COURSES

200 Level / 300 Level / 400 Level Graduate: 500 Level / 600 Level BIO 101K Biological Foundations An introduction to the areas of current biological interest: molecular and cellular biology, genetics and development, and evolution and population biology. Intended primarily for students selecting a laboratory science to satisfy the Core curriculum or for those students not intending to take other courses in the Biological Sciences. This course cannot be used as a prerequisite for other biology courses. Cr 3. BIO 102K Biological Experiences Laboratory studies to complement and illustrate the concepts presented in BIO 101K and BIO 100K. Prerequisite: Prior or concurrent registration in BIO 101K or BIO 100K. Cr 1. BIO 103K Introduction to Marine Biology A course intended for the non-science major. Selected groups of marine plants and animals are used to develop an understanding of biological processes and principles that are basic to all forms of life in the sea. Integrated in the course are aspects of taxonomy, evolution, ecology, behavior and physiology. Cr 3. BIO 104K Marine Biology Laboratory An examination of prototype organisms will be used to illustrate their varied roles in the ocean. Prior or concurrent registration in BIO 103K. Cr 1. BIO 105K Biological Principles I: Cellular Biology This is an introduction to the scientific principles of molecular biology, cell biology, and genetics. Prerequisite: students must have fulfilled the University minimum proficiency requirements in writing and mathematics. Cr 3. BIO 106K Laboratory Biology Laboratory experiences illustrating concepts and principles introduced in BIO 105K. Concurrent enrollment in BIO 105K is highly recommended. Prerequisite: grade of C minus or higher in, or concurrent enrollment in, BIO 105K. Cr 1.5. BIO 107 Biological Principles II: Evolution, Biodiversity, and Ecology This is an integrated lecture-laboratory course introducing students to the scientific principles of evolution, biodiversity and ecology. The lecture and laboratory each meet three hours weekly. Prerequisites: grades of C minus or higher in BIO 105K and BIO 106K. Cr 4.5. BIO 109 Biological Principles III: Functional Biology This is an introduction to the scientific principles of structure and function in plants and animals. Prerequisites: grade of C minus or higher in BIO 107. Cr 3. BIO 111 Human Anatomy and Physiology I The course is the first semester of a two-semester sequence concerning the structure and function of the human body. The course focuses on the study of cell chemistry, cell physiology, tissues, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscle system, and nervous system. Prerequisite: satisfactory completion of minimum proficiency requirements. Cr 3. BIO 112 Practical Human Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory experiences illustrating concepts and principles introduced in Bio 111. The course will cover the following topics: metrics, language of anatomy, cell physiology, tissues, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous system. Prerequisite: Bio 111 or concurrent. Cr 1.5. BIO 201 Genetics This is a study of the molecular basis of heredity and methods of genetic analysis. Prerequisites: grade of C minus or higher in BIO 107 or BIO 211 and 212, and CHY 115; or permission of instructor. Cr 3. BIO 205 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy A modern look at an old subject: the comparative study of vertebrate organ systems from an adaptational and evolutionary point of view. Lecture three hours/week; one four-hour laboratory/week. Prerequisites: grade of C minus or higher in BIO 109. Cr 5. BIO 211 Human Anatomy and Physiology II This course is a continuation of Bio 111. The structure and function of the endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, reproductive, digestive, and urinary systems. Prerequisite: grade of C minus or higher in BIO 111. Cr 3. BIO 212 Practical Human Anatomy and Physiology II Laboratory studies of the structure and function of the endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, reproductive, digestive, and urinary systems. Prerequisite: grade of C minus or higher in BIO 112; BIO 211 or concurrently. Cr 1.5. BIO 217 Evolution This course teaches the geological and fossil records, the mechanism of selection as a creative principle, the genetic basis of natural selection, the pervasive imprint of extinction in living and fossil species, the evolution of complex molecules and organ systems, and the geological and ecological processes that have influenced diversification. Prerequisites: Grade of C minus or higher in Bio 107, or permission of instructor. Cr 3. BIO 231 Botany A study of structure, function, development, reproduction, and environmental adaptations of representative non-vascular and vascular plants. Lecture three hours/week; one three-hour laboratory/week. Prerequisites: grade of C minus or higher in BIO 107. Cr 