Full-Time Faculty: Full-Time Faculty: Paula F. Dehn, Chair, Susan M. Aronica, S. Chidambaram, Robert J. Grebenok, Barbara A. Hanson, H. Hull Sanders, John Kalb, Edward C. Kisailus, Sara R. Morris, Michael Noonan1, Joseph A. Tomasulo, Elizabeth Hogan, 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:
- future graduate level education in the biological sciences;
- future professional education in the health-related sciences;
- employment at the bachelors level; and
- 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 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, wildlife and fisheries sciences, physiology, sports medicine, etc. Students interested in teaching at the secondary-school level should major in the Biology program, while those interested in the medical technology profession should major in the Clinical Laboratory program.
All biology majors are assigned advisors within the department. All majors should work closely with their advisors in discussing career expectations, choosing their biology electives and developing their total academic programs. The advisor 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.
1 Joint appointment with the Psychology Department.
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, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, the New York and Ohio Colleges of Podiatric Medicine, and the New York College of Optometry; and dual major programs in Biology-Psychology. In addition, a series of specialized courses have been developed for the non-science major that 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 credits) | |
| 2. Area Studies: Two courses from each of these areas: II, III, IV, V, VI, VIII2 (12 courses) | (36 credits) | |
| 3. Major course requirements: (18 courses) | ||
| BIO 101/101L Introduction to Cellular/ Subcellular Biology | (4 credits) | |
| BIO 102/102L Organismal Biology | (4 credits) | |
| BIO 201/201L Evolution, Ecology, and Population Biology | (4 credits) | |
| BIO 203 Cellular Biochemistry | (3 credits) | |
| BIO 351 Biology Seminar I | (1 credit) | |
| BIO 353 Biology Seminar II | (1 credit) | |
| CHM 111-112 General Chemistry | (8 credits) | |
| CHM 227-228 Organic Chemistry | (8 credits) | |
| PHY 201-202 General Physics | (8 credits) | |
| Mathematics electives: two courses: MAT-111 and MAT 141 or PSY 201; MAT 111-112; one year of statistics |
(8 credits) | |
Biology electives: six courses. Three courses and their associated laboratories must come from any three of the following four tracks:
- Animal Biology (BIO 314, 315, 340, 365, 366, 410, 460);
- Biological Diversity (BIO 305, 307, 320, 330, 335, 343);
- Cellular Biology (BIO 418, 419, 425, 426, 432, 435, 445, 455); and
- Genetics/ Molecular Biology (BIO 404, 408, 412, 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 advisors to plan their selection. Prerequisites for all courses minimally include the completion of BIO 101/101L, BIO 102/102L, and BIO 201/201L (22 credits) |
(22 credits) | |
| 4. Electives: Biology courses may be taken, but may not be taken pass/fail (4 courses) |
(12 credits) | |
| TOTAL (38 courses) |
(133-135 credits) |
N.B. It is particularly important that the biology major maintain the indicated required science course sequence to ensure prerequisite requirements are met for upper-level courses and to ensure 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 the junior year. Biology majors are required to take BIO 203 in the sophomore year, as long as they have received at least a C in CHM 227.
