Full-Time Faculty: Paula F. Dehn, Chair, Susan M. Aronica, S. Chidambaram, Robert J. Grebenok, Barbara A. Hanson, John Kalb, Edward C. Kisailus, Sara R. Morris, Michael Noonan1, Joseph A. Tomasulo, Elizabeth Welnhofer, Ann Wright.
The Biology major offers broad training in the biological sciences and balances organismal with cellular/molecular biology. This background serves as a solid preparation for: 1) future graduate level education in the biological sciences; 2) future professional education in the health-related sciences; 3) employment at the bachelors level; and 4) additional training in other disciplines that require a thorough understanding of biology, such as sports medicine and various areas of business, communications, engineering, law, and social policy development.
The Biology program of study combines lectures and a hands-on learning experience in both its core and elective courses. The elective courses offered cover a variety of biological fields, which allow students to sample many areas of biology or to investigate more thoroughly specific areas of special interest. In addition, the opportunity to do independent research with a faculty member in the Biology Department helps develop additional skills not normally offered in undergraduate courses and enhances the total undergraduate science experience through the application of knowledge acquired in coursework.
The biology graduate may be employed in a variety of fields including research, teaching, industry, government service, sales, technical writing, and environmental management. Within these fields are numerous interest areas, e.g. biotechnology, public health, forestry, agriculture, toxicology, pharmacology, wild-life and fisheries sciences, physiology, sports medicine, etc. Students interested in teaching at the secondary-school level should major in the Biology Education program, while those interested in the medical technology profession should major in the Clinical Laboratory Program.
All biology majors are assigned advisers within the department. All majors should work closely with their advisers in discussing career expectations, choosing their biology electives, and developing their total academic programs. The adviser may be changed at the student’s request. Students must maintain a 2.00 G.P.A. in their science courses to be eligible to graduate with a degree in Biology.
The department also has developed programs for students interested in Early Assurance Acceptance into the SUNY/Buffalo Medical and Dental Schools and Syracuse Medical School, Joint Degree Programs with SUNY/Buffalo Dental School and the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, and dual major programs in Biology-Athletic Training and Biology-Psychology. In addition, a series of specialized courses have been developed for the non-science major which relate biological concepts and scientific methodologies to societal issues facing humankind, as a result of technological advances. These courses satisfy the Area Studies I requirements.
Biology Curriculum:
The following curriculum fulfills all requirements and prepares students well for graduate schools in the biological sciences and for schools of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, podiatry, optometry, and osteopathy.
| 1. ENG 101, ENG 102, PHI 101, RST 101 |
(4 courses) |
(12) |
| 2. Area Studies: Two courses from each of these areas: II, III, IV, V, VI, VIII2 |
(12 courses) |
(36) |
| 3.Major course requirements: |
(18 courses) |
|
| BIO 101/101L |
Introduction to Cellular/ Subcellular Biology |
(5) |
| BIO 102/102L |
Organismal Biology |
(5) |
| BIO 201/201L |
Evolution, Ecology, and Population Biology |
(5) |
| BIO 203 |
Cellular Biochemistry |
(3) |
| BIO 352 |
Junior Seminar |
(1) |
| BIO 451 |
Senior Seminar |
(1) |
| CHM 111-112 |
General Chemistry |
(10) |
| CHM 227-228 |
Organic Chemistry |
(10) |
| PHY 201-202 |
General Physics |
(10) |
| Mathematics electives: two courses: |
|
|
| MAT-111 and MAT 141 or PSY 201; |
|
|
| MAT 111-112; one year of statistics |
|
(8) |
Biology electives: six courses. Three courses and their associated laboratories must come from any three of the following four tracks: Animal Biology (BIO 313, 315, 340, 365, 366, 410, 460); Biological Diversity (BIO 305, 307, 320, 330, 335); Cellular Biology (BIO 418, 419, 425, 426, 435, 445, 455); and Genetics/Molecular Biology (BIO 304, 408, 432, 450). The remaining three Biology electives may come from within these areas, or from other elective courses in Biology, and at least one must include a laboratory. A student enrolled in three semesters of BIO 300 would fulfill this last laboratory requirement. Students should see their advisers to plan their selection. Prerequisites for all courses minimally include the completion of BIO 101/101L, BIO 102/102L, and BIO 201/201L (22)
4. Electives: Biology courses may be taken, but may not be taken pass/fail (4 courses) (12)
Total (38 courses) (140-142)
N.B. It is particularly important that the biology major maintain the indicated required science course sequence to insure prerequisite requirements for upper-level courses and to insure that all basic requirements have been completed prior to taking standardized graduate/professional school entrance examinations (e.g. GRE, MCAT, DAT). These exams are normally taken late in spring semester of junior year. Biology majors are required to take BIO 203 in the sophomore year, if they have received at least a C in CHM 227.
