Biology (BIOL)

This course provides a foundation of general principles of biology including chemicals, molecules, cell structure and function, energy transformation, gene expression and genetic inheritance. It includes homeostatic mechanisms at the systems level and the impact of evolution and ecology on contemporary human and environmental problems.

Lab for BIOL-105

Students will gain OSHA right-to-know training, including understanding of regulatory codes, lab safety, and the handling of chemical hazards. Students will learn sterile technique for the preparation of media and agar to maintain microscopic organisms, including use of the autoclave for this preparation and disposal of biological hazards.

Discover the powerful ways that science shapes our lives in this course, addressing the question "How are our lives shaped by scientific development?" Students will explore the significant impacts of scientific developments on our daily routine, our community, and the global stage. Through a variety of activities, including a final project focused on "Science in Our Lives," students critically evaluate a scientific development and its future outcomes.

This course introduces students to scientific thinking through the exploration of real-world phenomena. Students will ask questions, investigate scientific ideas, analyze evidence, and communicate findings. Through hands-on investigations and analysis of scientific data, students will learn how scientific reasoning can be used to understand and explain the world around them. This course addresses the following question: How can thinking like a scientist help me understand the world around me?

An introduction to molecular and classical genetics, the basics of cell structure and function, and the processes of metabolism including cellular respiration and photosynthesis. Students will learn about inquiry-based science, development of hypotheses and experimental design in the laboratory portion of this course. Lecture and laboratory.

An introduction to the evolution and ecology of life, with an emphasis on the form and function of plants and animals. In this course, students will link the physiological processes impacting structure and function to key evolutionary findings. This course demonstrates science as a dynamic discipline through hypothesis development and experimentation in the laboratory.

Introduction to the diversity of life and the evolutionary processes that shape it. Surveys major groups of organisms and examines their key characteristics, interrelationships, life processes, ecological roles, and impacts on humans and society. Lecture and laboratory.

This course is a one-semester systems-based introduction to the human body. Students will gain an overview of homeostatic processes and organ systems with additional emphasis on the structure and function of musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, and nervous systems. This course is intended for those majors that do not require a two-semester Anatomy and Physiology course. Lecture and laboratory. Laboratory includes hands-on work with prosected cadavers. *An additional course fee will be charged.

This course introduces students to the core concepts of microbiology with a focus on applications for health science careers. This course concentrates primarily on bacteriology, but principles of virology are also introduced. Main topics include the cell structure and function, genetics, metabolism, diversity, evolution, epidemiology, and disease characteristics of microorganisms. Students in the laboratory portion of this course will learn laboratory techniques and experiments that are essential for studying and handling microorganisms safely. Lecture and laboratory. *An additional course fee will be charged.

Introduction to literature searching, critical reading, and scientific writing in the biological sciences.

This course introduces students to the principles and practices of field biology through direct observation, data collection, and analysis in natural environments. Students will explore ecological relationships, species identification, and biodiversity assessment across a variety of ecosystems.

Using a systemic approach, this class provides an in-depth study of the structure and function of the human body, emphasizing the integration of organ systems and their role in maintaining homeostasis. Topics covered include the study of cell structure, tissue organization and metabolism, and an in-depth study of the nervous system, skeletal system (including joints), muscular system, and digestive system. Laboratory activities will include physiological experiments, dissection and the identification of anatomical structures with the assistance of human cadavers, skeletons, casts, animal models, and/or computer software. This course comprises the first semester of a year-long sequence and is intended to fulfill pre-requisites for graduate programs such as Occupational and Physical Therapy or Physician Assistant. Lecture and laboratory. *An additional course fee will be charged.

This laboratory course follows a regional approach to the human body, allowing students to understand the relationships between tissues and anatomical structures in their form and function. Student-led dissection of human anatomical specimens (cadavers) forms the primary educational resource, supported by human skeletons, anatomical models, casts, histological samples, and software. Instructor approval required for enrollment. Pass/No Pass course.

Using a systemic approach, this class provides an in-depth study of the structure and function of the human body, emphasizing the integration of organ systems and their role in maintaining homeostasis. Topics covered include the autonomic nervous system, the endocrine system, the reproductive system, the cardiovascular system, the immune system, the respiratory system, and the urinary system. Laboratory activities will include physiological experiments and the identification of anatomical structures with the assistance of human cadavers, skeletons, casts, animal models, and/or computer software. The course comprises the second semester of a year-long sequence, including BIOL 230, and is intended to fulfill pre-requisites for graduate programs such as Occupational and Physical Therapy or Physician Assistant. Lecture and Laboratory. *An additional course fee will be charged.

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the structure and function of cells and their molecular components. Topics include the basic building blocks of biological molecules, cellular structure and function, metabolism, gene expression, cell growth and division, cellular communication, and evolutionary processes. The laboratory introduces modern molecular techniques used to explore various cellular structures and/or functions. Lecture and Laboratory. *An additional course fee will be charged.

An exploration of heredity including transmission and molecular genetics. Transmission genetics examines how genes and genetic traits are passed from generation to generation. Molecular genetics probes the structure, function, and regulation of genes. Lecture and laboratory. *An additional course fee will be charged.

Students will learn fundamental aspects of vertebrate immunology in a clinically oriented course. Key topics include innate and adaptive immune responses, immunodeficiency, autoimmunity, immunotherapy, vaccination, and mechanisms of immune evasion by pathogens. Case studies will be used to demonstrate practical applications of course knowledge.

A study of the interactions of organisms with each other and their physical and biological environments at the population, community, and ecosystem levels. Lecture and laboratory. *An additional course fee will be charged.

Exploration of the science of evolution, examining evidence from fossils, comparative anatomy, genetics, and biogeography. Examines the molecular basis of heredity and mechanisms of evolutionary change, including natural selection, sexual selection, and genetic drift. Emphasizes applying evolutionary theory to contemporary issues in medicine, agriculture, and conservation.

Extended field investigations of selected major biome(s), including required overnight class travel to domestic or international field sites.

Investigation of selected biology sub-disciplines not treated in the department's regular offerings.

Investigation of a specific research problem in the biological sciences.

Investigation of a specific research problem in the biological sciences.