Biology (BIOL)
Dr. Lance S. Evans
Chair of the Department
Many of the critical problems that the world faces, which challenge values and beliefs, can best be understood with a knowledge of biological principles. Accordingly, the mission of the Department of Biology is to give our students an appreciation of the methods, potentials, achievements, and limitations of the biological sciences, and to instill in them the intellectual and ethical skills to use this information effectively. To accomplish this, the Department provides a combination of required and elective courses in biology consistent with a liberal education and maintains a tradition of strong support for independent study and undergraduate research. The faculty members of the joined Department of Biology recognize their responsibility to teach the values that are important to the process of free inquiry, the foundation of our discipline.
The department fosters the utilization of research strategies to address scientific questions, fosters the abilities of students to communicate scientific principles and fosters critical thinking skills of students. Faculty has knowledge of the degree that students should be prepared for advanced studies and professional careers.
Majors: Every student considering a major in the department must consult their faculty advisor by the end of the first semester.
Major Requirements for the B.S. Degree: Recognizing the various professional goals of our students, the department offers groups of courses in several areas of study which contribute toward reaching a specific career objective. These areas of study include Pre-Medical-Dental, Pre-Professional, Research, Environmental Biology, Education, General Studies in Biology, and Pre-Physical Therapy.
Students who wish to prepare for professional or graduate school require 8 credits in introductory Biology courses including 111, 112, 113, and 114 and a minimum of 34 credits in upperclass Biology courses for the B.S. degree include all of the following: 217, 223, 225, 231, 301, 305, 319, 320, 321, and 404. Students plan an individual program of study with their Biology courses and free electives after consultation with an advisor of the Biology Department.
Students who wish to pursue Pre-Medical-Dental studies are urged to take 302, 304, 401, 405, and 426.
Students who wish to pursue Pre-Professional studies are urged to take 302, 304, 401, 405, 416, and 426.
Students who wish to pursue Environmental Biology studies are urged to take 304, 311-411, 409, 431, and 432.
Students who wish to pursue Education Studies are urged to take 225, 326, 405, 426, 416, and 409.
Cognate Requirements: For all Biology Department B.S. majors: CHEM 101-102, 319-320, and 323-324; MATH 103-104; and PHYS 107-108 are required.
Major requirements for the B.A. degree: Recognizing that many students have a distinct interest in Biology, yet possess diverse and non-traditional career goals, the Department offers the B.A. degree with a relatively large number of electives. Students should use these electives to either minor or concentrate in any of the humanities, social science or business disciplines. This program does not prepare students for medical/professional school, graduate studies in Biology, or physical therapy programs unless other prerequisites are met. The program is intended to help students obtain employment in medical and pharmaceutical sales, medical writing, careers in public health and safety and the insurance industry as it relates to health care.
Minors: 15 credits in Biology courses planned in consultation with and approval of the Chair of the Biology Department.
Grade Requirements: Majors and minors must attain a minimum grade of C in all biology courses. Prerequisites for Upper Level Biology Courses: BIOL 111-112 and 113-114 or the equivalent.
Registration for Advanced Courses: Permission of the academic advisor of the Biology Department is required for registration in all courses at the 300 and 400 levels.
A student may take 9 Biology credits in Research and/or Independent Study. However, only 3 of these credits may be in Independent Study.
