Course DescriptionsBIOLOGY
BIOL-101 General Biology I
4 Credits (Science Core)
Following successful completion of Biology 101, the student will be able to describe the characteristics of living things
at all levels of organization-from the atomic through the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels. The study of human
genetics, development, and anatomy and physiology will enable the student to relate the chemical activities of the cell to
the overall function of man. Prerequisite: ENGL-096 or ENGL-086. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)
BIOL-102 General Biology II
4 Credits (Science Core)
This course will enable the student to understand and recognize the evolutionary and environmental relationships that exist
between all organisms. The student will be exposed to and will work with representative organisms of all five kingdoms to
establish the concept of interrelatedness of all living organisms. Topics such as animal behavior and ecology will be
utilized to develop this concept. Prerequisite: BIOL-101. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)
BIOL-103 Human Heredity
3 Credits (Science Core)
Human Heredity is an introductory life science course designed for students who are not majoring in the life sciences.
Topics in the course include the basic principles of inheritance, a survey of human hereditary characteristics and
disorders, and genetic technology and gene manipulation. Current scientific and bioethical questions regarding the present
and future applications of genetic analysis and genetic engineering will be considered. (3 hours lecture)
BIOL-104 Oceanography
3 Credits (Science Core)
This course is designed to introduce the student to the four major disciplines in ocean sciences: biological, chemical,
geological and physical oceanography. These areas are studied by describing the composition of the oceans and then by
examining the major processes which are active there, such as plate tectonics, ocean circulation, wave and tidal action and
food webs. In addition, the course will cover man’s use of the ocean as a natural resource and as a waste disposal site. (3
hours weekly)
BIOL-105 Environmental Science
3 Credits (Science Core)
Following the successful completion of Biology 105, the student will be able to describe the energy, chemistry and climate
that make up the earth and its atmosphere. The student will be able to differentiate among the various biomes on earth and
recognize the diversity of organisms living in these ecosystems. The study of pollution, natural resources, conservation,
and the impact man has had on his environment will enable the student to relate environmental science to how our world
works, and what we can do to protect it. Prerequisite: ENGL-096 or ENGL-086. (3 hours weekly)
BIOL-106 Basic Anatomy and Physiology
4 Credits
This course is designed for students who need one semester of science which provides a learning sequence of the human body
systems, fluid-electrolyte balance and tissues. The integrated approach to studying biological, chemical and physics
relationships is stressed. Special emphasis, however, is given to the physics concepts applicable to human physiology. The
laboratory program will develop an understanding of the interrelationships of the human body systems. Prerequisite:
PHYS-101 or BIOL-101. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)
BIOL-107 Fundamentals of Microbiology
4 Credits (Science Core)
Fundamentals of Microbiology is a course designed with a strong emphasis towards the allied health careers. Following the
successful completion of Biology 107, the student will be able to describe the characteristics of living things from the
molecular to the cellular level for both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The study of microbiology will enable the
student to understand the biology of bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses in terms of morphology, classification,
reproduction, metabolism, genetics, population growth, and disease production. In the laboratory, the student will gain
experience with the tools and techniques used in the study of microorganisms. Prerequisite: ENGL-096 or ENGL-086. (3 hours
lecture, 3 hours lab)
BIOL-108 Human Anatomy and Physiology
6 Credits
BIOL-108 is a one-semester course designed for students who wish to undertake an in-depth study of the anatomy and
physiology of human body systems. Topics in the course include basic chemistry, cell structure and function, histology,
integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system, endocrine system, cardiovascular system, immunity,
respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, fluids and elecrolytes and reproductive system. Students will examine
each body system on a microscopic and a gross level. (6 hours weekly)
BIOL-115 Environmental Science Laboratory
1 Credit (Science Core)
In BIOL-115, students will investigate the interactions among populations and their environment using field techniques for
analyzing water quality, soil formation and erosion, stream ecology, species diversity, intra and interspecific
competition, and estimation of population size. Students will experience first hand environmental management problems on
field trips to a waste water management site. a solid waste management site, and a recycling site. Pre- or Co-requisite:
BIOL-105. (3 hours lab).
