Academics > Majors and Areas of Study > Biology > Course Offerings

(* Lab fee charged )
BIO 082/HPED 088/INDS 201 Physiological Basis of Exercise and Physical Fitness (4 C.H.)*
An overview of the physical and physiological aspects of exercise. Topics covered include biological systems necessary to adapt to exercise; the proper development of an exercise program; nutrition; exercise and weight control; psychological aspects of exercise; and beneficial and detrimental aspects of exercise. Students will be required to design and implement a personal exercise program. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory. Designed specifically to meet requirements of Group Five (Health) area of the IR.

BIO 092/GERO 092 Biology of Aging (3 C.H.)
An overview of biological and health factors and their influences upon the aging process. Processes caused by aging will be compared and contrasted with those caused by disuse, disease, and unhealthy lifestyles. Biological theories of aging, changes in sensory and other bodily systems, and holistic health practices will be emphasized. Offered during the fall of 1998 and alternate years thereafter. (P: Inds 131)

BIO 113 Human Anatomy (4 C.H.) *
An examination of the structure of the human organism. A systematic description of the organs and organ systems found in the human will be presented in lecture. The laboratory will consist of systematic dissection of the cat and the study of human models. Three lectures and one three hour laboratory per week. (P: BIO 145 or permission of the instructor)

BIO 114 Human Physiology (4 C.H.) *
A study of the activity of the organ systems of the human. Function will be examined at the molecular as well as at the integrated systems level. The relationship of structure to function will be emphasized. The laboratory consists of experiments designed to demonstrate and/or to amplify principles presented in lecture. Three one hour lectures and one three hour laboratory per week. (P: BIO 145)

BIO 116 Conservation Biology (3 C.H.)
The conservation and preservation of living resources (biodiversity). In addition to traditional wildlife management and forestry, attention is given to endangered species of all types of organisms, and threatened ecosystems, communities, habitats, and genetic resources. Economic, ecological and aesthetic significance of natural life and habitats are considered with special emphasis on the effects of human activities on these natural phenomena. Case studies of conservation problems. Examination of conservation philosophies. Three lectures.

BIO 117 Medical Terminology (3 C.H.) *
A study of medical terms related to the language of health care, including origin, construction and meaning of medical terms presented within a context of techniques for successful mastery and practical utilization. The medical terminology will be presented relative to body systems. Medical records will be used as a learning tool and as a demonstration of usage. (Three lectures per week. Offered spring term of odd-numbered years.)

BIO 145 Foundations of Biology (4 C.H.) *
A concepts-oriented interdisciplinary study of the theories that serve as the foundation of contemporary biology. The principles of inheritance combined with evolutionary theory provide the basis for an exploration of contemporary issues in biology including the generation and maintenance of biodiversity, the biological basis of social behavior, and the processes of natural and cultural selection. (Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Offered annually.)

BIO 162 The Animal Systematic (4 C.H.) *
A study of the characteristics of the major groups of animals, including the protozoa and the multicellular invertebrates and vertebrates. Structural and functional characteristics, natural history, habitats, life cycles, economic significance, taxonomy, and evolutionary relationships are emphasized. Lectures and laboratory studies of live and preserved specimens representing the major groups of animals. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory. (P: BIO 145) Offered spring term of even-numbered years.

BIO 172 The Plant Systematic (3 C.H.) *
A study of the characteristics of the major groups of plants, including the algae, fungi, mosses, ferns, gymnosperms, and angiosperms. An evolutionary theme is used to study structural characteristics, life histories, and reproduction. Laboratory studies of live and preserved specimens representing the major groups of plants. Two lectures and one three-hour laboratory. (P: BIO 145) Offered fall term of odd-numbered years.

BIO 212 Microbiology (4 C.H.) *
A study of microorganisms, emphasizing metabolism, nutrition, structure, reproduction, pathogenicity, evolution, ecological relations, and economic importance. Laboratory exercises include isolation, enumeration, cultivation, and identification of microorganisms, primarily bacteria. Three lectures and two two-hour laboratories. (P: BIO 145)

BIO 222 Entomology (4 C.H.) *
A study of the principal insect orders and families, considering their morphology, physiology, bionomics, evolution, and classification. Emphasis is placed on field study of local species and their identification, life cycle, habitat, behavior, and significance in public health and agriculture. Included are construction of a personal collection of local insects and field study projects. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory. (P: BIO 145) Offered 1998-99 and alternate years thereafter.