111-112. General Biology. An exploration of the central concepts of cell biology, physiology, molecular biology, genetics, evolution, biodiversity, and physiology. Three lectures. Offered alternating semesters. Corequisites: BIOL 113-114. Prerequisites for BIOL 112: BIOL 111, 113. (Cr. 2, 2)
113-114. General Biology Laboratory. Introduction to the methods and techniques of biological science. Three laboratory hours. Offered alternating semesters. Corequisites for BIOL 114: BIOL 111, 113. (Cr. 2, 2)
217. Genetics. Principles of chromosomal, molecular, quantitative, population, and evolutionary genetics. Two lectures, one problem period, and one two-hour laboratory period. Fall. (Cr. 3)
223. Ecology. Introduction to the study of the distribution and abundance of organisms. Survey of ecological principles at the level of individuals, populations, communities, and ecosystems with emphasis on quantitative analysis. Fall. (Cr. 3)
225. Microbiology. Introduction to microbial physiology, genetics, and ecology with an emphasis on the role of microbes in the environment and infectious disease. Two lectures and one three-hour laboratory period per week. Spring. (Cr. 3)
231. Evolution. An introduction to the central organizing theme in biology. Examination of the basic mechanisms for evolution at a variety of scales, from the molecular to ecological levels. Potential topics include: microevolution, speciation, and macroevolution. Two lectures and one three-hour laboratory period. Spring. (Cr. 3)
301. Comparative Chordate Anatomy. Structure and relationships of chordates. Two lectures and one three-hour laboratory period. Fall. (Cr. 3)
302. Developmental Biology. A study of the cellular and molecular processes underlying the development of various organisms. Emphasis will be placed on fertilization events, spatial organization, pattern formation and gene action in development. Two lectures and one three hour laboratory period. Spring. (Cr. 3)
304. Invertebrate Zoology. Morphological and physiological characteristics of selected invertebrates and consideration of their ecological relationships. Two lectures and three laboratory hours. Spring. (Cr. 3)
305. Plant Science. Physiological, biochemical and anatomical aspects of plants will be studied in the context of their native environments. The molecular, hormonal and physiological basis for plant adaptations will be stressed. Two lectures and one three-hour laboratory period. Fall. Prerequisite: CHEM 319. (Cr. 3)
310, 311, 410, 411. Research in Biology. Investigation of challenging problems. Four hours/credit per week including a conference with sponsor. Sponsorship by a faculty member of the Biology Department must be obtained in advance. Fall, Spring. (Cr. 3)
318. Advances in Nutrition. Recent developments in human nutrition with emphasis on clinical conditions. Recommended for upperclass pre-health professional students. Two lectures and three laboratory hours. Spring. (Cr. 3)
319. Cell Metabolism/Physiology. Dynamic aspects of the physiology and biochemistry of the cell, including thermodynamics, oxidation/reduction, respiration, enzymes, membranes, cell signaling and metabolic pathways. Two lectures and three laboratory hours. Fall. Prerequisite: CHEM 319. (Cr. 3)
320. Animal Physiology. A detailed examination of the major organ systems of the human body, including digestion, respiration, endocrine, cardiovascular, urinary and reproduction, centered on the theme of homeostasis. Two lecture hours and three laboratory hours. Spring. Prerequisite: CHEM 319, BIOL 319 or CHEM 433. (Cr. 3)
321. Molecular Cell Biology. In-depth analysis of molecules directing cellular structure. Emphasis will be placed on the molecular mechanisms of cellular function and interactions. Topics will include: organelle structure/function, intra- and intercellular signaling, and cell cycle control. Two lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Spring. Prerequisite: BIOL 217. (Cr. 3)
326. Animal Behavior. The biological basis of animal behavior from an ecological and evolutionary perspective. Two lectures and three laboratory or field hours. Spring. Suggested Preparation: MATH 211. (Cr. 3)
360, 460. Independent Study in Biology. Independent study of an area in biology. Ten hours per week including a conference with sponsor. Sponsorship by a faculty member of the Biology Department must be obtained in advance. Fall, Spring. (Cr. 3 per semester)
375, 475. Internship. Fall, Spring. (Cr. 3 per semester)
401. Histology. Cellular structure and ultrastructure of mammalian tissues and organs utilizing light and electron microscopy. Two lectures and three laboratory hours. Fall. (Cr. 3)
404. Biology Colloquium. Study and discussion of biological topics and the completion of a monograph. One discussion period. Spring. (Cr. 1)
405. Neurobiology. An examination of the basic principles of the nervous system including the cellular and molecular biology of the neuron, synaptic transmission, sensory and motor systems and their integration. Two lectures and three laboratory hours. Fall. Prerequisite or Corequisite: BIOL 319. (Cr. 3)
406. Special Topics in Biology. Current problems and studies in biology. Consult department chair for topic. Three lectures. Fall. (Cr. 3)
409. Marine Biology. Principles of marine ecology in an oceanic environment with emphasis on tropical communities. Lectures will be held on campus with the field portion of the course to be taught during the mid-semester recess in the Caribbean. Spring. Prerequisites: BIOL 111-112, 115-116, or 101. (Cr. 3)
416. Tissue Culture. Principles and methods of animal tissue and cell culture with the emphasis on mammalian culture of cell lines and primary culture from rat tissues. The course stresses laboratory techniques including maintenance of sterility and culture conditions, use of laminar flow hood, phase contrast microscopy and photomicroscopy, preparation and contents of a variety of media, cryogenic storage of cells, indirect immunofluorescence, monoclonal antibodies, and biochemical characterization of cell specific markers. Two hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory session per week. Fall (Cr. 3)
426. Immunology. Study of fundamental properties of antigens and antibodies. Theories of antibody production, tolerance, transplantation immunity, autoimmunity, tumor immunology, and immunochemistry. Introduction to antibody-mediated and cell-mediated reactions. Three lectures. Spring. (Cr. 3)
431. Freshwater Ecology. Study of the ecology of freshwater communities, including physical, chemical, and biotic components. Field-oriented laboratories emphasize comparison of major freshwater systems. Two lectures and one, three hour laboratory per week. Fall. Prerequisite: BIOL 223. (Cr. 3)
432. Estuarine and Coastal Ecology. Studies of estuarine and near-shore marine ecosystems with emphasis on local temperate habitats. Two lectures and three field or laboratory hours. Fall. Prerequisite: BIOL 223. (Cr. 3)
The following courses are offered for and are restricted to students majoring in departments other than Biology. Under no circumstances, except with permission of the Chair, will students majoring in Biology receive major credit for the following courses.
