BIO105 Biological Science: A Laboratory Approach (3 cr.)
Uses selected laboratory activities to illustrate the nature of investigative
procedures. Emphasizes experimental design, data collection, analysis and interpretation.
Not open to biology majors. Four hours of laboratory-discussion/week.
BIO106 Principles Of Biology (4 cr.)
Is an introductory course for majors, which includes topics such as cell structure
and function, development, genetics, population genetics, evolution, and ecology.
Three hours lecture and two hours lab/week.
BIO115 Principles of Biology I (4 cr.)
Introductory course for majors that examines the diversity of life, plant form
and function, animal forma and function, and ecology. Three hours lecture and
two hours lab/week.
BIO116 Principles of Biology II (4 cr.)
Introductory course for majors that examines cell structure and function,
genetics, population genetics and evolution. Three hours lecture and two hours
lab/week. Prerequisites: One semester of college chemistry and Principles of
Biology I are strongly recommended.
BIO145 Problems Of The Environment (3 cr.)
Is an elementary course; students are made aware of the many problems created
by man's expanding population and technological growth and proliferation. Ecological
alternatives are suggested. Topics include the shaping of man by his environment,
man's relationships with the biotic and abiotic world, water and air pollution,
pesticides, herbicides, contaminants, food additives, the urban environment,
and consequences of the expanding human population. Credit earned in this course
is not applicable to the credits required of the biology major. Three hours
lecture/week.
BIO150 Human Biology (3 cr.)
Is an introductory course intended for non-biology majors which involves a study
of the structure and function of the human organism. Major diseases and contemporary
factors which adversely affect human existence are also considered. Credit earned
in this course is not applicable to the credits required of the biology major.
Three hours of lecture/week.
BIO205 Marine Biology (3 cr.)
Is an introductory course to the marine environment. Includes the physical characteristics
of marine ecosystems and the adaptations of organisms that live there. Taught
at WIMSC every summer. Two periods lecture and two periods lab/week. Prerequisites:
Botany and Zoology.
BIO208 Field Biology (3 cr.)
Is a field/laboratory course designed for biology majors with secondary education
certification which will focus on the identification and ecology of local plants
and animals including the study of soil, hydrology, oceanography, and a survey
of current assessment technologies like GIS and GPS. One hour lecture and four
hours lab/field/week. Enrollment will be limited to biology majors with secondary
education certification. (Offered fall semester and summers as needed)
BIO210 Field Zoology (3 cr.)
Provides an introduction to the principles and techniques of field zoological
investigation. Field and laboratory studies provide opportunity to learn appropriate
procedures for the collection, preservation, and identification of selected
groups of local animals. Both lecture and laboratory present the theory and
methodology of zoological systematics. One hour lecture and four hours lab/week.
Prerequisites: Principles of Biology and Zoology. (Offered spring semester)
BIO215 Invertebrate Zoology (3 cr.)
Emphasizes phylogeny, classification, and structural patterns of major non-chordate
phyla. Representative organisms are studied to gain an understanding of invertebrate
architecture and to allow comparisons of systemic design and functioning. Two
hours lecture and two hours lab/week. Prerequisites: Principles of Biology and
Zoology.
BIO220 Microbiology (3 cr.)
Deals with the structural characteristics, physiology, and genetics of bacteria
as well as principles of immunology and host-parasite relationships. Viruses
and fungi are also considered. Laboratory exercises provide experience in the
aseptic technique, staining, and evaluating the responses of microorganisms
to various environmental changes. Two hours lecture and two hours lab/week.
Prerequisites: Principles of Biology and Zoology.
BIO235 Introduction To Ecology (3 cr.)
Emphasizes the relationship between structure and function in the ecosystem.
Laboratory/field activities will involve the development of skills necessary
to deduce these relationships. Lecture materials will expand these deductions
to other situations and tie together the rather fragmented samplings from the
abiotic and biotic environments. A student in environmental education whose
major is not in biology should elect this course in lieu of ecology. One hour
lecture and four hours lab/week. (Students will not receive credit for both
BIO235 and BIO340.)
BIO245 Marine Ecology (3 cr.)
Deals with the interactions of plants and animals in the unstable coastal environment.