Recommended Schedule:
| Fall |
|
Spring |
|
| Freshman Year |
|
|
|
| ENG 101 |
3 |
ENG 102 |
3 |
| BIO 101/101L |
5 |
BIO 102/102L |
5 |
| CHM 111 |
5 |
CHM 112 |
5 |
| Mathematics or AS |
4 or 3 |
Mathematics |
4 |
| Total |
17 or 16 |
Total |
17 |
| Sophomore Year |
|
|
|
| RST 101 |
3 |
PHI 101 |
3 |
| BIO 201/201L |
5 |
CHM 228 |
5 |
| CHM 227 |
5 |
BIO 203 |
3 |
| AS or Mathematics |
3 or 4 |
AS |
3 |
| AS |
3 |
AS |
3 |
| Total |
19 or 20 |
Total |
17 |
| Junior Year |
|
|
|
| Biology elective |
3 or 4 |
PHY 202 |
5 |
| PHY 201 |
5 |
BIO 352 |
1 |
| AS |
3 |
Biology elective |
3 or 4 |
| AS |
3 |
AS |
3 |
| AS |
3 |
AS |
3 |
| Total |
17 or 18 |
Elective |
3 |
| |
|
Total |
18 or 19 |
| Senior Year |
|
|
|
| BIO 451 |
1 |
Biology elective |
3 or 4 |
| Biology elective |
3 or 4 |
Biology elective |
3 or 4 |
| Biology elective |
3 or 4 |
AS |
3 |
| AS3 |
3 |
Elective |
3 |
| AS |
3 |
Elective |
3 |
| Elective |
3 |
Total |
15 or 17 |
| Total |
16-18 |
Total |
141-143 |
Special Programs
Early Assurance Program with S.U.N.Y. Buffalo Medical School or Syracuse Medical School: Qualified students may apply to the State University of New York Medical School or Syracuse Medical School during their sophomore year. Those accepted will be admitted into the Medical School freshman class after their graduation from Canisius.
Early Assurance Program with S.U.N.Y. Buffalo Dental School: Qualified students may apply to the S.U.N.Y. Dental School during their sophomore year. Those accepted will be admitted into the Dental School freshman class after their graduation from Canisius.
Joint Degree Program with S.U.N.Y. Buffalo Dental School or the New York College of Podiatric Medicine: This is a seven-year program in which the first three years are spent at Canisius and the last four years at either the S.U.N.Y. Dental School or the N.Y. College of Podiatric Medicine. A B.S. degree will be awarded from Canisius College after completion of the first year of dental or podiatric school. The D.D.S. or D.P.M. degree will be awarded at the end of seven years. Joint degree students must meet Biology major distribution requirements. Students should see an adviser to plan course selections.
Please note: In all special programs, the student, once accepted, must meet the requirements established by each professional school.
Schedule (Joint Degree Program with S.U.N.Y. Buffalo Dental School):
| Fall |
|
Spring |
|
| Freshman Year |
|
|
|
| ENG 101 |
3 |
ENG 102 |
3 |
| BIO 101/101L |
5 |
BIO 102/102L |
5 |
| CHM 111 |
5 |
CHM 112 |
5 |
| MAT 141 or MAT 111 |
4 |
AS |
3 |
| Total |
17 |
AS |
3 |
| |
|
Total |
19 |
| Summer Session |
|
|
|
| AS |
3 |
|
|
| Total |
3 |
|
|
| Sophomore Year |
|
|
|
| RST 101 |
3 |
PHI 101 |
3 |
| BIO 201 |
5 |
BIO 203 |
3 |
| CHM 227 |
5 |
CHM 228 |
5 |
| MAT 111 or MAT 141 |
4 |
AS |
3 |
| AS |
3 |
AS |
3 |
| Total |
20 |
Total |
17 |
| Summer Session |
|
|
|
| AS |
3 |
AS |
3 |
| Total |
6 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| Junior Year |
|
|
|
| Biology elective w/ lab |
4 |
BIO 352 |
1 |
| Biology elective w/ lab |
4 |
Biology elective w/ lab |
4 |
| PHY 201 |
5 |
Biology elective w/out lab |
3 |
| AS |
3 |
PHY 202 |
5 |
| AS |
3 |
AS |
3 |
| Total |
19 |
AS |
3 |
| |
|
Total |
19 |
| |
|
Total |
122 |
Other Programs
The extensive number of electives available to biology majors allows the development of dual majors with other departments. Specific programs have been developed in Biology-Psychology. The Biology-Psychology major may select those courses which are cross-listed with the Psychology Department and listed below. The adviser is Michael Noonan of the Psychology and Biology Departments. Members of the biology faculty frequently cooperate with other departmental faculty in the presentation of interdisciplinary courses.
