Program Overview
Rider’s biology major educates the next generation of scientists by providing students with a foundation in the life sciences that prepares them to join the workforce or attend professional or graduate school. Rider achieves this through small class and laboratory sizes allowing direct, hands-on instruction, and faculty accessibility. Students also have opportunities to do research with faculty via work study or independent study. Each student is assigned a faculty advisor who provides academic advice and career guidance tailored to the student's needs. Areas of professional and graduate study pursued by students in this major include medical, dental, and veterinary school; allied health programs such as optometry, podiatry, physical therapy, occupational therapy and nursing; programs leading to M.S. or Ph.D. degrees in the life sciences; and programs in science education.
Graduates of the biology program have pursued their graduate studies at prestigious institutions such as John Hopkins University, Cornell University, Princeton University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Pennsylvania, Harvard University, Dartmouth College and The Scripps Research Institute, among others.
Bachelor of Science Curriculum Overview
The curriculum for biology majors is structured to prepare students for a life of learning in the sciences. Students are expected to master content, develop technical skills, analytical skills and competency in oral and written communication. Foundational courses in biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics prepare students for the rigor of upper-level courses in microbiology, evolutionary biology, developmental biology, immunology, physiology, plant biology, ecology and neurobiology. Capstone seminars allow students to explore one area of the life sciences in depth through exploration and analysis of original scientific literature. Rider’s science faculty are research-oriented and encourage students to take advantage of opportunities to engage in independent research. Students also have the opportunity to take part in a three-week internship course through the Capital Health System Hospitals, summer research and other off-campus internships.
Bachelor of Arts Option
The curriculum described above is for a Bachelor of Science program. All students admitted to the College of Arts and Sciences seeking a biology degree will be enrolled in the B.S. program consisting of 62-63 credits. However, there is the option to be enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts program in biology. This program consists of 52 credits in the major and is designed for students who may desire a biology degree, but do not have a full eight semesters to commit to the program. Such students may be those enrolled in the College of Education and Human Services, transfer students or students choosing a second major. However, students may not choose to double-major in the B.A. program in biology and a closely-related B.S. program such as Behavioral Neuroscience or Health Science.
Students seeking to enroll in the Bachelor of Arts program in Biology must consult with the Chair of the Department of Biology, Behavioral Neuroscience & Health Sciences before being considered for this program.
Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Biology major will be able to:
- Explain foundational concepts in biological sciences.
- Apply scientific methods of inquiry through testing of newly formed hypotheses with observation and experimentation.
- Apply concepts from other disciplines in the analysis and interpretation of biological information.
- Demonstrate the ability to locate, critically analyze, and communicate relevant scientific information.
- Explain the ethical practice of scientific research and its societal applications.
Honors Programs
Honors in Biology
The objective of the honors program in biology is to introduce talented undergraduate majors to the methods of basic research in the biological sciences. For consideration a student must have a 3.25 average at the end of their junior year. In the senior year, participating students must complete an independent research project and present a written honors thesis. At graduation a student who has a 3.25 cumulative average, a 3.5 average in biology courses, and who has completed an acceptable honors thesis will be awarded Honors in Biology.
Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society
"Tri-Beta" is a national honor society affiliated with the American Association for Advancement of Science and the American Institute of Biological Sciences. Invitations for membership are extended to majors in the life sciences who have demonstrated superior academic achievement. Students are usually invited to join in their sophomore year when they have accumulated 12 credits in the sciences. Active membership is available to those with an overall grade point average of at least 2.8, and at least 3.0 in their science courses. The benefits of membership include academic recognition; a subscription to the journal Bios, to which members may submit research articles; opportunities to present papers at conventions; and research awards. Biology and behavioral neuroscience majors should make membership in Tri-Beta one of their goals.
Pre-medical and Pre-allied Health Advising Programs
Students pursuing medical school or pre-allied health programs upon graduation from Rider are encouraged to consult with the department's pre-medical advisor. The pre-medical studies and pre-allied health advisor assists students with academic and extra-curricular planning required to become competitive applicants for programs in the health professions.
Rider and Thomas Jefferson University have a long-standing articulation agreement for students who wish to pursue training in the allied health professions. This agreement does not guarantee admission of Rider students into Jefferson's programs; it does mean that Rider faculty members are familiar with Jefferson's academic requirements and that Rider’s courses are eligible for transfer to Jefferson.
