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Biology Major - BA

About Biology Major - BA more

Biology majors develop a strong general foundation in biology by exploring cell biology, genetics, chemistry, molecular biology, ecology, evolutionary theory, scientific methodology, research techniques and more. The coursework encourages students to sharpen their analytical, problem-solving, scientific reasoning, critical thinking, communication and laboratory skills. 

Careers in Biology - BA more

  • Biology Teacher
  • Chiropractor
  • Environmentalist
  • Dentistry
  • Genetic Counselor
  • Laboratory Researcher
  • Medical Doctor
  • Medical Laboratory Technician
  • Nurse
  • OccupationalTherapist
  • Physical Therapist
  • Physician’s Assistant
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Researcher
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Salesperson
  • Pharmacist
  • Science Teacher
  • Wildlife
  • Conservationist

 

Additional education may be required for some careers listed

Faculty & Leadership

Undergraduate Research Program Department of Science Read about the relevant research occurring
Course for Biology Major - BA

BIO-120 Biology I: The Unity of Life

Emphasizing inquiry and investigation, this course introduces students to the discoveries, both historical and contemporary, that support the unifying theories of modern biological science. Topics considered include the nature and methods of modern biological science; the basis of life in terms of matter, energy, cells, genetics, and reproduction; and the impact of evolution on the unity of life. The course is comprised of lectures, readings, discussions, written assignments, films, and an

BIO-130 Biology II: Diversity of Life

Current and competing hypotheses explaining the origin, development, and maintenance of the Earth's biodiversity are critically evaluated. Employing a phylogenetic approach and emphasizing the Eukaryote, the major lineages of life are surveyed and compared by considering evolutionary trends and the relationships between structure and function within and among lineages. Abiotic and biotic factors, including human activity, influencing populations, communities, ecosystems and the biosphere are

BIO-210 Genetics

This course is a study of the principles of heredity based upon concepts and principles of the gene. Major topics include Mendelian genetics, sex determination and sex linkage, gene mapping, structure and function of DNA, translation, transcription, recombinant DNA technology, chromosome mutations and aberrations, transposons, extra nuclear genomes and quantitative genetics. Problem solving will be emphasized. Three lecture/discussion sections and one three hour laboratory period per week.

BIO-220 Plant Biology

This course is a study of botany based primarily upon morphological and physiological concepts and principles. Major topics include the plant cell; the ontogeny, structure and physiology of plant tissues and organs; and the forms, phylogeny and life cycles of representative plant groups. Three lecture/demonstration sessions and one two-hour laboratory period per week.

BIO-230 Animal Biology and Physiology

This course provides a comparative study of major animal groups within a taxonomic, morphological and physiological framework. Major topics include animal cells, animal tissues, organ systems, animal phylogeny, life cycles and development. Three lecture sessions and one three hour laboratory period per week. (Prerequisites: BIO120)

BIO-300 Microbiology

This course explores the nature and diversity of microorganisms by considering their structural, functional, ecological and taxonomic relationships. Major topics include microbial structure and growth, metabolism, environmental and ecological interactions, viruses, genetics and representative prokaryotic groups. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory period per week. (Prerequisite: BIO120)

BIO-315 Human Anatomy and Physiology I

This course is part one of a study of the structure and function of the human body. Major topics include the introduction to the human body, cells, tissues and skeletal, muscle, nervous and cardiovascular systems. Three lectures and one three hour lab period per week. (Prerequisite: BIO120)

BIO-316 Human Anatomy & Physiology II

This course is part two of a study of the structure and function of the human body. Major topics include the autonomic nerves and special senses and endocrine, respiratory, digestive, immune, metabolism, reproductive and urinary systems. Three lectures and one three hour lab period per week. (Prerequisite: BIO316 or instructor consent)

BIO-320 Ecology

This course provides the opportunity to study the inter-relationships between organisms, both plant and animal and their environment. These studies include intraspecies and interspecies relationships. The lab consists of field study techniques, collecting, analyzing and interpreting data. Thee lecture/discussion sections and one three hour laboratory period per week. (Prerequisite: BIO120 and BIO130, Recommended: MAT110).

BIO-330 Cell Biology

This course is a study of the structure and function of eukaryotic cells from a molecular viewpoint. Major topics include molecular cell structure, energy requirements of the cell, membranes and compartments of the cell, nucleus and information of the cell and specialized cellular organelle functions. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory period per week. (Recommended prerequisite: BIO120 and BIO210 or instructor consent)

BIO-340 Science Issues and Ethics

This course includes a short introduction to the study of philosophy and ethics, followed by critical analyses of current issues in health and environmental sciences. Ethical discussions are framed in a solid understanding of the science behind each topic. The course will include a variety of formats, including reading and reviewing papers and/or texts, analyzing case studies, and participating in class discussions. (Prerequisite: BIO120 and CHE115).

