Course descriptions may be updated periodically to reflect changes since the last published catalog.
Course Number Name
BIO-101 Principles of Biology I...

Prerequisites

Must take BIO L101 concurrently

Course Credits

3.00

Description

An introductory course in basic concepts in cell biology, and genetics. May not be taken by Biology majors or minors. This course will not fulfill requirements for a major or a minor in Biology. Not recommended for those interested in health careers.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

Course Types

NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BA BFA & BSJ,NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BS

BIO-102 Principles of Biology II...

Prerequisites

BIO L102 must be taken concurrently

Course Credits

3.00

Description

Investigations of relationships among organisms in time and space. Evolution, diversity, and human biology in the context of contemporary society. May not be taken by Biology majors or minors. This course will not fulfill requirements for a major or a minor in Biology.

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

Course Types

NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BA BFA & BSJ,NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BS

BIO-104 Environmental Biology...

Prerequisites

BIO 101 and BIO L101, can also be taken concurrently BIO L104 must be taken cincurrently

Course Credits

3.00

Description

An introduction to basic evolutionary, behavioral and ecological principles. Readings and discussions emphasize the ways that humans are affected by ecological processes and principles as well as how humans and their technology affect ecosystems. May not be taken by Biology majors or minors. This course will not fulfill requirements for a major or a minor in Biology. It is intended for non-biology majors as a follow-up to Biology 101. 3 hours lecture. Days Only. Madrid Campus only.

Term Offered

Course Types

NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BA BFA & BSJ,NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BS

BIO-105 Humans & Evol. Perspective...

Prerequisites

This is for Non- Majors Only

Course Credits

4.00

Description

Major topics include the scientific basis of evolution, the fossil history of vertebrates, evidence of evolution in the human body, and applying an evolutionary perspective to the social interactions and possible futures of humanity. Meets one of the non laboratory science requirements for the non-science major. This reading and writing intensive course is a non-laboratory science option for non-science majors. This course will not fulfill requirement for a major or a minor in Biology.

Term Offered

Occasional

Course Types

NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BA BFA & BSJ

BIO-106 Current Topics in Human Biology And Health...

Prerequisites

Non- Majors only

Course Credits

4.00

Description

Familiarize students with current trends in human biology and health. The technical and scientific aspects, along with ethical issues involved with the new frontiers in human health and biology research will be covered. Topics will include: cell biology, cancer biology, infectious disease and environmental health issues. In addition to exams and class discussion, students will be required to give a 10-minute presentation on a related topic of their choice. Meets one of the non laboratory science requirements for the non-science major. This course will not fulfill requirements for a major or a minor in Biology. Usually offered alternate Spring Semester

Term Offered

Occasional

Course Types

NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BA BFA & BSJ

BIO-109 Plants and People...

Prerequisites

Course Credits

4.00

Description

This course focuses on the ancient, intimate, and mutually beneficial relationship between humans and plants. We will discuss the basic anatomy, physiology, and genetic characteristics of flowering plants and how these characteristics have facilitated their use by humans. We will explore the impacts of a wide range of plants and their products on human society while considering the evolutionary changes that these plants have undergone through artificial selection. We will also touch on the synergistic role of fungus and plants in alcohol fermentation. This course fulfills the non-lab natural sciences requirement for BFA, BSJ, and BA degrees. Non-biology majors only.

Term Offered

Course Types

NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BA BFA & BSJ

BIO-111 Introduction to the Cell...

Prerequisites

Must take BIO L111 concurrently

Course Credits

3.00

Description

Explanation of key biological structures and reactions of the cell. This is an introductory course required of all biology majors and minors, and some non-biology science majors. This course is not recommended for the non-science student. Fall Offering: Science Majors ONLY; Spring Offering: Biology Majors ONLY.

Term Offered

Offered Both Fall and Spring

BIO-114 Organismal Biology...

Prerequisites

Must take BIO L114 concurrently.

