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Biology

Home > DEGREE PROGRAMS > Academic Programs > Course Descriptions > Biology

BI 171 Modern Biology FA 4 s.h.
A course in general biological principles relating cell structure to function. Topics discussed include the origin and evolution of life; biochemistry; energetics; the molecular basis of cell metabolism; principles of heredity and the genetic control of cell activity; cell division; the homeostatic regulation of the cell environment. Physiological processes at the organismic level are analyzed and correlated with the simpler manifestations at the cell level. The course emphasizes modern research, the nature and philosophy of science, and the art of experimentation as carried on concurrently in the laboratory portion of the course.
Hours of class per week:  3. Hours of lab per week:  3. General Education: N.
 

BI 172 Plant Biology 

FA 4 s.h.

A lecture, lab and field course that introduces major topics of plant biology. Topics include: evolutionary relationships of the major plant groups from algae to angiosperms, microanatomy, morphology, development, life cycles, physiology and photosynthesis. Emphasis is on the land plants especially the angiosperms. Included is an introduction to the ecology of major land plant groups. Prerequisite: BI 171 or permission of instructor. Hours of class per week:  3. Hours of lab per week:  3. General Education: N.

 

BI 173 Animal Biology SP 4 s.h.
An evolutionary survey of the animals, from protozoa through chordata. Physiological systems are studied, with a focus on general performance and comparative differences among animal groups. The course examines the roles of ecosystem niches and adaptive potential, so that the student becomes aware of the evolutionary significance of the structures studied. It also emphasizes relationships among organisms, with a special focus on impacts on and by humans. Prerequisite: BI 171 or permission of instructor. Hours of class per week:  3. Hours of lab per week:  3. General Education: N.

 
BI 181 Anatomy & Physiology I
BI 182 Anatomy & Physiology II
 

FA 4 s.h.
SP 4 s.h.

A two semester course exploring the human body as an integrated complex of systems. It explores fundamental concepts of biology, chemistry, and physics as aids to understanding the physiology of systems. Study of structure and function of each organ system, with emphasis on interrelationships. Special emphasis on cellular physiology, cellular reproduction, fluid and electrolyte balance, acid base balance and stress as it affects endocrine and neurophysiology. Hours of class per week:  3. Hours of lab per week:  3. General Education: N.

 
BI 276 Ecology  SP 4 s.h.

A study of ecological principles that pertain to individual organisms, populations, communities and ecosystems. Topics include temperature, water and energy balance within organisms, population distribution and abundance, intraspecific and interspecific interactions, species abundance and diversity, energy flow and nutrient cycling through communities, and some mechanisms of population, community and ecosystems over time. Laboratories will focus on both lab and field techniques in ecology with a strong emphasis on experimental design. Prerequisite: BI 172 or BI 173 or permission of instructor. (MA 151 strongly recommended). Hours of class per week:  3. General Education: N.

 

BI 282 Microbiology  SP 4 s.h.
A lecture and lab course that introduces major topics of microbiology. Topics include: microbial cell structure, function, physiology, metabolism, genetics, diversity, and ecology. Applied microbiology topics include: biotechnology and medical microbiology. Students are introduced to basic microbiological skills in the laboratory including: sampling for microbes, aseptic technique, isolation, culturing, identification, and light microscopy techniques. Major emphasis is on bacteria. Other organisms discussed include: viruses, fungi and eukaryotic human parasites. Prerequisite: BI 171 or SC 135 or both BI181 and BI182 or permission of instructor. Hours of class per week:  3. Hours of lab per week:  3.
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