Biology (BIOL)
BIOL 111. Controversies in Biology. 1 Credit.
Offered Fall Semester Only; Lecture hours:3,Recitation:1
Introduction for the non-science major. Background on molecules, cells, and genetics. Required recitation will include discussions about current advances and controversies in biology. Not for pre-health students. Will not count toward the biology major. Students who take BIOL 111 may not take BIOL 121.
BIOL 120. Fight or Flight: The Biology of Stress. 1 Credit.
Offered Summer Session Only; Lecture hours:6
An exploration of biology through the lens of stress, this course will cover topics such as how stress relates to heart attacks, dwarfism, sex drive, memory loss, appetite, and aging. The course concludes with a biological-based discussion on how to effectively manage stress . Open to BCCSP.
BIOL 121. Biology for Non-majors. 1 Credit.
Offered Fall Semester Only; Lecture hours:3,Lab:3; May require dissection or live animal experimentation
Introductory course primarily for the non-biology major. Focuses on life at the cellular and biochemical levels, genetics, and biotechnology. This course is not appropriate preparation for the majority of pre-health graduate programs. Please consult with the Pre-health Adviser for more information.
BIOL 122. Biology for Non-majors. 1 Credit.
Offered Spring Semester Only; Lecture hours:3,Lab:3; May require dissection or live animal experimentation
Introductory course primarily for the non-biology major. Topics covered include principles of ecology, evolution, animal diversity, behavior, and structure, and function. It is not necessary to take BIOL 121 prior to taking BIOL 122. This course is not appropriate preparation for the majority of pre-health graduate programs. Please consult with the Pre-health Adviser for more information.
BIOL 130. Health and Disease. 1 Credit.
Offered Occasionally; Lecture hours:3
A biology course, for non-majors only, that explores the basic biological principles underlying normal health and the most common diseases of humans.
BIOL 131. Biology of Food. 1 Credit.
Offered Fall Semester Only; Lecture hours:3,Other:3
A course for non-majors that investigates fundamental concepts in biology through a focus on food and agriculture. We will debate current issues, such as genetic engineering, fad diets and our national farm policy. Lab involves hands on learning including growing and preparing food.
BIOL 137. Biology of Aging and Longevity. 1 Credit.
Offered Summer Session Only; Lecture hours:6
This course will explore questions in the biology of aging from a physiological, genetic, and evolutionary framework.
BIOL 142. Introduction to Neuroethology. 1 Credit.
Offered Occasionally; Lecture hours:3,Other:1
This introductory biology course explores the science of neuroethology, a discipline that combines the study of animal behavior and study of neuroscience. This class is appropriate for non-science majors who are interested in learning about animal behavior. Crosslisted as NEUR 142 and ANBE 142.
BIOL 150. Plants, People, and the Environment. 1 Credit.
Offered Fall Semester Only; Lecture hours:3
The diversity and evolution of plants, fungi, and related organisms with special emphasis on flowering plants; their importance for food, fiber, medicine, and psychoactive compounds; origins of agriculture; domestication of plants; and the role of plants in the environment.
BIOL 154. Society and the Environment. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
A biology course for non-majors only that explores society's impact on the environment and the environment's biotic and abiotic responses to various insults.
BIOL 1NT. Biology Non-traditional Study. .5-2 Credits.
Offered Fall, Spring, Summer; Lecture hours:Varies
Non-traditional study in Biology. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
BIOL 205. Introduction to Molecules and Cells. 1 Credit.
Offered Fall Semester Only; Lecture hours:3,Other:4
An introductory course which focuses on the molecular biology of cells. Basic biochemical processes, cellular and subcellular structure and function are emphasized. First core course.
BIOL 206. Organismal Biology. 1 Credit.
Offered Spring Semester Only; Lecture hours:3,Other:4; May require dissection or live animal experimentation
An introductory course for biology majors emphasizing organisms as dynamic systems by integrating structure with function. Laboratories introduce scientific method and collaborative learning. Second core course.
BIOL 207. Genetics. 1 Credit.
Offered Fall Semester Only; Lecture hours:3,Other:1
A comprehensive survey of genetic mechanisms and methodologies, including classical genetics, recombinational analysis in bacteria, fungi, and higher eukaryotes, molecular genetics and populational and quantitative genetics. Third core course. Prerequisite: BIOL 205.
BIOL 208. Principles of Ecology and Evolution. 1 Credit.
Offered Spring Semester Only; Lecture hours:3,Lab:3
Introduction to systematic biology, evolutionary theory, physiological ecology, behavioral ecology, population and community ecology, and ecosystem structure and function. Fourth core course. BIOL 206 and BIOL 207 strongly recommended as prerequisites.
