Course Description--Lower Division Courses

Intended for Majors, Minors, Natural Science Majors or Students in Health-Related Sciences who Matriculated prior to Fall 2005

After the course number and name, the number of credits is included in the parentheses. 

114 Introduction to Cell Biology and Genetics (4) A lecture and laboratory course covering principles of cell biology, molecular biology and biochemistry.  Emphases are biological molecules, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure and function, basic metabolism, respiration, fermentation, classical and molecular genetics.  This course is a prerequisite for nursing majors.  Prerequisites:  high school chemistry and biology with a grade of C or better. Fall. [Staff]

Concepts of Biology I & II (115 & 116): These courses are intended to provide students majoring in the natural sciences with a survey of the discipline of biology. They introduce a wide range of subject matter, ranging from biological molecules to ecosystems. Lectures are intended to develop biological concepts and present a theoretical framework for the study and understanding of living systems. Laboratories provide hands-on opportunities for study both in the field and at the bench. Emphasis is placed on research technique, instrumentation, data analysis, and presentation. After completing this introductory sequence, students should be prepared for more highly focused upper division courses that examine specific topics in greater depth.

Concepts of Biology is a prerequisite for all upper-division biology courses!

• 115 Concepts of Biology I (4): Evolution, energetics, cells, macromolecules, and classical and molecular genetics are the main topics of this course.  Laboratories provide opportunities to study these topics in the lab and field.  Intended for science majors. Fall [Staff]
• 116 Concepts of Biology II (4): Organismal biology, ecology, and animal behavior serve as the focus for this course.  Laboratories provide opportunities to study these topics in the lab and field.  Intended for science majors.  Prerequisite:  115 or consent of department chair. Spring [Staff]

200 Biological Information (1): Introduction to skills and techniques for acquiring and evaluating biological information. Biology majors are encouraged to enroll during their sophomore year. Prerequisites: 115 & 116. Fall & Spring [Staff]

212 Microbiology (4):  Survey of microorganisms emphasizing those that cause disease.  Topics include morphology and physiology of microorganisms, sterilization, disinfection and specific diseases and their causative agents.  Intended for pre-nursing students.  Prerequisite: 114 with a grade of C or better. Spring [Dr. Henry & Dr. Jensen]

214 Principles of Human Anatomy and Physiology (4) A lecture and laboratory course covering basic physiological principles as they apply in organ-body systmes including physiology of excitable tissue in the nervous system, skeletal muscle and heart.  Homeostasis and cardiovascular, respiratory, and excretory function as examples of essential functions for organism survival.  This course is a prerequisite for nursing majors.  Prerequisite:  114 with a grade of C or better. Spring [Staff]

271 Individual Learning Projects (1-4): Supervised reading or research at the lower division level. Register for 271 if fewer than 12 credits have been completed in biology courses. Consult advisor or department chair for applicability towards major requirements. Permission of department chair required. Not available to first-year students. See Independent Study.