BIO - Biology

An interdisciplinary study concerned with the historical, ecological, social, political and economic ramifications of the global environmental crisis. Addresses issues such as demographics, energy, pollution, natural resources and environmental policy. Partially satisfies natural science distribution requirements of the baccalaureate experience but is not applicable toward a biology or marine science major or minor. Lecture only. *BIO 112T - study abroad courses are 4 credits when offered.

This course is a survey of topics in biological sciences for students not majoring in biological or chemical sciences. It is structured in a lecture/discussion format to allow flexibility in pursuit of contemporary topics in biology. Partially satisfies natural science distribution requirements of the baccalaureate experience but is not applicable toward a biology or marine science major or minor. Lecture only.

Explores the question, "How did species of plants and animals end up where they are?" The course focuses on the ways that millions of years of geological, oceanographic and climatic processes have directed the evolution of the earth's inhabitants. Topics include the general features of the earth's major biomes, the unique biotic features of the earth's major geographic regions, and the ways in which the study of biogeography has played an important role in the history of science. This course also examines the ways that our own species has been affected by, and continues to influence, the distribution of the planet's species. Partially satisfies natural science distribution requirements of the baccalaureate experience but is not applicable toward a biology or marine science major or minor. Lecture only.

Explores topics such as the value of biological diversity, threats to biodiversity, strategies employed to protect endangered species and habitats, and sustainable development. How the process of science is applied to the conservation of endangered species and habitats is the central theme of the course. Case studies focus on regions of the planet that have been designated as biodiversity hotspots. Satisfies a portion of the natural science component of the baccalaureate experience requirements but is not applicable toward a biology or marine science major or minor. Lecture only.

An experiential learning course focused on sustainability issues and solutions in urban areas around the world. Main topics include water, waste, energy, transportation and food. Includes cross-cultural comparison of lifestyles and resource usage, and site visits to relevant local facilities are included. Satisfies general distribution requirements. Partially satisfies natural science distribution requirements of the baccalaureate experience but is not applicable toward a biology or marine science major or minor. Lecture only.

Focuses on diseases and the organisms that cause them. These include bacteria, viruses, fungi, rickettsia and disease-causing protozoan. Additionally, the course focuses on infectious disease caused by medical and surgical practices and accidental injuries. Partially satisfies natural science distribution requirements of the baccalaureate experience but is not applicable toward a biology or marine science major or minor. Lecture only.

A study of biology, emphasizing cell structure, cell reproduction, cellular and organismal metabolism, cell signaling, immunology, endocrinology and mechanisms and genetic systems of plants and animals. Must be completed with a grade of “C” or better to count toward biology lower-core requirements and to enroll in BIO 199 (General Biology II).

Examines the diversity of life through investigations of the taxonomy, anatomy, physiology, behavior, ecology and evolution of all major prokaryotic and eukaryotic lineages. Basic ecological and evolutionary theory are focal points of the course, as these represent the mechanisms through which biological and physiological diversity arises. Must be completed with a grade of “C” or better to count toward biology lower-core requirements.

Examines the diversity of life through investigations of the taxonomy, anatomy, physiology, behavior, ecology and evolution of all major prokaryotic and eukaryotic lineages. Basic ecological and evolutionary theory are focal points of the course, as these represent the mechanisms through which biological and physiological diversity arises. Must be completed with BIO 199 (requires a grade of “C” or better) to count toward biology lower-core requirements.

A detailed survey of Mendelian, molecular and evolutionary genetics. Topics covered include mechanisms and patterns of inheritance, recombination, linkage, mapping, gene expression and regulation, mutation, DNA damage and repair, DNA technologies, population and quantitative genetics.

A detailed survey of Mendelian, molecular and evolutionary genetics. Topics covered include mechanisms and patterns of inheritance, recombination, linkage, mapping, gene expression and regulation, mutation, DNA damage and repair, DNA technologies, population and quantitative genetics.