The Biology Department also offers four minors. Students in the Cell Molecular Biology, Environmental Biology, and Neuroscience minors should see their departmental adviser to plan the course selection so that major distribution requirements can be met. Students in the Zoo Biology minor should see Dr. Noonan, the program coordinator, to plan a program that will facilitate completion of the required practica.
The Cell and Molecular Biology minor is open to students who are majoring in Biology or Biochemistry. For students seeking employment at the B.S. level, a Departmental "Letter of Proficiency in Laboratory Skills" may be requested upon completion of the minor. This letter requires the passing of a laboratory skills competency examination, details of which are available from departmental advisers.
The Cell and Molecular Biology minor is open to students who are majoring in Biology or Biochemistry. For students seeking employment at the B.S. level, a Departmental “Letter of Proficiency in Laboratory Skills” may be requested upon completion of the minor. This letter requires the passing of a laboratory skills competency examination, details of which are available from departmental advisers.
Cell and Molecular Biology Minor:
Students select six courses from those listed below. At least four of the six courses must be taken with the laboratory, and no more than four courses and three laboratories may come from either the cell or genetics/molecular area.
Cell area: BIO 418, 419, 425, 426, 435, 445, 455.
Genetics/ Molecular area: BIO 304, 408, 432, 450.
Total (6 courses) (22)
The Environmental Biology minor is open to students majoring in Biology. It provides a broad preparation for entry into B.S. level positions in the environmental sciences and advanced study at the graduate level.4
Environmental Biology Minor:
The Environmental Biology minor is open to students majoring in Biology. It provides a broad preparation for entry into B.S. level positions in the environmental sciences and advanced study at the graduate level.4
Environmental Biology Minor:
One course from each of the following groups:
Diversity: BIO 305, 335, 365, 366
Field Methods: BIO 330/330L, 320
Toxicology/Health: BIO 360, 460
Three additional electives from the following group: BIO 305, 315, 320, 330, 335, 360, 365, 366, 460.
Note: At least four of the six courses must be taken with the laboratory and the field requirement must include laboratory.
Total (6 courses) (22)
The Neuroscience minor may be earned by any student who completes the required courses. Prerequisites for some of the required courses may effectively limit accessibility to Biology and Biology/Psychology majors.
Neuroscience Minor:
BIO 425/425L or BIO 435/435L (4)
4 electives from the group listed below:
BIO 345, 425, 435; BIO/PSY 325, 355
BCH 405, PSY 431, BIO 3005, PSY 4955
Total (5 courses) (16-19)
The Zoo Biology minor may be earned by any student who completes the required courses. It is designed for those who are interested in careers associated with live animal work.
Zoo Biology Minor:
The Zoo Biology minor may be earned by any student who completes the required courses. It is designed for those who are interested in careers associated with live animal work.
| BIO 109 |
Nutrition |
(3) |
| BIO/PSY 315 |
Comparative Animal Behavior and Laboratory |
(4) |
| BIO/PSY 316 |
Social Organization of Mammals and Laboratory |
(4) |
| BIO/PSY 325 |
Reproductive Biopsychology |
(4) |
| BIO 350 |
Zoo Biology and Laboratory |
(4) |
| PSY 498A |
Practicum: Buffalo Zoo |
(3) |
| PSY 498A |
Practicum: Aquarium of Niagara Falls |
(3) |
| Total |
(7 courses) |
(25) |
COURSES: 2001-2003
Note: The Biology courses are listed below according to the category of student for whom they are intended.