The barrier islands of the U.S. East Coast are emphasized. Taught only at WIMSC
during summers. Prerequisites: Zoology and Botany.
BIO248 Field Natural History (3 cr.)
Involves a study of the local flora and fauna with emphasis on identification
and basic ecological principles such as adaptation and competition. Every effort
will be made to observe the organisms and their native habitat. Application
to conservation is stressed throughout the course. Credit earned in this course
will not be counted toward the major. One hour lecture and four hours lab/week.
(Offered fall semester)
BIO260 Genetics (3 cr.)
Is an introductory course dealing with the principles of heredity and the nature
of the gene. Laboratory work includes genetic analysis in Drosophila and other
organisms. Two hours lecture and two hours lab/week. Prerequisite: Principles
of Biology and sophomore standing.
BIO300 Biology Seminar (1 cr.)
Discusses in depth selected fields of biological research. The major responsibility
of the student in this course will be to prepare by means of library research
for the seminar discussions. One hour per/week. Restricted to junior and senior
biology majors, prerequisites possible.
BIO301 Biology Seminar (1 cr.)
Discusses in depth selected fields of biological research. The major responsibility
of the student in this course will be to prepare by means of library research
for the seminar discussions. One hour per/week. Restricted to junior and senior
biology majors, prerequisites possible.
BIO302 Biology Seminar (1 cr.)
Discusses in depth selected fields of biological research. The major responsibility
of the student in this course will be to prepare by means of library research
for the seminar discussions. One hour per/week. Restricted to junior and senior
biology majors, prerequisites possible.
BIO309 Beginning Biological Illustration (3 cr.)
Is an introductory course which is intended to enable the student to solve many
of the kinds of fundamental problems encountered by the biological illustrator.
Selected studio exercises are designed to provide experience with visual communication
of biological information. Credit earned in this course will not be counted
toward the major. One hour lecture and four hours lab/week. Prerequisites: Drawing
ability, some experience with watercolors, and three biology credits or permission
of the instructor.
BIO310 Mammalogy (3 cr.)
Surveys various areas of mammalian biology including: mammalian characteristics,
evolution, classification, zoogeography, adaptive radiation, reproduction, population
dynamics, behavior, physiology, ecology, and economic importance. Laboratory
material covers trapping, study of skin preparation, identification of North
American mammals, examination of skeletal and external adaptations, plus field
and laboratory techniques. The course includes a four-day weekend field trip.
Two hours lecture and two hours lab/week. Prerequisites: Principles of Biology
and Zoology. (Offered fall semester, even years)
BIO311 Ornithology (3 cr.)
A field course designed to help the student gain a keener appreciation of the
birds of Pennsylvania and the Eastern United States. The focus of the course
is on learning to identify birds by sight and sound. The taxonomic, habitat,
and community relationships of birds are also emphasized. Instruction is principally
by means of field trips during class periods on Saturday mornings. A multi-day
field trip during spring vacation is an integral part of the course. Comfortable
outdoor clothing, sturdy waterproof shoes/boots, and a pair of binoculars are
required. Three hours field/museum instruction/week. Prerequisites: Principles
of Biology and Zoology or permission of instructor.
BIO315 Marine Invertebrates (3 cr.)
Is a survey of invertebrate phyla indigenous to coastal waters. Structural and
functional adaptations are discussed. Taught only at WIMSC during summers. Prerequisites:
Principles of Biology and Zoology.
BIO317 Parasitology (3 cr.)
Is a general course designed to acquaint students with the phenomenon of parasitism
as it is practiced by a variety of organisms. Broad coverage will include the
phylogeny, morphology, classification, and life cycles primarily of parasites
of medical and veterinary importance; host-parasite relationships; and ecology
epidemiology of parasitic diseases. Two hours lecture and two hours lab/week.
Prerequisites: Principles of Biology and Zoology.
BIO324 Pathogenic Microbiology (3 cr.)
Considers the role of bacteria and fungi in the diseases of man with emphasis
upon the differentiation and culture of microorganisms, types of diseases, immunology,
modes of disease transmission, prophylactic, therapeutic, and epidemiological
aspects. Two hours lecture and two hours lab/week. Prerequisites: Principles
of Biology, Zoology, and Microbiology or permission of instructor. (Offered
spring semester)
BIO330 Animal Behavior (3 cr.)
