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Biology
BIOL 100 (4.00)
Concepts of Biology
A broad overview of contemporary biological science. Major areas include the biochemistry of energy transformation, cell structure and function, Mendelian, molecular and population genetics, development and differentiation, plant and animal physiology, evolution, and ecology.| Course ID: | 052466 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Discussion, Lecture | |
| Course Equivalents: | BIOL 141, BIOL 141H | |
| Attributes: | Science (non-lab) (GEP), Science (non-lab) (GFR) |
BIOL 100L (2.00)
Concepts of Experimental Biology
The laboratory exercises are designed to provide the student experience with essential laboratory equipment and techniques.| Course ID: | 052468 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Laboratory, Lecture | |
| Attributes: | Course Fee = $50.00, Lab Component (must be paired with S course) (GEP), Lab Component (must be paired with S course) (GFR) | |
| Requirement Group: | You must have completed BIOL 100 with a grade of C or better or have BIOL 141 or BIOL 142 as a co-requisite or pre-requisite. |
BIOL 101 (3.00)
Concepts Of Biology
A broad overview of contemporary biological science. Major areas include the biochemistry of energy transformation, cell structure and function, Mendelian, molecular and population genetics, development and differentiation, plant and animal physiology, evolution, and ecology. This introductory Biology course is designed for non-majors and may not be used towards the BIOL, BIOC or BINF degrees. Prerequisite: High School Biology and Chemistry| Course ID: | 100369 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Discussion, Lecture | |
| Attributes: | Science (non-lab) (GEP), Science (non-lab) (GFR) |
BIOL 106 (3.00)
The Human Organism
This course is designed to introduce the non-science student to science and its methods and provide a basic understanding of some body functions and dysfunctions. Topics include genes and DNA, cells and cancer, immune system and HIV, metabolism and nutrition, muscles and exercise, nervous system and drugs, etc.| Course ID: | 052473 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture | |
| Attributes: | Science (non-lab) (GEP), Science (non-lab) (GFR) |
BIOL 107 (3.00)
Biology of Cancer
A major killer disease in Western countries will be examined from the biological perspective. This course will evaluate current epidemiologic, clinical and experimental research and assess the relative importance of environmental and genetic factors as they relate to the causes and prevention of this disease. Particular emphasis will be given to unraveling the links between dietary and nutritional factors and this "disease of affluence". Recommended Preparation: Some background in the natural sciences, preferably one year in both high school biology and chemistry| Course ID: | 052474 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture | |
| Attributes: | Science (non-lab) (GFR) |
BIOL 108 (3.00)
Biology of Heart Disease
This course will develop, from a biological perspective, the nature of heart disease and the complex connections between environmental factors and this life-threatening illness. We specifically will consider the current, often conflicting, evidence that links dietary factors with the onset of the disease.| Course ID: | 052475 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture | |
| Attributes: | Science (non-lab) (GFR) |
BIOL 109 (3.00)
Life: Introduction to Modern Biology
This is a lab-driven course designed to fulfill the university graduation requirement of a science lab. Topics covered will include basic biological concepts such as the nature of DNA, heredity, human genetics and the process of mutation, as well as modern issues such as forensic analysis of DNA and blood, the biology behind cancer and genetic diseases, and others as determined by current events and interest. The course includes a 75-minute lecture and 180-minute lab.| Course ID: | 052476 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Laboratory, Lecture | |
| Attributes: | Course Fee = $50.00, Science Plus Lab (GEP), Science Plus Lab (GFR) |
BIOL 123 (3.00)
Human Genetics
A course designed for non--biology majors. Topics will include the fundamental rules of heredity, gene structure and function, human genetic diseases and genetic engineering. Particular emphasis will be placed on the application of the new genetic technology to the human condition.| Course ID: | 052477 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture | |
| Attributes: | Science (non-lab) (GEP), Science (non-lab) (GFR) |
BIOL 123L (1.00)
Basics Genetic Laboratory
| Course ID: | 052478 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Laboratory, Lecture | |
| Attributes: | Lab Component (must be paired with S course) (GEP), Lab Component (must be paired with S course) (GFR) |
BIOL 141 (4.00)
Foundations of Biology: Cells, Energy and Organisms
This course for majors provides a broad overview of contemporary biological concepts. Major topics include structure and synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins, molecular genetics, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure and function, biochemistry of energy transformation, and animal and plant development and physiology. This course is designed to prepare students for upper level biology core and elective courses. It is one of two introductory courses (BIOL 141 & 142) designed exclusively for BIOL, BIOC and BINF majors; either course can be taken first. Pre- or co-requisite: MATH 150 or equivalent.| Course ID: | 100315 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Discussion, Lecture | |
| Course Equivalents: | BIOL 100, BIOL 141H | |
| Attributes: | Science (non-lab) (GEP), Science (non-lab) (GFR) | |
| Requirement Group: | You must complete MATH 150 or MATH 155 or MATH 151 with a C grade or better or be concurrently enrolled in MATH 150 or MATH 155 or score 5 on the Math Placement Test or have AP credit for MATH 150 or MATH 151. |
BIOL 141H (4.00)
Foundations of Biology: Cells, Energy and Organisms - Honors
This course for majors provides a broad overview of contemporary biological concepts. Major topics include structure and synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins, molecular genetics, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure and function, biochemistry of energy transformation, and animal and plant development and physiology. This course is designed to prepare students for upper level biology core and elective courses. It is one of two introductory courses (BIOL 141 & 142) designed exclusively for BIOL, BIOC and BINF majors; either course can be taken first.| Course ID: | 100339 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Discussion, Lecture | |
| Course Equivalents: | BIOL 100, BIOL 141 | |
