Bachelor of Science in Biology

LCS105

Elements of Organization - 3 Credits

Students need a basic understanding of how organizations work in order to manage their personal and professional lives. This course provides an interdisciplinary perspective on the foundations underlying all organizations (businesses, non-profit and governmental organizations) specifically as they relate to the nature of: management and leadership, economics both domestically and internationally, ethics, social responsibility, entrepreneurship, human resource management, marketing/advertising, e-commerce, information technology, accounting, investments, money and personal finances.

ENG110

College Writing - 3 Credits

This course is designed to develop and refine the analytical/critical reading skills and the substantive writing skills of freshmen.  This intensive writing class will focus on writing essays of varying length and expose students to the various rhetorical modes of writing that will contribute to their success in university courses and their chosen careers.

ENG120

College Writing II - 3 Credits

College Writing II looks to expand upon the writing skills attained in ENG110. As a student-centered course, students explore their own writing in peer, group, and self-review skill sessions. Students enhance self-editing skills and increase awareness of the revision skills needed in both college coursework and in careers. The course will further develop students' understanding of the writing process from pre-writing to final draft. This course encourages students to have their writing evaluated across the curriculum. The course culminates in a research essay and portfolio of original work.

Pre-requisite: ENG110.

COM107

Intro to Communications - 3 credits

This introductory course will focus on the knowledge and skills that students need to become competent communicators.  This information and these skills will include speaking, listening, media literacy, computer-mediated communication, cultural sensitivity, workplace communication, group dynamics, and critical thinking.  Students will prepare and present speeches and group projects that utilize media and technology.  Emphasis will be place on personal, social and workplace interaction both individually and in group settings.

CIS112

Introduction to Computing - 3 Credits

This course strives to meet the high level of computer literacy required of all students earning a degree from the university. Special emphasis is placed on the ethical use of computer technology for information analysis and communications. Computer units introduce the Internet, Windows, word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software. Students who feel they have attained computer literacy and earn 70 percent on an exemption exam may substitute any other 3-credit course for this core requirement. 

Students may prove competency by passing a waiver examination.  No credit is granted if the requirement is waived.

BIO203L

Anatomy and Physiology I Lab - 1 Credit

This course is offered as part of BIO203 Anatomy and Physiology I.

Laboratory fee required.

This class was previously called BIO201 Lab.

MAT120

College Algebra - 3 Credits

This course provides a review of the fundamentals of algebra: a study of function theory, specifically linear and quadratic functions; matrix operations; and linear programming. Emphasis is placed on problem-solving techniques with special attention given to business and other applications.

Prerequisite: MAT101 or placement examination.

BIO313

Biochemistry - 3 Credits

Biochemistry comprises a survey of basic principles of organic and biological chemistry as well as molecular biology with an emphasis on broad understanding of chemical events in living systems in terms of metabolism and structure-function relationships of biologically important molecules.  Topics include organic functional groups, reactions, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, metabolism, and neurochemistry.

MAT220

Statistics I - 3 Credits

This course acquaints students with the fundamentals of modern statistics. It includes basic concepts of descriptive statistics and inferences about the mean, proportion, and variance of one population. The course also includes an introduction to probability and to linear correlation and regression.

Prerequisite: MAT120 or placement examination.

BIO230

Microbiology - 3 Credits

Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms. The focus of this course will be on bacteria, yeast and viruses. Discussion will concentrate on the role of microbial communities that live in and around humans, their metabolism, growth, and reproduction as well as their position in the food web and species interactions. Special attention will be given to microbes used for food production. The laboratory portion of this course will focus on standard microbiological techniques and use of these techniques in a student designed experiment.

Laboratory fee required. Prerequisite: BIO144, CHM115 or permission of the instructor.

This class was previously called BIO220.

BIO230L

Microbiology Lab - 1 Credit

This course is offered as part of BIO230 Microbiology.

Laboratory fee required.

This class was previously called BIO220 Lab.

