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Biology is a broad area of science that includes the study of every aspect of living systems, their interrelationships and interdependencies. One of its purposes is to help people to understand themselves and their role in the biosphere. Most courses are designed with the thought that students should be stimulated to carry out critical, independent work. Students majoring in Biology are prepared for a wide variety of professional, cultural, and vocational opportunities including graduate study, the medically allied professions, and teaching (see descriptions of specific programs). Expanded programs of research will also absorb greater numbers of welltrained biologists. Present day biology makes liberal use of chemistry, mathematics and physics as tools. A student planning a career in biological science must therefore acquire a sound background in these basic fields.
BIOLOGY MAJOR: 48 credit hours
Required Courses: 36 credit hours
Core required for all BIOL majors: (17 credit hours)
BIOL 120 - Biological Principles I (4 cr)
BIOL 121 - Biological Principles II (4 cr)
BIOL 233 - Genetics (4 cr)
BIOL 234 - Cell Biology (4 cr)
BIOL 490 - Senior Seminar (1 cr)
Electives chosen in consultation with advisor (19-20 credit hours)
One course from the Ecology Group: (4 cr)
BIOL 348 - Principles of Ecology
BIOL 350 - Aquatic Ecology
BIOL 352 - Terrestrial Plant Ecology (W)
One course from the Experimental/Laboratory Group: (4 cr)
BIOL 342 - Plant Function and Structure (W)
BIOL 344 - General Microbiology
BIOL 346 - Developmental Biology
BIOL 354 - Biological Chemistry
BIOL 358 - Molecular Biology
Two additional Biology electives at the 300-level (8 cr)
One additional Biology elective course (3-4 cr)
Not more than four hours of Independent Study may be used to satisfy the major.
Required Supportive Courses: 12 credit hours
CHEM 120 - Introduction to Chemistry (4 cr)
CHEM 145 - Survey of Organic and Biochemistry (4 cr)
– OR –
CHEM 201 - Organic Chemistry I (4 cr)MATH 150 - Pre-Calculus (4 cr)
– OR –
MATH 151 - Calculus I (4 cr)
– OR –
Statistics Course (4 cr)
Additional courses in Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics are strongly recommended for majors who intend to
pursue further studies or employment in biology.
A Biology major wishing to teach at the secondary level is advised to obtain at least 12 credit hours in a second
discipline (for example, in Chemistry or Physics) if he or she desires to be certified to teach in that content area.
BIOLOGY MINOR: 20 credit hours
Recommended Courses:
BIOL 120 - Biological Principles I (4 cr)
BIOL 121 - Biological Principles II (4 cr)
BIOL 233 - Genetics (4 cr)
BIOL 234 - Cell Biology (4 cr)
BIOL - Elective course at the 300-level (4 cr)
BIOL 110 - BIOLOGY AND HUMAN CONCERNS (Area 3.2) (4 credits)
A study of biology with an emphasis on ecological, genetic, and evolutionary concepts. Topics such as
disruption of ecosystems, human population growth, world food and energy shortages, human disease, and
genetic engineering will be examined and discussed. Intended for non-science majors outside the Natural
Science Division. The course includes 2 hours of laboratory work each week.
NOTE: OFFERED EVERY SEMESTER, INCLUDING MOST INTERIMS
BIOL 120 - BIOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES I (Area 3.2) (4 credits)
An introduction to the study of biology with an emphasis on genetic, ecological, and evolutionary concepts.
The course includes 2 hours laboratory experience each week.
NOTES: THIS COURSE IS INTENDED FOR BIOLOGY MAJORS
COREQUISITE: CHEM 120
OFFERED EVERY FALL SEMESTER
BIOL 121 - BIOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES II (4 credits)
A study of the major taxonomic groupings of plants and animals using an evolutionary approach followed by
an in-depth study of photosynthesis, cellular respiration, and the physiological processes responsible for control
and integration in both plants and animals. The course includes 3 hours laboratory experience each week.
NOTES: PREREQUISITE: BIOL 110 OR 120; CHEM 120
OFFERED EVERY SPRING SEMESTER
BIOL 150 - HUMAN ANATOMY (4 credits)
A study of the structure of the human body at the tissue, organ, and system level. Laboratory work includes
dissection and histological studies.
