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BIO 110: Principles of Biology I
BIO 112: Principles of Biology II
BIO 210: Human Anatomy and Physiology I
BIO 211: Human Anatomy and Physiology II
BIO 215: Functional Human Anatomy (replaced by BIO 210 & 211 Fall 2012)
NSC 335: Neuronal Networks and Systems
BIO 440: Senior Integrative Exercise in Biology
Course Descriptions
BIO 103: Human Biology
Goal: To familiarize the student with the practice and issues of
applying the scientific method and modern biological techniques to the study of
the human condition.
Content: An exploration of the biological approaches to the study
of the human species, human populations, and the human body. The first
part of the course examines cell theory, Mendelian and molecular genetics,
population biology, ecology, evolution, and modern advances in biotechnology.
These serve as contexts in which to evaluate applications of the scientific
method to understanding human existence and our interactions with the natural
world as individuals and societies. The second part of the course focuses inward
on functions of the human body, including nutrition, maintenance of the internal
environment, neural and endocrine control, immune responses, circulation,
respiration, reproduction, development, and aging. Laboratories involve data
collection and analysis of experiments directly related to human biology, using
both classic and modern technological approaches, computers, biochemical and
physiological test equipment, simulations, and a personal nutrition study. Taken
together with BIO 215 Functional Human Anatomy, this course fulfills the content
of a two semester sequence in Human Anatomy and Physiology at the introductory
to intermediate level.
Taught: Spring.
Prerequisites: None.
Gen. Ed. Category: Exploring how the natural world functions; (SM)
Credit: 4 hours.
BIO 110: Principles of
Biology I—Biological Processes
Goal: To expose the student to the underlying principles of
biology, including the requirements of living systems, the interaction of life
with the physical world which supports it, and the molecular basis that unifies
all living things.
Content: The principles of evolution, ecology, and genetics. An
introduction to the biomolecules that comprise all living things. An
introduction to the cellular basis of life.
Taught: Fall.
Prerequisites: None.
Gen. Ed. Category: Exploring how the natural world functions; (SM)
Credit: 4 hours.
BIO 112: Principles of
Biology II—Diversity of Biological Systems
Goal: To expose the student to the unity and diversity of the
living organisms that inhabit the earth. To examine the mechanisms involved in
the structures and processes used by living things to accomplish the
requirements of continued existence.
Content: The systematic survey of the major groups of organisms
from the bacteria to the higher vertebrates. A systems approach to the
functioning of living organisms from the cellular to the whole organism levels.
Taught: Spring.
Prerequisite: BIO 103 or BIO 110 or permission of department
chair.
Credit: 4 hours.
BIO 203: Research Methods
in the Biological Sciences
Goal: To learn basic methods and techniques of research in the
natural sciences, especially biology and chemistry. To become proficient in the
conduct of science and presentation of scientific information. To explore
practical, philosophical, and ethical aspects
of science.
Content: A “hands-on” introduction to all aspects of the
scientific method and scientific research. Students conduct experimental
practica and self-designed research projects, including initial formulation of
hypotheses, experimental design and instrumentation, data
analysis, and preparation of results for presentation. Students prepare critical
reviews of published papers, formal written research reports, and presentations
of original research designs and results in written, graphical, and oral
formats.
Taught: Fall.
Prerequisites: BIO 110, 112; CHM 101.
Gen. Ed. Category: Developing; Speaking Competency; (SM)
Credit: 4 hours.
BIO210: Human Anatomy and
Physiology I
Goal: To introduce the student to human gross and microscopic
anatomy and physiology. To encourage the student to think synthetically about
the interrelationships among form, function, development, and pathology of the
human body.
Content : An introduction to organismal structure, basic
biochemistry, cytology and cell physiology, and histology and tissue physiology.
A practical study of the structure and function of the human integumentary,
skeletomuscular, nervous, and sensory systems. The emphases of the course are on
relating structure to function, relating gross and microscopic anatomy,
developing 3-dimensional visualization skills, and becoming comfortable with the
terminology of human anatomy and physiology. This is the first semester of the
two-semester sequence in Human Anatomy and Physiology at an intermediate level.
Taught: Every Fall.
Prerequisite: BIO 103 or BIO 110.
Credit: 4 hours.
BIO 211: Human Anatomy and
Physiology II
Goal: To continue the introduction of the student to human gross
and microscopic anatomy and physiology. To encourage the student to think
synthetically about the interrelationships among form, function, development,
and pathology of the human body.