Course Credits

3.00

Description

Introduction to organismal biology emphasizing evolution, phylogenetics, form and function.Only when offered in Fall participation in the annual October (Columbus Day Weekend) field trip to the Friedman Field Station is mandatory (a small fee is associated with this trip). Fall Offering: Biology Majors Only; Spring Offering: Science Majors. ECR credit is only earned during the Fall offering.

Term Offered

Offered Both Fall and Spring

BIO-203 Anatomy and Physiology I...

Prerequisites

BIO L203 MUST BE TAKEN CONCURRENTLY BIO 111, BIO L111.

Course Credits

3.00

Description

First part of a systematic survey of the structure and functional inter-relations of the organ systems of the human body. This course includes histology and discussion of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Medical terminology will be used.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

BIO-204 Anatomy and Physiology II...

Prerequisites

BIO 203, BIO L203, BIO L204 must be taken concurrently; By permission of the professor only.

Course Credits

3.00

Description

Conclusion of the survey of the structure and function of inter-relations of the organ systems of the human body. This course investigates the endocrine,circulatory, respiratory,immunity, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Medical terminology will be used.

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

BIO-213 Bio-Ethical Issues...

Prerequisites

BIO 111 or BIO 114

Course Credits

4.00

Description

An introduction to ethical issues raised by advances in the biosciences and biotechnology. Topics include genetically modified organisms, reproductive technologies, genetic screening and privacy issues, therapeutic cloning, human uses of animals, and environmental sustainability. This course will provide an introductory philosophical background to bioethics, surveying several major ethical theories. A general understanding of the biosciences will be presumed.

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

BIO-222 Field Botany...

Prerequisites

BIO 111. This course will fulfill the Expanded Classroom Requirement.

Course Credits

4.00

Description

A three-week camping excursion, during which common tracheotypes, bryophytes, algae, and other photosynthetic organisms characteristic of various habits in Maine will be identified. Emphasis will be on plant ecology including species interactions and habitat requirements. Vertical zonation in mountains, lakes and intertidal areas will be apoint of focus. Participants will camp for one week at each of three sites: Baxter State Park, Central Maine (near Augusta),and the Friedman Field Station. Travel will be by van(s) and hiking (up to ten miles a day) over difficult terrain. Sleeping bags and tents required. Additional fees: Camping and food est. $475.00. ECR. The three-week camping excursion typically runs from late May (after tradition Spring course finals are over) into June. Taught alternate years.

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

Course Types

Expanded Classroom Requirement

BIO-225 Plant Biology...

Prerequisites

Bio 111, L111 and Bio 114, L114;Must be taken concurrently with L225.

Course Credits

3.00

Description

Course introduces students to the anatomy, physiology, systematics, ecology, and economic uses of all major groups of plants. Aspects of the biology of nonvascular, nonseed, gymnosperm, and angiosperm plants are explored. An overview of Kingdom Fungi is also covered. Each student is required to do a 10 -15 minute presentation to the class highlighting the economic use of a group of plants assigned by the instructor.Normally offered Spring semester.

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

BIO-254 Marine Biology...

Prerequisites

BIO-114 and BIO-L114 or instructor's permission

Course Credits

3.00

Description

Introduction to the marine environment, its organisms and their specific adaptations. Emphasis on marine and estuarine ecology, intertidal habits, trophic relations, and physiology. Human impacts on the sea; fisheries, mariculture, pollution, law of the sea. Taught only at the R.S.Friedman Field Station Campus, Edmunds, ME. ECR. This course typically meets for three-weeks from early to mid August to early September (before typical Fall courses begin). Taught alternate years.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

Course Types

Expanded Classroom Requirement

BIO-262 Principles of Cell Culture...

Prerequisites

BIO 111, L111 and BIO 114, L114 and CHEM 111, L111

Course Credits

4.00

Description

The course is designed as an application base eductional experience that will allow students to learn the standard techniques associated with successful cell culture. As such, students are responsible for the maintenance, propagation, isolation, and preservation of their cells. A number of cell types and experimental manipulations of the cultures are investigated throughout the semester.