Rider University offers students with baccalaureate degrees the opportunity to take the undergraduate science course prerequisites for medical, dental, veterinary or graduate school. For more information, visit the Premedical Studies page.
Degree Offered
- B.S. in Biology
- B.A. in Biology
- Minor in Biology
Contact
Professor
Program Website: Biology B.S./B.A.
Associated Department: Department of Biology, Behavioral Neuroscience, and Health Sciences
Related Programs
Requirements for the Major
B.A. in Biology
Departmental Course Repeat Policy
Biology B.S. Requirements for Arts and Sciences students
(62-63 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Curriculum | ||
| Both of these foundational courses: | ||
| BIO 115 & 115L | Principles of Biology I and Principles of Biology I Lab 1 | 4 |
| BIO 116 & 116L | Principles of Biology II and Principles of Biology II Lab 1 | 4 |
| Select five courses from Group I and Group II, with at least one course selected from each Group: | 20 | |
Group I | ||
| Intro to Marine Biology and Marine Biology Laboratory | ||
| Plant Biology and Modern Plant Biology Lab | ||
| Evolutionary Biology and Evolutionary Biology Lab | ||
| General Ecology and General Ecology Lab | ||
| Behavior of Marine Organisms: Evolutionary Approach and Behavior of Marine Organisms: Evolutionary Approach Lab | ||
| Marine Vertebrates and Marine Vertebrates Lab | ||
Group II | ||
| Medical Microbiology and Microbiology Lab | ||
| Principles of Biology: Evolution, Diversity, and Biology of Cells and Principle of Biology: Cells Lab | ||
| Genetics and Genetics Lab | ||
| Developmental Biology and Developmental Biology Lab | ||
| Vertebrate Physiology and Vertebrate Physiology Lab | ||
| Immunology and Immunology Lab | ||
| Behavioral Neuroscience and Behavioral Neuroscience Lab | ||
| Neurobiology and Neurobiology Lab | ||
| Neurochemistry and Neurochemistry Lab | ||
| Neuroethology: Circuits of Behavior and Neuroethology Lab | ||
| Biochemistry and Biochem and Enzymology I Lab | ||
| Mathematics | ||
| Select two of the following: | 7-8 | |
| Algebra and Trigonometry 2 | ||
| Calculus I 2 | ||
| Calculus II 2 | ||
| Biostatistics (plus lab) 2 | ||
or ENV 200 | Statistical and Computer Applications in the Natural Sciences | |
or MTH 120 | Introduction to Applied Statistics | |
| Chemistry | ||
| CHE 120 & CHE 121 | Principles of Chemistry and Principles of Chemistry Lab | 4 |
| CHE 122 & CHE 123 | Intro to Chemical Systems and Quantitative Methods Lab | 4 |
| CHE 211 & 211L | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry I Lab | 4 |
| CHE 214 & 214L | Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry II Lab | 4 |
| Physics | ||
| PHY 100 & 100L | Principles of Physics I and Principles of Physics I Lab | 4 |
| or PHY 200 & 200L | General Physics I and General Physics I Lab | |
| PHY 101 & 101L | Principles of Physics II and Principles of Physics II Lab | 4 |
| or PHY 201 & 201L | General Physics II and General Physics II Lab | |
| Senior Capstone Seminar | 3 | |
Select one of the following: | ||
| Seminar in Cellular and Molecular Biology | ||
| Seminar in Organismal Biology | ||
| Bioinformatics | ||
| Seminar in Ecology & Evolution | ||
| Total Credits | 62-63 | |
- 1
Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in these courses in order to meet the major requirement and before enrolling in upper-level courses for which these courses are prerequisites.
- 2
Students must place into MTH 105 Algebra & Trigonometry or higher level mathematics in order to register for BIO 115 and BIO 116.
