Biology Course Discriptions


BIO 106 Introduction to Anatomy/ Physiology/Microbiology
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
This course covers the fundamental and principle concepts of human anatomy and physiology and microbiology. Topics include an introduction to the structure and function of cells, tissues, and human organ systems, and an overview of microbiology, epidemiology, and control of microorganisms. Upon completion, students should be able to identify structures and functions of the human body and describe microorganisms and their significance in health and disease.


BIO 110 Principles of Biology 3 3 0 4
Prerequisites: ENG 090, MAT 070, RED 090
Corequisites: None
This course provides a survey of fundamental biological principles for non-science majors. Emphasis is placed on basic chemistry, cell biology, metabolism, genetics, taxonomy, evolution, ecology, diversity, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate increased knowledge and better understanding of biology as it applies to everyday life. Laboratory exercises are designed to illustrate the basic principles presented in lecture.


BIO 111 General Biology I 3 3 0 4
Prerequisites: ENG 090, MAT 070, RED 090
Corequisites: None
This course introduces the principles and concepts of biology. Emphasis is placed on basic biological chemistry, cell structure and function, metabolism and energy transformation, genetics, evolution, classification, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate understanding of life at the molecular and cellular levels. This course is the first in a two-semester series intended for science majors.


BIO 112 General Biology II 3 3 0 4
Prerequisites: BIO 111
Corequisites: None
This course is a continuation of BIO 111. Emphasis is placed on organisms, biodiversity, plant and animal systems, ecology, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate comprehension of life at the organismal and ecological levels. This course is the second in a two-semester series intended for science majors.


BIO 120 Introductory Botany 3 3 0 4
Prerequisites: BIO 110 or BIO 111
Corequisites: None
This course provides an introduction to the classification, relationships, structure, and function of plants. Topics include reproduction and development of seed and non-seed plants, levels of organization, form and function of systems, and a survey of major taxa. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate comprehension of plant form and function, including selected taxa of both seed and non-seed plants. Laboratory exercises are correlated with lecture topics.


BIO 130 Introductory Zoology 3 3 0 4
Prerequisites: BIO 110 or BIO 111
Corequisites: None
This course provides an introduction to the classification, relationships, structure, and function of major animal phyla. Emphasis is placed on levels of organization, reproduction and development, comparative systems, and a survey of selected phyla. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate comprehension of animal form and function including comparative systems of selected groups. The evolutionary relatedness of the organisms studied will be emphasized.


BIO 140 Environmental Biology 3 0 0 3
Prerequisites: BIO 110 or BIO 111
Corequisites: BIO 140A
This course introduces environmental processes and the influence of human activities upon them. Topics include ecological concepts, population growth, natural resources, and a focus on current environmental problems from scientific, social, political, and economic perspectives. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of environmental interrelationships and of contemporary environmental issues. Individual action as part of the solution to regional environmental problems is stressed.


BIO 140A Environmental Biology Lab 0 3 0 1
Prerequisites: BIO 110 or BIO 111
Corequisites: BIO 140
This course provides a laboratory component to complement BIO 140. Emphasis is placed on laboratory and field experience. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a practical understanding of environmental interrelationships and of contemporary environmental issues. Environmentally responsible behavior at the individual level is investigated.


BIO 145 Ecology 3 3 0 4
Prerequisites: BIO 110 or BIO 111
Corequisites: None
This course provides an introduction to ecological concepts using an ecosystems approach. Topics include energy flow, nutrient cycling, succession, population dynamics, community structure, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate comprehension of basic ecosystem structure and dynamics. The laboratory component of this course provides an introduction to basic field techniques used in modern ecological research.


BIO 150 Genetics in Human Affairs 3 0 0 3
Prerequisites: BIO 110 or BIO 111
Corequisites: None
This course describes the importance of genetics in everyday life. Topics include the role of genetics in human development, birth defects, cancer and chemical exposure, and current issues including genetic engineering and fertilization methods. Upon completion, students should be able to understand the relationship of genetics to society today and its possible influence on our future. Through the analysis of current topics in genetics, students will develop skills in reading scientific articles and in compiling information into written and oral communications.


