Course Descriptions
As of Fall 2023, courses of study in Bachelor of Science Major in Marine Biology have been discontinued for future enrollments. However, students currently enrolled in these programs will be supported as they complete their degrees or as they transition to other academic programs.
BIOL101 Essentials of Biology
This course is intended for non-majors, particularly those students interested in health-related fields. The focus of the course will be upon principles of biology and topics related to human biology. Potential topics include biological chemistry, cell structure, function and processes, heredity, nutrition, and human ecology. This course will not count as a biology elective for biology majors. Cannot be taken for credit if a student has passed BIOL 111. Credit 3 hours.
BIOL111 Biology 1
The Unity of Life. Fundamental principles of prokaryotic and eukaryotic life. An examination of life processes from the molecular to the ecological level. Lecture and laboratory. Credit 4 hours.
BIOL112 Biology 2
The Diversity of Life. Evolutionary diversity of eukaryotes, with an emphasis on animals and plants. Animal and plant structure and function. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 101 or 111, or consent of instructor. Credit 4 hours.
BIOL216 Cell Biology
A study of structure and function at the molecular, organelle, and cellular levels of organization. The course will examine in detail the major cellular processes in eukaryotic cells. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 111 and CHEM 111, or consent of instructor. Credit 4 hours.
BIOL230 Genetics and Evolution
An examination of the fundamentals of transmission, population and molecular genetics, and the principles of organic evolution. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 111 or consent of instructor. Credit 4 hours.
BIOL241 Human Anatomy and Physiology 1
An in depth study of the structure and function of the human body focusing on the integumentary, circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive and urinary systems. Students desiring a comprehensive knowledge of human anatomy and physiology should take BIOL 241 and 242. Laboratory consists of histological surveys and physiological experiments. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 111 or consent of instructor. Credit 4 hours.
BIOL242 Human Anatomy and Physiology 2
An in depth study of the structure and function of the human body focusing on the skeletal, muscular, nervous, sensory, endocrine and reproductive systems. Students desiring a comprehensive knowledge of human anatomy and physiology should take both BIOL 241 and 242. Laboratory consists of a hands-on cadaver based on gross human anatomy survey. Lecture and Laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 241 or consent of instructor. Students may not receive credit for both Biology 242 and Biology 245. Credit 5 hours.
BIOL245 Gross Human Anatomy
A cadaver-based comprehensive laboratory exploration of human anatomy with an emphasis on the musculo-skeletal system. Prerequisite: A college level Human Anatomy and Physiology course or consent of instructor. Students may not receive credit for both Biology 242 and Biology 245. Credit 2 hours.
BIOL305 Marine Biology
An introduction to the diverse array of marine organisms and marine habitats. Examination of the ecology of oceans from the intertidal to the deep sea. Emphasis upon adaptations to environmental factors and ecological relationships. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 111 and 112, or consent of instructor. Credit 5 hours.
BIOL306 Freshwater Biology
An introduction to the biology found in streams, rivers, and lakes, and the role that biological, physical, and chemical factors play in determining the abundance and distribution of freshwater organisms. Field investigations are a significant component of the laboratory for this course, providing an opportunity to learn various techniques of sampling freshwater habitats. Lecture and laboratory. Credit 5 hours.
BIOL310 Developmental Biology
The study of patterns of development, mechanisms of cellular differentiation, and cellular interactions in development in animals and plants. Examination of the cellular, molecular, and genetic mechanisms governing these processes. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 216 or consent of instructor. Credit 5 hours.
BIOL322 Animal Behavior
An examination of the different approaches and methodologies used to study animal behavior. Specific topics for discussion will include foraging, reproduction, parental care, communication, and sociality. Prerequisite: BIOL 111 or 112 or consent of instructor. Credit 5 hours.
BIOL325 Animal Physiology
A general and comparative examination of the major functional systems in animals. Emphasis upon regulatory mechanisms underlying physiological processes. Physiological adaptations at the cellular, molecular, and organ-system levels will be explored. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 216 or consent of instructor. Credit 5 hours.
BIOL331 Principles of Nutrition
Utilization of basic nutrients throughout the life cycle. Emphasis on community nutrition and diet therapy. Prerequisite (or concurrent enrollment): BIOL 241 or consent of instructor. Credit 3 hours.
BIOL334 Microbiology
An introduction to the study of microorganisms with emphasis on bacteria. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 111 or consent of instructor. Credit 5 hours.
BIOL336 Ecology
The relation, formation, and associations of animals and plant communities. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 111 and 112. Credit 5 hours.
BIOL340 Molecular Biology
A laboratory-based class in which students will investigate various techniques commonly used in molecular biology research. This course specifically focuses on nucleic acids and proteins. For each technique studied, students will investigate and understand the rationale behind the technique as well as specific applications and protocols. Examples of specific applications will be provided by readings from current scientific literature. Credit 4 hours.
BIOL342 Cadaver Dissection
Advanced training in gross human anatomy and dissection techniques. Students will perform selected dissections on a human cadaver specimen. Prerequisites: BIOL 242 or BIOL 245 and consent of instructor. Graded S/U. Credit 1 to 2 hours. Can be repeated for a maximum of 4 credit hours.
BIOL352 Readings in Biology
An independent study course in the biological sciences for reading in specific and advanced fields of study. Open to students of junior/senior standing with 8 or more hours in biology. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Graded S/U. Credit 1 to 2 hours.
BIOL353 Problems in Biology
An independent study course in the biological sciences that utilizes one or more components of the scientific method in conducting field or laboratory research: literature review, development of methodologies, data collection, data analysis and/or the writing of a scientific paper. Open to students of junior/senior standing with 8 or more hours in biology. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Graded S/U. Credit 1 to 2 hours.
BIOL361 Marine Biology Seminar
This course explores the scientific literature pertaining to different groups of marine organisms. Its chief aim is to broaden the knowledge of marine biological diversity for students, especially marine biology majors. It will be taught primarily via instructor-led discussions of specific groups of marine organisms (e.g. invertebrates; birds and mammals; fishes; plankton) and current research topics. Students will be assigned weekly readings and assignments and be expected to participate in group discussions of the material. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: BIOL 112 or consent of instructor. Credit 1 hour.
BIOL430 Biochemistry
An introduction to the structure and function of biomolecules. Emphasis on proteins and carbohydrates. Protein structure, enzyme kinetics, and regulation are studied as are carbohydrates and their metabolism. Structure of lipids, steroids, and nucleic acids are taught; a brief time is given to their synthesis and reactions within the cell. Prerequisites: CHEM 221 or consent of instructor. CHEM 222 recommended. Cross-listed with Chemistry. Credit 5 hours.
BIOL461 Seminar in Biology
While content will vary from year to year, the general theme of this seminar will be evolutionary biology. Credit 1 hour.
BIOL464 Senior Research
Library research, development of methodologies, data collection, data analysis, and writing of the scientific paper. Credit 3 hours.