BIO 242 Developmental Biology (4 C.H.) *
A study of the development of biological organisms. Topics to be considered are gametogenesis, fertilization, cell division, morphogenetic movements, differentiation and organogenesis. Emphasis is placed on the analysis of the underlying mechanisms of the developmental processes common to microorganisms, plants, invertebrates and vertebrates. Related phenomena such as metamorphosis, regeneration and aging will also be considered. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory. (P: BIO 145) Offered 1998-99 and alternate years thereafter.

BIO 252 Toxicology (4 C.H.) *
An interdisciplinary study of the negative effects of chemical and physical agents on living systems. The course focuses on mammalian systems and includes an investigation of the mechanisms of action and biological consequences of toxic agents at the molecular, cellular, organismic, and ecosystem levels. Industrial toxicology, environmental toxicology, and food toxicology and assessment are considered. (Three lectures and one three-hour lab per week. (P: BIO 145, CHEM 160. Elective - offered based on demand)

BIO 272 Animal Behavior (4 C.H.) *
A comparative study of communication systems in animals, including humans. Sensory apparati and coordination and response systems are examined. Emphasis is placed on interactions between individuals in natural populations behavioral ecology. Recent information and theories on the nature of learning, social behavior, the evolution of behavior, and the utility of concepts of animal behavior in applied biology. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory. (P: BIO 145 and permission of instructor) Offered 1999-00 and alternate years thereafter.

BIO 282 Comparative Chordate Anatomy (4 C.H.) *
A comparison of the morphology of vertebrates utilizing an evolutionary approach to organ systems. Emphasis is placed upon the development and structure of each organ system found in the vertebrate organism. The laboratory consists of dissection of species from at least two classes of vertebrates which illustrate the principles learned in lecture. Three lectures and two two-hour laboratories. (P: BIO 145 and 162 or permission of instructor) Offered 1999-00 and alternate years thereafter.

BIO 302 Plant Physiology (4 C.H.) *
A study of the processes in plants and subsequent growth and development. Processes studied include photosynthesis, respiration, ion absorption, translocation, stomatal function, transpiration, hormonal activity, flowering and seed formation. As a study of producers, this course will examine those organisms so important because of their position inn the energy pyramid and the food web. (P: BIO 145 CHEM 140, CHEM 160. Recommended for second semester sophomore and above. Offered spring term of odd-numbered years.)

BIO 322 Genetics (4 C.H.) *
A study of the nature of hereditary materials, replication and genetic control of metabolism, development, behavior, evolution, and all biological functions. A consideration of the implications of genetic techniques and genetic theory for humans. Three lectures and three hours of laboratory. (P: BIO 145 and MATH 111; or permission of instructor; Chem 200 recommended)

BIO 332 Immunology/Parasitology (4 C.H.)*
A study of the complex interactions between parasitic organisms and their hosts. Internal and external parasites and their vectors are considered. The overall ability of the host to respond, as well as specific reactions to important parasites are discussed. The effects of parasites and their associated diseases, and of preventative and curative measures involved in their control are included. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. (P: BIO 145) Offered 1999-00 and alternate years thereafter.

BIO 342 Introduction to Methods (4 C.H.)*
Applications of biological and statistical methods of biology to real world situations. Major consideration will be given to methods that assess the health of aquatic, wetland, and terrestrial ecosystems. The laboratory will emphasize applications of statistical methods to experimental design, collection techniques and data analysis; lectures will emphasize the synthesis of information collected. Both a formal paper and presentation will be required at the course's conclusion. (Two hours of lecture and six hours of laboratory per week. P: junior biology major or permission of instructor. Offered every fall term.)

BIO 352 Animal Physiology (4 C.H.) *
A comparative study of the functional features of whole organisms and their component organs and organ systems. Emphasis is placed on understand-ing basic physiological processes found in vertebrates and invertebrates. Physiological function as it is related to survival of organisms in their natural environments is stressed. Three lectures and one three-hour laboaroty-discussion.
(P: BIO 145)

BIO 392 General Ecology (4 C.H.) *
Current concepts of plant and animal population and community ecology including statistical analysis of field-collected data. Major consideration is given to population growth and regulation, organism interactions,
productivity, material cycles and community relations. The laboratory will
include participation in a long-term project observing plant and animal interactions. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory. (P: BIO 145; two of 162, 172 and 222; MATH 111) Recommended for the junior-level student.

