NOTE: All 4-credit courses require a laboratory. A minimum grade of C- is required in any course that serves as a prerequisite for a higher-numbered course.
BIO 110 Introduction to Environmental Science
An introduction to the study of the Earth’s natural systems and the forces that can affect them. Students will explore the Earth’s natural environments, the interactions of organisms with each other as well as their physical surroundings, and the sources and effects of stress on natural environments. Topics include nutrient cycling; the hydrologic cycle; trophic structures and interactions; human populations; soil, water, and air pollution; and the relationship of science to policy making. (4)
BIO 111 Human Genetics for Nonmajors
This course is for nonscience majors, and introduces the principles of genetics as applied to humans. Recent advances in areas such as using DNA evidence, gene therapy, amniocentesis, in vitro fertilization, and learning and psychiatric disabilities are considered. Social, cultural, and ethical implications are reviewed. Laboratory will include experiences with DNA, karyotyping, pedigree analysis, etc. (4)
BIO 120 Introduction to the Biological World
Introduces nonmajors to the biological world around them. Energy production, storage, and conversion are explored. A survey of life leads from single-celled organisms to chordates. The basic functioning of the systems of the human body are examined. (4)
BIO 151 General Biology I for Majors
A course for the Biology major and a prerequisite for all subsequent courses for the major. This course is also required for certain other majors. The course addresses the chemical and physiological aspects common to organisms, such as cell structure, metabolism, and biosynthesis of molecules. Basic principles of molecular biology will be introduced. Students may enroll in this course only if it is a specific requirement for their major. (4)
BIO 152 General Biology II for Majors
A continuation of the study begun in BIO 151. Topics focus on animal systems and address the diverse organ complexity and physiological functions. The course also extends the introduction of the rapidly evolving knowledge of molecular biology, gene structure, and regulation of expression. The Kingdoms will be introduced. Kingdom Animalia will be discussed in greater depth. Students will also be introduced to ecology. Students may enroll in this course only if it is a specific requirement for their major. Prerequisite: BIO 151 or equivalent. (4)
BIO 161-162 Anatomy and Physiology I & II
A two-semester study of the structure and function of the human body with emphasis upon the interdependencies at the microscopic and cellular levels. Laboratory work includes dissection experiments related to physiological processes, microscopic observation of cell types, biochemical tests, and some diagnostic laboratory procedures. (4)(4)
BIO 212 Biology of Aging
Introduces the student to the aging process at the cellular and subcellular levels. Surveys processes from single-cell organisms to the human organism. Prerequisite: one semester of Biology. (3)
BIO 224 Endocrinology
Focuses on the study of human hormones, their chemical classification, receptors, and intracellular mechanisms. Interactions of hormone actions will be stressed as the course progresses. Consequences of hypo- and hyper-hormore conditions will be discussed. Prerequisites: BIO 152 and CHM 152. (3)
BIO 250 General Botany
An in-depth survey of the Plant Kingdom, including nonvascular as well as vascular plants. Some members of the Kingdoms Fungi and Protista will also be covered. Topics covered will include: photosynthesis, life cycles, growth and propagation, plant and hormone effects, classification and identification, and herbarium techniques. Prerequisite: BIO 151 or equivalent. (4)
BIO 260 Microbiology
An analysis of the general principles of microbiology. The course includes the study of microbial growth and the relation of bacteria and viruses to infection, disease, and immunity. The role of pathogenic microbes and parasitic agents in the cause of disease is studied along with the role of various combative chemicals. Prerequisite: BIO 152 or BIO 162. (4)
BIO 262 Genetics for Majors
This course is for majors, and is a study of the basic principles of inheritance from the classical studies of Mendel to current developments in molecular genetics. Students study the applications of genetic technologies to microorganisms, plants, and animals. The potential benefits of engineering and related ethical issues are discussed. Prerequisite: BIO 260. (4)
BIO 272 Parasitology
The study of the biochemistry, physiology, nutrition, immunology, life cycles, epidemiology, control, and chemotherapy of parasitic protozoans, helminths, and arthropod vectors. Emphasis is on parasites of man. Prerequisites: BIO 152 and CHM 152. (4)
BIO 300 Writing for Science
A discipline-specific approach to writing for Biology majors, this course will acquaint the student with the range of writing styles in science. Students will apply their knowledge in the sciences to both the critique and writing of research abstracts, literature summaries, and pieces to be read by the nonscientific audience. Prerequisite: EN 102. (3)
BIO 312 Physiological Ecology
Explores the way living organisms adjust to the adversities of their environment. Understanding how organisms obtain information about the environment through their senses. Students will learn to use the principles of physiology to predict, as well as model, the behavior of animals. Students will be able to discuss the interplay of many physiological variables on the overall function of the body. Prerequisite: BIO 152 or equivalent. (3)
BIO 361 Biochemistry
A study of the structures and functions of biomolecules (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids) found in living systems. An introduction to bioenergetics and kinetics as applied to those systems. Prerequisites: BIO 363 and CHM 222 or equivalents. (3)
BIO 363 Cellular Biology
Examination of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure and function. Emphasis on metabolism, regulation of cellular events, and basic genetic processes. The course provides an introduction to control of gene expression. Prerequisites: BIO 262 and CHM 152. (3)
BIO 364 Immunology
Explores the immune response through investigation of relevant organ systems, cell types, and regulatory interactions. An introduction to aberrant immune responses is also provided. Prerequisite: BIO 363. (3)
BIO 366 Animal Virology
Examines the principles of animal virus structure and replication with an emphasis on viruses that pose a significant health risk to humans. Mechanisms of disease production are explored. Prerequisite: BIO 363. (3)
BIO 368 Advanced Research Methods
This is a laboratory-intensive course that will provide the student a working knowledge of current laboratory techniques common to many scientific disciplines including cell biology, immunology, and virology. Students will learn to use standard and state-of-the-art laboratory equipment. The course also will explore the application of each technique to different scientific questions. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIO 363. (3)
BIO 369 Advanced Molecular Biology
The majority of this class is spent in the laboratory since it emphasizes hands-on exploration of the techniques currently employed in research, forensic, and diagnostic laboratories. Prerequisite: BIO 363. (4)
BIO 385 Approaches to Teaching Secondary Biology
Prepares the student to teach Biology at the secondary level by integrating content mastery with effective pedagogical strategies. A field experience (20 hours) is required. Prerequisites: ED 245S, ED 327S, and PSY 312. (3)
BIO 400 Internship
Senior students may register for an internship with a cooperating employer in the Washington metropolitan area. The internship is monitored by a supervising professor and a representative of the employing firm. Prerequisite: senior status. (3-6)
BIO 410 Seminar
Provides an opportunity for an in-depth study of a topic of current interest selected annually. Discussion and research of the literature is encouraged as a means for examining both scientific aspects of the topic and the relationship of science to societal, legislative, and economic issues. Prerequisite: senior status or permission of instructor. (2)
BIO 421 Project
Investigation of a selected topic in Biology in collaboration with or under the direction of a faculty advisor. The project is intended to demonstrate the ability to conduct and report independent research. Prerequisite: approval of department chair. (1-3)
BIO 433 Research
A student in this course will conduct collaborative research (scholarly work leading to new knowledge) under the direction of a faculty member. Prerequisite: application and approval of department chair. (1-6)