REQUIRED COURSES FOR MAJORS
BIO 101 Introduction to Cellular/Subcellular Biology 4
Introduction to principles governing biological processes at the molecular level with emphasis on role of experimentation in scientific process. Three hours of lecture and one one-hour recitation per week.
BIO 101L Introduction to Cellular/Subcellular Biology Laboratory 1
Examination of experimental methodologies that relate to biological processes at the cellular/ molecular level.
BIO 102 Organismal Biology 4
Introduction to principles governing biological processes at the organismal level in plants and animals. Function of organisms is stressed. Three hours of lecture and one one-hour recitation per week.
Prerequisite: BIO 101 or permission of the Chair.
BIO 102L Organismal Biology Laboratory 1
Examination of the structure and function of living organisms.
Prerequisite: BIO 137 2001-2002 only
BIO 201 Evolution, Ecology and Population Biology 4
Intra- and inter-specific interactions between organisms, interactions between organisms and their environment, and mechanisms of evolutionary change and speciation. Requires recitation.
Prerequisite: BIO 101-102.
BIO 201L Evolution, Ecology, Population Biology Laboratory 1
Investigative laboratories in evolution, population biology, and ecology.
BIO 203 Cellular Biochemistry 3
Combination of the structure and chemical reactions of biological molecules with the biological aspects of Biochemistry. Control of metabolism. Biological membranes. Replication/transcription/ translation.
Prerequisite: BIO 101, 102, 201; C or better in CHM 227.
BIO 352 Junior Seminar 1
Learning and practicing of various methods of presenting scientific/experimental information. All juniors must complete one semester. Attendance at faculty seminars required.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
BIO 451 Senior Seminar 1
Student presents seminar on research of the primary biological literature. Attendance at faculty seminars required.
Prerequisite: BIO 352 and preregistration with instructor.
BIOLOGY ELECTIVES FOR MAJORS
BIO 304 Genetics 4
Principles of Mendelian, molecular genetics, and genetic engineering; population genetics; human genetics, with emphasis on inherited diseases.
Prerequisite: BIO 101, 102, 201. 2001-2002 only
BIO 304L Genetics Laboratory 1
Principles of Mendelian and molecular genetics as demonstrated by experiments with Drosophila and microorganisms.
Prerequisite: BIO 304 or concurrent enrollment. 2001-2002 only
BIO 305 Microbial Ecology 3
The role of microorganisms in the environment. Microbial techniques, interactions among microbial populations, microbial communities, ecosystems, biogeochemical cycling, bioremediation, mineral and energy recovery. Lab optional. Formerly BIO 405.
Prerequisite: BIO 101-102, 201; CHM 227. 2001-2002 only
BIO 305L Microbial Ecology Laboratory 1
Techniques that allow the measurement of microorganisms in the environment, such as: microscopy, aseptic techniques, isolation and culture of specialized groups of bacteria, water quality assessment, biodegradation of wastes and pollutants. Formerly BIO 405L.
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in BIO 405. 2001-2002 only
BIO 307 Microbiology 3
Cell structure, genetics, biochemistry, and physiology of microorganisms, with emphasis on bacteria. Medical aspects. Food and industrial microbiology. Formerly BIO 407.
Prerequisite: BIO 101-102, 201; CHM 227. 2002-2003 only
BIO 307L Microbiology Laboratory 1
Microbiology laboratory is concerned primarily with the cell structure, growth, physiology, and identification of bacteria. Formerly BIO 407L.
Prerequisite: BIO 307 or concurrent enrollment. 2000-2001 only
BIO 313 Comparative Chordate Embryology 5
An introductory study of the ontogenetic development of the chordate body plan. Emphasis is on the organogenesis and histo-differentiation of the characteristics of representative vertebrates.
Prerequisite: BIO 101-102, 201. 2002-2003 only
BIO 315 (PSY 315) Comparative Animal Behavior 3
Behavior of a wide range of species. Similarities and contrasts allow deductions regarding mechanisms and evolution.
Prerequisite: BIO 101-102, 201. 2001-2002 only
BIO 315L (PSY 315L) Comparative Animal Behavior Laboratory 1
Lab and field exercises illustrate concepts from class.
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in BIO 315. 2001-2002 only
BIO 316 (PSY 316) Social Organization of Mammals 4
Behavior and social structures of rodents, felines, canines, cetaceans, elephants, monkeys, apes, and humans.
