Biology

Provide an understanding of the practice of Occupational Therapy through observation & readings in an independent study format.

General principles, cells and energy, hereditary mechanisms, survey of organisms, evolution and ecological principles. For non-biologists who do not plan a more extensive study of biology. Open to VSB majors.

The structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells; microbial classification; control of microbial growth, principles of disease; pathogenic mechanisms; host defenses. Eukaryotic and prokaryotic gene organization and function; analysis of patterns of inheritance; recombinant DNA technology; linkage and genetic maps, genetic variation in human populations; inheritance, diagnosis and treatment of metabolic disease; cytogenetics; immunogenetics; cancer; developmental genetics. Open to Nursing majors.

The structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells; microbial classification; control of microbial growth; principles of disease; pathogenic mechanisms; host defenses; treatments; antibiotic resistance. Gene organization/ function analysis of inheritance patterns; DNA technology; linkage maps; genetic variation. Open to Nursing majors.

Basic concepts and laboratory studies of anatomy and physiology with presentation of overall morphology and function of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine systems. Designed primarily for Nursing majors and students interested in allied health professions.

Continuation of Biology 1205. The structure and function of the cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, and immune systems. Designed primarily for Nursing majors and students interested in allied health professions.

Open to BIO and BSC majors.

Open to BIO and BSC majors.

Selected topics in biological and interdisciplinary studies. Will not count for credit for the biology major.

The lecture portion of Bio 2105. An introduction to biological organization stressing the molecular and cellular aspects of living organisms. The chemistry of life, the cell, the gene, and mechanisms of evolution.

The laboratory portion of BIO 2105; taken with BIO 2101. An introduction to biological organization stressing the molecular and cellular aspects of living organisms. The chemistry of life, the cell, the gene, and mechanisms of evolution.

The lecture portion of BIO 2106. The origin of life and diversity of organisms seen in five biological kingdoms. Topics include nutrient acquisition, digestion, circulation, response to stimuli, movement, reproduction, behavior, and ecology.

The laboratory portion of BIO 2106; taken with BIO 2103. The origin of life and diversity of organisms seen in five biological kingdoms. Topics include nutrient acquisition digestion, circulation, response to stimuli, movement, reproduction, behavior and ecology.

An introduction to biological organization stressing the molecular and cellular aspects of living organisms. The chemistry of life, the cell, the gene, and mechanisms of evolution.

The origin of life and diversity of organisms seen in five biological kingdoms. Topics include nutrient acquisition, digestion, circulation, response to stimuli, movement, reproduction, behavior, and ecology.

Student participation in independent research under faculty supervision, frequent conferences with faculty mentor on literature search and/or experimental research. Faculty mentor permission required.

Open to BIO and BSC majors.

Open to BIO and BSC majors.

This is the lecture-only alternative to the lecture/lab course BIO 3015; Animal Behavior, and does not count towards the EcoEvoPop Bio requirement for the Biology major. Topics include communication, foraging, territoriality, mating systems, parental behavior, and social organization.

Lecture topics cover communication, foraging, territoriality, mating systems, parental behavior, and social organization. Laboratories include collection, statistical analysis, and interpretation of behavioral data, culminating in a small-group independent research project.

The basic principles underlying how animals function and the mechanisms used to solve physiological problems.

A gross anatomical study of the human organism. Structural relationship within and between organ systems will be studied in both lecture and laboratory. Laboratory emphasizes structural relationships using dissection and 3D anatomical computer.

This course introduces research methods in biology, emphasizing hypothesis development, research design, data management, statistical analysis, and data visualization using the computational language R. No prior computational experience is necessary. Students will present findings through publication-ready figures, presentations, and posters.

Bioinformatics is a multidisciplinary field that uses computation tools to solve problems in evolutionary biology, disease biology, and cell biology. Students will use bioinformatics tools and databases to analyze DNA, RNA and protein sequences. No programming skills are needed

Evolution of homologous structures of vertebrates including functional considerations. Laboratory includes systematic and topical dissection of representative chordates and demonstrations of living organisms' functions.

