Course Descriptions: Biology

BIO 103-104 Biology for Health Sciences (annual)
An introductory two-semester course for students preparing for professions in allied health sciences. Major classic and contemporary biological concepts are studied (lecture and laboratory).
4 credits each.

BIO 107 Introduction to Biology (annual)
A one semester introductory course designed to acquaint the non-science student with basic principles and processes of biological systems. Topics include cell biology, genetics, nutrition and metabolism, and vertebrate physiology. This course meets the requirements of education majors. It is not open to biology majors or students intending to study for health science professions.
(lecture and laboratory).
4 credits.

BIO 111-112 Human Biology for Non-Majors (annual)
A course designed to provide an understanding of the principles of human biology for the non-science student. First semester: cell structure and function, cellular reproduction, genetics, nutrition and metabolism. Second semester topics include embryological development, hormonal control, blood and immunity, diseases, and the nervous system. Selected readings and class discussions are an integral part of the course.
3 credits each.

BIO 201 Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates (annual)
The descriptive and functional morphology of vertebrates. Laboratory includes dissection of the dog, fish and cat.
Prerequisites: BIO 101-102. 4 credits.

BIO 202 Developmental Biology (annual)
Basic principles of animal development, based primarily on development of the vertebrate body. Includes descriptive and experimental studies, readings and reports of classical experiments.
(Lecture and laboratory course.)
Prerequisites: BIO 101-102. 4 credits.

BIO 203 Physiology (annual)
The physiological integration of organ systems is studied. Topics such as the cellular, neural, and neuroendocrine regulation are discussed with their role in the control of respiration, reproduction, the kidney and the cardiovascular system.
Prerequisites: BIO 101-102. 4 credits.

BIO 206 Cellular Physiology (annual)
Structure and function of the cell, its organelles and metabolism. Topics include origin and evolution of cells, cell organelles, conversions of energy and matter in the cell, transport across cell membranes, excitability and contractility and the cell cycle.
Prerequisites: BIO 101-102. 3 credits.

BIO 211 Genetics (annual)
Basic laws of heredity and their physical basis (Classical Genetics); structure and function of the gene (Molecular Genetics); and population genetics with some attention to human genetic abnormalities. The laboratory work familiarizes the student with basic techniques in genetic research including making crosses, analysis of data, and problem solving. (Lecture and laboratory course.)
Prerequisites: BIO 101-102. 4 credits.

BIO 222/223 Anatomy and Physiology (annual)
An introductory two-semester course which studies the structure and function of cells, tissues, organs and systems of the body. Emphasis is on the structural basis for function, and the coordinated functioning of all the organ systems for maintaining homeostasis. Recommended for students pursuing careers in allied health fields.
(Lecture and laboratory course).
Prerequisites: BIO 101-102 or BIO 103-104. 4 credits each.

BIO 228 Microbiology (annual)
An introduction to the structure, reproduction, physiology, biochemistry, genetics, ecology and identification of microorganisms. It includes a study of their relationship to each other and to other living organisms, their distribution innature, and their beneficial and disease
causing effects on humans.
(Lecture and laboratory course).
Prerequisites: BIO 101-102 or BIO 103-104. 4 credits.

BIO 302 Immunology ( bi-annual O)
The nature of the immune system and different aspects of natural defense systems are classified. Structural analogies between hematopoietic and lymphopoietic tissues are defined. The interrelationships between humoral, cell-mediated, and complement-mediated immunity are covered in-depth with particular attention to the regulation of the immune response by cell-cell interactions. The mechanisms, mediation, and control of allergic reactions by immunomodulatory agents is discussed. Current concepts of autoimmunity are covered and the mechanisms and consequences of immunodeficiency and immunoproliferative disorders are discussed as well.
Prerequisites: BIO 101-102, CPC 201-202. 3 credits.

BIO 303 Histology (bi-annual E)
A study of the structure and function of normal human and animal tissues. Laboratory studies include microscopic examination of prepared slide and electron micrographs.
Prerequisites: BIO 101-201; BIO 202. 4 credits.

BIO 304 Endocrinology (annual)
This course is designed to study the interactive physiology of mammals, with emphasis of the human organism, as regulated by the endocrine system. It will cover the following areas: (1) cellular endocrinology, including hormone-receptor interactions, second messenger systems, and hormonal synthesis; (2) systemic endocrinology, including regulation of body metabolism and homeostasis, and reproductive endocrinology; (3) new trends in molecular endocrinology; (4) disease states due to endocrine malfunction.
Prerequisites: BIO 101-102. 3 credits.

BIO 311 Human Genetics (bi-annual E)
Basic principles of human genetics, stressing human chromosome groups, clinical genetics, biochemical genetics, pharmacogenetics, somatic cell genetics, immunogenetics, and population genetics. The laboratory experiments include techniques used in both clinical and research genetics.
Prerequisites: BIO 101-102 or BIO 103-104. 4 credits.

BIO 312 Cytogenetics (bi-annual O)
Basic principles of cytogenetics, karyotyping, staining techniques, tissue culture, and emphasis on the structural numeric abnormalities of human chromosomes. The laboratory explores and identifies cytogenetic techniques and specific diseases as well as tissue culture techniques.
Prerequisites: BIO 101-102 or BIO 103-104, BIO 311 or departmental permission. 4 credits.

BIO 318 Cellular and Molecular Biology
The purpose of this course is to acquaint students with the basic principles of cellular and molecular biology. The relationships between cellular structure and function will be stressed and pathologic examples will be discussed. The principles of investigative and laboratory techniques will be explained and appropriate instrumentation will be described. Molecular events in the cell will be integrated into the functional scheme of the entire multicellular organism. The laboratory consists of experiments designed to support concepts presented in lecture.
Prerequisites: BIO 101-102. 4 credits.

BIO 321 Parasitology (bi-annual E)
An introduction to the biochemistry, physiology, life cycles, classification, anatomy and ecology of parasites. (Lecture and laboratory course.)
Prerequisites: BIO 101-102, BIO 201. 4 credits.
BIO 322 Seminar in Selected Topics in Cell Biology (upon request)
Recent advances in cell and molecular biology and in mechanisms of differentiation of tissues are dealt with utilizing lectures, discussion, and student reports. Topics covered vary each year depending on recent significant advances and on student interest.
Prerequisites: BIO 101-102 and CPC 201-202. 2 credits.

BIO 481-482 Independent Study (upon request)
Credits by arrangement.

BIO 493 Research Topics in Biology (annual)
Prerequisite: Senior status. 3 credits.

BIO 494 Senior Honors Project in Biology (upon request)
Prerequisites: BIO 493 and departmental permission. 3 credits.