Biology

Department of Biological Sciences

Professors:

  • Karen Benn Marshall, Ed.D (Administrator)
  • Onesimus Otieno, Ph.D.
  • Londa Schmidt, Ph.D.
  • Elaine Vanterpool, Ph.D. (Chair)

Associate Professors:

  • Juliet Bailey-Penrod, Ph.D.
  • Juliet Durant, Ph.D.
  • Melissa Richardson, Ph.D.
  • Marie-Claire Boutrin, Ph.D.

Assistant Professors:

  • Stanton Dulan, M.D.
  • Jacques Mbongue, Ph.D. (Dual appointment)

Purpose

It is the purpose of the Department of Biological Sciences to develop in its students a thorough understanding and an appreciation of the principles underlying the basic functions of living organisms. The curriculum is designed for those students wishing to enter graduate, medical, dental, veterinary, pharmacy or allied health schools, as well as for those planning to teach in elementary or secondary schools. Opportunity is also available for laboratory research for those planning to enter research careers.

High School Preparation

High School Preparation Students wishing to pursue a degree in biology or biomedical sciences should take high school courses in biology, chemistry, general science, and mathematics. Where possible AP classes in any or all these areas should be considered.

Program Description

The Department of Biological Sciences endeavors to develop in its students a thorough understanding and appreciation of the principles underlying the basic structure and functions of living organisms. The basic principles of molecular, cellular, physiological, morphological, developmental, ecological biology and genetics are emphasized. Biology graduates will be taught to think critically, to work independently and to make meaningful contributions to team efforts. Students are encouraged to participate in research and problem-solving activities which deepen their appreciation of the field of biology, increase their skills in laboratory techniques and applications, and their awareness of the available opportunities. The program prepares students for further studies in graduate and professional schools, and for careers in a variety of fields.

Exit Examination

All senior biology and biomedical science majors are required to take the exit examination. The ETS Major Field Test (MFT), is used as the exit exam. A scaled score representing one standard deviation below the mean of the national mean is considered a pass. Students who fail to achieve this score after two attempts must take BI 250 Biology Review. Students can opt to take the GRE Advanced Biology Test, which must be passed with a score within one standard deviation of the national mean.

Career Opportunities

A degree in Biology or biomedical sciences remains the major of choice for students who desire to enter the fields of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, and biomedical research. Students interested in nursing and other health related fields will find that biology provides the best foundation for entry to and success in these areas. It is also the best degree for conservation, crop development, bioinformatics, biotechnology, medical and scientific illustration, and many other career choices

Major Degree Requirements

Students are required to complete Co-requisites courses and labs for application towards a degree in Biology and Biomedical Sciences. Students from other departments must consult with their advisors and program coordinators for Co-requisites degree requirements.

Degrees

Courses

BI 101: The Life Sciences

Credits 3
This course is designed for non-science majors. It is a basic study of biological principles involving various plants and animals. A major objective is the presentation of the concept of man in his biological background, as well as his environment and his responsibility to it.

BI 102: The Life Sciences

Credits 3
This course is designed for non-science majors. It is a basic study of biological principles involving various plants and animals. A major objective is the presentation of the concept of man in his biological background, as well as his environment and his responsibility to it.

BI 111: Human Anatomy and Physiology

Credits 3
This course is designed for those not majoring in the biological sciences such as nursing and allied health majors. It is a basic study of the structure and function of the human organism, including the cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems. Does not apply toward a major or minor in biology.

BI 111H: Human Anatomy and Physiology (Honor)

Credits 4
This course is designed for those not majoring in the biological sciences such as nursing and allied health majors. It is a basic study of the structure and function of the human organism, including the cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems. Does not apply toward a major or minor in biology. This Honors section will have additional requirements that may include extra or expanded assignments, projects or modified assessments.

BI 112: Human Anatomy and Physiology

Credits 3
This course is designed for those not majoring in the biological sciences such as nursing and allied health majors. It is a basic study of the structure and function of the human organism, including the cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems. Does not apply toward a major or minor in biology.

BI 131: General Biology

Credits 3
A study of the fundamentals of living organisms with emphasis on zoology and botany and their biochemistry, physiology, genetics, systematics, behavior, and ecology. Review scientific literature and relate to specific undergraduate courses covering concepts and their historical perspectives including contributions of significant figures and underrepresented groups.

BI 131H: General Biology (Honors)

Credits 4
A study of the fundamentals of living organisms with emphasis on zoology and botany and their biochemistry, physiology, genetics, systematics, behavior, and ecology. Review scientific literature and relate to specific undergraduate courses covering concepts and their historical perspectives including contributions of significant figures and underrepresented groups. This Honors section will have additional requirements that may include extra or expanded assignments, projects or modified assessments.

