UG Course Descriptions

Continuation of BIOL209; covers cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, and endocrine systems. (Prerequisite: 209 or permission of instructor) 3 hours lecture, 2 hours laboratory

A study of basic cellular and biochemical processes to provide a foundation for advanced work in biology. Laboratory explores basic biological functions such as respiration, enzymatic digestion, cell structure and functions. (Pre- or co- requisites: CHE 101 or 103, MATH 203 or 207 or 301) 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory

This course includes fundamental Mendelian principles of heredity as well as an introduction to molecular genetics. Topics covered include: DNA structure and function, protein synthesis, recombinant DNA, genetic engineering, viruses and biotechnology. Laboratory will focus on inheritance in fruit flies and an introduction to molecular biology techniques including restriction enzymes, PC R, and cloning. (Pre- or co- requisites: CHE 102 or 104, MATH 204 or 208 or 302) 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory

Mentored exploration of the mechanisms, ecology, and evolution of diverse behaviors of animals. Emphasis on basic concepts and analysis of reported observations and experiments. Does not count as a lab science.

Student-oriented laboratory, field, and/or literature studies. Admission to the courses by application to the Biology faculty.

Student-oriented laboratory, field, and/or literature studies. Admission to the courses by application to the Biology faculty.

This designation is for courses offered as electives in the Undergraduate Honors Program, and may include both Honors-only courses and augmented Honors versions of courses that are offered elsewhere in the catalog. Courses have limited enrollment and content reflects Honors Program course outcomes around rigorous critical engagement, interdisciplinarity, effective communication, and meaningful collaboration.

A comprehensive overview of the theory of evolution including natural selection, genetic variation, evolution and population genetics, sexual selection, and evolution of certain traits. Laboratory studies include working with models of evolutionary processes and using artificial selection to observe microbial evolution. (Prerequisites: BIOL 234 or permission of instructor) 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory

This course focuses on how biotic and abiotic factors influence ecological adaptation. Population, community, and ecosystem level processes that generate the observed patterns of plant and animal distribution and abundance are studied. Patterns of diversity, stability, dominance, biogeography, succession, and behavior are examined. Principles are demonstrated through use of case studies, models, and field experiments. (Prerequisites: BIOL234 and SCI 250; or permission of instructor) 3 hours lecture, 3 hours field/laboratory

An introduction to the structure, growth, development, and responses of flowering plants. (Prerequisites: BIOL 234; or permission of instructor)