Biology

Programs

Courses

BIO 1057: Intro to Occupational Therapy

Program
Credits 2

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

Last Offered
Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2022
Effective Term
200820

BIO 1101: Biology

Program
Credits 3

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.

Last Offered
Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2022
Effective Term
198820

BIO 1181: Microbiology and Genetics

Program
Credits 3

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.

Last Offered
Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Fall 2021
Effective Term
201810

BIO 1185: Human Genetics/Microbiology

Program
Credits 4

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.

Last Offered
Fall 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024
Effective Term
202520

BIO 1205: Human Anatomy & Physiology I

Program
Credits 4

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.

Last Offered
Fall 2025, Summer 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024
Effective Term
201130

BIO 1206: Human Anatomy & Physiology II

Program
Credits 4

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.

Prerequisites

BIO 1205

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Fall 2025, Summer 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024
Effective Term
201130

BIO 1903: Internship Elective

Program
Credits 3

Open to BIO and BSC majors.

Prerequisites

(BIO 2105 :Y :D- or HON 1075 :Y :D-) and (BIO 2106 :Y :D- or HON 1076 :Y :D-)

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Fall 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Summer 2024
Effective Term
202520

BIO 1906: Internship Elective

Program
Credits 6

Open to BIO and BSC majors.

Prerequisites

(BIO 2105 :Y :D- or HON 1075 :Y :D-) and (BIO 2106 :Y :D- or HON 1076 :Y :D-)

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Fall 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Summer 2024
Effective Term
202520

BIO 1950: TOPIC: Elective in Biology

Program
Credits 3

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

Last Offered
Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Spring 2020
Effective Term
201410

BIO 2101: General Biology I Lecture

Program
Credits 3

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.

Corequisites
Last Offered
Fall 2020, Summer 1995
Effective Term
202120

BIO 2102: General Biology I Lab

Program
Credits 1

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.

Corequisites
Last Offered
Fall 2022, Fall 2021, Summer 1995
Effective Term
199520

BIO 2103: General Biology II Lecture

Program
Credits 3

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.

Corequisites
Last Offered
Spring 2021, Summer 1995, Spring 1995
Effective Term
202130

BIO 2104: General Biology II Lab

Program
Credits 1

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.

Corequisites
Last Offered
Spring 2022, Summer 1995, Spring 1995
Effective Term
199520

BIO 2105: General Biology I

Program
Credits 4

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.

Last Offered
Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Effective Term
200520

BIO 2106: General Biology II

Program
Credits 4

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.

Prerequisites
Last Offered
Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
Effective Term
200530

BIO 2500: Research

Program
Credits 0

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

Prerequisites

BIO 2105

Prerequisite Courses
Effective Term
202430

BIO 2993: Internship

Program
Credits 3

Open to BIO and BSC majors.

Prerequisites

(BIO 2105 :Y :D- or HON 1075 :Y :D-) and (BIO 2106 :Y :D- or HON 1076 :Y :D-)

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Fall 2025, Summer 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024
Effective Term
202520

BIO 2996: Internship

Program
Credits 6

Open to BIO and BSC majors.

Prerequisites

(BIO 2105 :Y :D- or HON 1075 :Y :D-) and (BIO 2106 :Y :D- or HON 1076 :Y :D-)

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Fall 2025, Summer 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024
Effective Term
202520

BIO 3011: Animal Behavior Lecture

Program
Credits 3

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.

Prerequisites

(BIO 2105 :D- or HON 1075 :D-) and (BIO 2106 :D- or HON 1076 :D-)

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2013
Effective Term
202230

BIO 3015: Animal Behavior

Program
Credits 4

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.

Prerequisites

(BIO 2105 or HON 1075) and (BIO 2106 or HON 1076)

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023
Effective Term
201410

BIO 3055: Human Physiology

Program
Credits 4

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

Prerequisites

(BIO 2105 :D- or HON 1075 :D-) and (BIO 2106 :D- or HON 1076 :D-)

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Fall 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
Effective Term
202320

BIO 3085: Human Anatomy

Program
Credits 4

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.

Prerequisites

BIO 2105 and BIO 2106

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Fall 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023
Effective Term
202420

BIO 3105: Experimental Design & Analysis

Program
Credits 4

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.

Prerequisites

(BIO 2105 or HON 1075) and (BIO 2106 or HON 1076)

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Fall 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2021
Effective Term
200520

BIO 3125: Bioinformatics

Program
Credits 4

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

Prerequisites

BIO 2105 and BIO 2106

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Spring 2024
Effective Term
202430

BIO 3155: Comparative Anatomy

Program
Credits 4

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

Prerequisites

(BIO 2105 :D- or HON 1075 :D-) and (BIO 2106 :D- or HON 1076 :D-)

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
Effective Term
199520

BIO 3255: Evolutionary Ecology

Program
Credits 4

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.

Prerequisites

(BIO 2105 :D- or HON 1075 :D-) and (BIO 2106 :D- or HON 1076 :D-)

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2021
Effective Term
202020

BIO 3351: Genetics

Program
Credits 4

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.

