Biology

This is a fundamental course that provides a wealth of information on the medical language used by health professionals. Greek and Latin roots and words are studied to as the foundation to developing the communication skills needed for health related careers. Terminology will include a wide variety of vocabulary of all body systems and major diseases. The course will aid students interested in medical fields, as medical professionals, allied health professionals, as well as medical facility staff personnel.

A course designed for non-majors that examines the processes that support life, the structure, function, adaptations, and diversity of organisms, and their ecological interactions. Students develop an understanding of the relationship of humans to other organisms and discuss examples of current biological discoveries and how this knowledge is being used to improve human welfare and the environment. 3 lecture-hours and one 2.5 hour laboratory session weekly.

Toxicology is an interdisciplinary scientific discipline that overlaps biology, chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, and medicine. It helps us understand the adverse effects that chemical substances have on living things and the environment. It involves the practice of diagnosing and treating exposures to toxins and toxicants. Examples from medical, clinical, forensic, computational, occupational, and environmental toxicology are included. The course incorporates the use of case studies to support problem-based and evidence-based learning.

A biology elective course focused on the study of evolution. Students will learn the basics of evolutionary theory, the mechanisms of evolution, The ecological context of evolutionary adaptations, and the nuances of the study of evolution. This course will supplement knowledge of these topics using case studies and discussions of primary sources.

A biology elective course introducing the study of ecology. Students will learn the basics of field studies, the ecosystem, and the organisms that reside in it. The course will explore three different scales of ecological study: 1) organismal ecology, 2) population ecology, and 3) community ecology. Laboratory activities will provide demonstrations and numerical evidence of core ecological concepts.

A detailed study of the structural, molecular and functional organization of cells, cellular biochemical processes, gene organization and regulation, chromosome structure, mechanisms of DNA replication, transcription, translation, cell communication and signal transduction, cell cycle and stem cell differentiation. Emphasis will be placed on experimental techniques in cell and molecular biology, genomics and biotechnology. 3 lecture hours and one 2.5 hour laboratory session weekly.

Epigenetics is a science that studies the modification of gene expression and its effects on the human body. This course includes the history of epigenetics and its development over the years. Forms of epigenetic modifications and their effect on the expression of genes are discussed and the environmental factors that lead to it are analyzed. The impact on diseases as well as their prevention through a reversal of the epigenetic changes are taught.

A study of the chemical reactions occurring on the molecular level in biological systems (illustrating the interrelationships of different biochemical pathways). 2 lecture hours and one 4 hour laboratory session weekly. (spring)

This course is a continuation of Biochemistry I. It is an extensive study of the metabolic processes used to maintain life. Differences in pathways utilized by different organisms are examined, as well as some processed in plant and microorganisms. 2 lecture hours weekly. (Fall)

A comprehensive examination of the coordinated activities of the cellular and biochemical components of the immune system. Focus on the discrimination of self from non-self and on the capacity to respond to an infinite variety of foreign substances that may enter the body. Applications of these basic principles to infectious agents, autoimmunity and trans plantation will be discussed. 2.5 lecture hours and one 2.5 hour laboratory session weekly. (every fall)

A study of the principles and development of current concepts of inheritance. Molecular genetics will be stressed, and the course will examine its application to classical Mendelian genetics, cellular differentiation and cancer. The laboratory will emphasize modern molecular biological techniques through exercises using recombinant DNA technology, DNA amplification, molecular cloning, and DNA sequencing. 3 lecture hours and one 2.5 hour laboratory session weekly. (every spring)

Required for biology majors during their senior year. Students pursue a two-semester individual research project to evaluate the hypothesis. During the first semester (BIO 450) students review recent literature on a research topic of interest, propose a testable hypothesis, and design a laboratory or field project to evaluate the hypothesis.

Required for biology majors during their senior year. Students pursue a two-semester individual research project underevaluate the hypothesis. During the second semester (BIO 451) the project is carried out, and the results analyzed and discussed in an oral presentation and written report.

Application of scientific principles to understanding ecosystem function and biodiversity, human impacts on the biosphere, and strategies for sustainability of environmental quality. Includes classroom discussions, case studies, and laboratory/field investigations of local ecosystems and biodiversity, land analysis and land use management, assessment of soil and water quality, analysis of resource consumption and waste production, and scientific evaluation of articles and policies pertaining to local, regional, and global environmental issues. Course includes three lecture-hours and one 2 ½ hour laboratory session per week.