Prerequisite: BIO 101-102, 201. 2002-2003 only
BIO 316L (PSY 316L) Social Organization of Mammals Lab 0
Observation of animal groupings at local zoos and aquariums. Lab is required. 2002-2003 only
BIO 317 (PSY 317) Sex, Evolution, and Behavior 3
Reproductive behavior of diverse animal species, including humans, from evolutionary perspective. Focus on how evolutionary accounts explain male- female differences in life style and behavior.
Prerequisite: BIO 101-102, 201. 2002-2003 only
BIO 318 Medical Genetics 3
Modes of transmission of human characteristics and diseases in families and populations; the molecular basis of human disease; the genetics of cancer and the screening, diagnosis and therapy of specific genetic diseases.
Prerequisite: BIO 101-102, 201. 2002-2003 only
BIO 320 Field Ecology 4
Introduction to the flora, fauna, and physical characteristics of regional ecosystems, with emphasis on field methods and application of ecological theory. Three hours of lecture and six hours of lab per week.
Prerequisite: BIO 101-102, 201. 2002-2003 only
BIO 325 (PSY 325) Reproductive Biopsychology 3
Neuro-endocrine mechanisms underlying behavior associated with sex, pregnancy, and parental care. Equal focus on human and non-human behavior.
Prerequisite: BIO 101-102, 201. 2001-2002 only
BIO 330 Marine Biology and Ecology 3
Introduction to marine biology and ecology with emphasis on the adaptations of organisms which allow for survival in specialized environments.
Prerequisite: BIO 101-102,201. 2002-2003 only
BIO 330L Marine Biology and Ecology Field Trip 1
Field methodologies employed in the investigation of selected marine environments in the Florida Keys. Spring Break.
Prerequisite: BIO 330 or concurrent enrollment. 2002-2003 only
BIO 331 Histochemical Techniques 4
Theory and techniques for preparing tissue for light microscopy. Lab intensive.
Prerequisite: BIO 101-102, 201.
BIO 335 Plant Biology 4
Critical examination of the structure, physiology, and biochemistry of vascular plants. Plant taxonomy. Emphasis on the interaction of plants with their environment.
Prerequisite: BIO 101-102, 201. 2001-2002 only
BIO 340 Physiology 3
Function of organ systems, emphasizing neuroendocrine integration and other regulatory processes. Includes animal models, clinical experience and mechanisms of drug action.
Prerequisite: BIO 101-102, 201. 2002-2003 only
BIO 340L Physiology Laboratory 1
Experimental study of organ systems and components, using surgical, biochemical, and hematological techniques and electronic instrumentation.
Prerequisite: BIO 340 or concurrent enrollment. 2002-2003 only
BIO 345 Functional Neuroanatomy 3
Fundamentals of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. Embryology, histology, and cellular structure as well as sensory and motor components and circuitry.
Prerequisite: BIO 101-102, 201. 2001-2002 only
BIO 350 (PSY 350) Zoo Biology 4
The roles of zoos in conservation, education, and research. The interaction of environment, genetic, nutritional, and psychosocial factors in the management of captive animal populations and species survival plans. Lab is required.
Prerequisite: BIO 101-102, 201. 2001-2002 only
BIO 350L (PSY 350L) Zoo Biology Lab 0
Laboratory exercises in enrichment and numerous experiential field trips to nearby zoos and aquariums.
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in BIO 350. 2001-2002 only
BIO 355 (PSY 355, CSI 355) Behavioral Neuroscience 3
Functions of nervous /endocrine systems in mediating motivation, movement, sensation, ingestion, aggression, emotion, sleep, learning, memory, thought, and behavior disorders.
Prerequisite: BIO 101-102, 201. 2002-2003 only
BIO 360 Environmental Health 3
Environmental effects on human health, including biological, physical, and chemical hazards in water and air.
Prerequisite: BIO 101-102, 201. 2002-2003 only
BIO 365 Vertebrate Zoology 4
The biology of the vertebrates including anatomy, evolution, ecology, natural history, and behavior. Labs involve extensive dissection, learning local and North American species and groups, and field trips.
Prerequisite: BIO 101-102, 201. 2001-2002 only
BIO 366 Ornithology 4
Phylogenetic relationships, ecology, natural history, and the behavior of birds. Laboratory focuses on world-wide diversity, local species, and field techniques. Formerly BIO 415.
Prerequisite: BIO 101-102, 201. 2002-2003 only
BIO 400 Independent Study 3
Independent study under the direction of a faculty member. Arrangements made prior to registration.
