Biological Sciences Course Descriptions
The notations after each course title indicate 1) the semester during
which the course is offered and 2) the number of credit hours, the number
of lecture hours per week, and the number of laboratory hours per week
for the course.
BIOL 101 General Biology I—Fall (3-3-0)
An introduction to the cell as the basic unit of life, its structures, functions and the extension of these aspects to all living organisms. Laboratory section: BIOL 103.
BIOL 102 General Biology II—Spring (3-3-0)
The development and maintenance of life including the relationship of organisms to each other and to their environment; the process and results of evolution. Laboratory section: BIOL 104.
BIOL 103 General Biology Laboratory I—Fall (1-0-3)
Development of basic laboratory skills illustrating important biological principles. Prerequisite or co-requisite: BIOL 101.
BIOL 104 General Biology Laboratory II—Spring (1-0-3)
Development of basic laboratory skills illustrating important biological principles. Prerequisite or co-requisite: BIOL 102.
BIOL 110 Introduction to Contemporary Biological Concepts I (3-3-0)
One or more of the major concepts of biology, such as evolution, genetic engineering, population biology or ecology. Designed primarily for non-science majors.
BIOL 111 Introduction to Contemporary Biological Concepts II (3-3-0)
Topics such as the human body, nutrition and diet and drug action are studied. Designed to prepare non-science majors for BIOL 211.
BIOL 205 Botany—Even Years/Fall (3-2-3)
A brief summary of the plant kingdom with emphasis on the structure and function of important members and their ecologic and economic role in ecosystems. Prerequisites: BIOL 101, BIOL 102.
BIOL 206 Zoology—Odd Years/Spring (3-2-3)
The taxonomy of the protozoa and metazoa as well as the morphology and physiology of the major homeostatic organ systems are studied from a comparative and evolutionary point of view. The laboratory consists of a study of selected organisms which best demonstrate the theory and principles of homeostasis. Prerequisites: BIOL 101, BIOL 102.
BIOL 210 Biological Evolution (3-3-0)
The study of the Theory of Biological Evolution. An historical approach leading to Darwin’s Theory of Natural Selection; understanding Darwin’s Theory and its implications for science and society; a study of the evidences for demonstrating the validity of biological evolution; and some of the new frontiers of scientific research which validates the classical evolutionary argument. Prerequisites: BIOL 102 or NSET 111.
BIOL 211 Human Biology—Spring (3-3-0)
A survey of the human body including the skin, skeleton and muscles as well as the respiratory, digestive, excretory, circulatory, nervous, endocrine and reproductive systems. Prerequisites: BIOL 101, BIOL 102 or BIOL 111.
BIOL 214 Anatomy and Physiology for Dancers—Fall/Spring (3-3-0)
A basic study of cell and tissue structure and function of the skeletal, muscular and nervous systems as they relate to kinesiology. Other systems that will be covered are the integumentary, circulatory, digestive, respiratory, excretory, hormonal and reproductive. Emphasis of the course is on the integrating functioning of these systems to maintain homeostasis.
BIOL 216 Introductory Microbiology—Even Years/Fall (4-3-3)
Microorganisms with special reference to bacteria; the basic concepts and laboratory techniques. Protozoa, algae, fungi, viruses and rickettsiae are included. Prerequisites: BIOL 101; CHEM 101.
BIOL 222 Introduction to Genetics—Odd Years/Spring (4-3-3)
The principles of hereditary transmission, expression and interaction in individuals and populations are studied. The development of procedures and techniques used in the study of genetics, including plant, animal and protista life cycles; segregation analysis, cytogenetic techniques, mutagenesis and biochemical pathway analysis are covered. Prerequisites or co-requisites: BIOL 102; MATH 175.
BIOL 225 Anatomy and Physiology I (4-3-3)
Part one of a two-semester course in the structure and function of the systems of the human body. The chemical composition and structure of the cells that make up the tissues and organs of the integumentary, skeletal, nervous and muscular systems. Emphasis on normal and abnormal functioning of these systems in regard to maintaining homeostasis. Prerequisites: BIOL 101/103.
BIOL 226 Anatomy and Physiology II (4-3-3)
Part two of a two-semester course in the structure and function of the systems of the human body. The hormonal, respiratory, circulatory, digestive, excretory and reproductive systems. Emphasis on normal and abnormal functioning of these systems and the systems covered in Anatomy and Physiology I in regard to maintaining homeostasis. Prerequisite: BIOL 225.
