Biology Undergraduate Courses

BIO 101 Introduction to Biology I (3)
This course is the first part of an one year overview of biology for non-science majors. This introductory level course will discuss biomolecules, cell physiology, genetics, and biotechnology, with emphasis on real-life application. Three hours of lecture per week. Students enrolling in this course must also enroll in BIO 103 laboratory.

Co-requisite: BIO 103.

BIO 102 Introduction to Biology II (3)
This course is a continuation of BIO 101 and provides the second part of an one year overview of biology for non-science majors. This course will discuss evolution, comparative biodiversity, human and animal anatomy and physiology, and ecology and environmental science. Three hours of lecture per week. Students enrolling in this course must also enroll in BIO 104 laboratory.

Co-requisite: BIO 104.

BIO 103 Introduction to Biology Laboratory I (1)
This laboratory course must be taken with BIO 101. Students will perform laboratory experiments including practical applications of the scientific method, a study of the metric system, using bioinstrumentation, analyzing biochemical reactions including photosynthesis and fermentation, a microscopic study of cell and nuclear division, and genetics techniques including DNA electrophoresis. Students will learn to write laboratory reports in the same format as professional journal articles. This course particularly emphasizes critical thinking and problem solving skills. One two-hour laboratory per week.

Co-requisite: BIO 101.
Course Fee: $75

BIO 104 Introduction to Biology Laboratory II (1)
This laboratory course must be taken with BIO 102. Students will perform laboratory experiments including analysis of skull fossils, cultivation, growth and analysis of bacteria, human anatomy and physiology, water analysis, and an analysis of the effect of pollution on aquatic organisms. Students will continue to practice writing laboratory reports in the same format as professional journal articles. This course particularly emphasizes critical thinking and problem solving skills. One two-hour laboratory per week.

Co-requisite: BIO 102.
Course Fee: $75

BIO 105 Introduction to Human Biology (4)
This course addresses human biology from its beginning, sexual reproduction and birth, to its ending, aging and death, including the physical developmental stages in between. Students will study the structure and functions of cells and organ systems and learn how these systems are integrated to support the human body over its life span. The course will cover a number of bioethical and diversity issues including such topics as advances in medical technology, recombinant DNA, and human genome studies. Students will be introduced to basic research methods and scientific writing. Three hours of lecture and two hours of lab.

Course Fee: $35

BIO 106 Medical Terminology (3)
This course covers the building blocks of basic medical terminology. The relationship of word parts to their anatomical counterparts will be studied. Rules for combining word parts into complete medical terms will be emphasized. The correct contextual use of terms will be emphasized throughout the course. Such understanding will facilitate learning of scientific and medical principles encountered during more advanced career preparation.

BIO 107 Principles of Biology for Science Majors I (4)
This is one part of a two-semester sequence of an introductory-level biology course for science majors. This course is designed for students who want to major in biology or another science, or who plans to attend dental, veterinary, or medical school after graduation. It will cover the fundamentals of biomolecules, cell physiology, respiration and photosynthesis, and genetics. In laboratory, students will perform experiments including analysis of biochemical reactions, photosynthesis and fermentation, a microscopic study of cell and nuclear division, and genetics techniques including DNA electrophoresis. Students will learn to write laboratory reports in the same format as professional journal articles. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week.

Course Fee: $75

BIO 108 Principles of Biology for Science Majors II (4)
This course, in addition to BIO 107, is designed for students who want to major in biology or another science, or who plan to attend dental, veterinary, or medical school after graduation. It will cover the fundamentals of evolution, comparative biodiversity, human and animal anatomy and physiology, and ecology and environmental science. In laboratory, students will perform experiments including the analysis, and an analysis of the effect of pollution on aquatic organisms. Students will continue to practice writing laboratory reports in the same format as professional journal articles. Field trips are a part of the lab requirement. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week.

Course Fee: $75

BIO 195 Special Topics (1-5)
Special topics in the discipline, designed primarily for freshmen. Students may enroll in 195 Special Topics multiple times, as long as the topics differ.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

BIO 201 Research Methods in Biology (3)
This course will provide an overview of experimental research methods in the sciences. Topics include discussions of laboratory research design and methods, ethics in research, the use of animal and human subjects, and the critical analysis of published research reports. Development of scientific writing skills will also be emphasized. Three hours of lecture per week.