4.5. BIO 251 History of Biology A chronological survey of developments in biological investigations from earliest records to the present day. Prerequisites: grade of C minus or higher in BIO 105K or BIO 111, or permission of instructor. Cr 3. BIO 281 Microbiology and Human Disease Fundamentals of microbiology with emphasis on infectious diseases of people, including bacteria, rickettsia, fungi, viruses, protozoa and helminths. Prerequisites: grade of C minus or higher in BIO 105K or BIO 211, and CHY 105. Cr 3. BIO 282 Microbiology and Human Disease Laboratory Laboratory techniques in the cultivation, identification, and control of microorganisms. Prerequisite: BIO 281 or concurrently. Cr 2. BIO 291 Ornithology This course studies the basic biology of birds: their life histories, migration, ecology, and economic importance, with emphasis on species found in Eastern North America. Numerous field trips to a variety of habitats will be taken for purposes of field identification. Students are responsible for their own appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear and for binoculars. Prerequisites: grade of C minus or higher in BIO 107, or permission of instructor. Cr 4.5. BIO 305 Developmental Biology An analysis of the cellular and molecular interactions leading to normal development. Prerequisite: grade of C minus or higher in BIO 107. Cr 3. BIO 306W Developmental Biology Laboratory This laboratory course is designed to illustrate principles of animal development introduced in BIO 305 using genetic, histochemical, and molecular analyses. Prerequisite: prior or concurrent registration in BIO 305. Cr 2.  BIO 311 Microbiology This course is a comprehensive introduction into cellular, biochemical, and genetic aspects of prokaryotes. Viruses, and some eukaryotic microorganisms are also considered. Prerequisites: CHY 115 and grade of C minus or higher in BIO 107; or permission of instructor. Cr 3. BIO 312W Microbiological Laboratory The laboratory explores basic techniques of isolation and cultivation of microorganisms, primarily bacteria and fungi. In addition, biochemical, molecular and genetic analyses of microorganisms are introduced. Prerequisites: grade of C minus or higher, or concurrent enrollment, in BIO 311. Cr 2.  BIO 321 Neurobiology This course presents an overview of nervous system function, structure and development. Content focuses on the cellular and molecular properties that underlie normal function. Prerequisites: grade of C minus or higher in BIO 109 or BIO 111, or permission of instructor. Cr 3. BIO 322 Neurobiology Laboratory This laboratory course is designed to enable students to gain experience with a range of experimental techniques used in neurobiology research. These include cell culture, electrophysiology, histochemistry,microscopy and behavioral analyses. Prerequisites: Prior or concurrent registration in BIO 321. Cr 2. BIO 331 Ecological Principles A scientific study of interactions determining the distribution and abundance of organisms. Prerequisites: grade of C minus or higher in BIO 107. Cr 3. BIO 332 Field Ecology Field studies demonstrating basic concepts of ecology. Prerequisite: BIO 331 or concurrently. Cr 2. BIO 335 Entomology Integrated lecture-laboratory course on the biology of insects and their impact on humanity. Prerequisites: grade of C minus or higher in BIO 107. Cr 3. BIO 337 Marine Ecology A comparative ecological study of coastal and oceanic environments. Lecture, three hours/week; weekly four-hour field trip. Prerequisites: Grade of C minus or higher in BIO 107. Cr 5. BIO 345 Pathophysiology A study of the physiological, genetic, biochemical and environmental basis of noninfectious diseases. Prerequisite: grade of C minus or higher in BIO 211 or permission of instructor. Cr 3. BIO 351 Invertebrate Zoology The morphology, physiology and evolution of invertebrate animals. Three hours of lecture and two, two-hour laboratories per week. Prerequisites: a grade of C minus or higher in BIO 107. Cr 5. BIO 353W Vertebrate Zoology This course is a survey of the vertebrate animals focusing on classification, morphology, physiology, ecology, behavior, and evolutionary history of each group. Lecture: three hours/week; one four-hour laboratory/week. Prerequisites: grade of C minus or higher in BIO 107. Cr 5. BIO 361 Parasitology The life histories and host-parasite relationships of animal parasites, with emphasis on those of humans. Prerequisite: grade of C minus or higher in BIO 105K. Cr 2. BIO 362 Parasitological Laboratory The morphology and life cycles of parasitic protozoa, helminths, and arthropods. Prerequisite: BIO 361, or concurrently. Cr 2. BIO 381 Plant Physiology This course is a study of the physiological activities of plants, and their growth and development as influenced by internal and external factors. Lecture three hours/week; one three-hour laboratory/week. Prerequisites: CHY 115 and grade of C minus or higher in