Factors affecting the distribution, abundance, and interactions of organisms. Climate patterns, biomes, physiological adaption, behavioral ecology, population dynamics, species interactions, biodiversity, and conservation ecology. Emphasis on community level of organization and below; complements BIO 3385 Global Change Ecology. Hypothesis testing using statistical analysis of data.

Transmission, molecular, evolutionary and population genetics, gene regulation and genomics. Heredity; how genetic information is stored, regulated and transferred; how genes interact and relate to phenotype. Tutorials develop problem-solving and bioinformatics skills, and provide a forum for discussion. Chemistry pre-requisites may be taken concurrently.

Roles of ecology in documenting, responding, feeding back to, and mitigating human-caused changes to Earth's chemistry, geography and climate. Laboratories include ecological techniques, such as carbon flux measurements, and independent research projects. Emphasis on ecosystem-level processes with global consequences; complements BIO 3255 Evolutionary Ecology.

The microscopic study and demonstration of cells, tissues and organ systems of the mammalian body.

An introduction to chemical, physical and geological oceanography; the biology and ecology of marine organisms (Plankton, seaweeds, invertebrates, fishes, sea birds, marine mammals); and the comparative ecology of marine communities and ecosystems (estuaries, rocky intertidal, kelp forests, coral reefs, the deep sea and hydrothermal vents).

Lecture includes anatomy, sensory systems, physiological adaptations, reproductive biology, social behavior and interactions with humans. Laboratory includes functional morphology, ecology and taxonomy of preserved and collected specimens. Complements Invertebrate Zoology, which covers freshwater and marine invertebrates.

This is the lecture-only alternative to the lecture/lab course BIO 3595: General Microbiology. Bacteria, viruses, eukaryotic microbes, immune function. Microbes in air, water, soil: interactions with plants and animals. Agricultural, commercial, industrial, and medical applications.

Bacteria, viruses, eukaryotic microbes, immune function. Microbes in air, water, soil: interactions with plants and animals. Agricultural, commercial, industrial, and medical applications. Laboratory studies in growth and analysis of selected organisms/viruses.

Biomechanics is the study of how the form and activities of organisms reflect physical environmental parameters such as flow, available materials, and forces. Students will learn key concepts, current directions in the field, real-world applications, and how to conduct experiments.

Ecosystem Ecology explores the interactions of living organisms with non-living entities such as climate, soil minerals, and Earth's atmosphere. We engage in discussion, data collection, and development of quantitative skills to explore processes from enzyme dynamics to global temperature regulation.

Presentation and discussion of scientific aspects of topics relating to the environment and human health. Specific topics covered vary, but could include biodiversity and health, ecosystem services, infectious diseases, climate change, endocrine disruption, food production (including GMOs), and urban ecology.

Functional morphology is the study of the relationship between biological forms and function. In this course, student will study morphological features (forms), measure their performance (function), and relate their findings to the behavior and ecology of organisms.

Explores key concepts in conservation biology, including biodiversity, metapopulation dynamics, habitat fragmentation, reserve design, and endangered species. Integrates biological, social, and economic principles for conservation policy. Labs focus on techniques to measure biodiversity and apply data to conservation management decisions.

In Neurogenetics, we will examine the genetics of animal behavior, and nervous system function and development in vertebrates and invertebrates. Topics include sensory systems, learning and memory, hunger, circadian biology, sexual behavior, neurodevelopmental disorders, and the evolution of nervous systems.

Coverage of current topics in biology. Topics will be announced on a semester-by-semester basis. Specific information available in the departmental office.

One credit lab in Biology. Topic to be determined by term.

Coverage of current topics in biology with lectures and accompanying lab. Topics will be announced on a semester-by-semester basis. Specific information available in the departmental office.

