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Undergraduate Courses |
| BIO-100
/BIO-100G Great Experiments in Biology 5:1 (3) |
|
| The
core of biology is the scientific experiment. This course, through lecture
and laboratory, focuses on some classic experiments that introduce students
to the modern study of biology and scientific method. Experiments include
ones in the molecular basis of mutation, separation of complex biologically
important molecules, and the construction of demographic tables. Usually
offered every term. Prerequisite: completion of the University Mathematics
Requirement, or concurrent enrollment in MATH-170 or MATH-211 or STAT-202.
|
| |
| ENVS-102
Seminar in Environmental Issues (1) |
|
| This
seminar for beginning environmental studies majors introduces students to
the domain of environmental science as a discipline. Scientific, economic,
and social issues underlying major environmental problems are presented
through faculty and guest speakers, readings, and discussions. Usually offered
every term. |
| |
| BIO-110
/ BIO-110G General Biology I 5:1 (4) |
|
| An
in-depth introduction and exploration of the study of life from atoms, molecules,
and organelles to the cellular levels of organization. Emphasis on cell
structure and function, energetics and metabolism, the gene, molecular genetics,
and evolution. The laboratory component introduces the scientific method
and experimentation through the study of microbes, plants and animals. Usually
offered every term.Prerequisite: Completion of the University Mathematics
Requirement or concurrent enrollment in MATH-170
or MATH-211 or MATH-221. |
| |
| BIO-200
/ BIO-200G Structure and Function of the Human Body 5:2 (3) |
|
| The human organism
as a paradigm for biological organization. The relationship between structure
and function of organ systems. Disease processes in the context of normal
physiology; social concerns from a biological perspective. Usually offered
every term. Prerequisite for General Education credit: BIO-100G or
BIO-110G. |
| |
| BIO-210
/ BIO-210G General Biology II 5:2 (4) |
|
| An exploration of
the origins of planet Earth and life. Emphasis on the organismal and higher
levels of biological organization. The diversity of life through a survey
of the five kingdoms and their phylogenetic relationships. The form and
function of plants and animals. A consideration of the interrelationships
between organisms and environment. The laboratory component explores the
diversity of life at the organismal and higher levels of biological organization.
Studies include form and function of plants and animals, dissection of the
rat, and selected systems. Usually offered every term. Prerequisite:
BIO-110. Prerequisite for General Education credit: BIO-110G. |
| |
| BIO-220
/ BIO-220G The Case for Evolution 5:2 (3) |
|
|
What is evolution, how and
why does it occur, and what does it tell us about the world around us?
This course reviews the process of evolution from the initial organic
soup that existed some four billion years ago to the relatively recent
emergence of humans. It investigates why species change over time, both
in their individual characteristics and their relative abundance, and
examines how cultural and technological advances are influencing the current
and future biological evolution of humans. Usually offered every term.
Prerequisite for General Education credit: BIO-110G or BIO-100G
or PSYC-115G.
|
| |
| BIO-240
/ BIO-240G Oceanography 5:2 (3) |
|
| The study of the
sea from a global perspective. Emphasis on chemical and physical oceanography
as it affects life in the seas and the world economies. Includes origin
of the oceans, basic navigation, marine geography, plate tectonics, heat
budgets, climatology, meteorology, winds, currents, waves, tides, productivity,
and fisheries. Usually offered every term. Prerequisite for General
Education credit: BIO-100G or BIO-110G or CHEM-100G or CHEM- 110G or PHYS-100G
or PHYS-105G or PHYS-110G. |
| |
| BIO-250
/ BIO-250G Living in the Environment 5:2 (3) |
|
| Focuses on key principles
that govern how nature works and applies them to possible solutions to environmental
problems. Includes energy flow and nutrient cycling through ecosystems,
properties of natural communities, human population dynamics, resource conservation
and management, the meaning of pollution, and environmental ethics. Usually
offered every term. Prerequisite for General Education credit: BIO-100G
or BIO-110G or CHEM-100G or CHEM-110G. |
| |
| BIO-300
Cell Biology with Laboratory (4) |
|
| Integrated study
of structure and function of eucaryotic cells, emphasizing their ultrastructure,
biochemistry, and physiology. Lab consists of biological buffers, protein
and DNA analysis, histology and enzyme kinetics. Usually offered every fall.
Prerequisite: BIO-210 and CHEM-210. |
| |
| BIO-340
Marine Biology (3) |
|
| Biology
of marine organisms from a global perspective. Influence of geology, geography,
currents, tides, waves, winds, salinity, and other parameters on the distribution
of marine organisms. Plankton, nekton, infauna, epifauna, rocky shores,
coral reefs, estuarines, beaches, and other environments. Marine ecology.