115-116. Principles of Biology. An introduction to the basic principles and concepts of biology. Aspects of cell and molecular biology, physiology, genetics, evolution, and ecology are studied with emphasis on the human organism. Two lectures and one discussion period. Offered alternating semesters. Corequisite: BIOL 117-118. (Cr. 2, 2)
117-118. Principles of Biology Laboratory. Appropriate laboratory exercises to illustrate the principles and concepts discussed in BIOL 115-116. An introduction to the methods and techniques used by the biologist. Three laboratory hours. Offered alternating semesters. Corequisite: BIOL 115-116. (Cr. 2, 2)
207-208. Anatomy and Physiology. Structure and functions of the organs and systems of the human body with expanded coverage of topics such as mechanisms of disease. Two lectures and one three-hour laboratory period. Offered alternating semesters. Biology majors in the Education studies and Pre-Physical Therapy studies may take this course for Biology credit. (Cr. 3, 3)
222. Biology for Engineers. The general principles of modern science and biology, with focus on engineering solutions to biological problems, including pollution, bioremediation, genetic engineering and risk assessment. Three lectures. Spring. (Cr. 3)
224. Biology for Engineers Laboratory. Introduction to the methods and techniques of biology, and their relationship to engineering principles found in biological systems. Two laboratory hours. Spring. (Cr. 1)
306. Physiology of Exercise. The investigation of human physiological responses to exercise in relation to age, sex, physical fitness, and environmental conditions. Two lectures and two laboratory hours. Fall. Biology majors in the Pre-Physical Therapy studies may take this course for Biology credit. (Cr. 3)
309. Kinesiology. The study of mechanical and anatomical aspects of human movement. Accepted for major credit only for students in the physiology of exercise concentration. Two lectures and one laboratory hour. Spring. Biology majors in the Pre-Physical Therapy studies may take this course for Biology credit. (Cr. 2)
333. Human Pathophysiology. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of disease, the rationale for designated treatments, and the complex interrelationships between critical systems. Two lectures. Fall. Prerequisites: BIOL 207-208. Biology majors in the Forensic studies may take this course for Biology credit. (Cr. 2)
334. Pharmaco-Physiology. Discussion of disease states and their treatment by pharmacological means. Special emphasis will be placed on the descriptive influence of pathology on systemic function and the use of drugs to restore balance. Two lectures. Spring. Prerequisite: BIOL 207-208 (Cr. 2)
441. Cardiovascular Biology. Anatomical, physiological, pathological and nutritional aspects of the human cardiovascular system. Three lectures and a monograph based on library research or supervised laboratory experience at a hospital cardiac stress testing laboratory for students who have successfully completed BIOL 443. Three lecture hours. Spring. Biology majors in the Pre-Physical Therapy studies may take this course for Biology credit. (Cr. 3)
443. Basic Electrocardiography. The understanding and interpretation of basic normal and abnormal electrocardiographic patterns. Two lectures. Fall. Biology majors in the Pre-Physical Therapy studies may take this course for Biology credit. (Cr. 2)
445.Therapeutic Prescriptions, Exercises, and Modalities. Understanding prescriptions for the rehabilitation of specific disorders through the use of exercise and modalities. Fall Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Biology majors in the Pre-Physical Therapy studies may take this course for Biology credit. (Cr. 2)