Prerequisite: Written permission of tutorial faculty member.
BIO 401 Independent Research 4
Independent laboratory research in biology conducted under the supervision of a faculty member. Arrangements made prior to registration.
Prerequisite: Written permission of faculty member.
BIO 408 Biotechnology, Theory in Practice 4
Introduction to the theory and experiments that are the foundation of biotechnology through lecture and laboratory. Topics include: genetic engineering, mutagenesis, separation technology, immunobiotechnology and cell biology. Lab required.
Prerequisite: : BCH 301-301L or BIO 203. 2001-2002 only
BIO 410 Histology and Histophysiology 4
A systematic study of structure and function of cells and tissues as viewed by light and electron microscopes. Lab employs Kodachrome and tissue slides. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week.
Prerequisite: BCH 301, 301L or BIO 203. 2001-2002 only
BIO 418 Endocrinology 3
Synthesis and cellular/molecular actions of peptides and steroid hormones, growth factors, cytokines, and their roles in regulating physiological processes, maintenance of homeostasis, and cancer biology. Formerly BIO 318.
Prerequisite: BCH 301 or BIO 203. 2001-2002 only
BIO 418L Endocrinology Laboratory 1
Experimental laboratories researching current topics in endocrinology at the molecular, cellular, and organismal level. Formerly BIO 318L.
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in BIO 418. 2001-2002 only
BIO 419 Cell Biology 3
Recent developments in cytology, including genetic information storage and retrieval, protein processing and secretion, motility, chemotaxis, energy sources and the cell in its environment.
Prerequisite: BIO 203, BCH 301-301L. 2001-2002 only
BIO 419L Cell Biology Laboratory 2
Techniques of cell culture; isolation and characterization of cellular organelles and experimental analysis of cellular physiology.
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in BIO 419. 2001-2002 only
BIO 425 (CSI 425) Cellular Neurobiology 3
Cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying nerve function. Topics include: signaling within the nervous system, neuropharmacology, and neuropathology.
Prerequisite: BCH 301-301L or BIO 203. 2002-2003 only
BIO 425L Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory 1
Experimental laboratories researching current topics in cell and molecular neurobiology.
Prerequisite: BCH 301-301L or BIO 203; concurrent enrollment in BIO 425. 2002-2003 only
BIO 426 Immunochemistry 3
Structural concept of antigenic determinants, immunoglobulin sequences and combining site specificity related to the diversity of the immune response and its control.
Prerequisite: BCH 301-301L or BIO 203.
BIO 426L Immunochemistry Laboratory 1
Current methods in immunological research and diagnosis. Designed to present available methodology and insight into the underlying principles.
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in BIO 426.
BIO 430 Medicinal Botany 3
The importance of diverse plant life to human health; the biosynthesis, ecological significance, and pharmacology of drugs derived from plants.
Prerequisite: BCH 301 or BIO 203. 2001-2002 only
BIO 432 Developmental Biology 3
The cellular and molecular phenomena that result in the development of a complex multicellular organism from a single cell, the zygote.
Prerequisite: BCH 301-301L or BIO 203. 2001-2002 only
BIO 432 Developmental Biology Laboratory 1
Examination of cellular and molecular aspects of animal development using classical model organisms.
Prerequisite: BCH 301-301L or BIO 203. 2001-2002 only
BIO 435 Developmental Neurobiology 3
Cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neural development: neural determination, cell migration, axon guidance, apoptosis, synaptogenesis, myelination and nerve regeneration. The scientific methodology used in current research will be stressed.
Prerequisite: BCH 301-301L or BIO 203. 2001-2002 only
BIO 435 Developmental Neurobiology Laboratory 3
Experimental studies of the development and regeneration of nervous tissue using neuronal tissue culture and digital microscopy.
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in BIO 435. 2001-2002 only
BIO 445 Cellular Imaging 4
Use of microscopy and digital imaging technology to study living eukaryotic cells. Experimental laboratory focuses. Lab required.
Prerequisite: BCH 301-301L or BIO 203. 2002-2003 only
BIO 450 Molecular Biology 3
Current approaches to recombinant DNA technology and molecular genetic research. Both conceptual and laboratory approaches will be pursued. Topics: cancer development, cell growth, chemical evolution.