BIOL 208E. Principles of Ecology and Evolution. 1 Credit.
Offered Spring Semester Only; Lecture hours:3,Lab:3
Same topics as BIOL 208 with more emphasis on human influences on living systems and applications of evolutionary biology and ecology to solving environmental problems. This course is intended primarily for students majoring in environmental studies, environmental science, and environmental engineering. Crosslisted as ENST 208.
BIOL 220. Human Anatomy. 1 Credit.
Offered Fall Semester Only; Lecture hours:3,Other:3; May require dissection or live animal experimentation
A course that focuses on the anatomy of and relationship between human muscles, bones, and organs. Lab involves dissection, with the cat as the primary specimen. Does not count toward the biology major. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
BIOL 221. Human Physiology. 1 Credit.
Offered Spring Semester Only; Lecture hours:3,Other:3
A course that focuses on the functions of and interactions between human organ systems. Does not count toward the biology major. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
BIOL 231. Phage Hunters - Part I. .5 Credits.
Offered Fall Semester Only; Lecture hours:Varies,Other:4
Students in this investigative laboratory course will isolate viruses that infect bacteria (bacteriophages) from soil samples and characterize the genome using molecular genetics techniques. Prerequisite: BIOL 205 and permission of the instructor. Corequisite: BIOL 207.
BIOL 232. Phage Hunters - Part II. .5 Credits.
Offered Spring Semester Only; Lecture hours:Varies,Other:4
Continuation of BIOL 231. Students will learn the theory and application of bioinformatics and genomics to analyze the genome sequence of a bacteriophage isolated from soil samples. Prerequisites: BIOL 231 and permission of the instructor.
BIOL 235. Introduction to Microbiology. 1 Credit.
Offered Alternating Summers; Lecture hours:6,Lab:6
An introduction to microbiology for non-science majors. Course will focus on the interaction between humans and microbes, not limited to disease.
BIOL 245. Tropical Marine Biology. 1 Credit.
Offered Summer Session Only; Lecture hours:10,Other:18
A field course in marine biology of coral reefs in the Virgin Islands for non-science majors. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
BIOL 266. Animal Behavior. 1 Credit.
Offered Both Fall and Spring; Lecture hours:3
A survey of important theories, issues, and empirical techniques in the interdisciplinary field of animal behavior emphasizing both proximate and ultimate mechanisms and explanations for behavior. Crosslisted as ANBE 266 and PSYC 266.
BIOL 302. Microbiology. 1 Credit.
Offered Spring Semester Only; Lecture hours:3,Lab:4
Ultra-structure, behavior, metabolism, molecular biology, and development of micro-organisms. Roles in disease and food production. Laboratory will emphasize cultivation and identification. Prerequisites: BIOL 205 and BIOL 207, and permission of the instructor. Crosslisted as BIOL 602.
BIOL 304. Biology of Cancer. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
The study of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that create cancer. Prerequisites: BIOL 205, BIOL 207, and permission of the instructor. Crosslisted as BIOL 604.
BIOL 309. Wildlife and Emerging Diseases. 1 Credit.
Offered Alternating Fall Semester; Lecture hours:3
Biology of wildlife diseases, especially zoonoses (infections that jump to humans). Course will integrate popular and scientific sources. Prerequisites: BIOL 206 and permission of the instructor. Crosslisted as BIOL 609.
BIOL 310. Neurobiology of Learning and Memory. 1 Credit.
Offered Spring Semester Only; Lecture hours:3; Repeatable
Focus will be on the cellular mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity, modification of synapses, signaling cascades, and consolidation of synaptic changes during learning and memory formation. Primary literature will be used extensively. Prerequisites: BIOL 205 and BIOL 206 and permission of the instructor.
BIOL 312. Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy. 1 Credit.
Offered Fall Semester Only; Lecture hours:3,Other:3; May require dissection or live animal experimentation
Gross morphology with emphasis on functional and evolutionary modifications of animal structure. Gross dissection and techniques used in morphology. Prerequisites: BIOL 122 or BIOL 206 and permission of the instructor. Crosslisted as BIOL 612.
BIOL 313. Mammalogy. 1 Credit.
Offered Alternating Fall Semester; Lecture hours:3,Other:3; May require dissection or live animal experimentation
Biology of mammals, including evolution, classification, biodiversity, behavior, anatomy, physiology, ecology, and conservation. Lab will include specimen identification, preparation, and field studies. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Crosslisted as BIOL 613.
BIOL 314. Amphibian Biology and Conservation. 1 Credit.