Recommended Schedule:
| Fall | Spring | |||||
| Freshman Year | ||||||
| ENG 101 | 3 credits | ENG 102 | 3 credits | |||
| BIO 101/101L | 4 credits | BIO 102/102L | 4 credits | |||
| CHM 111 | 4 credits | CHM 112 | 4 credits | |||
| Mathematics or AS | 4 or 3 credits | Mathematics | 4 credits | |||
| Total | 14 or 15 credits | Total | 15 credits | |||
| Sophomore Year | ||||||
| RST 101 | 3 credits | PHI 101 | 3 credits | |||
| BIO 201/201L | 4 credits | CHM 228 | 4 credits | |||
| CHM 227 | 4 credits | BIO 203 | 3 credits | |||
| AS or Mathematics | 3 or 4 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 17 or 18 credits | Total | 16 credits | |||
| Junior Year | ||||||
| Biology elective | 3 or 4 credits | PHY 202 | 4 credits | |||
| PHY 201 | 4 credits | BIO 352 | 1 credit | |||
| AS | 3 credits | Biology elective | 3 or 4 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| BIO 351 | 1 | Elective | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 17 or 18 credits | Total | 17 or 18 credits | |||
| Senior Year | ||||||
| Elective | 3 credits | Biology elective | 3 or 4 credits | |||
| Biology elective | 3 or 4 credits | Biology elective | 3 or 4 credits | |||
| Biology elective | 3 or 4 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| AS3 | 3 credits | Elective | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | Elective | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 17 or 18 credits | Total | 15 or 17 credits | |||
| TOTAL | 133-135 credits |
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. Buffalo 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, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, the Ohio or New York Colleges of Podiatric Medicine or the New York College of Optometry. These are seven-year programs, of 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., D.O., D.P.M., or O.D. degree will be awarded at the end of seven years. Joint degree students must meet biology major distribution requirements. Students should see an advisor 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 credits | ENG 102 | 3 credits | |||
| BIO 101/101L | 4 credits | BIO 102/102L | 4 credits | |||
| CHM 111 | 4 credits | CHM 112 | 4 credits | |||
| MAT 141 or MAT 111 | 4 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | |||||
| Total | 15 credits | Total | 17 credits | |||
| Summer Session | ||||||
| AS | 3 credits | |||||
| Total | 3 credits | |||||
| Sophomore Year | ||||||
| RST 101 | 3 credits | PHI 101 | 3 credits | |||
| BIO 201/202L | 4 credits | BIO 203 | 3 credits | |||
| CHM 227 | 4 credits | CHM 228 | 4 credits | |||
| MAT 111 or MAT 141 | 4 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 18 credits | Total | 16 credits | |||
| Summer Session | ||||||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 6 credits | |||||
| Junior Year | ||||||
| Biology elective w/ lab | 4 credits | BIO 353 | 1 credit | |||
| Biology elective w/ lab | 4 credits | Biology elective w/ lab | 4 credits | |||
| PHY 201 | 4 credits | Biology elective w/out lab | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | PHY 202 | 4 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| BIO 351 | 1 credit | AS | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 18 credits | Total | 18 credits | |||
| TOTAL | 113 credits |
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 that are cross-listed with the Psychology Department and listed below. The advisor is Michael Noonan of the Psychology and Biology departments. Members of the biology faculty also frequently cooperate with other departmental faculty in the presentation of interdisciplinary courses.
The Biology Department also offers five minors. Students in the Cell Molecular Biology, Environmental Biology and Neuroscience minors should see their departmental advisor 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. Students in the Biology minor should see the chair of Biology for advisement.
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 advisors.
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, 432, 435, 445, 455. Genetics/ Molecular area: BIO 404, 408, 412, 450. |
|
| TOTAL (6 courses) | (22 credits) |
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
| Students must complete one course from each of the following groups: Diversity: BIO 305, 335, 343, 365, 366 Field Methods: BIO 330/330L, 320 Toxicology/Health: BIO 360, 460 Three additional electives from the following group are also required: BIO 305, 315, 320, 330, 332, 335, 360, 365, 366, 430, 455, 460. Note: At least four of the six courses must be taken with the laboratory and the field requirement must include a laboratory. |
|
| TOTAL (6 courses) | (22 credits) |
The Neuroscience minor may be earned by any student who completes the required courses. Note that there are prerequisites for some courses that will effectively limit accessibility to Biology and Biology/Psychology majors.
| Students must take either BIO 425/425L or BIO 435/435L with its laboratory. Students select 4 electives from the group listed below: BIO 325, 345, 355, 425; 435 PSY 397, BIO 300, PSY 495 |
|
| TOTAL (5 courses) |
(16-19 credits) |
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 150 Zoo Nutrition | (3 credits) | |
| BIO/PSY 315/315L Comparative Animal Behavior and Laboratory |
(4 credits) | |
| BIO/PSY 316 Social Organization of Mammals and Laboratory |
(4 credits) | |
| BIO/PSY 325 Reproductive Biopsychology | (4 credits) | |
| BIO 350 Zoo Biology and Laboratory | (4 credits) | |
| PSY 498A Practicum: Buffalo Zoo | (3 credits) | |
| PSY 498A Practicum: Aquarium of Niagara Falls | (3 credits) | |
| Total (7 courses) | (25 credits) | |
Biology Minor
The Biology minor may be earned by any student who completes the required courses. Co- and/or Pre-requisites for some of the required courses may effectively limit accessibility.
