Biology Course Descriptions
4 Credits
An in-depth study of the basic concepts of biology including cellular organization and function, Mendelian and molecular genetics, and Darwinian evolution. This course is designed to provide a foundation for advanced study in the biological sciences; laboratory included.
BIO 202 - General Biology: Botany, Zoology & Ecology
4 Credits
A survey of botany, zoology, and ecology; this lab based course will introduce students to current scientific research in these fields. Moving from basic understandings, students will begin to practice botany and ecology in an applied manner and learn to clearly communicate the results of that work, laboratory included.
BIO 203 - General Biology: Anatomy & Physiology
4 Credits
This course provides a basis of the structure and function of all major organ systems and their integration. This course is designed to provide a foundation for advanced study in the biological sciences; laboratory included.
BIO 210 - Biotechnology: A Laboratory Skills Course
4 Credits
This course is a comprehensive introduction to biotechnology; the applied technology of biological systems in scientific research and industrial processes. It begins with a review of laboratory skills essential to the use of biotechnology, including safety, keeping laboratory notebooks, measuring volume and mass, making solutions, writing Standard Operating Procedures.
Fundamental biotechniques covered includes DNA electrophoresis, restriction digest, DNA quantification, bacterial transformation, expression and purification of recombinant proteins, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Bradford protein assay, SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, western blotting, and ELISA. The course concludes with the selection, experimental design, data analysis, and communication of research project ideas. Ancillary topics include bioethics and biotech careers vignettes.
Prerequisites: BIO 201, CHM 109.
BIO 227 - Microbiology
4 Credits
A comprehensive study of the morphology, physiology, and genetics of algae, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses (primary emphasis on bacteria). Included laboratory emphasizes sterile culture techniques and identification of unknown cultures.
Prerequisite: BIO 201. Co-requisite: CHM 110.
BIO 252 - Human Nutrition
3 Credits
A study of the biological foundations of nutrition, its biological and physiological phenomena and its association with health issues, laboratory included.
Prerequisites: BIO 201, BIO 203, and CHM 109.
BIO 330 - Ecology
4 Credits
An introductory course in basic ecology, the study of the flows of matter and energy
in nature, and the relationship between living things and the environment. This includes
relationships between 175 individuals, populations, and ecosystems, and changes over
time. Include laboratory will be field and microcosm explorations.
Prerequisites: BIO 202 and CHM 109.
BIO 341 - Human Anatomy
4 Credits
A system-based study of the human anatomy. Includes a cadaver-based laboratory exploration
of human gross anatomy.
Prerequisite: BIO 203.
BIO 342 - Human Physiology
4 Credits
An examination of the major physiological systems, their function, and their integration,
which includes the nervous, muscular, endocrine, circulatory, respiratory, renal,
digestive, and reproductive systems. Laboratory included.
Prerequisite: BIO 203. Co-requisite: CHM 110. Not open to students with credit for
BIO 242.
BIO 366 - Genetics
4 Credits
A survey of major principles of Mendelian, molecular, and population genetics and
the societal issues raised by recent advances in this field; laboratory included.
Prerequisite: BIO 201.
BIO 469 - Cell & Molecular Biology
4 Credits
A study of processes common to life at the cellular level including: biochemical and
structural organizations, membrane function, motility, signal transduction, growth,
division and genetic regulation of the cell.
Prerequisites: BIO 201and 203.
CHM 109 - General Chemistry I
4 Credits
Foundations of chemistry for Science majors. Topics include atomic structure, chemical
bonding, stoichiometry, phases of matter, chemical energetics, molecular geometry;
includes laboratory.
Co-requisite: MTH 102 or equivalent placement.
CHM 110 - General Chemistry II
4 Credits
Continuation of basic principles of chemistry: solutions, equilibria; acids and bases;
electrochemistry; nuclear chemistry; descriptive inorganic and organic chemistry.
Laboratory experiments in conjunction with the theory.
Prerequisite: CHM 109 with a minimum grade of C.
CHM 229 - Organic Chemistry I
4 Credits
A study of the fundamental theory and laboratory techniques of organic chemistry.
Topics include reactions of functional groups, reaction theory, and stereochemistry.
Prerequisite: CHM 110. Co-requisite: BIO 201.
CHM 451 - Biochemistry
4 Credits
Advanced study of the molecular basis of biological systems emphasizing the relationship
between structure and properties, energetics, kinetics, and metabolic pathways. Laboratory
included.
Prerequisites: BIO 201; CHM 229.
MTH 140 - Introduction to Statistics
3 Credits
An introduction to the basic concepts and computations used in statistical analysis
as well as their application to problems in other disciplines, especially biology,
business, education, and social sciences. Topics include the description of data graphically
and numerically, the collection of data via samples and experiments, and the process
of drawing inferences or conclusions from data.
The laboratory component of the course emphasizes conceptual understanding, interpretation
of statistical quantities, and written/oral communication and will require the use
of mathematical software.
Prerequisite: MTH 102 or placement.
MTH 240 - Calculus I
4 Credits
Topics include relations and functions, limits, continuity, derivatives, Mean Value
Theorem, extrema, curve sketching, related rates, differentiation of exponential,
logarithmic, and trigonometric functions, introduction to Integral Calculus, the fundamental
theorems of Calculus, elementary methods of integration, and applications. The laboratory
component of the course emphasizes mathematical modeling, problem solving, and written/oral
communication and will require the use of graphing calculators and mathematical software.
Prerequisite: MTH 160 or placement.
SCI 102 - Basic Physical Science
3 Credits
A course designed for non-science majors that focuses on the fundamental topics within
chemistry and classical Newtonian physics and how they affect a variety of environmental
issues, including air quality, global climate change, energy consumption, development
and use of alternative energy sources, water quality, and use of polymeric recyclable
materials.
Prerequisite: MTH 102 or equivalent placement. Not open to students with credit for
CHM 102 and PHY 102.