Offered Fall Semester Only; Lecture hours:3,Other:3
The biology of amphibians, including classification, physiology, reproduction, ecology, evolution, and conservation. Laboratory section will include identification of amphibians and field work to identify conservation issues surrounding local amphibian populations. Prerequisites: BIOL 206, BIOL 208 and permission of the instructor. Crosslisted as ANBE 314 and BIOL 614 and ANBE 614.
BIOL 316. Plant Growth and Development. 1 Credit.
Offered Alternating Fall Semester; Lecture hours:3,Other:3
The physiological and molecular bases of growth and development at the organ, tissue, and cellular levels. Effects of environmental stimuli and hormones on gene expression and the resultant changes at higher levels of organization. Prerequisite: BIOL 205, BIOL 206, and permission of the instructor. Crosslisted as BIOL 616.
BIOL 318. Principles of Physiology. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3,Lab:3
Emphasizes the breadth of physiology and explores physiological principles of animals from a cellular, organismal, medical, and ecological framework. Laboratory focuses on experimental design and independent research. Prerequisites: BIOL 205, BIOL 206 and permission of the instructor. Crosslisted as BIOL 618.
BIOL 319. Seminar. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:Varies,Other:3; Repeatable
Topics vary. Crosslisted as BIOL 619.
BIOL 320. Seminar. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:Varies,Other:3; Repeatable
Topics vary. Crosslisted as BIOL 620.
BIOL 321. Behavioral Ecology. 1 Credit.
Offered Spring Semester Only; Lecture hours:3
The consideration of behavioral adaptations to various ecological situations. Topics include habitat choice, foraging behavior, defenses against predation, mate choice, and brood care. Prerequisites: BIOL 208 and permission of the instructor. Crosslisted as BIOL 621 and ANBE 321 and ANBE 621.
BIOL 322. Physiological Mechanisms. 1 Credit.
Offered Alternating Spring Semester; Lecture hours:3
Integration of cell and organ physiology; emphasis on protein, ion transport, nerve and muscle physiology, cardiovascular, renal, and respiratory systems. Prerequisites: BIOL 205 and BIOL 206. Crosslisted as BIOL 622.
BIOL 323. Mammalian Histology. 1 Credit.
Offered Spring Semester Only; Lecture hours:3,Other:3
A detailed study of the microscopic architecture and associated physiology of mammalian cells, tissues and organ systems. Prerequisites: BIOL 205 and BIOL 206 and permission of the instructor. Crosslisted as BIOL 623.
BIOL 324. Neurophysiology. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
A study of neural signaling via stimulus-response, with an emphasis on cellular integration. Sensory-motor as well as more complex brain systems will be explored. Prerequisites: BIOL 205 and BIOL 206 and permission of the instructor. Crosslisted as BIOL 624.
BIOL 326. Cytogenetics. 1 Credit.
Offered Spring Semester Only; Lecture hours:3,Other:3
Study of chromosome structure, organization, aberrations, and behavior. Multiple eukaryotic systems will be considered with links to human disease. Perquisites: BIOL 205 and BIOL 207 and permission of the instructor. Crosslisted as BIOL 626.
BIOL 327. Molecular Biology. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3,Other:3
Synthesis of DNA, RNA, and protein, and the regulation of these processes in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells; laboratory experience in the manipulation and analysis of genes. Prerequisites: BIOL 205 and BIOL 207 and permission of the instructor. Crosslisted as BIOL 627.
BIOL 328. Endocrinology. 1 Credit.
Offered Spring Semester Only; Lecture hours:3,Problem Session:2
Regulation and function of hormones and their receptors from molecular to organismal levels. Role of hormones in development, physiology, and behavior; endocrine disease. Prerequisites: BIOL 205 and BIOL 206 and permission of the instructor. Crosslisted as BIOL 628.
BIOL 330. Plant Systematics. 1 Credit.
Offered Spring Semester Only; Lecture hours:3,Other:4
Exploration of the diversity of plant life on Earth through lectures, labs, and field trips; includes biogeography, natural history, evolutionary relationships, ethnobotanical uses, and identification. Prerequisite: BIOL 206 or permission of the instructor. Crosslisted as BIOL 630.
BIOL 331. Genomics. 1 Credit.
Offered Occasionally; Lecture hours:3,Other:2
A computer research-based course in which students study the structure, content, expression and evolution of genomes. Prerequisites: BIOL 207 and permission of the instructor. Crosslisted as BIOL 631.
BIOL 332. Developmental Neurobiology. 1 Credit.