BI 132: General Biology

Credits 3
A study of the fundamentals of living organisms with emphasis on zoology and botany and their biochemistry, physiology, genetics, systematics, behavior, and ecology. Review scientific literature and relate to specific undergraduate courses covering concepts and their historical perspectives including contributions of significant figures and underrepresented groups.

BI 201: Principles of Environmental Science

Credits 3
A course designed to study the applications of ecological principles to human activities from a global perspective. Current class discussions deal with contemporary environmental issues, maintaining a sustainable environment, and developing positive environmental ethics. The laboratory period includes field trips, guest speakers, films, debates, and more in-depth discussions of specific current issues. May be applied to general education science requirement for non-science majors and to meet certain state education requirements.

BI 202: Principles of Environmental Science

Credits 3
A course designed to study the applications of ecological principles to human activities from a global perspective. Current class discussions deal with contemporary environmental issues, maintaining a sustainable environment, and developing positive environmental ethics. The laboratory period includes field trips, guest speakers, films, debates, and more in-depth discussions of specific current issues. May be applied to general education science requirement for non-science majors and to meet certain state education requirements.

BI 204: Introduction to Research

Credits 1
This course is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to study various methods and techniques related to and/or necessary for the development of a research protocol. The student will prepare a research proposal, which will form the basis for his/her undergraduate research. Directed study.

BI 215: Introductory Biostatistics

Credits 2
This is an introductory course on probability theory and statistics. Special emphasis is given to biological applications for sampling, tests of central tendency and dispersion, and experimental design.

BI 221: Microbiology

Credits 3
The nature of bacteria and disease-producing organisms with their habits and methods of reproduction and the relationship of these organisms to disease in the human body are studied. Three hours of laboratory are required each week. Does not apply toward a major or minor in Biology.

BI 222: Introduction to Bioinformatics

Credits 3
This course introduces the student to the core principles and tools of bioinformatics, databases, and alignment of sequences and structures. Two hours of laboratory are required each week.

BI 230: Plant Biology

Credits 3

A study of phylogeny, structure, reproduction, and photosynthesis, beginning with simple unicellular and proceeding through various levels of complexity to the flowering plant. Co- requisite: BI 230L.

BI 241: General Microbiology

Credits 3
A study of microorganisms as they affect our environment, their relationship to disease in man, plants, and animals, microbial metabolism and genetics, symbiotic associations, and the control of microorganisms where needed.

BI 250: Biology Review

Credits 2
This course is designed to examine and analyze the core concepts in the biological sciences. Students are encouraged to critically examine the biological processes, and the scientific techniques used to deduce them. This will result in a clearer understanding of the theories of origin of life, the topics in Cell and Molecular Biology, Genetics, Organismal Biology, Population Biology, Ecology, and Research in Biology.

BI 316: Biological Instrumentation

Credits 2
This course is intended to introduce students to a variety of laboratory instrument and experimental techniques used in some classical experiments that played key roles in the development of modern understanding of the field of biological science. One hour lecture and one hour laboratory demonstration per week.

BI 321: Genetics

Credits 3
A study of principles of inheritance in all living organisms will be undertaken. Classical, molecular, and non-Mendelian genetics will be studied.

BI 323: Undergraduate Research

Credits 1
Directed independent research in which topics will be chosen, discussed, and approved by the instructor as proposed in Introduction to Research, BI 204.

BI 331: Histology

Credits 3
The student will undertake the study of the microscopic anatomy of vertebrate tissues and organs, including references to their functions.

BI 380: Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy

Credits 3
A study of the comparative anatomy of the chordates, with emphasis on the vertebrates. Detailed dissections of the shark, necturus, and cat are made in the laboratory.

BI 388: Developmental Biology

Credits 3
Code
W
This course is designed to explore developmental mechanisms of animals. Sea urchin, frog, and chick embryos are used as model animals. Emphasis is on human prenatal development. Topics covered include gametogenesis, fertilization, implantation, transcription factors and gene regulation of developmental induction, and other mechanisms of body systems development.

BI 403: Biology Seminar

Credits 1
Oral and written reports on both historical and current biological work as found in the biological literature. The instructor will assign topical readings and the student will be required to present their reports.

BI 422: General Physiology

Credits 3
This course is a study of the function, interaction, and regulation of the major organ systems of the human body, with emphasis on biochemical and biophysical processes.

BI 423: General Physiology

Credits 3
This course is a study of the function, interaction, and regulation of the major organ systems of the human body, with emphasis on biochemical and biophysical processes.

