The Biology program is designed to provide the student with a comprehensive, but thorough, understanding of all areas of biology during the first four semesters. The student may then specialize by taking those biology courses which will provide the best preparation for a future career in environmental studies.
A total of 63 hours with a grade of C- or better is required. Required: 15 hours of BIO courses at the 300- or 400- level, except BIO 306, BIO399 or BIO460. Required: Proficiency exam during senior year.
| Course No. | Credits | Course description |
| BIO 131 | 4 | BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY. A survey of the various life forms found on Earth. Emphasis is on taxonomy, life cycles and environmental requirements of the major groups and representative species of plants, animals, fungi, protists and prokaryotes. Evolutionary history of and ecological interactions between major groups are also discussed. Laboratories include field studies and the introduction of techniques for the collection, preservation, identification and analysis of specimens of the major groups. Students present written and oral lab reports. (Intended for majors and general education.) Laboratory. Each Fall. |
| BIO 231 | 4 | INTRODUCTION TO CELL BIOLOGY. The relationship between cellular, organelle and molecular structure to the basic activities that all living things undertake. Includes basic biochemistry, membrane and organelle structure and function, cellular reproduction, enzymes and metabolism and the central dogma. Students learn about the nature of science by undertaking open-ended research projects using modern investigative laboratory techniques, by reading and analyzing the work of other scientists, and by preparing both written and oral presentations of their project findings. Laboratory. Each Fall. |
| BIO 232 | 4 | LIFE PROCESSES OF HIGHER ORGANISMS. The study of the major physiologic processes occurring in plants and animals. Students learn how plants and animals solve similar problems while coping with environmental change. These problems include fluid transport, gas exchange, excretion of waste, nutrition, communication and movement. Solutions must be within the limitations imposed by basic physical, chemical and evolutionary processes. Laboratory experience includes an inquiry based study of growth, requiring statistical analysis and written research reports that are evaluated for inclusion into the department¹s research journal. Prerequisite: BIO231. Each Spring. |
| CHM 211 | 4 | PRINCIPLES OF CHEMISTRY I. An introductory course for those with high school chemistry. Atomic structure and bonding, balancing equations, mole relationship, and basic concepts of physical and descriptive chemistry. Laboratories teach basic chemical techniques, data analysis, laboratory safety and preparation of laboratory reports. Each Fall. |
| CHM 212 | 4 | PRINCIPLES OF CHEMISTRY II. A continuation of CHM 211. Particular emphasis on equilibrium and properties of aqueous solutions, descriptive inorganic chemistry and qualitative analysis. Laboratories include analysis of data generated by students. Prerequisite: CHM211. Each Spring. |
| CHM 304 | 4 | QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS. Gravimetric and volumetric analysis for the chemical elements, as practiced in industry, agriculture, and the life sciences. Laboratory. Prerequisite: CHM212. Alternate years. Fall 2006. |
| ENV 133 | 4 | INTRODUCTION TO ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES. The interaction of organisms with each other and with their environment. Topics include behavior, dynamics of populations, species interactions, ecosystem and global dynamics, and conservation biology. The interaction of humans and the environment will be investigated. Prerequisite: BIO 131. Each Spring. |
| ENV 440 | 4 |
ENV440 RESEARCH AND SEMINAR I. Biology students find, read, interpret, and present biological primary literature as preparation to undertake an independent research project. Each student selects two research articles and makes oral presentations to the biology faculty and other students. In addition, each student reads the selections of the other students in the class, writes summaries and formulates questions for the discussion period. Students prepare a research proposal and undertake laboratory experiments. Students present the results of their experiments to the biology faculty and other students. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing as Biology major or minor. Each Spring. |
| ENV 441 | 4 |
ENV441 RESEARCH AND SEMINAR II. A continuation of ENV440. Biology students find, read, interpret, and present biological primary literature as preparation to undertake an independent research project. Each student selects two research articles and makes oral presentations to the biology faculty and other students. In addition, each student reads the selections of the other students in the class, writes summaries and formulates questions for the discussion period. Students prepare a research proposal and undertake laboratory experiments. Students present the results of their experiments to the biology faculty and other students. Additionally students prepare a written report of their research. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing as Biology major or minor. Each Fall. |
| BIO 313 | 4 | ECOLOGY AND FIELD BIOLOGY. Physiological, population, community and ecosystem ecology with a focus on methods of field study. Topics include nutrient cycling, biomes, population dynamics, species interactions and landscape ecology. Prerequisite: ENV 133. Alternate years. Fall 2007. |
| ENV 4 | 4 | ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION. Application of ecological and evolutionary principles to real-world environmental issues. Topics include ecotoxicology, ecosystem management, conservation, restoration and wetland delineation. The course will also investigate the social, economic and political aspects of applied ecology. Laboratory. Prerequisite: ENV 133. Alternate years. Fall 2006. |
| MTH 162 | 4 |
STATISTICS FOR SCIENCE STUDENTS. Students learn the fundamental tools used to analyze sets of data and the standard methods for displaying data. Prerequisite: MTH120. Spring 2005/Fall 2005. |
ENV 460 INTERNSHIP (4). Practical experiences in a number of potential career settings including industrial, governmental, academic and non-profit organizations. See Biology advisor for details and course requirements.
BIO 300 EVOLUTION AND POPULATION GENETICS (4). The one unifying theory of biology is the theory of evolution by natural selection. Topics include natural selection, speciation, biogeography, population genetics, character evolution and macroevolution. Laboratory. Prerequisite: ENV 133. Alternate years. Spring 2006.
BIO 3XX PLANT BIOLOGY (4). Structure, function, taxonomy and ecology of plants. Topics include photosynthesis, reproduction, hormones, nutrition, water relations, evolution and identification. Laboratory. Alternate years. Prerequisite: BIO 231. Spring 2007.