Exercises using living and preserved marine invertebrates and fishes. Weekend
field trips may be required. Usually offered alternate springs. Prerequisite:
BIO-210 or BIO-240, and permission of the instructor. |
| |
| BIO-356
Genetics with Laboratory (5) |
|
| Basic
genetic principles as revealed by classical and modern research methods.
Patterns of gene transmission; gene structure, function, interactions, and
mutation; chromosomal aberrations; nonchromosomal inheritance; biochemical
genetics; and population genetics. Experiments illustrating basic genetic
concepts, using materials from corn, drosophila, and humans. Usually offered
every spring. Prerequisite: BIO-300 or permission of instructor. |
| |
| ENVS
375 Water Resources (3) |
|
| A study of the availability,
quality, dynamics, and cycles of water. Emphasizes the hydraulic cycle,
movement of water in aquifers, floods and droughts, drainage basin analysis,
and factors affecting water quality. Usually offered every thrid semester.
Prerequisite: MATH-211 or MATH-221. |
| |
| BIO-390
Independent Reading Course in Biology (1-6) |
|
| This course is defined
by the student and the student's supervisor. Prerequisite: permission
of instructor and department chair. |
| |
| ENVS-390
Independent Reading Course in EnvironmentalStudies (1-6) |
|
| Prerequisite:
Permission of instructor and department chair. |
| |
| BIO-392
Cooperative Education Field Experience (3-9) |
|
| Prerequisite:
permission of department chair and Cooperative Education office. |
| |
| ENVS-392
Cooperative Education Field Experience (3-9) |
|
| Prerequisite:
Permission of department chair and Cooperative Education office. |
| |
| BIO-396
Selected Topics (3) |
|
|
Topic changes from term to term. Usually three credits, but may vary. Prerequisites:
variable. |
| |
| BIO-404
Biology of Plants with Laboratory (4) |
|
| An
in-depth survey of plant structure and function, with emphasis on photosynthesis,
development, physiology, and evolution. Usually offered alternate springs.
Prerequisite: BIO-210 and CHEM- 210. |
| |
| BIO-410
Invertebrate Zoology with Laboratory (4) |
|
| Structure,
evolution, and physiology of invertebrate animals, including protozoans.
Emphasis on helminths and other parasites, medically significant arthropods,
and taxa of significance in aquatic biology. Laboratory emphasizes variety
of taxa over types. Usually offered alternate falls. Prerequisite:
BIO-210. |
| |
| BIO-423
Introduction to Ecology (3) |
|
| Fundamental
principles of ecology, with emphasis on the interaction of organisms and
their environment at the level of individuals, populations, and communities,
including energy flow through and nutrient cycling within ecosystems. Application
of ecological principles to current environmental issues. Usually offered
every spring. Prerequisite: BIO-210; calculus or statistics course
is highly recommended. |
| |
| BIO-435
Vertebrate Physiology with Laboratory (4) |
|
| Properties
and physiology of vertebrate organ systems are explored. Laboratory illustrates
selected physiological principles and encourages scientific inquiry. Usually
offered alternate falls. Prerequisite: BIO-300. |
| |
| BIO-440
Microbiology with Laboratory (4) |
|
| The
general biology of microorganisms. Includes the structures of prokaryotic
and eukaryotic cells, energy transformations, nutrition, biosynthesis, growth,
and microbial genetics. Various aspects of applied microbiology such as
antimicrobial agents, microbial interactions, microbial ecology, and industrial
microbiology will also be discussed. The laboratory includes basic techniques
for handling, isolating and characterizing microorganisms.Prerequisite:
BIO-300 and CHEM-310. |
| |
| BIO-490
Independent Study Project in Biology (1-6) |
|
| Prerequisite:
permission of instructor and department chair. |
| |
| ENVS-490
Independent Study Project in Environmental Studies (1-6) |
|
| Prerequisite:
Permission of instructor and department chair. |
| |
| BIO-491
Internship (1-4) |
|
| Prerequisite:
permission of instructor and department chair. |
| |
| ENVS-491
Internship (1-6) |
|
| Prerequisite:
Permission of instructor and department chair. |
| |
| ENVS
492 Senior Capstone in Environmental Studies (3) |
|
| An
in-depth examination of two major sites of environmental concern and controversy
from a variety of scientific and social perspectives. One site, such as
the Yellowstone Ecosystem, will be of national importance, and one, such
as the Anacostia River, will be of local importance. Usually offered every
spring. Prerequisite: senior environmental studies majors. |
| |
| BIO-496
Behavioral Ecology (3) |
|
| This course
examines how habitat choices, patterns of movement, reproductive behaviors,
trophic interactions and other behaviors affect the ecological roles of
animals in ecosystems. |
| |
| BIO-497
Senior Honors Thesis I (3) |
|
| Student
designed original laboratory or field research project. Usually offered
every term. Prerequisite: Senior standing, honors program, permission
of department. |
| |
| BIO-498
Senior Honors Thesis II (3) |
|
| Completion
of student designed original laboratory or field research project. Results
are both written as scientific paper(s) and presented in departmental seminar.
