Biology Degree
Curriculum
Required Biology Courses (42 credits)
BI 111 General Biology I
The goal of this course is to familiarize the student with fundamental principles which govern all organisms. Topics introduced include biological themes illustrated throughout the semester, cell structure and physiology, Darwinian evolution, and genetics. General Education choice, Level A. To be taken in conjunction with BI 111L. Scheduled each fall term. P: High school biology. 3 credits
BI 111L General Biology Laboratory I
BI 111L uses a series of laboratory exercises designed to provide hands-on experience in addressing various biological principals and to introduce the scientific method of experimental design. 1 credit
BI 112 General Biology II
This course is a continuation of General Biology I with a comparative approach to various organ systems. What is an animal? What are the various modes of nutrition? What evolutionary steps have organisms made to become more efficient at surviving? What organ systems have they exploited? Their physiology, maintenance of homeostasis and the relationships the organ systems have to each other will be explored. To be taken in conjunction with BI 112L. Scheduled each spring semester.3 credits
BI 112L General Biology II Laboratory
BI 112L explores the anatomy and physiology of selected organisms through dissection-based activities. One three-hour laboratory period per week. To be taken in conjunction with BI 111 and BI 112 respectively. 1 credit
BI 216 Cell Biology
This course addresses life at the cellular level. Topics include the composition and physiology of major organelles, the mechanisms of energy production, storage and utilization, signal transduction, cancer, cell migration, and adhesion. Offered in fall semester. P: BI 111. 3 credits
BI 216L Cell Biology Laboratory
This course includes exercises employing methods commonly used in studying areas in cell biology. Laboratory techniques include mammalian cell culture, DNA/protein electrophoresis, bacterial transformation, protein expression, and purification. To be taken in conjunction with BI216. 3 hours. 1 credit
BI 310 Genetics
This course is designed to introduce the student to DNA and its roles in the forming of genes, heredity, and the variation of organisms. Mendelian genetics, fundamental molecular genetics, and the genetic basis of evolution are included as well. P: BI 111, BI 112.3 credits
BI 310L Genetics Laboratory
Laboratory exercises include DNA/protein electrophoresis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), restriction enzyme analysis, computer-based image analysis, and the manipulation of selected model organisms. To be taken in conjunction with BI 310. 3 hours. 1 credit
CH 121 General Chemistry I
A study of matter and atomic structure, mass-mole relationships, reaction stoichiometry, solution chemistry including redox and precipitation reactions, the Theory of gas laws, electronic structure and the Periodic table of elements, covalent bonding and thermochemistry. General Education choice, Level A. Scheduled each fall semester. P: Background in Mathematics equivalent to Algebra II. 3 credits
CH 121L General Chemistry I Laboratory
Laboratory experiments which correlate with General Chemistry I lecture. General laboratory incorporating qualitative and quantitative techniques such as titrations, filtrations and chromatography will be included. To be taken in conjunction with CH 121. 1 credit
CH 122 General Chemistry II
Course includes studies in liquids, solids and intermolecular bonding, concentration units and colligative properties, chemical kinetics, equilibrium in gaseous systems, acid and bases, acid-base theory and equilibria studies (including buffers and titrations), precipitation equilibria, coordination compounds, spontaneity of reactions, electrochemistry, and nuclear reactions (time permitting). Scheduled each fall semester. P: CH 121. 3 credits
CH 122L General Chemistry II Laboratory
Laboratory experiments which correlate with CH 122 lecture. Laboratory experiments include basic analytical techniques: titrations, gravimetry, spectroscopy and electrochemistry. To be taken in conjunction with CH 122.1 credit
CH 221 Organic Chemistry I
This course focuses on fundamentals of structure and bonding in organic compounds. Study of the structure, properties, preparation, reactions, and reaction mechanisms of organic compounds including alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alcohols, and alkyl halides. Includes stereochemistry of organic compounds; nucleophilic substitution reactions. This is a writing intensive (W) course. Scheduled each fall semester. P: CH 121, CH 122. 3 credits
CH 221L Organic Chemistry I Laboratory
Laboratory experiments correlated with Organic Chemistry I lecture. Introduction to various organic laboratory techniques including distillation, reflux, extractions, recrystallization, chromatography, qualitative analysis, and laboratory safety (and related matters). Experiments include paper and thin-layer chromatography, elimination, nucleophilic substitution, and addition reactions. To be taken in conjunction with CH 221. P: CH 121, CH 121L, CH 122, CH 122L. 1 credit