| Attributes: | Science (non-lab) (GEP), Science (non-lab) (GFR) | |
| Requirement Group: | You must complete MATH 150 or MATH 155 or MATH 151 with a C grade or better or be concurrently enrolled in MATH 150 or MATH 155 or score 5 on the Math Placement Test or have AP credit for MATH 150 or MATH 151. |
BIOL 142 (4.00)
Foundations of Biology: Ecology and Evolution
This course provides a broad overview of contemporary biological concepts. Major topics include fundamental concepts in ecology and evolution and emphasizes the fundamental interrelationship between these two fields of study. Concepts in evolution include a general description of the diversity of life, a review of Mendelian genetics, the causes and consequences of speciation, natural selection and genetic drift. Concepts in ecology will focus on ecological and evolutionary factors that govern population growth and regulation, species distributions, community and ecosystem ecology. This course is designed to prepare students for upper level biology core and elective courses. It is one of two introductory courses (BIOL 141 & 142) designed exclusively for BIOL, BIOC and BINF majors; either course can be taken first. Recommended Preparation: MATH 150 or equivalent.| Course ID: | 100316 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Discussion, Lecture | |
| Course Equivalents: | BIOL 301 | |
| Requirement Group: | You must complete MATH 150 or MATH 155 or MATH 151 with a C grade or better or be concurrently enrolled in MATH 150 or MATH 155 or score 5 on the Math Placement Test or have AP credit for MATH 150 or MATH 151. |
BIOL 233 (3.00)
Nutrition and Health
Basic principles of normal human nutrition. Topics include: nutrient classification; digestion, assimilation, and metabolic functions of the major nutrients; energy balance; metabolic regulation; dietary guidelines and standards; nutrient composition of foods and diet selection; nutritional considerations in pregnancy, childhood, adulthood, and later years. This course provides an introduction to nutrition for students pursuing careers in health-related fields. (Spring and Summer)| Course ID: | 052483 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture | |
| Requirement Group: | You must complete BIOL 100 or BIOL 100H or BIOL 101 or BIOL 141 or BIOL 141H and CHEM 102 or CHEM 102H or CHEM 124 all of which has to have a grade of C or better |
BIOL 251 (3.00)
Human Anatomy and Physiology I
The first semester of a two-semester lecture course covering the structure and function of the organs of the human body. An integrated approach permits concurrent presentation of the anatomy and physiology of each organ system.| Course ID: | 052484 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture | |
| Attributes: | Science (non-lab) (GFR) | |
| Requirement Group: | You must complete BIOL 100 or BIOL 100H or BIOL 101 or BIOL 141 or BIOL 141H and CHEM 102 or CHEM 102H or CHEM 124 all of which has to have a grade of C or better |
BIOL 251L (1.00)
Human Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory
Laboratory course to accompany BIOL 251. The laboratory includes dissections, work with skeletons, models of body parts and experimental studies of physiological processes. Required for most allied health programs.| Course ID: | 052485 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Laboratory | |
| Attributes: | Course Fee = $50.00, Lab Component (must be paired with S course) (GEP), Lab Component (must be paired with S course) (GFR) | |
| Requirement Group: | You must complete BIOL251 or CHEM124L or CHEM102L with a grade of C or better. BIOL251 can be taken concurrently with BIOL251L |
BIOL 252 (3.00)
Human Anatomy and Physiology II
Continuation of BIOL 251. (Spring)| Course ID: | 052486 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture | |
| Attributes: | Science (non-lab) (GFR) | |
| Requirement Group: | You must have completed BIOL 251 with a grade of C or better. |
BIOL 252L (1.00)
Human Anatomy and Physiology II Laboratory.
Continuation of BIOL 251L.| Course ID: | 052487 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Laboratory | |
| Attributes: | Course Fee = $50.00, Lab Component (must be paired with S course) (GEP), Lab Component (must be paired with S course) (GFR) | |
| Requirement Group: | You must have completed BIOL 251L with a grade of C or better. |
BIOL 275 (3.00)
Microbiology
Introductory course describing the fundamental properties of micro-organisms and viruses and their relationships to other life forms. Topics include the structure and function of bacteria, mode of action of antibiotics, genetics of bacteria and the role of bacteria in disease. The structure, replication and pathology of viruses are discussed, including the response of hosts to viral infection and the fundamental concepts of the immune response.| Course ID: | 052488 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture | |
| Attributes: | Science (non-lab) (GEP), Science (non-lab) (GFR) | |
| Requirement Group: | You must complete BIOL 100 or BIOL 100H or BIOL 101 or BIOL 141 or BIOL 141H with a "C" or better. |
BIOL 275L (2.00)
Microbiology Laboratory
This laboratory course consists of a series of exercises designed to familiarize the student with microbiological techniques. Experiments are performed in basic bacteriology, applied bacteriology, virology and immunology. Students will be expected to work independently, spending brief periods of time other than the scheduled lab period collecting data.| Course ID: | 052489 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Laboratory, Lecture | |
| Attributes: | Course Fee = $50.00, Lab Component (must be paired with S course) (GEP), Lab Component (must be paired with S course) (GFR) | |
| Requirement Group: | You must have completed BIOL 275 with a "C" or be concurrently enrolled in BIOL 275. |
BIOL 295 (3.00)
Introduction to Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
This is an introductory course to the field of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, an emerging interdisciplinary field dealing with the application of computing methods in biology. The course will provide a brief introduction to contemporary molecular biology and evolutionary theory. It will introduce the concept of bioinformatics, its applications and its career opportunities. Applying a question-answer approach, it will then explore some of the main problems faced by biology in the last decades, such as genome sequencing and annotation, sequence-based search, structure or function prediction, and some of the computational methods and answers provided by the emerging field of Bioinformatics. Lecture content will be complemented with paper discussion sessions and home-based lab assignments. No prior programming/biology skills required. The course is intended for a multi-disciplinary audience with an emphasis on BINF, CMSC, BIOL, MATH, STAT and IS majors. Pre-requisite: MATH 151 or equivalent.| Course ID: | 100281 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture | |
| Course Equivalents: | BIOL 313 | |
| Requirement Group: | You must have completed MATH151 with a "C" or better. |
BIOL 300L (2.00)
Experimental Biology Laboratory
An upper level course of experiments designed to give students the essential laboratory and critical thinking skills in experimental design, implementation and analysis that every biologist should know. This knowledge base is required for succeeding in further BIOL laboratory courses and for working in a research laboratory. Required of all BIOL majors and a prerequisite for all upper level BIOL laboratory courses.| Course ID: | 100317 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Laboratory, Lecture | |
| Requirement Group: | You must complete CHEM 102 or CHEM 102H and CHEM 102L and BIOL 302 with a grade of C or better. |
BIOL 301 (3.00)
Ecology and Evolution
An introduction to the processes of evolution, the outcomes of evolution, and the field of ecology. Processes of evolution include understanding natural selection, genetic drift, molecular evolution and general evolution theory. Outcomes of evolution includes speciation hybridization, building phylogenetic trees, and using trees to understand the diversity of life, especially vertebrate evolution. Ecology topics include population growth and regulation, competition, predator/prey interactions, symbiosis, community structure and food webs, and energy flow and nutrient cylcing within ecosystems.| Course ID: | 052493 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture | |
| Course Equivalents: | BIOL 142 | |
| Attributes: | Science (non-lab) (GEP), Science (non-lab) (GFR) | |
| Requirement Group: | You must have completed BIOL 100 or 100H or 141 or 141H with a grade of C or better. |
BIOL 302 (4.00)
Molecular and General Genetics
Modern principles of heredity have been established through studies at the molecular, cellular and organismic levels. The course includes fundamental information on the structure of a gene, its expression and organization as deduced from analysis of viral and prokaryotic systems, the transmission of genetic material in eukaryotic systems, the interaction of genes in populations and the application of fundamental genetic principles to problems of human heredity.| Course ID: | 052494 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Discussion, Lecture | |
| Attributes: | Science (non-lab) (GEP), Science (non-lab) (GFR) | |
| Requirement Group: | You must complete BIOL 100 or BIOL 100H or BIOL 141 or BIOL 141H and BIOL 142 or 142H and Pre-or Co-req CHEM 102 or CHEM 102H or CHEM 124 with a "C" or better. |
BIOL 302L (2.00)
Molecular and General Genetics Laboratory
A laboratory course designed to illustrate fundamental genetic principles by experimentation. Such principles include the nature of genetic material, transfer of genetic information in prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems, organization and regulation of gene expression, Mendel's rules of heredity, linkage and crossing over, and genetic variation. Students will be expected to work independently, spending periods of time outside the scheduled lab period collecting data.| Course ID: | 052495 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Laboratory, Lecture | |
| Attributes: | Course Fee = $50.00, Lab Component (must be paired with S course) (GEP), Lab Component (must be paired with S course) (GFR) | |
| Requirement Group: | You must complete BIOL 100L or BIOL 300L and BIOL 302 with a C or better. |
BIOL 303 (4.00)
Cell Biology
A modern treatment of cell structure and function, with emphasis on the molecular architecture, biochemistry and regulatory mechanisms common to all cells. Topics include membrane structure, function and transport; molecular mechanisms of energy metabolism and its associated organelles; the structural and molecular basis for the expression of genetic information; the organelles involved in the regulation of cell shape and motility; and selected cell functions, growth, reproduction and their control. This course is designed for students interested in the biological sciences, biochemistry and the allied health professions.| Course ID: | 052496 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Discussion, Lecture | |
| Requirement Group: | You must have completed BIOL 302 and CHEM 102 with a grade of C or better. |
BIOL 303L (2.00)
Cell Biology Laboratory
A course of laboratory experiments introducing students to the principles of experimental design and the analysis and interpretation of data in modern cell biology. Emphasis is placed on investigative approaches, critical thinking, and mathematical and writing skills important to practicing scientists. Experiments using the techniques of spectrophotometry, oxygen polarography, chromatography and tissue culture will be performed. This course is designed for students majoring in the biological sciences.| Course ID: | 052498 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Laboratory, Lecture | |
| Attributes: | Course Fee = $50.00 | |
| Requirement Group: | You must complete BIOL 100L or BIOL 300L and BIOL 303 with a C or better. |
BIOL 304 (3.00)
Plant Biology
A modern treatment of the basic physiology and development of plants. Topics include special features of plant cell structure, patterns of growth and development, chloroplast development, photosynthesis, seed development, hormonal regulation, light regulation, phytochrome and photo-morphogenesis.| Course ID: | 052499 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture | |
| Requirement Group: | You must complete BIOL 303 with a grade of "C" or better |
BIOL 304L (2.00)
Plant Biology Laboratory
A course of laboratory experiments designed to enhance student abilities in experimental design, hypothesis testing, and analysis and interpretation of data using plant systems. Students are required to present and interpret experimental results in oral and written form. An introduction to reading and understanding of primary scientific literature is presented. Experiments include photosynthesis, water relations, growth regulator effects and host-pathogen interactions. Prerequisite: BIOL 303L| Course ID: | 052500 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Laboratory, Lecture | |
| Attributes: | Course Fee = $50.00 | |
| Requirement Group: | You must complete BIOL 300L or BIOL 303L and Pre-or Co-req BIOL 304 with a grade of C or better. |
BIOL 305 (3.00)
Comparative Animal Physiology
Functional features of whole organisms and their component organs and organ systems will be studied. Emphasis will be on ways in which diverse organisms at various phylogenetic levels perform similar functions. Examples of topics include osmoregulation, gas exchange, control systems, sensors, effectors, brain and behavior.| Course ID: | 052501 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture | |
| Requirement Group: | You must have completed BIOL 303 In addition, you must be concurrently enrolled PHYS 112 or 122 or have completed those courses in a previous semester with a C or better. |
BIOL 305L (2.00)
Comparative Animal Physiology Laboratory
A laboratory designed to study experimentally selected organismic functions discussed in BIOL 305. Prerequisite: BIOL 303L| Course ID: | 052502 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Laboratory, Lecture | |
| Attributes: | Course Fee = $50.00 | |
| Requirement Group: | You must complete BIOL 300L or BIOL 303L and Pre-or Co-req BIOL 305 with a grade of C or better. |
BIOL 306 (4.00)
Molecular Biology
This is an intermediate level course in molecular biology of prokaryotes, eukaryotes and their viruses. It will cover the principles governing the molecular mechanisms that occur in living cells including regulatory mechanisms. Topics will include the processing of genetic information through the central dogma (transcription, RNA processing and translation), DNA replication, mutation and DNA repair, and genomics. Recommended Course Preparation CHEM 351 and CHEM 352.| Course ID: | 101750 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture | |
| Requirement Group: | You must have completed BIOL 302 and BIOL 303 with a grade of 'C' or better. |
BIOL 306L (2.00)
Projects in Molecular Biology
In this course students will conduct an open-ended investigation to discover the function of a gene. During the course of the investigation you will learn the basic techniques used to isolate a gene, move it into a suitable host organism, modify it and determine its function. All projects will give students experience with cell culture, cloning, PCR, DNA sequencing and computer-based DNA sequence analysis.| Course ID: | 100499 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Laboratory | |
| Requirement Group: | You must complete Biol 300L and Biol 302 and Biol 303 with a C or better. |
BIOL 312L (2.00)
Modeling in the Life Sciences
Humans possess a superior ability to generate new knowledge by creating and manipulating abstract models of the world and by extrapolating from past experiences. This natural ability reaches its full potential when it is enhanced with the tools of experimental design, mathematics, logic, and computer simulation. BIOL 312L will be offered as a practical guide to creating and using models in the context of life sciences laboratory research. It will include classroom lectures, activities and computer applications intended to illustrate and implement the five basic elements of modeling: experimental design, data acquisition, analysis, model formulation, and simulation. Through the course, students will address a minimum of four concrete biological problems by defining key physical quantities to be measured, applying data visualization techniques to uncover trends, drawing statistically valid inferences, formulating algebraic and analytical models, and performing computer simulations.| Course ID: | 100628 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Laboratory | |
| Requirement Group: | BIOL 300L, STAT 350 or MATH 151 or MATH 155 with a grade of 'C' or better. |
BIOL 313 (3.00)
Introduction to Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
This is an introductory course to the field of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, an emerging interdisciplinary field dealing with the application of computing methods in biology. The course will provide a brief introduction to contemporary molecular biology and evolutionary theory. It will introduce the concept of bioinformatics, its applications and its career opportunities. Applying a question-answer approach, it will then explore some of the main problems faced by biology in the last decades (such as genome sequencing and annotation or sequence-based search) and it will analyze in depth some of the computational methods provided by the emerging field of Bioinformatics. Lecture content will be complemented with home based assignments. No prior programming skills or biology knowledge are strictly required, but students are expected to have basic knowledge in either molecular biology or algorithmic techniques, and to acquire complementary knowledge within the course. The course is intended for a multidisciplinary audience with an emphasis on BINF, CMSC, BIOL, MATH, STAT and IS majors.| Course ID: | 100232 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture | |
| Course Equivalents: | BIOL 295 | |
| Requirement Group: | You must complete MATH 151 or MATH 151H with a grade of C or better. |
BIOL 316L (2.00)
Phage Hunters Genome Analysis
In Phage Hunters Genome Analysis, participants will utilize state of the art computer programs to annotate complete bacteriophage genome sequences generated in Genetics Lab ¿ Phage Hunters Edition (BIOL 302L), and identify the unknown bacteriophages. The course includes a large degree of self-paced investigative work. Recommended Course Preparation: CMSC 104 and/or BIOL 313| Course ID: | 101846 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Laboratory | |
| Requirement Group: | You must complete BIOL 302 and 300L with a C or better |
BIOL 340L (2.00)
Developmental Biology Laboratory
This is a laboratory course designed to give students exposure to the different techniques and organisms commonly used in Cell and Developmental Biology research. We will be working with a variety of embryos, such as Drosophila, zebrafish, C. elegans, chicken, and axolotl. The major concepts that we will focus on include: gene regulation, both at the nucleotide level and at the chromatin level; pattern formation and cell-signaling; cell migration and cell-cell adhesion; and cell fate determination. The laboratory exercises will allow students to observe normal early embryonic development as well as experimentally manipulate embryos at different stages of early development. By comparing and contrasting these two situations, along with class discussions, students will further their understanding of many of the basic cellular and developmental processes seen in multicellular organisms.| Course ID: | 052509 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Laboratory | |
| Requirement Group: | You must complete BIOL 300L or BIOL 303L and BIOL 303 with a grade of 'C' or better. |
BIOL 390 (1.00 - 3.00)
Introduction to the Honors University for Transfer Students in the Life Sciences
| Course ID: | 052516 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture |
BIOL 395 (2.00)
MARC U*STAR Writing in the Sciences
Students in this course will examine and produce the basic forms of professional writing encountered in science careers. They will critique the work of their peers, and learn to analyze scientific literature. Specific assignments include writing review articles, CVs and personal statements for graduate school and funding agencies. This course does not fulfill Writing Intensive (WI) requirements.| Course ID: | 100096 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture |
BIOL 396 (2.00)
Undergraduate Teaching Assistantship
This service-learning course is designed for undergraduate teaching assistants in biology courses. Students must be recommended in writing by the faculty member teaching the course and be approved by the department. Student work must be performed in a course taught by a full-time member of the Biological Sciences department faculty and must have a significant learning component. To qualify, students must have a minimum 3.50 GPA in all biology courses taken (including repeated biology courses). In addition to their teaching responsibilities, students will attend a mandatory weekly session on effective teaching methods taught by a member of the biology faculty. P/F grading only, one credit will be earned for the mandatory weekly session and one credit for the teaching and teaching preparation hours of qualified work during an academic semester. A maximum of eight credits of BIOL 396 is allowed. Successful completion of the course for which they will be a teaching assistant and permission of the instructor are required. Recommended Preparation: Passing the course in which they will serve as a teaching assistant| Course ID: | 052517 | |
| Consent: | Instructor Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture |
BIOL 397 (1.00)
Ethics and Integrity in Scientific Research
Individuals involved in contemporary scientific research have ethical responsibilities for their conduct. The goal of this course is to provide students considering a career in scientific research with a framework for establishing appropriate scientific integrity. A variety of relevant topics will be discussed,including fraud and misconduct, peer review, obligations and rights of students and mentors, ethical conduct in animal and human experimentation, ownership of data, reagents, intellectual property, authorship and conflict of interest.| Course ID: | 052518 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture | |
| Topics: | Ethics/Integ Scient Res, Scientific Writing, Scientific Writing: Art of Abstracts & Application |
BIOL 398 (1.00 - 4.00)
Co-op Internship in the Biological Sciences
This course is designed for UMBC degree-seeking students who are employed outside of the university as volunteers or for compensation, provided the following criteria are met. The work must be performed at an institution, agency or company that is a participating employer in UMBC's Cooperative Education Program; and the work performed by the student must have a significant learning component in the biological sciences as judged by the biology internship coordinator in consultation with the faculty of the Department of Biological Sciences. P/F credit only, earned at the rate of one credit for every 50 hours of qualified work during an academic session. Recommended Preparation: 45 total credits earned, including BIOL 302, plus permission of the instructor.| Course ID: | 052520 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Field Studies |
BIOL 399 (1.00 - 3.00)
Tutorial Projects in Biological Sciences
Independent studies carried out with the supervision of a faculty member. Recommended Preparation: Consent of the supervising faculty member, and upper-class standing| Course ID: | 052521 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Independent Study |
BIOL 405 (4.00)
Advanced Topics in Comparative Physiology
This course takes a comparative approach to the study of how various selective pressures have resulted in the evolution of specific solutions to physiological problems. These solutions are viewed within the context of the fundamental limitations of biological evolution that are set by the physical and chemical properties of matter. The specific topic will change from semester to semester. Representative topics might include vision, temperature regulation and thermal tolerance, renal physiology or cognitive neurophysiology. Most of the material covered will be from original research reports that will be evaluated critically by each student. Recommended Preparation: BIOL 305, CHEM 351 and MATH 151| Course ID: | 052522 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture | |
| Topics: | Adv Animal Physiology, Advanced Topics In Comp |
BIOL 411 (4.00)
Bacterial Physiology
The combined approaches of bacterial genetics, molecular biology and biochemistry are applied to the study of bacterial physiological processes. An emphasis is placed on examining adaptation strategies used by bacteria upon encountering alterations in environment. Topics include mechanisms of transcriptional, translational and post-translational control; regulation of carbon and nitrogen metabolism; biosynthesis; energy transduction; signal transduction systems; and bacterial development.| Course ID: | 052523 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture | |
| Requirement Group: | You must have completed BIOL 302 and BIOL 303 with a grade of 'C' or better. |
BIOL 414 (4.00)
Eukaryotics Genetics and Molecular Biology
Genetics and molecular biology of lower and higher eukaryotes and their viruses. The course will focus on the maintenance and expression of genetic material as it relates to cell growth and development. It will cover current topics in the molecular genetics of several lower and higher eukaryotes at an advanced level, including mechanisms of genetic control that operate at the level of DNA replication, transcription and translation. Topics to include the molecular basis of phenomena such as gene amplification, global control of transcription initiation, protein sorting and secretion, control of yeast mating type as a model for development, the origin of antigen diversity, oncogenesis, pattern formation in Drosophila and sex determination in mammals.| Course ID: | 052524 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture | |
| Attributes: | Writing Intensive | |
| Requirement Group: | You must have completed BIOL 302 and BIOL 303 with a grade of 'C' or better. |
BIOL 418 (4.00)
Human Molecular Biology
The approaches of molecular biology and modern cell biology as applied to the study of both normal and diseased human states. Where appropriate, the analysis of other model mammalian experimental systems may be included. The course will involve the critical reading and discussion of relevant research literature and the preparation of one or more papers on specific issues or topics. The precise topics covered in any one semester will depend on the interest of the faculty and students, and with current developments in the field. Possible topics include: the molecular and cellular basis for human diseases, human molecular genetics, the human genome and proteomic project, human genetic therapy and human evolution. Recommended Preparation: BIOL 302 and 303 or permission of the instructor| Course ID: | 052527 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture |
BIOL 420 (4.00)
Advanced Topics in Cell Biology
Contemporary problems of structure and function at the cellular level through a critical examination of current literature. The course includes both lecture material, with an emphasis on the experimental basis of current knowledge, and presentations by students of oral and written reports on selected topics. The area covered in any semester varies according to recent developments in the field and according to the interests of the students and faculty. The list of available areas includes structure and function of biomembranes; composition, structure and replication of chromosomes; assembly, growth and reproduction of cytoplasmicorganelles; cellular growth and division; regulation of cellular function; nuclear-cytoplasmic interactions; cytoskeletal structure and assembly.| Course ID: | 052528 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture | |
| Topics: | Epigenetics, Small RNAs in Gene Regulation | |
| Attributes: | Writing Intensive | |
| Requirement Group: | You must have completed BIOL 303 with a grade of 'C' or better. |
BIOL 422L (4.00)
Microscopy in the Biological Sciences
Theory and practice of the study of biological materials, using a variety of contemporary microscopic techniques. These include scanning and transmission electron microscopy and laser confocal scanning light microscopy. Specimens will be prepared for examination by each of these instruments; both group and individual projects will be pursued to develop confidence in applying the many specimen preparation procedures available and use of the appropriate instrumentation. Procedures required for production of finished micrographs are included. Recommended Preparation: BIOL 303 and/or permission of instructor| Course ID: | 052529 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Laboratory, Lecture |
BIOL 425 (4.00)
Immunology
This course pursues in depth the rapidly expanding areas of cellular, humoral and tumor immunology. Following a brief overview of the immune system's response to exogenous antigen, the course concentrates on such topics as antibody production and structure, lymphocyte subpopulations, cell-cell interactions, cell-mediated immune responses, cell surface alloantigens, histocompatibility immungenetics,transplantation and tumor immunology. The exact content of the course varies from year to year depending on the status of research in the field.| Course ID: | 052532 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture | |
| Requirement Group: | You must have completed BIOL 302 and BIOL 303 with a grade of 'C' or better. |
BIOL 426 (4.00)
Approaches to Molecular Biology
This course will analyze, with class discussions and reading of scientific literature, the various methods used to study the molecular biology of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. It will include such topics as restriction mapping, DNA sequencing,cloning strategies and vectors, library construction and screening, probing the sequence organization of DNA and genes, and other current topics relevant to the regulation of the expression of genetic information.| Course ID: | 052533 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture | |
| Requirement Group: | You must have completed BIOL 302 and BIOL 303 with a grade of 'C' or better. |
BIOL 428 (4.00)
Computer Applications in Molecular Biology
This course is designed as an introduction for biology and biochemistry students to the use of applications software in the analysis of DNA, RNA and protein sequence data. Topics will include operating systems; telecommunications with off campus database; and specific software packages for general and analytical treatment of DNA, RNA and protein sequence data. Some elementary programming will be included.| Course ID: | 052535 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture | |
| Requirement Group: | You must have completed BIOL 302 and BIOL 303 with a grade of 'C' or better. |
BIOL 430 (4.00)
Biological Chemistry
An introductory course describing the essential principles of biochemistry. Topics include the structure and characterization of biological macromolecules, the energetics and thermodynamics of coupled biological reactions, and enzymology. The most important metabolic pathways are described, emphasizing their cellular compartmentalization, integration and control.| Course ID: | 052536 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture | |
| Requirement Group: | You must have completed BIOL 303 and CHEM 352 with a grade of C or better. |
BIOL 434 (4.00)
Microbial Molecular Genetics
The approaches of microbial genetics, molecular biology and biochemistry are combined for the study of the molecular mechanisms regulating gene expression in bacteria. Emphasis is placed on critical reading of research literature.| Course ID: | 052539 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture | |
| Requirement Group: | You must have completed BIOL 302, BIOL 303, and CHEM 351 with a grade of C or better. |
BIOL 442 (3.00)
Developmental Biology
A lecture course that considers the two major aspects of animal development: the means by which, starting with a fertilized egg, progeny cells progressively differentiate from their precursors and one another to produce the ultimate diversity of the multicellular organism; and the processes by which this increasingly complex population of cells is synthesized into a single integrated organism.| Course ID: | 052544 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture | |
| Requirement Group: | You must have completed BIOL 302 and BIOL 303 with a grade of 'C' or better. |
BIOL 443 (4.00)
Advanced Topics in Developmental Biology
Designed to emphasize cellular, molecular and biochemical aspects of basic developmental questions, this course introduces the student to modern approaches to determination, differentiation and morpho-genesis. Experimental design and analysis of data are emphasized. Possible topics include molecular and cellular aspects of gametogenesis, fertilization, embryogenesis and continuous development in the adult; mechanisms of intra- and intercellular communication; and pattern formation and positional information. Developmental model systems using unicellular organisms are considered.| Course ID: | 052545 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture | |
| Attributes: | Writing Intensive | |
| Requirement Group: | You must have completed BIOL 442 with a grade of 'C' or better. |
BIOL 444 (4.00)
Development and Cancer
