10004: Human Biology: An introduction to the questions explored and the methods and tools used in the modern study of human biology, with particular emphasis on met genetics, physiology and bioethics. Intended for non-Science Majors.Required for Biology Majors . coreq : Life and Physical Sciences . 4 HR./WK ; 3CR .
10100: Biological Foundations I: Introduction to biology, emphasizing primarily the cell and molecular levels of organization. Topics include characteristics of life, cellular organization and diversity, chemistry of life, bioenergetics, reproduction and early development, and major living groups. The course features in-depth study of selected topics that are foundational for upper level study. Students develop critical thinking and technical skills that are essential for mastering the content areas and being successful in upper level courses. These include: vocabulary skills, critical thinking, collaborative learning, microscopy, collection and handling of scientific data, and elements of scientific investigation. Required for Biology majors. Pre- or coreq.: Math 19000. 2 LECT., 4 LAB. HR./WK.; 4 CR.
10200: Biological Foundations II: Second semester of introductory biology, emphasizing organismic biology, evolution, and ecology. Topics include heredity, macro- and microevolution, structure and function of body systems, and ecology. The course features a survey of topics in lecture and in-depth study of selected topics in laboratories and workshops. Students develop critical thinking and technical skills that are essential for mastering the content areas and being successful in further study. These include: vocabulary skills, problem solving, collaborative learning,computer skills, experimental design, collection and analysis of scientific data, and preparing scientific reports. Laboratories make use of the Biology Department Vivarium enabling students to study living organisms. Required for Biology majors. Prereq.: a grade of C or better in Bio 10100 or an equivalent course or permission of the instructor. 2 LECT., 4 LAB. HR./WK.; 4 CR.
20600: Introduction to Genetics: A thorough introduction to the principles of genetics. Using a combined cell biological and Mendelian approach, the course covers DNA organization, chromosome structure, genes and alleles, and transmission of genetic information in normal and genetically compromised organisms. Required for Biology majors. Prereq.: Bio 10100 and 10200 or equivalent. 2 LECT., 1 REC. HR./WK.; 3 CR .
20700: Organismic Biology: Emphasizes the physiological adjustments organisms make to specific challenges in their environments. Bioenergetics, osmoregulation and transport are the areas of focus. Laboratories are investigational and intended to develop skills in experimental design, the use of technology in acquiring data, data analysis and presentation, and in scientific writing. The development of problem solving and thinking and analysis in biology is emphasized in all aspects of the course. Prereq.: Bio 10100 and 10200 or equivalent; pre- or coreq.: Chem 10301, Eng 21003, and Math 19500. (W) 2 LECT., 4 LAB. HR./ WK.; 4 CR.
22800: Ecology and Evolution: Introduction to the basic principles of ecology and evolutionary biology emphasizing quantitative approaches and hypothesis testing. Computer literacy is attained using spreadsheets and the Internet. Prereq. or coreq.: Bio 20600 and Math 20900. (W) 2 LECT., 4 LAB. HR./WK.; 4 CR.
22900: Cell and Molecular Biology: Fundamental concepts at the cellular and molecular level of living organisms, including structure, metabolism, genetic continuity, and response mechanisms. Prereq.: Bio 10200, Pre- or coreq.: Chem 26100; Bio 20600. 2 LECT., 4 LAB. HR./WK.; 4 CR ADVANCED ELECTIVES
31100-32000: Selected Topics in Biology: Discussions, student seminars, literature survey, experimental study focusing attention on specific areas in biology. Course topics will be selected by instructor and announced early in the preceding semester. Prerequisites to be determined by instructor. HRS. AND CR. (TO A MAXIMUM OF 4 CR.) TO BE DETERMINED BY INSTRUCTOR.
32100: Bio-Medical Engineering Course.
33000: Survey of the Vertebrates: Survey of the major features of the vertebrates, including brief modern classification of the major groups and summary review of their morphological features, evolutionary history, distribution, ecology, and social behavior. Specific additional characteristics such as mimicry, ectothermy-endothermy, cannibalism, migration, predation, defense and use of venom will be discussed. Special attention is given to conservation, destruction of the environment and human impact on vertebrate life. Prereq.: Bio 10200. 3 HR./WK.; 3 CR.