CH 222 Organic Chemistry II
Study of the structure, properties, preparation, reactions, and reaction mechanisms of organic compounds including alkadienes, arenes, organometallics, alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, amines, and various other derivative groups. Basic theory of spectroscopic methods NMR, UV, IR and MS will be introduced and spectral interpretation of organic compounds emphasized. Scheduled each spring semester. P: CH 221.3 credits
CH 222L Organic Chemistry II Laboratory
Laboratory experiments correlated with Organic Chemistry II lecture. Experiments will incorporate spectroscopic analysis (NMR, UV, IR and MS) with synthesis and organic reaction experiments such as oxidation-reduction, esterification, and nucleophilic substitution reactions. Scheduled each spring semester. P: CH 221L1 credit
SC 131 General Physics I
The study of selected topics, e.g., motion, force, work, energy and thermodynamics, using algebra and trigonometry. Laboratory exercises will illustrate these principles. This course is a requirement for students preparing for teaching certification in Biology or Chemistry. P: high school physics, algebra or departmental permission. Offered fall semester of even years. 3 credits
SC 131L General Physics I Laboratory
Offered in conjunction with SC 131, this course illustrates selected topics through hands-on work. 3 hours. 1 credit
SC 132 General Physics II
The study of the fundamental principles of sound, electricity, magnetism, optics and atomic physics. Laboratory exercises will illustrate these principles. Offered spring semester of odd years. P: SC 131 or departmental permission.3 credits
SC 132L General Physics II Laboratory
Offered in conjunction with SC 132, this course illustrates selected topics through hands-on work. 3 hours. 1 credit
SC 351 Senior Science Seminar I
Students examine current research advances by reviewing reports in the scientific literature. Experimental techniques used in the research laboratory are studied in-depth. Course structure involves instruction on the use of literature databases and student presentations. Offered each fall semester. P: Senior status or instructor permission1 credit
SC 352 Senior Science Seminar II
Extension of SC 351. Students focus on a single research area of their choosing, conducting a thorough analysis of the pertinent literature and formulating questions for future study in the field. The student is guided in the preparation of a written research proposal that details an experimental approach to address the identified questions. The course is designed to demonstrate a senior student's breadth of scientific knowledge and use of the scientific method. Scheduled each spring semester. P: Completion of SC 351 or instructor permission1 credit
Required Correlatives: (10 credits)
MA 120 Pre-Calculus
For students who require review and extension of mathematical background before undertaking the more advanced calculus courses. Topics include numbers, functions, graphing, exponential functions, logarithmic functions, and trigonometry. Generally offered each spring semester. General Education choice, Level A. P: MA 100 or its equivalent or by permission of the Mathematics Program Director 3 credits
MA 121 Calculus I
Presentation of the fundamental concepts of functions, limits, and differential calculus with an introduction to integral calculus. Techniques and applications of differentiation and calculating areas as limits are explored. Offered each fall semester. P: MA 120 or its equivalent. 4 credits
CH 324 Biochemistry
Study of the structure and function of complex macromolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates. Intermolecular interactions and regulatory mechanisms that control these interactions will be examined. Cellular metabolism and a quantitative analysis of certain biochemical reactions will also be covered. Scheduled each fall semester. P: BI 111, CH 221, and CH 222. BI 216 is strongly recommended. 3 credits
CH 324L Biochemistry Laboratory
Offered in conjunction with CH 324. Experimental techniques are aimed at extracting and quantitating nucleic acids and proteins from cells. Purified macromolecules are analyzed using a combination of chromatographic, electrophoretic, and immunobiological methods. Students gain proficiency in operating equipment and instruments commonly found in a biochemical laboratory. The course also includes visits to off-campus sites engaged in advanced and highly specialized biochemical experimentation. To be taken in conjunction with CH 324. 3 hours.1 credit
SC 302 Practicum/Internship
Program of supervised practical experience in an external setting related to students' interest. P: Permission of Department Chair.1 - 6 credits