Is a basic course emphasizing such topics as territoriality, social hierarchy,
and communication. The laboratory is a most important part of this course. The
student will be given opportunity to structure experiments, evaluate their results,
and report their conclusions. A wide variety of topics with different organisms
will provide the basis for evaluating responses to manipulated conditions of
the environment. Two hours lecture and two hours lab/week. Prerequisite: Principles
of Biology and Zoology. (Offered fall semester, even years)
BIO331 Behavior Of Marine Organisms (3 cr.)
Examines intra- and interspecific behavior with emphasis on adaptive significance
that accrues to marine species. Topics include conflict, reproduction, and communication.
Taught only at WIMSC during summers. Prerequisite: 9 hours of biology or psychology.
BIO340 Ecology (3 cr.)
Emphasizes the principles relating to the interactions of plants and animals
in their natural environments. Laboratory/field/discussion sessions emphasize
ecological principles, techniques, and literature. Two hours lecture and two
hours laboratory-discussion/week. Prerequisite: Six hours of college-level biology
applicable to the major in biology. (Students will not receive credit for both
BIO235 and BIO340.)
BIO345 Conservation Biology (3 cr.)
Applies principles of population ecology, population genetics, biogeography,
animal behavior and paleobiology to the maintenance of global biodiversity and
natural systems. Research theory is applied to conservation policy and management
techniques. Two hours lecture and two hours lab/discussion per week. Course
includes midweek and weekend field trips. Prerequisites: A college course in
ecology or wildlife biology, or senior standing as a biology major.
BIO350 Human Physiology (3 cr.)
Is a study of the function of the human organ systems and their role in maintaining
homeostasis. Two hours lecture and two hours lab/week. Prerequisites: Principles
of Biology and Zoology or permission of instructor. (Recommended for pre-health
professions and secondary education students. Students will not receive credit
for both BIO350 and BIO351.) (Offered spring semester)
BIO351 Animal Physiology (3 cr.)
Is a study of the function of organ systems of animals. Related anatomy is taught
as needed. Two hours lecture and two hours lab/week. Prerequisites: Principles
of Biology and Zoology or permission of instructor. (Students will not receive
credit for both BIO350 and BIO351.) (Offered fall semester)
BIO355 Plant Growth And Development (3 cr.)
Deals with selected topics concerning growth and development of plant tissues.
Specifically, some of the areas investigated are tissue culture methods, growth
hormones, and tropisms. Two hours lecture and two hours lab/week. Prerequisites:
Principles of Biology and Botany. (Offered fall semester, even years)
BIO370 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (3 cr.)
Is an introductory course in the structure of vertebrate animals. Laboratory
work includes the comparative anatomical study of organ systems using representatives
of the various protochordate and chordate classes. Emphasis is placed upon the
physical evolution of the vertebrate classes using anatomical, embryological,
and paleontological evidence. One hour lecture and four hours lab/week. Prerequisites:
Principles of Biology I and II. (Offered spring semester)
BIO371 Human Anatomy (3 cr.)
Involves a comprehensive, detailed study of the development, growth, and functional
anatomy of the human body. Enrollment priority given to students in pre-health
professional programs that require a course in human anatomy. Two hours lecture
and two hours lab/week. Prerequisites: Principles of Biology and Zoology.
BIO373 Vertebrate Embryology (3 cr.)
Is an introductory course in vertebrate embryology. Emphasis is placed upon
the structural and functional aspects of comparative vertebrate reproduction
and ontogeny. Laboratory work consists of the study of gametogenesis, early
Amphioxus and frog development, and a selected series of chick and pig developmental
stages. One hour lecture and four hours lab/week. Prerequisites: Principles
of Biology and Zoology. (Offered fall semester, even years)
BIO374 Hematology (2 cr.)
Is designed to give a basic understanding of the formation, structure, and function
of the blood elements. Both normal and abnormal cells are studied as well as
the more common blood diseases. Laboratory periods are interspersed with lecture.