Prerequisites

(BIO 2105 or HON 1075) and (CHM 1103 and CHM 1151 or CHM 1611) or (CHM 1311 and CHM 1301)

Last Offered
Fall 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
Effective Term
200730

BIO 3385: Global Change Ecology

Program
Credits 4

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.

Prerequisites

BIO 2105 and BIO 2106

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Spring 2025, Fall 2022, Fall 2020
Effective Term
202020

BIO 3455: Histology

Program
Credits 4

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

Prerequisites

(BIO 2105 :D- or HON 1075 :D-) and (BIO 2106 :D- or HON 1076 :D-)

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Fall 2025, Spring 2024, Fall 2022, Fall 2021
Effective Term
199520

BIO 3485: Marine Biology

Program
Credits 4

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).

Prerequisites

(BIO 2105 or HON 1075) and (BIO 2106 or HON 1076)

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Fall 2021, Fall 2020
Effective Term
200630

BIO 3525: Entomology

Program
Credits 4

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.

Prerequisites

BIO 2105 and BIO 2106

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Fall 2025, Fall 2021, Fall 2020, Fall 2018
Effective Term
200630

BIO 3591: General Microbiology Lecture

Program
Credits 3

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.

Prerequisites

BIO 2105 or HON 1075

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Fall 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
Effective Term
202230

BIO 3595: General Microbiology

Program
Credits 4

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.

Prerequisites

(BIO 2105 :D- or HON 1075 :D-)

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Fall 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
Effective Term
200720

BIO 3615: Biomechanics

Program
Credits 4

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.

Prerequisites

BIO 2105 and BIO 2106

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Fall 2024, Fall 2023
Effective Term
202420

BIO 3655: Ecosystem Ecology

Program
Credits 4

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.

Prerequisites

BIO 2105 and BIO 2106

Prerequisite Courses
Effective Term
202430

BIO 3661: Environment and Human Health

Program
Credits 3

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.

Prerequisites

(BIO 2105 and BIO 2106) or (GEV 1050 and GEV 1051)

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Fall 2025, Fall 2019, Fall 2017, Fall 2015
Effective Term
201210

BIO 3705: Functional Morphology

Program
Credits 4

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.

Prerequisites

BIO 2105 and BIO 2106

Prerequisite Courses
Effective Term
202430

BIO 3805: Conservation Biology

Program
Credits 4

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.

Prerequisites

(BIO 2105 or HON 1075) and (BIO 2106 or HON 1076)

Prerequisite Courses

BIO 3855: Neurogenetics

Program
Credits 4

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.

Prerequisites

BIO 2105 and BIO 2106

Prerequisite Courses
Effective Term
202430

BIO 3950: Special Topics in Biology

Program
Credits 3

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

Prerequisites

BIO 2105 and BIO 2106

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Spring 2022, Spring 2021, Fall 2019, Spring 2019
Effective Term
201330

BIO 3955: Lec+Lab in Topics in Biology

Program
Credits 4

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.

Prerequisites

BIO 2105 and BIO 2106

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Fall 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
Effective Term
201810

BIO 4105: Medical Microbiology

Program
Credits 4

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.

Prerequisites

BIO 3595 :D- or BIO 3351 or BIO 3755

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Fall 2024, Fall 2022, Fall 2020, Fall 2018
Effective Term
202030

BIO 4201: Cell Biology Lecture

Program
Credits 3

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.

Prerequisites

BIO 3351 and CHM 2212 :Y

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Fall 2022
Effective Term
202230

BIO 4205: Cell Biology

Program
Credits 4

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.

Prerequisites

BIO 3351 :D- and CHM 2212 :Y :D-

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Fall 2022
Effective Term
199520

BIO 4251: Endocrine Physiol/Pharmacology

Program
Credits 3

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

Prerequisites

BIO 3055 :D-

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Spring 2025, Fall 2020, Fall 2019, Fall 2018
Effective Term
201530

BIO 4285: Developmental Biology

Program
Credits 4

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.

Prerequisites

BIO 3351 :D-

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Fall 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2021
Effective Term
199630

BIO 4305: Evolution

Program
Credits 4

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

Prerequisites

BIO 3351 :D-

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2019
Effective Term
199520

BIO 4331: Biology of Cancer

Program
Credits 3

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.

Prerequisites

BIO 3351

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Spring 2025, Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2020
Effective Term
201430

BIO 4355: Experimental Genetics

Program
Credits 4

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

Prerequisites

BIO 3351 :D-

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Spring 2022, Spring 2015, Spring 2013, Spring 2012
Effective Term
199730

BIO 4451: Field Ecol and Evol

Program
Credits 2

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.

Prerequisites

BIO 3012 :D- or BIO 3255 :D- or BIO 4305 :D- or BIO 3505 :D- or BIO 3555 :D- or BIO 3905 :D- or BIO 4485 :D- or BIO 3505 :D-

Prerequisite Courses
Corequisites
Last Offered
Fall 2023, Fall 2019, Spring 2019, Fall 2017
Effective Term
199620

BIO 4452: Field Ecol and Evol Lab

Program
Credits 2

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.

