Courses

Courses - BIO

BIO101 - General Biology (3)

This is a survey course of the basic physical and chemical principles essential to an understanding of molecular biology and its applications to the basic concepts of cellular morphology, physiology, cellular behavior, modern genetics, evolution, and ecology. PREREQUISITES: None

BIO101L - General Biology Laboratory (1)

Basic laboratory techniques in biology will be stressed to illustrate chemical principles, cellular concepts, parasitism, modern genetics, and principles of plant biology and ecology. One two-hour laboratory period per week with laboratory fee. PREREQUISITES: None

BIO102 - General Biology II (3)

The basic concepts of BIO101 are used as background to develop an understanding of the structure and function of mammalian organ systems and their evolutionary development. PREREQUISITES: BIO101 or permission of instructor

BIO102L - General Biology II Laboratory (1)

A continuation of BIO101L, this laboratory course emphasizes the microscopic and macroscopic examination of mammalian organ systems. One two-hour laboratory period per week with laboratory fee. PREREQUISITES: BIO101 or permission of instructor

BIO103 - Human Anatomy and Physiology (4)

This course presents the basic patterns and organizational theories of the human body, including topics of interest for students seeking careers in the health sciences, using a systems approach from cellular levels and support systems to control and regulation. This course carries biology major credit only for students in bio-education to comply with state certification requirements. One three-hour laboratory period per week with laboratory fee. PREREQUISITES: None

BIO104 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4)

This course continues the systematic exploration of the human body, including clinical considerations of the endocrine, cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. One three-hour laboratory period per week with laboratory fee. PREREQUISITES: None

BIO105 - Environmental Biology (3)

This is an introductory course that emphasizes the biological aspects of environmental science. It is usually taken by students to meet the general education requirement, or students who would like to consider the biology major and are interested in the ecology/environmental science concentration. The course examines how ecosystems function, and covers the issues of natural resource management, population dynamics, and pollution control throughout the world. Students who register for BIO105 are encouraged to register for BIO105L also. PREREQUISITES: None

BIO105L - Environmental Biology Lab (1)

Students who need to fulfill their lab science requirement should take this lab in conjunction with BIO105. Laboratory exercises will emphasize appreciation of the natural world, acquisition of basic biology lab skills, critical thinking, environmental problem solving, and use of experimental techniques in environmental biology. One two-hour laboratory period per week with laboratory fee. PREREQUISITES: None

BIO107 - Human Biology (3)

An introductory course taken by students to meet the general education requirements, this course presents human biology and current biological concerns, including biological organization, reproduction, hormonal cycles, genetics, contraception, diseases, and effects of drugs. Students who register for BIO107 should also register for BIO107L. PREREQUISITES: None

BIO107L - Human Biology Lab (1)

Laboratory exercises will emphasize normal and abnormal anatomical and physiological complexes in man, including the heart and circulation systems, the digestive system, respiration and reproductive systems, and genetics. Topics on diseases, blood typing, DNA typing, forensics, and effects of drugs will be investigated. One two-hour laboratory period per week with laboratory fee. PREREQUISITES: None

BIO109 - Animal Diversity in Massachusetts (3)

This course covers the animals of Massachusetts with a focus on the mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, as well as some freshwater fishes. The species found in western Massachusetts are emphasized. Diversity, conservation, and human interactions with these animals are investigated. PREREQUISITES: None

BIO110 - Biology of AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (3)

This course studies the life cycle of HIV Retrovirus, its transmission, immunological consequences, clinical effects, control, and epidemic potential. The biology of the other sexually transmitted diseases such as Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Genital Herpes, Candidiasis, and their consequences will be explored. PREREQUISITES: None. Does not satisfy general college or major requirements for a laboratory science.

BIO112 - Introduction Biology I (3)

This course provides an introduction to the principles of biological science. Topics covered will include the process of scientific inquiry, cell chemistry,cell structure and function,genetics and inheritance. The relevenace of biology to everyday life will be emphasized. This course is intended for non-science majors, and does not satisfy the laboratory science requirement for scientific awareness.

BIO113 - Introduction Biology II (3)

This course continues an investigation into the principles of biological science. Topics covered include animal organization and diversity, microbial and plant biology, ecology, and the relationship of organisms to the environment. The relevance of biology to everyday life will be emphasized. This course is intended for non-science majors, and does not satisfy the general education lab science requirement.

