Biology Course Descriptions
101. General Biology. 3 credits. For non-science majors. Fundamental principles; historical background of the major biological concepts as well as the contemporary status of the discipline. Three lectures. May be used in partial fulfillment of graduation requirements in science. Fall, Spring, Summer.
103. Environmental Studies. 3 credits. For non-science majors. Ecological principles on the theme that a comprehensive segment of existing animal and plant species and natural communities should be preserved for the future population of humans. Detailed consideration of the environmental threats facing the human population, and the task of stabilizing and reversing the deterioration that has already occurred. May be used in partial fulfillment of graduation requirements in science. Spring.
104. Human Heredity. 3 credits. For non-science majors. The fundamental principles of genetics; present and future possibilities of genetic research and medical science in such areas of biology as cloning, test tube babies, genetic engineering, research, and the social implications of these genetic studies. May be used in partial fulfillment of graduation requirements in science. Fall.
105. Human Biology. 3 credits. For non-science majors. Biological principles are applied to practical understanding of body functions and the importance of exercise, nutrition, etc. Current human concerns such as AIDS, cardiovascular disease, and cancer are discussed and related to recent scientific evidence. May be used in partial fulfillment of graduation requirements in science. Fall, Spring.
111. Biology I. 4 credits. Introduction to biological principles fundamental to understanding animal life. Cell structure, cell function, biochemistry, heredity, molecular genetics, classification of the major phyla, and the structure and function of major animal organ systems. Three lectures and one laboratory. Fall, Spring, Summer.
112. Biology II. 4 credits. The plant cell; the major divisions of the plant kingdom stressing life cycles and possible evolutionary pathways; morphology, anatomy, and physiology of plants; and an introduction to ecological and evolutionary processes. Three lectures and one laboratory. Spring.
131. Biology Freshman Seminar. 0 credits. This course will cover topics including, but not limited to: study skills, time management, campus and departmental resources, and discussion of a biology related book. Required of all biology majors. Fall.
203. Ecology. 4 credits. Basic principles of the relationship between organisms and the biotic and abiotic aspects of their environment; population and community dynamics. Field trips to aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Three lectures and one laboratory. Prerequisite: Biology 101 or 111. Fall.
204. Invertebrate Zoology. 4 credits. Specialized consideration of the animals without a backbone; morphology, physiology, taxonomy, and evolution of these groups. Three lectures and one laboratory. Prerequisite: Biology 111. As needed.
205. Human Anatomy and Physiology I. 4 credits. Basic course in the study of the structure and function of the human body. The specialized structure and function of each organ system is studied at the cellular, tissue and organ level of organization, as well as homeostatic mechanisms. Integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and sensory systems. Three lectures and one laboratory. Prerequisite: Biology 111. Fall, Summer.
206. Human Anatomy and Physiology II. 4 credits. Continuation of the study of major organ systems, including endocrine, circulatory, lymphatic, digestive, regulation of metabolism, respiratory, and excretory systems; reproduction and development; fluid electrolyte and acid-base balance. Three lectures and one laboratory. Prerequisite: Biology 205. Spring, Summer.
208. Animal Behavior. 4 credits. A comprehensive, integrated comparison of the behavior patterns of animals utilizing findings from many other disciplines such as evolution, genetics, and neuroendocrinology. Methodology in collection of data and techniques of analysis and reporting. Three lectures and one laboratory. Prerequisite: Biology 111 or consent of instructor. Fall.
211. Comparative Anatomy. 4 credits. Comparative anatomical study of the adult vertebrates including man with some reference to functional implications; review of phylum Chordata, classification and evolutionary trends; brief introduction to embryonic development emphasizing significance of germ layers and tissues to an understanding of the comparative anatomy of the organ systems of chordates. Three lectures and one laboratory. Prerequisite: Biology 111. Fall.
212. Developmental Biology. 4 credits. A descriptive morphological and experimental physiological study of the ontogenetic development of representative vertebrates including such topics as postembryonic development, regeneration, metamorphosis, and the relationship between inheritance and development. Three lectures and one laboratory. Prerequisite: Biology 111. Spring.
214. Clinical Microbiology. 4 credits. A study of the normal body flora and pathogenic microorganisms; microbial physiology associated with pathogenicity of bacteria, viruses, fungi and common protozoal parasites; host responses to pathogenic invasion; diagnostic tests used for identification of pathogens; antimicrobial agents; principles of immunology. Two lectures and two laboratories. Prerequisites: Biology 111, Chemistry 104. Fall.
218. Marine Biology. 4 credits. A study of the biological aspects of marine ecosystems along with physical relationships. Students will survey marine plants and animals and the relationships which exists between them and the chemical and physical features of the ocean. Studies of the various ecosystems which exist in the marine environment including intertidal zones, brackish water, coral reefs, open ocean, and the continental shelf will be used to further students' understanding of these complex relationships. Three lectures and one laboratory. Prerequisite: Biology 111 and 112. Spring.
301. Genetics. 4 credits. A study of the principles of heredity; the structure and function of DNA; applications of recombinant DNA technology; and the action of genes in populations. Three lectures and one laboratory. Prerequisite: 111. Fall.
