Biology (BIO)

BIO111. Introduction To Animal Life. 3 Credits.

A survey of the animal phyla including the study of structure, metamorphosis, adaptations, and behavior. The development of the students' sensitivity and awareness of what can be learned from careful observations in natural field situations will be emphasized. Designed for non-science majors; does not count toward biology major.

BIO112. Biology Today. 3 Credits.

Designed to introduce students to selected aspects of biology science. By augmenting their understanding of biological concepts, students develop a deeper appreciation of the natural biological phenomena they are in contact with on a daily basis. In addition, students gain the working background necessary to understand contemporary biological issues such as environmental quality (population, pollution, global climate change), the human genome project, genetic engineering, and discoveries in medicine. When individuals become more biologically literate, they are also better equipped to make informed decisions that directly and indirectly impact their own lives.

BIO115. Intro To Plant Life. 3 Credits.

Introduction to the form and function of plants. The student should acquire an appreciation for plants as living organisms in a biological world, and their economic importance to human beings. Designed for non-science majors; does not count toward biology major.

BIO119. Inheritance. 3 Credits.

Students will learn and apply basic principles of Mendelian inheritance and DNA manipulation. Students will also examine current genetic technology advances as applied to genetic diseases.

BIO120. Global Change Biology. 3 Credits.

An investigation of global environmental change from a biological and ecological perspective with a primary focus on human ecology, the global carbon cycle, climate change, and environmental sustainability.

BIO130. Cancer Biology. 3 Credits.

Students will explore the biological mechanisms that underlie the development of cancer and the mechanisms by which various cancer treatments work.

BIO135. Evolution for Everyone. 3 Credits.

An introduction to modern evolutionary theory and its applications to a wide range of topics, including epidemiology, forensic medicine, conservation, population biology, social behavior, altruism, sex/mating strategies, religion, and many other aspects of human biology.

BIO140. Modern Biotechnology. 3 Credits.

Students will explore how modern biotechnology impacts our everyday lives with a topical survey of applications that may include stem cells, biofuels, genetically modified organism (GMOs) and forensics. Students will also learn about the underlying biological principles and molecular techniques that are the basis of modern biotechnology.

BIO150. Insects and Human Society. 3 Credits.

Students will be introduced to the most abundant, diverse, and widespread class of animals on Earth and investigate the critical interactions between insects and humans that influence human behaviors and activities.

BIO170. Human Biology. 3 Credits.

A survey in several phases of human biology. Normal life processes will first be explored followed by the alteration and relationship of alterations to life styles. Subject matter will include human physiology, genetics, evolution and behavior. Designed for non-science majors; does not count toward biology major.

BIO193. Biology Selected Topic. 1-12 Credits.

Selected topics courses are regularly scheduled courses that focus on a particular topic of interest. Descriptions are printed in the Schedule of Classes each semester. Selected topics courses may be used as elective credit and may be repeated for credit, provided that the topic of the course changes.

BIO199. Pre-Osteo Seminar. 1 Credit.

BIO201. General Biology I. 3 Credits.

An introduction to modern biology: molecular and cellular organization of living systems, energy transformations and metabolism, the principles of classical and molecular genetics, and the basic embryological changes during the development of an organism.

BIO202. General Biology II. 3 Credits.

An introduction to modern biology: diversity of life forms, the process of evolution, and the interactions of organisms with their environment and with each other.

BIO211. Gen Bio 1 Lab. 1 Credit.

An introduction to modern biology: molecular and cellular organization of living systems, energy transformations and metabolism, the principles of classical and molecular genetics, and the basic embryological changes during the development of an organism. COURSE FEE.

BIO212. Gen Bio 2 Lab. 1 Credit.

An introduction to modern biology: diversity of life forms, the process of evolution, and the interactions of organisms with their environment and with each other. COURSE FEE.

BIO293. Biology Selected Topic. 1-12 Credits.

Selected topics courses are regularly scheduled courses that focus on a particular topic of interest. Descriptions are printed in the Schedule of Classes each semester. Selected topics courses may be used as elective credit and may be repeated for credit, provided that the topic of the course changes.

BIO295. Indep Study Biology. 1-12 Credits.

BIO296. Departmental Elective. 1-12 Credits.

