Biology (BIO)
Some courses may not be offered each semester. Some courses run only once per academic year, or every other academic year. Search Pace's Courses Guide for complete listing of all courses offered.
BIO 110 The Biological World (3 credits)
This course presents and illustrates the main principles of organization, function, perpetuation, and evolution on living forms.
BIO 117 Human Biology and Disease (3 credits)
A survey of the causes, symptoms and history of infection, nutritional and genetic diseases in humans and their importance in society. Includes basic information concerning the anatomy of the human body.
BIO 160 Ethnobotany: People Using Plants (3 credits)
A discussion of how the structure and function exhibited by members of the plant kingdom have been utilized by mankind for food, clothing, shelter, medicine, and drugs.
BIO 170 / ENV 231 Spaceship Earth: Issues of Sustainability (3 credits)
This course is based on discussion and activities that build on basic information previously acquired by students. They will analyze text and media information relevant to ecological issues shaping national and international perspectives. They will also evaluate environmental problems and use collaborative learning to explore creative solutions. A review of fundamental working concepts is included in the text used for this course.
BIO 205 Concepts in Environmental Science (3 credits)
This course provides an introduction to the basic concepts of environmental biology, chemistry and physics as they relate to an understanding of the sources of pollutants, both natural and those generated by human activities, their transport, fate, and levels in environmental media, namely air, water, soil, and food. Principles involved in processes such as chemical cycling within the living world, global weather patterns, and atmospheric energy balances will be addressed as they relate to these concepts. Hazard recognition and control are also discussed in terms of toxicology, epidemiology, exposure assessment, and risk assessment.
BIO 210 Ecology (4 credits)
An introduction to the study of the distribution and abundance of organisms in the natural world. Fundamental ecological concepts at the level of individuals, populations, communities, ecosystems, and the global environment will be discussed. Interactions among organisms will be examined. Application of ecological concepts to current environmental and conservation related issues will be presented. Laboratory periods will be devoted to field work.
BIO 215 / ENV 223 Urban Ecology (3 credits)
This course explores environmental issues that specifically relate to the urban scene. The focus is on understanding basic ecological dynamics of urban and suburban areas. Topics discussed include urban flora and fauna, climate, and pollutant effects on quality of life. Specific environmental-related urban public health problems are evaluated. A combination of lecture, demonstration and field trips are used to facilitate understanding of basic concepts.
BIO 220 Human Biology and Contemporary Society (4 credits)
This course is a contemporary issue and project based course. Small and large group discussions of issues that impact human biology from the practical, theoretical and political standpoints will be the focus. It emphasizes the interdependence of human, plant and animal biology and the environment. This course will function as a seminar and hands-on laboratory workshop, with assigned readings from journals, periodicals and the Internet. Students will be expected to choose an issue to further research and present their findings.
BIO 221 – Botany (4 credits)
A discussion of the interrelationships, evolutionary development, and taxonomy of representative plants from the major divisions of the plant kingdom. Emphasis is on morphology as it relates to function, economic importance and classification.
BIO 237 - Biological Oceanography and Marine Biology (3 credits)
This course is an intensive overview of oceanography from the biological perspective emphasizing the interaction between the biotic and abiotic components of the marine environment. Specific topics include marine species of plants and animals, marine microbiology, food webs, energy flow and marine habitats.
BIO 254 Microbiology (4 credits)
Basic course in microbiology dealing with causative agents of human diseases. Other topics include chemotherapy, host-parasite relationships, and the basis of the immune process. Laboratory includes culturing, primary identification, antibiotic and biochemical tests.
BIO 264 Microbiology (4 credits)
An introduction to the study of growth, nutrition and metabolic requirements of microorganisms. Other topics included are microbial genetics, chemotherapy and host-parasite relationships. Laboratory techniques include isolation and culturing, antibiotic and biochemical tests, as well as microbiological assays.
BIO 306 Advanced Microbiology (3 credits)
A survey of the topic of microbial pathogenesis. Concepts examined include mechanisms of microbial invasion, disease mechanisms, host response to infection, virulence, drug resistance, and immunity. Viral as well as bacterial pathogens are discussed.
BIO 322 Animal Behavior (4 credits)
An introduction to the mechanisms and adaptive significance of animal behavior. Fundamental principles derived from evolution, ecology, neurobiology, and development will be examined. Activities such as navigation and orientation, migration, feeding, echolocation, communication, predator-prey interactions, mating systems, and parental care using examples throughout the animal kingdom will be discussed.
BIO 345 Introduction to Toxicology (3 credits)
An introduction to the study of the injurious effects of substances on living organisms. Consideration is given to mechanisms of entry to the body, the biochemistry of toxic substances within the body, including acute and chronic effects and long-term mutagenic and carcinogenic effects. The hazards and methods of handling toxic substances, and treatment for their effects are also considered.
BIO 357 Parasitology (3 credits)
An examination of the biology of important protozoan and helminth parasites of vertebrates. Emphasis is placed on morphological, biochemical, and physiological aspects of parasitism. Mechanisms of action are clinically active antiparasitic agents are discussed.
BIO 370 Introduction to Recombinant DNA Technology (4 credits)
This course provides an introduction to the major concepts and techniques in contemporary molecular genetics and their application to research, agriculture, industry and medicine.
BIO 395 Independent Study in Biology (variable credit)
With the approval of the appropriate faculty member and the department chairperson, students may select a topic for guided research that is not included in the regular course offerings. The student meets regularly with the faculty member to review progress. A paper must be submitted.
BIO 399D Topics in Biology: Ecosystems (4 credits)
An examination of the modern laboratory and field techniques used to investigate ecosystem dynamics. The focus will be on modeling, analysis of system perturbation, and remediation utilizing both classical and modern techniques, including DNA technology.
BIO 399K/MGT 347A Topics in Biology: Ecotourism and Sustainability in Tuscany (3 credits)
This course provides an opportunity to have an interdisciplinary experience in the study of ecotourism, sustainability and business/hospitatlity issues in Italy. Students will visit various venues that demonstrate sustainable business and environmental practices. Students will also participate in a community green mappihng project in the Mugello Territories in Tuscany. Prerequisite: BIO 102 or ENV 221 and ENV 222, and permission of department chairperson required.
BIO 480 Research in Biology (3 credits)
Enrollment by faculty invitation or student approach to faculty sponsor. Under faculty supervision students conduct research and submit a report at the close of the semester. A maximum of 2 semesters for credit may be elected. Contact department for more information concerning requirements.