Prerequisite: BCH 301-301L or BIO 203. 2002-2003 only
BIO 450L Molecular Biology Laboratory 1
Exposure to electrophoresis, chromatography, bacterial transformation, restriction enzyme analysis, N13 viral propagation, in vitro packaging of viral DNA – techniques used in recombinant DNA research.
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in BIO 450. 2002-2003 only
BIO 455 Environmental Physiology 3
Introduction to the underlying physiological mechanisms involved in organismal adaptation to various environmental conditions (e.g. temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pressure).
Prerequisite: BIO 203 or BCH 301. 2001-2002 only
BIO 455L Environmental Physiology Laboratory 1
An investigative laboratory examining organismal adaptation to various environmental parameters.
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in BIO 455. 2001-2002 only
BIO 460 Environmental Toxicology 3
Major environmental toxicants examined from viewpoints of bioavailability, bioaccumulation, biodegradation, toxic properties, interference in metabolism. Emphasis on effects of contaminants on functioning of animals
Prerequisite: BCH 301-301L or BIO 203. 2001-2002 only
BIO 460L Environmental Toxicology Laboratory 1
Experimental laboratory researching a current topic in environmental toxicology.
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in BIO 460. 2001-2002 only
AREA I COURSES (for non-science majors only)
BIO 109 Nutrition 3
How food intake influences us as individuals and as components of society; what food is; how we get and use food; processes regulating its use. (AS I)
BIO 116 Disease: Myth and Reality 3
Exploration of causation, treatment, and prevention of illness. Objective: to increase awareness and understanding of health and disease. (AS I)
BIO 117 Plants and Human Affairs 3
Various ways in which plants affect human existence. Topics include food products, building (utilitarian) applications, medicinal and poisonous plants, propagation and improvement, roles in
ecology. (AS I)
BIO 120 Biology in the News 3
The biological concepts underlying science articles appearing in the current news media, examining these concepts in the context of relevant economic, social, and cultural issues. Topics will vary. (AS I)
BIO 131 Biotechnology and Society 3
Relationship between biology, technology, and society. Awareness of the impact of biotechnology on our society. (AS I)
BIO 132 Genes and People 3
How human characteristics are transmitted and affect future generations. Ethical and legal ramifications of genetic advances. (AS I)
BIO 135 Environmental Biology 3
Introduction to the complex interactions that occur between humans and their environments, and how other life forms are impacted by these activities. (AS I)
BIO 136 Natural History of Western New York 3
Exploring the natural world of the Niagara Frontier and the rest of Western New York, particularly the organisms and their interactions with each other and the environment. Includes field trips outside of class. (ASI) 2002-2003 only
BIO 137 Special Topics in Natural History 3
Ecological and Evolutionary concepts are explored using specific examples from a particular ecosystem, specifically by focusing on the organisms of an ecosystem and their interactions with each other and the environment. Topic: Galapagos Islands. (ASI) 2001-2002 only
BIO 138 Special Topics in Natural History, Field Experience 3
Travel to a field site to study the natural history of that area. Ecology and evolution will be studied in the field by collecting observations, and developing and testing ecological hypotheses in the Galapagos Islands. (ASI)
Prerequisite: BIO 137 2001-2002 only
BIO 321 (WST 321) Biology of Women 3
Biological principles applied to the human female. Structure, function, growth, and development throughout the life cycle. Includes relevant social, psychological, and medical information. (AS I)
AREA VI COURSE (recommended for Biology majors, but may not be used as a Biology elective)
BIO 448 (RST 448) Bio-Moral Problems 3
Considers a number of problem areas, such as genetic intervention, medical experimentation, behavior control, organ transplants and resource allocation, and death and dying. (AS VI)
OTHER COURSES (for health-related professionals
and Physical Education majors; may not be used as Biology electives)
BIO 107-108 Human Anatomy and Physiology 6
Specialized introductory course in human biology for those students requiring a rigorous and thorough understanding of the structure and function of the human body. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week.
Prerequisite: Exercise Science, Physical Education, and Medical Technology majors only.
BIO 107-108L Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab 2
Model and experiments will be used to enhance the student’s understanding of the concepts taught in BIO 107-108. Meets once a week for three hours.
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in BIO 107-108.
1 Joint appointment with the Psychology Department.
2 Area I is automatically fulfilled because this program is in the Natural Sciences. Area VII is fulfilled by the Mathematics courses required in this program.
3 BIO 448 (Area VI) is recommended.
4 There is also an Environmental Science Program
5 In research lab with Neuroscience focus.