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Biology Courses

BIO101 Introduction to Biological Science

[3–3, 4 cr.]

This course covers general biology for freshman Liberal Arts students. It is a simplified presentation of basic biological concepts, with emphasis on human biology. Students may choose the BIO201-202 bi-semester sequential course with approval of his/her advisor and the course’s instructor.

BIO200 Basic Biology

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course introduces basic principles of human biology. It focuses on cell and tissue structure and function, classification, evolution, modern genetics and molecular biology. It also provides brief coverage of organs and systems in relation to disease.

BIO201 General Biology I

[4–0, 4 cr.]

This course is an introductory, yet comprehensive, study of the chemical, cellular, and the tissue organization of life, the transfer of energy through living systems, the expression of genetic information, essential microbiology principles, as well as a discussion of the major characteristics of viruses, bacteria, fungi, protists, and plants.

BIO202 General Biology II

[4–0, 4 cr.]

This course is an introduction to the classification of the Animal Kingdom, and an in depth discussion of animals and plants, with particular emphasis on the study, and a comparison, of structures and functions, and of tissues and the organ system, all within the context of diversity of life as shaped by evolution.

Prerequisite: BIO201 General Biology I

BIO203 Introduction to Ecology

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course introduces the organization of individual organisms into populations, communities, and ecosystems. It focuses on the interactions between living organisms and their physical environment. Concepts such as diversity, competition, natural selection, adaptation, climate changes, migration, extinction and deforestation are covered. Additionally the course tackles concepts of environmental microbiology in relation to pollution, remediation and recycling of liquid and solid wastes.

BIO209 Basic Biology for Computer Science

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course introduces basic principles of biology. It focuses on cell and tissue structure and function, classification, evolution, ecology, and modern genetics. It also provides a brief coverage of organs and systems in relation to disease and nutrition. The course includes a short laboratory component that complements the theoretical course material.

BIO222 Microbiology, a Human Perspective

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course is designed to provide nursing and nutrition students with a foundation in basic microbiology with emphasis on infectious diseases and interaction of microorganisms with humans. The student will gain an understanding of the various characteristics of microorganisms in general and the specific characteristics of pathogenic bacteria, viruses and fungi.It will enable the students to learn how to avoid the spread of infectious microorganisms in the hospital environment. Topics include the different aspects of epidemiology, control of pathogens, disease transmission, nosocomial infections, host resistance, immunity, and sample collection.

Prerequisite: BIO200 Basic Biology or BIO201 General Biology I

BIO260 Human Anatomy and Physiology

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course covers the structure and function of the human body and the mechanisms involved for maintaining homeostasis within it. Body systems, including the muscular, skeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, nervous, excretory, integumentary, endocrine and reproductive systems will be surveyed with an emphasis on the relation between structure and function.

Prerequisite: BIO200 Basic Biology or BIO201 General Biology I

BIO261 Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab

[0–3, 1 cr.]

This course includes experimental activities designed to enhance students’ ability to both visualize anatomical structures, and to understand most physiological topics. All laboratory sessions focus on humans.

Pre- or Co-requisite: BIO260 Human Anatomy and Physiology

BIO311 Microbiology

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This is a course intended for the Biology Major, and covers principles of microbiology, and the impact these organisms have on humans and the environment. Topics include the history of microbiology, a survey of the different types of microorganisms, prokaryotic cell structure and function, microbial nutrition and growth, control of microorganisms and microbial metabolism, physiology, genetics, interaction of microorganisms with other forms of life, role of microorganisms in disease, immunity, and other selected applied areas.

Prerequisite: BIO201 General Biology I

BIO312 Microbiology Lab

[0–3, 1 cr.]

This course explores the ubiquitous nature of microbes. The overall objective is to allow students to obtain a hands-on experience in many of the microbiological techniques routinely employed, with emphasis on the methodological, and clinical, relevance of the procedures. Students connect theoretical lectures to the practical applications in medicine, environment, and other related fields.

Prerequisite: BIO202 General Biology I

Pre-or Co-requisite: BIO 311 Microbiology

BIO321 Genetics

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course is a study of the factors governing heredity, and variation, in plants and animals, on the classical and modern levels, with an emphasis on molecular and microbial genetics, and an introduction to recombinant DNA technology.

Prerequisites: BIO201 General Biology I

BIO322 Genetics Lab

[1–0, 1 cr.]

This course is a hands on laboratory course that familiarizes students with principles of classical Mendelian genetics and modern molecular genetics with an emphasis on recombinant DNA technology through an in depth analysis of the genetics and workings of basic model organisms such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Sordaria fimicola, Zea mays and Escherichia coli.

Pre- or Co-requisite: BIO321 Genetics

BIO331 Ecology

[3–3, 4 cr.]

This course covers the study of the relationships between living organisms and their environment. Major concepts related to the structure, function, organization, and regulation, at various levels (population community, ecosystems, and biomes), are covered theoretically and via laboratory work and field trips.

