2000-2001 Undergraduate Catalog
Indiana, Pennsylvania 15705
BIOL 104 General Biology II
3c-2l-4sh
Prerequisites: BIOL 103, non-Biology majors only
A basic introduction to plant and animal physiology, neurobiology, animal behavior, and plant and animal reproduction and development.
BIOL 105 Cell Biology
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: Non-Biology majors only
An introductory course to provide concepts and applications for understanding human biological function from the point of view of cellular biology.
BIOL 111 Principles of Biology I
3c-3l-4sh
Prerequisite: Must be taken after or concurrent with CHEM 111
Introduces the student to principles of biology, specifically in the topics of cell structure and function, genetics, and physiology. Develops skills in the use of the scientific method. Designed for biology majors.
BIOL 112 Principles of Biology II
3c-3l-4sh
Prerequisite: BIOL 111
Introduces the student to principles of biology, specifically in the topics of reproduction, development, evolution, ecology, and animal behavior. Develops skill in the use of the scientific method. Designed for biology majors.
BIOL 114 Environmental Science
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: Non-Biology majors only
An introduction to environmental science with an emphasis on human impacts. Uses an interdisciplinary approach to the consideration of population growth, pollution, preservation of species, and establishment of public policy. Students will learn basic principles in ecology as the basis for understanding problems of the environment.
BIOL 115 Biotic Diversity of North America
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisites: Non-Biology majors and non-Biology minors only
An introduction to the biological diversity of North America from Barrow, Alaska, to Tehuantepec, Mexico. All major aquatic and terrestrial biomes occurring in North America will be examined with regard to plant forms, animal composition, and environmental (abiotic) conditions.
BIOL 116 Introduction to Marine Biology
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: Non-Biology and non-Biology Education majors and non-Biology minors only
An introduction to the world of marine biology. Topics covered will include a discussion of the major groups of plants and animals found in the marine environment and a discussion of the major communities that make up the oceans of the world.
BIOL 150 Human Anatomy
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: Non-Biology majors only
A study of the functional systematic anatomy of the human. Lab studies center on nonhuman mammals whose anatomy is then related to the human condition.
BIOL 151 Human Physiology
3c-2l-4sh
Prerequisites: BIOL 105, non-Biology majors only
Deals with acquiring, through lecture presentations and laboratory experiments, an understanding of the basic functions and control of the major organ systems of the human body. Organ systems examined include the following: muscular system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, endocrine system, renal system, digestive system, reproductive system, and nervous system.
BIOL 155 Human Physiology and Anatomy
3c-3l-4sh
Prerequisite: Non-Biology majors only (Food and Nutrition, Dietetics, Family and Consumer Sciences Education, Physical Education, and Safety Sciences majors)
A study of structure and function of the human body. Emphasis is on normal function, with particular attention to functional anatomy, control mechanisms, and interrelationships among systems. Laboratory studies will include experimentation and dissection. For students with little or no science background.
BIOL 210 Botany
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: BIOL 111-112, or permission of instructor
A survey of the major plant groups, their physiology, structure, life cycles, evolution and ecology, and economic roles of plants. Combined lecture-laboratory.
BIOL 220 General Zoology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: BIOL 111-112 or permission of instructor
An examination of the evolution, form, and function of all major animal phyla, from sponges through chordates. Interactive lecture-laboratory sessions follow a phylogenetic approach to the Animal Kingdom and incorporate essentials of animal ecology, physiology, functional morphology, and behavior.
BIOL 232 Fundamentals of Microbiology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisites: CHEM 101 or equivalent, non-Biology majors only (Food and Nutrition, Dietetics, Family and Consumer Sciences Education, and Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management majors)
A study of microorganisms and the role they play in water, food disease, and infection. Food spoilage, poisoning, and disease are emphasized. General methods and techniques are emphasized in the laboratory.
BIOL 241 General Microbiology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisites: Non-Biology majors only (Environmental Health, Nursing and Respiratory Therapy majors), BIOL 105, CHEM 101, or equivalent
A study of microorganisms and the role they play in water, soil, food, and infection. Microbes and disease will be emphasized. Standard methods and techniques are emphasized in laboratory.