BIO-350 Medical Terminology

This course will help students learn the components of medical terms. Students will learn the basic elements of words, such as roots, prefixes, suffixes, combining vowels, and combining forms in order to understand, the word's meaning. Students will be able to apply the meaning of the word to an anatomical structure, physiological function or pathology, the course will be mainly online but with several scheduled face-to-face meetings for discussion and examination.

BIO-415 Biology of Aging

This 3 credit course will focus on theories of human aging from a biological perspective. The structural and functional changes that occur during the aging process will be investigated at several levels: molecular, cellular, tissue, and organ system. The symptoms and clinical management of age-related diseases will also be explored. This course is targeted for students interested in the health sciences and is required for the gerontology minor/certification. Prerequisite: BIO120 (preferred)

BIO-430 Immunology

This course provides a comprehensive study of the immune system. Major topics include passive immunity, cell-mediated immunity, humoral immunity, autoimmune diseases, vaccination strategies and other medically relevant topics. (Prerequisite: BIO330)

BIO-440 Human Gross Anatomy

This course is a comprehensive study of human anatomy which includes dissection of a human cadaver. Skeletal, muscular, nervous, digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory, and urogenital systems will be covered, and emphasis will be placed on the relatedness of structure and function.

BIO-450 Special Topics in Biology

The topic for this course will vary each semester, chosen from a wide range of current research in biology. Students will read background material, participate in discussions and complete writing assignments as directed by the instructor. This course will meet for one lecture/discussion hour per week. (Prerequisite: BIO120)

BIO-455 Research Proposal

This course provides the foundation for the Research in Biology Course (BIO456). The students will engage in a literature survey of research in the instructor's area of expertise and develop a research proposal consisting of a research hypothesis, a rationale for the work and experimental design. Course will meet one hour per week. (Open to students in the last two years of study and with instructor consent. Students will plan to complete BIO456 in the following semester with the same

BIO-456 Research in Biology

This course offers students an opportunity to do original research in an area of expertise of one of the biology faculty members. When applicable, the research will be followed with presentation of a poster or a paper at a research symposium.

BIO-497 Biology Teaching Assistant

Students enrolled in this course will work with a faculty member to gain teaching experience in biology courses. Activities may include: designing laboratory exercises; working with students in laboratory, classroom and tutoring environment; preparing and delivering lectures; developing course materials; and grading.

BIO-498 Biology Internship

This internship is designed to provide students with a work/educational experience which will help them determine their future educational and occupational goals.

CHE-115 General Chemistry I

Systematic introduction to the conceptual and symbolic aspects of chemistry. Critical and quantitative thought as applied to the topics of measurement, formula and equation writing, stoichiometry, atomic structure and periodicity, bonding and molecular geometry, gases, phases and phase changes. Brief introduction to Organic Chemistry. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory period per week. (Prerequisites: High School chemistry and one year of algebra or consent of instructor)

CHE-116 General Chemistry II

Continuation of General Chemistry 1. Solutions and Colligative Properties, Equilibrium, Thermodynamics, Qualitative Analysis, Kinetics, Reduction, Oxidation, Nuclear Chemistry. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory period per week. (Prerequisite: CHE115)

CHE-328 Biochemistry

Molecular determinants of structure and function of biomolecules. Biological processes at the molecular level. Enzyme catalysis, bioenergetics, and metabolism. Three lectures (150 minutes) and one laboratory period (180 minutes) per week. (Prerequisite: CHE321)

KHS-473 Biomechanics Available online

This course examines the physics of human movement. Content areas include the structural mechanics of bone construction, muscle contraction, ligament, and tendon plasticity and elasticity. Sport implement mechanics and the mechanics of environmental conditions (e.g. friction, air, and water resistance) are also explored. Sport performance issues will also be analyzed for mechanical efficiency.

MAT-110 Intro Probability & Statistics

This course will explore fundamental topics from probability and descriptive and inferential statistics and apply these to a range of areas of study including business, social science, and biology. Topics include probability and counting rules, probability distributions, hypothesis testing, correlation, regression, chi-square, and analysis-of-variance.

MAT-125 Precalculus

This course emphasizes functions and their applications. We start by investigating graphs and solutions of the algebraic functions including polynomial, rational, and root functions. We continue our exploration with the transcendentals including exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. Additional topics include vectors, polar coordinates, and conic sections. The course is a good preparation for Calculus and for those students who will encounter functions in their course of

MAT-135 Calculus I

This course explores the concepts of limit and continuity, investigates techniques of differentiation and its applications, introduces integration, and provides the framework for the Fundamental Theorem. (Prerequisite: MAT125 or equivalent)

PSY-310 Physiological Psychology

This course will provide a comprehensive understanding of brain and nervous system physiology. The focus will be on how the nervous system governs behavioral and cognitive processes. Functional and dysfunctional physiology and what this tells us about maladaptive behaviors will also be discussed. (Prerequisite: PSY101)

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