Biology Major Course Descriptions:
(These are the
descriptions of the courses required that are taught by the Department of
Biology.)
BI 101 - Principles of Biology: (5 credits)
An introduction to the basic
principles of biology and a structure/function analysis of the cell. Topics
include: chemical principles, cell structure and function, energy, cellular
metabolism and growth and an introduction to Mendelian genetics. A weekly lab
complements lecture material with appropriate experiments and demonstrations.
(Fall and Spring Group III)
BI 102 - Evolution and Biodiversity:
Examines the processes of evolution and the
sequence of events that lead to the introduction of new forms of life. The
course starts with a review of basic information about genes, Mendelian
inheritance, the general structure of DNA/genes and control of gene expression.
Further topics include the theories of Darwin, adaptation, the emergence of
populations, speciation, biodiversity, the origin of life on earth (prokaryotes,
eukaryotes and multi cellular organisms.) The course will cover the evolution of
plants and fungi, the move of life from aqueous environments to land, the
evolution of animals and human evolution. Novel techniques and initiatives such
as the Genographic Project will be discussed. The text will be supplemented with
readings from the lay and research literature.
Spring Prerequisite: BI 101 or
permission Group III
BI 205 - Anatomy and Physiology I: (5 credits)
Students make a systematic study
of the human body, its structures, functions and malfunctions. Allows the
student to observe physiological processes in her own body, as well as in living
and preserved laboratory specimens.
Fall Prerequisite: BI 101 or permission
Group III
BI 206 - Anatomy and Physiology II: (5 credits)
A continuation of BI 205.
Spring
Prerequisite: BI 205 or permission Group III
BI 289 - Biostatistics:
This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of
descriptive and inferential statistical analysis for students in the biological
and health sciences. Topics covered will include data measurement, frequency
distribution and graphic presentation, probability, hypothesis testing, analysis
of variance, chi square tests and correlation and regression. Additional topics
will include relative risk, odds ratio, rates of fatality, rates of morbidity
and life tables. The course will have particular focus on the design of
experiments, probability theory and alternative methods of analysis.
Fall and
Spring Prerequisite: MA 102 or equivalent Group III
BI 375 - Human Genetics:
Continues the study of genetic concepts begun in BI
101. Students examine examples of current applications of human genetics, such
as population genetics, genetic intervention, genetic engineering, genomics, and
such genetic testing as amniocentesis and genetic counseling.
Spring
Prerequisite: BI 206 or equivalent or permission Group III
BI 490 - Senior Seminar in Biology:
The capstone of the major in Biology, the
seminar explores a variety of current research topics, such as advances in the ultrastructure of cells, the current status of the immunoglobins, human
pathophysiology, the genetics of behavior, and the biology of antiviral agents.
Topics vary to include areas of student interest and new research. Students make
oral and written presentations to the class on specific topics.
Spring
Prerequisite: Senior status
BI 495 - Senior Internship in Biology: (6 credits)
For full course credit, each
student works 16 hours per week at a site (e.g., research facility, zoo, health
facility) chosen with regard to career intentions and the content of the Biology
Program. Students keep a journal to examine experiences and their relationship
to the program. Interns meet weekly to discuss common problems, experiences, and
individual perceptions.
Fall Prerequisite: Senior status
Chemistry:
CH 110 - Principles of Chemistry I: (5 credits)
This course introduces the
standards for measurements, energy, and matter, the Periodic Table, atomic
theory and structure, chemical bonds, mole concept, stoichiometry, and balancing
chemical equations. Problem-solving is stressed. A 3-hour laboratory complements
lecture material with appropriate demonstrations and experiments.
Fall
Prerequisite: MA 102 concurrently or the equivalent Group III
CH 120 - Principles of Chemistry II: (5 credits)
A continuation of CH 110, this
course covers topics such as chemical equilibrium, oxidation-reduction,
properties of solutions, acids and bases, and gases, electrochemistry, and
thermodynamics. The course also includes nuclear chemistry and organic
chemistry. Problem solving is stressed. A 3-hour laboratory complements lecture
material with appropriate demonstrations and experiments.
Spring Prerequisite:
CH 110 or permission Group III
CH 200 - Organic Chemistry I: (5 credits)
This course offers an introduction to
the structure and chemical properties of organic compounds. Topics include
stereochemistry, the structure, synthesis and reactions of alkanes, alkyl
halides, alcohols, alkenes, alkynes, benzene and derivatives, aldehydes, ketones,
carboxylic acids. A 3-hour laboratory complements lecture material.
Fall
Prerequisite: CH 110 or permission Group III
CH 201 - Organic Chemistry II: (5 credits)
A continuation of CH 200, this course
focuses on spectroscopy and the structure and reactions of, amines, phenols, carbanions, heterycyclic compounds, lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins A 3-hour
laboratory complements lecture material.
Spring Prerequisite: CH 200 Group III
CH 301 Biochemistry of Macromolecules:
This course focuses on the structure
and function of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids. It also
focuses on the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and the role of enzymes in
biological systems, as well as replication, transcription and translation, a
recombinant DNA technology.
Spring Prerequisite: BI 101, CH 110, and CH 201
Group III