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

BIO-273 Biostatistics...

Prerequisites

BIO 111/L111

Course Credits

4.00

Description

Introduction to the application of statistical methods for the evaluation of biological problems. Sampling, confidence intervals, hypothesis tests, experimental design, analysis of variance, regression, and correlation are some of the topics offered.

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

Course Types

Quantitative Reasoning

BIO-274 Genetics...

Prerequisites

BIO 111/L111, CHEM 111/L111, 'Must take BIO L274 concurrently

Course Credits

3.00

Description

An examination of the basic principles of genetics in eukaryotes and prokaryotes at the level of molecules, cells, and multicelluar organisms, including humans. Topics include Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance, structure and function of chromosomes and genomes, biological variation resulting from recombination, mutation, and selection, and population genetics.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

BIO-285 Microbiology...

Prerequisites

BIO-111 and BIO-L111,

Course Credits

3.00

Description

Viruses and bacteria are surveyed in terms of their ecology, biochemistry, taxonomy, molecular biology and control.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

BIO-302 Writing for Research...

Prerequisites

Take BIO-111 and BIO-114. Take ENG-101 or ENG-102;

Course Credits

4.00

Description

Development of skills for writing clearly, concisely, and creatively in the style of scientific journals. This course emphasizes the formulation of a research project of the student's choice and leads to a formal manuscript on the topic. Instruction includes literature search methods and software for the graphical presentation of data. Required of all biology majors.

Term Offered

Offered Both Fall and Spring

BIO-304 Comparative Animal Physiology...

Prerequisites

BIO-114, L114 and CHEM-211, L211, Must take BIO L304 concurrently

Course Credits

3.00

Description

Mechanisms of physiological adaptations to environmental challenges are studied. Examples of gas exchange, osmoregulation, fluid transport, temperature regulation, nervous control, and movement are examined in various animal forms. Spring semester.

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

BIO-315 Animal Behavior...

Prerequisites

BIO 114

Course Credits

4.00

Description

Surveys animal behavior in a range of species (invertebrates, birds, fish, mammals including humans) to assess similarities and differences in the evolution of behaviors and their physiological mechanisms by which individual organisms and species adapt to their environments. Topics include: predator evasion; mating systems; parental care; social behavior; and learning.

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

BIO-333 Ecology...

Prerequisites

BIO 114 and BIO L114; and BIO 222 or BIO 224 and BIO 224 or BIO 225 and L225 This course fulfills the Expanded Classroom Requirement

Course Credits

3.00

Description

Areas of study include but are not limited to basic principles of population biology, community ecology, trophic dynamics, ecosystem structure and function and evolutionary theory.(note: some aspects of the course may differ depending on if it is a Boston or a FFS offering) ECR. Offered even years at both the Boston campus (Fall semester) and the R.S. Friedman Field Station Campus (FFS),Edmunds, ME (Early Fall offering for three weeks). There is a $475 camping fee associated with the FFS BIO 333 offering.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

Course Types

Expanded Classroom Requirement

BIO-337 Evolution...

Prerequisites

Course Credits

4.00

Description

A survey of evolutionary theory, exploring processes such as the genetic sources of variation, natural and sexual selection, and evolutionary developmental biology. Using phylogenetic systematics and other tools, we will demonstrate how these mechanisms result in the visible patterns of evolution. This is a reading and writing intensive course centered on close reading of Origin of the Species and discussion of recent peer-reviewed literature about evolution.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

BIO-343 Biodiversity & Conserv Bio...

Prerequisites

BIO 114, L114; BIO L343 MUST BE TAKEN CONCURRENTLY

Course Credits

3.00

Description

The origin, measurement, and extent of biological diversity on Earth, its practical and theoretical importance, and current trends in extinction due to human activities. Anthropogenic influences on individuals, populations, and ecosystems will be considered, as well as strategies for biological conservation on a changing planet.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

BIO-350 Vertebrate Biology...

