Undergraduate Course Descriptions
Biological Sciences Courses (BSc)
All courses carrying four semester hours (4 s.h.) have labs
101. Plant Biology (4 s.h. – 3 lecture, 2 lab).
An introduction to the diversity, evolution, anatomy, physiology and ecology of plants.
102. Animal Biology (4 s.h.– 3 lecture, 2 lab).
An introduction to the diversity, evolution, ecology and behavior of animals.
This course will not satisfy University Studies science course requirements.
203. Cellular Biology (4 s.h. – 3 lecture, 2 lab).
Principles underlying cellular structure and function. Prerequisites: BSc 101 and 102 and two courses in chemistry.
204. Principles of Genetics (4 s.h. – 3 lecture, 2 lab). (BIOL 2416).
Laws, principles, and processes involved in the transmission of hereditary characteristics.
251. Human Anatomy and Physiology (4 s.h. – 3 lecture, 2 lab). (BIOL 2401).
Study of the structure and functions of human organ systems.(For Pre-nursing or allied health students -- non-major course)
252. Human Anatomy and Physiology (4 s.h. – 3 lecture, 2 lab). (BIOL 2402).
Study of the structure and function of human organ systems (continuation of BSc 251) (For Pre-nursing or allied health students -- non-major course)
253.General Entomology (4 s.h. – 3 lecture, 2 lab).
Study of the taxonomy, morphology, physiology, and behavior of insects. (Non-major course)
254. General Microbiology (4 s.h. – 3 lecture, 2 lab). (BIOL 2420)
Study of microbiology emphasizing fundamental principles and applications (not interchangeable with BSc 306). Prerequisites: Chemistry 111 and 112 as co- or prerequisite. (For Pre-nursing or allied health students; non-major course)
255. Survey of Human Anatomy and Physiology (3 s.h. – no lab).
This course is a study of the structure and function of the human organ systems, emphasizing information that focuses on practical applications of knowledge. This course is designed for students in the "helping professions" whose academic training is in the social sciences. (It will not satisfy requirements for medical, paramedical, or nursing professions nor University Studies Science course requirements - non-major course).
305. General Physiology. (4 s.h. – 3 lecture, 2 lab).
Study of hysiological principles and the functional organization of living systems. Prerequisite: BSc 203.
306. Applied Microbiology. (4 s.h. – 3 lecture, 2 lab).
Comprehensive course in microbiology emphasizing modern applications. Prerequisite: BSc 203
307. Ecology. (4 s.h. – 3 lecture, 2 lab).
Study of the principles of ecology with emphasis on ecosystem dynamics. Prerequisite: BSc 204.
320.Our Endangered Planet. (3 s.h.)
U.S. Capstone Course. This interdisciplinary capstone course has two broad aims. First it explores the concepts of environmental ethics and cultural worldviews. Second, current environmental issues, problems, and solutions are discussed, along with their social and economic impacts.
401. Senior Seminar (1 s.h.)
Discussions and presentations of issues of current interest in the biological sciences and of related career opportunities.
410. Behavioral Ecology. (3 s.h.).
A detailed study of the evolutionary and ecological aspects of animal behavior.
412.Quantitative Biology. (3 s.h.)
Experimental design and statistical analysis in biology, with emphases on field and laboratory data collection, computer based data analysis, and report writing.
414. Environmental Biology. (3 s.h.).
In depth view of evolutionary theory including gene flow, genetic drift, mutation, molecular evolution, mechanisms of speciation, phylogenies, and the evolution of sex, and sexual selection.
416. Environmental Biology. (4 s.h. – 3 lecture, 2 lab).
Environmental biology focuses on the integrity of natural environments, their ability to withstand human activities and the measures needed to restore them; current environmental issues are also studied, placing them into perspective relative to environmental versus human needs.
420. Immunology. (3 s.h.).
A detailed study of the immune response and related events. Emphasis is placed on cellular and humoral branches of immunity. Prerequisites: BSc 203, 204, 305.
421. Reproductive Physiology. (3 s.h.).
A study of the development and function of the male and female reproductive systems of humans. Prerequisites: 203, 204, 305.
422. Topics in Anatomy. (3 s.h.).
Studies of contemporary knowledge in the area of comparative anatomy. (A) Vertebrate Structure and Evolution (3 lecture, 0 lab); (B) Vertebrate Dissections (0 lecture, 6 lab). Prerequisites: BSc 305.
423. Endocrinology. (3 s.h.)
The study of the human endocrine system and the mechanisms by which it maintains homeostasis. Prerequisites: BSc 203, 204, and 305.
430. Topics in Microbiology. (3 s.h.).
Studies of contemporary knowledge in the areas of (A) virology and (B) pathogenic microbiology. Course may be repeated if topic varies. Prerequisites: BSc 306.
436.Environmental Physiology (3 s.h.)
The topics of leaf level photosynthesis and respiration, plant growth and resource allocation, responses of plants to herbivory and fungal infestations, evolutionary fitness, plant and animal productivity, water and nutrient cycling in ecosystems, and the global C cycle will be covered, with an emphasis on how these processes are inf
455. Environmental Ethics. (3 s.h.)
Capstone. The course focuses upon how people perceive and value the environment. The course delves deeply into the forces that shape the American Environmental ethic. Using an open, interactive learning approach, students investigate the roles of science, morality, history, aesthetics, economics, politics, and law in shaping our view of nature. The course examines environmental ethics from a multicultural perspective by surveying Judeo-Christian, Native American, Islamic, and East Asian viewpoints.
497. Special Topics. (1-4 s.h.)
Organized class. May be repeated when topics vary.
NOTE: Chemistry 111 and Chemistry 112 satisfies the University Studies Science Requirements for all biological science majors
DATE LAST MODIFIED: August, 2006
