Biological Sciences (BIOL)                         

BIOL101     BASIC BIOLOGY (f and sp; 2/2)

3 sh

Covers topics across the biological hierarchy from atoms to issues of global ecology, including genetics, molecular biology, and evolution.  The intent is to further students' understanding of the impact of biological phenomena on their lives.  Humans may provide the focus of some discussions; however, emphases include broader aspects of biological phenomena.  Laboratory exercises provide students with practical experience using the scientific method..  This course fulfills the general education natural science requirement, but cannot be used for biology credit by biology majors.

   
BIOL102     ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (2/2)

3 sh

This course for non-majors integrates the introduction to ecological principles and concepts with an examination of the biological basis of contemporary environmental problems.  It presents a treatment of central topics in environmental science by examining social, political, ethical, and economic factors that influence the biological aspects of environmental issues such as population control, pollution, land use, as well as conservation of natural resources and natural habitats.  Laboratory exercises are designed to demonstrate some of the biological aspects of environmental issues and introduce students to basic processes used in environmental research.  Meets general education requirement for laboratory science.  May not be counted toward the Biology, Natural Sciences or Biology/Chemistry major requirements.   

 

 

BIOL103     INQUIRY INTO BIOLOGY 3 sh
Develops a strong conceptual understanding of life science and stresses the nature and the processes of science as they relate to the fundamental principles of biology that are emphasized in the National Science Education Standards.  The course models hands-on, inquiry-based practices as students use reasoning, analysis, scientific processes, procedures and tools of scientific investigations to learn about the structure and functions of organisms, continuity of life and ecological systems.  Meets general education requirement for laboratory science.  Preferential enrollment will be given to K-6 education majors.  If space is available, others may enroll.      
   

BIOL106     PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY I (f; 2/3)

3 sh

An introduction to biology with emphasis on the chemistry of life, cell structure and function, cellular metabolism and cell reproduction.  Laboratory exercises are designed to reinforce principles covered in lecture and to provide students with experiences in making observations, hypothesis testing, and data collection, analysis and interpretation.  This course is designed for science and health science majors.  This course may not be used in combination with BIOL101 to satisfy general education natural science requirements.

 

 

BIOL107     PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY II (sp; 2/3)

3 sh

A continuation of Principles of Biology I with emphasis on cell reproduction and development, genetics, molecular biology, biological evolution and the diversity of life, and fundamentals of ecology.  Laboratory exercises are designed to reinforce and supplement principles covered in lecture and to provide students with experiences in making observations, hypothesis testing, and data collection, analysis and interpretation.  This course qualifies as a general education requirement in the natural sciences.  May not be used in combination with BIOL101 to satisfy general education natural science requirements.  Prerequisite:  BIOL106 or permission of the instructor.

 

 

BIOL108     FIELD NATURAL HISTORY (f; 2/2)

3 sh

The life history, economic values, aesthetic values of plants and animals.  Lab and field identification exercises requiring the use of field guides and keys.  Introduction to natural history literature.  This course fulfills the general education natural science requirement, but cannot be used for biology credit by biology majors.

 

 

BIOL110     INTRODUCTION TO MICROBIOLOGY

3 sh

This course which is offered only at the Clearfield Branch Campus is designed to introduce the student to the study of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms and the role they play in human diseases.  The laboratory includes techniques in the handling, isolation, cultivation, identification, and control of microorganisms.  This course is designed for student nurses and will not satisfy a requirement toward a degree in Biology. Fulfills General Education Requirements.

   
BIOL200     MARINE BIOLOGY (summer; 2/3)

3 sh

A study of plant and animal life in the marine environment.  Emphasis will be on physical and chemical factors affecting the biota in the intertidal, open water, and benthic habitats.  Common biota characteristic of each habitat will be investigated in terms of their natural history, morphology and ecological relationships.  Laboratory and field exercises will emphasize the identification, anatomy, physiology, systematics and behavior of marine plants and animals as well as the physical and chemical properties of seawater.  This class will be taught during summer session at the Wallops Island Campus of the Marine Science Consortium by faculty from various member universities.  Prerequisites:  Biol106 and Biol107.  

 

 

BIOL202     GENETICS  (sp; 2/3)

3 sh

An overview of the basic principles of Mendelian genetics, cytogenetics, molecular genetics, and population genetics.  Laboratory exercises emphasize molecular techniques, statistical evaluation of results, and case studies.  Prerequisites:  BIOL106 and 107 and CHEM121 or by permission of the instructor.