Offered Spring Semester Only; Lecture hours:3,Recitation:1
Primary literature-based senior seminar on topics in developmental neurobiology. Prerequisites: BIOL 205, BIOL 207, and either BIOL 206 or NEUR 100, junior or senior status, and permission of the instructor. Crosslisted as BIOL 632 and NEUR 332.
BIOL 334. Limnology. 1 Credit.
Offered Fall Semester Only; Lecture hours:3,Other:3
The physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of fresh-water communities are studied. Prerequisites: BIOL 208 and permission of the instructor. Crosslisted as BIOL 634.
BIOL 336. Anatomy and Microscopy of Plants. 1 Credit.
Offered Occasionally; Lecture hours:3,Lab:3
Introduction to the internal structure of plants, including subcellular anatomy, plant cell types, tissue types, and the diversity of these types across the plant kingdom. Significant experience with multiple forms of microscopy involved. Prerequisites: BIOL 205 and BIOL 206 and permission of the instructor.
BIOL 337. Biology of Aging. 1 Credit.
Offered Fall Semester Only; Lecture hours:3
This course will explore questions in the biology of aging from a physiological, genetic, and evolutionary framework, with an emphasis on critical reading of primary literature. Prerequisites: BIOL 206 and permission of the instructor. Crosslisted as BIOL 637.
BIOL 339. Developmental Biology. 1 Credit.
Offered Spring Semester Only; Lecture hours:3,Other:3; May require dissection or live animal experimentation
This course provides an introduction to early animal development with emphasis on the molecular, cellular and genetic mechanisms that drive the formation of the embryo. Prerequisites: BIOL 205 and BIOL 206 and permission of the instructor. Crosslisted as BIOL 639.
BIOL 340. Biochemical Methods. 1 Credit.
Offered Spring Semester Only; Lecture hours:2,Other:6
A course in laboratory techniques including cell fractionation and analysis of proteins and nucleic acids. Spectrophotometry, chromatography, centrifugation, electrophoresis, and methods of molecular cloning are emphasized. Prerequisites: BIOL 205 and CHEM 351 and permission of the instructor. Crosslisted as CHEM 358.
BIOL 341. Evolution. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
Survey of evolutionary processes, phenomena, and mechanisms. Topics covered may include natural selection, sexual selection, adaptation, evolutionary constraints, speciation, evolution and development, coevolution, behavioral evolution, and macroevolution. Prerequisites: BIOL 208 and permission of the instructor. Crosslisted as ANBE 341 and ANBE 641 and BIOL 641.
BIOL 342. Neuroethology. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
A course that integrates neurobiology and behavior in natural contexts. Emphasis on signal detection, recognition, discrimination, localization, orientation, and the control of complex acts. Neuronal and hormonal mechanisms, ontogeny and evolution of behavior will be considered. Prerequisites: BIOL 206 and BIOL 208 and permission of the instructor. Crosslisted as ANBE 342 and ANBE 642 and BIOL 642.
BIOL 347. Virology. 1 Credit.
Offered Spring Semester Only; Lecture hours:3,Other:2
The study of virus structure, genome organization, replication and host-interactions. Emphasis will be on animal and bacterial viruses. Prerequisites: BIOL 205, BIOL 207, and permission of the instructor. Crosslisted as BIOL 647.
BIOL 348. Immunology. 1 Credit.
Offered Spring Semester Only; Lecture hours:3,Other:3; May require dissection or live animal experimentation
Development and function of the immune system in animals. The immune response in health and disease. Techniques in immunology. Prerequisites: BIOL 205 and BIOL 206 and permission of the instructor. Crosslisted as BIOL 648.
BIOL 351. Field Botany. 1 Credit.
Offered Fall Semester Only; Lecture hours:3,Other:1
Outdoor field experience in plant diversity and ecology. Excursions to natural areas focused on identification, community dynamics, and ecological interactions/adaptations. Prerequisites: BIOL 208 and permission of the instructor. Crosslisted as BIOL 651.
BIOL 352. Cell Biology. 1 Credit.
Offered Fall Semester Only; Lecture hours:3,Lab:3
Covers biomembranes, cell growth patterns, cell signaling, the cytoskeleton, cell organelles, and microscopic techniques. Laboratory includes experience with cell culture. Prerequisites: BIOL 205 and permission of the instructor. Crosslisted as BIOL 652.
BIOL 353. Ecosystem Ecology. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3,Recitation:1
Interactions between organisms and the physical and chemical environment including nutrient cycling and energy flow, biogeochemistry, and temporal and spatial dynamics of ecosystems. Prerequisites: BIOL 208, junior or senior status, and permission of the instructor. Crosslisted as BIOL 653 and ENST 353.