In-depth study of medical microbes including bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites. Discussion of pathogenesis, disease diagnosis, vaccine design, microbe hunting. Case studies presented. Lab provides hands-on microbiology including diagnostics, horizontal gene transfer, and tissue culture assays.

This is the lecture-only alternative to the lecture/lab course BIO 4205: Cell Biology. The mechanisms of cell signaling, regulation of growth and division, adhesion, movement, macromolecular, biosynthesis, processing and trafficking.

The mechanisms of cell signaling, regulation of growth and division, adhesion, movement, macromolecular biosynthesis, processing and trafficking. Important experimental techniques and strategies for study of the eukaryotic cell.

Mechanisms of endocrine control of growth, metabolism, reproduction, adaptation, and behavior. The endocrine glands.

Laboratory experience in endocrinology, demonstrative and analytical.

Mechanisms and patterns of vertebrate embryo development from primordial germ cells to formation of organ systems. Lectures on, and laboratory work with living embryos; microscopic study of prepared embryos; and individual research projects.

Process and pattern from micro- and macro-evolutionary perspectives. Evolutionary genetics, natural selection, speciation, macroevolutionary trends, and extinctions. Field, laboratory, and computer approaches.

Coverage of causes, genetics, clinical aspects, and cell biology of cancer from preneoplastic state to invasive metastasis. Includes diagnosis, therapeutics, treatment, and prevention. Coursework in cell and/or molecular biology preferred.

Laboratory exploration and discussion of topics in bacterial, developmental, molecular, population and transmission genetics. Readings in the primary literature are stressed.

Advanced study of organisms and ecosystems of a particular region (location varies; has included Florida, Puerto Rico, Nova Scotia). General principles explored using examples from focal area: historical and ecological biogeography, habitat patterns, biotic and abiotic interaction, evolutionary processes, and conservation problems.

Field study of organisms and ecosystems of a focal region. Trip lasting 15-20 days usually in late May to geographical area covered in BIO 4451, with focus on local habitats and conservations projects, field identification, group exercises, and independent research projects. Costs to students and timing vary with site chosen. (2 cr) Sem 2, even year.

This is the lecture-only alternative to the lecture/lab course BIO 4505: Molecular Biology. DNA structure, replication, recombination, mutagenesis and repair, transcription, RNA processing, translation and the genetic code, control of gene expression, eukaryotic genome structure. Molecular aspects of immunity, cancer; and AIDS

DNA structure, replication, recombination, mutagenesis and repair, transcription, RNA processing, translation and the genetic code, control of gene expression, eukaryotic genome structure. Molecular aspects of immunity, cancer, and AIDS. Laboratory exercises in gene cloning and analysis.

The physiology of the nervous system using vertebrates and invertebrates. The function of nerve cells, synapses, sensory, motor, behavior and learning.

Fundamental principles underlying innate and adaptive immunity. Qualitative and quantitative analyses used to understand cellular and molecular mechanisms of development and function of immune cells, including lymphocytes and mechanisms related to self-tolerance, antigen processing and presentation, lymphocyte activation, lymphocyte death.

Coverage of current topics in biology. Topics will be announced on a semester-by-semester basis. Typically has a course at the 3000-level as a prerequisite. Specific information available in the departmental office.

Advanced topics course with integrated lab. Topics will be announced on a semester-by-semester basis. Typically has a course at the 3000-level as a prerequisite. Specific information available in the departmental office.

Special topics in modern biology, presented by student lectures and informal discussions. Topics to be announced each semester.

Special topics in biology, covered through readings from primary and secondary literature, student presentations and/or projects, and discussions. Topics to be announced each semester.

Student mentors will learn about leadership, pedagogy and higher learning by helping first-year Biology students, including those with socioeconomic or other disadvantages, to develop study skills, time management assistance, test anxiety strategies, and pathways for navigating academics.

Students attend research meetings in a specific lab and complete activities determined by the instructor.

Supervised laboratory/field research

Supervised laboratory/field research.

