Biology
Caldwell’s biology program prepares you for careers in science, education, research, and health professions. Biology majors take a mix of required and elective courses in all areas of biology, as well as courses in chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Many students select a biology major to prepare for graduate school. All students are eligible to apply for the S-STEM Pillar Program scholarship.
The department offers a B.S. in Biology; a B.S. in Chemistry; a B.S. in Health Science; and a B.S. in Medical Technology. A pre-medical post-baccalaureate certificate program is also available to college graduates who wish to complete requirements for admission to medical and other health professional schools.
Successful completion of a senior laboratory or literature project is required for the B.S. in Biology. The project will be submitted in the form of a paper which must demonstrate a clear understanding of scientific literature and ability to analyze data and present results in a coherent manner. The paper must be organized and written in scientific style. A short oral presentation is also required in which each student is expected to present the focus of the paper and field questions on the subject matter within the paper. The department uses data from the outcomes assessment for curriculum development.
STUDENTS WHO MAJOR IN BIOLOGY MUST COMPLETE:
Course Code : BI 101
Course Description :
The first course in a two-semester introductory biology sequence. Covers molecules, cells, genetics, and evolution.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
MA130
Co requisites :
MA 113 or higher.
Course Code : BI 101L
Course Description :
Laboratory explorations on topics covered in BI 101.
Credit : 1
Prerequisites :
MA130
Co requisites :
BI 101.
Course Code : BI 102
Course Description :
The second course in a two-semester introductory biology sequence. Covers diversity of organisms, form and function in plants and animals, and ecology.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
BI101
Course Code : BI 102L
Course Description :
Change description to: Laboratory explorations on topics covered in BI 102.
Credit : 1
Prerequisites :
BI101
Co requisites :
BI 102.
Course Code : BI 207
Course Description :
How animals, including humans, function from the molecular to whole organism level. Includes comparative and medical aspects of physiology.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
BI103, BI102, MA131
Course Code : BI 207L
Course Description :
Explores physiology through standard and original experiments. Develops skills in communication and research.
Credit : 3
Co requisites :
BI207
Course Code : BI 210
Course Description :
Introduces cellular morphology and physiology. Discussions include membrane structure, transport channels, membrane receptors and signal transduction, motility as well as mechanisms of cellular reproduction such as DNA replication, transcription, translation and regulation of gene expression. An experimental approach is used to familiarize students with treatments of experimental data.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
CH401, BI207
Course Code : BI 210L
Course Description :
Current techniques in cell and molecular biology are presented and selected topics discussed in BI 210 lectures are further illustrated with laboratory experiments. Techniques include preparation of DNA, RNA and cellular organelles; electrophoretic separations of proteins and nucleic acids; and selected biochemical assays.
Credit : 1
Co requisites :
BI210
Course Code : BI 315
Course Description :
Treats morphology, physiology and genetics of selected microorganisms and their role in environmental, health, and industrial processes.
Credit : 3
Instruction methods : Lecture: 3 Hours
Prerequisites :
CH112, BI207 or CH401
Course Code : BI 315L
Course Description :
Reinforces and illustrates concepts introduced in BI 315. Students learn to work with and understand microorganisms and learn to recognize microbiological phenomena from experimental findings, ultimately applying such findings to broad biological principles.
Credit : 1
Co requisites :
BI315
Course Code : BI 402
Course Description :
Studies the principles of modern and Mendelian genetics, including structure of genes and chromosomes, patterns and mechanisms of transmission, nature and cause of mutations, polygenic inheritance, genetic mapping, and population genetics. Introduces theories of genetic engineering.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
CH401, BI207
Course Code : BI 402L
Course Description :
Introduces natural science majors to the techniques of project and experimental design. Students conduct independent research and analysis. 1 hr. meeting with lab time as required.
Credit : 1
Instruction methods : lab: 3 Hours
Prerequisites :
NS311 and permission of instructor
Co requisites :
BI402
Course Code : CH 111
Course Description :
Introduces fundamental concepts of stoichiometry and thermochemistry; ionic and covalent bonding are discussed as functions of electronic structure; properties of gases, liquids, solids and solutions are explored. Students dropping CH 111 should automatically be dropped from CH 011.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
MA130
Course Code : CH 111L
Course Description :
Laboratory that accompanies CH 111. Incorporates experiments in substance separation, identification, and synthesis, and for determination of physical and thermodynamic constants. Introduces research literature format.