BIO 412 Cell Biology: A Molecular Approach (4 C.H.) *
A molecular approach to cell structure and function. Membranes, transport processes and biochemical mechanisms are stressed. Energetics, kinetics, regulation, and interaction of cellular systems are emphasized. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory. (P: BIO 145; CHEM 200 recommended) Not recommended for students with freshman or sophomore standing.

BIO 422 Aquatic Ecology (4 C.H.) *
A study of aquatic habitats as ecosystems. Major consideration is given to trophic structure, limiting factors, community and population relations, and pollution effects. Various aquatic organisms are studied in both the field and the laboratory. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory. (P: BIO 145; one of BIO 162, 172 and 222; MATH 111) Offered 1999-00 and alternate years thereafter.

BIO 462 Senior Seminar in Biology (2 C.H.)
Integration of key ideas of biological science and processes of life into a philosophy of biology. Emphasis on constructive criticism of scientific arguments. Presentation of formal papers and talks. Participation in discussion. Two hours of seminar class. (P: senior biology major or 24 hours of biology and permission of instructor)

BIO 463 Senior Seminar in Conservation Biology (2 C.H.)
Critical consideration of the development of scientific ideas about the conservation and preservation of life on Earth and the responsibility of humankind to care for Earth and all of its living members. Assigned readings, off-campus lectures, and other events. Students are required to participate fully in discussion. Formal papers including a major paper on a personal philosophy of conservation biology. Two hours of seminar class. (P: senior conservation biology major or 20 hours of biology courses and permission of the instructor)

BIO 472 Special Topics in Biology (1-3 C.H.)
Intensive readings in a specialized aspect of biolotgy under the supervision of a biology faculty member. Available only when faculty load permits. Arrangements must be completed at least one term before the course begins. Formal report is required. Weekly meetings with instructor. A minimum of 40 hours of study per credit hour is required. (P: 20 hours of biology)

BIO 502 Internship in Biology (C.H. Variable)
An opportunity for senior students to gain practical experience in a field related to their major. A log book will be required as well as a final paper in which the student will react to the internship both objectively and subjectively, correlating his or her academic knowledge with practical experience. A minimum of 40 hours of supervised experience per credit hour is required. Senior status, petition of department. Available as permitted by faculty load time. All arrangements must be completed in semester prior to registration.

BIO 503 Internship in Conservation Biology (C.H. Variable)
An opportunity for senior students to gain practical experience in a field related to their major. A log book will be required as well as a final paper in which the student will react to the internship both objectively and subjectively, correlating his or her academic knowledge with practical experience. A minimum of 40 hours of supervised experience per credit hour is required. Senior status, petition of department. Available as permitted by faculty load time. All arrangements must be completed in semester prior to registration.

BIO 555 Cooperative Education (C.H. Variable)

BIO 582 Advanced Biology (C.H. Variable) *
Individual studies in biology. Students design and conduct a reading project or research project in an area of biology. The research project must include library, laboratory, and/or field research, and a written report in the format of a scientific publication. The project is done under the guidance of one faculty member and may be conducted for more than one term. Arrangements with the faculty supervisor are required prior to registration. (P: 15 credit hours in biology) Grade is IP until project is finished.

BIO 592 Independent Study ( C.H. Variable) *
Individual studies in biology for students who have achieved a 3.25 grade point average in their biology courses. The opportunities are the same as those for Biology 582. Students design and conduct a reading project or a research project in an area of biology. The research project must
include library, laboratory, and/or field research, and a written report in the format of a scientific publication. The project is done under the guidance of one faculty member and may be conducted for more than one term. Arrangements with the faculty supervisor are required prior to registration. (P: 15 credit hours in biology).
Grade is IP until project is finished.

Life Sciences Course Offerings:

AH 105 Taking Care of Your Health (2 C.H.)
A basic course for all students to investigate concepts of health, the structure and function of the health care delivery system, and the development of advocacy roles within complex systems. Offered annually.

AH 115 Food Patterns and Health
Food patterns and health is a course designed to study nutrition and health. Essential nutrients, metabolism, the digestive process, plus cultural and other influencing factors are some of the major topics. Offered annually.