Biology B.A. Requirements for other than College of Arts and Sciences students
(52 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Requirements for the Major | ||
| BIO 115 & 115L | Principles of Biology I and Principles of Biology I Lab | 4 |
| BIO 116 & 116L | Principles of Biology II and Principles of Biology II Lab | 4 |
| BIO 260 & 260L | Principles of Biology: Evolution, Diversity, and Biology of Cells and Principle of Biology: Cells Lab | 4 |
| BIO 265 & 265L | Genetics and Genetics Lab | 4 |
| BIO 350 & 350L | General Ecology and General Ecology Lab | 4 |
| Select one upper-level elective from the following: | 4 | |
| Developmental Biology and Developmental Biology Lab | ||
| Vertebrate Physiology and Vertebrate Physiology Lab | ||
| Plant Biology and Modern Plant Biology Lab | ||
| Evolutionary Biology and Evolutionary Biology Lab | ||
| Immunology and Immunology Lab | ||
| Behavior of Marine Organisms: Evolutionary Approach and Behavior of Marine Organisms: Evolutionary Approach Lab | ||
| Biochemistry | ||
| Neurobiology and Neurobiology Lab | ||
| Neurochemistry and Neurochemistry Lab | ||
| Neuroethology: Circuits of Behavior and Neuroethology Lab | ||
| Senior Capstone | 4 | |
| Select one of the following paths: | ||
| Independent Study: Research and Creative Expression (4 credits) | ||
| OR | ||
| Seminar in Cellular and Molecular Biology | ||
or BIO 420 | Seminar in Organismal Biology | |
or BIO 450 | Seminar in Ecology & Evolution | |
AND | ||
| Internship in Biology (as a lab facilitator (1 credit)) | ||
| Required Courses: | 8 | |
| Principles of Chemistry and Principles of Chemistry Lab | ||
| Intro to Chemical Systems and Quantitative Methods Lab | ||
| Select two of the following: | 8 | |
| Algebra and Trigonometry | ||
| Calculus I | ||
| Biostatistics and Biostatistics Lab | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry and Introduction to Organic & Biochemistry Lab | ||
| Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry I Lab | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Principles of Physics I and Principles of Physics I Lab | ||
| General Physics I and General Physics I Lab | ||
| Total Credits | 52 | |
Department of Biology, Behavioral Neuroscience, and Health Sciences Course Repeat Policy
The following guidelines apply to courses offered by the Department of Biology, Behavioral Neuroscience, and Health Sciences. Students may repeat any biology (BIO), behavioral neuroscience (BNS), health sciences (HSC) or exercise science (EXS) course once without special permission. A course will be considered repeated if the student has previously earned a letter grade in the course, or if the student has previously withdrawn from the course after the Friday of the seventh week of classes (previously Withdrawal II or Withdrawal III). To take a biology, behavioral neuroscience, health science, or exercise science course for a third time, written permission must be obtained from the department chair before the registrar will allow the student to enroll in that course.
Requirements for the Minor1
(20 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundational Courses: | ||
| BIO 115 & 115L | Principles of Biology I and Principles of Biology I Lab 2, 3 | 4 |
| BIO 116 & 116L | Principles of Biology II and Principles of Biology II Lab 2, 3 | 4 |
| Select three courses from Group I and Group II, with at least one course selected from each Group: | 12 | |
Group I | ||
| Intro to Marine Biology and Marine Biology Laboratory | ||
| Plant Biology and Modern Plant Biology Lab | ||
| Evolutionary Biology and Evolutionary Biology Lab | ||
| General Ecology and General Ecology Lab | ||
| Behavior of Marine Organisms: Evolutionary Approach and Behavior of Marine Organisms: Evolutionary Approach Lab | ||
Group II | ||
| Medical Microbiology and Microbiology Lab | ||
| Principles of Biology: Evolution, Diversity, and Biology of Cells and Principle of Biology: Cells Lab | ||
| Genetics and Genetics Lab | ||
| Developmental Biology and Developmental Biology Lab | ||
| Vertebrate Physiology and Vertebrate Physiology Lab | ||
| Immunology and Immunology Lab | ||
| Neurobiology and Neurobiology Lab | ||
| Neurochemistry and Neurochemistry Lab | ||
| Neuroethology: Circuits of Behavior and Neuroethology Lab | ||
| Total Credits | 20 | |
- 1
Not available to Behavioral Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Health Sciences or Science Education majors.
- 2
Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in this course to meet the major requirements and before enrolling in upper-level courses for which these courses are prerequisites.
- 3
Students must place into MTH 105 Algebra & Trigonometry or higher level mathematics in order to register for BIO 115 and BIO 116.
Academic Plan of Study
The following educational plan is provided as a sample only. Rider students who do not declare a major during their freshman year; who are in a Continuing Education Program; who change their major; or those who transfer to Rider may follow a different plan to ensure a timely graduation. Each student, with guidance from his or her academic advisor, will develop a personalized educational plan.