BIOL-200 Microbiology
4 Credits (Science Core)
Biology 200 is a course designed primarily for pre-medical professionals and for students planning to major in biological
sciences in a four-year institution. The study of microbiology will enable the student to understand the biology of
bacteria, algae, fungi, protozoa and viruses in terms of morphology, classification, reproduction, metabolism, genetics,
population growth, environmental effects on growth and disease production. In addition, the student will study basic
principles of water pollution, and inhibition and killing of microorganisms. In the laboratory, the student will gain
experience with the tools and techniques used in the study of microorganisms. Prerequisite: BIOL-101 and 4 credits of
chemistry. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)
BIOL-201 Genetics
3 Credits (Science Core)
Following successful completion of Biology 201, the student will be able to describe the principles of inheritance in terms
of the structure and function of genetic material in viruses, bacteria, and higher organisms; the transmission and
expression of genetic information; sex determination and sex chromosomes; extrachromosomal inheritance; gene mutation;
recombination and regulation; genetic control of metabolism, development and behavior; and recombinant DNA techniques. The
student will also utilize the principles of inheritance to solve real and simulated problems in human genetic counseling
and in plant and animal breeding. For genetics lab, see BIOL-202. Prerequisite: BIOL-101 and MATH-070. (3 hours lecture)
BIOL-202 Genetics Lab
1 Credit (Science Core)
In BIOL-202, students will investigate the basic principles of genetics using various organisms, including Drosophila,
bacteria, fungi, viruses, green plants and human cells. Students will utilize various laboratory techniques including
microscopy, photomicroscopy, slide preparation, micro-dissection, paper chromatography, gel electrophoresis, bacterial
culture and statistical analysis. Computer simulations will also be utilized. Pre- or Co-requisite: BIOL-201. (3 hours lab)
BIOL-203 Anatomy and Physiology I
4 Credits (Science Core)
Biology 203 is a course consisting of an integrated sequence of physical, chemical and biological principles relating to
living systems. This course is designed for students whose curriculum requires a sequential two-semester science learning
program (BIOL-203 and BIOL-204) which provides an in-depth study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body systems.
The body topics studied in Biology 203 include histology, the integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system,
nervous system, endocrine system and special senses. The laboratory program will develop an understanding of the
interrelationships of the human body systems. The laboratory includes animal and organ dissections as well as work with
skeletons, models, slides and experimental studies of physiological processes. Prerequisite: BIOL-101 or BIOL-107. (3 hours
lecture, 3 hours lab)
BIOL-204 Anatomy and Physiology II
4 Credits (Science Core)
This course is a continuation of BIOL-203 and consists of an integrated sequence of physical, chemical and biological
principles relating to the circulatory system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, fluid-electrolyte
balance, and reproductive system. This course will enable the student to describe the mechanisms of the human body in terms
of the structures and functions of the systems studied. The laboratory program will develop an understanding of the
interrelationships of the human body systems. The laboratory includes animal and organ dissections as well as work with
skeletons, models, slides and experimental studies of physiological processes. Prerequisite: BIOL-203. (3 hours lecture, 3
hours lab)
BIOL-205 Cell Biology
4 Credits (Science Core)
This is a one-semester course designed for biology majors, biochemistry majors, laboratory science majors, and
pre-professional and pre-allied health science students. The course will provide the student with an understanding of
biological processes at the cellular and molecular level. Experimental approaches used in cell biology will be emphasized.
Topics will include the structure and function of biological membranes, cytoskeletal elements, cell metabolism and energy
transformation, cell growth and replication, second messenger systems, signal transduction, electrical properties, cell
contact and adhesion and intercellular communication. An emphasis will be placed on eukaryotic cells. The laboratory
component will reinforce these topics and introduce the student to techniques used in modern cell biology. Prerequisite:
BIOL-101 and CHEM-101. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)
BIOL-206 Nutrition for Health Services
3 Credits
This course, designed mainly for Science and Pre-Allied Health majors, will enable the student to examine the basic
principles of normal nutrition. The student will answer questions and solve problems involving physical and biochemical
aspects of digestion, absorption and metabolic functions of the nutrients in the body; caloric requirements; dietary
standards; nutrient composition of foods and selection of an adequate diet; and changing nutrient requirements during the
different stages of development. In addition, the student will study the influence of social and economic factors on food
choices. Prerequisite: BIOL-204. (3 hours weekly)
BIOL-290H Biology Research - Honors
3 Credits
Biology Research is an honors course which provides students with an opportunity to engage in biological research. With the
guidance of a faculty member, students select a research topic, carry out a literature search, design and execute
appropriate research, write a scientific paper, and deliver a formal oral presentation to the class and science faculty.
There is an emphasis on oral communication throughout the semester including weekly oral progress reports followed by class
discussion and feedback as well as the final oral presentations. Prerequisite: A or B in BIOL-101, ENGL-121 or ENGL-101,
and consent of instructor. (3 hours weekly)