Usually offered every term. Prerequisite: BIO-497. |
| |
| BIO-499
Senior Seminar in Biology (3) |
|
| This
seminar, required of all senior biology majors, challenges students to examine
unifying principles of biology. Different subjects are presented in discussions,
through faculty and guest speakers, readings, and individual student presentations.
Usually offered every spring. Prerequisite: senior biology majors. |
|
| Graduate
and Advanced Undergraduate Courses |
| BIO-500
Advanced General Microbiology (3) |
|
| Structure
and functional anatomy of procaryotic cell walls and membranes; bacterial
phototrophs, autotrophs, heterotrophs, their main pathways of degradative
and synthetic metabolism; mechanisms of procaryotic genetic exchange; and
regulation of gene expression. Usually offered alternate springs. Prerequisite:
BIO-440. |
| |
| BIO-501
Mechanisms of Pathogenesis (3) |
|
| Infectious
diseases of humans with emphasis on bacterial pathogens and the biology
of the causative agents. Host-pathogens and the biology of causative agents.
Host-parasite relationships, pathogenesis, immunology, and epidemiology
are studied. Usually offered alternate springs. Prerequisite: BIO-440
or graduate standing. |
| |
| BIO-505
Introduction to Neurobiology (3) |
|
| A general introduction to basic neuroanatomy
and neurophysiology, with discussions of current issues in neuroscience.
Intended for advanced undergraduates in biology or psychology pursuing a
natural-science curriculum, and for graduate students in biology and psychology.
Usually offered alternate falls. Prerequisite: one year college-level
biology and permission of instructor. |
| |
| BIO-551
Developmental Biology Laboratory (1) |
|
| Training
in embryo manipulation and study of prepared microscopic slides in order
to illustrate developmental concepts. Usually offered every fall. Prerequisite:
BIO-300 and concurrent registration in BIO- 550. |
| |
| BIO-552
Field and Laboratory Methods in Water Quality Analysis (4) |
|
| Biological
and chemical methods for evaluating water quality in fresh water lakes and
streams. EPA-approved protocols for rapid bioassessments; taxonomic identifications
of freshwater invertebrates and plants. Chemical and physical examination
of water using currently accepted water quality tests. Occasional Saturday
and Sunday field collecting times are arranged. Usually offered alternate
falls. Prerequisite: BIO-210 and CHEM-210 . |
| |
| BIO-555
Techniques of Molecular Biology (3) |
|
| Training
in the basic manipulation of DNA, RNA, and protein. Practical experience
in several different analytical and preparative procedures. Offered irregularly.
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. |
| |
| BIO-560
Techniques in Cell Biology (3) |
|
| Basic
techniques of cell and tissue culture. Aseptic technique, primary culture,
culture and characterization lines, cell growth kinetics, and physical methods
of cell separation. Usually offered every fall. Prerequisite: BIO-300
or equivalent, and senior or graduate standing. |
| |
| BIO-565
Field Ecology (3) |
|
| Training in the
techniques of ecological research. The course integrates sampling problems
in the field, statistical analysis of the data, and interpretation of the
results in terms of major ecological questions. Usually offered every fall.
Prerequisite: BIO-423, STAT-202 or equivalent, and senior or graduate
standing. |
| |
| BIO-566
Evolutionary Mechanisms (3) |
|
| The genetic composition
of populations and the theory and principles of natural selection. Species
formation and differentiation in Darwinian and neo-Darwinian theory. Evolution
above the species level and current evolutionary concepts (such as sociobiology
and catastrophe theory) are also considered. Usually offered alternate falls.
Prerequisite: BIO-356. |
| |
| BIO-567
Evolutionary Ecology (3) |
|
| The ecology of organisms
is made clear in the context of evolution and the study of evolution is
greatly enriched by an understanding of the ecological circumstances in
which evolution occurs. This course focuses on the interface between the
two and the mathematical models involved. Usually offered alternate springs.
