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Course Descriptions—Biology (BIOL)

BIOL 101 Concepts of Biology (3)

(For students not majoring in a science.) An introduction to living things in light of knowledge of physical, chemical, and biological principles. The organization, processes, interdependence, and variety of living organisms are explored. Emphasis is on understanding the impact of biological knowledge on human societies. Current events that involve biological systems are considered. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 101, BIOL 105, or BSCI 105.

BIOL 102 Laboratory in Biology (1)

(For students not majoring in a science. Fulfills the laboratory science requirement only with previous or concurrent credit for BIOL 101.) Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 101. A laboratory study of the concepts underlying the structure and functioning of living organisms. Laboratory exercises emphasize the scientific method and explore topics such as the chemical foundations of living organisms, pH, cell structure and function, metabolism, DNA structure and function, mechanisms and patterns of inheritance, evolution, classification, and population biology and ecosystems. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 102, BIOL 105, or BSCI 105.

BIOL 103 Introduction to Biology (4)

(Not open to students who have completed BIOL 101 or BIOL 102. For students not majoring in a science. Fulfills the laboratory science requirement.) An introduction to the concepts underlying the structure and function of living organisms. The organization, chemical foundations, metabolism, genetics, evolution, ecosystems, and interdependence of living organisms are explored. Laboratory activities emphasize the scientific method in exploring these topics. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 101, BIOL 102, BIOL 103, BIOL 105, or BSCI 105.

BIOL 160 Human Biology (3)

(Science background not required.) A general introduction to human structure, functions, genetics, evolution, and ecology. The human organism is examined from the basic cellular level and genetics, through organ systems, to interaction with the outside world. Pertinent health topics are also discussed. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 160 or GNSC 160.

BIOL 181 Life in the Oceans (3)

A study of the major groups of plants and animals in various marine environments, as well as their interactions with one another and the nonliving components of the ocean. The impact of human activity on life in the ocean and the potential uses and misuses of the ocean are discussed. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 181 or ZOOL 181.

BIOL 211 Environmental Science (3)

A survey of ecological principles as they apply to the interrelated dilemmas of sustainability. Topics include overpopulation, pollution, over-consumption of natural resources, and the ethics of land use. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 211, BOTN 211, or PBIO 235.

BIOL 215 Population Biology and General Ecology (3)

A general introduction to population and community biology. Topics include evolution, population genetics, population growth and steady states, age structure of populations, multispecies dependencies, and ecosystem energetics. Illustrations are drawn both from both natural and human populations. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 215 or ZOOL 270.

BIOL 220 Human Genetics (3)

(For students not majoring in a science.) An introduction to genetics, focusing on the human organism. Topics include transmission and biochemical genetics, mutation, the behavior of genes in populations, and genetic engineering. The roles of recent discoveries in the treatment of genetic diseases, cancer, and organ transplantation are examined. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 220, BIOL 346, ZOOL 146, or ZOOL 346.

BIOL 222 Principles of Genetics (3)

Prerequisite: BIOL 101, BIOL 103, or BIOL 105. Recommended: CHEM 103. A study of the principles and mechanisms of heredity and gene expression. Plant, animal, and microbial organisms are considered. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 220, BIOL 222, or BSCI 222.

BIOL 226 Evolution (3)

Prerequisite: BIOL 101, BIOL 103, BIOL 105, or BIOL 161. An introduction to biological evolution, its principles, and their application to understanding the history of life on Earth. Discussion covers the history and evidence for modern evolutionary concepts and mechanisms, the origin of life, the molecular mechanisms of evolution, the evolution of plants, the evolution of animals (including man), the relationship between ontogeny and phylogeny, and the reciprocal relationships of evolution to the environment (including human culture).

BIOL 301 Human Health and Disease (3)

(For students majoring in both science and nonscience disciplines.) A survey of the mechanisms of disease and their expression in major organ systems of the human body. Topics include infections, cancer, heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, stroke, malnutrition, poisoning by environmental toxins, stress, inflammation, disorders of the immune system, and aging. Emphasis is on prevention of disease through control of risk factors and early detection. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 301 or BIOL 398H.

BIOL 302 Bacteria, Viruses, and Health (3)

(For students majoring in both science and nonscience disciplines.) An introductory study of the basic structure, genetic and regulatory systems, and life cycles of bacteria and viruses. Student may receive credit for only one of the following: BIOL 230, BIOL 302, BIOL 331, BIOL 398G, BSCI 223, MICB 200, or MICB 388A.

BIOL 304 The Biology of Cancer (3)

(For students majoring in both science and nonscience disciplines.) An overview of the biological basis of cancer. The development and progression of cancer are considered at the level of cell structure and function. The roles of genes and proteins are also examined. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 304 or GNSC 398C.

BIOL 305 The Biology of AIDS (3)

(For students majoring in both science and nonscience disciplines.) An overview of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) from a biological perspective. The development and treatment of AIDS and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are considered with respect to cells, viruses, genes, and proteins.

