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Course Descriptions
Natural Sciences | Biology | Chemistry | Physics
Natural Sciences
NSCI 100 CORE: TOPICS IN NATURAL SCIENCE – GREAT DISCOVERIES IN SCIENCE
A study of the discoveries that have provided the foundation for biology, chemistry and physics. The great discoveries will start with the Greek philosophers and span up to the 21st century. Three lectures (3 credits).
NSCI 101 CORE: TOPICS IN NATURAL SCIENCE – CHEMISTRY OF OUR DAILY LIVES
An exploration of the degree to which chemistry is an integral part of our everyday lives. Three lectures (3 credits).
BIOL 109-110 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
Structure and functions of the organs and systems of the human body with expanded coverage of topics such as mechanisms of disease. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory (BIOL 109L-110L) (4 credits each).
BIOL 111-112 GENERAL BIOLOGY
An exploration of the central concepts of cell biology, plant and animal biology, molecular biology, genetics, evolution, ecology and biodiversity. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory (BIOL 111L-112L). 4 credits each
Prerequisite for BIOL 112: BIOL 111
NOTE: Biology majors must complete BIOL 111 and 112 with at least a C in order to register for additional courses in the department (except BIOL 107-108).
BIOL 204 HUMAN GENETICS
An exploration of the basic principles of human genetics, including chromosomal structure, DNA replication, transcription and translation, and, importantly, how changes in DNA lead to mutations, the mode of inheritance of these mutations, prevention, genetic counseling and gene therapies. Three lectures. Biology majors may not use this course as credit toward the major (3 credits).
BIOL 217 GENETICS
Fundamental principles of transmission and molecular genetics with special emphasis placed on Mendelian inheritance, epistasis, recombination mapping, complementation, and the central dogma of molecular biology. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory (BIOL 217L). 4 credits
BIOL 221 INTRODUCTORY NUTRITION
A survey of nutritional needs throughout the life cycle. Recommended for nursing, and liberal arts majors. Three lectures. Biology majors cannot use this course as credit toward the major (3 credits).
BIOL 223 ECOLOGY
Introduction to the study of the distribution, abundance and interactions of organisms and their environment. Survey of ecological principles at the level of individuals, populations, communities, and ecosystems. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory (BIOL 223L). 4 credits
BIOL 211 MICROBIOLOGY AND HUMAN DISEASE
A survey of microorganisms related to human disease and the laboratory procedures employed in their identification. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory (BIOL 211L). 4 credits
BIOL 301 COMPARATIVE CHORDATE ANATOMY
Anatomy, physiology, and evolutionary relationships of chordates. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory (BIOL 301L). 4 credits
BIOL 302 DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
A study of cellular and molecular process underlying the development of various organisms. Emphasis will be placed on fertilization events, spatial organization, pattern formation and gene action in development. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory (BIOL 302L).
Pre- or co-requisite: BIOL 217 4 credits BIOL 304 INVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY. Morphological and physiological characteristics of selected invertebrates and consideration of their ecological relationships. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory (BIOL 304L). 4 credits
BIOL 305 PLANT BIOLOGY
Physiological, biochemical and anatomical aspects of plants will be studied in the context of their native environments. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory (BIOL 305L). 4 credits
BIOL 306 PHYSIOLOGY OF EXERCISE
The investigation of human physiological responses to exercise in relation to age, sex, physical fitness and environmental conditions. Three lectures (3 credits).
Pre-requisites: BIOL 107-108
BIOL 309 KINESIOLOGY
The study of mechanical and anatomical aspects of human movement. Three lectures (3 credits).
Pre-requisites: BIOL 107-108
BIOL 310, 311, 410, 411 RESEARCH IN BIOLOGY
Investigation of challenging problems. Three, 6, or 9 hours per week including a conference with sponsor. Sponsorship by a faculty member in the Division of Natural Sciences must be obtained in advance of registration.* (1, 2 or 3 credits each).
