Biology

This course is a survey of cancer biology examining the development, progression and treatment of the disease(s). A major emphasis will be on using a scientific framework to understand the disease along with the many myths and misperceptions. The course is designed as a studio course that includes both lectures and laboratory experiments during the class period. Additionally, there will be four required field trips during the semester that will require a total of sixteen hours on weekends. A minimum of one half of the course meeting times will be laboratory activities. (Offered every other year).

The course will focus on the fundamentals of ecology and how these are important in determining the current distribution and abundance of plants and animals in China. The course will also examine the current human impacts on native biodiversity in China and what conservation practices are in place. Through this course students will engage in a collaborative group project in which they will collect data on a particular element of biodiversity near the United International College (UIC), Zhuhai, China. (Offered Occasionally).

This course explores the scientific background supporting the literature studied in CMLT 2301, World Literature and the Environment, and CMLT 2350, Science Fiction. Two themes are emphasized: 1) ecological and physical approaches to studying the environment; and 2) the organismal biology, genetics, and molecular biology of crop plants as related to global agriculture and genetically modified organisms. This course is organized around a mixture of lectures and discussion. Hands-on/laboratory experiences are incorporated. Prerequisite or Corequisite: CMLT 2301 or 2350.

Laboratory experiences that support the Cells and Cell Systems course. Emphasis on development of laboratory abilities including the design, execution and analysis of a biological investigations. Students will also be expected to demonstrate competency in techniques such as liquid handling, microscopy, data acquisition, and data analysis. (Offered every Fall). Prerequisites: BIOL 1311/1111 and CHEM 1318 or 1300 Corequisites: BIOL 2312

This course uses a single biological theme, for example human-viral interactions, to illustrate core biological concepts and motivate development of science competencies. Students are expected to learn how the structures of biological molecules relate to their functions; how biological information is stored and retrieved in diverse organisms; how mutation and selection have led to genetic changes and what molecular evidence supports evolution through time; how biological systems interact; and how to construct mathematical models that lead to testable predictions. Prerequisite: BIOL 2312/2112

This course is an evolutionary survey of vertebrates that will focus on major evolutionary innovations and systematic relationships, and major features of the anatomy, physiology, life history, and behavior of vertebrate taxa. The laboratory includes studies of evolutionary adaptations, surveys of taxa, field trips, and identification of local vertebrates. Grades for the course will be determined from lecture exams, laboratory practicals, one comprehensive final exam, and a series of presentations in lecture and lab sessions. One weekend field trip is required. (Offered every other year.) Prerequisites: BIOL 3413, CHEM 2319, 2119.

This course is designed to facilitate students' understanding of how biotic and abiotic factors determine abundance and distribution of organisms in natural communities and how scientists study these phenomena. Principal ecological theory serves as a framework for the course. This course is also designed to facilitate student learning of laboratory and field techniques to make observations; design experiments; and measure and analyze information about the biotic and abiotic world. Exams and assignments are designed to assess if students have learned how to 1) analyze information across levels of ecological organization and apply what they learn to new situations, 2) critically evaluate published research, 3) develop sound ecological questions and hypotheses, 4) design and implement experiments to test hypotheses, 5) analyze and interpret data, and 6) communicate findings in written and oral format to the class and in a manner that would translate to the scientific community. The course is constructed as a combination of interactive discussions and activities designed to reinforce student engagement with an electronic textbook and field-based laboratory. Students will be outside for most laboratory sessions and are required to attend a weekend field trip. (Offered every year). Prerequisites: Biol 3413, Chem 2319, 2119. Strongly recommended: PSYC 2401 or MATH 1320.

Middle America, the region extending from central Mexico to Colombia, is one of the most biologically diverse regions of the world with a high degree of endemism (species found nowhere else). This diversity and endemism have resulted from a complex tectonic and climatic history that has promoted the evolution of different species. The objective of this course is to explore this diversity across different ecoregions of Costa Rica, focusing on the diversity and abundance of small to medium-sized mammals at elevations ranging from sea-level rainforests and dry forests to high-elevation cloud forests. The course will begin by studying rainforest ecology at the Osa Peninsula and then transitioning up the coast of Costa Rica to sea-level dry forests and the highlands of the Monteverde area to study the biodiversity on both the Pacific and Caribbean sides of the Tilaran mountains. While the focus will be surveying and sampling mammals, students will also study the flora, fauna, and cultural elements in these different regions. Additionally, we will explore the unique Costa Rican cultural character and some of the reasons for this uniqueness and engage in a service project in the Monteverde area. (Offered every other year). Prerequisites: BIOL 3413, CHEM 1318, 1118 .