BIO206 - Animal Biology (4)

This is an introduction to molecular activity, structure, function, diversity and reproduction of the cell; it provides a basic foundation in invertebrate and vertebrate anatomy, physiology and development, with emphasis on mammalian biology. One three-hour laboratory period per week with laboratory fee. PREREQUISITES: None

BIO207 - Ecology (4)

This course covers the fundamental concepts of how organisms interact with each other and with their environment. It is a required course for the biology major and is usually taken after having completed BIO206. One three-hour laboratory period per week with laboratory fee and one required field trip per semester. PREREQUISITES: BIO206 or permission of instructor

BIO209 - Pathophysiology (3)

A study of concepts and information about disease as it occurs in the individual, this course involves the study of pathologies pervading all systems, and those unique to specific organ systems. PREREQUISITES: BIO103, BIO104, and BIO213 or BIO305, CHE111 or CHE211, and CHE212

BIO213 - Principles of Microbiology (4)

This course introduces the student to the biology of microorganisms and viruses. The course is geared toward students in the health science fields and covers human pathogens and their control, immune response, and disease sequelae. Laboratory exercises cover microbial diversity and techniques used to identify bacteria. One 3 1/2-hour laboratory period per week with laboratory fee. PREREQUISITES: BIO103 or BIO206 or BIO207

BIO302 - Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (4)

A comparative study of the classes of vertebrates, this course emphasizes the evolution of morphological characteristics. One three-hour laboratory period per week with laboratory fee. PREREQUISITES: BIO206

BIO303 - Invertebrate Zoology (4)

A comparative study of representative invertebrate phyla, this course emphasizes the correlation of structure and function, ecological relationships, and human interaction with invertebrates. One three-hour laboratory period per week with laboratory fee and one required field trip per semester. PREREQUISITES: BIO206

BIO304 - Botany (4)

This is an introductory course in botany and includes study of algal, fungal, and plant diversity, as well as plant physiology. Laboratory sessions investigate taxonomic diversity, anatomy and physiology, and experiments in plant growth and reproduction. One three-hour laboratory period per week with laboratory fee, and one required field trip. PREREQUISITES: BIO206 or BIO207

BIO305 - Microbiology (4)

The student will study the biology of representative microorganisms and viruses with emphasis on prokaryotic ultrastructure, metabolism, and diversity. Immunology is also introduced. The laboratory focuses on the diversity and identification of bacteria. One 3-1/2 hour laboratory period per week with laboratory fee. PREREQUISITES: CHE111 or CHE211 and CHE212 (CHE111 or CHE212 may be taken concurrently with BIO305), and BIO103 and BIO104 or BIO206 and BIO207

BIO307 - Environmental Microbiology (4)

A study of the activities, interactions, and distribution of microorganisms in the environment, this course emphasizes the biogeochemical cycles, importance of microorganisms in ecosystems, and microbial biodegradation of pollutants and other substances. The laboratory will introduce students to the techniques of isolation, identification, and enumeration of microbes from nature. One three-hour laboratory period per week with laboratory fee. PREREQUISITES: BIO207, BIO305 or BIO213; CHE211 and CHE212

BIO311 - Comparative Embryology (4)

This course presents the general principles and concepts of comparative vertebrate embryology accompanied by an evaluation of pertinent advances in developmental biology. One 3 1/2-hour laboratory period per week with laboratory fee. PREREQUISITES: BIO302 or BIO103 and BIO104

BIO312 - Animal Histology (4)

This course includes a comprehensive presentation of mammalian microscopic anatomy. The organization of tissues, organs, and organ systems will be examined. One three-hour laboratory period per week with laboratory fee. PREREQUISITES: BIO302 or BIO103 and BIO104

BIO314 - Animal Physiology (4)

Physiological control mechanisms are examined on cellular and organismal levels. The laboratory includes experiments and exercises illustrating principles of homeostasis, muscle action, nerve transmission, and physiological responses to environmental changes. One three-hour laboratory period per week with laboratory fee. PREREQUISITES: BIO302 or BIO103, BIO104; CHE211, CHE212, or permission of the instructor

BIO315 - Immunology (4)