 

   
BIOL204     INTRODUCTION TO DNA FORENSICS

1 sh

This course gives an overview of the field of DNA forensics.  Topics include the history of DNA forensic analysis, collection/preservation of evidence, forensic DNA typing applications and methodologies, DNA databases, laboratory quality assurance, governmental regulations, and non-human DNA forensic applications.  Prerequisites:  BIOL106 and 107 or permission of the instructor.  Concurrent enrollment in, or completion of, BIOL202 is encouraged.  

 

 

BIOL205     MARINE ECOLOGY 3 sh

A study of the interrelationships among animals, plants, and physical and chemical aspects of the marine environment with an emphasis on unique adaptations for survival.  This class is taught during summer session at the Wallops Island Campus of the Marine Science Consortium by faculty from various member universities.  Prerequisites:  BIOL106 and 107 or permission of the instructor.

   

BIOL206     BOTANY (f; 2/3)

3 sh

An introduction to the principles of botany.  Emphasis is placed on the integration of structure and function that reflect plant diversity and evolution.  The primary models are angiosperms, but also include discussion of other plant taxa.  Topics covered include plant cellular structure, anatomy and morphology of stems, roots and leaves and flowers, transport processes, photosynthesis, plant growth and development, plant diversity, and economic botany.  Prerequisites:  BIOL106 and 107.

 

 

BIOL213     INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS 3 sh

An introduction to geographic information systems (GIS) with emphasis on capturing, storing, editing, querying, displaying, and analyzing geographically referenced data.  Lecture and laboratory materials are designed to provide students with hands-on experience on real-world applications of GIS in their respective fields.  Restrictions Upon Student Registration:  Minimum of 3 sh of natural sciences (biology or geology).  Familiarity with the Windows operating system.

   

BIOL240     Zoology (sp; 2/3)

3 sh

A survey of the animal kingdom with emphasis on evolutionary relationships within, between, and among constituent phyla.  Lectures emphasize diversity, comparative anatomy, functional morphology, physiology, life history, ecology, and evolution.  Laboratories emphasize and provide support for lecture concepts and comprise microscope analysis and gross animal dissection.  Prerequisites:  BIOL106 and 107 or permission of the instructor.

   
BIOL245     MARINE INVERTEBRATES  (summer; 2/3)

3 sh

Designed to utilize the marine invertebrate taxa to introduce students to the unique specializations that animals have evolved which allow them to successfully carry out the processes necessary for life and to exploit a wide variety of marine habitats.  Major trends in invertebrate evolution will be used to illustrate the historical constraints upon these solutions and the necessity of narrative explanations of form and function in animals.  It is assumed that each student has been introduced to the major taxa of animals in a prior introductory zoology course.  Taxonomy will be used as a heuristic tool, but will not be stressed as a separate subject.  This class will be taught during summer session at the Wallops Island Campus of the Marine Science Consortium by faculty from various member universities.   Prerequisites:  BIOL106, BIOL107, and BIOL240.    
   

BIOL259 __ SPECIAL TOPICS: APPLICATIONS OF GIS IN BIOLOGY

1 sh

An introduction to applications of GIS in the biological sciences.  The material is designed to provide students with experiences, basic skills and theory of data  collection, analysis and interpretation, with special attention to applications to the biological sciences.  Prerequisites:  Minimum of 3 sh of biology.  Familiarity with the Windows operating system is recommended.  Co-requisite:  Registration in GEOG259 Special Topics: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems.
   
BIOL300 __ PLANT PHYSIOLOGY

   3 sh

This course presents a treatment of central topics in modern plant physiology.  Topics will include:  plant-cell biology, ion transport, water relations, translocations, respiration, photosynthesis, mineral nutrition, nitrogen metabolism, plant hormones, senescence and abscission, stress physiology, and photomorphogenesis.  Laboratory exercises are designed to demonstrate physiological processes in plants and introduce basic and advanced techniques used in plant physiological research.  Prerequisites:  BIOL106, 107, 206, and CHEM120 and 121, or permission of the instructor.
   
BIOL301 __ BEHAVIOR OF MARINE ORGANISMS (summer; 2/3)

3 sh

Concepts of ethology; discussion and observation of the influences of external and internal factors on the regulation and control of behavior of organisms living in the marine coastal environment.  This class will be taught during summer session at the Wallops Island Campus of the Marine Science Consortium by faculty from various member universities.   Prerequisites:  BIOL106, BIOL107; recommend BIOL240.    