Prerequisite: BIO 107 and BIO 108; or permission of the instructor.

BIO 202 Internship in Biology (2)
Internships provide intellectually enriching work experiences related to the student's major and/or career interest. They enhance and integrate academic study with supervised practical experience and training. Students may receive course credit for internships by enrolling in this course either concurrently or in the semester after the internship experience.

Prerequisite: BIO 107 and BIO 108; or permission of the major advisor.

BIO 203 Anatomy and Physiology for Human Service Majors (4)
A comprehensive course with emphasis on major body systems including musculoskeletal, nervous, digestive, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. This course is designed to give Physical Education and Recreation majors a strong foundation for PER 341 (Kinesiology). Field trips that have direct applications to the course are arranged, dependant on availability. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week.

Prerequisite: BIO 105.
Course Fee: $75

BIO 211 Genetics (4)
This course provides an overview of modern genetics, beginning with classical Mendelian genetics and continuing through molecular genetics. Laboratory activities will introduce students to techniques currently used in genetics laboratories, including gel electrophoresis, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and DNA fingerprinting using STR polymorphism analysis. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week.

Prerequisite: BIO 107 and BIO 108; or permission of instructor.
Course Fee: $100

BIO 221 Microbiology (5)
A general survey of the microorganisms, with emphasis on their morphology, physiology, growth, and methods of isolation and identification. Three hours of lecture and two two-hour laboratories per week.

Prerequisite: BIO 107 and BIO 108; or permission of instructor.
Course Fee: $100

BIO 222 Molecular Cell Biology (4)
An in-depth study of cellular structure and organization and the biochemical functioning of the cell. Modern cell biology weaves three areas into one. The three areas are: cytology, which is concerned with cellular structure; biochemistry, which helps in understanding the techniques for the separation of cellular components and the life processes in cells at the molecular level; and genetics, which emphasizes the molecular structure of genes and how the genetic code controls expression through transcription of mRNA and translation into protein structure and function. Topics will include similarities and differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes; the composition, function, and synthesis of biomacromolecules; storage and retrieval of genetic information; gene activity; cellular differentiation, intercellular communication; and mutation. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week.

Prerequisite: BIO 107 and BIO 108; or permission of instructor.
Course Fee: $75

BIO 231 Invertebrate Zoology (4)
Advanced survey of the biology of invertebrates with an emphasis on comparative and functional morphology to include major features of body plans (multicellularity, symmetry etc), physiology, evolution, systematics, behavior of the invertebrates, a study of the reproductive strategies, development and diverse ecological strategies invertebrates exhibit. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week.

Prerequisite: BIO 108; or permission of instructor.
Course Fee: $75

BIO 232 Vertebrate Zoology (4)
Through a combination of lectures, laboratories, field trips and independent research projects, this course will provide a general overview of the many aspects of vertebrate biology to include: comparative anatomy of the vertebrates, function of organ systems, developmental pathways, evolution, physiological, ecological and behavioral adaptations. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week.

Prerequisite: BIO 108; or permission of instructor.
Course Fee: $50

BIO 233 Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4)
The first part of a two-semester course sequence, this course will study the various systems of the body from a combined anatomical and physiological standpoint, with laboratory experiments which illustrate their structure and function. Students will develop their critical thinking skills by analyzing hypothetical problems relating to anatomy and physiology; many of these problems will have medical applications. The first semester will focus on the following organ systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and special sensory. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week.

Prerequisite: BIO 107 and BIO 108; or permission of instructor.
Course Fee: $75

BIO 235 Developmental Biology (4)
Study of the origin and development of representative vertebrates, illustrating in detail the development from zygote to germ layers to organ derivatives. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week.

Prerequisite: BIO 107 and BIO 108; or permission of instructor.
Course Fee: $50

BIO 236 Animal Physiology (4)
A comparative study of the physiological processes occurring in highly evolved animals, including but not emphasizing humans. The course is intended to outline the functional problems of the living state and illustrates the strategies that emerge to change them. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week.

Prerequisite: BIO 107 and BIO 108; or permission of instructor.