Two hours lecture/lab per week. Prerequisites: Principles of Biology, Zoology,
and Microbiology or permission of instructor. (Offered spring semester)
BIO375 Histology (3 cr.)
Involves the microscopic examination of vertebrate tissues from morphological
and physiological perspectives. Reference is made to organ embryogenesis to
support the understanding of organ form and function. Laboratory work involves
extensive examination of microscope slides. Tissue preparation for histological
examination is demonstrated. Two hours lecture and two hours lab/week. Prerequisites:
Principles of Biology and Zoology. (Offered spring semester)
BIO381 Principles Of Evolution (3 cr.)
Is an introduction to evolutionary principles, their applications, and to the
appropriate literature. Major topics include the history of evolutionary concepts,
the species and speciation processes, phylogenetic patterns and their reconstruction,
classification, biogeography, extinction, and biological nomenclature. Three
hours lecture/week. Prerequisites: Principles of Biology and Zoology, Botany,
and Genetics or permission of instructor.
BIO385 Cell Biology (3 cr.)
Course examines the structure and function of the cell. Topics include the molecular
constituents of cells, information transfer, and the control of cell division.
The structure, function, and biogenesis of the plasma membrane, internal membranes,
nucleus, cytoskeleton, mitochondria, and chloroplasts will be addressed. Laboratory
work consists of the examination of cell structure and function by molecular
and microscopic techniques. Two hours lecture and two hours lab/week. Prerequisites:
Principles of Biology, Zoology, Microbiology, Genetics, and Modern Organic Chemistry
I or permission of the instructor.
BIO391 Biology Internship I (1-3 cr.)
Provides the opportunity for students to gain practical experience in their
chosen career area.
BIO392 Biology Internship II (1-3 cr.)
Provides the opportunity for students to gain practical experience in their
chosen career area.
BIO393 Selected Topics In Biology (1-3 cr.)
Provides the opportunity for the department to offer courses in areas of departmental
major interest not covered by the regular courses.
BIO396 Research III (1-3 cr.)
Provides an opportunity for a student to do research under the guidance of selected
faculty members. Students should register for this course only if they have
credit for BIO398. Students should obtain approval of the research topic from
the selected advisor before registering for this course.
BIO397 Introduction To Research (1-3 cr.)
Provides an opportunity for a student to do research under the guidance of selected
faculty members. Before a student registers for this course he should obtain
approval of his research topic from his selected faculty advisor.
BIO398 Research II (1-3 cr.)
Provides an opportunity for a student to do research under the guidance of selected
faculty members. Students should register for this course only if they have
credit for BIO397. Students should obtain approval of the research topic from
the selected advisor before registering for this course.
BIO409 Immunology (3 cr.)
Introduction to the field of immunology, including immunity, serology, immunochemistry,
and immunobiology. Other topics include immunodeficiency diseases, tumor immunology,
transplantation immunology, autoim mune diseases, and allergies. (Three lecture
hours/week.) Prerequisites: Principles of Biology, Zoology, & Microbiology
or permission of the instructor.
BIO413 Marine Ichthyology (3 cr.)
Study of the internal and external structure of fishes, their systematic and
ecological relationships, and their distribution in time and space. Taught only
at WIMSC during summers.
BIO417 Herpetology (3 cr.)
Introduction to the study of amphibians and reptiles including their classification,
evolution, functional morphology, ecology, and husbandry. Laboratory work includes
anatomical study, identification, and field trips. (Two periods lecture and
one period lab/week.) Prerequisites: Principles of Biology and Zoology or permission
of instructor.
BIO423 Plant Pathology (3 cr.)
Basic course in plant pathology considers the major general groups of plant
diseases together with specific representative diseases for each group and methods
for their control. Prerequisites: Principles of Biology and Botany.
BIO425 Biota of Florida (2 cr.)
Seminar/field course deals with the biology of warm temperate and subtropical
Florida including vegetation, fauna, geology, history, and economy. Offered
spring semester of odd-numbered years, it requires a single weekly class meeting
plus an intensive ten-day field trip to parks, natural areas, and refuges in
Florida over spring break. Field trip costs for the students include food, entrance
fees, and camping fees. Prerequisites: Biology major with junior standing or
permission of the instructors. The course is an alternative for the requirement
of a biology seminar (BIO300, 301, 302).