Prerequisites

BIO-111, BIO-L111, BIO-114, BIO-L114;

Course Credits

3.00

Description

This class will focus on the form and function of vertebrate animals from an evolutionary standpoint. The adaptations of major groups will be discussed in light of their phylogenetic history and ecology. A discussion of major adaptive radiations and abiotic factors that influenced these trends will also be highlighted.

Term Offered

Occasional

BIO-357 Biology of Fishes...

Prerequisites

BIO 114/L114, BIO 202, and Junior standing. Requires permission from Marine Sciences Coordinator.

Course Credits

3.00

Description

The evolution, systematics, anatomy, physiology and behavior of freshwater, marine and anadromous fishes from temperate to tropical environments. The interactions of fish in their environments, including predatory/prey relationships, host/symbiont interactions, and fish as herbivores. Taken with permission from the Marine Science Consortium Coordinator. [This is a Marine Science Consortium Course and enrollment is limited] Evenings only: off campus

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

BIO-377 Immunology...

Prerequisites

BIO 114, L114 and CHEM 211, L211. Must take BIO L377 concurrently

Course Credits

3.00

Description

The concept of immunity, response to infection, structure of the immune system, biochemistry of immunoglobins, antigen-antibody interactions, allergy, immunological injury, lymphocyte subpopulations and cellular immunity, tolerance suppression and enhancement.Taught alternate/even years.

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

BIO-385 Advanced Microbiology...

Prerequisites

BIO-285 and BIO-L285 BIO L385 must be taken concurrently

Course Credits

3.00

Description

Pathogenesis and host-parasite relationships; epidemiology and public health aspects of pathogenic microorganisms are stressed; molecular biology, applied and industrial microbiology. Current literature reviews. Taught alternate/odd years.

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

BIO-403 Cell Biology...

Prerequisites

BIO 111/L111 and CHEM 211/L211

Course Credits

3.00

Description

The study of cells, approached through examinations of biochemical mechanisms, the relation between the structure and function of biological molecules and organelles, and the regulation of normal and diseased cells.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

BIO-409 Biology Seminar...

Prerequisites

BIO 202, Senior standing

Course Credits

1.00

Description

The purpose of this class is to familiarize all senior biology majors with the process of investigating and implementing novel research in the biological sciences. The centerpiece of the course is a semester long project in which each student selects, researches, and designs an original experiment on the topic of their choice. Two in - class presentations and a full length research proposal are required. Weekly reading assignments and discussions of the primary literature are vital to the investigation piece of the course. Prerequisites: BIO 202 and senior standing. May not be used for credit towards or an elective for the Biology Minor.

Term Offered

Offered Both Fall and Spring

BIO-474 Molecular Genetics...

Prerequisites

Take CHEM-211 and CHEM-L211; Take CHEM-331 or BIO-274 and BIO-L274;

Course Credits

3.00

Description

An examination of concepts and techniques of modern molecular biology. topics include the structure and function of DNA, RNA, and proteins, the regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, genetic modification of organisms, and genome analysis. This course will incorporate readings and discussions of primary scientific literature.Spring semester.

Term Offered

Occasional

BIO-475 Developmental Biology...

Prerequisites

BIO-114, L114 and CHEM-211, L211 BIO L475 must be taken concurrently

Course Credits

3.00

Description

An examination of the molecular, cellular, biochemical and environmental mechanisms that regulate the developmental processes in organisms with an emphasis on vertebrates. Topics include the processes of differentiation, determination, tissue induction and morphogenesis.

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

BIO-510 Independent Study...

Prerequisites

An indpendent study form must be submitted to the CAS Dean's Office.

Course Credits

1.00- 5.00

Description

Student projects may be initiated by a student or faculty member with the approval of the Chairperson. A written proposal which must have majority approval of the Biology Faculty is required prior to enrolling. A paper and oral report are required. Only ONE independent study may be used toward biology electives.