33700: Mammalian Histology: Microscopic anatomy of cells, tissues and organs of selected mammals. Prereq.: Bio 22900. 2 LECT., 4 LAB. HR./WK.; 4 CR.
34000: Biology of Invertebrates: The structure and function of various invertebrates selected to illustrate morphological, physiological and ecological adaptations. Prereq.: Bio 10200. 2 LECT., 4 LAB. HR./WK.; 4 CR.
34500: Botany: Survey of the structure, physiology, diversity and ecology of photosynthetic plants and fungi. (W) Prereq.: Bio 10200 and Chem 10310. 2 LECT., 4 LAB. HR./WK.; 4 CR.
34900: Field Botany: Identification and ecological relationships of local plants. Prereq.: Bio 10200 and 34500. 2 LECT., AND AT LEAST 4 HR. OF FIELDWORK/WK.; 4 CR.
35000: Microbiology: Characteristics and systematics of prokaryotes and unicellular eukaryotes. Nutrition growth, physiological ecology, and comparative metabolism of bacteria. Methods used to study microbes. Introduction to viruses, microbial genetics, and mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis. Applied microbiology, microbial ecology, and microbes in symbioses. Prereq.: Bio 22900. (W) 2 LECT., 4 LAB. HR./WK.; 4 CR.
36400: Field Methods in Oceanography: An interdisciplinary introduction to theories, principles and laboratory methods in aquatic and coastal sciences. Includes extensive fieldwork involving cruises on a research vessel. Course is taught as a continuous three week block of lectures and laboratories during summer session. Students will be required to be in residence at an appropriate field station in the New York area for the duration of the course. Prereq.: completion of a lecture plus laboratory course designed for majors in either Biology or Geology. Completion of one year of chemistry and one semester of calculus is strongly recommended. Enrollment by application only. (W) 4 CR.
37500: Developmental Biology: Lecture An in-depth analysis of the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating development of animals and plants. Topics include: the production and storage of genetic information; sperm egg interactions; nuclear and cytoplasmic determinants; morphogenetic movements, inductive interactions and the development of primary organ rudiments; organogenesis; growth, differentiation and morphogenesis, mechanisms of aging, cancer, the immune system and regeneration; development of birth abnormalities; role of experimentation in the analysis of major developmental mechanisms in animals. (W) Prereq.: Bio 22900 or 22900. 3 LECT. HR./WK.; 3 CR.
37600: Descriptive Embryology: Laboratory The chick embryo as a model of human development. Topics include development of ectodermal, endodermal and mesodermal organs; development of the immune system; sex determination and sex differentiation; fetal membranes and placentation; development of the human fetus; congenital malformations. Exercises involve microscope analysis of whole mounts and serial sections of chick embryos. Pre- or coreq.: Bio 37500. 4 LAB. HR./WK.; 2 CR.
37700: Experimental Embryology: Laboratory Experimental analysis of the developing embryo, using frog, chick, and Drosophila as materials for in vitro fertilization and molecular techniques of analysis. Experimental design, data analysis and trouble-shooting are emphasized. Pre- or coreq.: Bio 37500. (W) 4 LAB. HR./WK.; 2 CR.
37900: Developmental Neurobiology: The cellular/molecular basis of neuronal development. Lecture/discussion format with primary literature (journal articles) used as the text for the course. Prereq.: Bio 20700; pre- or coreq.: Bio 22900 and 37500. (W) 3 LECT. HR./WK.; 3 CR.
38000: Eukaryotic Genetics: Classical, molecular, and population genetics of humans and model eukaryotic organisms (corn, yeast, fruit flies, etc.). Includes experimental and analytical techniques; human genetic disorders; forensic and diagnostic applications. Recommended for all life science students, especially those with career goals in the health and/or legal professions. (W) Prereq.: Bio 22900 and 22800. 2 LECT., 4 LAB. HR./WK.; 4 CR.
