Course Descriptions

BIOL-K 338 - Introductory Immunology

Credits:

3

Description:

Principles of basic immunology with an emphasis on the cells and molecules underlying immunological mechanisms. Fall, Spring, Summer.

Prerequisite:

BIOL-K 322, BIOL-K 324, and CHEM-C 106.

BIOL-K 339 - Immunology Laboratory

Credits:

2

Description:

Demonstration of immunological principles by experimentation. Exercises include cells and factors of the innate and the adaptive immune systems. Fall, Spring.

Prerequisite:

BIOL-K 322 with a minimum grade of C-.

BIOL-K 341 - Principles of Ecology and Evolution

Credits:

3

Description:

A study of the interactions of organisms with one another and with their non-biotic environments in light of evolution. Fall, Spring.

Prerequisite:

BIOL-K 103.

BIOL-K 342 - Principles of Ecology and Evolution Laboratory

Credits:

2

Description:

Application of ecology and evolution principles in laboratory and field experiments as well as demonstration of techniques of general ecology. Fall.

Prerequisite:

BIOL-K 103 or BIOL-K 104 with a minimum grade of C-. P: or C: BIOL-K 341.

BIOL-K 350 - Comparative Animal Physiology

Credits:

3

Description:

A comparative examination of principles of animal physiology from molecular to organismal levels using homeostasis, regulation, and adaptation as central themes. Fall.

Prerequisite:

BIOL-K 103 and CHEM-C 106.

BIOL-K 356 - Microbiology

Credits:

3

Description:

Introduction to microorganisms: cytology, nutrition, physiology, and genetics. Importance of microorganisms in applied fields including infectious disease. Fall, Spring.

Prerequisite:

BIOL-K 103, CHEM-C 341.

BIOL-K 357 - Microbiology Laboratory

Credits:

2

Description:

Laboratory experiments and demonstrations to yield proficiency in aseptic cultivation and utilization of microorganisms; experimental investigations of biological principles in relation to microorganisms. Spring.

Prerequisite:

or C: BIOL-K 356.

BIOL-S 357 - Honors Microbiology Lab

Credits:

2

Description:

In this course, students will become proficient in techniques for cultivation and utilization of microorganisms, along with many assays for microorganism identification. There will be a major emphasis on primary research literature. Spring.

Prerequisite:

or C: BIOL-K 356.

BIOL-K 360 - Computational Biology

Credits:

1

Description:

This course will give a holistic view on collecting, visualizing, analyzing, and interpreting biological data by exploring a collection of public datasets. Topics covered will include introductory statistics, an overview of 'omics' (e.g., genomics, proteomics), and the tools that can be utilized to better understand the data. Spring.

Prerequisite:

BIOL-K 322 and MATH-I 153 or higher or consent of instructor. A minimum grade of C- required in all prerequisite courses.

Corequisite:

BIOL-K 361.

BIOL-K 361 - Computational Biology Laboratory

Credits:

2

Description:

This course will give students hands-on experience to visualize, analyze, and interpret real-world biological datasets using Excel, R, and select online resources. topics covered will include introductory statistics, an overview of 'omics' (e.g., genomics, proteomics), and working with high performance clusters.  Spring.

Prerequisite:

BIOL-K 322 and MATH-I 153 or higher or consent of instructor. A minimum grade of C- required in all prerequisite courses.

Corequisite:

BIOL-K 360.

BIOL-K 384 - Biochemistry

Credits:

3

Description:

Biochemistry covering the fundamentals of the chemistry of life including biomolecule structure and function, the dependence of biological processes on chemical and physical principles, and pathways of carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolism. Recommended for pre-professional students. Fall, Spring.

Prerequisite:

BIOL-K 322 or BIOL-K 324 or equivalent and CHEM-C 341 or equivalent.

BIOL-K 395 - Advanced Topics in Biology

Credits:

1-3

Description:

Lectures on contemporary issues in biology. This course may also include reading assignments and special projects. Fall, Spring, Summer.

Prerequisite:

Junior or senior standing or consent of instructor; other prerequisites may be announced at the time of topic offering.

BIOL-N 400 - Biological Skills for Teachers

Credits:

3

Description:

Concepts and laboratory skills necessary to prepare teachers with diverse backgrounds to return to graduate academic biology courses are reviewed. Topics include general principles of biology, biochemistry, and biomathematics. Fall, night.

Prerequisite:

Consent of instructor.

BIOL-K 411 - Global Change Biology

Credits:

3

Description:

Examination of changes in earth's environment over history. In-depth study of effects of environmental change, including global warming, on the ecology of various organisms. Spring of odd-numbered years.

Prerequisite:

BIOL-K 101 and BIOL-K 103 or GEOL-G 109 and one course in chemistry or consent of instructor.

BIOL-K 416 - Cellular Molecular Neuroscience

Credits:

3

Description:

This course is designed to provide an in-depth analysis of topics within the field cellular and molecular neuroscience. It will cover invertebrate and vertebrate neurobiology, cell and molecular biology of the neuron, neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, developmental neurobiology, regeneration and degeneration, learning and memory, and will include comparisons of neural mechanisms throughout the animal kingdom. Fall, Spring.

Prerequisite:

BIOL-K 324.

BIOL-K 451 - Neuropharmacology

Credits:

3

Description:

This course focuses on the molecular underpinnings of neuropharmacology. In the first part of the course - Fundamentals of Neuropharmacology - we will look at basic principles of neuropharmacology including understanding how drugs bind to their targets. Also, we will evaluate how neurons communicate with each other and how those signals are transduced on a molecular level. Part 2 will evaluate where drugs act in the brain and some of the major neurotransmitters. Part 3 will focus on neuronal dysfunction in various disorders and how we can treat those disorders pharmacologically. Spring.

Prerequisite:

BIOL-K 324.

BIOL-N 461 - Cadaveric Human Anatomy

Credits:

5

Description:

This course is designed for upper-level undergraduate students who desire an advanced understanding of Human Anatomy, especially those who intend to pursue a career in the health professions. Through the use of cadaveric dissection, prosected materials, and digital images, the student will explore the structural details of the human body, with a particular emphasis on functional anatomy and clinical correlations. This course will be an intensive learning experience for motivated undergraduates. Spring.

Prerequisite:

BIOL-N 261 Human Anatomy (minimum grade of B) or instructor approval.

BIOL-K 483 - Biological Chemistry

Credits:

3

Description:

Chemistry of biologically important molecules including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Special emphasis on chemistry of intermediary metabolism. Not offered on a regular basis.

Prerequisite:

CHEM-C 342. P: or C: BIOL-K 324.

BIOL-K 484 - Cellular Biochemistry

Credits:

3

Description:

Emphasis on selected topics in cellular biochemistry, including nucleic acid: protein interactions, protein: protein interactions, protein synthesis, biogenesis of membranes, and signal transduction. Current techniques for studying these processes in higher eukaryotes will be discussed. (not offered on a regular basis)

Prerequisite:

BIOL-K 322 and CHEM-C 342. P or C: BIOL-K 324.

BIOL-K 488 - Endocrinology in Health and Disease

Credits:

3

Description:

An introduction to human endocrinology, including the biology of the major endocrine organs and the roles of the hormones that they release. Both normal endocrine function and common diseases involving hormone physiology are examined. In addition, the course examines how endocrinology impacts everyday life. Spring.

Prerequisite:

BIOL-K 103, BIOL-K 324, and BIOL-K 322 or approved equivalent courses.