BIO299. Pre-Osteopathic Seminar. 1 Credit.

BIO301. Field Biology Fall. 3 Credits.

Diversity in the plant and animal kingdom; sound scientific methods of observation; interrelationships of organisms to each other and to their environment. Importance of the flora and fauna in our economic and cultural life and the need for conservation practices. Field trips are devoted to the study of several ecological units during fall. Identifications of the common plants and animals and the ability to interpret the signs, sounds, and behavior patterns or organisms. COURSE FEE.

BIO305. Plant Morphology. 4 Credits.

Comparative study of life histories, morphology, and phylogenetic relationships of the major plant groups. COURSE FEE.

BIO307. Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy. 4 Credits.

Gross anatomy and functions of systems of representative vertebrates. Skeletal, muscular, circulatory, digestive, respiratory, excretory, reproductive, nerve, and endocrine systems. Dissection is required. COURSE FEE.

BIO311. Developmental Plant Anatomy. 4 Credits.

Developmental phenomena and anatomical characteristics of plant cells, tissues, and organs. COURSE FEE.

BIO320. Genetics. 3 Credits.

A study of the principles of heredity from classical experiments with Drosophila to current research in molecular genetics utilizing recombinant DNA and gene cloning methodologies. The organization, function, and behavior of the genetic material are discussed on the molecular, chromosomal and population levels.

BIO321. Genetics Lab. 1 Credit.

Laboratory investigation of a broad range of topics in Genetics. COURSE FEE.

BIO322. Evolution. 3 Credits.

A survey of evolutionary principles, hypotheses, and interactions, with particular emphasis on population-level thinking, phylogenetics, and mechanisms of evolution. Topics will include hypothesis testing, selection, drift, quantitative genetics, genomics, adaptation, speciation, costs and benefits of sex, and coevolution.

BIO340. Ecology. 4 Credits.

A study of principles and concepts of ecology at the ecosystem, community, population, and organism levels of organization. Laboratory and fieldwork emphasize methods of acquiring, analyzing, and interpreting ecological data. COURSE FEE.

BIO346. Bio Data Analysis & Communicat. 3 Credits.

An introduction to computer programming in R to perform biological data analytics including reading/writing files, data manipulations, graphics, and statistical analyses. Additionally, a focus on improving scientific communication skills including reading, writing, and presentation.

BIO348. Biological Statistics. 4 Credits.

A practical application of data collection and statistical methods for biologists and will include topics such as hypothesis testing, t-tests, analysis of variance, and regression. This course is recommended for students currently interested in or involved with research.

BIO349. Biology Research. 1-4 Credits.

Individual laboratory and/or field research under the supervision of a faculty member. Permission of instructor required.

BIO350. General Microbiology. 4 Credits.

Morphological, biochemical, physiological, and genetic aspects of microbial growth, especially bacteria. Bacterial classification, growth control, and roles in environment and health also considered. Laboratory teaches essential techniques. COURSE FEE.

BIO358. Molecular Biology. 4 Credits.

Background, theory and techniques of molecular biology with the analysis of published research. Class discussions, independent research, written and oral presentations required. COURSE FEE.

BIO359. Cell Biology. 4 Credits.

A detailed examination of the events that occur within living cells. Particular attention is paid to current experimental techniques and analysis of the recent literature. COURSE FEE.

BIO360. Virology. 3 Credits.

Prokaryotic and eukaryotic viral structure and function as they relate to replication strategies, control, pathogenesis, the immune system and laboratory analysis methods. Emphasis will be placed on viruses that cause human disease.

BIO370. Animal Physiology. 4 Credits.

Physiology is the study of how living organisms function. This course is designed to give students a basic understanding of physiological principles relating to cells, organs and organ systems and the integration of animals with their environment. Material presented in lecture and lab will use comparative animal models to demonstrate general physiological concepts. COURSE FEE.

BIO388. Biological Chemistry. 3 Credits.

Study of the chemistry of biologically significant compounds; enzymes and metabolic reactions involved in energy transformations.

BIO393. Biology Selected Topic. 1-12 Credits.

Selected topics courses are regularly scheduled courses that focus on a particular topic of interest. Descriptions are printed in the Schedule of Classes each semester. Selected topics courses may be used as elective credit and may be repeated for credit, provided that the topic of the course changes.

