Biology Courses
BIO 111 Concepts in Ecology and Environmental Issues - 4 credits
Contemporary environmental concerns on global, national and local levels are examined to increase awareness and scientific literacy and promote stewardship in the understanding of their impact and application to human existence. In order to understand these environmental concerns it is important to study the nature of our environment, biodiversity, biogeochemical cycles, populations, and our renewable and non-renewable resources. The laboratory is an integral part of the course and will reinforce lecture material and must be taken concurrent with lecture. The laboratory will include mandatory day field trip(s).
BIO 112 Concepts in Human Biology and Health Issues - 3 or 4 credits
The application of biological principles to contemporary health issues are examined in this course to provide awareness and scientific literacy about their potential impact and importance to our well-being and the choices we make. Students will gain an appreciation of the design of the human body through a study of its organization, the interrelationships among the many organ systems, patterns of chromosome and genetic inheritance and cancer. Students may take only the lecture portion of the course (3 credits) or the lecture and laboratory portion of the course (3 + 1 credits.) However, if electing to take the laboratory portion, it must be taken concurrent with the lecture course.
BIO 115 Biotechnology and Society: From DNA to Cloning - 3 credits
This course will provide a survey of the science behind the biotechnological advances that impact everyday human lives. Students will learn about the Molecular Biology concepts and techniques that serve as the foundation for biotechnological advances that impact human lives. The course will begin with an overview of the scientific method, and the concepts of DNA, genes, gene expression, and cells. Topics will include the applications of biotechnology in medicine (Genetic Diseases such as Cancer, Gene therapy, stem cells, and human cloning), and biotechnology in industry (Genetically modified crops and organisms (GMOs)). The course will also touch on the ethical, social, and political impacts of these biotechnological advances on society and the environment.
BIO 117 Human Anatomy and Physiology I - 4 credits
As a scientific study of the human body, this course will examine the complementarity of structure and function in conjunction with clinical applications and will provide the foundation for understanding the design of the human body from the cell to the system level under the unifying theme of homeostasis. Topics include anatomical terminology, chemistry, cells, tissues, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and sensory systems. The laboratory component will focus on anatomical principles and complement lecture through microscopic and macroscopic observations that include organ dissections. The laboratory component must be taken concurrent with lecture. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours.
BIO 118 Human Anatomy and Physiology II - 4 credits
As a continuation of the study of structure and function with clinical applications important to understanding the human body under the unifying theme of homeostasis, this course will continue using physiological principles to study the endocrine, cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive systems, metabolism and development. The laboratory component will focus on anatomical principles and complement lecture with microscopic and macroscopic observations enhanced with fetal pig and organ dissections. The laboratory component must be taken concurrent with lecture. Lecture 3 hours, Laboratory 3 hours.
Prerequisite: BIO117 or permission of the instructor.
BIO 123 Foundations in Biology - 4 credits
In this course students will learn about basic cellular and molecular processes including prokaryote and eukaryote structure and reproduction. Students will review transcription, translation, DNA structure, mitosis and meiosis. These processes will then be studied in the context of their function in protists, fungi and plants, including tissue structure and function. Plant diversity and reproduction and a brief overview of animal reproduction and diversity will be studied. Evolutionary mechanisms, speciation and phylogenetic processes will be included. The course will include an introduction to ecological principles. This course serves as the foundation for the next three core courses in the Biological Sciences curriculum. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours, recitation one hour. Students majoring in the Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Forensic Science, and Health Science must take both lecture and lab in the same semester. Students not in these majors may take only the lecture portion of the course (3 credits) or the lecture and laboratory portion of the course (4 credits) and should consult with their advisors for their major or concentration requirements. All students enrolled in the lecture course MUST also enroll in the recitation as a co-requisite.
BIO 124 Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology - 4 credits
This course covers fundamental concepts in the areas of cell and molecular biology, focusing on cellular reactions in the context of major Biological theories including: Cell Theory, Homeostasis, the Central Dogma, Bioenergetics, and Inheritance. There will be a special emphasis on the molecular reactions and cellular structures found inside of eukaryotic cells. Topics will include microscopy; cell structure and function; cell-cycle and reproduction; gene expression and its control; molecular mechanisms of inheritance, inter- and intracellular signaling and interactions. In conjunction with the lecture course, the laboratory sections will provide the students with firsthand experience in commonly used experimental techniques in cell and molecular biology.