BIO 155 Nutrition 3 0 0 3
Prerequisites: BIO 165
Corequisites: None
This course covers the biochemistry of foods and nutrients with consideration of the physiological effects of specialized diets for specific biological needs. Topics include cultural, religious, and economic factors that influence a person's acceptance of food as well as nutrient requirements of the various life stages. Upon completion, students should be able to identify the functions and sources of nutrients, the mechanisms of digestion, and the nutritional requirements of all age groups.


BIO 160 Introductory Life Science 2 2 0 3
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
This course introduces scientific and biological concepts. Topics include basic chemistry, cell structure and function, cell division, basic genetic concepts, anatomical terminology, and metric-English measurements and conversions. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of basic chemistry, cell biology, and genetic concepts; anatomical terminology; and metric-English measurements and conversions.


BIO 161 Introduction to Human Biology 3 0 0 3
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
This course provides a basic survey of human biology. Emphasis is placed on the basic structure and function of body systems and the medical terminology used to describe normal and pathological states. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of normal anatomy and physiology and the appropriate use of medical terminology.


BIO 163 Basic Anatomy and Physiology 4 2 0 5
Prerequisites: CHM 090 or equivalent
Corequisites: None
This course provides a basic study of the structure and function of the human body. Topics include a basic study of the body systems as well as an introduction to homeostasis, cells, tissues, nutrition, acid-base balance, and electrolytes. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of the fundamental principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships.


BIO 165 Anatomy and Physiology 3 3 0 4
Prerequisites: CHM 090 or equivalent
Corequisites: None
This course is the first of a two-course sequence which provides a comprehensive study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include the structure, function, and interrelationship of organ systems with emphasis on the processes which maintain homeostasis. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships.


BIO 166 Anatomy and Physiology II 3 3 0 4
Prerequisites: BIO 165
Corequisites: None
This course is the second of a two-course sequence which provides a comprehensive study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include the structure, function, and interrelationship of organ systems with emphasis on the processes which maintain homeostasis. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of principles of anatomy and physiology and the interrelationships of all body systems.


BIO 168 Anatomy and Physiology I 3 3 0 4
Prerequisites: BIO 110 or BIO 111
Corequisites: None
This course provides a comprehensive study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include body organization, homeostasis, cytology, histology, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous systems, and special senses. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships. Laboratory exercises will include investigation of structural and functional aspects of the indicated organ systems.


BIO 169 Anatomy and Physiology II 3 3 0 4
Prerequisites: BIO 168
Corequisites: None
This course provides a continuation of the comprehensive study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems as well as metabolism, nutrition, acid-base balance, and fluid and electrolyte balance. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships. Laboratory exercises will include investigation of structural and functional aspects of the indicated organ systems.


BIO 173 Microbes in World Affairs 3 0 0 3
Prerequisites: BIO 110 or BIO 111
Corequisites: None
This course provides an integrated and comprehensive study of the microbial world and its influence on global events and human affairs. Topics include plant and animal diseases caused by viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens and their impacts on history, industrial microbiology, biotechnology, and microbial ecology. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the importance of microbes in human and world affairs. Students will analyze current literature and present their research in class.


BIO 175 General Microbiology 2 2 0 3
Prerequisites: BIO 110, BIO 163, BIO 166, or BIO 169
Corequisites: None
This course covers principles of microbiology with emphasis on microorganisms and human disease. Topics include an overview of microbiology and aspects of medical microbiology, identification and control of pathogens, disease transmission, host resistance, and immunity. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of microorganisms and the disease process as well as aseptic and sterile techniques.