BIOL 317 EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
An exploration of evolutionary theory with emphasis on genetic variation, evolutionary processes, adaptation, units of selection, evolution of life histories, species and speciation and coevolution. Three lectures (3 credits).
BIOL 320 SYSTEMIC PHYSIOLOGY
A detailed examination of the physiology of the major organ systems of the human body, including digestion, respiration, cardiovascular, urinary, and reproduction, centered on the theme of homeostasis. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory (BIOL 320L). 4 credits
BIOL 321 MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
In-depth treatment of nucleic acid structure, information coding, transcription, translation, DNA replication, recombinant DNA technology, and other aspects of nucleic acid metabolism. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory (BIOL 321L). 4 credits
Prerequisites: BIOL 217 or CHEM 433
BIOL 326 ANIMAL BEHAVIOR
The biological basis of animal behavior from an ecological and evolutionary perspective. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory (BIOL 326L) 4 credits.
Pre- or co-requisite: BIOL 223
BIOL 328 FORENSIC BIOLOGY
The scientific examination of simulated crime scenes, with emphasis on the preservation of evidence; organic and inorganic analyses of physical evidence; analysis of biological evidence including hair, fingerprint, serological, and DNA samples; potential drug analysis; document and voice assessment. The accompanying laboratory will expose the students to many of the basic techniques and equipment used in a modern forensic laboratory. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory (BIOL 328L). 4 credits
Pre-requisite: BIOL 217
BIOL 331 CELL BIOLOGY
This course is designed to provide an in-depth analysis of the internal organization of the cell that is simply not provided in biochemistry, molecular biology, or developmental biology courses. The course will cover topics such as membrane structure, vesicular trafficking, signal transduction, the cytoskeleton, and the cell cycle. 3 lectures (3 credits).
Pre-requisite: BIOL 217 or CHEM 433
BIOL 333 HUMAN PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Understanding the underlying mechanisms of disease, the rationale for designated treatments, and the complex interrelationships between critical systems. Three lectures (3 credits).
Pre-requisites: BIOL 107-108
BIOL 334 PHARMACOPHYSIOLOGY
Discussion of disease states and their treatment by pharmacological means. Special emphasis will be placed on the descriptive influence of pathology on systemic function and the use of drugs to restore balance. Three lectures (3 credits).
Pre-requisites: BIOL 107-108
BIOL 360 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN BIOLOGY*
Independent study of an area of biology. Three, 6, or 9 hours per week including a weekly conference with sponsor. Sponsorship by a faculty member in the Division of Natural Sciences and permission of the Director must be obtained in advance of registration. Biology majors can apply up to 3 credits of Independent Study toward the major (1, 2 or 3 credits).
BIOL 375 INTERNSHIP*
Placement coordinated through the Office of Career Development and Internships. Biology majors can apply up to 3 credits of Internship toward the major. Students wishing to pursue an internship must have completed 60 credits of course work and have earned a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the major and overall (3 credits).
BIOL 401 HISTOLOGY
Survey of cellular structure and ultrastructure of mammalian tissues and organs. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory (BIOL 401L). 4 credits
BIOL 404 BIOLOGY COLLOQUIUM
Study and discussion of biological topics, the preparation of a written monograph, and oral presentation of the work. One discussion period (1 credit).
BIOL 405 NEUROBIOLOGY
Examination of the basic principles of the nervous system including the cellular and molecular biology of the neuron, synaptic transmission, sensory and motor systems and their integration. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory (BIOL 405L). 4 credits
Prerequisite/Co-requisite: BIOL 320 or 331
BIOL 406 SPECIAL TOPICS IN BIOLOGY
Current problems and studies in biology. Consult Division Director for topic. Three lectures (3 credits).
