Biology

Degrees and Certificates

Courses

BIOL 102: Horticultural Science

This course is an examination of the scientific concepts on which horticulture is based. Emphasis is placed on the study of the plant, the basis of all horticulture activities. The subject of hydroponics is considered, and plants are grown hydroponically in the green house.

BIOL 107: Human Biology

The study of Human Biology including elements of cell biology, genetics, anatomy and physiology, disease, immunity, evolution, ecology, and the impact of humans on the environment. Not open to Biology majors.

BIOL 108: Botany

This course provides a comprehensive overview of plants, including diversity, evolution, anatomy, physiology, and ecology with an emphasis on experimentation and scientific writing.

BIOL 110: Plants, People, and Environment

This course is a study of plant life, including the evolution of the various groups of plants, and an introduction to the morphology and anatomy of vascular plants, plant genetics, and the functional life processes of plants. Some economic and ecological problems such as world climate change are also examined.

BIOL 115: Biology of Women

A study of human biology, anatomy, and physiology with an emphasis on the biology of women and their gender-based health and wellness issues.

BIOL 205: Emergency Medical Training

This course provides students with the classroom and practical skills needed to certify as a National Registry Emergency Medical Technician. Topics covered include, among others, medical terminology, patient assessment and stabilization, communication and documentation, incident management, and patient transport. Students will be certified CPR/AED during this course.

BIOL 208: Vertebrate Diversity and Evolution

Evolution is the unifying paradigm for biology that allows us to track the historical pathways and processes behind the force and functions that we see in current life. Systematics is the study of the diversification, and the relationships among living things. This course will introduce students to 1) the branching patters of relationships among taxa, and 2) the core concepts and methods used for evolutionary and systematic study.

BIOL 221: Introduction to Environmental Science

This course is a study of processes of the lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere, and of the human impact on the environment. Included are the consideration of ethical problems related to the environment and a review of environmental laws and government agencies.

BIOL 228: Field Botany

This course is an introduction to the taxonomy of vascular plants, with emphasis on the local flora and on the techniques of herbarium science.

BIOL 251: Endocrinology

This course is a study ofvarious endocrine glands and their hormonal regulations of diverse physiological functions inhealth and disease.

BIOL 268: Human Anatomy and Physiology I

This course is a study of human anatomy and physiology, including histology, integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, sensory, and endocrine systems. Laboratory study includes the anatomy of human and cat.

BIOL 269: Human Anatomy and Physiology II

This course is a study of human anatomy including the structure and functioning of the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Laboratory study includes of the anatomy of the cat and human.

BIOL 270: Human Nutrition

This course is a study of the nutritional requirements in humans. Topics discussed include comparative physiology of the digestive systems of domesticated animals, impact of nutrition on human health, nutrient biochemistry and metabolism, and nutritional management.

BIOL 280: Animal Nutrition

This course is a study of the nutritional and feeding requirements of domesticated species. Topics discussed include comparative physiology of the digestive systems of domesticated animals, nutrient categories, basic ration formulation, including uses of concentrates, nutrient supplementation, and forages.

BIOL 287: Topics in Biology

This course is intended to offer Biology students topics or areas of study that are timely and are not offered in the regular course offerings. 

BIOL 290: Genetics

This course is a synthesis of basic genetic principles and modem molecular theory.

BIOL 300: Immunology

This course provides an overview of the immune system, including its activation, effector mechanisms and regulation, and examines the impact of the immune system on areas such as infection, organ transplantation, cancer, and auto-immune disease.

BIOL 308: Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy

This course compares the anatomy of representative forms of vertebrates and includes laboratory study of the comparative anatomy of the shark, other lower vertebrates, and the cat.

BIOL 310: Evolution

This course is an examination of evidence for the theories of evolution with special attention to the modem synthesis of genetic and ecological factors. Also considered are the implications of evolution for religious thought.

BIOL 320: Physical Chemistry I with Biological Applications

This course is an introduction to the nature of thermodynamics and kinetics including equilibrium and rate transport processes. The focus is on applications of physical concepts to systems, especially those of biochemical and biological interest. Studies of chemical and phase equilibria are investigated thoroughly, and kinetic processes including Michaelis-Menton kinetics as well as transition state theory complete the course. (This course may be taken for credit as CHEM 320.)

BIOL 326: Ecology

This course is a study of the general principles of ecology of microorganisms, plants, and animals. Special emphasis is on field study of several communities.

BIOL 338: Plant Anatomy and Physiology

This course is an examination of morphology and anatomy of the vascular plants and a study of the fundamental life processes of plants: growth; reproduction; irritability; metabolism; and hormonal control.

BIOL 343: Microbiology

This course is a study of morphology and physiology of microorganisms, principles of lab technique, and cultural characteristics and environmental influences on microbial growth.

BIOL 351: Molecular Biology and Biochemistry I

This course is an introduction to the structural organization and chemical composition of cells and to fundamental chemical processes carried on inside organelles. Included are enzymatic action, transport across biological membranes, and basic metabolic pathways as they relate to cell structure. The laboratory focuses on current techniques for the isolation and analysis of basic biomolecules and on some practical applications of enzymology. (This course may be taken for credit as CHEM 351.)

BIOL 352: Molecular Biology and Biochemistry II

This course is an introduction to the biosynthesis of biomolecules, gene expression and control, and recombinant DNA technology. The laboratory focuses on current techniques for probing biochemical reactions and for isolating and engineering DNA. (This course may be taken for credit as CHEM 352.)

BIOL 378: Junior Seminar I

This course studies theory and practice of selected methods in biological instrumentation, research, and evaluation of data. Special emphasis is on those methods not covered in other courses in the department and on methods helpful for the completion of the senior project.

BIOL 420: Professional Internship

This course is a professionally supervised experience with off-campus scientists using modern research and/or analytical techniques. Settings vary from purely academic summer programs to private or public scientific institutions. A minimum of 50 hours in the experience is required for each one credit. (This course is a credit/no credit course.)

BIOL 425: Animal Physiology

This course is a study of the structure and functions of the human body and of the mechanism of bodily movements, responses, reactions, and various physiological states.

BIOL 477: Senior Seminar I

This course is an introduction to the literature of the biological sciences, including both research papers and review articles, and to the basics of scientific writing.

BIOL 478: Senior Seminar II

This course emphasizes polishing the skills useful to the student who is in the process of finishing the written portion of the senior project. When possible, the student makes an oral presentation of the senior project and completes a paper or reviews an article for publication.

BIOL 490: Senior Project

The senior project is begun in the second semester of the junior year and completed in the spring semester of the senior year. It generally is a research project developed with a faculty member.