BIO 180 Biological Chemistry 2 2 0 3
Prerequisites: BIO 110 or BIO 111
Corequisites: None
This course provides an introduction to basic biochemical processes in living systems. Topics include properties of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, vitamins, and buffers, with emphasis on biosynthesis, degradation, function, and equilibrium. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of fundamental biochemical concepts. Laboratory exercises will complement the basic principles presented in lecture.


BIO 221 Botany I 3 3 0 4
Prerequisites: BIO 112
Corequisites: None
This course provides an introduction to the higher vascular plants. Topics include the structure, function, growth, life cycles, reproduction, and economic importance. Upon completion, students should be able to describe the biology and value of the higher vascular plants. Three laboratory or field trip hours per week.


BIO 222 Botany II 3 3 0 4
Prerequisites: BIO 112
Corequisites: None
This course includes a survey of the plant kingdom complete with a plant collection and field work. Emphasis is placed on ecology and the taxonomy of higher plants. Upon completion, students should be able to classify common plants. Three laboratory or field trip hours per week.


BIO 230 Entomology 3 3 0 4
Prerequisites: BIO 112
Corequisites: None
This course covers the biology of insects. Topics include harmful and beneficial insects, their identification, classification, life cycles, behavior, distribution, economic importance, and the methods involved in collection and preservation. Upon completion, students should be able to identify common insects and describe their biology and ecology.


BIO 231 Invertebrate Zoology 3 3 0 4
Prerequisites: BIO 112
Corequisites: None
This course introduces the principles of invertebrate animal biology. Emphasis is placed on the diversity, comparative anatomy, reproduction, development, behavior, ecology, evolution, and the importance of the major invertebrate phyla. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of life at the invertebrate level. Modern evolutionary theory is used to interpret the relationships among the organisms studied in this course.


BIO 232 Vertebrate Zoology 3 3 0 4
Prerequisites: BIO 112
Corequisites: None
This course introduces the principles of animal biology of the chordate phylum. Emphasis is placed on the diversity, morphology, reproduction, development, behavior, ecology, evolution, and importance of the chordates. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate increased knowledge and comprehension of zoology as it applies to life. Local species are emphasized in the laboratory component of this course.


BIO 242 Natural Resource Conservation 3 0 0 3
Prerequisites: BIO 112
Corequisites: None
This course describes the importance of natural resources and their role in our environment. Emphasis is placed on the physical, biological, and ecological principles underlying natural resource conservation with attention to the biological consequences of human impacts. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of natural resource conservation. Local environmental issues dealing with resource conservation are emphasized.


BIO 243 Marine Biology 3 3 0 4
Prerequisites: BIO 110 or BIO 111
Corequisites: None
This course covers the physical and biological components of the marine environment. Topics include major habitats, the diversity of organisms, their biology and ecology, marine productivity, and the use of marine resources by humans. Upon completion, students should be able to identify various marine habitats and organisms and to demonstrate a knowledge of their biology and ecology.


BIO 250 Genetics 3 3 0 4
Prerequisites: BIO 112
Corequisites: None
This course covers principles of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell genetics. Emphasis is placed on the molecular basis of heredity, chromosome structure, patterns of Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance, evolution, and biotechnological applications. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize and describe genetic phenomena and demonstrate knowledge of important genetic principles.


BIO 271 Pathophysiology 3 0 0 3
Prerequisites: BIO 163 or BIO 166, or BIO 169
Corequisites: None
This course provides an in-depth study of human pathological processes and their effects on homeostasis. Emphasis is placed on interrelationships among organ systems in deviations from homeostasis. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a detailed knowledge of pathophysiology.


BIO 275 Microbiology 3 3 0 4
Prerequisites: BIO 110 or BIO 112 or BIO 163 or BIO 165 or BIO 168
Corequisites: None
This course covers principles of microbiology and the impact these organisms have on man and the environment. Topics include the various groups of microorganisms, their structure, physiology, genetics, microbial pathogenicity, infectious diseases, immunology, and selected practical applications. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills including microscopy, aseptic technique, staining, culture methods, and identification of microorganisms.