Biology

An overview of the biological diversity of animals and protozoa. Learn general principles of evolution, ecology, classification, systematics, and animal body plans. Understand the biology of all groups of animals, including the basic characteristics of each group and the evolutionary relationships among group members. Examine the current global status of animal diversity.

Study of the comparative anatomy of vertebrates and their invertebrate chordate relatives. Evolutionary trends in development, structure and function are studied to understand the various adaptations vertebrates have made to fit their environment.

A comparative study of physiologic systems in all animals, emphasizing vertebrate species.

A survey of the microbial world including microbial growth, metabolism, molecular biology, and genetics; medical, food and water microbiology; and microbial taxonomy. Also includes the vertebrate immune system and other defense mechanisms. Inquiry based laboratory activities enhance students’ ability to ask and answer scientific questions.

A study of formal and molecular genetics. Topics include Mendelian genetics, epistatic systems, viral and bacterial genetics, DNA structure, gene mapping, transcription, translation, gene structure and regulation and eukaryotic genome structure.

A survey of the anatomy, life cycles, modes of infection and effects on hosts of selected animal and protistan parasites. Emphasis is placed on parasites of medical and veterinary importance. Laboratory activities include methods for diagnosis of parasitic infections and projects to reinforce elements of proper experimental design.

The advanced study of some of the areas of biology not offered as regular courses in the biology curriculum.  May be repeated when topics vary. May be designated as global when topic is appropriate. May include a laboratory.

An examination of ethical systems and forms of argumentation as they bear upon case studies in bioethics and medicine. Dominant ethical theories will be studied and critiqued. Reasoning at the levels of principles, rules, and particular judgments will be distinguished. Case studies in clinical, legal, and policy issues will be explored. 

The molecular properties and biological significance of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, carbohydrates, amino acids, and polysaccharides are studied. A detailed study of enzyme activity, metabolic pathways and bioenergetics is considered. Study of eukaryotic cell structure and function is undertaken along with an in-depth study of translation.

Basic concepts of the central dogma will be studied. Gene expression in eukaryotes, regulation at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels will also be emphasized. The laboratory will focus on basic molecular techniques such as nucleic acid isolation, gel electrophoresis, cloning techniques, Southern and Western techniques, and PCR techniques.

Students find, read, interpret, and analyze primary scientific literature in the context of a research project. Students will design and conduct one or more small scale experiments related to the research question and present the results and conclusions in oral and written professional presentation formats.