BIOL 307 The Biology of Aging (3)

(For students majoring in both science and nonscience disciplines.) An overview of the biological basis of aging. Topics include typical changes that occur in cells, molecules, metabolism, and structure during the aging process. The development and progression of several diseases associated with aging (including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, osteoporosis, and loss of visual acuity and memory) are discussed with respect to the role of genes, proteins, and environmental influences. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 307 or BIOL 398V.

BIOL 320 Forensic Biology (3)

An introduction to the basic principles of biology as applied to the field of forensic science. Topics include the biological features and characteristics of various types of evidentiary materials, as well as the basic principles of chemistry, cell biology, microbiology, and genetics that underlie various types of forensic analysis.

BIOL 331 Concepts in Microbiology (4)

(Fulfills the laboratory science requirement.) Prerequisite: BIOL 102, BIOL 103, or BIOL 105. An examination of the morphology, genetics, ecology, physiology, immunology, and pathogenesis of microorganisms. The use of microorganisms in the fields of medicine, food design and safety, and biotechnology are also explored. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 230, BIOL 302, BIOL 331, BIOL 398G, BSCI 223, MICB 200, or MICB 388A.

BIOL 334 Vaccines and Society (3)

(For students majoring in both science and nonscience disciplines.) An overview of the development and testing of vaccines, the prevention of disease by vaccines, and the role of vaccines in society. The scientific, clinical, and practical aspects of vaccines and vaccination are considered with regard to the immune system. Vaccine development is considered from a historical perspective, as well as in the context of current vaccine research. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 334, BIOL 335, BIOL 398R, GNSC 398H, or MICB 388D.

BIOL 350 Molecular and Cellular Biology (3)

(For students majoring or minoring in a science.) Prerequisite: BIOL 101, BIOL 103, or BIOL 105. An introduction to the basic structure and function of cells, with an emphasis on eukaryotic cell biology. Topics include cell-cycle growth and death; protein structure and metabolism; gene replication, repair, recombination, and expression; RNA processing and metabolism; and molecular transport, traffic, and signaling. The principles and uses of recombinant DNA and genetic engineering technology are also discussed. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 350 or BIOL 398S.

BIOL 356 Molecular Biology Laboratory (4)

(For students majoring or minoring in a science. Fulfills the laboratory science requirement.) Prerequisite: BIOL 222, BIOL 230, or BIOL 350. A laboratory study of current molecular biology and genetic engineering procedures, including the isolation of DNA, RNA, and proteins; electrophoresis; the use of restriction enzymes; cloning procedures; polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis; and gene expression analysis. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 355 or BIOL 356.

BIOL 357 Bioinformatics (3)

Recommended: Some background in either computer science or introductory biology. An introduction to the use of computers in the analysis of DNA and protein sequences and the significance of these analyses. Topics include genome analysis, evolutionary relationships, structure-function identification, pattern recognition, database searches and structures, and algorithms. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 357 or BIOL 398U.

BIOL 360 Developmental Biology (3)

Prerequisite: BIOL 101, BIOL 103, or BIOL 105. An overview of animal development, with an emphasis on the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms that guide it. Topics include fertilization, embryonic cleavage, gastrulations, early vertebrate morphogenesis, neural development, fate determination by cytoplasm specification and cell-cell interactions, transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene regulation mechanisms that mediate developmental processes, homeobox gene families, protein gradients, pattern formation, and sex determination and gametogenesis. Students may receive credit for only one of the following: BIOL 360 or BIOL 398T.

BIOL 362 Neurobiology (3)

(For students majoring or minoring in a natural science or psychology.) Prerequisite: BIOL 101, BIOL 103, or BIOL 105. An in-depth discussion of the biology and development of the nervous system. Topics include neuronal structure and function; communication at the synapse; membrane receptors and intraand intercellular signaling systems; gene regulation; gross organization of the brain and spinal cord; the processing of sensory information; the programming of motor responses; and higher functions such as learning, memory, cognition, and speech.

BIOL 398A Human Evolution and Ecology (1)

An examination of the varied biological evidence for the theory of evolution, including fossil records, DNA analysis, and geological and biogeographical changes. Discussion covers the struggle for existence, the survival of the fittest, and adaptation to the environment. Topics also include Darwinian medicine, the evolution of disease, and the role of evolution in the human ecosystem.

BIOL 398C Regulation of Gene Expression (1)

Prerequisite: BIOL 101, BIOL 103, or BIOL 105. An analysis of the mechanisms by which gene expression is regulated. Topics include the role of DNA sequence and structure, transcription factors, and cell signaling in gene expression. Regulation is also considered in the context of development, environmental influences, and human diseases.

BIOL 398J The Role of Nutrition in Cancer and Heart Disease (1)

A study of the relationship between diet and the development of cancer and heart disease at the level of molecules, cells, and genes. Topics include the scientific and epidemiological evidence supporting the roles of various foods, nutrients, antioxidants, fiber, fats, and genetics in the progression or prevention of these two major causes of mortality. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 398J or GNSC 398F.