BIO 241 Ecology (4)
A study of the interrelationships between organisms and physical factors in and with the natural world. The course discusses ecological parameters (physical factors, nutrient cycles, energy flow), organisms (life histories, evolutionary fitness), populations (population growth, temporal and spatial dynamics), communities (predator-prey interactions, competition, co-evolution, succession), ecosystems (biomes, biodiversity, species-area relationships). Laboratory experiences will include both field trips and modeling exercises. Three hours of lecture and one two hour laboratory per week.

Prerequisite: BIO 108 or permission of the instructor.
Course Fee: $75

BIO 242 Evolution (3)
The theory of evolution is the foundation of modern biology because it best explains the unity and diversity of life on earth. This course will cover the history of evolution, evolutionary processes, adaptation, and evolution as an explanatory framework at levels of biological organization ranging from genomes to ecological communities. The interplay between theory and empirical tests of hypotheses will be emphasized, thus acquainting students with the process of science.

Prerequisite: BIO 211 or permission of instructor.

BIO 243 Botany (4)
Molecular, cellular, physiological, morphological, ecological, systematics, and evolutionary principles of plants, with special reference to their economic importance, genetics, and ecology. The course also includes brief discussions on algae and some bacteria, as well as fungi. The course consists of tightly linked lecture and laboratory learning experiences. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week.

Prerequisite: BIO 107 and BIO 108; or permission of instructor.
Course Fee: $75

BIO 251 Nutrition (3)
We will study nutrition science, focusing on issues that currently affect Americans today including: the current obesity epidemic, fad diets, popular supplements, energy drinks, and fast food and their effects on our nutritional health. Our objective is to teach students the following lifelong skills: how to analyze popular diets and supplements, how to perform a nutrition self-analysis and analyze BMI and body fat percentage, how to lose weight effectively and safely, and how to develop a healthy, nutritious meal plan for yourself and your family.

BIO 295 Special Topics (1-5)
Special Topics in the discipline, designed primarily for sophomores. Students may enroll in 295 Special Topics multiple times, as long as the topics differ.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

BIO 296 Research Experience I (1-3)
This course aims to allow sophomores to develop practical laboratory and data analysis skills by performing hypothesis-driven laboratory research. A large body of science education research show that undergraduate science majors who perform research do better in their courses, are more likely to graduate from college and more likely to succeed in their graduate and professional careers. To enroll in this course, students must identify a willing senior faculty researcher and agree upon a research project prior to enrollment. Ideally a project should test a hypothesis before the end of the semester. Students will perform laboratory experiments, collect, record and analyze data, and present their data at weekly, one-hour project meetings which will be guided by the faculty researcher and other students or technicians involved with the project. Assessment will be primarily based upon weekly presentations at project meetings. Students may enroll for between 1-3 credits, with each credit hour intended to be the equivalent of three hours of average weekly laboratory research.

BIO 321 Pathogenic Microbiology (5)
This course will discuss the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of infectious diseases and the mechanisms by which microorganisms subvert host defenses and cause infections, resulting in tissue damage and perhaps death. Students will study the epidemiology, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment and prevention of infectious diseases caused by bacteria and viruses. This course will also cover a number of case studies giving students an opportunity to diagnosis patients suffering from infectious diseases.

Prerequisite: BIO 221 or permission of instructor.

BIO 331 Vertebrae Histology (5)
A study of the microscopic anatomy and histophysiology of the major tissues and organs of the vertebrate body, with emphasis on structure-function relationships. Three hours of lecture and two two-hour laboratory per week.

Prerequisite: BIO 232 or permission of instructor.
Course Fee: $50

BIO 332 Human Anatomy & Physiology II (4)
The second part of a two-semester course sequence, this course will cover the remaining physiological systems of the body Students will develop their critical thinking skills by analyzing hypothetical problems relating to anatomy and physiology; many of these problems will have medical applications. This semester will focus on the following organ systems: endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary and male and female reproductive systems. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week.

Prerequisite: BIO 233 or permission of instructor.
Course Fee: $75

BIO 341 Field Biology (4)
Field Biology is an intensive ecology course that will allow students to become familiar with more principles and applications of ecology. Experimental and descriptive methods of ecological investigations will be learned through laboratory exercises and field projects. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week.