Students majoring in the Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Forensic Science and Health Science must take both lecture and lab. Students not in these majors may take only the lecture portion of the course (3 credits) or the lecture and laboratory portion of the course (4 credits) and should consult with their advisors for their major or concentration requirements. All students enrolled in the lecture course MUST also enroll in the recitation as a co-requisite. BIO 123 is a prerequisite for BIO 124.
BIO 127 Clinical Microbiology - 4 credits
The general characteristics of bacteria, protozoa, yeasts, molds and viruses are used to understand the role of microorganisms in human health and disease. The interactions between the host and the microorganisms are emphasized as well as the physical and chemical methods of control. Infectious disease agents are covered by body system. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours.
Prerequisites: College-level chemistry course appropriate for intended major. Lab and lecture must be taken together the first time a student takes the course.
BIO 128 Emerging Infectious Diseases and the Environment (Alternate years) - 3 credits
A number of outbreaks in emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) such as Ebola, Lyme disease, malaria and cholera can be tied to ways that humans interact with the environment. Many of these diseases have animal reservoirs or vectors whose habitats have been destroyed or changed, leading to an increase in the presence of these diseases. This course will cover the biological mechanisms of a diversity of diseases, the ecology of disease agents and vectors, the impact of globalization on the spread of EIDs, and the relationship between the spread of EIDs and the environment. Lectures, debates, book discussions, media clips, and projects will be integral parts of this course. Prerequisite: None
BIO 129 Outbreak Investigations: Case Studies in Epidemiology (Alternate Years) - 3 credits
At times, human societies have difficulty separating fact from fallacy. This is especially true during times of stress, such as when the Spanish flu swept the globe killing millions of people in 1918-1919. Uncertainties and false conclusions regarding the identity of the specific pathogen and the mode of transfer from one individual to another led to delayed or poor decisions that resulted in significantly more deaths. Health and human services were far exceeded and measures were taken that most would find unacceptable today. HIV/AIDS is another example of where the blend of fact and fallacy has led to the death of millions. Modern epidemiology has a set of approaches designed to help separate fact from fallacy and to help the human population effectively detect, identify, monitor, contain, prevent, and possibly eradicate a new or existing disease. In this course you will learn about these epidemiologic principles and concepts (e.g., confounding, bias, causal mechanisms) all within the context of case studies associated with outbreaks of toxic shock syndrome, Legionnaires' disease, measles, mumps, syphilis, yellow fever, Ebola hemorrhagic fever, and other diseases. Prerequisite: A genuine interest in learning more about disease outbreaks and how epidemiologists investigate and work to minimize the impact of diseases on human populations; students from all disciplines are encouraged to participate in this course.
BIO 143 Biology First Year Independent Research - 1 credit
This course is designed for students who are interested in conducting independent research under the guidance of a faculty member from the Department of Biological Sciences in their first year at the college. This is meant to be an initial experience for these students in order for them to gain a basic understanding of how scientists design and conduct biology research. Prerequisites: permission of the faculty supervising the research.
BIO 200, Introduction to Neuroscience: Neurons, Systems, and Brains (Alternate years) - 3 credits
This introductory course covers many aspects of neuroscience including synaptic transmission, psychopharmacology, sensory systems, cognition, learning and basis of neurological disease. Prerequisites: BIO 123 or PSY 100, or permission of the instructor.
BIO 207 Botany (Alternate years) - 4 credits
A study of plants from the green algae through the angiosperms. Plant structure, function, physiology, ecology, and conservation will be addressed. The laboratory portion of the course will focus on the evolutionary relationships among different plant families, learning of key characteristics to aid in plant identification, and understanding the economic/medicinal/cultural/agricultural (taste!) importance of specific plant groups. The laboratory is highly recommended, but not required. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours.
Prerequisite: BIO111 or BIO 123 or permission of the instructor.
BIO 217 Anatomy and Physiology I - 4 credits
A comprehensive, medical study of the human body integrating structure and function with a problem-based approach, this course is a study of the organizational design of the body and will include medical imaging, homeostasis, chemistry, cytology, histology, pathology, pathophysiology and pharmacology with an emphasis on the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and sensory systems. Dissections, including cat dissections, are an integral part of the laboratory experience. The laboratory component complements lecture through its focus on problem-solving, activities and assignments, and an in-depth anatomical study through both microscopic and macroscopic observations to understand the complexity of the human body. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours. The laboratory component must be taken concurrent with lecture.