This course addresses the major concepts in the field of genetics with an emphasis on the molecular basis of genetics. Major topics include DNA and protein chemistry, prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA replication, transcription, translation and gene regulation, protein trafficking, pedigree analysis, DNA technologies, DNA damage and repair, recombination, transposable elements, genomics, chromosome structure, transgenic organisms and current advances in molecular genetics.

This course is intended for students interested in the natural history, biology and ecology of the tropics, the most biologically diverse region of the world. Students will study evolutionary, ecological and other biological principles of tropical ecosystems and the natural history of the organisms that live there. We will examine conservation programs, sustainable development practices and the widespread impact of this region of the globe. The course culminates in a two-week travel experience where students will visit such places as lowland tropical rain forests, high elevation tropical cloud forests, coastal ecosystems, primary and secondary forests and more. In the field, students will conduct brief research programs designed to illustrate the possibilities of careers working in the tropics over a broad range of biological specialties, ranging from tropical biodiversity, evolution and sustainability to agriculture and medicine.

Examines relationships between species and their environment. Students explore the contributions of abiotic and biotic factors to limitations in numbers and distributions of organisms. A strong emphasis is placed upon classical ecological issues such as production dynamics, predator-prey interactions, and competition and life history strategies in marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems.

Examines relationships between species and their environment. Students explore the contributions of abiotic and biotic factors to limitations in numbers and distributions of organisms. A strong emphasis is placed upon classical ecological issues such as production dynamics, predator-prey interactions, and competition and life history strategies in marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems.

A study of the structure, physiology, life histories and group relationships of invertebrate animals.

A study of the structure, physiology, life histories and group relationships of invertebrate animals.

A study of the structure, ecology, behavior and taxonomy of the major vertebrate classes.

A study of the structure, ecology, behavior and taxonomy of the major vertebrate classes.

A study of the physiological basis of organismal adaptation to diverse habitats. Covers the environmental parameters impacting animal metabolism and plant productivity with a focus on the major stressors (e.g., water availability, heat, salinity, food supply, oxygen, radiation) in the habitats of each. Major topics include the adaptive and acclimative mechanisms in animals and plants with regard to osmoregulation, excretion, metabolism, respiration, circulation, neuromuscular systems and photosynthesis. The emphasis of the laboratory is on research exploring the adaptive and acclimative strategies employed by organisms under stress and the development of scientific communication skills.

A study of the physiological basis of organismal adaptation to diverse habitats. Covers the environmental parameters impacting animal metabolism and plant productivity with a focus on the major stressors (e.g., water availability, heat, salinity, food supply, oxygen, radiation) in the habitats of each. Major topics include the adaptive and acclimative mechanisms in animals and plants with regard to osmoregulation, excretion, metabolism, respiration, circulation, neuromuscular systems and photosynthesis. The emphasis of the laboratory is on research exploring the adaptive and acclimative strategies employed by organisms under stress and the development of scientific communication skills. 

Studies the morphology, anatomy and physiology of vascular plants, with emphasis on plants and their role in human society. Additional emphases are placed upon plants' reproduction, response to environmental change, ethnobotany, medicinal botany and the development and uses of plants in ancient and modern human societies.

Studies the morphology, anatomy and physiology of vascular plants, with emphasis on plants and their role in human society. Additional emphases are placed upon plants’ reproduction, response to environmental change, ethnobotany, medicinal botany and the development and uses of plants in ancient and modern human societies.

Investigates the use of statistical methodology to evaluate biological hypotheses. Topics include basic experimental design, descriptive statistics, and scientific inference and hypothesis testing using statistical tests such as analysis of variance, correlation, regression, contingency tables and nonparametric equivalents. Example data sets drawn from ecology, general biology and biomedical sciences are used to explore concepts. Class time is broken into lecture and laboratory components.