BIOL 242 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisites: BIOL 220
An investigation of the comparative structure and function of the vertebrate body with emphasis on the diverse solutions to the problem of design for survival and the evolutionary mechanisms that provide those solutions. Meets twice per week for two and one-half hours. Each meeting will include both lecture and laboratory experiences. (Offered as BI 432 prior to 1999-2000)
BIOL 250 Principles of Microbiology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: BIOL 111-112 or permission of instructor
A study of the structure, nutrition, and biochemical activities of microbes. A survey of viruses, blue-green bacteria, bacteria, algae, fungi, and protozoa and their diversity in natural environments. Course designed for biology and biology education majors.
BIOL 251 Field Botany
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisites: BIOL 210
The collection, preservation, identification, and distribution of selected herbaceous and woody plants of Western Pennsylvania. Emphasis will be on taxonomic principles, the use of keys and manuals, and the recognition of local flora.
BIOL 252 Field Zoology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: BIOL 220
Field natural history of vertebrates; identification, collection, and preservation techniques.
BIOL 261 Ornithology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisites: BIOL 111-112 or BIOL 103-104
A study of birds of the region. Indoor laboratory as well as early morning and possibly weekend field trips required.
BIOL 262 General Entomology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: BIOL 220
Morphology, anatomy, ecology, taxonomy, and economic and public health importance of insect orders, particularly those of Western Pennsylvania; student collection and field trips required.
BIOL 263 Genetics
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: BIOL 111
Deals with the distribution and function of the hereditary material; special emphasis on microbial, viral, and molecular genetics.
BIOL 269 Bioethics and Coevolution
3c-0l-3sh
A discussion and exploration of the coevolution of humans and nature. Areas covered include the concepts of coevolution, bioethics, resource utilization, and possible future lifestyles. Designed for majors and nonmajors.
BIOL 271 Evolution
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: BIOL 111-112 or BIOL 103-104, BIOL 263
Historical development of evolutionary thought; evidence and operational mechanisms involved; origin and phylogenetic relationships of biological groups.
BIOL 272 Conservation of Plant and Animal Resources
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisites: BIOL 111-112 or BIOL 103-104
A study of accepted practices in soil, water, forest, and wildlife conservation. Saturday field trips.
BIOL 281 Special Topics
var-1-3sh
Prerequisite: As appropriate to course content
Special topics are offered on an experimental or temporary basis to explore topics that are not included in the established curriculum. A given topic may be offered under any special topic identity no more than three times. Special topics numbered 281 are offered primarily for lower-level undergraduate students.
BIOL 310 Applied Entomology and Zoonoses
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: BIOL 220 or permission
A study of the measures for abatement or control of arthropods, rodents, birds, and other disease vectors of public importance; selection, chemistry, formulation, and safe application of insecticides, rodenticides, and fumigants; pesticiding equipment; application of biological and other measures of control.
BIOL 311 Environmental Biology
3c-3l-4sh
Prerequisites: Restricted to Elementary Education and Earth Science Education majors only
A laboratory and field course providing basic knowledge in biology and its practical implications. Physical and biological aspects of the environment are studied.
BIOL 321 Environmental Protection I
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisites: BIOL 111- 112, CHEM 112, Environmental Health majors only or permission of instructor
Considers the impact of important components of the physical environment on health and deals with principles and methods for identification, evaluation, and control of such health hazards. Major attention to principles and methods of epidemiological investigation. Major credit only for Environmental Health majors.
BIOL 322 Environmental Protection II
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisites: BIOL 111- 112, CHEM 112, Environmental Health majors only or permission of instructor
Subjects receiving attention include water and food supplies, domestic and industrial sewage and wastes, housing, accidents, community air pollution, domestic and industrial poisons, ionizing radiations, occupational health hazards.
BIOL 331 Animal Developmental Biology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: BIOL 220 or by permission
Comparative and molecular development of vertebrate animals are the major considerations. General principles of development are illustrated using vertebrate, invertebrate, and plant materials.
BIOL 350 Cellular Physiology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisites: BIOL 111, CHEM 231
Topics include cell membrane systems, bioenergetics, and information processing systems as well as growth and differentiation of cells and their organelles. Complements plant and animal physiology and biochemistry.
