BIO-105. The Biological World
This course presents concepts and modern ideas pertaining to the natural world and
the life sciences. Each semester, a selected topic will be addressed and explored
from an investigative set of perspectives. While the scientific method will be emphasized
in each offering, the range of topics, identified as a subtitle in the course offering
data, will include, for example, 1) Genetics, Evolution, and Ecology: Implications
for a Changing Society, 2) Human Biology, 3) Contemporary Issues in the Life Sciences,
and others. This course is intended for students who are not majoring in science,
engineering, pre-pharmacy, and nursing, or pursuing B.S. programs in mathematics or
computer science. Fall semesters: Human Biology—two hours of lecture and two hours
of laboratory per week. Dissections of specimens may be required in the laboratory
component. Spring semesters: Contemporary Issues in the Life Sciences—three hours
of lecture each week.
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BIO-113. Microbiology
This course presents the basic principles of bacteriology and the relationship of
micro-organisms to disease and its prevention, control, and treatment. It considers
the effects of microbes within the body and the body’s reaction to them. Lecture,
three hours per week; laboratory, three hours per week. Offered every spring semester.
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BIO-115. Anatomy & Physiology I
This course provides a general study of the human body, its structure and normal function.
It provides
an appreciation of the complex nature of the human body with relation to the promotion
of a healthy organism. Dissections of specimens are required in the laboratory portion
of these courses. Lecture, three hours per week; laboratory, three hours per week.
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BIO-116. Anatomy & Physiology II
This course is a continuation of BIO-115 and provides a general study of the human body, its structure and normal function.
It provides an appreciation of the complex nature of the human body with relation
to the promotion of a healthy organism. Dissections of specimens are required in the
laboratory portion of these courses. Lecture, three hours per week; laboratory, three
hours per week.
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BIO-121. Principles of Modern Biology I
An introduction to concepts of modern biology for students majoring in biology and
other sciences. Topics covered include the origin of life, basic biochemistry, cell
structure and function, energetics, reproduction and heredity, molecular genetics,
and evolution. Four hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Offered
every fall semester. Required of all Biology majors.
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BIO-122. Principles of Modern Biology II
An introduction to biological diversity and mammalian structure and function for science
majors, usually taken as a continuation of BIO-121. Topics include organismal classification, a survey of biological diversity (including
characteristics, ecology, phylogenetic relationships, and economic and biomedical
uses) of microbes, plants, and animals, and an overview of the mammalian body addressing
the form and function of key organ systems. Dissections of specimens are required
in the laboratory portion of this course. Four hours of lecture and three hours of
laboratory per week. Offered every spring semester. Required of all Biology majors.
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BIO-198. Topics
A study of topics of special interest not extensively treated in regularly offered
courses.
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BIO-225. Population and Evolutionary Biology
This course emphasizes the patterns and processes of evolutionary change in living
systems in an ecological context. It reviews the basic characteristics and dynamics
of populations and the relevance of population ecology and population genetics to
the evolution of species. Human evolutions, sociobiology, and other controversial
issues are also covered. Laboratory exercises emphasize an experimental approach to
more in-depth study of specific topics covered in lecture. Four hours of lecture and
three hours of laboratory per week. Offered every fall semester. Required of all Biology
majors.
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BIO-226. Cellular and Molecular Biology
Cell structure in relation to function. Biochemistry and physiology of animal, plant,
and bacterial cells and their viruses are presented in a molecular biology context.
Cell division and development are examined. Four hours of lecture and three hours
of laboratory per week. Offered every spring semester. Required of all Biology majors.
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BIO-254. Superlab
Superlab is a research-oriented course in which students carry out laboratory and field-based investigations into research areas such as ecotoxicology, plant physiology, ecology, phylogenetics, molecular biology, and cancer biology. In this course, students have one hour of classroom instruction per week during the regular semester followed by ten days (over a period of two weeks) of intensive laboratory work after the end of the semester. During that second phase of the course, students design and implement experiments and carry out research discussed during the first phase with the aid of their instructors. Offered each year.
BIO-298. Topics
A study of topics of special interest not extensively treated in regularly offered
courses.
