Biology

Introduction to the organ systems of the human body, including the neuromuscular, skeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and digestive systems. The physiological mechanisms of adaptation to exercise are also considered.

Credits: 4

Students learn about both form and function of the human body. Content includes cells and tissues; gross and microscopic anatomy; integumentary, skeletal, and muscular systems; and kinesiology. Lab exercises use microscope slides, models, and dissection for a hands-on approach and a practical knowledge of anatomy.

Credits: 1.5

PREREQ: BIO1510

Introduction to the human body, emphasizing general physiological processes. The body is studied from the viewpoint of homeostasis, concentrating on the relationship of food to the functioning living organism in health and disease. Topics of current interest, controversies, and myths are highlighted.

Credits: 4

Students learn about both form and function of the human body. Content includes neuroanatomy and neurophysiology; senses (vision, olfaction, taste, hearing, equilibrium); and functional anatomy/physiology of the endocrine, urinary, circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. Lab exercises use microscope slides, models, and dissection for a hands-on approach and a practical knowledge of anatomy.

Credits: 1.5

PREREQ: BIO1520

Introduction to contemporary biology, covering cell structure and function, genetics, development, and molecular biology. This course is for science majors and premedical students; students with limited high school science and mathematics can satisfy college distribution requirements with BIO 1510 or 1520.

Credits: 4

Lab exercises on cell organization, cell division, genetics, enzyme kinetics, photosynthesis, and development, and the use of light microscopes, spectrophotometer, and chromatography. Required for premedical students, biology majors, biochemistry majors, and environmental studies majors.

Credits: 1.5

PREREQ: BIO1550

Second semester of an introduction to contemporary biology, covering plant and animal morphology and physiology, ecology, behavior, and evolution. This course is for science majors and premedical students; students with limited high school science and mathematics can satisfy college distribution requirements with BIO 1510 or 1520.

Credits: 4

Vertebrate anatomy and physiology, and examination of selected plant and animal phyla through lab exercises, experiments, and field trips. Required for premedical students, biology majors, and environmental studies majors.

Credits: 1.5

PREREQ: BIO1560

This supplement to BIO 1550 introduces biology majors and undeclared potential majors to the biology program and faculty and assists students in planning and succeeding in their course of study. Required for all freshman biology majors enrolled in BIO 1550.

Credits: 1

COREQ: BIO1550

An introduction to biology and ecology of coral reefs, using scuba diving. Extensive field work, observations of living organisms, projects, lectures, and labs. Topics include reef coral biology and identification; field sampling; reef monitoring; threats to reefs; reef inhabitants (invertebrates, fish, sea turtles, algae); dolphins and whales; mangroves and sea grasses; local culture, history, and environment; substance and process of science.
Note: This course involves scuba diving. It will be possible to learn to scuba dive during the program or to complete the open-water dives for a scuba course taken before the program. Scuba divers must be certified by a nationally recognized organization. All students must be physically capable and healthy enough for field work, scuba diving, and boat work; able to swim and willing to scuba dive in the ocean and from boats; and have a physician’s certification of adequate health and physical fitness to participate in course activities.

Credits: 4

Introduces biology majors and potential majors to the field of study, to the faculty, to the opportunities available to students and graduates, and to necessary computer and writing skills. Programs are presented by biology faculty members and include readings of relevant scientific papers, associated writing assignments, labs, and field trips. Required for all biology majors and potential majors immediately following BIO 1550 and 1560, and for all transfer students.

Credits: 2

PREREQ: BIO1550 Or BIO1560

Basic but intensive survey of the mechanisms of heredity, covering gametogenesis, mutagenesis, chromosome mapping, transmission genetics, and an introduction to population genetics. The lab is optional.

Credits: 4

PREREQ: BIO3530

Lab and statistical exercises employing Drosophila, human, and plant material, selected to complement the lecture course.

Credits: 1.5

PREREQ: BIO3160

Lecture course examining patterns and processes of animal development from fertilization to organogenesis in vertebrates and invertebrates. Emphasis is placed on the genetic control of development and on molecular and cellular mechanisms of differentiation and morphogenesis. The lab is optional.