BIO396. Departmental Elective. 1-12 Credits.

BIO399. Pre-osteopathic Seminar. 1 Credit.

Third year students participate in patient care including performing patient interviews and some routine medical procedures, to the extent allowed by state law. Third year students visit the NYCOM campus in the fall for their final interview with the NYCOM admissions committee.

BIO412. Evolutionary Theory. 3 Credits.

A survey of evolutionary theory, including population genetics, drift, adaptive mechanisms and application to modern biology. The historical development of the subject will illustrate the philosophy of science.

BIO413. Developmental Biology. 4 Credits.

Fundamental concepts, principles, and mechanisms of animal development, including classical descriptive embryology and cellular and molecular mechanisms. Laboratory sessions focus on experimental manipulations of early invertebrate and vertebrate embryos and include student-designed research projects. COURSE FEE.

BIO418. Animal Behavior. 3 Credits.

A survey of the field of animal behavior as understood through modern evolutionary theory, including the behaviors of wild and domestic animals, such as learning, communication, foraging, migration, mating, parental care, and sociality.

BIO425. Plant Ecophysiology. 4 Credits.

The physiological mechanisms underlying the ecological relationships of plants. Explores processes affecting plant growth, reproduction, survival, and biogeography in the context of global environmental change. Lab emphasizes local ecosystems and teaches modern instrumentation, techniques, and field skills. COURSE FEE.

BIO435. Entomology. 4 Credits.

An introduction to the biology of insects and closely related arthropods. Topics covered will include the evolutionary history, developmental biology, physiology, diversity, behavior, and ecology of insects. The laboratory will provide hands-on experience with insect identification, specimen preparation, and behavioral and physiological experimentation. COURSE FEE.

BIO440. Freshwater Biology. 3 Credits.

Students will learn the applied and theoretical concepts of freshwater biology. The class will have weekly laboratories and field trips aimed at the study of the biological, chemical, and physical properties of lakes and streams.

BIO441. Freshwater Bio Lab. 1 Credit.

Students will examine aquatic ecosystems through field and laboratory experiences. The class will examine ecological concepts and take field trips that will help examine the biological, chemical, and physical properties of lakes and streams. COURSE FEE.

BIO444. Nucleic Acid Technologies. 3 Credits.

Seminar course where primary literature is used to explore several Nucleic Acid-based technologies (ribozymes/aptamers, RNAi, CRISPR/Cas9, etc.)

BIO445. Ornithology. 4 Credits.

Students will learn about the biology of birds, including avian evolution, anatomy and physiology, ecology, behavior, and conservation. In the laboratory and on field trips, students will explore avian taxonomy, develop identification skills, and undertake ornithological research. COURSE FEE.

BIO446. Cellular Evolution. 3 Credits.

Discussion-based seminar course in which primary literature is used to explore the origins of life on earth, the deep evolutionary history of cells, and cellular diversity among living cells.

BIO448. Host-Microbe Coevolution. 3 Credits.

Discussion-based seminar course in which primary literature is used to explore the coevolutionary interactions between prokaryotic microbes and eukaryotic hosts, ranging from pathogenic to symbiotic associations.

BIO450. Conservation Biology. 4 Credits.

The science of biodiversity, ecological concepts for understanding and protecting species and ecosystems, and perspectives, philosophies and laws that underlie conservation and enable its protection. Labs focus on quantitative analysis and field visits.

BIO451. Capstone Microbiology. 4 Credits.

The application of molecular microbial ecology concepts to examine bacterial structure, genetics and metabolism. Activities will include bioinformatics and bacteriological laboratory work.

BIO491. Capstone Research. 3 Credits.

Individual laboratory and field research under the supervision of a faculty member, resulting in a written report, and an oral presentation to biology faculty and students.

BIO493. Biology Selected Topic. 1-12 Credits.

Selected topics courses are regularly scheduled courses that focus on a particular topic of interest. Descriptions are printed in the Schedule of Classes each semester. Selected topics courses may be used as elective credit and may be repeated for credit, provided that the topic of the course changes.

BIO494. Fieldwork In Biology. 1-12 Credits.

BIO495. Indep Study Biology. 1-12 Credits.

BIO499. Modular Course. 1-3 Credits.