Plan of Study – Biology
Note: A Semester Hour (s.h.) is a unit of academic credit representing an hour of class (such as lecture class) or three hours of laboratory work each week for an academic semester. Most courses are two, three or four semester hours.
Biology: Bach Sci Major Courses (Minimum of 33 semester hours required.)
Fundamental biological principles and problems as they apply to molecular, cellular, and organismic levels of the biosphere. Lecture meets 3 hours per week. Prerequisite or corequisite: CHM 1110 or equivalent, one year each of high school biology and chemistry highly recommended. Corequisite: BIO 1030.LB.
Laboratory investigating fundamental biological principles and problems as they apply to molecular, cellular, and organismic levels of the biosphere.
Prerequisite or corequisite: CHEM 1110 or equivalent, one year each of high school biology and chemistry highly recommended. Lab will meet 3 hours per week. Corequisite: BIO 1030.
Fundamental biological principles and problems as they apply to evolutionary theory, biosystematics, plant structure and function, animal behavior, and ecological concepts. Lecture meets 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: one year each of high school biology and chemistry highly recommended; BIO 1030 and BIO 1030.LB recommended but not required. Corequisite: BIO 1040.LB.
Laboratory course investigating fundamental biological principles and problems as they apply to evolutionary theory, biosystematics, plant structure and function, animal behavior, and ecological concepts. Prerequisite: one year each of high school biology and chemistry highly recommended; BIO 1030 and BIO 1030.LB recommended but not required. Lab will meet 3 hours per week. Corequisite: BIO 1040.
Principles of genetic theory that provide a working knowledge of the three divisions of genetics: transmission genetics, molecular genetics, and population genetics. Topics include cell division, principles of heredity, statistical analysis, microbial genetics, cancer genetics, genetics in metabolism, development and behavior, and genetic engineering. Lecture meets 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: BIO 1030 or BIO 2260; MTH 2350. Corequisite: BIO 3010.LB.
Lab course utilizing both classical and modern genetics experiments to give students hands-on exposure to scientific techniques and equipment. Lab will meet 3 hours per week. Corequisite: BIO 3010.
Preparation and presentation of a scientific paper. Taken by students with senior status as a requirement for graduation; to be taken in the final six hours of the program.
Cell or Molecular Option (Minimum of 7 semester hours required. Choose two courses in Cellular or Molecular Biology. Choose from: BIO 2260, BIO 3170, BIO 3280, BIO 3610, BIO 3740, BIO 4410 and BIO 4520.)
Fundamental principles of microbiology with emphasis on the biology of bacteria and other microbes (metabolism, genetics, growth, and death), their ecological relationships in natural and controlled environments, and the interactions of pathogenic microorganisms and their human and animal hosts. Lecture meets 3 hours per week. Corequisite: BIO 2260.LB.
Laboratory course investigating the fundamental principles of microbiology through hands-on exploration of techniques such as smear and stain preparation, safe handling of microorganisms and care and maintenance of cultures. Lab will meet 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: CHM 1110 or CHM 1610; and BIO 1030 or BIO 2250 or BIO 2450. Corequisite: BIO 2260.
Study focuses upon the morphology, classification, and clinical diagnosis of major human parasites. Laboratory emphasizes the identification of parasitic adult and larval forms as observed in clinical specimens. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 6 hours. Prerequisite: BIO 2260.
Development and function of cellular response; basics of antigenicity. Students learn about immunity as it relates to transplantation, infectious disease, and autoimmune conditions. Lecture meets 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: BIO 2450 and BIO 2460; CHM 2210; recommend BIO 3010. Corequisite: BIO 3280.LB.
In laboratory practice, students become familiar with the purpose, principles, and performance of common methods of detection and measurements of the immune response, including techniques of ELISA, agglutination, and immuno- precipitation. Lab will meet 3 hours per week. Corequisite: BIO 3280.
Principles of biochemistry; major metabolic and biosynthetic pathways; structure and conformation of biological molecules and their molecular biology. Laboratory exercises in enzyme kinetics, electrophoresis, chromatography, and DNA isolation and manipulation. Lecture will meet 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisites: CHM 1110, CHM 1110.LB; and CHM 2210, CHM 2210.LB or CHM 1610 and CHM 1610.LB. Corequisite CHM 3610.LB.
