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BIOLOGY UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM

Courses in bold italics are required of all students. Courses in italics are core electives

101 (4 credits) General Biology I
An introductory sequence of two courses designed for all Biology majors that presents the unifying concepts of contemporary biology at all organizational levels through integrated lectures and laboratories. All basic life properties in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems are studied.
Prerequisite:

102 (4 credits) General Biology II
An introductory sequence of two courses designed for all Biology majors that presents the unifying concepts of contemporary biology at all organizational levels through integrated lectures and laboratories. All basic life properties in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems are studied.
Prerequisite:

190 (1-3 credits) Research
Conception and development of an individual research project.
Prerequisite: Freshmen and consent of instructor

200 (4 credits) Genetics
Introduction to the study of the chemical composition and structure of the genetic material and its transmission and function in development and metabolism. Combines classical and molecular approaches to the understanding of mechanisms of inheritance.
Prerequisite: 101/102

204 (3 credits) Science and Public Policy
This course explores ethical, historical, and political aspects of the utilization of scientific knowledge for the development of public policy.
Prerequisite:

207 (4 credits) Biosphere
An examination of the evolutionary history of the dynamics of the biosphere (the upper few kilometers of the crust, atmosphere, oceans, and anthroposphere) with particular focus on the role of life in the regulation of chemical and physical conditions.
Prerequisite:

208 (4 credits) Native Plants
A lecture/laboratory course, including field trips, that surveys the local flora of vascular plants and selected representatives of non-vascular terrestrial plants. The course emphasizes a basic understanding of plant morphology and reproduction in order to understand taxonomic and evolutionary relationships.
Prerequisite: 101/102

210 (4 credits) Field Biology
Field course involving the collection, preservation and identification of native and introduced flora and fauna.

218 (Variable credits) Directed Readings
Prerequisite: Sophomores and consent of instructor"

220 (4 credits) General Microbiology
Introductory course involving study of the identification, culture, physiology, and genetics of bacteria.
Prerequisite: 101/102

230 (4 credits) Ecology
This lecture/laboratory course considers how the physical and biotic environments of animal and plant species influence patterns of distribution and abundance, with specific emphasis on features of natural communities. Prerequisite: 101/102

240 (3 credits) Evolution
Includes the study of Darwin's theory of evolution and its implications, evidence from various biological disciplines supporting Darwin's evolutionary theory, chemical evolution and organic evolution from the cell to modern man. Prerequisite: 200

251 (4 credits) Comparative Anatomy
Lectures analyze the functional anatomy of vertebrates and the evolution and embryonic development of their structures and functions. Laboratories involve dissection of selected vertebrate organisms.
Prerequisite: 101/102

253 (4 credits) Plant Anatomy
Lecture/laboratory course dealing with the study of the structure and development of the cells, tissues and organs of vascular plants.
Prerequisite: 101/102

290 (1-3 credits) Research
Conception and development of an individual research project.
Prerequisite: Sophomores and consent of instructor

310 (4 credits) Cell Biology
Examines the chemistry, structure and function of cells and their components and the microscopic details of mammalian tissues and organs.
Prerequisite: 200

314 ( ) Quantitative Biology

318 (Variable Credit) Directed Readings
Prerequisite: Juniors and consent of instructor

320 (4 credits) Molecular Biology
Discussion and experimentation covering the structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes and their gene products. Regulation of genetic expression is stressed. The theoretical basis and application of current research techniques used in basic and applied molecular biology and genetic engineering are covered.
Prerequisite: 200

328 ( ) Global Environment

331 (3 credits) History and Philosophy of Science
A study of the major philosophical principles that have led to the development of the scientific methods and the major discoveries of science.
Prerequisite:

341 (4 credits) Animal Physiology
Lecture/laboratory course covering the muscles, nervous sytem, reproduction, and physiological regulation.
Prerequisite: 200

344 (4 credits) Plant Physiology
Study of the physiological processes and regulatory mechanisms associated with growth and development primarily in higher plants.
Prerequisite: 101/102

348 (3 credits) Biogeochemistry
Survey of the distribution of the elements composing the early with discussion of the reasons underlying these patterns, including examination of biological interactions.
Prerequisite:

390 (1-3 credits) Research
Conception and development of an individual research project.
Prerequisite: Juniors and consent of instructor

402 (4 credits) Insect Biology
This lecture/laboratory course includes taxononmy, morphology, physiology, behavior, and ecological and evolutionary relationships in the class, Insecta.
Prerequisite:

404 (4 credits) Parasitology
Considers the biology of metazoan parasites of man and animals and the host-parasite relationship.
Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor

405 (4 credits) Social Insects
This lecture/laboratory course considers taxonomy, morphology, ecology, evolutionary, and behavioral aspects of the social insect groups: ants, bees, termites and wasps.
Prerequisite:

407 (4 credits) Ichthyology
The study of fish biology, including taxonomy, morphology, population dynamics and distribution of fishes, and a critical review of current ichthyological research. The laboratory consists of field experience along with dissection of representative forms.