Co-requisite: COM203 Fundamentals of Oral Communication

Prerequisite: BIO201 General Biology I

BIO341 Plant Physiology

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course covers the study of fundamental processes underlying survival, growth development, and normal functions of plants, with special emphasis on photosynthesis, respiration, mineral nutrition, water absorption and transpiration, translocation of solutes, hormonal control, and development.

Prerequisite: BIO201 General Biology I

BIO343 Anatomy and Physiology

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course entails an anatomical, and physiological approach to the study of the cardiovascular, nervous, endocrine, muscular, respiratory, excretory, digestive, and reproductive systems, with emphasis on homeostasis.

Prerequisites: BIO201 General Biology and BIO202 General Biology II

BIO344 Anatomy and Physiology Lab

[0–3, 1 cr.]

Pre- or co-requisite: BIO343 Anatomy and Physiology

BIO345 Cell & Molecular Biology

[4–0, 4 cr.]

This course is an integration of the approaches of cytology, biochemistry, genetics, and physiology, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the operation of cells as units of structure and function in living organisms.

Prerequisite: BIO321 Genetics, and Pre- or Co-requisite: BCH301 Biochemistry

BIO401 Developmental Biology

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This senior-level course covers basic human and animal developmental processes. It deals with gametogenesis, fertilization, cleavage, gastrulation, neural and germ layer formation. It explores the details of early human embryo development and human birth defects. The course also deals with the most recent Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) as well as emphasizes and updates current Stem Cell research knowledge and its application in treatment of diseases and gene therapy.

Prerequisite: BIO321 Genetics

BIO410 Biotechnology

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course examines all the biological principles underlying current biotechnology in the fields of human genetics, and genetic engineering. Methods of basic scientific research, the impact of technology on society, and the ethical problems in human genetics, will be explored. Topics include gene structure, function, expression, and manipulation in both the prokaryotes and eukaryotes principles of recombinant DNA technology, microbial biotechnology, animal and plant biotechnology, medical biotechnology, DNA profiling, forensics, and the regulation of biotechnology and patenting.

Prerequisite: BIO321 Genetics

BIO420 Virology and Immunology

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course provides an introduction to the immune response, the cells and tissues of the lymphoid system, lymphocyte activation and specificity, humoral and cell-mediated immunity, the concept of immunity to diseases, and immunodeficiency, and AIDS autoimmune diseases and transplantation. It examines the interactions between pathogens and host defense mechanisms (innate and specific immunity), as well as the problems in pathogenesis. The student will be also exposed to the principles of virology, with topics covering the fundamental properties of viruses, including their structure, replication, molecular biology, pathogenesis, epidemiology, and the medical importance of major virus groups and their interaction with host cells.

Prerequisite: BIO201 General Biology I

BIO420H Virology and Immunology

[3–0, 3 cr.]

Prerequisite: BIO201 General Biology I

BIO430 Special Topics in Biology

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course covers specialized contemporary topics of current interest to senior undergraduates in the Biology program.

Prerequisite: Senior Standing

BIO435 Functional Genomics

[3–0, 3 cr.]

One part of the course is related to the functional properties of genes while the second part is related to how we can annotate genes and extract their functional properties from online resources. This course also includes the analysis of gene expression data (microarray, single cell, etc.).

Pre or Co-requisite: BIO345 Cell and Molecular Biology.

BIO488 Special Topics in Biology

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course covers specialized contemporary topics of current interest to senior undergraduates in the Biology program.

Prerequisites: Senior Standing.

BIO488H Special Topics in Biology

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course covers specialized contemporary topics of current interest to senior undergraduates in the Biology program.

Prerequisites: Senior Standing.

BIO489 Seminar in Biology

[1–0, 1 cr.]

This is a combined lecture/seminar course designed for seniors. Students enrolled in this course will give an oral presentation to the faculty and students of the Department about contemporary research topics.

Prerequisite: Senior Standing.

BIO499 Senior Study

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course is designed to teach research methods, including how to conduct : a survey of literature on a problem in biology, a laboratory investigation of some phase of it, and its presentation in a paper.

Co-requisite: ENG202 Advanced Academic English

Prerequisite: Senior Standing

BIO499H Senior Study

[3–0, 3 cr.]

Co-requisite: ENG202 Advanced Academic English

Prerequisite: Senior Standing

BIO805 Protein Research Methods

[1–6, 3 cr.]

This course is a laboratory course in molecular biology. The course aims at familiarizing students with the basic techniques currently used in this field, and supplies them with the necessary tools to carry on independent research that is needed for their Master’s Thesis. Techniques include protein isolation and purification, protein handling and quantification, gel electrophoresis, western immunoblot, ELISA, column chromatography (gel filtration, ion exchange chromatography, and affinity chromatography), HPLC, GCMS, NMR, and lipoprotein separation, using density gradient ultracentrifugation, and other advanced laboratory techniques in protein research.

BIO806 Research Methods II

[1–6, 3 cr.]

This course is a laboratory course in molecular biology which aims at familiarizing students with the basic techniques currently used in this field, and supplies them with the necessary tools to carry on independent research needed for their Master’s Thesis. Techniques include DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, RT-PCR, southern blotting, DIG probe labeling, micro-satellite typing, DNA sequencing, DNA sub-cloning coupled with bacterial transformation, transcriptional expression techniques using galactosidase reporter gene assays, and identification of bacterial species using the Biology System.