Prerequisite: BIO 123 and 124 or permission of instructor.
BIO 218 Anatomy and Physiology II - 4 credits
A continuation of the comprehensive, medical study of the human body utilizing a problem-based approach for the study of structure, function, and homeostasis, this course will focus on the endocrine, cardiovascular, immune, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems and will include pathophysiological and pharmacological applications. Studies also include metabolism, nutrition, fluid and electrolyte balance, and growth and development. Dissections, including cat dissections, are an integral part of the laboratory experience. The laboratory component complements lecture through continued in-depth microscopic and macroscopic observations and problem-solving exercises. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours. The laboratory component must be taken concurrent with lecture. Prerequisite: BIO 217 or permission of instructor.
BIO 220, Sensation and Perception: Processing Reality (Alternate years) - 3 credits
An in-depth study of sensory systems including vision, taste, olfaction, audition and somatic senses. This course fulfills only the 3 credit SCI requirement. Lecture (three hours) may be taken without the laboratory, but BIO 223 lab is required for Neuroscience majors. Prerequisite: PSY 100 or BIO 124.
BIO 223, Sensation and Perception Laboratory (Alternate years) - 1 credit
The laboratory section for Sensation and Perception allows students to understand the research methods used in historical and modern investigations of perception, often by serving as subjects in their own experiments. This laboratory does not fulfill the SCI requirement. Laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisite: PSY 100 or BIO 124; Co-requisite: BIO 220.
BIO 224 Animal Behavior: An Evolutionary Approach (Alternate years) - 3 credits
A study of the underlying (proximate) mechanisms and evolutionary (ultimate) causes of animal behavior. Discussions will include the scientific method and its application to the study of animal behavior and the evolution of behavioral adaptations (habitat selection, territoriality, migration, communication, predator avoidance, foraging strategies, reproductive strategies, and social behavior). The evolution of human behavior will also be discussed. Concepts will be introduced and discussed using a hypothetico-deductive approach. Prerequisites: BIO 111 or BIO 123 or PSY 100.
BIO 227 Microbiology - 4 credits
This course surveys microbial life including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses (with an emphasis on bacteria). Topics covered include microbial characteristics, physical and chemical control, metabolism, enzymes, regulation of enzyme activity, bacterial genetics, microbial diversity, microbial control, and applications of microbiology. The laboratory includes aseptic technique, staining procedures, culture methods, cultural and physical characteristics, microbial control, microbiology of food, water, and soil, microbiology of the body, and identification of unknowns. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours. Prerequisites: BIO 121 and 122 or BIO 123 and BIO 124, and CHE 111, 112 (CHE 205 and CHE 206 are recommended).
BIO 228 Marine Ecology (Alternate years) - 3 or 4 credits
This course is an introduction to the organisms, habitats, and ecosystems that make up the marine realm and the conservation issues that affect them. Topics include physical oceanography, marine biodiversity, the ecology of marine organisms and communities, and marine conservation ecology. The optional field experience is taught at a marine station in the Caribbean. While at the field site, students will: (1) conduct comparative biodiversity studies of neotropical ecosystems, including coral reefs, sea grass beds, and mangroves and (2) conduct marine conservation research projects. Snorkeling is required. Students are responsible for all travel and lodging expenses, as well as cost to rent or buy snorkeling equipment. While this is a Fall semester course, the field portion will be held in early January. Lecture: 3 cr.; Field experience: 1cr. Prerequisites: BIO 123 or BIO 111 or permission of the instructor.
BIO 229 Ecology and Natural History of the American Southwest (Alternate years) - 3 credits
This course will take place in Arizona. Students will fly to Arizona to study Sonoran desert and mountain habitats in the Tucson area as well as in field sites in southern and eastern Arizona. Students will learn about the plants and animals of the southwestern deserts and mountains by visiting several museums and parks, in addition to collecting data in the field. In addition to completing several field-based research projects, students will read published papers on research conducted in the area previously and complete discussion questions on the readings. This course has additional fees associated with it. Prerequisites: BIO 111 or BIO 123 and permission of the instructor.
BIO 231 Genetics - 4 credits
A study of the principles and mechanisms of heredity and variation at the organismal, molecular and population levels. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours. Prerequisites: BIO 123 and 124.