Term Offered

Offered Both Fall and Spring

BIO-L101 Principles of Biology I Lab...

Prerequisites

Must take BIO 101 concurrently

Course Credits

1.00

Description

A series of experiments and explanations to study the principles of diffusion, enzyme function, cell division, genetics and evolution. May not be taken by Biology majors or minors. This course will not fulfill requirements for a major or a minor in Biology.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

Course Types

NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BA BFA & BSJ,NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BS

BIO-L102 Principles of Biology II Lab...

Prerequisites

BIO 102 must be taken concurrently

Course Credits

1.00

Description

Exercises and field trips designed to complement and demonstrate the principles developed in the lecture section. May not be taken by Biology majors or minors. This course will not fulfill requirements for a major or a minor in Biology.

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

Course Types

NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BA BFA & BSJ,NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BS

BIO-L104 Environmental Bio Lab...

Prerequisites

BIO-104 must be taken concurrently

Course Credits

1.00

Description

Exercises and field trips designed to complement and demonstrate the ecological principles developed in the lecture section. The lab emphasizes the scientific method and employs long term group projects. Madrid Campus only.

Term Offered

Course Types

NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BA BFA & BSJ,NATURAL SCIENCE FOR BS

BIO-L111 Introduction to the Cell Laboratory...

Prerequisites

Concurrently with BIO 111

Course Credits

1.00

Description

Sessions are designed to familiarize the student with biological molecules, and the techniques used in their study. The techniques covered include basic solution preparation, separation and quantification of molecules, enzyme catalysis, and cell isolation. Fall Offerings: Science Majors Only; Spring Offerings: Biology Majors Only.

Term Offered

Offered Both Fall and Spring

BIO-L114 Organismal Biology Laboratory...

Prerequisites

Must take BIO 114 concurrently

Course Credits

1.00

Description

A series of laboratory experiences in evolution, diversity, anatomy and physiology. Fall Offering: Biology Majors Only; Spring offering: Science Majors Only.

Term Offered

Offered Both Fall and Spring

BIO-L203 Anatomy & Physiology Lab I...

Prerequisites

Must take BIO-203 concurrently

Course Credits

1.00

Description

A study of the human skeletal system and a comparative look at other organ systems involving observation of anatomical models and dissection of mammalian specimines. Also includes computer simulations of physiological processes.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

BIO-L204 Anatomy & Physiology Lab II...

Prerequisites

BIO 203/L203 and BIO 204 must be taken concurrently; By permission of the professor only.

Course Credits

1.00

Description

A study of the human viscera using anatomical models and dissection of mammalian specimens. Also includes microscopy of tissues.

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

BIO-L225 Plant Biology Laboratory...

Prerequisites

Must be taken concurrently with Bio 225

Course Credits

1.00

Description

Lab exercises focus on plant anatomy, physiology, and systematics. Instruction in the identification of major plant families and fungal types is covered. Trips to a Boston area herbarium and botanical garden are required.

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

BIO-L254 Marine Biology Lab...

Prerequisites

BIO-114 and BIO-L114 or intructor's permission Must Take BIO-254 Concurrently

Course Credits

1.00

Description

Field trips to local marine environments; field and laboratory observations of marine organisms. Independent student projects. Taught only at the R.S. Friedman Field Station Campus, Edmunds, ME. ECR

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

Course Types

Expanded Classroom Requirement

BIO-L274 Genetics Lab...

Prerequisites

Must be taken concurrently with BIO 274.

Course Credits

1.00

Description

Experiments designed to demonstrate principles presented in lecture, using a range of genetic model organisms that include E. coli, B. subtilis, S. cerevisiae, D. melanogaster, S. fimicola, and C. elegans.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

BIO-L285 Microbiology Laboratory...

Prerequisites

Must take BIO-285 concurrently

Course Credits

1.00

Description

Introduction to microbiological techniques and their applications to health, research and industry.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

BIO-L304 Comp Animal Physiology Lab...