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BIO-306. Invertebrate Biology
This course is a study of the major invertebrate phyla with respect to their taxonomy,
evolution, morphology, physiology, and ecology. Three hours of lecture and three hours
of laboratory per week. Offered in alternate years.
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BIO-311. Comparative Physiology
Comparative Physiology encompasses the study of organ functions and organ system functions
in different animal groups. Emphasis is on the systemic physiology of vertebrate animals.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Offered every spring
semester. Offered in alternate years.
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BIO-312. Parasitology
Parasitology is the study of organisms that live on or within other organisms and
the relationship of these organisms to their hosts. This course deals with the common
parasites that infect humans and other animals. Three hours of lecture and three hours
of laboratory per week. Offered in alternate years.
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BIO-314. Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
This course deals with the evolution and anatomy of the organ systems of vertebrates.
Lectures survey the comparative anatomy of the vertebrate classes. Laboratory dissections
include the lamprey, shark, mud puppy, and cat in detail. Three hours of lecture and
three hours of laboratory per week. Offered in alternate years.
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BIO-321. Mammalian Physiology
This course examines the function of mammalian systems with regard to homeostasis,
metabolism, growth and reproduction. Normal physiological processes as well as some
pathophysiological situations are covered. While the emphasis is on human physiology,
other mammalian systems are discussed to demonstrate physiological adaptability to
various environmental situations. Laboratory exercises include physiological experimentation
in living systems and in computer simulations. Three hours of lecture and three hours
of laboratory per week. Offered in alternate years. This course satisfies the requirement
for a course with an emphasis in quantitative biology.
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BIO-323. Functional Histology
This course emphasizes the microscopic examination of mammalian tissues from morphological
and physiological perspectives. Reference is made to organ embryogenesis to support
the understanding of organ form and function. Tissue preparation for histological
examination is included. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per
week. Offered in alternate years.
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BIO-324. Molecular Biology
This course introduces students to modern concepts and techniques in molecular biology
through a genuine research experience in using cell and molecular biology to learn
about a fundamental problem in biology. Rather than following a set series of lectures,
we study a problem and see where it leads us. We use the information given in lectures
and reading assignments to solve research problems and, in the process, learn a lot
of molecular biology. Offered every spring.
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BIO-325. Endocrinology
This course focuses on the structure, biochemistry, and function of mammalian hormones
and endocrine glands. Avian, amphibian, and invertebrate hormones are also discussed,
where relevant. Clinical pathologies resulting from excess or insufficient hormones
are discussed, as this is essential to mastering an understanding of Endocrinology.
Laboratory exercises include experimentation in living systems and computer simulations.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Offered in alternate
years.
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BIO-326. Immunology and Immunochemistry
This course is concerned with the biological mechanisms and chemistry of reactants
and mediators associated with natural and acquired states of immunity, tissue and
blood serum responses to infection and immunization. Related pathophysiological alternations
of hypersensitivity phenomena in vertebrate animals and man are also discussed. Three
hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Offered in alternate years.
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BIO-327. Medical Microbiology
Medical Microbiology provides a professional level introduction to microbiology that
is focused on application of microbiology to the study of infectious disease etiology
and epidemiology. The laboratory covers techniques used in isolation and identification
of micro-organisms. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Cross-listed with PHA-327.
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BIO-328. Developmental Biology
A course dealing with the principles of animal development from descriptive, experimental,
and evolutionary perspectives. Laboratory work includes both descriptive and experimental
embryology, including molecular techniques. Three hours of lecture and three hours
of laboratory per week. Offered in alternate years.
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BIO-329. Virology
Virology provides an introduction to the biology of animal viruses. Description of viral molecular architecture and genome organization is followed by a survey of strategies employed for multiplication and regulation of gene expression. Pathogenesis of viral infections is considered from perspectives of viral reproduction strategies and host defense.