Laboratory exercises in enzyme kinetics, electrophoresis, chromatography, and DNA isolation and manipulation. Lab will meet 3 hours per week. Corequisite: CHM 3610.
The study of structural details and the molecular functions of the different parts of the eukaryotic cell, with emphasis on endocytosis, intra-membrane transport, protein targeting, organelle biosynthesis, protein sorting, exocytosis, cell shape, motility, cell-to-cell interaction, signal transduction and cell cycling. Cellular functions that are required for cell growth and programmed cell death will be explored. Emphasis is placed on examination of experimental approaches taken to elucidate certain biology principles. Prerequisites: BIO 1030, BIO 2260, BIO 3010.
Introductory course in molecular biology, which includes a comprehensive overview of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genome structure and function examined through the lens of molecular biotechnology. Lecture meets 2 hours per week. Prerequisites: BIO 3010 and CHM 3610 (BIO). Corequisite: BIO 4410.LB.
In the laboratory setting, students utilize and become familiar with practical application of molecular biology techniques. Lab meets 3 hours per week. Corequisite: BIO 4410.
Theory of current biological methods to the practice of forensic science including serological, immunological, and DNA analyses of human biofluids commonly recovered at crime scenes. Lecture meets 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: admission to Forensic Science program, BIO 3010, BIO 3010.LB, CHM 3610 (BIO) and CHM 3610.LB (BIO). Corequisite: FOR 4520.LB.
Laboratory course focused on the application of current biological methods to the practice of forensic science including serological, immunological, and DNA analyses of human biofluids commonly recovered at crime scenes. Laboratory meets 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: admission to Forensic Science program, and BIO 3010, BIO 3010.LB, CHM 3610 (BIO) and CHM 3610.LB (BIO). Corequisite: FOR 4520.
Evol, Epid or Ecol Option (Minimum of 6 semester hours required. Choose at least two courses in Evolution, Epidemiology or Ecology. Choose from: BIO 3220, BIO 3450, BIO 3750, BIO 4010 and BIO 4700.)
Study of the principles of ecological interdependence and interaction between plants and animals with each other and with their environment. Prerequisite: 6 s.h. in biology; MTH 2350. Corequisite: BIO 3220.LB.
An overview of research methods used in field studies complements theoretical concepts in lecture. Corequisite: BIO 3220.
The study of disease rates, distribution of disease, and prevention of diseases within human populations. General health promotion, experimental studies for both infectious and chronic disease and statistical methods in epidemiology will be examined. Prerequisite: BIO 1030; MTH 2350 recommended.
Explore the relationship between scientific inquiry and the effort to create a more equitable society by confronting racial injustice. Examine how the scientific community has been affected by and can respond to the marginalization of human persons by such factors as implicit bias and institutional racism.
Workshops or seminars include topics related to biology, such as evolution, animal behavior, cell biology, biometry, or related issues. (May be repeated for credit, as topics vary.) Students may apply up to 3 s.h. of BIO 3750 toward Biology major requirements. Additional topics credits are optional.
Theory and application of population genetics with emphasis on mathematical and statistical methods for describing specific populations, genetic make-up and diversity. 3 hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: BIO 3010, MTH 1210, and MTH 2350.
Independent research, directed reading, or special problems under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisites: recommendation of major advisor and problem director.
Major electives (Minimum of 6 semester hours required. *Major electives may be selected from all BIO courses except BIO 1010, BIO 2250, or BIO 3150.)
Fundamental principles of microbiology with emphasis on the biology of bacteria and other microbes (metabolism, genetics, growth, and death), their ecological relationships in natural and controlled environments, and the interactions of pathogenic microorganisms and their human and animal hosts. Lecture meets 3 hours per week. Corequisite: BIO 2260.LB.
Laboratory course investigating the fundamental principles of microbiology through hands-on exploration of techniques such as smear and stain preparation, safe handling of microorganisms and care and maintenance of cultures. Lab will meet 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: CHM 1110 or CHM 1610; and BIO 1030 or BIO 2250 or BIO 2450. Corequisite: BIO 2260.