Students must complete 6 courses for the minor, five of which have labs. Four of these courses are required and two are electives. Required courses include: BIO101/101L, BIO 102/102L, BIO 201/201L, BIO 203. Students must choose one elective at the 300 level and one elective at the 400 level. Both of these classes must be taken with their associated laboratories.
COURSES: 2007 - 2009
BIO 101 Introduction to Cellular/Subcellular Biology 3 credits
Introduction to principles governing biological processes at the cellular/molecular level with emphasis on the role of experimentation in the scientific process. Three hours of lecture and one one-hour recitation per week.
BIO 101L Introduction to Cellular/Subcellular
Biology Laboratory 1 credit
Examination of experimental methodologies that relate to biological processes at the cellular/molecular level.
BIO 102 Organismal Biology 3 credits
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 with at least a C- or permission of the chair.
BIO 102L Organismal Biology Laboratory 1 credit
Examination of the structure and function of living organisms.
BIO 201 Evolution, Ecology and Population Biology 3 credits
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 with at least a C-.
BIO 201L Evolution, Ecology, Population Biology Laboratory 1 credit
Investigative laboratories in evolution, population biology and ecology.
BIO 203 Cellular Biochemistry 3 credits
Combination of the structure and chemical reactions of biological molecules with the biological aspects of biochemistry. Control of metabolism. Biological membranes. Replication/transcription/ translation. Prerequisites: BIO 101, 102, 201; C or better in CHM 227.
BIO 351 Biology Seminar I 1 credit
This replaces BIO 352 Junior Seminar. Learning and practicing of various methods of presenting scientific/experimental information. Attendance at faculty seminars required. Prerequisites: BIO 101, 102,201, 203.
BIO 353 Biology Seminar II 1 credits
This course title replaces BIO 451 Senior Seminar. Student presents seminar on research of the primary biological literature. Attendance at faculty seminars required. Prerequisite: BIO 351 Seminar I
BIOLOGY ELECTIVES FOR MAJORS
BIO 305 Microbial Ecology 3 credits
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. Prerequisites: BIO 101-102, 201; CHM 227. 2007-2008 only
BIO 305L Microbial Ecology Labortory 1 credit
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. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in BIO 305.
BIO 307 Microbiology 3 credits
Cell structure, genetics, biochemistry, and physiology of microorganisms, with emphasis on bacteria. Medical aspects. Food and industrial microbiology. Prerequisites: BIO 101-102, 201; CHM 227. 2008-2009 only
BIO 307L Microbiology Laboratory 1 credit
Microbiology laboratory is concerned primarily with the cell structure, growth, physiology and identification of bacteria. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in BIO 307.
BIO 314 Comparative Anatomy 4 credits
Intensive study of selected organ systems of lower chordates and representative vertebrates. Evolutionary modifications will provide the framework for the course. The laboratory will focus on dissection and will concentrate on structure/function relationships. Prerequisites: BIO 101-102, 201. 2007-2008 only
BIO 315 Comparative Animal Behavior 3 credits
Behavior of a wide range of species. Similarities and contrasts allow deductions regarding mechanisms and evolution. Prerequisites: BIO 101-102, 201. Spring 2009
BIO 315L Comparative Animal Behavior Laboratory 1 credit
Lab and field exercises illustrate concepts from class. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in BIO 315.
BIO 316 Social Organization of Mammals 4 credits
Behavior and social structures of rodents, felines, canine s, cetaceans, elephants, monkeys, apes and humans. Lab is required and includes observation of animal groupings at local zoos and aquariums. Prerequisites: BIO 101-102, 201. Spring 2008
BIO 317 Sex, Evolution and Behavior 3 credits
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. Prerequisites: BIO 101-102, 201. Fall 2008
BIO 320 Field Ecology 4 credits
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. Prerequisites: BIO 101-102, 201. 2008-2009 only
BIO 325 Reproductive Biopsychology 3 credits
Neuro-endocrine mechanisms underlying behavior associated with sex, pregnancy, and parental care. Equal focus on human and non-human behavior. Prerequisites: BIO 101-102, 201. Spring 2009
BIO 330 Marine Biology and Ecology 4 credits
Introduction to marine biology and ecology with emphasis on the adaptations of organisms which allow for survival in specialized environments. Field Trip is required and in the Florida Keys. Spring Break Prerequisites: BIO 101-102,201. 2008-2009 only
BIO 331 Histochemical Techniques 4 credits
Theory and techniques for preparing tissue for light microscopy. Lab intensive. Prerequisites: BIO 101-102, 201.
