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CURRENT COURSES:
(Fall 2007)

BI 101
BI 301
BI 495


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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