Credit : 1
Instruction methods : lab: 3 Hours
Co requisites :
CH111
Course Code : CH 112
Course Description :
Continues CH 111. Introduction to principles of chemical kinetics, equilibrium reactions with emphasis on acids and bases, and electrochemistry; thermochemistry is examined in greater detail.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
CH 111
Co requisites :
MA 131
Course Code : CH 112L
Course Description :
Laboratory that accompanies CH 112. Incorporates experiments to determine kinetic rates, equilibrium constants, and ionic, acidic, and basic properties of substances. Introduces qualitative analysis.
Credit : 1
Instruction methods : lab: 3 Hours
Co requisites :
CH112
Course Code : CH 203
Course Description :
Introduces the theoretical aspects of organic chemistry stressing mechanisms, energy considerations and stereochemical implications of substitution, elimination and addition reactions. Physical and chemical properties of some organic compounds are discussed through functional group analysis.
Credit : 4
Prerequisites :
CH112
Course Code : CH 203L
Course Description :
Laboratory that accompanies CH 203. Laboratory procedures include recrystallization, distillation, extraction, and chromatography. Typical reactions include free radical halogenation, nucleophilic substitution, electrophilic aromatic substitution and elimination. Introduction to chemical literature and selected analytical instrumentation is also stressed.
Credit : 1
Instruction methods : lab: 4 Hours
Co requisites :
CH203
Course Code : CH 204
Course Description :
Functional group properties, synthesis and reactions are continued with greater emphasis on structural determination and retrosynthetic techniques.
Credit : 4
Prerequisites :
CH203
Course Code : CH 204L
Course Description :
Laboratory that accompanies CH 204. Typical experiments include: Grignard, aldol, Cannizzaro, oxidation, reduction, and amide formation. Several unknown compounds are identified and literature searches are required.
Credit : 1
Instruction methods : lab: 4 Hours
Co requisites :
CH204
Course Code : PY 201
Course Description :
Focuses on the fundamental principles and phenomena of physics; motion, Newton's Laws, work and energy, momentum, rotational dynamics and machines. Course is quantitative and closely allied with mathematics.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
MA131, MA221, MA220
Course Code : PY 201L
Course Description :
Tests the laws derived in PY 201 through experimentation.
Credit : 1
Instruction methods : lab: 3 Hours
Co requisites :
PY201
Course Code : PY 202
Course Description :
Continues PY 201. Topics discussed are heat, light, sound, electricity and magnetism.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
Any 100-level math course; PY101 or PY201, MA120, MA112, MA131
Course Code : PY 202L
Course Description :
Tests the laws derived in PY 202 through experimentation.
Credit : 1
Instruction methods : lab: 3 Hours
Co requisites :
PY202
Course Code : MA 130
Course Description :
Studies the real number system, algebraic expressions, exponents, radicals, solutions of equations and inequalities, rational and polynomial functions; emphasizes the use of algebraic techniques in the solution of problems from a variety of disciplines.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
MA 090 or placement test
Course Code : MA 131
Course Description :
Concentrates on the exponential logarithmic trigonometric and inverse trigonometric functions, their graphs, properties and relations; also included are polar coordinates and the conic sections. Recommended as preparation in trigonometry for the study of calculus.
Credit : 3
Instruction methods : Lecture: 3 Hours
Prerequisites :
MA 130
Course Code : NS 341
Course Description :
Affords the students an opportunity to research the literature within their fields of interest and present their findings to the Sciences faculty and students. May be used to research and compose the Senior Capstone Paper.
Credit : 1
Prerequisites :
Senior status, biology or chemistry major. Students must have passed (minimum grade of C) all 200-level science courses in their major before registering for this course.
