and hormonal mechanisms of homeostatic control; Part II: interactions in the cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, and neuromuscular organ systems. Laboratory allows direct observation of physiological regulation in living animals. Prerequisites: BIOL 126 (or BIOL 323) or consent of instructor, CHEM 115; anatomy and biochemistry recommended. (4)
BIOL 444: Neurobiology
Neurobiology is the study of the nervous system and its relationship to behavior and disease. This course examines the structure and function of neurons and glia, neural development, gross organization of the brain, sensory and motor systems and higher functions such as learning, memory and speech. Prerequisite: BIOL 126 (or BIOL 323). (4)
BIOL 448: Immunology
Consideration of the biology and chemistry of immune response, including theoretical concepts, experimental strategies and immunochemical applications. Prerequisites: Any two of the following courses in Biology: 328, 332, 348, 403, 407, 441. (4)
BIOL 475: Evolution
Evolution as a process: sources of variation; forces overcoming genetic inertia in populations; speciation. Evolution of genetic systems and of life in relation to ecological theory and earth history. Lecture and discussion. Term paper and mini-seminar required. Prerequisite: BIOL 126 (or BIOL 323). (4)
BIOL 491: Independent Studies
Investigations or research in areas of special interest not covered by regular courses. Open to qualified junior and senior majors. Prerequisite: Written proposal for the project approved by a faculty sponsor and the department chair. (1–4)
BIOL 495: Internship in Biology
An approved off-campus work activity in the field of biology with a private or public sector agency, organization, or company. Students will be expected to adhere to and document the objectives of a learning plan developed with and approved by a faculty sponsor. Credit will be determined by hours spent in the working environment and the depth of the project associated with the course of study. Prerequisites: BIOL 126 (or BIOL 323) and consent of chair. (1-4)
BIOL 499: Capstone: Senior Seminar – SR
The goal of this course is to assist students in the writing and presentation of a paper concerning a topic within biology which would integrate various elements in the major program. A proposal for the topic must be presented to the department early in the spring term of the junior year. The seminar may be linked to, but not replaced by field or laboratory independent study or internship experience. (2)