This course will explore at the molecular level the interface between animal development and cancer. Through a combination of didactic lectures, reading of the primary scientific literature, and in-class presentations students will explore the latest advances in understanding how the processes that govern normal cell growth and differentiation become altered in cancer. Topics will include signaling mechanisms, stem cell biology, and cell cycle control.| Course ID: | 052546 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture | |
| Requirement Group: | You must have completed BIOL 302 and BIOL 303 with a grade of 'C' or better. |
BIOL 445 (4.00)
Signal Transduction
This course will examine some of the methods by which the reception of signals from the environment leads to the changes in gene and protein activity in responding cells that constitute a biological response. Signal transduction in the context of developmental biology and neurobiology will be the main area of study. Six to eight topics will be emphasized through critical reading, analysis and presentation of original articles from primary literature. The use of genetic, molecular and biochemical techniques to address questions in the field of signal transduction will be examined.| Course ID: | 052547 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture | |
| Attributes: | Writing Intensive | |
| Requirement Group: | You must have completed BIOL 302 and BIOL 303 with a grade of 'C' or better. |
BIOL 451 (4.00)
Neurobiology
Covers nervous system function at the cellular level, ionic mechanisms underlying electrical activity in nerve cells, the physiology of synapses, transduction and integration of sensory information, activity in populations of neurons, the specification of neuronal connections, and trophic and plastic properties of nerve cells.| Course ID: | 052548 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture | |
| Attributes: | Writing Intensive | |
| Requirement Group: | You must have completed BIOL 305 with a grade of C or better. |
BIOL 453 (4.00)
Physiological Bases of Behavior
Studies of important adaptation behavioral patterns and their physiological bases. The course begins with some basic principles of the study of animal behavior followed by special topics such as sexual behavior, feeding, prey capture and predator evasion.| Course ID: | 052550 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture | |
| Attributes: | Writing Intensive | |
| Requirement Group: | You must have completed BIOL 305 with a grade of C or better. |
BIOL 454 (4.00)
Vision Science
This course will focus in depth on visual systems of animals and humans. Coverage will span the range of modern research from the biochemistry and physiology of the photoreceptors to the ecology, evolution and functional optimization of visual systems. Topics include visual pigments, biochemical basis of phototransduction, visual processing and organization of visual centers of the brain, eyes, optical arrays, visual evolution and ecology.| Course ID: | 052551 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture | |
| Attributes: | Writing Intensive | |
| Requirement Group: | You must have completed BIOL 305 with a grade of C or better. |
BIOL 456 (4.00)
Plant Molecular Biology
This course is focused on exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying plant physiology and development, and it is designed to foster interactive learning. Following a brief review of some important principles and techniques inmolecular biology, this course pursues, in depth, such topics as meristems, flower and embryo development, signal transduction of environmental cues, hormonal regulation of gene expression, pathogenic and symbiotic plant microbe interactions, and other current topics. Molecular genetic approaches using model systems are stressed throughout the course.| Course ID: | 052553 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture | |
| Attributes: | Writing Intensive | |
| Requirement Group: | You must have completed BIOL 303 with a grade of 'C' or better. |
BIOL 457 (4.00)
Physiology of Marine and Estuarine Animals.
A study of the physiological specializations demanded by marine/estuarine environments, including physiological mechanisms for coping with stresses imposed by extremes of temperature, salinity, aerial exposure and low oxygen concentrations; sensory physiology, including visual, chemical and mechanical modalities; exogenous and endogenous rhythms related to tidal or diel cycles; and bioluminescence. The course includes one or more trips to field laboratories.| Course ID: | 052554 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture | |
| Requirement Group: | You must have completed BIOL 305 with a grade of C or better. |
BIOL 463 (4.00)
Theoretical and Quantitative Biology
A course in probability and advanced biostatistics. Topics will include the elementary mathematical techniques used in biology and medicine, the relationships among probability distributions used in standard statistical tests, univariate linear and nonlinear analysis, correlation matrices, multivariate analysis and path analysis, cluster analysis, and discriminant and principal component analysis. Students will present examples of the analysis from the literature. The class will solve problems, and each student will analyze a set of experimental data. Recommended Preparation: STAT 350 and BIOL 301.| Course ID: | 052558 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Discussion, Laboratory, Lecture |
BIOL 466 (4.00)
Population and Quantitative Genetics
The emphasis in this course is the study in natural populations of characters whose variation is controlled by multiple genes. The foundations in Mendelian and population genetics are described, followed by a comprehensive treatment of the field of quantitative genetics and then by a discussion of the place of quantitative genetics in behavioral genetics, physiological ecology and in population biology in general. Recommended Preparation: STAT 350 and BIOL301| Course ID: | 052561 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture |
BIOL 468 (4.00)
Ecology of Rivers and Streams
This course provides an understanding of the structure and functions of lotic ecosystems and how these systems operate in terms of energetics,interactions among component species, and the physical and chemical properties of undisturbed and disturbed watersheds. Special attention will be given to the relationships between biodiversity, species substitutability and ecosystem processing as they relate to the conservation and protection of rivers, streams and non-tidal wetlands. Recommended Preparation: BIOL 301, CHEM 102 and junior standing.| Course ID: | 052563 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture |
BIOL 470 (4.00)
General Virology
This course is a comprehensive overview of virology, with an emphasis on animal viruses. Topics include the physical and chemical nature of viruses, techniques used to study viruses in the laboratory, virus replication and genetics, virus-host interactions, and antiviral strategies. Recommended Course Description:BIOL 303| Course ID: | 052564 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture | |
| Requirement Group: | You must complete BIOL 302 with a C or better. |
BIOL 476 (4.00)
Antibotics: Origin, Mechanism, Resistance
Infectious agents, the bacteria and viruses, accounted for 57 percent of the deaths in the U.S. in 1900 and less than 4 percent in 1990. The discovery and application of antibiotics and other chemotherapeutic agents are largely responsible for this dramatic reversal. In this course the origin of selected chemotherapeutic agents, their detailed mode of action and the basis for emergence of resistant microbial populations will be discussed. Similarly, the action of selected drugs used in chemotherapy, which attempts to control cancer cell growth, will be outlined. The principle of rational drug design and radical "new" methods of attacking microbial populations will be explored.| Course ID: | 052566 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture | |
| Requirement Group: | You must have completed BIOL 302, BIOL 303, and CHEM 351 with a grade of C or better. |
BIOL 477 (4.00)
Applications of Biodetection Approaches
The ability to detect and identify genetic and protein markers forms a common theme for many different fields of biological sciences including medical diagnostics, environmental microbiology, food/water safety, biodefense/homeland security, and veterinary science. Because of its central role throughout a diverse set of biological disciplines the methods and approaches for biodetection are extremely varied and wide-ranging. This course begins with basic detection approaches and continues with examples of principles guiding biodetection by relating each approach to important present-day challenges facing society. The course will also include an in-depth analysis of biological principles guiding detection strategies to understand not only the potential but also the limitations of each approach.| Course ID: | 100462 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture | |
| Requirement Group: | You must have completed BIOL 302 and BIOL 303 with a grade of 'C' or better. |
BIOL 480 (4.00)
Animal Behavior
This course explores the general themes and important questions in animal behavior. We cover subjects that examine how and why animals interact in the way they do with each other and with their environment. Topics will include the genetics of behavior, behavioral development, learning, animal communication, habitat selection, foraging, sexual selection, and mating systems, among others. This is a quantitative course; a familiarity with basic statistics and mathematics is assumed.| Course ID: | 100498 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture | |
| Attributes: | Writing Intensive | |
| Requirement Group: | You must complete BIOL 142. with a grade of 'C' or better. |
BIOL 483 (4.00)
Evolution: From Genes to Genomes
This is a combined lecture and hands-on computing course comprising four major sections that study the applications of evolutionary theory to the exploration and analysis of phenotypic and biological sequence data. We will begin by building a sound conceptual basis for the theory of evolution, including an introduction to population genetics. Real biological sequence data then will be introduced and used to illustrate and extend this theory. From here, the focus will shift to some major branches of current evolutionary research, introducing recent published work for each topic. Finally, we will stage a series of student-led debates that require application of the science that has been learned to current socio-political areas of controversy.| Course ID: | 052567 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture | |
| Attributes: | Writing Intensive | |
| Requirement Group: | You must have completed BIOL 301 and BIOL 302 with a grade of C or better. |
BIOL 486 (4.00)
Genome Science
Life science at the whole genome level represents a rapidly expanding new paradigm that defines a new field, genome science. BIOL 486 provides students with the requisites for understanding genome science and includes experimental basics of functional genomics and analytical basics of bioinformatics. Biomedical and agricultural research are developing the potential of genome science, in both the public and private sectors. Important questions that have been unapproachable are now thought to be within reach. For example, students in BIOL 486 will learn how genome science may provide tools to unravel the arcane genetics of complex diseases and traits. Information sources will include textbook(s), primary literature and computer methods.| Course ID: | 052570 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture | |
| Requirement Group: | You must complete STAT 350 or STAT 355 and BIOL 302 and CHEM 351 with a grade of 'C' or better. |
BIOL 495 (2.00 - 4.00)
Seminar in Bioinformatics
A "capstone" seminar course for students in the Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Program. Students will be introduced to examples of the integrated uses of the various disciplines that together comprise bioinformatics and computational biology.| Course ID: | 052574 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Laboratory, Lecture | |
| Requirement Group: | You must complete BIOL 313 and BIOL 430; and Pre- or Co-req CMSC 341\ with a grade of 'C' or better. |
BIOL 497H (3.00)
Honors Capstone course
Students who are pursuing departmental honors will write and submit a scholarly paper reporting on the outcome of their senior research project, and will present their research either orally or as a poster, at one or more public forums, as decided by the Departmental Honors committee. Students will also be expected to attend at least 12 departmental seminars and prepare at least 6 one page abstracts of these seminars. Prerequisite: Approval of the departmental Honors Program advisor.| Course ID: | 052575 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Lecture | |
| Requirement Group: | You must have been admitted to the Honors College to take this course. |
BIOL 499 (1.00 - 4.00)
Undergraduate Laboratory/Field Research
Original laboratory or field research conducted under the supervision of a faculty member. Recommended Preparation: Permission of the supervising faculty member.| Course ID: | 052576 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Independent Study |
BIOL 499H (1.00 - 6.00)
Undergraduate Laboratory/Field Research-Honors
Original laboratory or field research for students in the Biological Sciences Honors Program to be conducted under the supervision of an UMBC faculty member. Prerequisite: Acceptance in the Biological Sciences Honors Program and permission of the supervising faculty member.| Course ID: | 052577 | |
| Consent: | No Special Consent Required | |
| Components: | Independent Study |