BIOL 352 Comparative Animal Physiology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisites: BIOL 220, CHEM 231
A comparative study of homeostatic mechanisms and systems in animals and their relation to fundamental chemical and physical events in cells.
BIOL 362 Ecology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisites: BIOL 111-112, BIOL 210 or BIOL 220
A study of interrelations and adaptations of organisms; includes consideration of physical and biotic environmental factors. Field trips.
BIOL 363 Medical Microbiology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisites: BIOL 250 or permission
A study of disease caused by microorganisms with emphasis on human pathogens. Both epidemiology and aspects of host-parasite relationships will be discussed. Lab stresses methods of isolation and identification of pathogens.
BIOL 364 Immunology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisites: BIOL 250, CHEM 232, or by permission
Physical and chemical properties of antigens and antibodies; nature of antigen-antibody interactions; mechanism of antibody formation; and immune reaction and disease. Lab employs serological techniques.
BIOL 401 Laboratory Methods in Biology and Biotechnology
2c-4l-3sh
Prerequisite: CHEM 351
Theory and practice in a number of major analytical and preparative techniques currently in use in physiology, molecular biology, and biotechnology.
BIOL 425 Herpetology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: BIOL 220
A comprehensive survey of the classes Amphibia and Reptilia, including their classification, structure, origin, evolution, phylogenetic relationships, distribution, and natural history. Special emphasis is placed on the herpetofauna of Pennsylvania.
BIOL 450 Pymatuning: Field Studies
var-3sh
During the summer session, various field courses are offered through the Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology. The offerings will vary depending on the summer. Some of the possible offerings include Experimental Design, Fish Ecology, Behavioral Ecology, Aquatic Botany, and Ecological Genetics. Information regarding specific offerings available from Biology Department in spring.
BIOL 453 Plant Physiology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: BIOL 210, CHEM 231
Studies physiological processes occurring in plants considered in relation to growth, development, and ecology of plants.
BIOL 463 Limnology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: BIOL 362
An investigation into the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of inland waters and their interrelationships. In the laboratory the student will gain experience in the techniques involved in aquatic sampling and the analysis of data. (Saturday or Sunday labs may be required.)
BIOL 466 Principles of Virology
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: BIOL 263 or equivalent course in Genetics, or CHEM 351 or equivalent course in Biochemistry, or permission of instructor
Topics include structure, classification, assay, and transmission of viruses; methods used in the study of viruses; viral replication, gene expression, and gene regulation; host-viral interactions and subviral pathogens.
BIOL 475 Mammalogy
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: BIOL 220
A general discussion of mammals emphasizing systematics, distribution, and structural and functional modifications related to evolution of this group. Lab work samples numerous techniques that can be applied to mammalian biology.
BIOL 476 Parasitology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: BIOL 220
Structure, physiology, ecology, life cycles, pathology, and treatment of parasitic protozoa and flatworm and roundworm species of man. Dissection of hosts for parasites.
BIOL 478 Mycology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: BIOL 210
Involves a study of the systemics, morphology, and physiology of the kingdom Myceteae with emphasis on economically important and experimentally useful organisms.
BIOL 480 Biology Seminar
1c-0l-1sh
A discussion of recent trends in biological thought and research. Students report on assigned readings and/or personal research.
BIOL 481 Special Topics
var-1-3sh
Prerequisite: As appropriate to course content
Course varies from semester to semester covering diverse topics in specific areas of biology.
BIOL 482 Independent Study
var-1-3sh
Prerequisites: Prior approval through advisor, faculty member, department chairperson, dean, and provost's office. A 2.5 GPA overall and in major courses required.
Students with interest in independent study of a topic not offered in the curriculum may propose a plan of study in conjunction with a faculty member. Approval is based on academic appropriateness and availability of resources. Work is supervised by a faculty member but does not involve regular class or laboratory hours.
BIOL 493 Biology Internship
var-6-12sh
Prerequisites: Biology major with at least 57 semester hours, 2.5 overall QPA, and permission of the director of internships and the chairperson
Selected students have opportunity, under department supervision, to gain off-campus practical experience in area of interest. Only 6sh may be applied toward major; total number of semester hours will be decided in consultation involving student, his/her advisor, and director of internships.
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Index of Courses