BIO360

Ecology - 3 Credits

Ecology is the study of how living creatures interact with the living and non-living components of their environment. Topics in this course include population dynamics, energy flow, biological and geochemical cycles, decomposition, community structure and composition, plant and animal defenses, pest management, and environmental factors that may disrupt the global or local community.

Prerequisite: BIO134.

This class was formerly called BIO260.

BIO143

General Biology I - 3 Credits

General Biology I is designed for both the major and non-major college student and provides a foundation for all other biology courses. Discussions will focus on the nature of science in general, bimolecular, origin of life, cells and their components, energy and metabolism, photosynthesis, cell reproduction and division, inheritance, taxonomy, viruses, bacteria, protists, vascular and non-vascular plants, and a survey of the animal kingdom (excluding vertebrates). Inquiry based study in the concurrent laboratory component will provide hands-on application of appropriate lecture material.

Laboratory fee required.

This class was previously called BIO133.

BIO311

Cell Biology - 3 Credits

This is a study of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell anatomy and physiology. Topics include cell communication, responses to environmental change, metabolic processes, and cell culture systems. Laboratory activities will promote the development of culture technique and hands-on learning to support the principles discussed in lecture.

Laboratory fee required. Prerequisite: BIO144, CHM115, CHM116 or permission of the instructor.

This class was previously called BIO301.

BIO143L

General Biology I Lab - 1 Credit

This course is offered as part of BIO143 General Biology I.

Laboratory fee required.

This class was previously called BIO133 Lab.

BIO311L

Cell Biology Lab - 1 Credit

This course is offered as part of BIO311 Cell Biology.

Laboratory fee required.

This class was previously called BIO301 Lab.

BIO306

Genetics - 3 Credits

Genetics is not only the study of inheritance patterns, but also the study of chromosomal structure, mutational events, population genetics, and molecular genetics. During the course of the semester, students will have the opportunity to learn—in correct historical time line—about the development of this discipline and the basic principles that are used in many other areas of biology.

Prerequisite: BIO144, CHM115, or permission of the instructor.

BIO498

Independent Study/Internship 1 - 4 Credits

Students engage in independent research in either a laboratory or field setting. Students may also elect to complete a literature review. Results of this work are presented at the end of the semester. Application, proposal submission and registration policies should be discussed with the faculty mentor prior to registration.

MAT250

Calculus I - 3 Credits

This course introduces differential and integral calculus of one variable. Topics include analytic geometry, functions, limits, derivatives, application of the derivatives, and antiderivatives.

Prerequisite: MAT130 and placement examination.

CSA101

Exploring Self: Inside Out - 3 credits

This course will focus on self-discovery and interaction with others to provide learners with the foundation for examining and further developing their own personal effectiveness. An environment of trust will be built within the class to enable individual and collective openness, discovery and engagement in personal learning. The course will use experiential learning, personal reflection and group interaction as primary approaches. This is a hybrid course, with classroom interaction time blended with online learning and interaction through the Blackboard learning management system.

CSA260

Professional Success Seminar - 3 credits

The course will enable students to develop their own individualized plans for personal, academic and career success. Students will engage in self-evaluation exercises and highly interactive classroom activities to evaluate their own “fit” for certain careers. Students also will participate in resume and cover letter writing activities to prepare for the experiential learning of the next course. This course will allow students to establish short-term career goals and begin a career portfolio to be refined during successive semesters.

CSA400

Career Capstone - 2 credits

This course is a culmination of the career and self-awareness series, a comprehensive program for career and life planning. The course prepares students for a transition from university life to independent work life. Students will learn valuable financial and money management planning and skills. Students will explore life balance issues, life roles, and self-concept as it relates to their future plans. Students will explore employment issues, such as the changing nature of work, diversity, trends, and job outlook. The course will require students to engage in networking and a job search with the goal of employment upon graduation. In addition, students who are seeking graduate school will engage in the application process, interviewing, and essay writing.