Course | Description |
|---|
BI 110 Sci in Society: Modern Topics in Biology | This introductory course presents biology to nonmajors in the context of significant social, political, religious, legal, and ethical issues. The goal is to provide students with a basic understanding of fundamental biological concepts in the context of the contemporary issues facing society today, such as genetic engineering (gene cloning), genetically modified (GM) foods, genetic disorders (sickle cell disease), cancers, infectious diseases (e.g., Influenza, COVID-19), climate change and global warming. Upon successful completion of the course, students should: (1) have an appreciation for the importance of biology in their everyday life; (2) understand general biological concepts associated with different levels of organization from cells to whole organisms; and (3) have an understanding of how science interacts with and shapes public policy and affects society at large. This course fulfills the Natural Science General Education requirement. |
BI 112 Environmental Science | The Environmental Science course is a survey of ecological principles, human modifications of the environment, population dynamics, environmental pollutants, and their effects on ecological systems. This course investigates local, regional, national, and international environmental issues and, in the process, develops students' capacity for observation, assessment, evaluation, and critical thinking and guides them toward a personal awareness and proactive response to their ecological environment. Selected projects and/or seminars concerning topics of current interest are included. All aspects of the course are directed toward reflecting reverence and respect for life and nature. This course fulfills the Natural Science General Education requirement. |
BI 114 The Human Body | This introductory study of the human body makes biology nonmajor students more aware of scientific inquiry about body structures and functions. The systems of the body and their related anatomy and physiology are covered in this course. In addition, relevant pathophysiological issues and current developments in the medical and health fields are also investigated to provide students with immediate and meaningful application of the subject matter and the opportunity to develop and apply critical thinking skills. This course makes applicable links that are relevant to many major programs at the College. This course fulfills the Natural Science General Education requirement. |
BI 115 Nutrition | This course will introduce principles of nutrition; describe functions of essential nutrients; examine the relationship between nutrients and human health and disease; and include relevant discussion of basic structure and function of the human body. Health foods, additives, weight control, and current issues in nutrition will also be explored. Upon successful completion of BI 115 students will understand how nutrition relates directly to their health and daily lives, be capable of assessing their own nutritional status, and critically evaluate nutritional claims in the mainstream media. This course fulfills the Natural Science General Education requirement. |
BI 140 College Biology I | This course is designed for students majoring in the biological sciences and considering careers in the professional sciences, biomedical, environmental, and academic areas. BI 140 is the first of a two-semester sequence of College Biology courses. The course will cover a variety of biological topics as well as their interdisciplinary applications. Topics include the scientific method, the chemistry of life, biomolecules, cell structure, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, cell division, Mendelian genetics, structure and functions of nucleic acids, and biotechnology. The required laboratory component will allow for the hands-on exploration of concepts covered in the lecture. This course is foundational for any upper-level Biology course and fulfills the Natural Science General Education requirement. |
BI 140L College Biology I Lab | This is a required lab course for BI 140. Biology and FS/Lab majors must take the lab concurrently with BI 140. |
BI 141 College Biology II | This course is designed for students majoring in the biological sciences and considering careers in the professional sciences, biomedical, environmental, and academic areas. BI 141 is the continuation of a two-semester sequence of College Biology courses. The course will cover a variety of biological topics as well as their interdisciplinary applications. Topics include evolution, the survey of microorganisms, animal kingdoms, anatomy and physiology of the human body's major organs and organ systems. The required laboratory component will allow for the hands-on exploration of concepts covered in the lecture. This course fulfills the Natural Science General Education requirement. |
BI 141L College Biology II Lab | This is a required lab course for BI 141. Biology and FS/Lab majors must take the lab concurrently with BI 141. |
BI 220 Microbiology | This course examines the basic concepts of microorganisms with particular emphasis on bacteria and viruses. Lectures also include discussions on microbial growth, structure, morphology, genetics, diversity, physiology, and control of microorganisms. Special topics include human microbiota, mechanisms of pathogenicity, host defense mechanisms, antimicrobial chemotherapy, emerging infectious diseases, and the development of microbial drug resistance. The required laboratory will provide students with a hands-on learning experience on the aseptic transfer of microorganisms, simple and differential staining procedures, culture technique, isolation, identification, enumeration of bacteria, and control of growth using disinfectants and antimicrobial compounds. |
BI 220L Microbiology Lab | This is a required lab course for BI 220. Biology majors must take the lab concurrently with BI 220. |
BI 300 Genetics | This course introduces classical, molecular, and population genetics and their central importance in biological sciences. The course focuses on the basic principles governing the transmission of traits in organisms, determinations of gene and allele frequencies in populations and how they affect evolution, the structure and function of DNA, RNA, and proteins in eukaryotes; the mechanisms of gene expression, DNA damage, and DNA repair in cells; how chromosomal abnormalities lead to genetic disorders, and gene mutations lead to cancers in humans. Lectures also include recombinant DNA technology, genomics and bioinformatics, and population and evolutionary genetics. The required laboratory provides students a chance for hands-on exploration of topics covered in class. |
BI 300L Genetics Lab | This is a required lab course for BI 300. Biology and FS/Lab majors must take the lab concurrently with BI 300. |