NOTES: PREREQUISITE: BIOL 110 OR 120; CHEM 120 (STRONGLY RECOMMENDED)
OFFERED EVERY SPRING SEMESTER
BIOL 180 - INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (4 credits) (Area 3.2)
This introductory course will integrate concepts and material from several disciplines to analyze and
evaluate current environmental problems, study specific pollutants, and evaluate consequences of their
continued production. A modern and holistic approach is designed to meet both the needs of non-majors
with a serious concern about environmental issues and the needs of students who intend to pursue career
objectives in environmental science or ecology. The course includes 3 hours of laboratory work each week.
NOTE: OFFERED SPRING SEMESTER, EVEN YEARS
BIOL 200 - LIFE SCIENCE (W - Area 2.1B) (4 credits)
(Area 3.2 for teacher certification students only)
This course concentrates on concepts in life science that are typically included in the elementary and middle
school science curriculum. Enrollment limited to students who are preparing to teach in K-8 or special
education.
NOTES: PREREQUISITE: SOPHOMORE STANDING
OFFERED EVERY FALL SEMESTER
BIOL 225 - HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY (4 credits)
A study of the function, integration and coordination of the organ systems of the human body with an
emphasis on homeostatic control mechanisms. This course includes an experimental laboratory in which
basic human physiological responses are studied.
NOTES: PREREQUISITES: BIOL 120 AND EITHER BIOL 121 OR BIOL 150; CHEM 120 AND
EITHER CHEM 145 OR CHEM 201
OFFERED EVERY FALL SEMESTER
BIOL 233 - GENETICS (4 credits)
This course covers classical Mendelian analysis, mitosis and meiosis, genetic mapping, non-Mendelian
inheritance, chromosomal structure and mutations, the structure of DNA and RNA, transcription,
translation, molecular gene cloning and analysis, human genetics and the Human Genome Project, and
population and quantitative genetics. The course includes 3 hours of laboratory per week, focused on
experience in genetic mapping, cytogenetics, and molecular genetics.
NOTES: PREREQUISITE: BIOL 121
OFFERED EVERY FALL SEMESTER
BIOL 234 - CELL BIOLOGY (4 credits)
The course begins with an introduction to the techniques used in studying cells and the elements of
bioenergetics. Then the ultra structure and function of all major eucaryotic organelles are described in detail.
This survey includes the principles of cell metabolism and its regulation, membrane transport, and the cell
cycle. The course concludes with specialized topics such as the biology of cancer and the cellular
mechanisms of hormone action. The laboratory acquaints students with techniques employed in cell biology.
NOTES: PREREQUISITE: BIOL 233 AND CHEM 145 OR 201; OR CONCURRENT WITH CHEM 145
OFFERED EVERY SPRING SEMESTER
BIOL 250 - INTRODUCTORY MICROBIOLOGY (4 credits)
This course is intended to acquaint the student with the biology and importance of bacteria and viruses.
Particular emphasis will be placed on disease mechanisms, the nature of the most important diseases
afflicting humans, immunology, and selected aspects of applied microbiology with public health
implications (e.g., drinking water and sewage treatment). The laboratory will introduce a wide variety of
standard microbial techniques.
NOTES: PREREQUISITES: BIOL 225 OR 234; CHEM 120, AND EITHER 145 OR 201
OFFERED EVERY SPRING SEMESTER
BIOL 334 - VERTEBRATE EMBRYOLOGY (4 credits)
A study of vertebrate morphogenetic processes. Emphasis is placed on study of a generalized vertebrate
structure pattern and examination of some of the morphological specializations built upon this basic plan.
Laboratory emphasizes chick development and anatomy of the Ammocoetes larva, the dogfish and the cat.
Development - evolution interactions are explored throughout the course. Special lab activities support
work in this area.
NOTES: PREREQUISITE: BIOL 121
OFFERED EVERY FALL SEMESTER
BIOL 342 - PLANT FUNCTION AND STRUCTURE (W - Area 2.1B) (4 credits)
Astudy of the role and mechanism of the major processes of vascular plants from a functional and structural
approach. The integration of plant growth, reproduction, and physiology are stressed. Agricultural and
environmental implications are emphasized.
NOTES: PREREQUISITE: BIOL 121
OFFERED SPRING SEMESTER, ODD YEARS
BIOL 344 - GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY (4 credits)
This course is designed to acquaint the student with the biology and importance of viruses and procaryotic
and eucaryotic microorganisms including their structure, taxonomy, physiology, genetics, and ecology.
