Biology

This is an introductory course designed for non-science majors.  It includes physical, chemical, and biological principles common to all organisms.  These principles are explained through a study of the scientific method, biological organization, cellular structure, bioenergetics of a cell, cell reproduction, gene theory, inheritance, and evolution.  A 120-minute laboratory per week is required.

This is an introductory course designed for non-science majors. It includes evolutionary principles and relationships, environmental and ecological topics, phylogenetics and classification, and a survey of biodiversity. A 120-minute laboratory per week is required.

This is an introductory course for both science and non-science majors. It covers physical, chemical, and biological principles common to all organisms. These principles are explained through the study of cell structure and function, cellular reproduction, basic biochemistry, cell energetics, the process of photosynthesis, and Mendelian and molecular genetics. Also included are the scientific method, basic principles of evolution, and an overview of the diversity of life. A 120-minute laboratory per week is required.

This introductory course synthesizes basic ecological and evolutionary relationships while surveying plant, fungi, and animal diversity, comparing classification, morphology, physiology, and reproduction.  A 180-minute laboratory per week is required. 

This course is an introduction to biotechnology, including career exploration, historical development and current applications in the areas of medicine, forensics, agriculture, and the environment. Students will learn laboratory safety and documentation while acquiring skills in the maintenance and calibration of basic lab equipment, calculation, and preparation of lab solutions and media. 

The overall objective of this course is to provide a basic understanding to the growth to the field of biotechnology. Instruction will focus on growing techniques and long-term maintenance of various cell cultures, including both attached and suspension cell lines. Microbial life cycle and cell culture will be emphasized, including discussion of pathogenic aspects and utilization of microbial transformation and protein production for use in biotechnological processes. 

This course covers the structure and function of the human body. Included is an orientation of the human body; a study of cells and tissues, the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems; and the senses. Dissection, histological studies, and physiology may be featured in the laboratory experience. A 120-minute laboratory per week is required.

This course covers the structure and function of the human body. Included is the study of basic nutrition and metabolism; basic principles of fluids, electrolytes, and acid-base balance; and the endocrine, respiratory, digestive, urinary, cardiovascular, lymphatic, and reproductive systems. Dissection, histological studies, and physiology may be featured in the laboratory experience. A 120-minute laboratory per week is required.

This course is an introduction to the major topics in biochemistry and molecular biology. Topics include the major classes of biological molecules, an overview of the major metabolic pathways, advancing technologies, and bioethical issues. The laboratory will provide experience in the isolation and manipulation of DNA and RNA, DNA and protein electrophoresis, and enzymatic and immunological assays.

This course covers the fundamental principles of microbiology, which includes the characteristics of bacteria, archaea, eukaryotes, and viruses; cell functions and microbial genetics; chemical and physical control methods of microbial growth; and interactions between microbes and humans in relation to pathology, immunology, and the role of normal biota. The laboratory experience focuses on microbiological techniques including culturing, microscopy, staining, identification, and control of microorganisms. This course requires 240-minutes of laboratory per week.

This course allows independent study under the direction of an instructor. Topics to be included in the course material will be approved by the instructor prior to or at the beginning of the class. Upon completion, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the topics as specified by the instructor.

This course allows independent study under the direction of an instructor. Topics to be included in the course material will be approved by the instructor prior to or at the beginning of the class. Upon completion, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the topics as specified by the instructor.

This course allows independent study under the direction of an instructor.  Topics to be included in the course material will be approved by the instructor prior to or at the beginning of the class.  Typical projects will expose the student to the industry and provide practical application of laboratory procedures.  Upon completion, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the topics as specified by the instructor.

In this advanced course, students will design and implement an independent study that utilized biotechnological methods relevant to local industry or to expand the scope of previous laboratory experience.  The projects will include an expansion of previous experiences to design and implement an application as found in local biotechnology industries.

The internship will provide advanced students the opportunity to develop job and career-related skills while in a work setting.  Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to apply classroom knowledge to an actual work situation.  The work will be developed cooperatively with academic, industrial, and private institutional biotechnology laboratories.