Prerequisites

BIO-304 must be taken concurrently

Course Credits

1.00

Description

Selected physiological processes and mechanisms or adaptation in invertebrate and vertebrate animals are examined by observation and controlled experiments.

Term Offered

BIO-L333 Ecology Lab...

Prerequisites

BIO 114 &L114, BIO 222 or 224 or 225. Must take BIO 333 concurrently. Fulfills Expanded Classroom Requirement

Course Credits

1.00

Description

Field and laboratory experiences in techniques and concepts relevant to lecture materials; data collecting and report preparation. Group project with data collection, presention and report preparation is required. (note some aspects of the lab may differ depending on whether it is a Boston or a FFS offering) ECR

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

BIO-L343 Biodiversity & Conserv Lab...

Prerequisites

BIO-114 and BIO-L114;and must take BIO-343 concurrently

Course Credits

1.00

Description

Laboratory exercises dealing with the calculation, of Biodiversity in the environment, as well as with the effects of contaminants on individuals, populations, and model ecosystems. The fates of contaminants in such systems will be explored, as well as the possibility of remediation of adverse effects.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

BIO-L350 Vertebrate Biology Lab...

Prerequisites

BIO-111, BIO-L111, BIO-114, BIO-L114;

Course Credits

1.00

Description

This lab will focus on the comparative anatomy of vertebrate animals. In-depth dissections will be the focus of the laboratory exercises. A Squalus shark, a Necturus salamander, a pigeon, and a mink will be examined in detail.

Term Offered

Occasional

BIO-L377 Immunology Laboratory...

Prerequisites

BIO-377 must be taken concurrently

Course Credits

1.00

Description

Anatomy of the immune system , immunoglobin purification, hemagglutination, enzyme immunoassay. Immuno-chemistry, immunoelectrophoresis, gel precipitation assay.

Term Offered

Occasional

BIO-L385 Advanced Microbiology Lab...

Prerequisites

BIO 285/L285; BIO 385 must be taken concurrently

Course Credits

1.00

Description

Isolation, quantization and cultivation of microorganisms, advanced general and applied microbiology and molecular biology. Experience in media, chemical and culture preparations.

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term

BIO-L403 Cell Biology Lab...

Prerequisites

Take BIO-111 BIO-L111 CHEM-211 CHEM-L211;and must take BIO-403 concurrently

Course Credits

1.00

Description

Examination of biological molecules and their role in cell function. Techniques used in these examinations will include enzymatic analyses, gel electrophoresis, immunologic identification, chromatography, and spectroscopy. Students are expected to develop their proficiency in the laboratory techniques used, to analyze their results in a quantitative manner, and to present their findings.

Term Offered

Offered Fall Term

BIO-L474 Molecular Genetics Lab...

Prerequisites

Take CHEM-211 and CHEM-L211; Take CHEM-331 or BIO-274 and BIO-L274; BIO-474 must be taken concurrently;

Course Credits

1.00

Description

This upper level laboratory course will consist of a semester-long project in the form of a series of consecutive experiments involving the generation of a genetically modified organism and its subsequent molecular analysis. Techniques employed will include genetic screens, DNA isolation, restriction endonuclease analysis, transformation of bacteria,gel electrophoresis, gene reported assays, RNA isolation, reverse transcription, and quantitative PCR.

Term Offered

Occasional

BIO-L475 Developmental Biology Lab...

Prerequisites

BIO 114/L114, CHEM 211/L211 BIO 475 must be taken concurrently

Course Credits

1.00

Description

Laboratory includes the classic sequential study of developmental stages in the frog, pig and chicken using prepared slides. It also includes experimental manipulation of development in vertebrates and other organisms to a lesser degree. Prerequisite: BIO 202, BIO 114, BIO L114, CHEM 211, CHEM L211, Must take BIO 475 concurrently. 1 term - 1 credit.

Term Offered

Offered Spring Term