Prerequisite: BIO 241 or permission of instructor.

BIO 342 Marine Biology (3)
This course will offer students an opportunity to take an intensive look at aquatic systems, beginning with an overview of the chemical, geological, and physical aspects of the world's oceans. Students will learn about the ecology of marine systems of microscopic (bacteria, phytoplankton, and zooplankton) to macroscopic organisms (fish and marine mammals). A variety of current events will be discussed (e.g. harmful algal blooms, iron fertilization, recent discoveries in bacteria and phytoplankton genomes). Three hours of lecture per week and one all-day field trip to the Chesapeake Bay.

Prerequisite: BIO 241 or permission of instructor.
Course Fee: $50

BIO 395 Special Topics (1-5)
Special topics in the discipline, designed primarily for juniors. Students may enroll in 395 Special Topics multiple times, as long as the topics differ.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

BIO 396 Research Experience II (1-3)
This course aims to allow juniors to develop practical laboratory and data analysis skills by performing hypothesis-driven laboratory research. A large body of science education research show that undergraduate science majors who perform research do better in their courses, are more likely to graduate from college and more likely to succeed in their graduate and professional careers. To enroll in this course, students must identify a willing senior faculty researcher and agree upon a research project prior to enrollment. Ideally a project should test a hypothesis before the end of the semester. Students will perform laboratory experiments, collect, record, and analyze data, and present their data at weekly, one-hour project meetings which will be guided by the faculty researcher and other students or technicians involved with the project. Assessment will be primarily based upon weekly presentations at project meetings. Students may enroll for between 1-3 credits, with each credit hour intended to be the equivalent of three hours of average weekly laboratory research.

BIO 403 Senior Capstone I (3)
This course is for biology B.S. program majors who are in their last year of the program. Students will produce three major products (1) a literature review on an approved topic of their choice; (2) a research proposal that may or may not be submitted to the Gallaudet Research Institute in order to obtain funding; and (3) a final research article, which summarizes and analyzes the data which the student collected during their research project, and which is written in the format of a professional journal article. The student and instructor will need to draw up a work contract which specifies the parameters of this work as well as meeting times.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

BIO 404 Senior Capstone II (3)
Students whose capstone research project requires more than one semester of work may also enroll in this course for the second semester to obtain additional course credit. The student and instructor will need to draw up a work contract which specifies the parameters of this work as well as meeting times.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

BIO 411 Human Genetics (3)
This course is cross-listed and is otherwise known as BIO 711. An in-depth examination of the mechanisms involved in producing genetic variation in humans and medical/clinical aspects of genetic variation and disease. Topics include human cytogenetics and chromosomal disorders, nontraditional inheritance, genetic counseling, and the ethical, legal, and social impact of genetics technology. Hereditary variations in deaf people are also discussed. Three hours of lecture per week.

Prerequisite: BIO 211 or permission of the instructor.

BIO 495 Special Topics (1-5)
Special topics in the discipline, designed primarily for seniors who are majors or minors. Students may enroll in 495 Special Topics multiple times, as long as the topics differ.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

BIO 496 Research Experience III (1-3)
This course aims to allow seniors to develop practical laboratory and data analysis skills by performing hypothesis-driven laboratory research. A large body of science education research show that undergraduate science majors who perform research do better in their courses, are more likely to graduate from college and more likely to succeed in their graduate and professional careers. To enroll in this course, students must identify a willing senior faculty researcher and agree upon a research project prior to enrollment. Ideally a project should test a hypothesis before the end of the semester. Students will perform laboratory experiments, collect, record, and analyze data, and present their data at weekly, one-hour project meetings which will be guided by the faculty researcher and other students or technicians involved with the project. Assessment will be primarily based upon weekly presentations at project meetings. Students may enroll for between 1-3 credits, with each credit hour intended to be the equivalent of three hours of average weekly laboratory research.

BIO 499 Independent Study (1-3)
Reading, research, discussion, writing in the discipline, or laboratory work, according to the goals of the student. The student and instructor will need to draw up a work contract which specifies the parameters of this work as well as meeting times.

Prerequisite: Permission of the department chair.