OR
Course Code : NS 311
Course Description :
Introduces students to the techniques of research and familiarizes them with the literature sources within the field; incorporates supervised and independent work. natural science major and permission of instructor. 1 hr. formal meeting; other meetings as required
Credit : 1
Instruction methods : Lecture: 1 Hours
Prerequisites :
BI207, CH203
AND
Course Code : NS 411
Course Description :
Introduces natural science majors to the techniques of project and experimental design. Students conduct independent research and analysis. 1 hr. meeting with lab time as required.
Credit : 1
Prerequisites :
NS311 and permission of instructor
AND
Course Code : NS 412
Course Description :
Continues NS 411. Students publish their results in the form of a paper and orally present them to the Natural Sciences faculty. May be used to satisfy the senior project requirement. Meeting and lab time flexible.
Credit : 2
Instruction methods : Lecture: 2 Hours
Prerequisites :
NS411 and permission of instructor.
Take one from the following:
Take one from the following:
Course Code : BI 216
Course Description :
Applies statistical methods of analysis to the medical/health and natural sciences. Introduces sampling, descriptive statistics, probability and experimental design methods as used in biological experiments. Also covers discrete and continuous probability distributions, hypothesis testing, correlation and regression.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
BI102
Course Code : MA 207
Course Description :
Introduces the fundamentals of statistics as employed in a variety of disciplines. Includes sampling, descriptive statistics, probability, discrete and continuous probability distributions, hypothesis testing, correlation and regression.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
MA120, MA131, MA130, MA112, MA222, MA140, MA220, MA116, MA106, Core requirement in mathematics.
Two of the following:
Course Code : BI 208
Course Description :
A continuation of BI 207. This course covers transport, absorption, excretion and the human life cycle. This course is cross-linked in content with BI 204.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
BI207, BI201
AND
Course Code : BI 208L
Course Description :
Explores anatomy using models and preserved specimens and the dissection of select vertebrates.
Credit : 1
Co requisites :
BI208
Course Code : BI 301
Course Description :
Investigates structure, function and associations of cells, tissues and organs of humans. Emphasis on normal histology.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
BI207
AND
Course Code : BI 301L
Course Description :
Examines histologic slides of normal mammalian tissues and organs in correlation with BI 301.
Credit : 1
Co requisites :
BI301
Course Code : BI 302
Course Description :
Studies the major developmental stages and processes with an emphasis on vertebrate embryos. Discusses gametogenesis, fertilization, cleavage, formation of primitive germ layers, differentiation, tissue induction and organogenesis using classical descriptive and comparative embryology, and current molecular and cellular concepts.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
BI207
AND
Course Code : BI 302L
Course Description :
Traces the morphological development of organisms from the maturation process to total embryonic development. Representative organisms include the starfish, frog, chick and pig.
Credit : 1
Co requisites :
BI302
Course Code : BI 305
Course Description :
Presents a balanced detailed approach to ecology focusing on plant and animal interactions and their relationship to their environment, ecosystem dynamics, ecosystem analysis related to conservation of resources, quantitative models related to sustainability, and species diversity. Course in statistics will be helpful.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
BI102 and MA131
AND
Course Code : BI 305L
Course Description :
Introduces student to field, laboratory, experimentation relation to plant and animal aggregation, population interactions, ecosystem structure and function, and adverse environmental conditions on ecosystems.
Credit : 1
Co requisites :
BI305
Course Code : BI 316
Course Description :
Investigates the sources and mechanisms of the immunological responses, focusing on mechanisms in the human body.
Credit : 3
Instruction methods : Lecture: 3 Hours
Prerequisites :
BI315, CH112
AND
Course Code : BI 316L
Course Description :
Provides practical exposure to both current and more traditional immunological methodologies. Students are introduced to techniques such as antibody production, analyses of antibodies as well as cellular interactions among various populations of immune cells.
Credit : 1
Co requisites :
BI316
Course Code : CH 401
Course Description :
Investigates the chemistry of proteins, enzymes and enzyme systems, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids; studies glycolysis, Krebs Cycle, basic membrane structure, transcription of DNA and biotechnology techniques.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
CH204
AND
Course Code : CH 401L
Course Description :
Laboratory correlating with CH 401.