40000: Physiology and Functional Anatomy I: The integrated functioning of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems are considered. Emphasis is placed on in-depth problem solving, experimentation, interpretation of data and clinical case studies. This course is appropriate for students considering health related careers or advanced study in biomedical science. Not open to students who have taken Bio 33200. (W) Prereq.: Bio 20700 or Bio 10900 or equivalent. 2 LECT., 4 HR./WK.; 4 CR.
40100: Physiology and Functional Anatomy II: This is in-depth exploration of the integrated functioning of the cardiovascular, renal and pulmonary systems. Emphasis is primarily on human dynamic, non-pathological responses to a range of conditions including exercise and extreme environments. Structural and physiological aspects are covered. Clinical case studies highlight the interdependence of the systems. This course is appropriate for students considering health-related careers or advanced study in biomedical science. Not open to students who have taken Bio 33300. (W) Prereq.: Bio 20700 or Bio 10800 or equilvalent, Bio 40000 or Bio 33200 or permission of instructor. 2 LECT., 4 HR./WK.; 4 CR.
40200: Physiology and Functional Anatomy III: Physiological processes of energy acquisition and expenditure, including nutrition, digestion, and reproduction. Specific topics include endocrine regulation of food intake and reproduction, exercise physiology and limits to metabolic output, and temporal variation in physiological capabilities. (W) Prereq.: Bio 20700 or Bio 10900. 2 LECT., 4 HR./WK.; 4 CR.
40500: Development and Evolution: Principles of development as they relate to evolutionary changes in morphology of organisms. Discussion and analysis of classic papers in the literature. Prereq.: Bio 22800 or equivalent. 3 LECT., HR./WK.; 3 CR.
41000: Cell Development and Cellular Senescence: Current topics related to the molecular biology of cell development including cell death or apoptosis and cellular aging. A series of lectures which cover pertinent topics, such as oxidative stress, genetic and stochastic factors in aging. Students are required to present orally two primary journal articles and to write a final paper in which a review of the current literature and provision of experimental designs are required to answer a chosen question. Prereq.: Bio 22900. (W) 3 HR./WK.; 3 CR.
42500: Cancer Biology: Introduction to the fundamental principles of the cellular and molecular biology underlying cancer. Lectures will include principles of cell division and growth, and role of growth factors, oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and angiogenesis on the development of cancer. Discussions will include cancer epidemiology, health disparities, cancer prevention, and cancer treatment. Prereq: Bio 22900. 3 LECT. HR./WK.; 3CR
42000: Virology: Introductory survey of diverse genera of animal viruses and bacteriophages and methods used in the classification, detection, and quantification of viruses. The course emphasizes an understanding of the mechanisms of DNA/RNA replication, expression and macromolecular assembly into functional, infectious units (virions) in different viruses. Selected examples are presented in detail, including oncogenic RNA/DNA viruses and HIV/AIDS. Prereq.: Bio 22900 and Bio 35000, or permission of instructor. 4 LECT. HR./WK.; 4 CR.
43000: Genetics of Prokaryotes: The lectures will cover basic microbial genetics, including the biology of bacteria and their phages, structure and function of nucleic acids, gene transmission in microbial systems and the mechanisms of genetic recombination, transposition, and gene regulation. The laboratory experiments will teach mastery in techniques of mutagenesis, selection and screening, gene mapping, and use of transposons in the construction of genetically useful strains. Prereq.: Bio 22900 and Bio 35000, or permission of the instructor. (W) 3 LECT., 2 LAB. HR./WK.; 4 CR.
44300: Insect Ecology: Introduction to the diversity and biology of major insect groups, focusing on the role of insects and other arthropods in natural ecosystems and their role in human affairs. Prereq/Co-req: Bio 22800. 3 LECT., 3 LAB HR./WK.; 4 CR.
45300: Conservation Biology: Principles of conservation biology, including habitat fragmentation, exploitation of natural resources, species extinction and the consequences of inbreeding in small populations. Prereq.: Bio 22800 or equivalent. (W) 3 HR./WK.; 3 CR.
45400: Sensory Perception: Different types of sensory systems with their functional modalities will be presented. The biological bases for how these functions are generated and modified will then be described. As vision is the principal means of perception, we will focus in this course most on visual processing. Scientific data will be integrated into the lectures, such that students develop critical skills in analyzing data and proposing hypotheses. Prereq.:Bio 364. 2 HR./WK.; 3 CR.