Credits: 4

PREREQ: BIO3530 And CHE1550 And CHE1560

Students perform lab studies on the embryology of the sea urchin, frog, chick, and zebrafish, as well as slime mold development, gametogenesis, regeneration, and insect development. Students also perform gene knockdown experiments and examine the phenotypic consequences.

Credits: 1.5

PREREQ: BIO3170

Lecture and lab course trains students in modern methods. Topics may include isolation and characterization of biomolecules, plasmids, and cellular organelles; restriction endonuclease mapping; transformation with recombinant DNA molecules; DNA amplification using polymerase chain reaction; nucleic acid hybridization; tissue culture; and fluorescent labeling.

Credits: 3.5

PREREQ: BIO3530

Lecture and lab course trains students in modern methods for work in the biotechnology industry. Lectures and visiting experts provide an overview of the industry and needed skills. Labs may include isolation/characterization of biomolecules and plasmids, restriction endonuclease mapping, transformation with recombinant DNA molecules, DNA amplification using polymerase chain reaction, and nucleic acid hybridization.

Credits: 5.5

PREREQ: BIO3530 And (BIO3200 Or BIO3670 )

Lecture course examining the major organ systems of the vertebrates. Topics include neurophysiology and sensory biology, muscle contraction, cardiovascular physiology, respiratory physiology, osmoregulation, and digestion. Physiological adaptations of vertebrates to extreme environments (e.g., high altitude and aquatic hypoxia) are also discussed.

Credits: 4

PREREQ: BIO3530

Lab course on vertebrate (animal and human) physiology. Topics include neurophysiology and sensory biology, muscle contraction, cardiovascular physiology (anatomy, blood pressure, EKG), respiratory physiology, exercise physiology, fluid balance, and osmoregulation.

Credits: 1.5

PREREQ: BIO1550 And BIO1560 And BIO3530 And CHE1550 And CHE1560 And BIO3250

Lecture and lab course examining the anatomy and life processes of microorganisms with emphasis on bacteria and viruses. Topics include macromolecular aspects of growth, expression of genetic information, ecological adaptations, and infection and immunity. Lab exercises require time in addition to the scheduled period.

Credits: 5.5

PREREQ: BIO3530 And CHE1550 And CHE1560

Lecture and lab course examining the evolution of the major groups of vertebrates and emphasizing the interrelationship of vertebrate form, function, and environment in extinct and extant groups. Topics include locomotion, respiration, circulation, osmoregulation, and sensory physiology. The required lab covers anatomy, morphology, behavior, and evolution of vertebrates and includes studies at the American Museum of Natural History, the Bronx Zoo, the Norwalk Maritime Center, and Greenwich Audubon.

Credits: 5.5

PREREQ: BIO3530

A survey of the biology of freshwater, marine, and terrestrial invertebrates. Considers structure, function, development, evolution, ecology, and phylogenetic relationships. The required lab includes examination of representative species (as possible) and some independent field work to study/collect invertebrates in natural environments.

Credits: 5.5

PREREQ: BIO3530

Cellular organization and function, and molecular genetics, with emphasis on eukaryotic cells. Topics include cellular genomes; replication and maintenance of genomic DNA; RNA and protein synthesis, processing, and regulation; macromolecular structure and processes of organelles; vesicular transport; cytoskeleton; the cell surface; cell signaling; and cell cycle. Students prepare a paper based on current literature in the field. Required for all biology majors immediately following BIO 1550 and 1560.

Credits: 4

PREREQ: BIO1550 And BIO1560 And BIO2890 And CHE1550

An introduction to biology and ecology of coral reefs, using scuba diving. Extensive field work, observations of living organisms, projects, lectures, and labs. Topics include reef coral biology and identification; field sampling; reef monitoring; threats to reefs; reef inhabitants (invertebrates, fish, sea turtles, algae); dolphins and whales; mangroves and sea grasses; local culture, history, and environment; substance and process of science.
Note: This course involves scuba diving. It will be possible to learn to scuba dive during the program or to complete the open-water dives for a scuba course taken before the program. Scuba divers must be certified by a nationally recognized organization. All students must be physically capable and healthy enough for field work, scuba diving, and boat work; able to swim and willing to scuba dive in the ocean and from boats; and have a physician’s certification of adequate health and physical fitness to participate in course activities.