408 (4 credits) Herpetology
This lecture/laboratory course concerns the study of amphibians and reptiles and focuses on the taxonomic, morphological, physiological, behavioral, ecological and evolutionary relationships.

409 (4 credits) Animal Behavior
Environmental and quantitative approach to behavior illustrating basic principles, with emphasis on physiological bases, ecological correlates and evolutionary aspects.

410 (4 credits) Plant Systematics
A lecture/laboratory course that examines the basic principles of plant systematics and taxonomy through a survey of the major families of vascular plants as well as the methods of analysis used in understanding taxonomic and evolutionary relationships.
Prerequisite: 240

413 (4 credits) Developmental Biology
Examines the formation of the gametes, fertilization, cleavage of the zygote, tissue and organ differentiation. Emphasis is on the genetic and physiological mechanisms controlling these processes. Laboratory includes study of sectioned and living embryos.
Prerequisite: 310 or 320"

416 (4 credits) Advanced Cytology
Prerequisite: 310 and consent of instructor

422 (3 credits) Immunology
Covers humoral and cellular immunity against infections and non-self agents, cellular interactions and differentiation events associated with the immune response and applications of immunology to biomedicine.
Prerequisite: 310 or 320, chemistry through organic and consent of instructor

424 ( ) Environmental Microbiology
An integrated approach to studying the role of microorganisms in environmental waste management. The microbiology of air, water soil and sewers are addressed. Emphases are placed on the public health implications of microbes and their products in the environment, and the role of microbes in bioremediation of hazardous chemical wastes.
Prerequisite: 220

425 (4 credits) Pathogenic Bacteriology
Lecture-laboratory course in which the pathways of etiological disease agents, methods of their identification and therapy, and their control measures are considered.
Prerequisite: 220

426 (4 credits) Food Microbiology
Lecture-laboratory course involving the microbiology and epidemiology of food-borne diseases and food poisoning and microbiology of fermented foods. Methods of prevention and identification are considered.
Prerequisite: 220

428 (4 credits) Fundamentals of Molecular Phylogenetics
NEW COURSE Fall 2007
This course is designed to introduce the student to the theory and practice of phylogenetic analysis using DNA data. The course emphasizes a hands-on approach to molecular phylogenetics and combines lecture presentations with computer and lab exercises and discussion of original scientific literature. At the end of the course, the student would have learned the basic tools to do phylogenetic analyses and its applications.
Prerequisite: 320

430 (4 credits) Biostatistics
Deals with measures of central tendency and dispersion; binomial, student, and chi-square distributions; and hypothesis testing related to biological problems.
Prerequisite:

432 (4 credits) Plant Populations and Communities
This course will examine the structure and dynamics of plant populations and communities. We will investigate the ways that genetic and physiological properties of individuals are linked to community and ecosystem processes. We will focus on responses of populations to disturbance, and examine adaptation, recovery and succession in plant communities. We will study the response of plants to variation in abiotic resources and the role of species relationships in regulating populations. We will also examine the relationship between species' life history strategies and environmental variation. Laboratories will emphasize direct observation, experimentation and measurement of plants in the lab, greenhouse and in the field.
Prerequisite: 220 and 230

435 (4 credits) Freshwater Ecology
This course covers the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of freshwater ecosystems that make them unique. The fascinating aspects of lakes and streams will be addressed using a combination of lecture and laboratory exercises. This course is vital for those interested in ecology, aquatic science, and fisheries. Weekend field trips are an integral part of the course.
Prerequisite: 101, 102, 230

440 (4 credits) Bacterial Physiology
Comprehensive study of biochemical mechanisms and physiological behavior in bacteria.
Prerequisite:

441 (4 credits) Endocrinology I
Examines the endocrine system in a systematic manner, beginning with consideration of the chemistry, function and physiological roles of the hormones. Special emphasis on the molecular mechanism of action of these hormones and how are they are involved in the regulation of physiological processes. Emphasis is on the peptide, protein and catecholamine hormones. Prerequisite: 200, chemistry through organic and consent of instructor