BIO 239 Animal Ecology, Development, and Evolution - 4 credits
This course is a comparative study of major innovations in form and function in animal evolution. The course will survey the major taxonomic groups of animals and course material will be organized using the Bauplan concept - basic themes of form and function: body symmetry; cellularity, body size, germ layers, and body cavities; support and movement; feeding and digestion; circulation and gas exchange; nervous system and sense organs; and development. The foundation concepts of ecology and the natural history of each taxonomic group will be covered to provide an ecological context for the evolution of animal form and function. The phylogenetic relationship among and within taxa will be covered to provide an understanding of the nature of animal biodiversity and to place the evolution of major innovations in a historical context. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisite: BIO 123
BIO 243 Biology Independent Research - 1-2 credits
This course is designed for students who are interested in conducting independent research under the guidance of a faculty member from the Department of Biological Sciences, but have not developed a research proposal for their independent project. This course may be repeated; 2 credits per semester is the standard load.
Prerequisites: permission of the faculty supervising the research. Prerequisite: BIO 123 or BIO 143
BIO 248 Biostatistics - 3 credits
An introduction to descriptive and inferential statistical methods that enable scientists to generate and test hypothesis, and to accurately convey to the scientific community the information within their data sets. Both parametric and nonparametric methods are addressed. An emphasis is placed on analysis of biological data. This course is intended for students who are at least at the sophomore level when taking the course. Prerequisite: MAT 141
BIO 300 Evolution (Alternate years) - 3 or 4 credits
This course involves in-depth study of mechanisms of evolution and how they relate to the complexity of the world and its organisms. Evolutionary change will be studied as it occurs at the genetic level, within populations, between species, and as it relates to physical changes in the environment. The use of fossil, morphological, and molecular data to tease apart evolutionary relationships among taxa will be discussed and examined further in the lab. Students may take only the lecture portion of the course (3 credits) or the lecture and laboratory portion of the course (4 credits). Prerequisites: BIO 235 and 236 or BIO 231 and 239.
BIO 304 Pathophysiology (Alternate years)- 3 credits
From the cellular, tissue and organ level, the general principles of disease and the underlying changes in human physiology that result from disease and injury will be studied for their effects on homeostasis. This course will also examine the etiology, diagnosis, manifestations, medical treatment, and prognosis of disease states, organized by a system approach, and the interrelationships among organ systems in deviations from homeostasis, Clinical studies and medical case histories will be examined in order to analyze and assess disease states. Prerequisite: BIO 117 and 118 or 217 and 218 or permission of the instructor.
BIO 309 Conservation Biology and GIS (Alternate years)- 3 or 4 credits
An overview of the science of conservation covering 1) the nature of conservation biology and the definition, origin, and global patterns of biodiversity, 2) the threats to biodiversity including habitat destruction and fragmentation, invasive species, overexploitation, and climate change, 3) how these threats affect the genetic and demographic processes of small populations, and 4) the methods used to stop the loss of biodiversity. In lab, the relationship of GPS (Global Positioning System) and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to the field of conservation biology and land management, will be discussed through readings in the primary literature and experienced through class projects. Projects include mapping and data basing the Cedar Crest College Arboretum and assessing habitat use. Students may take only the lecture portion of the course (3 credits) or the lecture and laboratory portion of the course (4 credits). Students majoring in Environmental Conservation must take both lecture and lab. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours. Prerequisite: BIO 239 or permission of the instructor.
BIO 311 Multidisciplinary Solutions for Global Diseases 1 credit
This capstone seminar course for the Global Diseases minor provides an opportunity for students, through in class readings and discussion, a presentation and a project, to propose their multidisciplinary solution for health-related problems within the region of their respective cultural experience. Prerequisites: an approved cultural experience, completion of a majority of the courses in the minor.
BIO 313 Advanced Mendelian and Population Genetics - 3 credits
This course deals with advanced concepts in the inheritance of genes and traits. Extensions of Mendelian genetics include gene interaction, recombination, and quantitative genetics. Topics in population genetics include Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and its extensions, Wright-Fisher populations, the coalescent, linkage disequilibrium, and molecular population genetics. The course emphasizes theory and applications, the latter including conservation, biomedical, and forensic genetics. Prerequisite: BIO 236 or BIO 231.