Content: A practical study of the structure and function of the
human endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic/immune, respiratory, digestive,
excretory, and reproductive systems. An introduction to human nutrition,
development, health, and pathology. The emphases of the course are on relating
structure to function, relating gross and microscopic anatomy, developing
3-dimensional visualization skills, and becoming comfortable with the
terminology of human anatomy and physiology. This is the second semester in the
two-semester sequence in Human Anatomy and Physiology at an intermediate level.
Taught: Every Spring.
Prerequisite: BIO 210
Credit: 4 hours.
BIO 270: Vertebrate Zoology
Goal: To survey the classes of vertebrates in order to develop an
understanding of their phylogeny and adaptations.
Content: An anatomical, physiological, and behavioral comparison of vertebrates
with an emphasis on functional morphology, structural design, ecological
adaptations, natural history, and evolution.
Taught: Spring. Alternate years.
Prerequisites: BIO 110 and 112.
Credit: 4 hours.
BIO 315: Animal Behavior
Goal: To familiarize the student with the biological study of
animal behavior. To introduce the student to the major historical and
contemporary perspectives of behavioral study. To allow the student to practice
field and laboratory methods of behavioral sampling
and analysis.
Content: A practice-oriented survey of contemporary approaches to
animal behavior, including behavioral genetics, behavioral development,
neuroethology, behavioral endocrinology, behavioral ecology and evolution,
ethology and sociobiology.
Taught: Fall. Alternate years.
Prerequisites: BIO 103 or 110; BIO 203 or PSY 305.
Credit: 4 hours.
BIO325: Neurophysiology
Goal: To
familiarize the student with the theoretical bases and experimental methods of
modern neurobiology, appropriate to studying the structure and function of
individual nerve cells and small neuronal systems.
Content: A practice-oriented introduction to cellular and systems
neurobiology. Laboratory exercise and discussion topics will include
electrophysiological, histophysiological, and neurochemical techniques, neuronal
membrane dynamics, synaptic function and plasticity,
sensory coding, sensorimotor coordination, central pattern generation, and
network function. Methods of study will include electrophysiological recording
from invertebrate and embryonic vertebrate preparations, neurochemical and
microsurgical manipulation, neuronal cell culture, histochemistry, computer
simulation, and correlational network analysis.
Taught: Fall. Alternate years.
Prerequisites: BIO 103 or 110; BIO 203 or PSY 305.
BIO 335: Neuronal Networks
and Systems
Goal: To familiarize the student with the scientific questions,
theories, methods., and practices of studying neuronal networks and systems in
animals. To become conversant with the primary scientific literature in network
and systems neuroscience, as well as functional neuroethology.
Content: A seminar-style course which samples from the range of
sensory, motor, and associational neuronal networks and systems in invertebrate
and vertebrate animals and the experimental and analytical approaches used to
understand them. Instructor- and student-led discussions will use both review
texts and the primary neuroscience literature of particularly well-understood
systems as source material. This will be supplemented with hands-on exploration
of computer-based simulations and models of neuronal networks. Specific topics
might include, for example, detection, discrimination, and topographical mapping
in visual and olfactory systems, owl and anuran auditory localization, fish
electroreception, bat echolocation, crustacean and teleost escape behavior,
coordination of leech swimming, locust flight, and birdsong, and the neuronal
substrates of daily and seasonal rhythms.
Taught: Fall. Alternate years
Prerequisites: PSY 101; BIO 103 or 110.
Credit: 3 hours.
BIO 340: Animal Physiology
Goal: To familiarize the student with the fundamental principles
underlying the functioning of animals, from cellular to organismal levels.
Content: A detailed survey of the mechanisms of animal physiology,
taught primarily from an organ-systems perspective. Topics include membrane
dynamics, neuronal and nervous system function, muscle physiology; cardiac
function and circulation, respiration,
digestion, excretion, endocrinology, and reproduction. This course takes a
comparative approach to animal physiology, with a specific focus on
physiological mechanisms in humans. Taken together with BIO 215, Functional
Human Anatomy, this course fulfills the content of a two semester sequence in
Human Anatomy and Physiology at the intermediate to advanced level.
Taught: Spring. Alternate years.
Prerequisites: BIO 110, 112; BIO 203 or PSY 305
Credit: 4 hours.
BIO 440: Senior Integrative
Exercise in Biology
Goal: To provide a capstone integrative experience for senior
biology majors.
Content: With faculty guidance, students will work individually to
research a focused topic integrating biological concepts and methods with those
of another academic discipline. Students will work collaboratively in a small
group to organize oral presentations
incorporating individual topics into a broader theme, question, or problem.
Students will make their presentations at the end of the semester to students
and faculty in the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.
Taught: Spring.
Prerequisites: Declared major in biology and the completion of at
least 19 semester hours in biology including BIO 110, BIO 112, and BIO 203.
Credit: 2 hours.
Rev. 08.12