BIO820 Applied and Industrial Microbiology

[2–3, 3 cr.]

This course deals with industrial microorganisms and their application in the industrial process for the large-scale production of antibiotics, vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, and organic acids. It also deals with microbial bioconversions, and the production of food from microorganisms, sewage, and wastewater microbiology, as well as the applications of genetically engineered microorganisms to obtain novel products.

BIO822 Advanced Molecular Biology

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course emphasizes the principles and information which form the contemporary basis for molecular biology. The course covers the subjects of prokaryotic molecular genetics, RNA and DNA biosynthesis, protein biosynthesis, DNA recombination, regulation of gene expression, eukaryotic molecular genetics, RNA and DNA viruses, oncogenes, attenuation, global control, signal transduction, and two-component regulatory systems.

BIO825 Diagnostic Microbiology and Immunology

[2–3, 3 cr.]

This course covers the biochemical, serological, and automated, methods used in the laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases. The laboratory part of the course allows for a better understanding through application. Topics include the monoclonal antibody production, detection of fluorescent antibodies, enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay, radioimmunoassay, gas-liquid chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, time-resolved immunofluorescence, nucleic acid probes in clinical diagnostics, and diagnostic virology and parasitology.

BIO826 Advances in Cell Biology

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course deals mainly with the most recent advancement in cell biology, i.e., stem cell research, and its applications in therapy. The course deals with embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells, and the umbilical cord stem cells. It discusses the potential fate of such cells, their molecular characteristics, and their isolation, culturing, and identification techniques. Stem cell application in animal and human tissue and organ repair, such as in the brain, heart, blood, and pancreas, are thoroughly investigated. Student presentations on the most recent case studies on stem cell applications are covered.

BIO829 Endocrinology and Metabolism

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course covers the study of biochemical messengers, integrators, and coordinators of general, developmental, and physiological processes with stress on metabolic mechanisms. It deals with biosynthesis, secretion, mechanisms of action and bioactivities of the hormones, as well as diagnostic technologies.

BIO834 Environmental Health and Toxicology

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course is an introduction to the methodology of the practical control of the environmental factors that affect disease, disorders, and health. The course deals with physical environmental stresses, and relates them to biological factors and vectors. It provides an overall view of the general principles of toxicology: environmental contamination, pollution, and their routes and pathways.

BIO835 Microbial Pathogenesis

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course focuses on model microbial systems, to comprehensively illustrate the mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis. It aims at providing a thorough understanding of bacterial physiology, host defense mechanisms, general principles of microbial pathogenesis, adhesion and invasion strategies, intracellular survival strategies, antibiotic resistance, and bacterial toxins.

BIO841 Molecular Physiology

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course is an in-depth consideration, and a theoretical analysis, of the physiological aspects of body organization, regulation, integration, maintenance, and continuity, with special emphasis on the modern application of knowledge in the domain of physiology, as related to the normal and upset homeostasis.

BIO845 Diagnostic and Applied Physiology

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course covers an in-depth application of molecular physiology, as utilized in a practical way to better understand, and approach, the physiology and diagnosis of diseases on one hand, and for practical analyses of research projects, as needed by the applicable physiological hypothesis, on the other.

BIO848 Fungal Genetics and Pathogenicity

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course introduces students to two important eukaryotic organisms: Candida Albicans, an opportunistic human fungal pathogen, and Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, a model eukaryotic organism easily amenable to modern genetic analysis. Topics to be covered include their life cycle, morphology, virulence, and pathogenicity, alongside the basic molecular mechanisms that govern them. The course will also feature a laboratory portion where students familiarize themselves with these two important microorganisms.

BIO850 Genomics and Proteomics

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course provides an in depth introduction to using genome and proteome sequences to unravel problems of interest to biomedical researchers. Sessions include a combination of technical lectures, scientific testimonials, and hands- on solving problems, where students will be able to put the theoretical concepts into practice.

BIO852 Nutrition and Diet Therapy

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course is designed to provide the basics of human nutrition, and its relationship to health. It covers all aspects of the macro- and micro-nutrients needed throughout the human life cycle. It also deals with the pathology, treatment, and nutritional therapy of acute and chronic diseases, nutrition and physical fitness, as well as other aspects of nutrition.

BIO881 Special Topics in Biology

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course covers the selected, recent, and contemporary, advances in the various applied fields of the biological sciences, and affiliated disciplines.

BIO888 Current Topics in Microbiology

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course will engage students, and foster discussion on the current research in the field of Microbiology. Participants will review and discuss research papers. In addition, each student will present two or three peer-reviewed papers during the semester. Research topics will include, but are not limited to, virology, molecular biology, bacterial genetics, microbial ecology, and host- microbe interactions.

BIO899 Thesis

[6 cr.]

This course entails producing an original and extensive research project under the supervision of an advisor, and defended before a committee. It may include field research, be qualitative or quantitative, descriptive or experimental, and in the form of a case study, document analysis, or action research.