302. General Microbiology. 4 credits. Morphology, physiology, and ecology of the major groups of microorganisms: bacteria, fungi, protozoa, slime molds, algae, rickettsiae, and viruses, principles of immunology. Two lectures and two laboratories. Prerequisites: Chemistry 201 or 203. Spring.
305. Immunology. 3 credits. A study of the general principles of immunology. Both cellular and humoral immunology will be studied covering immune tissues and cells, antigens, antibody production, MHC, genetic basis of immunological structure, cellular interactions, and specific applications of immunology to modern medical science including immunological disorders and laboratory techniques. Prerequisite: Biology 111. Spring, as needed.
312. Research Diver Techniques. 3 credits. Aquatic research methods using SCUBA as a research tool. Students will experience various research methods that are best completed with the use of SCUBA equipment. Prerequisite: Biology 111 and basic SCUBA certification. Summer.
322. Field Biology. 3 credits. An opportunity for completing ecological field studies in an area other than the region around Saint Francis University. Students will research the ecology of the field site, sutdy the animals and plants present in the ecosystem and plan their travel before leaving on a 7-9 day research trip. Studies will be completed on site. Upon completion of the trip, students will write a research paper and formally present their findings. Course can be completed twice for credit when completed at different locations. Students will incur an additional expense to cover field costs. Prerequisite: Biology 203. Spring, Summer.
326. Freshwater Aquatic Biology. 4 credits. A study of the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes. Emphasis on the role of water chemistry, pollution and biotic interactions on the distribution of aquatic life. Laboratory includes field sampling and identification of aquatic organisms. Three lectures and one laboratory session. Prerequisite: Biology 203. Fall as needed.
398-399. Biology Internship. 3-15 credits. The integration of classroom theory with practical work experience under which students have specific periods of attendance at college and specific periods of employment, either full or part time, with or without pay. Credit may vary from three to 15 credits, but no more than six credits may be counted toward major requirements, with additional credits counted as free electives. Open only to biology majors with approval of the department chair and the vice-president for academic affairs. Fall, Spring, Summer. Fulfills Departmental Senior Capstone.
401. Cell and Molecular Biology. 4 credits. A broad coverage of cell and molecular biology. Emphasizing experimental design and data analysis. Three lectures and one laboratory session. Library research, journal reviews and paper. Prerequisite: Biology 111, Chemistry 202. Fall.
402. Evolution. Development of the theory of organic evolution of plants and animals through evidence obtained from fossil records, genetics, cytogenetics, ecology, biochemistry, comparative anatomy, comparative physiology, and serology. Restricted to seniors. Spring.
403. Advanced Botany. 4 credits. Specialized consideration of the plant kingdom, taxonomy, anatomy, and physiology. Three lectures and one laboratory session. Prerequisite: Biology 112. As needed.
405. Biochemistry. 4 credits. Basic chemical processes of living organisms, from single cells to humans, emphasizing the use and production of energy and macromolecules; metabolic regulation; and structure-function relationships. Three lectures and one laboratory session. Prerequisite: Biology 111 and Chemistry 202. Fall.
406. Vertebrate Physiology. 4 credits. A study of the function of the life processes that maintain homeostasis. Emphasis on the integration of the systems that regulate normal values in the intact organisms. Three lectures and one laboratory session. Prerequisite: Biology 211. Spring.
408. Special Problems in Environmental Science and Seminar. 4 credits. Examination of the recent literature dealing with pollution, endangered species, agricultural systems, demographic trends and effects of environmental disruptions on human health and well-being. One class period per week to be devoted to the presentation of student reports on their environmental activities. Prerequisite: Biology 203. Spring as needed.
412-416. Special Topics in Biology. 1-4 credits. Students pursue advanced study in a specialized area of biology. Course includes lectures, library research or laboratory research, and a paper pertaining to subject matter not covered in other courses. As needed.
420. Research I. (1-2 credits). Original experimental investigation in selected biological problems. Students will work with a research advisor to complete a research proposal in an area of interest. Open only to students with a minimum QPA of 3.25, who enroll in the course no later than the spring of their junior year. As needed.
421-424. Research II. 1 credit. Completion of the research project proposed in Biology 420, including experimentation and the writing of a journal style paper presenting the results of the research. Results will also be presented to students and faculty in the biology department. Students must enroll in the course no later than the Fall of their senior year. Prerequisite: Biology 420. Fulfills Departmental Senior Capstone.
430. Advanced Laboratory Methods in Molecular Biology. 2 credits. Techniques used in the manipulation of DNA; laboratory methods needed to transfer genes from one organism to another; additional methods with wide application in molecular biology. One lecture and one laboratory. Prerequisite: Biology 301, 302, 401. As needed.
431. Senior Seminar. 0-1 credit. Students select a current topic of interest in biology that has been approved by the instructor. The topic is covered in depth in the form of a research paper and an oral presentation to the class. Required of all biology majors. Fulfills Departmental Senior Capstone.
501. Independent Study in Biology. 1-8 credits. As needed. Fulfills Departmental Senior Capstone.