45900: Biological Oceanography: A survey course in biological oceanography that includes discussion of the physical and chemical properties of the ocean, processes controlling primary and secondary production, biodiversity, and special environments such as polar ecosystems and upwelling systems. Lecture only. Prereq.: Chem 10401, Bio 22800 or permission of the instructor. (W) 3 HR./WK.; 3 CR.
46000: Animal Behavior: The biological bases of behavior, with emphasis on such topics as the development, evolution, genetics and ecology of behavior; sensory physiology; social behavior and communication. Prereq.: Bio 10200. (W) 3 HR./WK.; 3 CR.
46100: Laboratory in Animal Behavior: Experiments and observations to demonstrate various types of behavior and behavioral capacities at different phyletic levels. Introduction to techniques of behavioral research through experiments and an individual research project. Coreq.: Bio 46000. (W) 3 LAB. HR./WK.; 2 CR.
46400: Introduction to Neurobiology: Introduction to the physiology and organization of the nervous system. Topics include membrane potentials, action potentials, synaptic transmission, sensory and motor systems, development, neural basis of learning, memory, and cognition. Prereq.: Bio 20700 or Bio 20900 or Bio 22900. (W) 2 LECT., 4 LAB. HR./WK.; 4 CR.
46600: Plant Physiology: The growth, development, metabolism, nutrition and water relations of vascular plants and algae. Prereq.: Bio 22900. (W) 2 LECT., 4 LAB. HR./WK.; 4 CR.
46800: Comparative Animal Physiology: This course examines the physiological process involved on energy acquisition (e.g., nutrition, digestion) and expenditure (e.g., thermoregulation, locomotion) as well as water balance (e.g., osmotic stress, kidney function) in a wide variety of organisms inhabiting diverse environments. Laboratory exercises include problem solving recitations, experimentation and interpretation of data. Prereq.: Bio 10900 or 20700. (W) 2 LECT., 4 LAB. HR./WK.; 4 CR.
48300: Laboratory in Biotechnology: Introduction to DNA isolation, restriction mapping, gene cloning in plasmids and viruses, construction of libraries and other techniques of gene manipulation. Emphasis will be on application of recombinant DNA technology. Prereq.: Bio 22900 and permission of instructor. (W) 6 LAB. HR./WK.; 3 CR.
48500: Evolution: Historical development and current understanding of the principles of evolution. Prereq.: Bio 22800. (W) 3 HR./WK.; 3 CR.
HONORS AND SPECIAL COURSES The maximum for both Honors and Independent Studies is nine credits but only six may count toward the 39 required for the major.
30100-30300: Honors I-III: Honors work requires the approval of the Dean, of the Departmental Committee on Honors and Independent Studies and of the mentor. Application must be made in J1320 and also to the Departmental Committee. Entrance standards are Bio 10100, 10200, 20600, and at least two of 20700, 22800, or 22900 for Biology majors with an average of 3.5 in Biology and 3.0 or better overall. Only laboratory or field projects will be accepted for Honors. All students participating are expected to present the results of their work at the Honors and Independent study symposium in the Spring. A written paper must accompany the presentation. Although mentors are responsible for giving grades, these grades will be reviewed by the Committee before a final grade is awarded. 3 CR./SEM. FOR A TOTAL OF 9 CR. WHICH MUST BE COMPLETED.
31000: Independent Study: Individual laboratory, field, or library investigation of a problem. Recommended background: Bio 10100, 10200, 20600, and at least two of 20700, 22800 or 22900, with a 3.0 average in Biology. Apply to the Committee on Honors and Independent Studies. Students may not register for Independent Study without written permission from the Committee every semester. Students must present a written proposal with well defined goals to the committee for approval. No more than three credits of library research may be taken. In order to receive credit, a written paper must be produced and presented to the Committee. Students who work with mentors outside the department must also have a co-sponsor inside the department. Although mentors are primarily responsible for giving grades, these grades will be reviewed by the Committee before a final grade is awarded. 1-3 CR./SEM.