 

 

BIOL302     DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY  (odd f; 2/3)

3 sh

A study of classic embryology as well as relevant findings in cytogenetics, cell and molecular biology, and biochemistry, as it relates to structural and functional changes in molecules, cells, tissues, and organs during developmental cycles of plants and animals.  Labs will include developmental study of living organisms as well as the study of prepared stages of development.  Prerequisites:  BIOL106, 107, 202, or permission of the instructor.

 

 

BIOL303     VERTEBRATE ENDOCRINOLOGY 2 sh

A survey courses of the major endocrine systems in vertebrates.  An introduction to the chemistry and cellular mechanisms of action of different hormones is followed by in-depth discussions of the physiological effects of hormones.  Topics include hypothalamic-pituitary interactions, reproduction, growth, osmoregulation, digestion and metabolism, and stress.  Mammalian endocrinology is emphasized with discussion of important species differences in endocrine systems.  Prerequisites:  BIOL106 and 107 and 202 or 240, or permission of the instructor.

   
BIOL305 __ ICHTHYOLOGY

3 sh

This course is an introduction to the study of evolution, taxonomy and morphology of fishes.  Emphasis is placed on biodiversity, morphology, and conservation of fishes.  Lecture topics include the nomenclature, history and techniques of both ichthyology and fisheries biology.  Laboratory emphasis will be on identification, dissection, and the standard techniques used in field collections.  Prerequisites:  BIOL106, 107, 240.

   

BIOL309     ECOLOGY  (f; 2/3)

3 sh

An introduction to ecology.  Emphasis is placed on evolutionary and classic ecology and effects of human society on natural systems.  Topics include energy flow, nutrient recycling, and their influence on the distribution and abundance of organisms.  Population studies include genetics, growth, age structure, density, and r and K selection.   Community topics include competitive interactions, species diversity, community similarity, and keystone species.  Field data collection and statistical techniques for data interpretation are treated in laboratory.  Prerequisites:  BIOL106 and 107.

 

 

BIOL310     IMMUNOLOGY (sp; 2/0)

2 sh

This non-laboratory course is intended to be an introduction to the study of immunology.  The components of the immune system, both cellular and humoral, and the immune implications of transplantation, cancer, allergies, and infections will be included. Immunopathology, such as immunodeficiency and autoimmune diseases, will be covered.  Prerequisites:  BIOL106, 107, 202, 340 or permission of the instructor.

   
BIOL312     MARINE BOTANY (2/3)

3 sh

This course is the study of the primary producers of the ocean, estuaries and terrestrial margins.  This includes the study of phytoplankton, benthic macropytes, salt marsh macrophytes, and other edge communities like salt flats, mangroves and dunes.  Although taxonomy will be important, it is not the sole focus of the course.  Plant physiology and ecology will be stressed.  The laboratory portion of the course will stress practical methods of measurement of the plants and their environment.  This includes voucher production and specimen preservation, basic physical and chemical methods of abiotic environment measurement, growth and constituent analysis of plant tissue, chlorophyll analysis and wet and dry weight determination for biomass.  This class will be taught during summer sessions at the Wallops Island Campus of the Marine Science Consortium by faculty from various member universities.  Prerequisites: BIOL106, BIOL107, BIOL206 and CHEM120.  Recommended:  BIOL309.  

 

 

BIOL315     COMPARATIVE VERTEBRATE ANATOMY

3 sh

Introduction to the study of the comparative anatomy of the Vertebrata.   Emphasis is on form and function of the vertebrate classes with respect to each other and with respect to other subphyla, especially cephalochordates, within the phylum Chordata.  The evolution of structure and function of the vertebrate classes is considered on a system by system basis.  Comparative dissections of specimens from selected vertebrate classes will be carried out.  Prerequisites:  BIOL106 and 107 required, BIOL240 recommended.

 

 

BIOL317     MYCOLOGY 3 sh

A detailed examination of mushrooms, molds, and human mycoses, including an introduction to fungal ecology and assessment of fungal classification, as well as molecular systematics and an overview of medical significance.  The course utilizes hands-on student-driven, inquiry-based practices.  Students will use scientific processes and procedures, data analysis, and research tools to investigate fungal morphogenesis, molecular diagnostics, culture techniques, ecological relationships, and human pathogenesis.  Prerequisites:  CHEM121 and BIOL202 or permission of instructor. 