BIOL 409 MARINE AND ESTUARINE BIOLOGY
Principles of marine ecology in an oceanic and estuarine environment with emphasis on tropical and temperate communities. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory (BIOL 409L). 4 credits
BIOL 426 IMMUNOLOGY
Study of fundamental properties of antigens and antibodies. Theories of antibody production, tolerance, transplantation, immunity, autoimmunity, tumor immunology, and immunochemistry. Introduction to antibody-mediated and cell-mediated reactions. Three lectures (3 credits).
Pre-requisite: Biol 217
*Biology majors may apply a total of 7 credits toward the major from a combination of these courses: Research in Biology, Independent Study in Biology, and Internship in Biology.
Chemistry
CHEM 109 GENERAL, ORGANIC and BIOCHEMISTRY
An introductory course in the principles of chemistry for nursing students. Fundamentals of general chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry. Appropriate laboratory exercises to illustrate these principles and to develop techniques. This course cannot be taken for major credit or as a prerequisite for Organic Chemistry. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory period (4 credits).
CHEM 120 -121 GENERAL CHEMISTRY
The fundamental laws and principles of chemistry; appropriate laboratory exercises to illustrate these principles and to develop proper techniques; introduction to quantitative analytical methodology. The second semester of the laboratory includes an introduction to systematic inorganic qualitative analysis. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory period. It is recommended that a student achieve a grade of C or higher in CHEM 120 before taking CHEM 121 (8 credits).
CHEM 219-220 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
The chemistry of carbon compounds. Emphasis on structure and mechanisms of organic reactions. Three lectures (6 credits).
Prerequisite: CHEM 121
CHEM 223-224 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY
Synthesis, purification, analysis, mechanistic studies, and spectral characterization of organic compounds. Four hours of laboratory (4 credits).
Prerequisite or co requisite: CHEM 219 for 223; 220 for 224
CHEM 302 ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
Principles and applications of classical analytical techniques such as gravimetric and volumetric methods, statistical evaluations of analytical data, as well as modern analytical techniques such as electrochemistry, spectroscopy and chromatography. Statistical evaluation of analytical data. Three lectures and a four-hour laboratory (5 credits).
Prerequisite: CHEM 320 and 324
CHEM 309 PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY I
The application of thermodynamics to the study of the properties of gases, the states of matter, thermal chemistry, phase equilibria, chemical equilibria, chemical kinetics, reaction dynamics, and catalysis. Three lectures (3 credits).
Prerequisites: CHEM 121, MATH 131 Co requisite: CHEM 311
CHEM 310 PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY II
The elucidation of the molecular structure of matter by classical physical and quantum mechanical theories, principles, techniques, and applications. Three lectures (3 credits).
Prerequisites: CHEM 309, PHYS 107, MATH 132. (Suggested prerequisites: PHYS 108, MATH 231, MATH 255). Corequisite: CHEM 312.
CHEM 311 PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY I
Laboratory studies of physical chemical measurements on gases, heats of chemical processes, equilibrium and kinetics. One four-hour laboratory (2 credits).
Prerequisite: CHEM 121. Co requisite: CHEM 310
CHEM 312 PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY II
Laboratory studies of molecular structure through the use of spectroscopic techniques and molecular modeling. One four-hour laboratory (2 credits).
Prerequisite: CHEM 311. Co requisite CHEM 310.
CHEM 335 INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
The chemistry of the elements and their compounds. Industrial, biochemical, environmental, and geochemical applications of inorganic chemistry are emphasized. The periodic table, elementary bonding models and thermodynamic data are used to organize, understand and predict chemical and physical properties of inorganic compounds. Three lectures (3 credits).
Pre-or Co-requisite: CHEM 309
CHEM 336 INORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY
Study of the properties, synthesis, and characterization of inorganic compounds. Experiments include preparations of metallic and non-metallic elements from compounds; simple salts by wet and dry methods; common gases; coordination compounds; air sensitive compounds; organometallic compounds; high temperature superconductors. A four-hour laboratory (2 credits).