BIO 109 or BIO 231, or permission of instructor. Cr 4.5. BIO 383 Plant Ecology This course examines plant ecology at the population, community, and ecosystem levels. Plant adaptations to the environment are also discussed, with emphasis on how these traits influence community and ecosystem processes. Weekly field trips are required. Prerequisites: grade of C minus or higher in BIO 107. Cr 5. BIO 401 General Physiology A study of physiological processes and their regulation in animals. Prerequisites: grade of C minus or higher in BIO 107 or BIO 211; CHY 115; PHY 111K or PHY 121K; or permission of instructor. Cr 3. BIO 402 General Physiology Laboratory Laboratory examination of physiological mechanisms in animals. Prerequisite: BIO 401 or concurrently; MAT 220. Cr 2. BIO 403 Comparative Physiology Physiological and biochemical basis of environmental adaptation. Prerequisites: grade of C minus or higher in BIO 107; CHY 115; and junior standing. Cr 3. BIO 404 Comparative Physiology Laboratory Laboratory experiments on the physiological basis of environmental adaptation. Emphasis is on marine organisms. Prerequisite: BIO 403 or concurrently; MAT 220. Cr 2. BIO 405W Animal Behavior This course is a study of the principles of behavioral organization in vertebrate and invertebrate animals, with emphasis on behavior under natural conditions. Prerequisite: grade of C minus or higher in BIO 107 or BIO 211, or permission of instructor. Cr 3. BIO 406 Animal Behavior Laboratory This course is a laboratory and field examination of behavioral principles in animals. Prerequisite: BIO 405W or concurrently. Cr 2. BIO 407 Molecular Mechanisms in Development A course on the molecular genetic analysis of animal development focusing on an integrative approach toward understanding the evolution of developmental mechanisms. Prerequisite: grades of C minus or higher in BIO 201 and BIO 305, or permission of instructor. Cr 3. BIO 408 Experimental Genetics This course includes lectures and laboratory exercises in human and fruit fly genetics. This is not a companion course to BIO 201. Prerequisite: BIO 201 or concurrently, or permission of instructor. Cr 2. BIO 409 Cell and Molecular Biology A study of the eukaryotic cell at the level of organelles and molecules. The biochemical aspects of cell growth and reproduction are emphasized. Prerequisites:CHY 115 and grade of C minus or higher in BIO 109. Cr 3. BIO 410 Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory A course in which the techniques of cell fractionation and biochemical analyses are applied to the eukaryotic cell. Prerequisite: BIO 409 or concurrently. Cr 2. BIO 415 Microbial Ecology This course is a continuation of BIO 311. The course begins with an examination of microbial evolution and biodiversity. It then explores the interactions of microorganisms in populations and within communities, and their interactions with other organisms and the environment, including an examination of physiological adaptations and biogeochemical cycles. Prerequisite: grade of C minus or higher in BIO 311 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. Cr 3. BIO 416 Microbial Ecology This is the companion lab course to BIO 415, designed as a hands-on project lab to introduce students to a variety of methods used in microbial ecology. There will be a field component, lab component, and written component to the projects that will be completed during the semester. Microscopic, cell culture, and molecular methods will be employed. Prerequisite: grade of C minus or higher in BIO 415 (or equivalent) or concurrent enrollment, or permission of instructor. Cr 2.  BIO 417 Issues in Evolution This course surveys major issues that motivate current research in evolutionary biology, providing an historical analysis of areas of controversy and alternative points of view within the field. The course is based on selected readings in the theoretical and experimental literature of the field, from primary and classical sources. Prerequisites: grades of C minus or higher in BIO 201 and BIO 217; or permission of instructor. Cr 3. BIO 421 Biology Seminar Weekly oral reports and discussions by students and staff on biological topics of current interest. Prerequisite: 16 hours of biology or permission of instructor. May be repeated. Cr 1-3. BIO 431 Principles of Immunology An introduction to the fundamentals of immunology, especially as they relate to human diseases. Topics include history of immunology, basic elements of immune systems, principles of natural and acquired immunity, cellular and molecular basis of B cell and T cell development and diversity, and clinical aspects of immunology. Prerequisite: CHY 105 or CHY 115 and grade of C minus or higher in BIO 109 or BIO 211, and junior standing; or permission of instructor. Cr 3.   