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Credits | |
| BIO 115 & 115L |
Principles of Biology I and Principles of Biology I Lab |
4 |
| CHE 120 | Principles of Chemistry | 3 |
| CHE 121 | Principles of Chemistry Lab | 1 |
| MTH 105 | Algebra and Trigonometry 1 | 4 |
| CMP 120 | Seminar in Writing and Rhetoric | 3 |
| Semester Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| BIO 116 & 116L |
Principles of Biology II and Principles of Biology II Lab |
4 |
| CHE 122 | Intro to Chemical Systems | 3 |
| CHE 123 | Quantitative Methods Lab | 1 |
| MTH 210 |
Calculus I or Biostatistics |
4 |
| CMP 125 | Seminar in Writing and Research | 3 |
| Semester Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| BIO 260 & 260L |
Principles of Biology: Evolution, Diversity, and Biology of Cells and Principle of Biology: Cells Lab |
4 |
| CHE 211 & 211L |
Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry I Lab |
4 |
| HIS 150 | World History to 1500 | 3 |
| Social Perspectives | 3 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| BIO 265 & 265L |
Genetics and Genetics Lab |
4 |
| CHE 214 & 214L |
Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry II Lab |
4 |
| HIS 151 | World History Since 1500 | 3 |
| Social Perspectives | 3 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| BIO 265 or higher BIO/BNS Course & Lab (3 of 5) | 4 | |
| Choose either sequence | 4 | |
| Principles of Physics I and Principles of Physics I Lab 3 |
||
OR |
||
| General Physics I and General Physics I Lab |
||
| Foreign Language | 3 | |
| Aesthetic Perspectives: Literature | 3 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| BIO 265 or higher BIO/BNS Course & Lab (4 of 5) | 4 | |
| Foreign Language | 3 | |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Principles of Physics II and Principles of Physics II Lab |
||
| General Physics II | ||
| Aesthetic Perspectives: Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Philosophical Perspectives | 3 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 17 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| BIO 265 or higher BIO/BNS Course & Lab (5 of 5) | 4 | |
| BIO 400 | Seminar in Cellular and Molecular Biology | 3 |
| Three Elective Courses 2 | 9 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| Five Elective Courses 2 | 15 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Total Credit Hours for Graduation | 120 | |
- 1
For course placement information please visit https://www.rider.edu/offices-services/new-student-orientation/placement-testing-information
- 2
Please note that elective credits may be used to complete requirements in a second major or minor.
- 3
Natural and Physical Sciences and Mathematics Core requirements are included in the major.
Courses and Descriptions
BIO 100 Life Science 3 Credits
An introductory course for non-science majors in which students develop an understanding of the nature of science and are introduced to foundational topics in the biological life sciences and how they relate to human affairs. The course may emphasize human evolution, genetics, aging, disease, reproduction, bioethics or other topics in biology. This course counts towards the fulfillment of the Disciplinary Perspectives element of the CLAS general education curriculum.
BIO 102 The Biology of Cannabis 1.5 Credits
In this course, you will learn about many aspects of the biology of cannabis, including botany, genetics, growth techniques, strain selection, and health benefits. Emphasis is placed on current methods in the marijuana industry to help legal growers and professionals understand best practices for cultivation, management, and medicinal use. Current literature and sources will be discussed.
BIO 110 Life Science: Inquiry Approach 4 Credits
An introductory course for non-science majors in which students develop an understanding of biological evolution, the molecular basis of heredity, the cell, matter, energy and organization in living systems, and the interdependence of organisms. In addition, students will develop an understanding of science as a human endeavor, the nature of scientific knowledge, and historical perspectives. Through investigative activities, students will develop an understanding about scientific inquiry and develop abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week.
Corequisite(s): BIO 110L.
BIO 110L Life Science: Inquiry Approach Lab 0 Credits
This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.
Corequisite(s): BIO 110.
BIO 115 Principles of Biology I 4 Credits
An introductory biology course focusing on major themes of biology: what is life?; Cells as fundamental structure and functional unit of life; information transmission, storage and retrieval; Diversity and unity of life explained by evolution. Three hours of lecture and one three- hour lab per week.
Corequisite(s): BIO 115L.
BIO 115L Principles of Biology I Lab 0 Credits
This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.
Corequisite(s): BIO 115.
BIO 116 Principles of Biology II 4 Credits
An introductory biology course focusing on major themes of biology: Energy and matter to carry out life's essential functions; Interdependent relationships characterize biological systems (homeostasis, growth & development); Behavior of living things; Ecology and the environment. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week.