The principles of immunology are presented, including the general properties of the immune response, lymphocyte specificity and activation, immunogenetics, antigen-antibody interactions, congenital and acquired immunodeficiencies, the functions of cytokines and serology. The laboratory includes exercises and experiments illustrating the lecture topics presented in BIO315. One 3-1/2 hour laboratory period per week with laboratory fee. PREREQUISITES: BIO213 or BIO305, CHE211 and CHE212 or permission of the instructor

BIO331 - Genetics (4)

This course covers the principles of genetics from Mendel to modern genetic techniques used in biotechnology. One three-hour laboratory period per week with laboratory fee. PREREQUISITES: BIO206, BIO213 or BIO305; CHE211, CHE212

BIO332 - Molecular Biology (4)

This course explores the foundations of molecular biology, and surveys many applications of molecular biology in academic, medical, industrial, and agricultural fields. Throughout the course, ethical and social concerns related to these applications are highlighted. The laboratory portion of the course emphasizes hands-on training in recombinant DNA techniques and computational analysis of data. Recent advances in large-scale genomic sequencing, whole-genome functional analysis, computational molecular biology, and bioinformatic topics are also covered. A laboratory fee is charged. PREREQUISITES: BIO206, BIO331, CHE211 and CHE212

BIO333 - Research Problems (1-4)

Biology majors will have the opportunity to conduct supervised research on individual research problems or to assist staff members in their research. Laboratory hours, credits, and fees will be determined on an individual basis. This course is also available to qualified graduate education students. A research paper is required. PREREQUISITES: Permission of department chair

BIO334 - Research Problems (1-4)

A continuation of BIO333 with same stipulations. PREREQUISITES: BIO333

BIO336 - Parasitology (4)

This course presents an in-depth study of parasitism, with special references to the parasites that affect invertebrates and vertebrates, with emphasis on taxonomy, life cycles, and diseases. One three-hour laboratory period per week with laboratory fee. PREREQUISITES: BIO302 or BIO303, or BIO103, BIO104

BIO337 - Virulence in Microbial Pathogens (4)

This course will explore the etiological agents and virulence factors associated with medically significant contemporary diseases. Bacterial characteristics such as colonization, invasion, avoiding immunity, and immunosuppression will be discussed, as well as other microbial strategies that result in host damage. The impact of these diseases on major systems will be discussed. Laboratory experiments will include current strategies used in the isolation and identification of clinically important microbes, as well as immunological and molecular biology techniques. A lab fee is charged. PREREQUISITES: BIO213 or BIO305

BIO345 - Wildlife Biology and Conservation (4)

This course will introduce the student to the biology of wildlife management, including a brief history of conservation management and current issues in wildlife management. The primary emphasis is on techniques used in the study of vertebrate populations and their interactions with humans. Principles of vertebrate population ecology/dynamics will be investigated. PREREQUISITES: BIO206 and BIO207 or BIO213, or permission of instructor

BIO348 - Mammalogy (4)

An in-depth review of anatomical and physiological adaptations is comparatively applied to a study of the mammalian orders. The evolution, geographic distribution, and taxonomy of local mammals are emphasized, and topics of particular interest to students will be examined. One three-hour laboratory period per week with laboratory fee. PREREQUISITES: BIO302 or instructor's permission

BIO349 - Cell Biology (4)

This course is an ultrastructural examination of cellular organelles, with emphasis placed on molecular activity and the communication between the internal and external environments of the cell. The laboratory includes exercises and experiments illustrating lecture topics. One three-hour laboratory period per week with laboratory fee. PREREQUISITES: BIO206 or BIO213; CHE211, CHE212

BIO350 - Evolution (3)

Mechanisms of variation and adaptation in individuals and populations will be examined, with emphasis on historical and current concepts of speciation and systematics. PREREQUISITES: BIO302. BIO305 or BIO213, minimum junior standing as a biology major or permission of instructor.

BIO398 - Directed Study (1-6)

Students wishing to pursue directed study in advanced or specialized areas in any of the 300-level courses may do so with departmental permission. A thesis and final oral presentation is required. Laboratory work within the area of independent studies may be pursued under the provisions of BIO333 or BIO334 with laboratory fee. PREREQUISITES: Permission of the department

BIO399 - Directed Study (1-6)

This is a continuation of BIO398. PREREQUISITES: BIO398