BIO 315 Case Studies in Conservation Biology (Alternate years) -3 Credits
This course will be taught in a seminar style and involve a review and discussion of readings, issues and examples in biodiversity and conservation biology. Students will work independently and in small groups to critique federally endangered species recovery plans, create materials that would be informative to the public regarding conservation issues, and debate the design of a park/preserve. Students will also participate in service-learning projects involving environmental issues in the local community. Prerequisites: BIO 235, or BIO 239; BIO309 is strongly recommended (can be taken concurrently).
BIO 323 Bioinformatics (Alternate years) - 4 credits
This course is a study of central concepts in bioinformatics. Topics will include DNA and protein sequence alignment, database searches and phylogenetic reconstruction; genomics and related disciplines; and perl programming. Emphasis will be placed on the current primary literature. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours.
Prerequisites: BIO 235 and BIO 236, or 231, or permission of the instructor.
BIO 327 Microbial Pathogenesis and Human Immunology (Alternate years) - 3 or 4 credits
This course will introduce the microorganisms responsible for many common diseases and the ways in which the human body can protect itself against these disease agents. Topics include immunology, bacteriology, virology, mycology, parasitology, and microbial pathogenesis. Lectures, case studies, current events, and discussions will be integral parts of this course. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours. Students may take only the lecture portion of the course (3 credits) or the lecture and lab (4 credits).
Prerequisites: BIO227, or permission of the instructor.
BIO 330 Drugs and the Brain: Neuropharmacology of Disease and Addiction (Alternate years) - 3 credits
An in-depth study of the pharmacological aspects of neuroscience with an emphasis on clinical applications. Prerequisite: BIO 200 or PSY 229.
BIO 332 Developmental Biology (Alternate years) - 3 or 4 credits
From the DNA blueprint to an organism’s final structure, this course is a morphological and molecular study of growth and differentiation. Lecture may be taken without the laboratory. Prerequisites: BIO 231 and 239.
BIO 335 Molecular Genetics I - 4 credits
Part one of a two-part course in molecular genetics, this semester emphasizes molecular mechanisms as they apply to prokaryotic organisms. Lectures will begin with a general review of genetics and cell biology, cover basic techniques used in molecular biology research, and then detail the processes of DNA replication and transcription in prokaryotes. They will explore controversial issues as they relate to molecular genetics and present their findings using various formats such as position papers, online threaded discussions, podcasts, and poster displays. In the laboratory portion of this course, students will use restriction endonucleases to clone specific genes from bacterial DNA. They will demonstrate their success through restriction mapping, gene-specific PCR, and gene expression. Prerequisites: BIO 236 or BIO 231.
BIO 336 Molecular Genetics II - 4 credits
Part two of a two-part course in molecular genetics, this semester emphasizes molecular mechanisms as they apply to eukaryotic organisms. Lectures explore basic techniques used in molecular biology research as the processes of transcription and translation in eukaryotes are examined. The impact that current research in the field of molecular genetics has on society health issues and world politics is also examined. In the laboratory portion of this course, students design and conduct original research projects to explore gene expression in eukaryotic organisms. Prerequisite: BIO 335.
BIO 339 Biology of Cancer (Alternate years) - 3 credits
This course covers the genetics, molecular biology, and cellular biology of cancer from DNA mutagenesis to cellular transformation. We will try to answer the following questions: What is cancer? What causes cancer? How can cancer be treated? Specific topics to be covered include maintenance of genomic integrity, cell-cycle control, oncogenes and tumor suppressors, metastasis, and anti-cancer treatment strategies. The course will rely heavily on the primary literature with a special focus on current topics in Cancer Biology. Prerequisites: BIO-236 or BIO 231 or instructor approval
BIO 340, Advanced Brain Lab: Experimental Approaches to Neuroscience (Alternate years) - 4 credits
This laboratory course introduces students to several of the methods currently used by neuroscientists including electrophysiological, histological and molecular techniques. The lecture component explores both classical and current literature in Neuroscience. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours. Prerequisites: BIO 239 or 231 and BIO 200.
