Undergraduate Catalog Biology
BIO 263 Genetics This course introduces students to the principles of Mendelian and molecular genetics including chromosomal mechanics, karyotypic analysis, gene mapping, and mutagenesis. Selected aspects of human genetics are considered. The study of gene replication, function and expression are explored in detail. In the laboratory students conduct exercises on DNA isolation, cytogenetics, gene mapping in Drosophila, DNA fingerprinting using polymerase chain reaction, and the study of mitosis and meiosis using representative plants and animals. Statistical methodology is also introduced. Prerequisite: BIO 102, earning a ‘C-’ or higher. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. Lab fee. Offered fall. 4 credits
BIO 301 General Physiology This course covers general cell physiology with emphasis on biological membrane structure and transport mechanisms, tissue physiology with emphasis on nerve and muscle, and organ/systems physiology including the gastrointestinal, renal, respiratory, cardiovascular, and reproductive systems. Seminars, where students discuss current research articles and case studies, provide insight to the current state of physiological research, pathophysiological conditions and medical advancements. Laboratory emphasizes demonstrating the basic principles of systems physiology, in humans and other vertebrate animals, using classical and modern techniques. Prerequisite: BIO 206. Six hours integrated lecture/lab. Lab fee. Students may not receive credit for BIO 230-231 and BIO 301. Offered spring, alternate years. 4 credits
BIO 308 General Microbiology This course includes morphological and physiological considerations of common pathogenic and non-pathogenic microbes and the fundamentals of their nutrition, growth, metabolism and control. Topics include epidemiology, virulence factors, transmission of infectious diseases, antibiotic agents and resistance, innate and acquired immunity, classical and alternative pathways of complement activation, and diagnostic methods. Laboratory topics include standard and specialized staining techniques, culturing techniques, antibiotic sensitivity assays, immunological techniques, flow cytometry, and identification of two unknown specimens. Prerequisites: BIO 101 and CHE 111, earning a ‘C-’ or higher in both courses. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. Lab fee. Offered fall. 4 credits
BIO 312 Theory and Practice in Biotechnology This course focuses on how biotechnology is revolutionizing medicine, agriculture and the biochemical, pharmaceutical, environmental and food industries. Specific topics such as recombinant DNA technology, plant genetic engineering, bioremediation, gene therapy, and forensic DNA analysis are discussed. Projects in lab include prokaryotic cell transformation, eukaryotic cell transfection, protein purification, cell culture techniques, fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry techniques. Students use computer software for analysis of flow cytometry data. Students also learn how
to read, review and critique journal articles. Prerequisites: CHE 112, earning a ‘C-’ or higher, BIO 263. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. Lab fee. Offered spring, alternate years. 4 credits
BIO/CHE 315 Introduction to Scientific Presentations This course is the precursor to the capstone project for biology and chemistry majors which should be taken in the spring semester of their junior year. Students explore career aspects in science by creating their own resume, researching a career topic of their choice and also hearing presentations/ seminars from esteemed science professionals from the area. Prerequisite: BIO 263 or CHE 211. One hour lecture. Offered spring. 1 credit
BIO 318 Virology This course investigates the principles of molecular virology with an emphasis on human and animal viruses. Topics include structure, classification, replication and mechanisms of pathogenesis. Students will be introduced to the methods of diagnosis and detection, current uses of viruses in gene therapy, emerging viruses, vaccine applications and immunity. Prerequisite: BIO 263. Three hours lecture. Offered spring, alternate years. 3 credits
BIO 320 Animal Behavior Students become familiar with important elements of the study of animal behavior including principles of experimental design and observation. Students investigate the importance evolution plays in adaptive strategies in response to changing habitats, competition and survival. Course acquaints students with the principles of ethology including behavioral physiology, instinct, genetics, biological clocks, migration, aggression, agonistic behavior, competition, parental investment, mating systems, and sociability. Students prepare a research paper based on critique of a recent scholarly work. Lectures are supplemented with films. Prerequisite: BIO 263. Three hours lecture. Offered as needed. (Formerly offered as BIO 205) 3 credits
BIO 331 Neuroscience Neuroscience integrates knowledge of biology, chemistry, psychology and medicine to achieve better understanding of nervous system function and behavior. Students will be introduced to the nervous system anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, endocrinology, development and evolution. Cognitive processes such as learning, memory, perception, language development and pathological conditions affecting neurological function also will be studied. Prerequisite: BIO 206. Three hours lecture. Offered as needed. 3 credits
BIO 348 Ecology This course examines the principles of ecology with emphasis on representative natural communities on campus. Topics include evolution, population dynamics, interspecies interactions, biogeochemical cycles, and human impacts on the world’s ecosystems. Students will become familiar with field and laboratory methods in ecological science, and the design
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