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Biology
The courses listed below are for the 2012-13 Academic Catalog and are subject to change. Please reference the Academic Catalog for further information and course descriptions. If you are a current student, please reference the catalog in which you come under.
Please note, there are two tracks for Biology. First listed is the Bachelor of Science and following is for the Bachelor of Arts.
Bachelor of Science in Biology
Liberal Education Curriculum 49 credit hours
Biology Core Courses 18-19 credit hours
Biology Electives 17-20 credit hours
Allied Requirements 28 credit hours
General Electives 4-8 credit hours
Total credit hours for the B.S. in Biology 120 credit hours
Biology Core Courses 18-19 credit hours
Principles of Biology
BIO 101This course is an introduction to the basic principles of biology common to all living things. Topics covered include cell structure and function; the flow of energy through living systems; molecular and classical genetics; structure and function of animal organ systems; reproduction and animal development; evolution, diversity and ecology; and current environmental issues. The Honors Biology Laboratory affords the student an opportunity for supplemental advanced laboratory experimentation, conducted under faculty guidance.
Group A (choose one):
Botany
BIO 210All life depends on plants, organisms that represent the essential first step in transferring the sunÕs energy to EarthÕs food webs. Botany studies the plant kingdom, including its descent from green algae ancestors. We will look at the relationship among various groups of plants (phylogeny), how they are named and categorized (taxonomy), the kinds of plants (diversity of non-vascular and vascular plants), their structure and function (photosynthesis, respiration, anatomy, histology, nutrition, physiology), and their interrelationships with other organisms (ecology, symbiosis, economic botany). The laboratory part of this course may include local field trips.
Vertebrate Zoology
BIO 320This course will emphasize the comparative approach to the study of vertebrate animals, contrasting living species to their extinct ancestors, and tracing the similarities among organisms to show their common lineage. Lecture topics will include the classification, natural history, comparative anatomy, physiology, ecology and behavior of animals within each vertebrate class. Laboratories will supplement lecture topics through microscope work, dissections, anatomical models and field collections
Invertebrate Zoology
BIO 321This course is designed to give an overview of the diversity of life forms representing all the major invertebrate phyla. The course will cover the anatomy, physiology, classification, ecology and behavior of invertebrate organisms with special emphasis on evolutionary common ground among the major groups. It will include the importance of both beneficial and detrimental invertebrates in ecology and modern living and the relationship between the invertebrates and many advances in molecular biology. In the laboratory, students will study microscope slides, anatomical models, preserved specimens and dissections of representative animals.
Group B (choose one):
Ecology
BIO 330A study of the relationships among living organisms and their environment. The application of ecological principles to local environments is emphasized, and contemporary environmental issues are discussed. Laboratory includes field trips, data collection, analysis of ecological data and computer modeling of ecosystems.
Ethology: Animal Behavior
BIO 430Ethology strives to use evolutionary principles as a foundation for exposing students to a number of behavioral approaches. The course will emphasize the history, genetic mechanisms, and evolution of animal behavior. Topics include methodology and techniques used by behavioral scientists in research; behavioral ecology as it relates to social and environmental processes; the evolution of behavior patterns and social processes; and the neurophysiology and endocrinology controlling behavioral patterns.
Group C (choose one):
Cell Biology
BIO 450Cell Biology focuses on the structure and function of cells. It examines the molecular processes that are fundamental to life, including molecular genetics, metabolism, cell signaling, cell division, and differentiation. Laboratory experiments illustrate the techniques that are currently used to study cells and include staining, cell fractionation, immunological detection methods, and DNA/protein gel electrophoresis.
Genetics
BIO 460Genetics is the study of genes and how the information that they encode specifies phenotype. A review of classical Mendelian genetics and cytogenetics lays the foundation for exploring chromosome structure, molecular biology, recombinant DNA techniques, and population genetics. In laboratory, students arrange crosses between fruit flies, examine gene expression in bacteria, and manipulate DNA molecules.
Capstone:
Evolutionary Biology
BIO 440Evolutionary Biology is the study of organic evolution by means of natural selection. Topics covered include origin of the cosmos and prebiotic evolution, types of selection, population genetics, isolating mechanisms and speciation, evolution of sex, modes of reproduction, rates of evolution, and extinction. Students investigate evolutionary trends within the major groups of organisms, including humans.
Biology Electives 17-20 credit hours
Allied Requirements 28 credit hours
General Chemistry
CHE 111-112This course will introduce the fundamental principles of chemistry, matter, and the changes that matter undergoes. You will use demonstrations and laboratory experiments to obtain a clear understanding of the material presented. Topics related to your major and to environmental issues will show you the chemistry around you.
