Biology Course Descriptions

The Biological Science course is designed for non-science majors who require a one-semester, fundamental biology lecture and laboratory course covering both zoological and botanical topics.
 

An introductory, one-semester course in biology for students with limited backgrounds in the sciences. Covers such fundamental issues as the meanings and origins of life, the evolution of life, human reproduction, and heredity. Designed to fulfill the general science requirement for the non-science major. Class hrs. 3; Lab hrs. 2.

Biological Science II (Human Biology) is a one-semester lecture and laboratory course that may be used as a sequel to Biological Science, but can be taken independently, and deals with general topics related to the human organism..
 

An analysis of the systems of the human body, the structure and functions of the digestive, respiratory, structural, excretory, endocrine, and nervous systems. These systems are approached through an understanding of their functioning in the healthful condition followed by a study of the common disease conditions resulting from their dysfunction. Class hrs. 3; Lab hrs. 2. Prerequisite: Some background in biology is helpful.

Basic Anatomy and Physiology is a one-semester, fundamental course designed for particular health science students, covering topics pertinent to their curricula.
 

An introductory course for students who need a one-semester review of the human system. Topics include: introductory chemistry, the cell, skeletal system, musculature, nervous system, endocrine system, reproductive system, cardiovascular system, digestive system, respiratory system, and excretory system. Class hrs. 3; Lab hrs. 2. Offered spring and summer semesters.

General Biology I & II are integral parts of a one-year (two-semester) comprehensive course designed for science or health science majors completing a specific course of study or planning to transfer to four-year college. This sequence assumes some understanding of certain physical and biological principles.
 

A first course in a two-semester sequence designed to fulfill the science requirement for the college degree as well as for a science major. Covers basic chemistry, the cell, energetics, genetics, and evolution. May be taken for Honors. Class hrs. 3; Lab hrs. 2.
 

Same as the Lab for BIOL 115, 116 General Biology I and Lab. Lab hrs. 2.
 

A second course in a two-semester sequence designed to fulfill the science requirement for the college degree as well as for a science major. Covers animal structure and function, plant structure and function, and principles of ecology. May be taken for Honors. Class hrs. 3; Lab hrs. 2. Prerequisite: BIOL 115, 116 General Biology I and Lab or permission of the Department Chair.

Anatomy and Physiology I & II are integral parts of a one-year (two-semester) comprehensive course designed for majors in science and certain health sciences.
 

Designed for both the biology and non-biology major. A systematic study of the structure and function of the various systems of the human body. Topics included are: the skeletal system, musculature, the nervous system, the endocrine system, and the reproductive system. Class hrs. 3; Lab hrs. 3.
 

Continuation of Anatomy and Physiology I. Topics included are: the circulatory system, the respiratory system, the digestive system, metabolism, the urinary system, fluid and pH balance. Class hrs. 3; Lab hrs. 3. Prerequisite: Anatomy and Physiology I.
 

An introduction to the cross sectional view of the human body. Cross sectional anatomy is correlated both with longitudinal view and with scans (MRI and CAT). Material covers thorax, abdomen, pelvis, and brain ventricles. Class hrs. 3. Prerequisite: Anatomy & Physiology I, II, RAD 241 Clinical Education IV. Offered spring semester. For Radiologic Techonology students only.
 

This course is designed to prepare students to enter the field of laboratory work in Biotechnology. Class hrs. 3. Prerequisite: one year of Chemistry; one year of Biology; H.S. (Regents level) or college. Offered fall and spring semesters.
 

The laboratory is designed to introduce students to the laboratory techniques used in Biotechnology including laboratory safety. Lab hrs. 2. Prerequisite: one year of Chemistry; one year of Biology; H.S. (Regents level) or college. Offered fall and spring semesters.
 

A fundamental course exploring the structure and function of the environment. Topics include basic ecological principles, population dynamics, and the geosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere. Optional environmental science lab available (see description below). Class hrs. 3. Offered fall and spring semesters.
 