Emphasis will also be given to the mechanisms of disease and resistance. The course is intended for junior
and senior biology majors. The laboratory introduces viruses, bacteria, and a wide variety of
microbiological techniques.
NOTES: PREREQUISITE: BIOL 234
OFFERED EVERY FALL SEMESTER
BIOL 346 - DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY (4 credits)
Analysis of developmental processes including gametogenesis, fertilization, cleavage, morphogenetic
movements, growth, and developmental regulation. Major emphasis is placed upon the nature and control
of cell differentiation. Laboratory work emphasizes experimental studies on living materials.
NOTES: PREREQUISITE: BIOL 234
OFFERED SPRING SEMESTER, ODD YEARS
BIOL 348 - PRINCIPLES OF ECOLOGY (4 credits)
Study of the interrelations of plants, animals, and the abiotic environment. Environmental factors,
populations, communities and ecosystems are studied. Laboratory time includes field trips involving
intensive study of a variety of local ecosystems.
NOTES: PREREQUISITE: BIOL 121
OFFERED EVERY FALL SEMESTER
BIOL 350 - AQUATIC ECOLOGY (4 credits)
A detailed examination of freshwater organisms in relation to their physical, chemical, and biological
environments. Rivers, lakes, streams, and wetlands will be studied as interdependent ecosystems, with the
effects of man’s use and manipulation investigated where appropriate. The laboratory emphasizes field
work on regional aquatic ecosystems.
NOTES: PREREQUISITE: BIOL 121
OFFERED EVERY SPRING SEMESTER
BIOL 352 - TERRESTRIAL PLANT ECOLOGY (W - Area 2.1B) (4 credits)
An analysis of the factors that determine plant distribution. Initially this course will focus on the
observation and identification of local plants, plant types, and communities. Later in lectures we will
expand our discussion to major vegetation types in North America. Through field trips, laboratory
experiments and lectures this course will stress various aspects of community, population, and
physiological ecology. Specific topics will include competition and succession, population demography,
and productivity.
NOTES: PREREQUISITE: BIOL 121
OFFERED EVERY FALL SEMESTER
BIOL 354 - BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY (3-4 credits)
A study of the chemistry of cellular constituents, enzymes and catalysis, metabolism, and the control of
metabolic processes with particular emphasis upon the dynamic aspects of cellular metabolism. The
laboratory will consist of selected projects such as the purification and characterization of an enzyme.
Counts towards the experimental requirement for major only when the laboratory portion is also taken.
This course may be taken as lecture only (3 cr), or as lecture and lab (4 cr).
NOTES: PREREQUISITES: BIOL 234 AND CHEM 145 OR 202
OFFERED EVERY SPRING SEMESTER
BIOL 358 - MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (4 credits)
This course involves a detailed study of the molecular nature of genes, their regulation, expression and
manipulation. Emphasis will be placed on experimental analysis in understanding the genetic systems. In
addition, the role of molecular genetics in the area of biotechnology will be considered. The laboratory will
emphasize modern molecular methods in recombinant DNA work and related areas.
NOTES: PREREQUISITES: BIOL 233, BIOL 234 AND CHEM 145 OR 201
OFFERED EVERY SPRING SEMESTER
BIOL 395, 396 - INTERNSHIP IN BIOLOGY (2-4 credits)
Internships permit students to obtain credit for practical experience in biology and related fields. The level
and amount of credit for such experiences will be determined individually in consultation with the
department chairperson. Cannot be applied toward the 36 hours required for the major.
NOTE: OFFERED EVERY SEMESTER
BIOL 197, 297, 397 - TOPICS IN BIOLOGY (2-4 credits)
BIOL 199, 299, 399 - INDEPENDENT STUDY (2-4 credits)
Intended to provide experience in research or special techniques in biology on an individual basis.
NOTE: PREREQUISITE: CONSENT OF THE INSTRUCTOR
BIOL 490 - SENIOR SEMINAR (1 credit)
A one semester seminar dealing with major ideas in biology and required of all biology majors. In addition
to readings and discussions at group meetings, attendance at regularly scheduled Biology Department
Seminars is required. Grading System: S/U only.
NOTE: OFFERED EVERY FALL SEMESTER