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BIO 110: Principles of Biology I

BIO 112: Principles of Biology II

BIO 210: Human Anatomy and Physiology I

BIO 211: Human Anatomy and Physiology II

BIO 215: Functional Human Anatomy  (replaced by BIO 210 & 211 Fall 2012)

BIO 270: Vertebrate Zoology

BIO/NSC 315: Animal Behavior

BIO/NSC 325: Neurophysiology

NSC 335: Neuronal Networks and Systems

BIO 340: Animal Physiology

BIO 440: Senior Integrative Exercise in Biology

 

Course Descriptions

BIO 103: Human Biology
Goal: To familiarize the student with the practice and issues of applying the scientific method and modern biological techniques to the study of the human condition.
Content: An exploration of the biological approaches to the study of the human species, human populations, and the human body.  The first part of the course examines cell theory, Mendelian and molecular genetics, population biology, ecology, evolution, and modern advances in biotechnology. These serve as contexts in which to evaluate applications of the scientific method to understanding human existence and our interactions with the natural world as individuals and societies. The second part of the course focuses inward on functions of the human body, including nutrition, maintenance of the internal environment, neural and endocrine control, immune responses, circulation, respiration, reproduction, development, and aging. Laboratories involve data collection and analysis of experiments directly related to human biology, using both classic and modern technological approaches, computers, biochemical and physiological test equipment, simulations, and a personal nutrition study. Taken together with BIO 215 Functional Human Anatomy, this course fulfills the content of a two semester sequence in Human Anatomy and Physiology at the introductory to intermediate level.
Taught: Spring.
Prerequisites: None.
Gen. Ed. Category: Exploring how the natural world functions; (SM)
Credit: 4 hours.

BIO 110: Principles of Biology I—Biological Processes
Goal: To expose the student to the underlying principles of biology, including the requirements of living systems, the interaction of life with the physical world which supports it, and the molecular basis that unifies all living things.
Content: The principles of evolution, ecology, and genetics. An introduction to the biomolecules that comprise all living things. An introduction to the cellular basis of life.
Taught: Fall.
Prerequisites: None.
Gen. Ed. Category: Exploring how the natural world functions; (SM)
Credit: 4 hours.

BIO 112: Principles of Biology II—Diversity of Biological Systems
Goal: To expose the student to the unity and diversity of the living organisms that inhabit the earth. To examine the mechanisms involved in the structures and processes used by living things to accomplish the requirements of continued existence.
Content: The systematic survey of the major groups of organisms from the bacteria to the higher vertebrates. A systems approach to the functioning of living organisms from the cellular to the whole organism levels.
Taught: Spring.
Prerequisite: BIO 103 or BIO 110 or permission of department chair.
Credit: 4 hours.

BIO 203: Research Methods in the Biological Sciences
Goal: To learn basic methods and techniques of research in the natural sciences, especially biology and chemistry. To become proficient in the conduct of science and presentation of scientific information. To explore practical, philosophical, and ethical aspects
of science.
Content: A “hands-on” introduction to all aspects of the scientific method and scientific research. Students conduct experimental practica and self-designed research projects, including initial formulation of hypotheses, experimental design and instrumentation, data
analysis, and preparation of results for presentation. Students prepare critical reviews of published papers, formal written research reports, and presentations of original research designs and results in written, graphical, and oral formats.
Taught: Fall.
Prerequisites: BIO 110, 112; CHM 101.
Gen. Ed. Category: Developing; Speaking Competency; (SM)
Credit: 4 hours.

BIO210: Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Goal: To introduce the student to human gross and microscopic anatomy and physiology. To encourage the student to think synthetically about the interrelationships among form, function, development, and pathology of the human body.
Content : An introduction to organismal structure, basic biochemistry, cytology and cell physiology, and histology and tissue physiology. A practical study of the structure and function of the human integumentary, skeletomuscular, nervous, and sensory systems. The emphases of the course are on relating structure to function, relating gross and microscopic anatomy, developing 3-dimensional visualization skills, and becoming comfortable with the terminology of human anatomy and physiology. This is the first semester of the two-semester sequence in Human Anatomy and Physiology at an intermediate level.
Taught: Every Fall.
Prerequisite: BIO 103 or BIO 110.
Credit: 4 hours.