BI 320 Biochemistry | Biochemistry explores the chemical processes within and related to living organisms. This course will provide an overview of cellular chemistry and covers topics such as the structure and function of biological molecules, including nucleic acids, enzymes, and other proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and vitamins. The course further discusses metabolic pathways and bioenergetics, including glycolysis, fermentation, respiration, oxidation of fatty acids, and photosynthesis. An additional laboratory will allow students to explore topics covered in class and introduce and reinforce standard biochemical techniques and procedures. |
BI 320L Biochemistry Lab | This is a required lab course for BI 320. Biology and FS/Lab majors must take the lab concurrently with BI 320. |
BI 340 Molecular Biology | Molecular Biology studies the structure and function of biological molecules, such as nucleic acids and proteins, that are essential to life. This course reviews the structure of nucleic acids and proteins in detail. It explores how they function together to carry out the central gene expression processes, including transcription and translation, RNA processing, and the complex regulatory mechanisms governing these processes. An additional laboratory will allow students hands-on exploration of topics covered in class and mastery of standard molecular biology techniques and procedures. |
BI 340L Molecular Biology Lab | This is a required lab course for BI 340. Biology and FS/Lab majors must take the lab concurrently with BI 340. |
BI 351 Ecology | This course is designed for students considering careers in the professional sciences, biological, environmental, and academic areas. It will cover a variety of Ecological and Evolutionary topics and their interdisciplinary applications. Topics include natural history and evolution, environmental adaptations, population ecology, species interactions, and community and ecosystem studies. Credits: 3 Prerequisite(s): BI 141 and MA 145 |
BI 401 Neuroscience | This course explores the historical origins of neuroscience, the structure and function of cells in the nervous system, neuroanatomy, and the signaling molecules of the nervous system. Additionally, the course will explore topics such as the function of neuronal networks (e.g., sensory and motor networks), emotion, learning and memory, communication, and neurological disorders. |
BI 410 Cell Biology | Cell biology studies the structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. This course will emphasize an overall understanding of the cell and cellular functions. It will examine many areas of cell biology, including cellular architecture, cell division and reproduction, cell motility, cellular energetics and metabolism, and cell signaling. An additional laboratory (BI 410L) will allow hands-on exploration of topics covered in class and introduce techniques and procedures commonly utilized in modern cell biology laboratories. Since chemical and physical principles dictate the nature of molecular interactions, the student should be prepared to engage the class topics with these in mind. Physics is not required for this course but is recommended. Having taken Organic Chemistry and/or Biochemistry or being concurrently enrolled in either of these courses is also recommended. |
BI 410L Cell Biology Lab | This is a required lab course for BI 410. Biology and FS/Lab majors must take the lab concurrently with BI 410. |
BI 420 Human Anatomy and Physiology I | This course provides a systematic study of the structure and function of the human body. The human body systems and their related anatomy, physiology, and pathology are the focus of this course. BI 420 is the first of a two-semester sequence of Human Anatomy and Physiology courses. Discussion topics include cell structure and chemistry and several body systems, including human integumentary, muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems and their applications to human health and fundamental pathology to each organ system. In addition, students will develop competency in the language of anatomy and physiology and describe and explain anatomical features using appropriate terminologies. An additional laboratory will allow students hands-on exploration of topics covered in lectures, including laboratory study of human anatomical models and skeletal components and the dissection of appropriate animal models. |
BI 420L Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab | This is a required lab course for BI 420. Biology majors must take the lab concurrently with BI 420. |
BI 421 Human Anatomy and Physiology II | This course provides a systematic study of the structure and function of the human body. The human body systems and their related anatomy, physiology, and pathology are the focus of this course. BI 421 is the continuation of a two-semester sequence of Human Anatomy and Physiology courses. Discussion topics include the circulatory, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, endocrine, and reproductive systems, their applications to human health, and the fundamental pathology of each organ system. In addition, students will develop competency in the language of anatomy and physiology and describe and explain anatomical features using appropriate terminologies. An additional laboratory will allow students hands-on exploration of topics covered in lectures, including laboratory study of human anatomical models and the dissection of appropriate animal models. |
BI 421L Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab | This is a required lab course for BI 421. Biology majors must take the lab concurrently with BI 421. |
BI 450A Biology Seminar | The biology seminar course serves as the capstone course in biology. The course aims to fulfill two main objectives. First, to provide students with an opportunity to review and discuss a series of research articles within the fields of biological sciences, and second, to choose a research topic within the course guidelines to conduct an independent lab research project. Upon completion of the research, students will write a research paper and present a public seminar to discuss their research findings. In consultation with the adviser, students may register for BI 450A (1 credit) in the first semester and BI 450B (2 credits) the following semester to meet the three-credit requirement. |
BI 450B Biology Seminar | The biology seminar course serves as the capstone course in biology. The course aims to fulfill two main objectives. First, to provide students with an opportunity to review and discuss a series of research articles within the fields of biological sciences, and second, to choose a research topic within the course guidelines to conduct an independent lab research project. Upon completion of the research, students will write a research paper and present a public seminar to discuss their research findings. In consultation with the adviser, students may register for BI 450A (1 credit) in the first semester and BI 450B (2 credits) the following semester to meet the three-credit requirement. |