BIOL 398K Stem Cells in Society (1)

An introduction to the biological principles that govern the origin, development, and utility of stem cells. Topics include the features of stem cells; their various sources; and potential uses in medicine, agriculture, and industry. The risks and legal and ethical issues associated with stem cell technologies are also examined.

BIOL 398P Pesticides and the Environment (1)

A survey of the history of pesticides, their importance in America’s environmental “awakening,” and their significance as contaminants. The evolution of pesticide usage, from overdependence to attempts at reduction, is also covered.

BIOL 400 Life Science Seminar (3)

(For students majoring or minoring in a science.) Prerequisite: BIOL 101, BIOL 103, BIOL 105, or BSCI 105. An examination of current topics in the life sciences through seminars and discussions based on representative publications in the recent and primary literature.

BIOL 422 Epidemiology of Emerging Infections (3)

Prerequisite: BIOL 230, BIOL 302, or BIOL 398G. An investigation of factors contributing to the emergence of new infectious diseases and the resurgence of diseases once thought to have been controlled. Disease symptoms, patterns of spread, and possible control measures are examined for new infectious diseases (such as Lyme disease and AIDS and those caused by E. coli 0157, the Ebola virus, hantaviruses, and cryptosporidia). Resurgent diseases (such as smallpox, anthrax, botulism, bubonic plague, dengue, influenza, tuberculosis, cholera, and malaria) and those caused by flesh-eating bacteria are also discussed. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 422 or MICB 388E.

BIOL 430 Microbial Physiology (3)

Prerequisite: BIOL 230, BIOL 240, or BIOL 302. An investigation of the processes of growth in microbial cells and populations. Processes studied include the metabolism of fermentation, the physiology of anaerobiosis, and the conservation and transformation of energy in bacterial membranes. Exploration covers the efficiency with which energy is used for growth and the structure and transport of membranes. Topics also include bacterial chemotaxis and the regulation of replication in bacterial chromosomes, the connections between RNA and protein synthesis, and the control of metabolic pathways. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 430 or MICB 470.

BIOL 431 Microbial Ecology (3)

Prerequisite: BIOL 230 or BIOL 302. A study of the interaction of microorganisms with the environment, with other microorganisms, and with higher organisms. Exploration covers the roles of microorganisms in the biosphere and the relation of microorganisms to current environmental problems. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 431 or MICB 480.

BIOL 434 General Virology (3)

(Students seeking to satisfy the laboratory science requirement should take BIOL 435). Prerequisite: BIOL 230. A broad investigation of viruses. Topics include the physical and chemical nature of viruses, methods of cultivation and assay, modes of replication, characteristics of the major viral groups, and the types of viral diseases. Emphasis is on viral genetics and the oncogenic viruses. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 434, BIOL 435, MICB 460, or MICB 461.

BIOL 435 General Virology with Laboratory (4)

(Fulfills the laboratory science requirement.) Prerequisite: BIOL 230 or BIOL 302. Comprehensive survey of viruses and techniques for their investigation. Topics include the physical and chemical nature of viruses, methods of cultivation and assay, modes of replication, characteristics of the major viral groups, and the types of viral diseases. Emphasis is on viral genetics and the oncogenic viruses. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 434, BIOL 435, MICB 460, or MICB 461.

BIOL 438 Immunology (4)

(Fulfills the laboratory science requirement.) Prerequisite: BIOL 230 or BIOL 302. An exposition of the principles of immunity and hypersensitivity. The fundamental techniques of immunology are presented. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 438 or MICB 450.

BIOL 486A Internship in Life Science Through Co-op (3)

Prerequisite: Formal admission to the Co-op program (program requirements are listed on p. 247). An opportunity to combine academic theory with new, career-related experience in the life sciences. At least 12 hours per week must be devoted to new tasks for a minimum of 180 hours during the Co-op session; four new tasks must be delineated in the Learning Proposal; and the course requirements must be completed. May be repeated upon approval of a new Learning Proposal that demonstrates new tasks and objectives related to biology and that continues to advance application of academic theory in the workplace. Students may earn up to 15 credits in all internship coursework through Co-op toward a first bachelor’s degree and up to 9 credits toward a second bachelor’s degree. Co-op credits may not be used for general education requirements and, unless otherwise specified, no more than 6 Co-op credits may be used in the academic major and minor (combined).

BIOL 486B Internship in Life Science Through Co-op (6)

Prerequisite: Formal admission to the Co-op program (program requirements are listed on p. 247). An opportunity to combine academic theory with new, career-related experience in the life sciences. At least 20 hours per week must be devoted to new tasks for a total of 300 hours during the Co-op session; five to eight new tasks must be delineated in the Learning Proposal; and the course requirements must be completed. May be repeated upon approval of a new Learning Proposal that demonstrates new tasks and objectives related to biology and that continues to advance application of academic theory in the workplace. Students may earn up to 15 credits in all internship coursework through Co-op toward a first bachelor’s degree and up to 9 credits toward a second bachelor’s degree. Co-op credits may not be used for general education requirements and, unless otherwise specified, no more than 6 Co-op credits may be used in the academic major and minor (combined).