Teaches students the applications of geographic information systems technology to a variety of biological issues including delimiting species and habitat distribution, identifying landscape-level relationships between abiotic and biotic factors and their spatial effects on populations; identifying potential effects of human activity on natural areas and populations; and developing management and regulatory policies including defining potential protected areas.

Covers many of the most threatening environmental problems facing society. When possible, these issues are discussed at local, national and global levels to demonstrate how policy and cultural differences impact the various threats to the environment and to the human population. Environmental threats are discussed both in the context of their impact on natural ecosystems and their potential threat to human health and economic growth.

Covers many of the most threatening environmental problems facing society. When possible, these issues are discussed at local, national and global levels to demonstrate how policy and cultural differences impact the various threats to the environment and to the human population. Environmental threats are discussed both in the context of their impact on natural ecosystems and their potential threat to human health and economic growth.

Examines vertebrate evolution through a detailed study of the systems of the vertebrates.

This course examines the relationship between anatomy and the clinical reasoning skills used in medical diagnostics. The course relies on anatomical knowledge gleaned from dissections of model organisms as well as human prosections. This course is intended for advanced undergraduates with intentions of pursuing a career in the health professions.

This course examines the relationship between anatomy and the clinical reasoning skills used in medical diagnostics. The course relies on anatomical knowledge gleaned from dissections of model organisms as well as human prosections. This course is intended for advanced undergraduates with intentions of pursuing a career in the health professions.

A study of the structure, function and taxonomy of microorganisms, and their interactions with humans and their environment.

A study of the developmental process in animals with emphases on cellular mechanisms, controlling development and morphology of embryos.

A study of the developmental process in animals with emphases on cellular mechanisms, controlling development and morphology of embryos.

A study of the major groups of parasites, emphasizing those affecting humans and domesticated animals. Examines the morphology, life history, ecology and pathogenicity of each parasite.

A study of the major physiological systems of animals from a comparative perspective. Covers functional anatomy, homeostasis, evolutionary relationships, neurophysiology, dynamics of muscle contraction, endocrinology, cardiovascular physiology and environmental physiology.

Examines the relationship between the unifying biological principles of evolutionary adaptation and the diversity of form and function found among fishes. The course considers the physical and biological selective pressures this group of vertebrates has faced during its evolutionary history and the morphological, physiological, developmental and behavioral adaptations that have arisen in response to these ecological factors. How fishes function in marine and freshwater ecosystems and the management actions being taken to conserve them as natural resources are examined.

A study of the biological and human factors relating to the current global extinction crisis and how conservation practices are used to evaluate and preserve threatened species and habitats. Emphases are placed upon how issues in ecology, population, biology and taxonomy affect the status of a species, and how these issues relate to policy and management decisions. Materials covered are connected to current literature in weekly discussion periods.

This lecture course covers the struggle between rapid human population growth, the availability of clean water, and the health of aquatic and wetland systems and the wildlife within. Covers a broad range of topics from three major themes: 1) water resource use and water pollution impacts and policy; 2) wetlands biology, impacts, legislation, jurisdictional determination and policy; and 3) the biology, impacts, assessment and conservation of aquatic and semi-aquatic wildlife. International case studies will augment a focus on water issues in the U.S.

A study of general cellular organization, the physico-chemical aspects of living systems, cell energetics, cell membrane systems, signal transduction and second messenger systems, membrane phenomenon and cell cycle.

Uses an inquiry-based approach to explore how genetic data are used to answer research questions in conservation, evolution and ecology. The course focuses on the main approaches and limitations to selecting genetic markers, collecting and analyzing genetic data, that are used in current research. For example, we will cover genealogical data (e.g., DNA sequence), codominant allele data (e.g., microsatellite), expression data (e.g., cDNA) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data. Topics will be broached as hypothetical research questions are brought to the class by students.

The laboratory includes hands-on wet lab data collection, data analysis and discussion of current research.