Organic Chemistry
CHE 211-212Organic chemistry is a systematic study of carbon compounds. This course provides a foundation for further studies of biology, chemistry, and biochemistry. You will study the types of organic compounds and their reactions and uses in everyday life.
General Electives 4-8 credit hours
Bachelor of Arts in Biology
Liberal Education Curriculum 49 credit hours
Biology Core Courses 18-19 credit hours
Biology Electives 17-20 credit hours
Allied Requirements 8 credit hours
General Electives 24-28 credit hours
Total credit hours for the B.A. in Biology 120 credit hours
Biology Core Courses 18-19 credit hours
Principles of Biology
BIO 101This course is an introduction to the basic principles of biology common to all living things. Topics covered include cell structure and function; the flow of energy through living systems; molecular and classical genetics; structure and function of animal organ systems; reproduction and animal development; evolution, diversity and ecology; and current environmental issues. The Honors Biology Laboratory affords the student an opportunity for supplemental advanced laboratory experimentation, conducted under faculty guidance.
Group A (choose one):
Botany
BIO 210All life depends on plants, organisms that represent the essential first step in transferring the sunÕs energy to EarthÕs food webs. Botany studies the plant kingdom, including its descent from green algae ancestors. We will look at the relationship among various groups of plants (phylogeny), how they are named and categorized (taxonomy), the kinds of plants (diversity of non-vascular and vascular plants), their structure and function (photosynthesis, respiration, anatomy, histology, nutrition, physiology), and their interrelationships with other organisms (ecology, symbiosis, economic botany). The laboratory part of this course may include local field trips.
Vertebrate Zoology
BIO 320This course will emphasize the comparative approach to the study of vertebrate animals, contrasting living species to their extinct ancestors, and tracing the similarities among organisms to show their common lineage. Lecture topics will include the classification, natural history, comparative anatomy, physiology, ecology and behavior of animals within each vertebrate class. Laboratories will supplement lecture topics through microscope work, dissections, anatomical models and field collections
Invertebrate Zoology
BIO 321This course is designed to give an overview of the diversity of life forms representing all the major invertebrate phyla. The course will cover the anatomy, physiology, classification, ecology and behavior of invertebrate organisms with special emphasis on evolutionary common ground among the major groups. It will include the importance of both beneficial and detrimental invertebrates in ecology and modern living and the relationship between the invertebrates and many advances in molecular biology. In the laboratory, students will study microscope slides, anatomical models, preserved specimens and dissections of representative animals.
Group B (choose one):
Ecology
BIO 330A study of the relationships among living organisms and their environment. The application of ecological principles to local environments is emphasized, and contemporary environmental issues are discussed. Laboratory includes field trips, data collection, analysis of ecological data and computer modeling of ecosystems.
Ethology: Animal Behavior
BIO 430Ethology strives to use evolutionary principles as a foundation for exposing students to a number of behavioral approaches. The course will emphasize the history, genetic mechanisms, and evolution of animal behavior. Topics include methodology and techniques used by behavioral scientists in research; behavioral ecology as it relates to social and environmental processes; the evolution of behavior patterns and social processes; and the neurophysiology and endocrinology controlling behavioral patterns.
Group C (choose one):
Cell Biology
BIO 450Cell Biology focuses on the structure and function of cells. It examines the molecular processes that are fundamental to life, including molecular genetics, metabolism, cell signaling, cell division, and differentiation. Laboratory experiments illustrate the techniques that are currently used to study cells and include staining, cell fractionation, immunological detection methods, and DNA/protein gel electrophoresis.
Genetics
BIO 460Genetics is the study of genes and how the information that they encode specifies phenotype. A review of classical Mendelian genetics and cytogenetics lays the foundation for exploring chromosome structure, molecular biology, recombinant DNA techniques, and population genetics. In laboratory, students arrange crosses between fruit flies, examine gene expression in bacteria, and manipulate DNA molecules.
Capstone:
Evolutionary Biology
BIO 440Evolutionary Biology is the study of organic evolution by means of natural selection. Topics covered include origin of the cosmos and prebiotic evolution, types of selection, population genetics, isolating mechanisms and speciation, evolution of sex, modes of reproduction, rates of evolution, and extinction. Students investigate evolutionary trends within the major groups of organisms, including humans.
Biology Electives 17-20 credit hours
Allied Requirements 8 credit hours
General Chemistry
CHE 111-112This course will introduce the fundamental principles of chemistry, matter, and the changes that matter undergoes. You will use demonstrations and laboratory experiments to obtain a clear understanding of the material presented. Topics related to your major and to environmental issues will show you the chemistry around you.
General Electives 24-28 credit hours