BIO-330. Introduction to Bioinformatics Applications
An introduction to the ways computers are used to make sense of biological information, especially the data generated by the human genome project. Topics covered include databases and data mining, pair-wise, and multiple sequence alignment, molecular phylogeny, finding genes in raw DNA sequences, predicting protein and RNA secondary and tertiary structures, generating and analyzing transcriptomic data, rational drug design, metabolic simulation and artificial intelligence. Offered online every fall, with one assignment each week. This course satisfies the requirement for a course with an emphasis in quantitative biology.
BIO-338. Biology of Cancer
This lecture course is designed to explore the various concepts and mechanisms associated with the origins, elaborations, and future developments in cellular transformation and carcinogenesis. Emphasis is placed on the molecular biology and physiology of these processes; therefore, a solid background in basic biology is required. Oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and the disruption of homeostasis are covered in detail, while the medical phenomena typically receive a more general level of coverage.
BIO-340. Conservation Biology
This course covers the major topics of conservation biology including an introduction to biodiversity, threats to biodiversity, and solutions to diminish extinctions and population declines. Lecture: three hours per week. Offered each year.
BIO-341. Freshwater Ecosystems
A study of the biological and ecological aspects of streams, lakes, and wetlands from
a watershed perspective. An initial introduction to physical, chemical, and geological
principles of limnology is followed by a focus on freshwater biology. Laboratories
include field-based watershed investigations and lake management assessments using
geographic information systems techniques. Two hours of lecture and three hours of
laboratory per week. Offered in alternate years. Cross-listed with EES-341.
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BIO-342. The Archosaurs: Birds, Dinosaurs, and Crocodilians
An examination of the biology of the Archosaurs. Major topics include evolutionary
history, morphology, physiology, behavior, ecology, and conservation of archosaurs.
Laboratory is largely field-based with an emphasis on identifying local fauna and
population estimation methods. Laboratory also includes dissection, histology, and
a field trip to a museum. Offered in alternate years.
BIO-343. Marine Ecology
An examination of the biology of marine life within the context of modern ecological
principles. The structure and physiology of marine organisms are studied from the
perspectives of adaptation to the ocean as habitat, biological productivity, and interspecific
relationships. Emphasis is placed on life in intertidal zones, estuaries, surface
waters, and the deep sea. Two hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Offered in alternate years. Cross-listed with EES-343.
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BIO-344. Ecology
An examination of contemporary ecological thinking as it pertains to the interrelationships
of organisms and their environments. Interactions at the population and community
level are emphasized. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Offered in alternate years. Cross-listed with EES-344. This course satisfies the requirement for a course with an emphasis in quantitative
biology.
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BIO-345. Genetics
This course presents a detailed treatment of genetics beyond the introductory level
in the areas of both transmission and molecular genetics. It includes discussion of
the role of genetics in such areas as developmental medicine. Three hours of lecture
and three hours of lab per week. Offered every fall semester.
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BIO-346. Animal Behavior
A course emphasizing behavior as the response of animals to physical and social environmental
change. It covers the processes that determine when changes in behavior occur and
what form the changes take. Laboratories, using local fauna, demonstrate principles
discussed in lecture. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Offered in alternate years. This course satisfies the requirement for a course with
an emphasis in quantitative biology.
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BIO-347. Biostatistics and Experimental Design
This course reviews the statistical paradigms and techniques involved in analyzing
biological phenomena. Frequentist and Bayesian methods are employed when appropriate
with an emphasis on applied statistics and experimental design. Laboratory exercises
include designing, analyzing, and communicating experiments. Computation and computer
coding is employed in laboratory exercises. Offered in alternate years.
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BIO-348. Field Zoology
The goals of this summer course are to introduce field methods of zoology and increase
familiarity with Pennsylvania's animals. Taxa covered include turtles, snakes, birds,
fish, arthropods, and mammals. Topics covered include conservation issues, population
estimation, and sampling methods. Time distributed between lecture, lab, and fieldwork.
Offered annually.
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BIO-352. Pathophysiology
Pathophysiology provides a series of lectures, exercises, and problem-solving sessions
integrating the concepts of functional anatomy with human disease. Problem-based learning
is encouraged by reviewing illustrative clinical cases and using interactive audio-visual
media. Offered in alternate years.
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BIO-361. Plant Form and Function
An introduction to the morphology, anatomy, cytology, and physiology of vascular plants.