BIO 341 Mammalian Cell Culture & Microscopy (Alternate years) - 1.5 credits
This lab intensive course will explore animal cell culture and associated microscopy techniques. Students will learn how to grow and maintain animal cell cultures, work with immortalized cell cultures, and how to transfect cells with exogenous DNA. There will also be a focus on the theory and application of advanced techniques in microcopy, including inverted microscopy and fluorescence microscopy of animal cells. This course is intended for students in their junior or senior year. Prerequisites: BIO 236 or BIO 231 or instructor permission
BIO 343 Advanced Polymerase Chain Reaction Techniques (Alternate years) - 1.5 credits
This lab-intensive course focuses on the theoretical and practical applications of polymerase chain reaction (PCR), one of the most important tools of molecular biology, and has applications in a broad range of scientific disciplines, including clinical characterization and treatment of disease, forensic science, evolutionary biology, and genetics. The course exposes students to advanced PCR techniques including site-specific DNA mutagenesis, reverse transcriptase PCR to measure gene expression, High Resolution Melt Analysis (HRM) real time PCR to identify genetic diseases, and PCR Genotyping of criminal suspect DNA. This course is intended for students in their junior or senior year. Prerequisites: BIO 236 or BIO 231
BIO 344 DNA Sequencing (Alternate years) - 1.5 credits
This lab-intensive weekend course will help students to better understand both the Sanger and Maxam-Gilbert Methods of sequencing. Students will experience Sanger sequencing through both manual and automated sequencing methods. They will also learn how to interpret data as they use biotechnology to identify sequences and build basic sequence comparisons. This course is intended for students in their junior or senior year. Prerequisites: BIO 236 or BIO 231
BIO 345 Advanced Recombinant DNA Techniques - 3 credits
This capstone course for Genetic Engineering majors will cover advanced techniques in molecular biology, with a special focus on molecular genetic and recombinant techniques. The course will include discussions of mechanisms of manipulating the genomes of scientifically important model organisms, and discuss the clinical and ethical implications of such manipulations. We will also cover the multiple “omics,” including genomics and proteomics that are used to study biological and clinical problems. The course will have a strong emphasis on readings and discussions of the primary literature related to topics covered in class. Prerequisites: BIO 335, 336.
BIO 348 Diseases of the Nervous System (Alternate years) - 3 or 4 credits
Our brains control everything that makes us human, including how we think, feel, learn, and how we perceive the outside world. When the brain is damaged by disease or injury or fails to form correctly during development, the results can be catastrophic. This course will examine selected diseases of the nervous system at both the clinical and the molecular level and assess current treatments. Diseases to be discussed may include Alzheimer, schizophrenia, neural tube defects, autism, and spinal cord injuries. Readings from the primary literature and laboratory activities will complement the lecture material. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours. Lecture may be taken without the laboratory. Prerequisites: BIO 231 and 239.
BIO 349 Protein Purification and Analysis (Alternate years) - 1.5 credits
This laboratory-intensive weekend course covers the methodologies of protein purification, such as column chromatography and ammonium sulfate precipitation, quantification of protein concentration through colorimetric methods, and protein analysis through both denaturing and non-denaturing PAGE. Various methods of detection are used including Coomassie blue stain, an enzymatic assay, and Western blot. By the end of the course, students generate their own data, compare purification methods, and produce an end report in either a paper or poster format. This course is intended for students in their junior or senior year. Prerequisites: BIO 236 or BIO 231
BIO 350 Junior Colloquium - 2 credits
This course fulfills two goals: (1) development of career plans and skills, including interviews, resumes, and oral, written, and digital communication. (2) development of critical thinking skills through the selection of a research topic and preparation of a research proposal. Should a student select the thesis option for her major, this proposal will be the foundation for her thesis research. This course is part of the capstone requirement for all majors in the Department of Biological Sciences, and is normally taken in the fall of the junior year. Prerequisite: BIO 121, 122, and either BIO 235 with lab or BIO 236 with lab OR BIO 123, 124, and BIO 239 with lab or BIO 231 with lab
BIO 353 Biology Independent Research - 1-2 credits
This course is designed for students who are interested in conducting independent research under the guidance of a faculty member from the Department of Biological Sciences, and have previously developed a proposal that outlines their research plan in fulfillment of Junior Colloquium. This course may be repeated; 2 credits per semester is the standard load. This course may be used to satisfy the Thesis Option for majors within the Department of Biological Sciences, which requires a minimum of 4 credits earned by working in a coherent research project. Prerequisites: permission of the faculty supervising the research and successful completion of BIO350.