BIOL 231 Economic Botany (3-3-0)
A study of the history, characteristics and origin of plants used in industry and agriculture as well as future use of plants in the production of energy, food and materials. Prerequisite: Any 100-level Biology course.
BIOL 243 Public Health—Fall (3-3-0)
Introduction to selected topics in immunology and epidemiology and their applications to public health. Prerequisite: Any 100-level Biology course.
BIOL 254 Elements of Human Nutrition—Even Years/Spring (3-3-0)
Coverage of the carbohydrates, lipids and proteins as they relate to the composition of food material. Their role in metabolism along with the vitamins and micronutrients necessary for a balanced dietary regime. The digestive system and related accessory organs with respect to digestion and absorption. Prerequisite: BIOL 101, BIOL 102 or BIOL 111.
BIOL 324 Human Genetics—Odd Years/Fall (3-3-0)
The general principles of segregation, modes of inheritance, cytogenetics and population genetics as they apply to normal and pathological conditions in humans. The principles of genetic engineering including recombination, cloning and artificial insemination with special reference to the ethical, physical, social and legal implications. Pedigree construction and analysis are an integral part of the course. Prerequisites: BIOL 101, BIOL 102 or BIOL 111.
BIOL 334 Occupational Safety and Health—Fall/Spring/Sum (3-3-0)
An introductory course dealing with the recognition, evaluation and control of occupational health hazards. Study of the work place, including safety and health standards, using the principles of biology, chemistry, physics, engineering and law. Prerequisite: Junior standing.
BIOL 341 Environmental Health—Even Years/Spring (3-3-0)
A study of the effects of the environment on health and the prevention of resulting diseases and disability. Includes air pollution, water pollution, problems of solid waste disposal, toxic hazards, food protection, housing, insect vectors and rodents, noise and accidents. Prerequisite: Junior standing.
BIOL 350 Molecular/Cellular Biology (4-3-3)
This course is designed for biology and biotechnology majors to provide an understanding of the connection between the molecular structure of cellular organisms and their functions. Basic molecular biology topics include gene regulation, transcription, translation and replication; the study of cell organelles; and the role of enzymes in the regulation of cell processes. Laboratory activities that illustrate these principles are integrated into the course. Prerequisites: CHEM 222, BIOL 101,102.
BIOL 365 Developmental Biology (3-3-0)
This course will describe the developmental patterns of model organisms and apply these principles to the study of human disease. Topics include differentiation, morphogenesis, regenerative growth and tissue repair, and genetic and epigenetic control of developmental processes. Laboratory activities that demonstrate these principles are integrated into the course. Prerequisites: BIOL 101,102 BIOL 222.
BIOL 445 Advances in Environmental Health—Even Years/Fall (3-3-0)
Includes a survey of recent research in the area. Guest lecturers discuss current problems and possible solutions. Prerequisite: BIOL 341.
BIOL 448 Radiation Health and Protection—Odd Years/Fall (3-3-0)
A survey of radiation health including the origin, nature and interactions of ionizing radiation, and nonionizing reduction; the biological effects of radiation; assessment of hazards; radiation protection methods and current problems and controversies surrounding the field. Prerequisite: CHEM 102.
BIOL 456 Advances in Nutrition—Even Years/Spring (3-3-0)
Recent findings on the methods and regimes to nourish infants, adolescents and the geriatric population. Controversial and classical methods are evaluated and analyzed. Prerequisite: BIOL 254.
BIOL 488 Institutional Health—Even Years/Spring (3-3-0)
The focus is on the institutional environment in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and prisons and its effect on the health of the people congregating in these institutions. The course will deal with the problems such as housekeeping, food, hazardous chemicals, waste disposal, rodent and insect infestation, etc., and will discuss the prevention and control of diseases and disability caused by them. Prerequisite: Senior standing.
BIOL 295, BIOL 395, BIOL 495 Special Topics in the Biological Sciences I, II, III (1-6 credits)
BIOL 296, BIOL 396, BIOL 496 Independent Study in the Biological Sciences I, II, III (1-6 credits)
Special Request Independent Study Fee: $60 per credit.
BIOL 499 Honors Internship in Biology (1-6 credits)
Available to qualified students as a practicum within the University or in conjunction with an external agency. Requires regular progress reports and a final paper. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: Consent of an instructor to act as a sponsor, acceptance by an agency if applicable, approval of the department chair, an overall Q.P.A. of 3.30 and a departmental Q.P.A. of 3.50.