Supervised laboratory/field research.

Supervised laboratory/field research.

First semester of library and/or laboratory research under student-selected Biology faculty member (can lead to thesis research). Must be approved by faculty mentor. Does not count for biology laboratory credit alone.

Second semester of library and/or laboratory research under student-selected Biology faculty members (can lead to thesis research). Must be approved by faculty mentor. Does not count for biology laboratory credit alone.

Third semester of library and/or laboratory research under student-selected Biology faculty member (can lead to thesis research). Must be approved by faculty mentor. Does not count for biology laboratory credit alone.

Laboratory research with Biology faculty member selected by student. Fall semester. Requires permission of faculty mentor & instructor and 3.0 QPA. Part 1 of two-semester sequence; continues as Thesis Research ll, which culminates in a written thesis.

Scheduled group meetings with other research students in the department, focusing on general and specific aspects of thesis research. Fall semester. Requires permission of instructor and 3.0 QPA. Continues as Thesis Research ll, which culminates in a written thesis.

Continuation of Thesis Research I or Directed Research. Laboratory research with Biology faculty member selected by student. Spring semester. Requires permission of faculty mentor & instructor and 3.0 QPA. Culminates in a written thesis. Counts typically for Laboratory credit toward the major.

Mechanisms, evolution, and consequences of animal behavior, including how genes and environment affect behavior, learning and animal consciousness, role of hormones, predator-prey interactions, visual and auditory communication, courtship/mate choice, and human social behavior. Includes lectures, experimental labs, and student project.

Overview of microbiology, illustrating the roles of bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae and protozoa in our food, environment, and health. Lectures and labs cover microbe classification, control of microbial growth, roles of microorganisms in agriculture, ecology and industry, and principles of disease and host defenses.

Examination of importance of science and technology in contemporary political issues such as alternative energy, global climate change and evolution. Scientific method and biological principles important in objective, evidence-based explanations examined through lectures, guest speakers, debates, and laboratory exercises.

Overview of genetic topics and their social/ethical impacts, including genetic engineering, assisted reproduction, artificial wombs, Human Genome Project, cloning, fetal stem cells, gene therapy, and chromosomal abnormalities and disorders. Includes lectures, field trips, labs, discussions and student presentations.

Principles and mechanisms underlying how the human body functions, with emphasis on physical fitness. Includes lectures, discussions, and labs.

Examination of challenge of balancing needs of an ever-growing human population while maintaining a healthy environment. Covers importance of biodiversity to both humans and proper functioning of earth, and discusses methods of effective conservation. Includes lectures, discussion sessions, and lab/field exercises.

Overview of revolutionary role of biotechnology in our society, including manipulation and analysis of DNA, transfer of genetic information, and use of computers in bioinformatics. Lectures and laboratory include recombinant DNA technology, gel electrophoresis, forensic DNA typing, problem solving, and socio-political-ethical issues.

Exploration of effect of environmental factors (temperature, precipitation, ocean currents, humidity, wind) on physiology, distribution, and interactions of organisms in different ecosystems, as well as the longer term effects of climate change on biodiversity. Includes lectures, discussion sessions, labs, and a group project.

Overview of cancer, including its causes and how it is studied, evaluated, and treated. With one half of men and a third of women developing cancer, also covers importance of cancer in both socioeconomic and health terms. Includes lectures and labs.

How drugs work and why they should be taken with caution. Topics include: drug treatment of major illnesses; causes of drug toxicities/addiction; the actions of performance enhancing drugs; and influence of drugs on society.

Overview of vaccine science and pathogens, including how the history of vaccines, anti-vaccine movements, and social contexts play integral roles in public perception. Laboratory topics include an inquiry-based progression through vaccine design and student-designed public outreach campaigns to promote vaccination.

Methods for constructing family trees from DNA tests, including student's own, and vital records. Biological basis of heredity; applications in evolution, behavior, and conservation. Interdisciplinary consideration of contexts concerning ancestry.