Corequisite(s): BIO 116L.
BIO 116L Principles of Biology II Lab 0 Credits
This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.
Corequisite(s): BIO 116.
BIO 206 The Pharmaceutical Industry 3 Credits
An introduction to drug discovery and development. Topics include how drugs are used to diagnose, cure, treat, and prevent disease and how drugs affect body function. The origins of diseases and the early attempts at treatment are also covered. Designed for business majors; does not satisfy requirements for the biology major.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 100 or BIO 101 or BIO 106 or BIO 108 or BNS 107 or CHE 115.
BIO 210 Hospital Intern Program 2 Credits
An internship that provides students with the experience in the practical aspects of medicine. Major departments in the hospital such as the emergency room, operating room, clinic, radiology, and the laboratory will be open for student rotations. Field trips to various medical schools in the area will provide information on professional school educational opportunities available in the health professions.
Prerequisite(s): sophomore standing or above and permission of instructor.
BIO 215 Medical Microbiology 4 Credits
Biology of prokaryotes of medical interest with emphasis placed on diversity and host-pathogen interaction. Current research literature will be covered and presented by students. Methods of microbial identification are introduced in the laboratory and applied in the identification of mock clinical isolates. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week. Prerequisite(s): BIO 115, BIO 116 with a grade of C or better in each course,
Corequisite(s): BIO 215L.
BIO 215L Microbiology Lab 0 Credits
This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.
Corequisite(s): BIO 215.
BIO 221 Human Anatomy & Physiology I 4 Credits
A comprehensive survey of the structure and function of musculo-skeletal systems, neuroendocrine systems and related tissues and cellular interactions. Physiological applications include homeostasis, muscle dynamics, and cell activities. Laboratory exercises complement lecture material through the use of animal dissections, wet labs, computer-assisted investigations, microscopy, and models. Exams, case histories, personal investigations, and lab practicums assess learning. Course emphasis supports allied health and pre-professional training. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week. Designed for allied health students; does not satisfy requirements for the biology major. Prerequisite(s): HSC major ONLY or Permission of instructor.
Corequisite(s): BIO 221L.
BIO 221L Human Anatomy & Physiology I Lab 0 Credits
This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.
Corequisite(s): BIO 221.
BIO 222 Human Anatomy & Physiology II 4 Credits
A comprehensive survey of the organ systems of the body including special senses, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, excretory, reproduction and development. Physiological components include electrolytes, metabolism, nutrition, and the mechanisms of homeostasis and cell reception. Lab studies support lecture material through dissections, wet labs, computer-assisted learning, microscopy, and models. Assessment includes lab practicums, exams, and reports. Course emphasis supports allied health and pre-professional training. Designed for allied health students; does not satisfy requirements for the biology major. Prerequisite(s): BIO 221.
Corequisite(s): BIO 222L.
BIO 222L Human Anatomy & Phys II Lab 0 Credits
This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course. Prerequisite(s): BIO 221L.
Corequisite(s): BIO 222.
BIO 250 Field Natural History 4 Credits
Identification, life history, and interrelationships of plants and animals in natural landscapes of New Jersey. Field, lab, discussion and lecture exercises will prepare students to lead informative and safe nature walks. Nature writing and natural resources management also covered. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week; most labs take place outdoors.Two Saturday field trips (laboratory time will be adjusted accordingly). Designed for education majors; does not satisfy requirements for the biology major.
Corequisite(s): BIO 250L.
BIO 250L Field Natural History Lab 0 Credits
This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.
Corequisite(s): BIO 250.
BIO 260 Principles of Biology: Evolution, Diversity, and Biology of Cells 4 Credits
Lectures and labs focus on basic cell biology. Cell diversity and function, genetics and biotechnology are emphasized. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week. Prerequisite(s): BIO 115/115L and BIO 116/116L or BIO 115, BIO 117, (BNS 118 or BNS 275).
Corequisite(s): BIO 260L.
BIO 260L Principle of Biology: Cells Lab 0 Credits
This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.
Corequisite(s): BIO 260.