BIO 332 Medical Veterinary Entomology 3 credits
Introduction to the arthropods that cause disease and public health issues in humans and animals. Prerequisites: BIO 101-102. 2008-2009 only
BIO 335 Plant Biology 3 credits
Critical examination of the structure, physiology, and biochemistry of vascular plants. Plant taxonomy. Emphasis on the interaction of plants with their environment. Prerequisites: BIO 101-102, 201. 2007-2008 only
BIO 335L Plant Biology Laboratory 1 credit
Investigative survey of plant structure & function. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in BIO 335.
BIO 340 Physiology 3 credits
Function of organ systems, emphasizing neuroendocrine integration and other regulatory processes. Includes animal models, clinical experience and mechanisms of drug action. Prerequisites: BIO 101-102, 201. 2008-2009 only
BIO 340L Physiology Laboratory 1 credit
Experimental study of organ systems and components, using surgical, biochemical, and hematological techniques and electronic instrumentation. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in BIO 340.
BIO 343 Entomology 4 credits
Introduction to the diversity and natural history of insects, with emphasis on identification of species. Three hours of lecture and three hours of lab weekly. Prerequisites: BIO 101-102, 201. 2007-2008 only
BIO 345 Functional Neuroanatomy 3 credits
Fundamentals of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. Embryology, histology, and cellular structure as well as sensory and motor components and circuitry. Prerequisites: BIO 101-102, 201.
BIO 350 Zoo Biology 4 credits
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 and includes laboratory exercises in enrichment and numerous experiential field trips to nearby zoos and aquariums. Prerequisites: BIO 101-102, 201. Fall 2007
BIO 355 Behavioral Neuroscience 3 credits
Functions of nervous /endocrine systems in mediating motivation, movement, sensation, ingestion, aggression, emotion, sleep, learning, memory, thought and behavior disorders. Prerequisites: BIO 101-102, 201. Spring 2008
BIO 360 Environmental Health 3 credits
Environmental effects on human health, including biological, physical and chemical hazards in water soil, and air. Course focuses on public health & epidemiological study approaches. Emerging issues also discussed. Prerequisites: BIO 101-102, 201. 2008-2009 only
BIO 365 Vertebrate Zoology 4 credits
The biology of the vertebrates including anatomy, evolution, ecology, natural history and behavior. Labs involve some anatomy, learning local and North American species and groups, and field trips. Prerequisites: BIO 101-102, 201. 2007-2008 only
BIO 366 Ornithology 4 credits
Phylogenetic relationships, ecology, natural history and the behavior of birds. Laboratory focuses on world-wide diversity, local species and field techniques. Prerequisites: BIO 101-102, 201. 2008-2009 only
BIO 400 Independent Study 3 credits
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 credits
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 404 Genetics 3 credits
Principles of Mendelian, molecular, population, human and quantitative genetics, with emphasis on inherited diseases. Formerly BIO 304. Prerequisite: BCH 301, 301L or BIO 203.
BIO 404L Genetics Laboratory 1 credit
Principles of Mendelian and molecular genetics as demonstrated by experiments with Drosophila and microorganisms. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in BIO 404.
BIO 405 Medical Genetics 3 credits
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. Formerly BIO 318. Prerequisite: BCH 301, 301L or BIO 203. 2007-2008 only
BIO 408 Biotechnology, Theory in Practice 4 credits
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. 2007-2008 only
BIO 410 Histology and Histophysiology 4 credits
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. 2008-2009 only
BIO 412 Evolution & Development 3 credits
Evolution of development, e.g. how structures arise during development of the embryo and the evolution of genetic pathways that control the process of development. Prerequisite: BCH 301, 301L or BIO 203.
BIO 412L Evolution & Development Laboratory 1 credit
Investigative lab focuses on projects designed to characterize molecular changes during development in a variety of organisms. Prerequisite: BCH 301, 301L or BIO 203.