A non-laboratory study of the fundamentals of microbiology geared to preparation of nurses and other health care professionals. The role of microbes as causative agents of infectious disease, focusing on human and human disease processes, relative to humans and their diverse environments. Application of scientific understandings to health care settings and to food preparation and spoilage. Prerequisites: biology and chemistry course work, both (a) BIO 1010 or BIO 2250 or BIO 2450 or BIO 2460, and (b) CHM 1610 or CHM 2210.
Study of anatomical terminology, the cell, the sense organs, and the structure and function of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine systems. Lecture meets 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: one year each of high school biology and chemistry. Corequisite: BIO 2450.LB.
Lab course studying the structure and function of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine systems. Lab will meet 3 hours per week. Corequisite: BIO 2450.
Study of circulation, respiration, digestion, excretion, reproduction and development, fluids and electrolytes, and acid-base balance. Lecture meets 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: BIO 2450. Corequisite: BIO 2460.LB.
Lab course studying the structure and function of the circulatory, respiratory, lymphatic, digestive, urinary, and male and female reproductive systems. Lab will meet 3 hours per week. Corequisite: BIO 2460.
Study focuses upon the morphology, classification, and clinical diagnosis of major human parasites. Laboratory emphasizes the identification of parasitic adult and larval forms as observed in clinical specimens. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 6 hours. Prerequisite: BIO 2260.
Study of the principles of ecological interdependence and interaction between plants and animals with each other and with their environment. Prerequisite: 6 s.h. in biology; MTH 2350. Corequisite: BIO 3220.LB.
An overview of research methods used in field studies complements theoretical concepts in lecture. Corequisite: BIO 3220.
Development and function of cellular response; basics of antigenicity. Students learn about immunity as it relates to transplantation, infectious disease, and autoimmune conditions. Lecture meets 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: BIO 2450 and BIO 2460; CHM 2210; recommend BIO 3010. Corequisite: BIO 3280.LB.
In laboratory practice, students become familiar with the purpose, principles, and performance of common methods of detection and measurements of the immune response, including techniques of ELISA, agglutination, and immuno- precipitation. Lab will meet 3 hours per week. Corequisite: BIO 3280.
The study of disease rates, distribution of disease, and prevention of diseases within human populations. General health promotion, experimental studies for both infectious and chronic disease and statistical methods in epidemiology will be examined. Prerequisite: BIO 1030; MTH 2350 recommended.
Studies in the isolation and identification of medically important fungi and viruses with emphasis on the disease involved and on current diagnostic methods used in the laboratory. Laboratory sessions to consist of identification, specimen collection and the processing of fungi and viruses. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 6 hours. Prerequisite: BIO 2260.
Study of mechanisms of disease processes affecting hematologic, immune, cardiovascular, respiratory, neural, liver and biliary, gastrointestinal, and endocrine systems with associated manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment regimens. Prerequisites: BIO 2450 and BIO 2460.
The study of structural details and the molecular functions of the different parts of the eukaryotic cell, with emphasis on endocytosis, intra-membrane transport, protein targeting, organelle biosynthesis, protein sorting, exocytosis, cell shape, motility, cell-to-cell interaction, signal transduction and cell cycling. Cellular functions that are required for cell growth and programmed cell death will be explored. Emphasis is placed on examination of experimental approaches taken to elucidate certain biology principles. Prerequisites: BIO 1030, BIO 2260, BIO 3010.
Workshops or seminars include topics related to biology, such as evolution, animal behavior, cell biology, biometry, or related issues. (May be repeated for credit, as topics vary.) Students may apply up to 3 s.h. of BIO 3750 toward Biology major requirements. Additional topics credits are optional.
Theory and application of population genetics with emphasis on mathematical and statistical methods for describing specific populations, genetic make-up and diversity. 3 hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: BIO 3010, MTH 1210, and MTH 2350.
Study of the qualitative and quantitative aspects of bacteriology in relation to diseases as found in humans. Methods of detection, isolation, and enumeration, toxin production, and techniques in the identification of pathogenic bacteria. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 6 hours. Prerequisite: BIO 2260; BIO 3280 recommended.
Introductory course in molecular biology, which includes a comprehensive overview of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genome structure and function examined through the lens of molecular biotechnology. Lecture meets 2 hours per week. Prerequisites: BIO 3010 and CHM 3610 (BIO). Corequisite: BIO 4410.LB.