BIO 265 Genetics 4 Credits
A comprehensive course focusing on molecular, Mendelian, and population genetics. Topics covered will include molecular advances in the study of genetics, including genomics and bioinformatics; evolution and the effects of genetic mutations; the application of population genetics to forensic science; genetic problem solving, including genetic crosses and statistical analysis; and regulation of gene expression. The laboratory for this course will introduce students to commonly used genetic model organisms and basic molecular biology techniques. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week. Prerequisite(s): BIO 115, BIO 116 and (BIO 260 or BIO 117) with a grade of C or better in each course.
Corequisite(s): BIO 265L.
BIO 265L Genetics Lab 0 Credits
This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.
Corequisite(s): BIO 265.
BIO 272 Intro to Marine Biology 4 Credits
Introduces students to the study of marine environments, emphasizing the diversity, ecology, and physiology of marine animals, algae, and plants. Aspects of the human impact on marine environments are also discussed. Prerequisite(s): BIO 115 or BIO 116 or BNS 118 and grade of "C" or better.
Corequisite(s): BIO 272L.
BIO 272L Marine Biology Laboratory 0 Credits
This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.
Corequisite(s): BIO 272.
BIO 290 Special Topics in Biology 3 Credits
BIO 300 Developmental Biology 4 Credits
Lectures and laboratories explore molecular, cellular, and genetic mechanisms of animal development. Aspects of gametogenesis, fertilization, induction, cytoplasmic determinants, morphogenetic movements, differentiation and developmental evolution are discussed. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week. Prerequisite(s): BIO 115, BIO 116 and (BIO 260 or BIO 117) with a grade of C or better in each course.
Corequisite(s): BIO 300L.
BIO 300L Developmental Biology Lab 0 Credits
This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.
Corequisite(s): BIO 300.
BIO 305 Vertebrate Physiology 4 Credits
Study of the principles and mechanisms of mammalian physiology. Topics include the nervous system, muscle physiology, cardiovascular physiology, respiration, gastrointestinal activity, renal function, and endocrine physiology. Lectures and laboratory exercises emphasize homeostatic mechanisms and organ-system interactions. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week. Prerequisite(s): BIO 115, BIO 116 with a grade of C or better in each course.
Corequisite(s): BIO 305L.
BIO 305L Vertebrate Physiology Lab 0 Credits
This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.
Corequisite(s): BIO 305.
BIO 321 Microbiology 4 Credits
An introduction to the discipline of microbiology, with an emphasis on the biology of prokaryotes found in all the natural realms of our environment, including the oceans, soil, atmosphere, and extreme habitats. Emphasis will be placed on microbial diversity, fundamental microbial processes, and the continual interaction between microbes and the natural environment. Classical and modern methods of identification are introduced in the laboratory. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week. Some field trips are required. Prerequisite(s): BIO 115, BIO 116 with a grade of C or better in each course.
Corequisite(s): BIO 321L.
BIO 321L Microbiology Lab 0 Credits
This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.
Corequisite(s): BIO 321.
BIO 335 Plant Biology 4 Credits
Biology of seed plants, including growth, development, and reproduction of flowering plants. Emphasis is placed on acclimation and adaptations demonstrating environmental influences on plant structure and function. Current literature involving molecular mechanisms of control will be discussed. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week. One Saturday field trip. Prerequisite(s): BIO 115 with a minimum grade of C and BIO 116 with a minimum grade of C.
Corequisite(s): BIO 335L.
BIO 335L Modern Plant Biology Lab 0 Credits
This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.
Corequisite(s): BIO 335.
BIO 340 Evolutionary Biology 4 Credits
Where did we come from? This course will explore the generation of biological diversity on earth. Course topics will include: the history of evolutionary thought; the different lines of evidence and fields of inquiry that bear on our understanding of evolution; selection vs. random changes in populations over time; speciation; extinction; the molecular basis of evolution; and evolutionary developmental biology. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 115, BIO 116, BIO260 with a grade of C or better in each course
Co-requisite(s): BIO 340L.
BIO 340L Evolutionary Biology Lab 0 Credits
This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.
Corequiste(s): BIO 340.
BIO 350 General Ecology 4 Credits
An investigation of the processes that regulate the distribution of plants and animals throughout the biosphere. Relationships among species and their interactions with the environment are stressed. Quantitative analyses of experimental results and current research in basic and applied ecology are discussed. Laboratory activities explore conceptual models using both field activities and computer simulations. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week. One Saturday field trip (laboratory time will be adjusted accordingly). Prerequisite(s): BIO 115, BIO 116, with a grade of “C” or better in each course.
Corequisite(s): BIO 350L.