   

BIOL328/628     BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE SEMINAR (f and sp)

3 sh

This seminar fulfills the natural and mathematical science seminar requirement in general education for the Bachelor of Arts degree; it does not fulfill biology majors course requirements but may be selected as a general education elective by biology majors.  Topics studied each semester vary, but have included selected readings on ethics in science, evolution, genetics and genetic engineering, behavior, the brain, physiology, medicine and the world's environment.  Assigned readings are used as a starting point for further student research and presentations.  The interrelationships of biology with other disciplines such as economics, political science, and history are considered.  A primary goal of this seminar is to increase the student’s exposure to some contemporary topics of biology.  Additional coursework will be required for graduate level credit.  Prerequisite:  None, but preference given to graduating B.A. seniors.

 

 

BIOL330     CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (f; 3/3)

    4 sh

An in-depth study of the chemicals, organelles, and molecular genetics of cells.  Lectures and a fifteen-week cloning laboratory give theoretical and hands-on experience in advanced molecular techniques, such as gel electrophoresis, DNA isolation, restriction digestion, DNA purity and quantification, bacterial transformation, Southern blotting, probe hybridization and detection, and PCR.  Prerequisites:  BIOL202, CHEM220, and 221.

 

 

 

BIOL335     FORENSIC DNA SEQUENCING (replaced by BIOL345, 08/2008)

2 sh 

Covers the theory behind and laboratory methods associated with modern forensic analyses using capillary electrophoresis-based DNA sequencing.  Laboratory and lecture topics include collection and preservation of forensic DNA samples, pre- and post-PCR DNA cleanup techniques, automated DNA sequencing protocols, and theory and operation of the ABI 310 Genetic Analyzer with data analysis and interpretation.  Prerequisite:  BIOL204 and BIOL330 or permission of the instructor

 

 

BIOL340     MICROBIOLOGY (f; 3/3)

4 sh

A study of the anatomy, physiology, and taxonomy of microorganisms with a primary emphasis on prokaryotes.  The laboratory component provides critical hands-on experience in standard bacteriological techniques involving the handling, cultivation, isolation, and identification of microorganisms.  Additional emphasis will be placed on the role of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms in environmental and public health issues.  Prerequisites:  BIOL106, 107, and CHEM121.  BIOL202 or permission of instructor.

 

   
BIOL345     ADVANCED DNA METHODS 3 sh

Prepares students for research and DNA forensics careers by presenting the theory and methods associated with characterizing organisms using modern DNA-based methods such as genotyping and sequencing.  The laboratory techniques in this class can be used for human identification, species verification, parentage testing, and evolutionary research.  Laboratory exercises and lectures cover sample preparation, PCR, theory and operation of the ABI 310 Genetic Analyzer, interpretation of results, and troubleshooting.  Prerequisites:  BIOL202 (minimum grade of C) or BIOL330, or permission of instructor.

 

   
BIOL400     ECOLOGY OF MARINE PLANKTON (summer; 2/3)

3 sh

A study of the phytoplankton and zooplankton in marine and brackish environments.  In laboratory qualitative and quantitative comparisons will be made between the planktonic populations of various types of habitats in relation to primary and secondary productivity.  This class will be taught during summer session at the Wallops Island Campus of the Marine Science Consortium by faculty from various member universities.   Prerequisites:  BIOL106, BIOL107 and BIOL309.  

 

 

BIOL402 - BIOLOGICAL EVOLUTION (f; 3/0) 3 sh

Intended for students interested in examining in detail the phenomenon of biological evolution.  Although topics such as Cultural Evolution and Creationism will be considered briefly, the focus of this offering will be evolution as manifest in natural, biological systems.  Topics to be presented via lecture and student presentation will include Population Genetics, Darwinism, Natural Selection, Sexual Selection and Altruism, Molecular Evolution, Human Origins and Evolution and Extinction.  Prerequisites:  BIOL202 or permission of the instructor. 

 

   
BIOL403     CORAL REEF ECOLOGY (2/3)

3 sh

A study of coral reef structure, formation, types, and the relationships of reef organisms to their environment.  Emphasis is given to species diversity, identification, symbioses, and effects of temperature, salinity, light, nutrient concentration, predation, and competition on the abundance and distribution of coral reef organisms.  This class will be taught during summer sessions at the Wallops Island Campus of the Marine Science Consortium by faculty from various member universities.  Prerequisites:  BIOL106, BIOL107 and SCUBA certification.  

 

 

BIOL404     FORENSIC GENOTYPING (replaced by BIOL345, 08/2008)

2 sh

Covers the theory and laboratory methods associated with modern genotyping (human or animal identification) as practiced by DNA Forensics Labs.  Consists of combined lecture and laboratory components that cover topics such as