1999-2000 Undergraduate Catalog
Indiana, Pennsylvania 15705
BI 104 General Biology II
3c-2l-4sh
Prerequisites: BI103, non-Biology majors only
A basic introduction to plant and animal physiology, neurobiology, animal behavior, and plant and animal reproduction and development.
BI 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.
BI 111 Principles of Biology I
3c-3l-4sh
Prerequisite: Must be taken after or concurrent with CH111
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.
BI 112 Principles of Biology II
3c-3l-4sh
Prerequisite: BI111
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.
BI 114 Environmental Science
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: Non-Biology majors only
An introduction to environmental science with an emphasis on human impacts. The course 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.
BI 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.
BI 150 Human Anatomy
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: Non-Biology majors only
Study of the functional systematic anatomy of the human. Lab studies center on nonhuman mammals whose anatomy is then related to the human condition.
BI 151 Human Physiology
3c-2l-4sh
Prerequisites: BI105, non-Biology majors only
Course 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.
BI 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)
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.
BI 210 Botany
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: BI111-112, 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.
BI 220 General Zoology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: BI111-112 or permission of instructor
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.
BI 232 Fundamentals of Microbiology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisites: CH101 or equivalent, non-Biology majors only (Food and Nutrition, Dietetics, Family and Consumer Sciences Education, and Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management majors)
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.
BI 241 General Microbiology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisites: Non-Biology majors only (Environmental Health, Nursing and Respiratory Therapy majors), BI105, CH101, or equivalent
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.
BI 242 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisites: BI220
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 BI432 prior to 1999-2000)
BI 250 Principles of Microbiology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: BI111-112 or permission of instructor
Study of the structure, nutrition, and biochemical activities of microbes. 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.
BI 251 Field Botany
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisites: BI210
The collection, preservation, identification, and distribution of selected herbaceous and woody plants of Western Pennsylvania. Emphasis on taxonomic principles, the use of keys and manuals, and the recognition of local flora.
BI 252 Field Zoology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: BI220
Field natural history of vertebrates; identification, collection, and preservation techniques.
BI 261 Ornithology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisites: BI111-112 or BI103-104
A study of birds of the region. Indoor laboratory as well as early morning and possibly weekend field trips required.
BI 262 General Entomology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: BI220
Morphology, anatomy, ecology, taxonomy, and economic and public health importance of insect orders, particularly those of Western Pennsylvania; student collection and field trips required.
BI 263 Genetics
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: BI111
Deals with the distribution and function of the hereditary material; special emphasis on microbial, viral, and molecular genetics.
BI 269 Bioethics and Coevolution
3c-0l-3sh
Discussion and exploration of the coevolution of man and nature. Areas covered include the concepts of coevolution, bioethics, resource utilization, and possible future lifestyles. Designed for majors and nonmajors.
BI 271 Evolution
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: BI111-112 or BI103-104, BI263
Historical development of evolutionary thought; evidence and operational mechanisms involved; origin and phylogenetic relationships of biological groups.
BI 272 Conservation of Plant and Animal Resources
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisites: BI111-112 or BI103-104
A study of accepted practices in soil, water, forest, and wildlife conservation. Saturday field trips.
BI 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.
BI310 Applied Entomology and Zoonoses
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: BI220 or permission
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.
BI 311 Environmental Biology
3c-3l-4sh
Prerequisites: Restricted to Elementary Education and Earth Science Education majors only
Laboratory and field course providing basic knowledge in biology and its practical implications. Physical and biological aspects of the environment are studied.
BI 321 Environmental Protection I
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisites: BI111- 112, CH112, 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.
BI 322 Environmental Protection II
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisites: BI111- 112, CH112, 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.
BI 331 Animal Developmental Biology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: BI220 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.
BI 350 Cellular Physiology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisites: BI111, CH231
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.
BI 352 Comparative Animal Physiology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisites: BI220, CH231
Comparative study of homeostatic mechanisms and systems in animals and their relation to fundamental chemical and physical events in cells.
BI 360 Medical Mycology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: BI111-112
A study of the mycology of pathogenic fungi. Consideration will include sources of infection, distribution, symptomatology, diagnosis, prognosis, immunology, and treatment. Pathogens are used in the course, and emphasis is placed upon actual laboratory technique and procedures.
BI 362 Ecology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisites: BI111-112, BI210 or BI220
Study of interrelations and adaptations of organisms; includes consideration of physical and biotic environmental factors. Field trips.
BI 363 Medical Microbiology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisites: BI250 or permission
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.
BI 364 Immunology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisites: BI250, CH232, 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.
BI 401 Laboratory Methods in Biology and Biotechnology
2c-4l-3sh
Prerequisite: CH351
Theory and practice in a number of major analytical and preparative techniques currently in use in physiology, molecular biology, and biotechnology.
BI 420 Biology of Higher Invertebrates
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: BI220
A phylogenetic overview of the higher invertebrates, Annelida through lower Chordata. A systematic approach on functional morphology and microstructure, behavior and physiology, under an evolutionary umbrella. Laboratory sessions offer additional research opportunities.
BI 425 Herpetology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: BI220
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.
BI 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.
BI 453 Plant Physiology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: BI210, CH231
Studies physiological processes occurring in plants considered in relation to growth, development, and ecology of plants.
BI 463 Limnology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: BI362
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.)
BI 466 Principles of Virology
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: BI263 or equivalent course in Genetics, or CH351 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.
BI 475 Mammalogy
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: BI220
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.
BI 476 Parasitology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: BI220
Structure, physiology, ecology, life cycles, pathology, and treatment of parasitic protozoa and flatworm and roundworm species of man. Dissection of hosts for parasites.
BI 478 Mycology
2c-3l-3sh
Prerequisite: BI210
Involves a study of the systemics, morphology, and physiology of the kingdom Myceteae with emphasis on economically important and experimentally useful organisms.
BI 480 Biology Seminar
1c-0l-1sh
Discussion of recent trends in biological thought and research. Students report on assigned readings and/or personal research.
BI 481 Special Topics
var-1-3sh
Prerequisite: As appropriate to course content
This course varies from semester to semester covering diverse topics in specific areas of biology.
BI 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.
BI 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 six credits may be applied toward major; total number of credits will be decided in consultation involving student, his/her advisor, and director of internships.
Table of Contents |
Index of Courses