A study of the fundamental concepts of immunology, including the essentials of immunological expression, cellular and humoral immunity, immunity and disease, auto-immunity, and developmental and comparative immunology, focusing on landmark experiments that underlie its theoretical framework.

Provides a background in molecular biology with a focus on the regulation of gene expression and the experimental approaches used to study this regulation. Topics include DNA replication, transcription, translation and the mechanisms that regulate these processes. Cancer genetics and mammalian coat color genetics also are discussed as models for gene regulation. The laboratory portion of the course provides experiential learning of some of the laboratory techniques discussed in lecture. Topics covered in the laboratory include DNA extraction, PCR cloning of a gene, gene expression analysis, DNA sequencing and analysis using bioinformatics.

Introduces the techniques used in preparation and viewing of biological specimens on the scanning and transmission electron microscopes.

The natural history and ecology of southern Africa, including studies of the arid environments of the Namib, the fynbos and karoo, mopane woodlands and the conservation practices to protect unique plant and animal assemblages. Requires the ability to take a three-week field trip to southern Africa in the weeks following the end of the semester.

A study of the scientific foundations of evolutionary theory and the mechanisms responsible for evolutionary change. Topics covered include a historical perspective of evolution, origin of life, natural selection and adaptation, levels of selection, fitness concepts, speciation, Darwinian evolution and punctuated equilibria, extinction, the fossil record, life history evolution and human evolution. Lecture only.

An in-depth study of a current topic in biology. Requires independent study project and presentation.

This course consists of a capstone exam and a senior skills and attitudes survey, both of which are required of all departmental majors in their final 14-week semester. The capstone exam provides a framework for students to synthesize their comprehension of cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, organismal biology, population biology, evolution and ecology and gauges the preparedness of students to address scientific problems at a wide range of levels of biological organization. The final comprehensive exam serves as an overview of the areas of applied knowledge that are infused in the biology departments major programs. The skills and attitudes survey provides a framework for students to reflect on and provide an indirect measure of their understanding of the process and methodology of science as well as student preparedness to make informed decisions about complex scientific issues. Graded: S/U.

Students select a topic of interest in biology and explore the subject thoroughly through directed literature-based research. Requires at least two hours each week for each credit attempted and a formal paper with extensive literature review. Oral presentation of results can be used in place of BIO 410 with permission of department chair. Counts as general elective credit only and therefore may not be used as an upper level biology elective.

Research questions must be selected with the professor in charge of the project with approval from the department chair. Requires at least two hours each week for each credit attempted. Oral presentation of results can be used in place of BIO 410 with permission of department chair. Counts as general elective credit only and therefore may not be used as an upper level biology elective.

Research topics must be selected in consultation with the professor in charge of the project with approval from the department chair. Usually requires preliminary library or laboratory research prior to attempting a BIO 450 project (volunteer research, BIO 440 or BIO 445 recommended). Requires at least two hours each week for each credit attempted, a research paper and oral presentation of topic. Oral presentation of results can be used in place of BIO 410 with permission of department chair. Counts as general elective credit only and therefore may not be used as an upper level biology elective.

Through direct involvement both in and out of the classroom students gain practical knowledge of instruction in a college biology laboratory. Under the supervision of faculty, students are involved in the aspects pertaining to teaching a semester's biology laboratory. This may include but is not limited to presenting introductory material, aiding students during laboratories, development and critique of evaluation component(s), and laboratory preparation and maintenance. Counts as general elective credit only and therefore may not be used as an upper level biology elective.

Provides practical experience in science-related programs in a firm or agency under the supervision of faculty and firm representatives. Can be accomplished on a part-time or full-time basis. Graded on a pass/fail basis. Counts as general elective credit only and therefore may not be used as an upper level biology elective.

A lecture or laboratory course offered at the discretion of the Department of Biology. Subject may focus on a current issue in biology, training in a specific research technique or an area of biology that is of interest to a particular group of students. Counts as general elective credit only and therefore may not be used as an upper level biology elective.