Credits: 4

PREREQ: BIO1550 And BIO1560

A series of seminars and exercises on basic skills for research, literature review, scientific writing, and communication. Each biology faculty member presents a seminar on his or her own research, illustrating possibilities for senior projects. Students choose a senior project topic and sponsor and prepare a formal research proposal. Required for all junior biology majors before beginning the senior project; generally taken after completion of BIO 3530 and two advanced electives.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: BIO2890 And BIO3530

A series of seminars and exercises on basic skills for research, literature review, scientific writing, and communication, with a focus on the Biotechnology industry. Presentations on possibilities for Senior Project topics. Students choose a senior project topic and sponsor, and prepare a formal research proposal. Required for Biology majors in the Biotechnology Concentration before beginning the Senior Project; generally taken in the junior year, and after completion of Cell Biology and two advanced electives, including Biotechnology I.

Credits: 3

COREQ: BIO3205

PREREQ: BIO2890 And BIO3530 And BIO3200

An overview of central concepts and methods in the rapidly growing field of genomics. Topics focus on genome projects, molecular genetics, genetic architecture, sequencing methods, bioinformatics, phylogenetics, gene expression analysis, and epigenomics. Throughout the course, students explore the impact of advances in genomics on human health, public policy, the environment, and biomedical ethics.

Credits: 4

PREREQ: BIO3530

Lecture course examining both the humeral and cellular immune systems. Topics include antibodies; cellular immunity; immunogenetics; inflammation and resistance to bacterial and viral infection; immunoprophylaxis, immunodiagnostics, and immunological diseases, including hypersensitivity (allergy); autoimmunity; and immunodeficiency. Students prepare a paper based on current literature in the field.

Credits: 4

PREREQ: BIO3530

Structure, function, and regulation of genes at the molecular level. Topics include transcription; RNA processing; involvement of RNA in protein synthesis; DNA replication, mutation, and repair; gene cloning; DNA sequencing; PCR ampliflication; and applications of recombinant DNA technology (including gene therapy). Students write a short research grant proposal on a topic of their choice, incorporating molecular approaches learned in class.

Credits: 4

PREREQ: BIO3530

Lecture course covering the techniques of transmission electron microscopy and the principles of cell ultrastructure. Lectures consider the structural organization of the cell and its organelles. Labs include practical instruction in the basic techniques required for the preparation and examination of biological materials. A written exam, project, and report are required.

Credits: 6

PREREQ: BIO3530

Lab course covering the techniques of transmission electron microscopy and the principles of cell ultrastructure. Lectures consider the structural organization of the cell and its organelles. Labs include practical instruction in the basic techniques required for the preparation and examination of biological materials. A written exam, project, and report are required.

Credits: 0

COREQ: BIO4650

Theory, evidence, and mechanisms of evolution. Students explore evolutionary principles through lectures, readings, discussions, hands-on activities, and computer simulations. Topics include natural selection and adaptation; population genetics; mutation, recombination; genetic drift; speciation; evolutionary developmental biology; genomic evolution; phylogenetics; human evolution. Students also explore topics at the intersection of evolution, society, and human health, including the emerging field of Darwinian Medicine.

Credits: 4

PREREQ: BIO3530

Students engage in hands-on experiments to explore evolutionary concepts in real-world contexts. Topics include artificial selection in bacteria, yeast, animals, and plants; evolutionary genomics; genetic variation; mutation; natural selection; genetic drift; computer simulations; and human evolution. Interactive labs emphasize critical thinking, data analysis, and practical applications of evolutionary theory.

Credits: 1.5

The study of genetic determinants of animal behavior. Each student presents at least one seminar and submits a term paper. Topics include the inheritance of monogenic and polygenic traits; disruptive and stabilizing selection for behavioral traits; ethological and psychological isolation; and assortative mating as it pertains to a variety of animals, including humans.

Credits: 4

PREREQ: BIO3160 And BIO3530

Preparation and examination of biological and other materials for scanning electron microscopy. Lectures consider theoretical aspects of microscopy and imaging. Interpretation of micrographs is emphasized, and a project and report are required. The lab is required.

Credits: 5.5

PREREQ: BIO3530