BIO 350L General Ecology Lab 0 Credits
This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.
Corequisite(s): BIO 350.
BIO 370 Immunology 4 Credits
An introduction to the cells and molecules of the immune system with emphasis on recent advances. Topics include AIDS, autoimmunity, transplantation, and cancer. Readings from current journals will be discussed and presented by students. The laboratory will introduce current research techniques and then apply these to a research problem with critical analyses of the data generated. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week. Prerequisite(s): BIO 115, BIO 116 and (BIO 260 or BIO 117) with a grade of C or better in each course.
Corequisite(s): BIO 370L.
BIO 370L Immunology Lab 0 Credits
This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.
Corequisite(s): BIO 370.
BIO 372 Behavior of Marine Organisms: Evolutionary Approach 4 Credits
An examination of the underlying mechanisms and evolutionary causes of behavior, including habitat use, feeding, and mate choice, particularly in marine organisms. The laboratory will involve collecting, analyzing and interpreting field data and performing experiments in the lab using a variety of marine organisms including fish and crabs. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week. Some full-day field trips (usually on a weekend) are required. Prerequisite(s): BIO 115, BIO 116 with a grade of C or better in each course.
Corequisite(s): BIO 372L.
BIO 372L Behavior of Marine Organisms: Evolutionary Approach Lab 0 Credits
This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.
Corequisite(s): BIO 372.
BIO 390 Special Topics in Biology 4 Credits
This course will provide students the opportunity to deeply explore a specialized topic in the broad field of biological sciences. The course entails 3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory per week, and may satisfy upper-level biology course requirements for the Biology, Behavioral Neuroscience, and/or Health Sciences majors. Examples may include such topics as ornithology, ethnobotany, entomology, neuroelectrophysiology, or exercise physiology, among other possibilities. Prerequisite(s): BIO 115/BIO 115L and BIO 116/BIO 116L.
Corequisite(s): BIO 390L.
BIO 390L Special Topics in Biology Lab 0 Credits
This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.
Corequisite(s): BIO 390.
BIO 400 Seminar in Cellular and Molecular Biology 3 Credits
Critical analysis of the scientific literature pertaining to current topics in cell and molecular biology. Topics may include: genomics, regulation of gene expression, development, and molecular processes of disease. Three hours of lecture per week.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 115, BIO 116, (BIO 260 or BIO 117) with a grade of C or better in each course, junior standing, and permission of instructor.
BIO 416 Bioinformatics 3 Credits
A comprehensive overview of relevant computer-based technologies used in genome research, DNA sequence analysis, and evolutionary biology. Will focus extensively on Internet resources and predictive algorithm usage for determining evolutionary relationships of organisms based on molecular evidence. Lectures will focus on terms and concepts frequently used in genomic and bioinformatic research, while computer labs will allow students to perform hands-on projects with actual DNA sequence data.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 115, BIO 116, (BIO 260 or BIO 117) with a grade of C or better in each course, junior standing, permission of instructor and BIO 265 recommended.
BIO 420 Seminar in Organismal Biology 3 Credits
Critical analysis of the scientific literature pertaining to current topics in physiology and organismal biology. Topics may include hormonal control of behavior, immune pathogen interactions, and other aspects of whole animal and/or plant biology. Three hours of lecture per week.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 115, BIO 116 with a grade of C or better in each course; junior standing, and permission of instructor.
BIO 450 Seminar in Ecology & Evolution 3 Credits
Critical analysis of the scientific literature pertaining to current topics in ecology and evolutionary biology. Ecology and evolution of terrestrial and aquatic systems may include scales of adaptation, mechanisms, or human impacts. Three hours of lecture per week.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 115, BIO 116 with a grade of C or better in each course; junior standing, and permission of instructor.
BIO 490 Independent Study: Research and Creative Expression 1-4 Credits
Immerses the student in field or laboratory research. The student learns to organize material, use the literature, make precise measurements, and obtain reproducible data. If possible, the student will publish the results or present them at a scientific meeting.
BIO 491 Internship in Biology 1-4 Credits
A supervised work experience in an approved organization where qualified students gain real-world knowledge and utilize their academic training in a professional environment. Placement may be in private, public, non-profit, or governmental organizations. These can include educational or research institutions. The method of evaluation will be formalized prior to the approval of the internship by the sponsoring faculty and should include keeping a journal of activities, a term paper or project report and a poster presentation. 2.5 GPA required.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.