BIOL 354. Tropical Ecology. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
Introduction to tropical ecology including life history strategies of vertebrates and invertebrates, biodiversity management and conservation. Emphasis on class and individual projects, data collection, and journal keeping. Prerequisites: BIOL 208 and permission of the instructor. Crosslisted as ANBE 354 and ANBE 654 and BIOL 654.
BIOL 355. Social Insects. 1 Credit.
Offered Fall Semester Only; Lecture hours:3,Recitation:2
Evolution and genetics of social behavior, caste, communication in foraging and colony defense, queen and worker control over reproduction, social homeostasis and population dynamics. Occasionally may be taught as a laboratory science. Prerequisites: BIOL 208 and permission of the instructor. Crosslisted as ANBE 355. Juniors and seniors only.
BIOL 357. Ornithology. 1 Credit.
Offered Occasionally; Lecture hours:3,Other:3
The biology of birds, including evolution, behavior, anatomy, physiology, ecology, and conservation; lab trips focus on identification of birds in the field. Prerequisites: BIOL 206, BIOL 208 and permission of the instructor. Crosslisted as ANBE 357 and ANBE 657 and BIOL 657.
BIOL 358. Invertebrate Zoology. 1 Credit.
Offered Alternating Fall Semester; Lecture hours:3,Other:3
A survey of the invertebrate phyla covering phylogenetic relationships, functional morphology, ecology, life histories, symbiosis, ontogeny, and behavior. Includes hands-on study of organisms in lab and field. Prerequisites: BIOL 206, BIOL 208, and permission of the instructor. Crosslisted as BIOL 658.
BIOL 359. General Entomology. 1 Credit.
Offered Alternating Fall Semester; Lecture hours:3,Other:3
The biology of insects and their kin: anatomy, physiology, ecology, behavior, development, evolution, systematics, and diversity. Prerequisites: BIOL 206, BIOL 208, and permission of the instructor. Crosslisted as BIOL 659.
BIOL 360. Applications of Calculus to Medicine and Biology. 1 Credit.
Offered Spring Semester Only; Lecture hours:3
Biology has been described as the most mathematical science. Researchers in biology use mathematical models to design strategies for controlling epidemics, administering drugs, and managing ecosystems. In this class you will learn how to develop your own models, approximate solutions to your models, and compare these solutions to real data. Crosslisted as BIOL 662 or MATH 260.
BIOL 361. Systematic Biology. 1 Credit.
Offered Occasionally; Lecture hours:3
Seminar in systematics, the study of the classification, diversity, and evolutionary relationships of all life. Emphasis placed on molecular data and the importance of systematics to all fields of biology. Prerequisites: BIOL 207, BIOL 208 and permission of the instructor. Crosslisted as BIOL 661.
BIOL 362. Topics in Cell Biology. 1 Credit.
Offered Spring Semester Only; Lecture hours:3,Other:1.5
Selected topics in cell biology will be covered in a format (lecture, discussion, demonstration, seminar) that may vary from year to year. Topics may include membrane structure and dynamics, cell signaling, the cytoskeleton, protein synthesis and targeting, the cycle cycle, mitosis, cell-cell interactions and cell-substrate interactions, among others.
BIOL 365. Introduction to Microscopy. 1 Credit.
Offered Spring Semester Only; Lecture hours:3,Other:3
This course is designed as an overview of light and electron microscopy, with emphasis placed on the use of instrumentation. Prerequisites: BIOL 352 and permission of the instructor. Crosslisted as BIOL 665.
BIOL 370. Primate Behavior and Ecology. 1 Credit.
Offered Fall Semester Only; Lecture hours:3; May require dissection or live animal experimentation
Introduction to research on prosimians, monkeys, and apes with emphasis on the evolutionary origin of diversity, habitat use, social structure, social behavior, and cognitive abilities. Prerequisites: BIOL 122 or BIOL 208 or ANBE 266 or BIOL 266 or PSYC 266 and permission of the instructor. Crosslisted as ANBE 370 and ANBE 670 and BIOL 670 and PSYC 370 and PSYC 670.
BIOL 371. Field Entomology. 1 Credit.
Offered Fall Semester Only; Lecture hours:2,Other:2
Introduction to insects in their natural habitats, with emphasis on insect collecting, taxonomy, identification, ecology, and natural history. Students will make a professional-quality insect collection and acquire skills appropriate for biodiversity surveys. Prerequisites: BIOL 208 and permission of the instructor. Crosslisted as BIOL 671.
BIOL 399. Undergraduate Research. .5-2 Credits.
Offered Fall, Spring or Summer; Lecture hours:Varies,Other:Varies; Repeatable; May require dissection or live animal experimentation
Undergraduate research. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.