BI 425: General Ecology

Credits 3
A study of the interrelationships between organisms and their environment will be undertaken. Laboratories and field trips are designed to introduce the student to techniques used in basic ecological research.

BI 430: Philosophy of Science

Credits 2
Code
W
A careful, critical study and discussion of both biblical and scientific evidence on origins. Particular emphasis will be given to rational, philosophical, and theological insights as a basis for arriving at a comprehensive understanding of the origins of all things.

BI 440: Parasitology

Credits 3
A study of the parasitic forms of protozoan, helminthes, and arthropods, their life cycles, controls, and economical, social, and health significance. This course will place emphasis on the molecular mechanisms of parasitic invasion and host-parasite interactions.

BI 451: Special Topics in Biology

Credits 2
The instructor, on approval of the department chair, at the time of registration will specify the special topics and prerequisites. Topics include, but are not limited to, contemporary issues in basic biology and biomedical fields such as preventive oncology, neurobiology, plant pathology, environmental pollution, gene therapy, and global ecology.

BI 455: Immunology

Credits 3
This course is a study of the function of the immune system and its response to antigens, allergens, and self-molecules. Both the humoral and cell-associated systems will be studied.

BI 460: Cellular and Molecular Biology

Credits 3
Code
W
This course entails a study of cell ultrastructure and physiology as related to the metabolic and functional capabilities of cells. The structure and properties of macromolecules will be studied.

BI 465: Principles of Pathology

Credits 3
Principles of Pathology is designed to give the student a comprehensive overview of general pathology, with attention given to the inflammatory process or the host response to injury, at the cellular and system levels. In this course students will become familiar with the language of general pathology and proficient in their knowledge and discussion of the various processes, especially as they relate to the cardinal signs of inflammation. Students will be able to discuss in depth the regulation of the inflammatory processes, and their impact on health and disease.

BI 471: Molecular Genetics

Credits 3
A study of genetics at the molecular level, with emphasis on the interaction of genes, the mechanisms of gene expression and their control, gene mutations and the modes of genetic material repair. Genome mapping and methods of studying genomes will be scrutinized. Three hours of laboratory are required each week.

BI 475: Principles of Neuroscience I

Credits 3
This course explores the cellular, molecular, genetics and functional aspects of the nervous system. Topics covered include the brain and behavior; neural circuitry; action potential and neurotransmitter release; perception including touch, pain, vision, hearing, taste, and smell; locomotion; emotion and motivation; sleep; language and memory; disorders of mood and anxiety; and brain repair.

BI 476: Principles of Neuroscience II

Credits 3
This course explores the cellular, molecular, genetics and functional aspects of the nervous system. Topics covered include the brain and behavior; neural circuitry; action potential and neurotransmitter release; perception including touch, pain, vision, hearing, taste, and smell; locomotion; emotion and motivation; sleep; language and memory; disorders of mood and anxiety; and brain repair.

BI 481: Human Gross Anatomy I

Credits 3
Regional human anatomy with emphasis on cadaver dissection. Primarily for pre-medical and pre-dental students. Human Gross Anatomy I covers the upper limb, thorax, and abdomen; Human Gross Anatomy II covers the pelvis and perineum, lower limb, head and neck. It is suggested that courses be taken in sequence. Exceptions will be made for dental students in their last semester.

BI 482: Human Gross Anatomy II

Credits 3

Regional human anatomy with emphasis on cadaver dissection. Primarily for pre-medical and pre-dental students. Human Gross Anatomy I covers the upper limb, thorax, and abdomen; Human Gross Anatomy II covers the pelvis and perineum, lower limb, head and neck. It is suggested that courses be taken in sequence. Exceptions will be made for dental students in their last semester.

BI 484: Mycology

Credits 3

The study of fungi—their morphology, physiology, social and economic importance—is undertaken in this course. Three hours of laboratory are required each week.

BI 490: Research and Independent Study

Credits 1
The laboratory or field project must be chosen following consultation with a faculty member who will help the student in preparing the research protocol to be approved by the depart- ment’s research committee. A minimum of six hours per week in laboratory or fieldwork is required. Approval of the research topic by both the instructor and the research committee must be completed prior to registration for this course. Laboratory or field performance, a written report, and an oral presentation of the findings to the entire faculty will determine course grade.

BI 491: Research and Independent Study

Credits 1
The laboratory or field project must be chosen following consultation with a faculty member who will help the student in preparing the research protocol to be approved by the depart- ment’s research committee. A minimum of six hours per week in laboratory or fieldwork is required. Approval of the research topic by both the instructor and the research committee must be completed prior to registration for this course. Laboratory or field performance, a written report, and an oral presentation of the findings to the entire faculty will determine course grade.