Course Descriptions
Biology
BIO 251
Biology I (with Lab)
4 credits
This course is the first of a two part introductory Biology course designed for those intending to major in the Natural Sciences. Living organisms will be studied on a molecular and cellular level. Emphasis will be placed on the chemistry of biological molecules, structure and function of cells and their components, genetic patterns of inheritance, flow of genetic information and biotechnology. PRIOR TO FALL 2019, THIS COURSE WAS OFFERED AS SCI 251.
BIO 252
Biology II (with Lab)
4 credits
This course is the second part of a two part introductory Biology course designed for those intending to major in the Natural Sciences. Focus will be on the organism level with emphasis on evolution and species diversity, plant and animal structure and physiology and ecology. PRIOR TO FALL 2019, THIS COURSE WAS OFFERED AS SCI 252.
Prerequisite(s): SCI 232 or BIO 251
BIO 253
Anatomy and Physiology I (with Lab)
4 credits
This course examines the human body and its major systems. The course covers the chemical and cellular basis of life, along with tissues, the skeletal, muscular, nervous and endocrine systems. In this hands-on course, students will conduct dissections and perform experiments in laboratory conditions.BIO 254
Anatomy and Physiology II (with Lab)
4 credits
This course examines the human body and its major systems. The course covers the chemical and cellular basis of life, along with tissues, the cardiovascular, lymphatic, digestive, reproductive and urinary systems. In this hands-on course, students will conduct dissections and perform experiments in laboratory conditions.Prerequisite(s): BIO 253
BIO 336
Microbiology (with Lab)
4 credits
This four-credit lab course explores the unseen life on earth. The diversity of microorganisms, including the basics of cell biology and genetics, are examined. Students will gain a deeper understanding of how microbes shape the environment and their essential role in human life. Controlling microbes under special situations (e.g. food safety, hospitals), how the human body defends against microbial invaders, disease outbreaks, and current efforts to track and control infectious diseases are discussed. PRIOR TO FALL 2019, THIS COURSE WAS OFFERED AS SCI 336.
Prerequisite(s): SCI 232 or BIO 251
BIO 337
Genetics (with Lab)
4 credits
This four-credit lab course involves the study of gene structure and function. Topics include the molecular basis of heredity, Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance, mutation, and biotechnology applications. PRIOR TO FALL 2019, THIS COURSE WAS OFFERED AS SCI 337.
Prerequisite(s): SCI 232 or BIO 251
BIO 338
Ecology (with Lab)
4 credits
In this course, students will examine core principles of ecology, including nutrient cycling, and other physical parameters of the earth system. Students will also examine how these abiotic factors influence biota, as well as human impacts on the living and non-living earth. In this hands-on course, students will use key ecological tools and methods to study natural populations and processes. Data analysis will also be an area of emphasis.Prerequisite(s): BIO 251
BIO 352
Cell & Molecular Biology (with Lab)
4 credits
In this course, students will examine core principles of cell and molecular biology, including chemical and molecular foundations of life, genes and gene regulation, cellular organization and function, as well as cell growth and differentiation. As a lab class, students will conduct basic cell and molecular biology experiments, gaining experience in techniques fundamental to this level of biological organization. Students will apply understanding of basic biology to further their understanding of disease and aging.Prerequisite(s): BIO 251
BIO 449
Biotechnology (with Lab)
4 credits
This course examines the latest content on the science, ethics and regulations of biotechnology. Students will study genomics, microbial, plant and animal biotechnology, forensic analysis, as well as medical biotechnology and ethics. Students will examine biotechnology regulations in the context of emerging and existing technology. In this hands-on course, students will learn to safely work in a biotechnology lab using key tools of the trade.Prerequisite(s): BIO 251
BIO 450
Immunology & Virology (with Lab)
4 credits
In this course, students will examine the immune system and biological concepts governing it. The course will cover cells and organs of the immune system, as well as recognition, response, immunity, B and T-cell development, virology and infectious diseases. The course will also examine autoimmune disease as well as cancer. In this hands-on course, students will use key tools and experimental methods to study the immune system.Prerequisite(s): BIO 251
BIO 451
Proteomics (with Lab)
3 credits
This course provides students with a conceptual framework for proteomics. In this hands-on class, students will learn to conduct proteomics experiments, and become familiar with the tools necessary to do so.Prerequisite(s): BIO 251
BIO 452
Cell and Tissue Culture (with Lab)
3 credits
This hands-on course will prepare students to culture animal cells. Students will learn of lab safety, design and materials, as well as preparation. The course covers the vessels, substrate and media involved in culture, cloning and characterization of animal cells.Prerequisite(s): BIO 352
BIO 453
Computational Bio & Bioinform.
3 credits
This course will introduce students to the concepts and tools involved in bioinformatics. Topics include biological databases, gene prediction, phylogenetic tree construction and protein structure basics. Students will be introduced to R programming, and will then apply understanding of R using hands-on activities and biological examples. Prerequisite(s): BIO 251, DTA 447 or CSC 420 or SEC 290
BIO 454
Forensic Biology (with Lab)
3 credits
This course examines forensic DNA typing with a particular emphasis on short tandem repeats. The course covers basic DNA biology, as well as techniques in DNA extraction, quantitation and amplification. The course also examines statistical interpretation of forensic DNA evidence and DNA databases.Prerequisite(s): BIO 251
BIO 455
Scientific CSI (with Lab)
4 credits
In this course, students will examine core principles and laboratory techniques involved in crime scene investigation. Topics include recording the crime scene evidence, death investigation, forensic biometrics, bloodstain patterns, and DNA analysis. In this hands-on course, students will apply scientific tools and methods to crime scene investigation and various evidence types.Prerequisite(s): BIO 251