Prerequisite: BIO- 423 and MATH-221. |
| |
| ENVS
572 Topics in Conservation Biology (3) |
|
| Topics vary by section,
may be repeated for credit with different topic. Rotating topics on current
research in conservation biology, including habitat protection, ecosystem
management, and captive breeding. Usually offered alternate springs. Prerequisite:
BIO-423 or graduate standing, and permission of instructor. |
| |
| BIO-577
Special Topics in Developmental Biology (1-4) |
|
| Topics vary by section,
may be repeated for credit with different topic. Current research topics
such as nuclear-cytoplasmic interactions, cell surface in development, developmental
aspects of carcinogenesis, and gene expression in development. Offered irregularly.
Prerequisite: BIO-550 or equivalent, and permission of instructor. |
| |
| BIO-579
Topics in Evolutionary Biology (1-4) |
|
| Topics vary by section,
may be repeated for credit with different topic. Current research topics
such as molecular evolution, biochemical approaches to evolution, mathematical
modeling of evolutionary processes, and the interaction of genetics, developmental
biology, ecology and evolutionary biology. Offered irregularly. Prerequisite:
permission of instructor. |
| |
| ENVS
580 Environmental Science I: A Quantitative Approach (4) |
|
| Estimation of environmental
interactions through the formulation and analysis of simple, mathematical
models enabling exploration of the consequences of a variety of assumptions
and conditions. Includes measurement, steady-state modes, and thermodynamics.
Usually offered every fall. Prerequisite: one year of calculus and
one year of laboratory science. |
| |
| ENVS
581 Environmental Science II: A Quantitative Approach (4) |
|
| Estimation of environmental
interactions through the formulation and analysis of simple, mathematical
models enabling exploration of the consequences of a variety of assumptions
and conditions. Includes non-steady box models, biogeochemistry, and climatology.
Usually offered every spring. Prerequisite: ENVS 580. |
| |
| BIO-583
Molecular Biology (3) |
|
| An in-depth study
of gene structure and expression. Concepts are described and illustrated
further with examples and discussion of classic and current papers from
the scientific literature. Includes DNA, RNA and protein synthesis, regulation
of gene expression in procaryotes and eucaryotes, nucleic acid structure,
RNA processing, DNA binding proteins and transcription factors, oncogenes,
transformation, mutations, DNA repair and recombination. Usually offered
alternate falls. Prerequisite: BIO-356, CHEM-560 is recommended. |
| |
| BIO-590
Independent Reading Course in Biology (1-6) |
|
| Prerequisite:
permission of instructor and department chair. |
| |
| ENVS-590
Independent Reading Course in Environmental Studies (1-6) |
|
| Prerequisite:
permission of instructor and department chair. |
| |
| BIO-596
BioGeography (3) |
|
| Permission
of instructor and department chair. |
| |
|
Advanced Courses |
| ENVS-681
Environmental Research Seminar and Practicum (3) |
|
| An in-depth exploration
of real world environmental problems from a variety of science and policy
perspectives. Usually offered every term. Prerequisite: ENVS-580
and ENVS-581. |
| |
| BIO-690
Independent Study Project in Biology (1-6) |
|
| Prerequisite:
permission of instructor and department chair |
.
|
| |
| BIO-691
Internship (1-6) |
|
| Prerequisite:
permission of instructor and department chair. |
| |
| ENVS-691
Internship (1-6) |
|
| Prerequisite:
permission of instructor and department chair. |
| |
| BIO-692
Cooperative Education Field Experience (3-6) |
|
| Prerequisite:
permission of department chair and Cooperative Education office. |
| |
| ENVS-696
Selected Topics: Non-Recurring |
|
| Topics vary by section,
may be repeated for credit with different topic. Offered irregularly. Prerequisite:
Permission of instructor. |
| |
| BIO-697
Research Methodology in Biology (3) |
|
| Basic scientific
research skills necessary for experimental design, data analysis, literature
critiques, and disseminating results. Includes techniques for literature
research, scientific writing including thesis proposal preparation, the
use of statistical packages, and the preparation of an oral presentation
for a thesis defense, seminar, or professional meeting. Usually offered
every fall. Prerequisite: graduate standing in biology. |
| |
| BIO-790
Biology Literature Research (1-6) |
|
| Students
conduct a literature search on some aspect of the biological sciences under
the direction of their guidance committee, culminating in the submission
of a review paper. Usually offered every term. Prerequisite: M.A.
candidate in biology. |
| |
| BIO-797
Master's Thesis Research (1-6) |
|
| Prerequisite:
M.S. candidate in biology. |
|
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Last
Updated: 08-Dec-2001
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