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• Biological Sciences

Undergraduate Biological Sciences

2024 Fall Term

Class Schedule

BIOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS

BIOLOGY 120

A terminal course designed to introduce basic principles of life, such as structure and function, reproduction, evolution, diversity, and adaptation, leading to a broader understanding of humans and their biological environment. Not applicable to biology emphases or minors. Three lectures and two hours of laboratory per week.

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INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY I

BIOLOGY 141

An introduction to biology emphasizing the chemistry of life, the cell, metabolism, genetics, bacteria and protists. Three hours of lecture and one hour of discussion and two hours of laboratory per week. This course is prerequisite to all advanced courses in biology for majors and minors. Offered every term.

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INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY II

BIOLOGY 142

An introduction to biology emphasizing evolution, animal physiology, ecology, fungal, plant and animal diversity. Dissections are required. Three hours of lecture, one hour of discussion and two hours of laboratory per week. This course is prerequisite to all advanced courses in biology for majors and minors. Offered every term.

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SEX, GENDER, AND HEALTH

BIOLOGY 180

This course explores the reproductive and sexual functions of human bodies, as well as the scientific and social influences on those bodies. By examining sex, reproduction, and aging, this course uses intersectional lenses to explore uneven access to sexual health resources and reproductive justice across cultures, ultimately demonstrating the achievements and limitations of women's health movements in the recent past.

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BIOLOGY FORUM

BIOLOGY 190

Lectures on current research and career opportunities in biology through invited speakers. Additional topics include preparation and planning for graduation, Resume development and interview skills. Required of Biology majors. Offered on a satisfactory/no credit basis every semester.

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WRITING IN BIOLOGY

BIOLOGY 200

This course is designed to develop the written communication skills of Biology students. It satisfies the Writing Proficiency requirement for all Biology majors. The two units do not apply towards any Biology major or minor.

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ECOLOGY AND SOCIETY

BIOLOGY 214

A study of basic ecological concepts and their application to the identification, understanding, and abatement of contemporary environmental problems. Special emphasis is given to those problems resulting from man and his activities. This course is accepted as a course in conservation required for teacher licensure in the sciences.

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INTRODUCTION TO GENETICS

BIOLOGY 251

An introduction to the general principles of inheritance; subjects included are basic transmission genetics, molecular genetics, genetic engineering, mutations, and population genetics. Three hours of lecture and three hours of lab per week. Offered every semester.

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INTRODUCTION TO CELL BIOLOGY

BIOLOGY 253

Introduction to the chemical and physical bases of life; bacterial and eukaryotic cell structure and function; cellular respiration; photosynthesis; and molecular biology. Three hours of lecture per week. Offered every semester.

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BIOTECHNOLOGY LABORATORY METHODS I

BIOLOGY 254

Introduction to theory and practice in modern molecular biology labs, including principles of nucleic acid isolation/quantitation/manipulation, photometry, centrifugation, electrophoresis, and assay methods. Exercises include basic lab methods and techniques, DNA analysis including cloning, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) restriction digests and RNA analysis. Three hours laboratory per week.

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INTRODUCTION TO ECOLOGY

BIOLOGY 257

A survey of ecosystems and animal and plant populations and communities. Topics include review of the Earth's major biomes and the physical factors that influence them, the ecology and evolution of populations, the nature of biotic communities, the structure and function of ecosystems, and the status and protection of biodiversity. Three hours of lecture per week. Optional field trip. Offered every semester.

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ECOLOGICAL FIELD METHODS

BIOLOGY 258

Introduction to regional terrestrial and aquatic biological communities and field techniques for studying these communities. Field work and lectures will focus on recognizing biotic community types, observing ecological interactions, and methods for identifying and surveying organisms.

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BIOSTATISTICS

BIOLOGY 303

Students will learn fundamentals of hypothesis formation and testing, using a variety of univariate statistical methods. Consideration of experimental design and the evaluation of research methodologies published in the biological literature are explored in detail. Students will gain practical experience with implementation of statistical analyses using real world datasets and communicating these results effectively.

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MICROBIOLOGY

BIOLOGY 311

Examination of organisms too small to be seen by the unaided eye, ranging from their molecular organization to their role in global ecology. Primary emphasis will be the study of bacteria and viruses, their beneficial or detrimental impacts on humans, animals, and plants, and their current and potential exploitation. Two lectures and two labs per week. Offered every term.

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INTERMEDIATE DATA SCIENCE

BIOLOGY 312

This course introduces intermediate data science and its implementation using R and Python, with applications in natural and social science, public health and welfare, and other areas. Students will explore methods of data analysis, cleaning, simulation and visualization and machine learning. Prior knowledge of programming and statistical analysis is assumed.