Prerequisites

BIO 3012 :D- or BIO 3255 :D- or BIO 4305 :D- and BIO 4451 :Y :D-

Prerequisite Courses
Corequisites
Last Offered
Spring 2024, Spring 2020, Spring 2019, Spring 2018
Effective Term
199620

BIO 4501: Molecular Biology Lecture

Program
Credits 3

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

Prerequisites

BIO 3351 and CHM 2212 :Y

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Effective Term
202320

BIO 4505: Molecular Biology

Program
Credits 4

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.

Prerequisites

BIO 3351 :D- and CHM 2212 :Y

Prerequisite Courses
Corequisites
Last Offered
Fall 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
Effective Term
199520

BIO 4605: Neurobiology

Program
Credits 4

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

Prerequisites

BIO 3055 :D-

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Fall 2025, Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
Effective Term
199620

BIO 4655: Immunology

Program
Credits 4

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.

Last Offered
Spring 2025, Spring 2024
Effective Term
202430

BIO 4950: Advanced Topics in Biology

Program
Credits 3

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.

Prerequisites

BIO 2105 and BIO 2106

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2023, Fall 2022
Effective Term
201330

BIO 4955: Lec+Lab in Adv Topics in Bio.

Program
Credits 4

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.

Prerequisites

BIO 2105 and BIO 2106

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Fall 2025, Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Fall 2023
Effective Term
201810

BIO 5100: Senior Seminar

Program
Credits 1

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

Last Offered
Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
Effective Term
199620

BIO 5300: Biology Capstone

Program
Credits 3

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.

Prerequisites

BIO 2105 :D- and BIO 2106 :D-

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Fall 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
Effective Term
201810

BIO 6101: Leadership & Mentoring in Bio

Program
Credits 1

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.

Prerequisites

BIO 2105 and BIO 2106

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023
Effective Term
202420

BIO 6102: Special Biology Lab Topics

Program
Credits 1

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

Prerequisites

BIO 2105 and BIO 2106

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Fall 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
Effective Term
202230

BIO 6509: Directed Research l

Program
Credits 2

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.

Prerequisites

(BIO 2105 :D- or HON 1075 :D-) and (BIO 2106 :D- or HON 1076 :D-)

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Fall 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Summer 2024
Effective Term
202430

BIO 6510: Directed Research ll

Program
Credits 2

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.

Prerequisites

BIO 6509

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Fall 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
Effective Term
202430

BIO 6511: Directed Research lll

Program
Credits 2

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.

Prerequisites

BIO 6510

Prerequisite Courses
Last Offered
Fall 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024
Effective Term
202430

BIO 6609: Thesis Research I

Program
Credits 3

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.

Prerequisites

(BIO 2105 or HON 1075) and (BIO 2106 or HON 1076)

Prerequisite Courses
Corequisites
Last Offered
Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Effective Term
200830

BIO 6610: Thesis Proseminar

Program
Credits 1

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.

Prerequisites

(BIO 2105 or HON 1075) and (BIO 2106 or HON 1076)

Prerequisite Courses
Corequisites
Last Offered
Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Effective Term
200830

BIO 6709: Thesis Research II

Program
Credits 2

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.

Prerequisites

BIO 6509 or BIO 6609

Prerequisite Courses
Corequisites

BIO 5100

Corequisite Courses
Last Offered
Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
Effective Term
202330

MSE 2200: BIO:Behavioral Bio of Animals

Program
Credits 4

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.

Last Offered
Fall 2021
Effective Term
201410

MSE 2201: BIO:How Microbes Rule World

Program
Credits 4

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.

Last Offered
Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2020, Fall 2019
Effective Term
201410

MSE 2202: BIO:Biology and Politics

Program
Credits 4

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.

Last Offered
Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Spring 2020, Fall 2019
Effective Term
201410

MSE 2203: BIO:Heredity & Human Affairs

Program
Credits 4

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.

Last Offered
Fall 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
Effective Term
201410

MSE 2204: BIO:How The Body Works

Program
Credits 4

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

Last Offered
Fall 2025, Summer 2025, Fall 2024, Summer 2024
Effective Term
202320

MSE 2205: BIO:Biodiversity& Conservation

Program
Credits 4

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.

Last Offered
Spring 2021
Effective Term
201410

MSE 2206: BIO:Biotechnology in Our Soc.

Program
Credits 4

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.

Last Offered
Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2022
Effective Term
201410

MSE 2207: BIO:Organisms in Changing Envr

Program
Credits 4

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.

Last Offered
Spring 2022, Fall 2021
Effective Term
201410

MSE 2208: BIO:Cancer Chronicles

Program
Credits 4

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.

Last Offered
Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Fall 2020
Effective Term
201410

MSE 2210: BIO:Drugs:HowTheyWork,Caution!

Program
Credits 4

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.

Last Offered
Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2022, Summer 2021
Effective Term
202320

MSE 2211: BIO:Vaccines&Public Perception

Program
Credits 4

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.

Last Offered
Summer 2025, Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2021
Effective Term
201930

MSE 2212: BIO:Genealogy-All InYourFamily

Program
Credits 4

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.

Last Offered
Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Fall 2021, Fall 2020
Effective Term
202320