BIO442 Hydrobiology (3 cr.)
Introductory course in fresh water ecology. Field work consists of the study
of selected aquatic environments and includes methods of collecting data, identification
of aquatic organisms and the interpretation of factors which influence their
distribution. A paper based upon field work is required. Prerequisites: Principles
of Biology, Zoology, and Botany or graduate status.
BIO444 Conservation Biology (3 cr.)
Applies the principles of population ecology, population genetics, biogeography,
animal behavior, and paleobiology to the maintenance of global diversity and
natural systems. Research theory is applied to conservation policy and management
decisions. (Two periods lecture and two periods lab/discussion per week.) Course
includes midweek and weekend field trips. Prerequisites: college course in ecology
or wildlife biology, or either senior or graduate status in the biology department.
BIO446 Ecology of Marine Plankton (3 cr.)
Deals with the phytoplankton of near shore and pelagic waters. The importance
of phytoplankton in energy flow is emphasized. Taught only at WIMSC during summers.
BIO448 Field Botany and Plant Taxonomy (3 cr.)
Deals with the principles of classification and systematics of vascular plants,
with an emphasis on local plant communities. Field trips and laboratories develop
skill in the use of technical and popular identification manuals. Library readings
develop familiarity with the principles and literature of plant systematics
and ecology. Memorization of selected, local species is required. Field trips
include several local excursions plus a weekend trip to the Delmarva Peninsula
and two Saturday trips to natural areas in Pennsylvania. Prerequisite: Principles
of Biology or Basic Biology or permission of the instructor.
BIO450 Endocrinology (3 cr.)
Study of the glands of internal secretion and their biochemical and physiological
role in development, growth, metabolism, homeostasis and reproduction of animals.
Prerequisites: Principles of Biology, Zoology, and Animal or Human Physiology
or permission of instructor.
BIO455 Algae and Aquatic Plants (3 cr.)
Lectures and laboratories explore the structure, function, diversity, and economic
importance of algae plus the aquatic groups of fungi, bryophytes, and vascular
plants. Laboratories emphasize the use of technical keys and include collecting
techniques plus a Saturday field trip in early September. Prerequisites: Principles
of Biology and Botany or permission of the instructor.
BIO462 Invertebrate Zoology (3 cr.)
Synopsis of the phylogeny, classification and important adaptive features of
major and minor invertebrate phyla. Emphasis is placed on taxonomy and a comparative
study of the morphology, composition, and functioning of the animal organ systems
or their operational equivalent, as they occur in a broad representation of
invertebrate groups, to include patterns of development, reproductive strategies,
and life history adaptations. Prerequisites: Upper division standing, graduate
status, or permission of instructor. Graduate students enrolled in this class
will be required to complete additional course requirements.
BIO478 Microtechniques (3 cr.)
Is a consideration of the methods of preparation for microscopic study of plant
and animal tissues. It includes some aspects of histological, cytochemical/histochemical,
and immunocytochemical studies. Prerequisites: Junior or senior status and eight
hours of chemistry.
BIO485 Biological Electronmicroscopy and Imaging (3 cr.)
This course covers principles and techniques in macrophotgraphy, light microscopy,
especially microphotography and videography, and scanning electron microscopy
(SEM). Students will learn specimen handling and preparation including basic
tehory and practice in fixation, dehydration, dark room techniques, and computer
imaging. Students are expected to perform basic maintenance and alignment of
the SEM. A research project is required of all students. Prerequisites: Upper
division or graduate standing or permission of instructor. Graduate students
enrolled in this class will be required to complete additional course requirements.
BIO491 Selected Topics (1 cr.)
Opportunity for the department to offer courses in areas of departmental major
interest which are not covered by the regular courses.
BIO494 Field Research (3 cr.)
Allows students to investigate biological field problems through the collection,
analysis, and interpretation of original data. Collected data will be compared
with results obtained by other classes and with published accounts in the professional
literature. Students have an opportunity to use appropriate equipment in the
collection of information. Includes practice in professional writing. Prerequisite:
14 credits in biology or permission of instructor.