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COMPARATIVE VERTEBRATE ANATOMY

BIOLOGY 340

Dissection and study of vertebrate types emphasizing characteristic structures, general relationships, comparative anatomy, and the significance of adaptation and evolution. Laboratory work, lectures and quizzes.

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AQUATIC PLANT BIOLOGY

BIOLOGY 359

Survey of freshwater aquatic and wetland plant diversity, with an emphasis on angiosperms. Topics include plant identification, ecology, physiology, reproduction, and dispersal of aquatic plants. Economically important and invasive plant species will be discussed.

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HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I

BIOLOGY 361

A study of the structure and function of the human body at the level of organs and systems. This course covers the following topics: Anatomical Structure, Basic Histology, Bones, Muscles, and Nervous System. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.

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HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II

BIOLOGY 362

A study of the structure and function of the human body at the level of organs and systems. This is the second term course of a two term sequence. This course represents coverage of the following topics: Endocrinology, Circulatory System, Cardiac System, Lymphatic System, Respiration, Digestion and Metabolism, Renal, and Reproduction and Development. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.

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MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

BIOLOGY 363

The study of how nucleic acids and proteins interact to control the cell. Topics include DNA replication, chromosome structure, transcription, translation, control of gene expression, gene evolution and genomics. Experimental approaches to studying molecular biology are emphasized. Three hours of lecture per week.

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AQUATIC BIOLOGY

BIOLOGY 370

The study of aquatic environment, its fauna, flora and general ecology. The laboratory will emphasize the taxonomic study of aquatic organisms.

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INVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY

BIOLOGY 375

A comprehensive study of the morphology, physiology, ecology and significance of the major groups of invertebrate animals. Six hours of laboratory and lecture per week.

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IMMUNOLOGY

BIOLOGY 412

Study of the function of cells and tissues of the vertebrate immune system. Topics include biology of critical molecules and cells, principles of innate, acquired, and adoptive immunity, immunogenetics, allergy, inflammation,autoimmunity,vaccines, and transplantation. The lab provides experience with modern serological and immunological laboratory techniques and instrumentation. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.

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ADVANCED AND MULTIVARIATE DATA ANALYSIS FOR THE LIFE SCIENCES

BIOLOGY 416

An introduction to multifactorial and multivariate data analyses commonly used in life sciences such as psychology and biology. Analyses include analysis of variance and covariance, multiple analysis of variance and covariance, multiple regression, foundations of structural equation modeling (path analysis and latent factor analysis), discriminant analysis and logistic regression.

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ORGANIC EVOLUTION

BIOLOGY 446

History of evolutionary thought, evidences of evolution and analysis of evolutionary mechanisms and processes.

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BIOINFORMATICS

BIOLOGY 448

Bioinformatics is an introduction to computer applications and algorithms currently used in the analysis of biological data, especially genomic and sequence data. The course entails lectures, discussions, readings and hands-on experience with bioinformatic software. Through exercises and individual research projects students acquire a working knowledge of contemporary computational methods and software.

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COMMUNITY ECOLOGY

BIOLOGY 459

Upper level ecology course which takes quantitative approaches to learning how organisms interact in communities and their natural ecosystems. This class concentrates on defining communities and exploring how different communities are maintained and/or modified with changing conditions. Topics include: community metrics, niche theory, organism interactions (competition, predator-prey relationships, mutualism, and commensalism), food web ecology, spatial ecology, and succession.

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LABORATORY TEACHING EXPERIENCE

BIOLOGY 492

This course provides teaching experience at the college level for undergraduate students. Undergraduate teaching experience students will assist faculty members in preparing, delivering, and tearing down laboratory or discussion section instructional units in biology courses, conducting review sessions, and tutoring students under the direct supervision of a faculty mentor. S/NC only.

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INTERNSHIP IN BIOLOGY

BIOLOGY 493

Variable topics. Students will learn skills related to their major or career goals through hours spent shadowing or working in a biology-related business, non-profit, etc. Students should apply for internship credit through the biology department webpage.

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INDEPENDENT STUDY

BIOLOGY 498

Typical projects may include helping researchers in conducting research projects or helping instructors develop pedagogical tools for their courses. Eligible students who are conducting their own research projects should enroll in Biology 498R. Repeatable for a maximum of 6 credits in major and degree or 2 units in the minor.

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INDEPENDENT STUDY - UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

BIOLOGY 498R

Students will complete and present an undergraduate research project under the direction of a faculty mentor. Projects may require more than one semester to complete. Repeatable for a maximum of 6 units in major and degree or 2 in the minor.

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BIOLOGY THESIS

BIOLOGY 499

A substantial research project written as a thesis. Two credits are taken in the first semester and three in the second semester. A proposal must be submitted at the midpoint of the first term and an oral defense takes place at the end of the second term.