Structure-function relationships are explored through an analysis of animal histological features. The microscopy-based laboratory examines tissues by means of comparisons of normal and pathological features. Student performance is measured by in-class exams, written reports, oral presentations, and a course project. Computer imaging and analysis are integrated into the fabric of the course along with several case studies. Prerequisites: Biol 3413, Chem 2319, 2119.

The study of microbial organisms is of tremendous importance in our world today. This course emphasizes the basic biology of bacteria, including their varied morphology, growth and nutritional requirements, cell motility, gene regulation, mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, and bacterial interactions as populations and with other organisms. Other topics covered include viruses and the Archaea. The impact of microbes on medicine, public health, agriculture and biotechnology are discussed. In addition to exams, a research paper on a recent topic from the primary research literature in microbiology is required. The laboratory covers diverse techniques on manipulation and growth of bacterial cultures, microscopy, testing of environmental samples, bacterial genetics and molecular biology, and identification of unknown organisms. Multiple experiments are run concurrently. Students are expected to visit the lab on days other than the assigned period to monitor experiments. (Offered every Spring) Prerequisites: BIOL 3413 and CHEM 2319, 2119.

This course is a study of the principles of homeostasis with emphasis on major vertebrate organ systems. This course begins with a detailed molecular investigation of excitable membrane physiology (nerve and muscle) followed by a systematic investigation of endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and gastrointestinal physiology. Integrative problem sets are assigned to address the complex interactions between organ systems. Laboratory experience involves experimentation with sophisticated physiological equipment and computerized data acquisition systems to reinforce concepts presented in lecture. Lecture examinations, laboratory reports, homework problem sets, and a research paper with presentation will be used to assess student understanding in this course. Prerequisites: Biol 3413, Chem 2319, 2119.

Cells form the basic working units of organs and the systems that organs comprise. This course is designed to build an understanding of the fundamental processes that govern the operations of cells. Cells face challenges of maintaining boundaries, communicating with neighboring cells, transporting essential components across barrier membranes, generating chemical energy, regulating cell phenotype, and maintaining cell structure. In order to function as part of a specialized tissue or organ, cells elaborate specific subsets of organelles to dedicate themselves to performing specific functions. The course will provide the background to understand the cellular mechanisms of specialized cells, and allow one to predict the underlying cellular physiology of most tissue systems. The laboratory takes an investigative approach, introducing microscopic, molecular, and biochemical tools for studying cells. Grades for the course are to be determined by in-class examinations and laboratory reports. Additional Prerequisite: BIOL 3413, CHEM 2319, 2119; at least one Area B course or CHEM 3330

Individual work arranged with a faculty member on problems in biology as indicated by the student's preparation and interest. Attendance at the weekly Biology Seminar is required. Credit may be from 1 to 3 hours per semester with no more than 6 cumulative credit hours possible. Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and approval of a study/research plan submitted to the department chair prior to the semester of enrollment in the course.

Off-campus study in a professional biology setting arranged by the student. Credit will be granted for internships, externships and shadowing limited to those that incorporate academic biology content. Prior written approval of a faculty member and departmental permission are required. Guidelines are available in the departmental office. May be repeated for a maximum of 3 credit hours. Graded on a pass/fail basis. Credit for BIOL 3-93 may not be used to satisfy the "three additional hours in biology at the 2000 level or higher" component of the requirements for the Biology major.

Students will meet with their advisors during the first day of class and schedule a series of meetings that will guide them in the preparation of a written summary addressing the following: 1) A review of each student's performance on the MFT describing the strengths and weaknesses of the student's preparation; 2) A comparison of the MFT results to the courses taken and grades received and; 3) An assessment of how the student's performance might have been affected by course selection, course content or learning environment, or the student's own learning strategies. In some instances a student might be advised to change their course selection for their final semester based upon their test score. Grades assigned for this course will be based on a combination of the MFT score and the quality of the student's written summary.

This course will explore the cross-disciplinary nature of conservation biology, which is the applied science of maintaining the earth's biological diversity. Students will lead weekly discussions on the various sub-disciplines of conservation biology and their applications, including evolution, ecology, genetics, and economics. A detailed case history analysis of a local conservation issue will be required. Prerequisite: An upper division course in biology or consent of instructor.