Lower Division Course Descriptions

Intended for Majors, Minors, Natural Science Majors or Students in Health Related Sciences

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

121 Cellular Life:  Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology (4)  This course includes the topics of biological chemistry, cell structure, metabolism, classical and molecular genetics.  Laboratories provide the students with opportunities to investigate living organisms at a cellular and molecular level.  Fall [Staff]

212 Microbiology (4) Survey of organisms emphasizing those that cause disease.  Topics include morphology and physiology of microorganisms, sterilization , disinfection and specific diseases and their causative agents.  Laboratory work emphasizes aseptic technique.  Intended for pre-nursing students.  Prerequisite:  Biol 121.  Spring. [Dr. Henry and 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 systems 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.  Prerequisite:  Biol 121.  Spring [Staff]

221 Introduction to Organismal Biology (4) This course focuses on major challenges faced by multicellular organisms such as gas exchange, transport, movement, response to the environment, resource acquisition, homeostasis, and reproduction.  Laboratories provide opportunities to study form and function of both plants and animals.  Intended for science majors.  Prerequisite Biol 121. Spring [Staff]

222 Introduction to Ecology, Evolution, and Diversity (4) This course introduces ecology at the population, community and ecosystem levels; micro and macroevolution; and evolutionary relationships among organisms.  Laboratories provide opportunities to study these topics at the bench and in the filed.  Prerequisites:  Biol 121 and 221 or consent of the department chair.

271 Individual Learning Project (1-4) Supervised reading or research at the lower-division level.  Permission of the department chair required.  Does not count toward major requirements.  Not available to first year students.