BIO 441 Problems in Biology Independent library or laboratory studies on a special topic as mutually arranged by instructor and student. Prerequisite: by arrangement. Credit Arranged. BIO 501 General Physiology A study of physiological processes and their regulation in animals. Cr 3. BIO 502 General Physiology Laboratory Laboratory examination of physiological mechanisms in animals. Cr 2. BIO 503 Comparative Physiology Physiological and biochemical basis of environmental adaptation. Cr 3. BIO 504 Comparative Physiology Laboratory Laboratory experiments on the physiological basis of environmental adaptation. Emphasis is on marine organisms. Cr 2. BIO 505 Animal Behavior This course is a study of the principles of behavioral organization in vertebrate and invertebrate animals, with emphasis on behavior under natural conditions. Cr 3. BIO 506 Animal Behavior Laboratory This course is a laboratory and field examination of behavioral principles in animals. Cr 2. BIO 507 Molecular Mechanisms in Development A molecular genetic analysis of animal development focusing on an integrative approach toward understanding the evolution of developmental mechanisms. Cr 3. BIO 508 Experimental Genetics This course includes lectures and laboratory exercises in human and fruit fly genetics. Cr 2. BIO 509 Cell and Molecular Biology A study of the eukaryotic cell at the level of organelles and molecules. The biochemical aspects of cell growth and reproduction are emphasized. Cr 3. BIO 510 Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory A course in which the techniques of cell fractionation and biochemical analyses are applied to the eukaryotic cell. Cr 2. BIO 515 Microbial Ecology This course is a continuation of the basic microbiology course (BIO 311). The course begins with an examination of microbial evolution and biodiversity and explores the interactions of microorganisms in populations and communities, with other organisms and with the environment, including an examination of physiological adaptations and biogeochemical cycles. Cr 3. BIO 516 Microbial Ecology This companion lab course to BIO 515 Microbial Ecology is designed as a hands-on project lab to introduce students to a variety of methods used in microbial ecology. There are field, lab, and written components to the projects that will be carried out over the semester. Microscopic, cell culture, and molecular methods will be employed. Cr 2. BIO 517 Issues in Evolution This course surveys major issues that motivate current research in evolutionary biology, providing a historical analysis of active areas of controversy and alternative points of view. The course is based on selected readings in the theoretical and experimental literature of the field, from primary and classical sources. Cr 3. BIO 545 Advanced Pathophysiology This course is a study of physiological, genetic, biochemical, and environmental basis of diseases. Systems to be covered include reproductive, gastrointestinal, respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous, and skeletomuscular. Cr 3. BIO 601 Research Methods in Biology This course introduces students to faculty members’ research. Students will study the philosophy of science, experimental design, data analysis and interpretation, and writing and assessment of scientific papers. Cr 3. BIO 602 Ethical Issues in Biology This course examines a variety of ethical issues arising in biology today, including those related to general scientific research, biotechnology, medicine, and the environment. Cr 2. BIO 611 Endocrinology This course examines hormone action in animals and plants at the molecular, cellular, organ, and organismal levels. Topics will include the endocrine control of development, behavior, and physiological processes. Cr 3. BIO 615 Plant Metabolism This is an advanced course on the regulation and integration of metabolism as viewed from a whole plant perspective. The course deals with primary metabolic pathways such as respiration, photosynthesis, nitrogen metabolism, and carbohydrate and lipid biosynthesis. Compartmentation of metabolic pathways and communication between cells, tissues, and organs via transport systems are discussed. Cr 3. BIO 621 Graduate Seminar This course reviews the literature pertinent to topics of biology. It may be repeated for credit as topics vary. Graduate students must complete at least two different seminars. Cr 1-3. BIO 650 Internship In this course, students apply their learning to a practical context under supervision of a faculty member. Cr 1-3. BIO 660 Graduate Independent Study Independent work on a special topic as arranged by the student, advisor, and committee. Cr 1-6. BIO 698 Thesis Research This course involves thesis research and preparation. It may be repeated for credit, but no more than 6 credits will apply to the degree. Enrollment is required each term in which the thesis is in progress. Cr 1-6. BIO 699 Literature Review This course involves preparation of a review paper based on current biological literature. Prerequisite: permission of the graduate advisor. Cr 1-6. Top of Page