In the laboratory setting, students utilize and become familiar with practical application of molecular biology techniques. Lab meets 3 hours per week. Corequisite: BIO 4410.
Independent research, directed reading, or special problems under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisites: recommendation of major advisor and problem director.
Principles of biochemistry; major metabolic and biosynthetic pathways; structure and conformation of biological molecules and their molecular biology. Laboratory exercises in enzyme kinetics, electrophoresis, chromatography, and DNA isolation and manipulation. Lecture will meet 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisites: CHM 1110, CHM 1110.LB; and CHM 2210, CHM 2210.LB or CHM 1610 and CHM 1610.LB. Corequisite CHM 3610.LB.
Laboratory exercises in enzyme kinetics, electrophoresis, chromatography, and DNA isolation and manipulation. Lab will meet 3 hours per week. Corequisite: CHM 3610.
Advanced treatment of modern topics, including DNA structure and function; gene control; recombinant techniques; and newer techniques of protein design and engineering. Lecture will meet 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: CHM 1110, CHM 2210, CHM 3610. Corequisite: CHM 3620.LB.
Laboratory exercises in molecular cloning, transformation, DNA transfer techniques, PCR and bioinformatics. Lab will meet 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: CHM 1110, CHM 2210, CHM 3610. Prerequisites: CHM 1110, CHM 2210, CHM 3610. Corequisite: CHM 3620.
Theory of current biological methods to the practice of forensic science including serological, immunological, and DNA analyses of human biofluids commonly recovered at crime scenes. Lecture meets 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: admission to Forensic Science program, BIO 3010, BIO 3010.LB, CHM 3610 (BIO) and CHM 3610.LB (BIO). Corequisite: FOR 4520.LB.
Laboratory course focused on the application of current biological methods to the practice of forensic science including serological, immunological, and DNA analyses of human biofluids commonly recovered at crime scenes. Laboratory meets 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: admission to Forensic Science program, and BIO 3010, BIO 3010.LB, CHM 3610 (BIO) and CHM 3610.LB (BIO). Corequisite: FOR 4520.
Non-laboratory study of cellular and human pathophysiology as a result of toxic insult. Exploration of toxicants includes analysis of impact of human exposure and disease, as well as the forensic examination of samples for toxicants. Prerequisites: BIO 1030, CHM 2210; BIO 2250 or BIO 2460 recommended. Corequisite: FOR 4640.LB
Laboratory experience includes hands-on training in the use of specialized instrumentation for forensic toxicology and the analysis of forensic chemical evidence. Laboratory meets 3 hours per week. Corequisite: FOR 4640.00
Scientific explanations of the neurobiological basis of behavior and evolution of the brain. Examination of nervous system structure and function; neuron biochemistry and neurotransmission; psychopharmacology; sensory and motor systems, physiological mechanisms influencing circadian rhythms, emotion, learning and memory, neurological disorders, psychological disorders, stress, and drug abuse. Prerequisite: PSY 1010.
Support Courses (Minimum of 24 semester hours required.)
Principles of chemistry, including atomic structure and periodicity, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, gas laws, solution concepts, acid-base theory, redox processes, and equilibrium. Lecture meets 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: one year of high school chemistry or CHM 1010 with grade of C (2.0) or better; one year of high school algebra or MTH 1040 with grade of C (2.0) or better. Two years of high school algebra highly recommended, or MTH 1040 and 1050 with grades of C (2.0) or better. Corequisite: CHM 1110.LB.
Principles of chemistry, including atomic structure and periodicity, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, gas laws, solution concepts, acid- base theory, redox processes, and equilibrium. Lab will meet 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: one year of high school chemistry or CHM 1010 with grade of C (2.0) or better; one year of high school algebra or MTH 1040 with grade of C (2.0) or better. Two years of high school algebra highly recommended, or MTH 1040 and 1050 with grades of C (2.0) or better. Corequisite: CHM 1110.
Principles of thermodynamics/Thermochemistry, kinetics, equilibrium systems, Acid-Base Chemistry, Buffers, Solutions, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Lecture will meet 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: minimum grade of C in CHM 1110 or equivalent; prerequisite or corequisite minimum grade of C in MTH 1060 or 1210 or equivalent. Corequisite: CHM 1120.LB.