BIO 354 Thesis and Presentation - 1 credit
This course serves as the capstone course for the Thesis Option for all majors in the Department of Biological Sciences. Completion of this course requires (1) submission of a written thesis to the faculty supervising the student’s thesis research and (2) oral or poster presentation of the student’s research project to the college community at the Biological Sciences Research Symposium. Prerequisites: Declared major within the Department of Biological Sciences; permission of the faculty supervising the research; 4 credits of BIO 353 (or two semesters of BIO 243 and one semester of BIO 353), CHE 391/392 (2 credits of BIO 353 - CHE391/392 may be taken concurrently).
BIO 356 Science, Ethics and Society - 3 credits
This course provides science majors with an opportunity to form connections between their scientific background and society as a whole. Students will gain an understanding of the role of science in society, including the challenges facing women in science, and the importance of ethics within science. This course is part of the capstone requirement for all majors in the Department of Biological Sciences and is normally taken in the fall of the senior year. Prerequisite: BIO 231 with lab and BIO 239 with lab; BIO 350.
BIO 357 Reflection on an Integrated Biology Major 0.5 credits
A student who majors in Integrated Biology will take a minimum of 12 credit hours of coursework in another discipline, and should be able to demonstrate how this discipline integrates with biology. In this course, the student will reflect on this integration through a written assignment and, as appropriate, a supporting portfolio. Prerequisite: Senior standing, a declared major in Integrated Biology, and completion of integrated coursework (may be taken concurrently).
BIO 548 Research Design & Statistics - 3 credits
This course deals with fundamental and advanced concepts in probability, statistical methods, and hypothesis testing. Topics include, but are not limited to, fundamentals of probability; summary statistics; basic hypothesis testing; analysis of frequency data; analysis of variance; regression and correlation; factor analysis and principal components analysis; discriminant analysis; and other multivariate methods. Nonparametric approaches will also be covered. Statistical power will be discussed in the context of research design. Prerequisites: One year of undergraduate calculus (e.g. MAT 141/142) plus either a 200-level undergraduate course in statistics (e.g. BIO 248 or MAT 210) or an earned Bachelor’s degree.
BIO 360 Special Topics in Biology - 1-4 credits
A consideration of a selected topic in contemporary or classical biology. Permission of the instructor is required. BIO 390 Independent Study 1-4 credits Prerequisite: Permission of faculty.
Biology Courses Offered in Affiliation with Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
All Hawk Mountain courses can be used to partially fulfill the Natural Science (SCI) designation of the Liberal Arts Curriculum (LAC). BIO 132 Field Ornithology can fulfill the 3-credit requirement. The 4 credit SCI requirement can be satisfied by successfully completing BIO 132 along with one of the 1-credit Hawk Mountain courses (BIO 133 -136). BIO 132 must be taken either before or concurrently with one of the 1-credit Hawk Mountain courses to be combined as a 4-credit course.
All Hawk Mountain courses are held regardless of weather conditions and require outdoor fieldwork and hiking on rugged terrain. Appropriate clothing and footgear are recommended. Students must provide their own transportation to the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Kempton, PA. Unless otherwise stated, classes are held at the Acopian Center for Conservation Learning (ACCL) at Hawk Mountain.
BIO 132 Field Ornithology - 3 credits
A field course oriented to identification, adaptations, habitat associations and sociobiology of birds at Hawk Mountain. The course meets for two weekends (one in September and October).
BIO 133 Neotropical Migrant Birds - 1 credit
A focus on neotropical migrant birds with consideration of their natural history, identification and migratory patterns. Students learn orientation and theory in the classroom. Location, identification and discussion of species are studied in the field (Hawk Mountain Sanctuary and surrounding area). The course meets one weekend in late April or early May.
BIO 134 Dynamics of Raptor Migration - 1 credit
An introduction to hawk migration, including the effects of weather and geography, hawk identification, migration research and a small independent project. The course meets for two Saturdays in the fall.
BIO 135 Birds of Prey in Winter: A Study in Adaptation (Alternate years) - 1 credit
An introduction to the winter ecology of Pennsylvania’s hawks, eagles and falcons, with emphasis on hunting strategies and tactics, prey selection, competition for food and aggressive interactions. The course meets for one weekend in late January.
BIO 136 Nesting Birds of Prey (Alternate years) - 1 credit
An introduction to the breeding ecology of Pennsylvania’s hawks, eagles, falcons and owls, with emphasis on territorial behavior, parent-offspring interactions, nestling growth and development and conservation ecology. The course meets for one weekend in March.