BIO 211: Human Anatomy and Physiology II
Goal: To continue the introduction of the student to human gross and microscopic anatomy and physiology. To encourage the student to think synthetically about the interrelationships among form, function, development, and pathology of the human body.
Content: A practical study of the structure and function of the human endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic/immune, respiratory, digestive, excretory, and reproductive systems. An introduction to human nutrition, development, health, and pathology. The emphases of the course are on relating structure to function, relating gross and microscopic anatomy, developing 3-dimensional visualization skills, and becoming comfortable with the terminology of human anatomy and physiology. This is the second semester in the two-semester sequence in Human Anatomy and Physiology at an intermediate level.
Taught: Every Spring.
Prerequisite: BIO 210
Credit: 4 hours.

BIO 270: Vertebrate Zoology
Goal: To survey the classes of vertebrates in order to develop an understanding of their phylogeny and adaptations.
Content: An anatomical, physiological, and behavioral comparison of vertebrates with an emphasis on functional morphology, structural design, ecological adaptations, natural history, and evolution.
Taught: Spring. Alternate years.
Prerequisites: BIO 110 and 112.
Credit: 4 hours.

BIO 315: Animal Behavior
Goal: To familiarize the student with the biological study of animal behavior. To introduce the student to the major historical and contemporary perspectives of behavioral study. To allow the student to practice field and laboratory methods of behavioral sampling
and analysis.
Content: A practice-oriented survey of contemporary approaches to animal behavior, including behavioral genetics, behavioral development, neuroethology, behavioral endocrinology, behavioral ecology and evolution, ethology and sociobiology.
Taught: Fall. Alternate years.
Prerequisites: BIO 103 or 110; BIO 203 or PSY 305.
Credit: 4 hours.

BIO325: Neurophysiology

Goal: To familiarize the student with the theoretical bases and experimental methods of modern neurobiology, appropriate to studying the structure and function of individual nerve cells and small neuronal systems.
Content: A practice-oriented introduction to cellular and systems neurobiology. Laboratory exercise and discussion topics will include electrophysiological, histophysiological, and neurochemical techniques, neuronal membrane dynamics, synaptic function and plasticity,
sensory coding, sensorimotor coordination, central pattern generation, and network function. Methods of study will include electrophysiological recording from invertebrate and embryonic vertebrate preparations, neurochemical and microsurgical manipulation, neuronal cell culture, histochemistry, computer simulation, and correlational network analysis.
Taught: Fall. Alternate years.
Prerequisites: BIO 103 or 110; BIO 203 or PSY 305.

BIO 335: Neuronal Networks and Systems
Goal: To familiarize the student with the scientific questions, theories, methods., and practices of studying neuronal networks and systems in animals. To become conversant with the primary scientific literature in network and systems neuroscience, as well as functional neuroethology.
Content: A seminar-style course which samples from the range of sensory, motor, and associational neuronal networks and systems in invertebrate and vertebrate animals and the experimental and analytical approaches used to understand them. Instructor- and student-led discussions will use both review texts and the primary neuroscience literature of particularly well-understood systems as source material. This will be supplemented with hands-on exploration of computer-based simulations and models of neuronal networks. Specific topics might include, for example, detection, discrimination, and topographical mapping in visual and olfactory systems, owl and anuran auditory localization, fish electroreception, bat echolocation, crustacean and teleost escape behavior, coordination of leech swimming, locust flight, and birdsong, and the neuronal substrates of daily and seasonal rhythms.
Taught: Fall. Alternate years
Prerequisites: PSY 101; BIO 103 or 110.
Credit: 3 hours.

BIO 340: Animal Physiology
Goal: To familiarize the student with the fundamental principles underlying the functioning of animals, from cellular to organismal levels.
Content: A detailed survey of the mechanisms of animal physiology, taught primarily from an organ-systems perspective. Topics include membrane dynamics, neuronal and nervous system function, muscle physiology; cardiac function and circulation, respiration,
digestion, excretion, endocrinology, and reproduction. This course takes a
comparative approach to animal physiology, with a specific focus on physiological mechanisms in humans. Taken together with BIO 215, Functional Human Anatomy, this course fulfills the content of a two semester sequence in Human Anatomy and Physiology at the intermediate to advanced level.
Taught: Spring. Alternate years.
Prerequisites: BIO 110, 112; BIO 203 or PSY 305
Credit: 4 hours.

BIO 440: Senior Integrative Exercise in Biology
Goal: To provide a capstone integrative experience for senior biology majors.
Content: With faculty guidance, students will work individually to research a focused topic integrating biological concepts and methods with those of another academic discipline. Students will work collaboratively in a small group to organize oral presentations
incorporating individual topics into a broader theme, question, or problem. Students will make their presentations at the end of the semester to students and faculty in the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.
Taught: Spring.
Prerequisites: Declared major in biology and the completion of at least 19 semester hours in biology including BIO 110, BIO 112, and BIO 203.
Credit: 2 hours.

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Rev. 08.12