Principles of thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibrium systems, proton transfer, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Laboratory projects related to each major subject area. Lab will meet 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: minimum grade of C in CHM 1110 or equivalent; prerequisite or corequisite minimum grade of C in MTH 1060 or 1210 or equivalent. Corequisite: CHM 1120.
Structure and classification of compounds of carbon, with stress on the aliphatics; IUPAC nomenclature; properties, characteristic reactions of the common functional groups, especially of the oxygen functions; concepts of stereochemistry; introduction to mechanisms; stress on Bronsted and Lewis acid/base processes. Lecture will meet 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: CHM 1110 or equivalent. CHM 1120 highly recommended. Corequisite CHM 2210.LB.
Structure and classification of compounds of carbon with stress on the aliphatics; IUPAC nomenclature; properties, characteristic reactions of the common functional groups, especially of the oxygen functions; concepts of stereochemistry; introduction to mechanisms; stress on Bronsted and Lewis acid/base processes. Laboratory exercises directed to demonstration of mechanistic processes. Lab will meet 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: CHM 1110 or equivalent. Corequisite: CHM 2210.
Topics include data collection and graphic presentation; measures of central tendency; measures of dispersion; normal and binomial distributions; regression and correlation; sampling methods; design of experiments; probability and simulation; sampling distributions; statistical inference including confidence intervals and hypothesis testing for one-sample and two-sample problems; chi-square distribution and test of significance; ANOVA. Prerequisite: MTH 1040 or placement based on the mathematics sub-score of the SAT/ACT standardized test or departmental placement exam.
PHY 2530/2630 Option (Choose from: PHY 2530 and PHY 2530 LB, or PHY 2630 and PHY 2630 LB.)
Fundamental methods of mechanics, molecular physics, heat, and sound. Lecture will meet 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: MTH 1050 and 1060, or 1210, or the equivalent; or departmental approval. Corequisite: PHY 2530.LB.
Experiments in the fundamental methods of mechanics, molecular physics, heat, and sound. Lab will meet for 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: MTH 1050 and 1060, or 1210, or the equivalent; or departmental approval. Corequisite: PHY 2530.
This is the first of two calculus-based physics sequence for students planning to major in engineering, pre-med, chemistry, Mathematics and computer science. This course covers motion and Newton’s laws, energy, momentum, rigid body mechanics, gravitation, simple harmonic motion, waves and sound and thermal physics. Lecture will meet 3 hours per week. Corequisites: MTH 2510, PHY 2630.LB.
This is the first of two calculus-based physics sequence for students planning to major in engineering, pre-med, chemistry, Mathematics and computer science. This course covers motion and Newton’s laws, energy, momentum, rigid body mechanics, gravitation, simple harmonic motion, waves and sound and thermal physics. Lab will meet for 3 hours per week. Corequisite: MTH 2510; PHY 2630.
PHY 2540/2640 Option (Choose from: PHY 2540 and PHY 2540 LB, or PHY 2640 and PHY 2640 LB.)
Fundamental methods and principles of magnetism, electricity, optics, light, and atomic physics. Lecture will meet 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: MTH 1050 and MTH 1060, or MTH 1210, or the equivalent; or departmental approval. Co-requisite: PHY 2540.LB.
Fundamentals of electricity, magnetism and Nature of electric charges, electric field, magnetic field and concept of electromagnetic waves. Understanding wave interference, reflection and refraction of light waves. Fundamentals of mirrors and lenses and optical instruments. Lecture will meet for 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: MTH 2510 and PHY 2630. Corequisite: PHY 2640.LB.
Carry out experiments that would strengthen the fundamental methods and principles of magnetism, electricity, optics, light, and atomic physics. Lab will meet 3 hours per wek. Prerequisites: MTH 1050 and MTH 1060, or MTH 1210, or the equivalent; or departmental approval. Corequisite: PHY 2540.
Experiments in electricity, magnetism, and optics. Nature of electric charges, electric field, magnetic field and concept of electromagnetic waves. Understanding wave interference, reflection and refraction of light waves. Fundamentals of mirrors and lenses and optical instruments. These would all be explored through experiments. Lab will meet 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: MTH 2510 and PHY 2630. Corequisite: PHY 2640.