A laboratory experience designed for Environmental Science or Environmental Studies. Quality of the local environment is explored in lab and in the field. Field trips investigate the ways in which local communities treat sewage, produce electricity, dispose of garbage, and process drinking water. Making land use decisions using knowledge of natural resources acquired through map and aerial photography interpretation is explored. (See description for Environmental Science or Environmental Studies) Lab hrs. 2. Offered fall semester.
 

This course is designed for both science and non-science majors interested in the interconnection between human society and the natural world as they have developed over time. Sustainability and policy development are themes for discussion of basic ecology, human biological and social evolution, population dynamics, expressions of environmentalism, environmental ethics, sustainability, and environmental law. An optional one-credit Environmental Science Laboratory is available during fall semesters.  Class hrs. 3. Suggested prerequisite: Biological Science or its equivalent. Offered fall semester.

General causes of pollution, including philosophical, historical, cultural, economic, and sociological reasons for levels of pollution in the world today. Levels, causes, biological effects of, and remedies for water, land, and air pollution are studied in detail. Emphasis is on pollution in chemical, physical, and biological terms. The roles of technology, population, and cultural attitudes are investigated for each form of pollution. Class hrs. 3. Suggested prerequisite: BIOL 155 Environmental Studies or BIOL 101 Biological Science.
 

An exploration of: anatomy and physiology of reproduction; sexual behavior; sexual development; hormonal system; prenatal development; birth control; variation and deviations; disorders; and current research in human sexuality. Course includes group discussions and projects. Class hrs. 3. Prerequisite: any biology background. Offered fall and spring semesters.
 

Fundamentals of drug actions on the body, modes of administration, drugs affecting the cardiopulmonary functions, with emphasis on the adrenergic dilators, drug toxicity. Class hrs. 3. Corequisite: BIOL 121 Anatomy and Physiology I. Offered fall semester.

This course guides students through fundamental principles of pharmacology. Topics include: pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics. Focus is on drug classification and the prototypical drug of each class. Special emphasis is given to drug indications, contraindications, interactions, precautions, and adverse reactions. This course will enable health care professionals to apply pharmacologic information to clinical practice allowing for safe and effective drug therapy. Class hrs. 3. Prerequisite: BIOL 121 Anatomy and Physiology I.

The distinction among the Microbiology courses is in orientation: Basic Microbiology (3 credits) — fundamental; General Microbiology (4 credits) — general; Selection depends on your curriculum. The 4-credit course is the transfer course and assumes basic information.
 

The more important bacteria, yeasts, molds, and their occurrence, nature, growth, control; sanitary practices in the preparation, service, and storage of foods. Class hrs. 2; Lab hrs. 2. Offered spring semester.
 

Relationship of micro-organisms to each other and their place in the living world; medical microbiology; common pathogens of man and their destruction, removal, and inhibition. Special attention given to respiratory pathogens. Class hrs. 2; Lab hrs. 2. Offered fall semester.
 

Relationship of micro-organisms to each other and their place in the living world. Destruction, removal, and inhibition. Importance in medicine and health. Methodology is stressed. For Medical Technology students and as a basic course in microbiology for students in biology and related fields. Class hrs. 3; Lab hrs. 3. Prerequisite: one semester of Anatomy and Physiology or a course in General Biology. Offered spring, fall, and summer semesters.
 

A contrasting study of the relationship between structure and function in the normal and diseased cardiopulmonary systems. Focus on specific diseases includes, COPD, asthma, ARDS, and CHF. Basic diagnostic workups and therapeutic interventions are identified. There is an emphasis on clinical applications and decision making using critical care methodologies.
 

The study of human inheritance patterns; classical overview with emphasis on human disease syndromes, cell cycles and patterns of inheritance and prenatal diagnosis. May be taken for Honors. Class hrs. 3. Prerequisite: one semester of Anatomy and Physiology or a course in biology. Offered spring semester only.
 

Applications of human genetics — course covers karyotypes, cell culture, and patterns of inheritance. May be taken for Honors. Offered spring semester.
 

Principles of Radiobiology, somatic and genetic effects of radiation, early and late effects of radiation in body tissue and systems. Radiation protection and Health Physics. Class hrs. 3. Prerequisite: RAD 201X Radiographic Technique III. Offered spring semester.