442 (4 credits) Endocrinology II
Examines the endocrine system in a systematic manner, beginning with consideration of the chemistry, function and physiological roles of the hormones. The major emphasis is on the molecular mechanism of action of the thyroid, adrenal steroid hormones and the hormones of the reproductive system. Prerequisite: 200, chemistry through organic and consent of instructor; 441 is recommended

444 (4 credits) Neurobiology
The function of the nervous systems from a molecular and cellular perspective. Topics include cellular neurophysiology, synaptic transmission, processing of sensory information and motor control of movement.
Prerequisite:

445 (4 credits) Biochemical Genetics
Study of the chemical nature of the genetic materials, mutation, the genetic cods, protein synthesis, enzyme subunit structure, genetic complementation, and gene action and development.
Prerequisite: 200, chemistry through organic and consent of instructor

446 (4 credits) Mycology
General study of the biology of fungi, with emphasis on their development, phylogeny and ecology.
Prequisite:

448 (4 credits) Techniques in Biological Chemistry
Introduces students to the theoretical bases and practical applications of experimental techniques in cellular biochemistry. Lecture-laboratory instruction on the following: pH, buffers and solutions; purification of enzymes and other proteins by chromatographic and electrophoretic methods; enzyme kinetics; isozymes; estimation of relative molecular mass of proteins by denaturing and non-denaturing methods; quantitative analysis of experimental data. Prerequisite: A survey course in biochemistry

449 (4 credits) Population Genetics
Focuses on the genetic structure of populations, factors affecting gene frequency, genotype-environment interaction and genetic relationships in natural and artificial populations.
Prerequisite: 200 and consent of instructor

450 (4 credits) Molecular Genetics
Students learn transcription and translational regulation of gene expression, concepts of knockout and transgenic technology, RFLP and restriction mapping, and fundamental concepts of molecular aspects of genome size, concepts in bioinformatics and hands-on experience in basic recombinant DNA techniques. Prerequisite: 200, 320 or biochemistry"

451 (4 credits) Ultrastructure
Course in electron microscopy undertaking methods of preparation of biological specimens and a study of their fine structure.
Prerequisite: 310

452 (3 credits) Cellular Signal Transduction
Examines mechanisms by which cells respond to each other and other aspects of their environment, especially as they lead to changes in gene expression. Prerequisite: 310 or 320

454 (4 credits) Plant Pathology
Lecture/laboratory study of the nature, etiologic agents, and host-parasite interactions associated with plant disease development.
Prerequisite: 253

455 (4 credits) Experimental Plant Morphogenesis
Prerequisite: 253

457 (4 credits) Morphology of Lower Plants
Intensive examination of the development, ecology, and phylogenetic relationships of the prokaryotes, fungi, algal groups and bryophytes. Prerequisite: 253

459 (4 credits) Morphology of Vascular Plants
In-depth study of the origin, structure, ontogenetic patterns and evolutionary relationships of vascular plants.
Prerequisite: 253

462 (4 credits) Advanced Molecular Techniques and Applications
Prepares students with an in-depth understanding of modern techniques in molecular genetics so they can compete in an ever-growing biotechnology job market.
Prerequisite: 320 or 450

488 (4 credits) Genomics and Bioinformatics
NEW COURSE Spring 2007

490 (1-3 credits) Research
Conception and development of an individual research project.
Prerequisite: Seniors and consent of instructor

491/492 (3 credits) Honors Research
Conception and development of an individual research project.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in the COAS Honors Program and consent of instructor

493/494 (1 credit) Senior Seminar
Weekly seminar for undergraduates on current topics in biology.
Prerequisite: 200 and all core electives

496 (3 credits) Senior Thesis
Completion of an individual research project and the writing of an acceptable Senior Thesis.
Prerequisite: Seniors in the COAS Honors Program and consent of instructor

498/499 Honors Seminar
Prerequisite: MARC-supported students only

500 (1 credit) Topics in Molecular and Cellular Biology
An examination of contemporary issues in molecular and cellular biology. Prerequisite: 310 or 320 and consent of instructor

501 (1 credit) Topics in Anatomy and Physiology
An examination of contemporary issues in anatomy and physiology.
Prerequisite: 251, 253, 341 or 344 and consent of instructor"

502 (1 credit) Topics in Ecology and Evolution
An examination of contemporary issues in ecology and evolution.
Prerequisite: 230 or 240 and consent of instructor

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