Prerequisite: CHEM 302; Pre/Co requisite: CHEM 335
CHEM 360, 460 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN CHEMISTRY*
Independent study of an area of chemistry. Three, 6, or 9 hours per week including a weekly conference with sponsor. Sponsorship by a faculty member in the Division of Natural Sciences and permission of the Director must be obtained in advance of registration. Biochemistry and chemistry majors can apply up to 3 credits of Independent Study toward the major (1, 2 or 3 credits each).
CHEM 375, 475 INTERNSHIP*
Placement coordinated through the Office of Career Development and Internships. Chemistry and biochemistry majors can apply up to 3 credits of Internship toward the major (3 credits each).
CHEM 404 CHEMISTRY COLLOQUIUM
Study and discussion of chemical topics and the completion of a monograph. One discussion period (1 credit).
CHEM 415 ADVANCED ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Structure, mechanism and synthesis in modern organic chemistry. An introduction to the chemistry of natural products and heterocyclic compounds will be included. Three lectures (3 credits).
Prerequisite: CHEM 320
CHEM 421 ADVANCED TOPICS IN CHEMISTRY
Advanced topics in chemistry will be either polymer chemistry or environmental chemistry. A student may elect this course more than once if the topics are different each time. Three lectures (3 credits).
Prerequisite: CHEM 310 and 320
CHEM 427 ADVANCED PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY
Topics in theoretical physical chemistry with an introduction to the chemical aspects of quantum and statistical mechanics and group theory. Three lectures (3 credits).
Prerequisite: CHEM 310
CHEM 433 BIOCHEMISTRY I
An introduction to the chemistry of biologically important amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins and hormones. Enzyme kinetics and catalysis, protein structure and function, introduction to intermediary metabolism will be included. Three lectures (3 credits).
Prerequisite: CHEM 320
CHEM 434 BIOCHEMISTRY II
Chemistry and metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. Protein folding and post-translational modification. Three lectures (3 credits).
Prerequisite: CHEM 433
CHEM 435 ADVANCED INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Molecular structure and bonding theory. Transition metal chemistry. An introduction to spectroscopy, catalysis and organometallic chemistry. Three lectures (3 credits).
Prerequisite: CHEM 310 and 335
CHEM 436 BIOCHEMISTRY LABORATORY
Four-hour laboratory with emphasis on techniques used in protein and enzymology laboratories (2 credits).
Prerequisite or Co requisite: CHEM 434
CHEM 437 COMPUTERS, STRUCTURES AND BONDING
An intermediate-level presentation of the fundamental ideas of metallic, ionic, and covalent bonding. The consequences of these bonding schemes are then related to the plenitude of three dimensional chemical, biochemical, and crystalline structure. The latest computer software of interest to chemists and biochemists is incorporated in a hands-on approach in order to render chemical structures and deduce chemical properties based on the bonding pertinent to those structures using the computer for chemical literature searching and manuscript preparation. Three Three lectures (3 credits).
Prerequisites: CHEM 309, 320, 335
CHEM 452 ADVANCED SPECTROSCOPY
A fundamental and theoretical approach to the derivation of chemical structure through high-resolution spectroscopic and computational tools. The consequences of the bonding schemes that arise from chemical structure derivations are related to molecular function for chemical and biochemical purposes. Three lectures (5 credits).
Prerequisites: CHEM 310, 312
CHEM 460, 461 CHEMICAL RESEARCH*
An investigation of an original nature carried out by the student under the guidance of a faculty member in the Division of Natural Sciences; a brief written report is submitted to and approved by all the faculty members of the Department (1 or 2 credits).
* Biochemistry and chemistry majors may apply a total of 7 credits toward the major from any combination of these courses: Chemical Research, Independent Study in Chemistry, and Internship in Chemistry.
Physics
PHYS 107-108 INTRODUCTORY PHYSICS I & II
An algebra-based approach to the basic concepts of mechanics, heat, electricity, magnetism, optics and elementary atomic and nuclear physics. Emphasis is on biological applications. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory (4 credits each).