Structural and functional aspects of plants are interpreted in relation to each other
and within ecological and evolutionary contexts. Offered in a workshop format of two
three-hour sessions per week. Offered every other fall semester.
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BIO-362. Plant Diversity
A comprehensive survey of algae, bryophytes, and vascular plants emphasizing their
structure, reproductive biology, natural history, evolution, and importance to humans.
Offered in a workshop format of two three-hour sessions per week. Offered every other
fall semester.
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BIO-363. Hemp Biology and Analysis
This course is an introduction to hemp biology and analysis. Topics include an overview
of hemp, hemp phylogeny, subspecies, plant structure, development, reproduction,
water uptake, transport, uses for hemp, hemp pathogens and pests, and ways to improve
hemp production using biotechnology.
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BIO-366. Field Botany
A specialized summertime field course that emphasizes a taxonomic, phylogenetic, and
ecological survey of vascular plants indigenous to Northeastern Pennsylvania. Course
includes field trips to a diverse array of habitats in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Cross-listed with EES-366. Offered in alternate years.
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BIO-368. Medical Botany
A specialized summertime course that provides a scientifically based overview of the ways in which plants affect human health. Topics include cultural and historical perspectives of plants and medicine, plants that cause human ailments, plants used to treat human ailments, and psychoactive plants. Two hours of lecture per day for five weeks. Offered in alternate years.
BIO-369. Plant Physiology
This course introduces students to modern concepts and techniques in plant physiology
through a genuine research experience using the techniques of plant physiology to
learn about a problem in plant biology. Rather than following a set series of lectures,
we study a problem and see where it leads us. We use the information given in lectures
and reading assignments to solve research problems and, in the process, learn a lot
of plant physiology. Offered in alternate years.
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BIO-391. Senior Research I
The student pursues independent research as a member of a team of senior biology majors.
Each team is responsible for the identification of an original research problem, a
thorough literature review of the problem, a detailed prospectus prepared in the format
of a grant proposal, and formal oral presentations. Senior research is required of
all biology majors seeking a four-year degree in Biology. Open only to senior Biology majors.
Biology major senior standing
BIO-392. Senior Research II
A continuation of BIO-391. The student pursues independent research as a member of a team of senior biology
majors. Each team is responsible for the execution of their research project, a formal
oral presentation, a poster, and a final manuscript prepared in standard journal format.
Senior research is required of all biology majors seeking a four-year degree in Biology.
Open only to senior Biology majors, or with permission of instructor.
Biology major senior standing, or with permission of instructor.
BIO-395. Independent Research
This course involves independent study and research for advanced students in the field of the major under the direction of a staff member. A research paper at a level significantly beyond a term paper is required; it must also be presented orally at an appropriate off-campus science meeting.
Requirements:
Written approval of the department chairperson is required.
Candidates for Independent Research must have a minimum GPA of 3.00 and be of upper
class standing.
BIO-396. Independent Research
This course involves independent study and research for advanced students in the field of the major under the direction of a staff member. A research paper at a level significantly beyond a term paper is required; it must also be presented orally at an appropriate off-campus science meeting.
Requirements:
Written approval of the department chairperson is required.
Candidates for Independent Research must have a minimum GPA of 3.00 and be of upper
class standing.
BIO-397. Professional Preparation Techniques
Professional Preparation Techniques introduces Biology majors to Biology as a profession. Students learn how to read, write, and analyze research papers and how to make oral presentations and posters using electronic and paper-based supplements. Career development issues, including effective presentation of credentials, are also addressed. Offered every fall and every spring semester.
BIO-398. Topics
A study of topics of special interest not extensively treated in regularly offered
courses.
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BIO-399. Cooperative Education
Professional cooperative education placement in a private or public organization related to the student’s academic objectives and career goals. In addition to their work experience, students are required to submit weekly reaction papers and an academic project to a Faculty Coordinator in the student’s discipline. See the Cooperative Education section of this bulletin for placement procedures. Requirements: Sophomore standing, 2.0 minimum cumulative GPA, consent of the academic advisor, and approval of placement by the department chairperson.