Courses

• BY170 Introduction to Organisms (4) NL

  This course will introduce the evolutionary processes that shape variation within populations and generate species diversity. It will examine the diversity in organismal morphology, physiology, behavior and ecology, and describe the interactions between species and their environments. The overarching goal of the course is to illustrate fundamental concepts in evolution, ecology and diversity via examples of species adaptations and interactions. An additional goal is to develop critical analytical skills through case studies, interactive lab protocols, and hands-on observations of plant and animal specimens. Three (3) hours lecture, three (3) hours lab. Offered every fall. BY170L, weekly lab.

• BY171 Introduction to Cells (Formerly BY160 Principles of Biology) (4)

  Introduction to the structure and function of cells, including basic chemistry, metabolism, mitosis, genetics, protein synthesis, and cell regulation. Three (3) hours lecture, three (3) hours lab. Offered every semester.

• BY123 Environmental Biology (3) NL

  Introduction to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, with emphasis on human influences. Field experience based labs. Two (2) hours lecture, three (3) hours lab. Not applicable toward the major. Not applicable toward the minor for students having successfully completed BY275 or BY352. Offered every semester.

• BY241 Ornithology (3)

  An introduction to the study of birds, their classification, anatomy, physiology, behavior, and natural history. Five hours per week, divided between lecture, lab and field excursions. Prerequisites: completion of the introductory biology sequence with minimum grades of C. Offered even-numbered springs. This course is not accepted for the Natural World Biological Science requirement.

• BY264 Plant Biology (3)

  Study of structure, function, reproductive adaptations, and taxonomic classification of the major phyla of land plants. Emphasis on laboratory observations of micro- and macroscopic features and specialized terminology. Two (2) hours lecture, three (3) hours lab. Prerequisites: completion of the introductory biology sequence with minimum grades of C. Offered odd-numbered springs. This course is not accepted for the Natural World Biological Science requirement

• BY275 Aquatic Field Biology (3)

  The study of aquatic systems and organisms, their functions, origins and interactions. Field oriented labs with training in limnological equipment and analysis. Three (3) hours lecture, three (3) hours lab. Prerequisites: completion of the introductory biology sequence with minimum grades of C. Offered even-numbered falls. This course is not accepted for the Natural World Biological Science requirement.

• BY352 Ecology (3)

  This course examines interrelationships between individuals and their abiotic environment as well as population-and community-level interactions. General principles will be applied to a range of organisms, including plants, animals, microorganisms, and humans. Labs will vary in structure and will emphasize the collection and evaluation of numerical data to test hypotheses. Two (2) hours lecture and three (3) hours laboratory. Prerequisites: minimum grad of C in BY170, BY171.

• BY150 Human Biology (4) NL

  Systems approach to study of basic human anatomy and physiology designed for non-biology majors. Three (3) hours lecture, three (3) hours lab. Not applicable toward the major. Not applicable toward the minor for students having successfully completed BY221 or BY372. Offered every fall and odd-numbered springs.

• BY221 Anatomy and Histology of Vertebrates (4)

  Structure, function and evolution of vertebrates at organ and tissue levels; emphasis on laboratory observations using a comparative approach. Three (3) hours lecture, three (3) hours lab. Prerequisites: completion of the introductory biology sequence with minimum grades of C. Offered every fall. This course is not accepted for the Natural World Biological Science requirement.

• BY231 Microbiology (4)

  Morphology, taxonomy, and physiology of bacteria and other microorganisms; microbial genetics, environmental and industrial significance of microorganisms, and infectious diseases will be covered. Three (3) hours lecture, four (4) hours lab. Prerequisites: completion of the introductory biology sequence with minimum grades of C. Offered every spring. This course is not accepted for the Natural World Biological Science requirement.

• BY324/PG324 Neuroscience (4)

  Topics include neuron functioning (action potential production including the behavior of receptors, ion channels and neurotransmitters), synaptic transmission, sensory and motor systems, the neurobiological perspective of learning and memory, drugs and the brain, sex and the brain. Both invertebrate and vertebrate systems discussed. Three (3) hours lecture, three (3) hours lab.Prerequisites: minimum grade of C in BY150 or BY171, sophomore status and instructor approval. Offered even-numbered springs. This course is not accepted for the Natural World Biological Science requirement.

• BY326 Cell Biology (4)

  (Open to declared biology or health science majors.) Study of cellular structure and function: bioenergetics, enzyme regulation, membrane dynamics, cell ultrastructure and cell signaling. Four (4) hours lecture. Prerequisites: minimum grade of C in BY171 and BY170. Junior status. Offered every fall. This course is not accepted for the Natural World Biological Science requirement.

• BY328 Genetics (5) WI

  (Open to declared biology or health science majors.) Mendelian, population, and molecular genetics, with an emphasis on recent advances. Four (4) hours lecture, three (3) hours lab. Offered every spring. Prerequisites: completion of the introductory biology sequence and CY112 with minimum grades of C. This course is not accepted for the Natural World Biological Science requirement.

• BY341 Parasitology (2)

  Introduction to parasites infecting humans: symptoms, pathology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Lecture, laboratory. (8 week mod) Prerequisites: completion of the introductory biology sequence with minimum grades of C. Offered odd-numbered springs. This course is not accepted for the Natural World Biological Science requirement.

• BY350 Evolution (4)

  (Open to declared biology majors) The course will focus on developing a deeper understanding of two key concepts in biological evolution: how natural selection operates and how evolutionary lineages change and diversify. Particular emphasis will be placed on interpretation of data and development of communication skills using both scholarly and popular press literature. Proficiency with algebra will be assumed. Prerequisites: completion of the introductory biology sequence and BY-228 Genetics with minimum grades of C and one upper-level course in Biology. Offered every spring.  

• BY361 Immunology (4)

  Molecular, cellular and organism-level immunology in health and disease; Foundational topics include: innate immunity, lymphocyte development, B and T cell immunity, and antigen presentation. Introductions to clinical immunology include: vaccines, autoimmunity, allergies, immunodeficiency and tumor immunology. Some current tools in immunological research will be discussed. Format will include lecture, presentations by students, case studies and discussions of primary literature. Four (4) hours of lecture. Prerequisites: completion of the introductory biology sequence with minimum grades of C. This course is not accepted for the Natural World Biological Science requirement.

• BY372 Physiology (4)

  (Open to declared biology or health science majors.) Basic physiology of human body systems; neural and neuroendocrine integration and control. Three (3) hours lecture, three (3) hours lab. Prerequisites: completion of the introductory biology sequence and CY112 with minimum grades of C. Offered every spring. This course is not accepted for the Natural World Biological Science requirement.