BIO 414 Enzymes and Proteins 3 credits
The biochemical characteristics of proteins and enzymes will be examined using a modular approach to target important structural proteins and regulatory enzymes of animal and plant metabolism. Prerequisite: BIO 203 or BCH 301. 2008-2009 only
BIO 418 Endocrinology 3 credits
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. Prerequisite: BCH 301, 301L or BIO 203. 2007-2008 only
BIO 418L Endocrinology Laboratory 1 credit
Experimental laboratories researching current topics in endocrinology at the molecular, cellular and organismal levels. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in BIO 418.
BIO 419 Cell Biology 3 credits
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: BCH 301, 301L or BIO 203. 2007-2008 only
BIO 419L Cell Biology Laboratory 1 credit
Techniques of cell culture; isolation and characterization of cellular organelles and experimental analysis of cellular physiology. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in BIO 419.
BIO 425 Cellular Neurobiology 3 credits
Cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying nerve function. Topics include: signaling within the nervous system, neuropharmacology and neuropathology. Prerequisite: BCH 301-301L or BIO 203. 2008-2009 only
BIO 425L Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory 1 credit
Experimental laboratories researching current topics in cell and molecular neurobiology. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in BIO 425.
BIO 426 Immunochemistry 3 credits
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 credit
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 credits
The importance of diverse plant life to human health; the biosynthesis, ecological significance and pharmacology of drugs derived from plants. Prerequisite: BCH 301, 301L or BIO 203. 2008-2009 only
BIO 432 Developmental Biology 3 credits
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. 2008-2009 only
BIO 432 Developmental Biology Laboratory 1 credit
Examination of cellular and molecular aspects of animal development using classical model organisms. Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in BIO 432.
BIO 435 Developmental Neurobiology 3 credits
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. 2007-2008 only
BIO 435 Developmental Neurobiology Laboratory 3 credits
Experimental studies of the development and regeneration of nervous tissue using neuronal tissue culture and digital microscopy. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in BIO 435.
BIO 440 Medical Biochemistry 3 credits
Biochemistry of disease. Includes examination of pathways and regulatory enzymes that lead to normal and disease states. Prerequisite: BCH 301, 301L or BIO 203. 2007-2008 only
BIO 445 Cellular Imaging 4 credits
Use of microscopy and digital imaging technology to study living eukaryotic cells. Experimental laboratory focuses. Lab required. Prerequisite: BCH 301, 301L or BIO 203.
BIO 450 Molecular Biology 3 credits
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. 2008-2009 only
BIO 450L Molecular Biology Laboratory 1 credit
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.
BIO 455 Environmental Physiology 3 credits
Introduction to the underlying physiological mechanisms involved in organismal adaptation to various environmental conditions (e.g. temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pressure). Prerequisite: BCH 301, 301L or BIO 203.
BIO 455L Environmental Physiology Laboratory 1 credit
An investigative laboratory examining organismal adaptation to various environmental parameters. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in BIO 455.
BIO 460 Environmental Toxicology 3 credits
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. 2007-2008 only
BIO 460L Environmental Toxicology Laboratory 1 credit
Experimental laboratory researching a current topic in environmental toxicology. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in BIO 460.
AREA I COURSES (for non-science majors only)
BIO 109 Nutrition 3 credits
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 credits
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 credits
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 credits
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 125 Microbes and People 3 credits
The relationship between microbes and their environment as they impact human disease, through food preparation and spoilage and environmental exposure. 2008-2009 only
BIO 131 Biotechnology and Society 3 credits
Relationship between biology, technology and society. Awareness of the impact of biotechnology on our society. (AS I)
BIO 132 Genes and People 3 credits
How human characteristics are transmitted and affect future generations. Ethical and legal ramifications of genetic advances. (AS I)
BIO 135 Environmental Biology 3 credits
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 137 Special Topics in Natural History 3 credits
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. (ASI) 2007-2008 only
BIO 138 Special Topics in Natural History, Field Experience 3 credits
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 at the chosen field site. (ASI) Prerequisite: BIO 137 2007-2008 only
BIO 150 Zoo Biology 3 credits
Nutrition and dietary science focused on the maintainance of wildlife in captivity. Practical examples at our local zoo and aquariums are included. Spring 2008
BIO 321 Biology of Women 3 credits
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)
RST 448 Bio-Moral Problems 3 credits
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) See course description in Religious Studies and Theology.
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 credits
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 credits
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.