Course Descriptions

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.

BIOL-K 490 - Capstone

Credits:

1

Description:

Faculty-directed or approved independent library research on an area of public, scientific interest or a community service activity in local industry, government, schools, or other public science-related groups or organizations. Fall, Spring, Summer.

Prerequisite:

Senior standing.

BIOL-K 493 - Independent Research

Credits:

1-3

Description:

A course designed to give undergraduate students majoring in biology an opportunity to do research in fields in which they have a special interest. Fall, Spring, Summer.

Prerequisite:

Consent of instructor.

BIOL-K 494 - Senior Research Thesis

Credits:

1

Description:

A formally written report describing the results or accomplishments of BIOL-K 493. Fall, Spring, Summer.

Prerequisite:

BIOL-K 493.

BIOL-K 495 - Special Topics in Biology

Credits:

0-3

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-I 507 - Principles of Molecular Biology

Credits:

3

Description:

Molecular aspects of structure and function of nucleic acids and proteins, including recombinant DNA research. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic molecular biology are given equal weight. Spring.

Prerequisite:

BIOL-K 322, CHEM-C 342, or consent of instructor.

BIOL-I 512 - Advanced Cell Biology

Credits:

3

Description:

This course provides detailed analysis of cell biology, gene regulation and applications of cell biology and genetics. This is a lecture, literature and presentation driven course that utilizes an advanced graduate level textbook as a foundation to dive into recent primary literature on new and emerging topics in cell biology.

Prerequisite:

BIOL-K 322, BIOL-K 324 and BIOL-K 331; all with a minimum grade of B.

BIOS-S 515 - Biostatistical Practicum

Credits:

1

Description:

Real-world projects in biostatistics involving participation in consulting sessions, directed reading in the literature, research ethics, design of experiments, collection of data and applications of biostatistical methods. Detailed written and oral reports required.

Prerequisite:

STAT 52100; BIOS S527, S546; or consent of instructor.

BIOL-I 516 - Molecular Biology of Cancer

Credits:

3

Description:

A detailed course examining the molecular mechanisms controlling the growth of animal cells. Emphasis on current experimental approaches to defining the molecular basis of growth regulation in developing systems and the uncontrolled proliferation of cells in metabolic disorders, such as cancer. Not offered on a regular basis.

Prerequisite:

BIOL-K 322, CHEM-C 342 or a course in biochemistry.