Credit : 1
Instruction methods : lab: 3 Hours
Co requisites :
CH401
One of the following:
Course Code : BI 208
Course Description :
A continuation of BI 207. This course covers transport, absorption, excretion and the human life cycle. This course is cross-linked in content with BI 204.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
BI207, BI201
Course Code : BI 301
Course Description :
Investigates structure, function and associations of cells, tissues and organs of humans. Emphasis on normal histology.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
BI207
Course Code : BI 302
Course Description :
Studies the major developmental stages and processes with an emphasis on vertebrate embryos. Discusses gametogenesis, fertilization, cleavage, formation of primitive germ layers, differentiation, tissue induction and organogenesis using classical descriptive and comparative embryology, and current molecular and cellular concepts.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
BI207
Course Code : BI 305
Course Description :
Presents a balanced detailed approach to ecology focusing on plant and animal interactions and their relationship to their environment, ecosystem dynamics, ecosystem analysis related to conservation of resources, quantitative models related to sustainability, and species diversity. Course in statistics will be helpful.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
BI102 and MA131
Course Code : BI 316
Course Description :
Investigates the sources and mechanisms of the immunological responses, focusing on mechanisms in the human body.
Credit : 3
Instruction methods : Lecture: 3 Hours
Prerequisites :
BI315, CH112
Course Code : BI 405
Course Description : An introduction to the mechanisms of disease. Students will learn how diseases are caused at the molecular, cellular, and organ system levels, and how diseases affect structure and function. The biological basis of treatment will also be explored.
Instruction methods : Lecture: 3 Hours
Prerequisites : BI315, BI207
Course Code : CH 320
Course Description :
Discusses the fundamental laws, theories and concepts of thermodynamics, equilibrium and electrochemistry interpreted through the use of mathematical and physical principles. Introduces quantum mechanics. [Formerly CH403]
Credit : 3
Instruction methods : Lecture: 3 Hours
Prerequisites :
PY201, CH 112, MA 220 and MA 221 (Calculus I & II), PY 201 and PY 202 (General Physics I & II)
Course Code : CH 321
Course Description :
Continues CH 403. A text-based seminar format is used to examine atomic and molecular structure from the quantum mechanical perspective, atomic and molecular spectroscopy, statistical thermodynamics and topics of students interest, and to introduce theories of reactions at solids surfaces. [Formerly CH404]
Credit : 3
Instruction methods : Lecture: 3 Hours
Prerequisites :
CH 112, MA 220 and MA 221 (Calculus I & II), PY 201 and PY 202 (General Physics I & II)
Course Code : CH 401
Course Description :
Investigates the chemistry of proteins, enzymes and enzyme systems, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids; studies glycolysis, Krebs Cycle, basic membrane structure, transcription of DNA and biotechnology techniques.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
CH204
Course Code : CH 402
Course Description :
Investigates the metabolic systems of cells and organelles stressing enzyme and cofactor participation, energy production and interdependence of metabolic processes.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
CH401
Course Code : CH 407
Course Description :
This course will explore how drugs are designed. Structive-activity relationships (SAR), and bulk properties of drugs (partitioning, solubility) will be studied as a function of the chemical classification of medication. Receptor site topography will be correlated with drug structure and drug design. Pharmacokinetcs of drugs.
Credit : 3
Instruction methods : Lecture: 3 Hours
Prerequisites :
CH204
Course Code : CH 412
Course Description :
Important organic synthetic techniques will be investigated. Students will be able to understand and semisynthetic and total synthetic mythologies that lead to the manufacturing of medicines.
Credit : 3
Instruction methods : Lecture: 3 Hours
Prerequisites :
CH204, CH204L
Course Code : CH 413
Course Description :
Examines the theory and usage of common spectroscopic methods such as ultraviolet/visible and infrared spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, and proton and carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance. Supplies a working knowledge of structural determination and sources in the field.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
CH204
Course Code : CH 420
Course Description :
Students will be expected to understand the biochemical underpinnings of the mode of action of various pharmacologic agents (pharmacodynamics).
Credit : 3
Instruction methods : Lecture: 3 Hours
Prerequisites :
CH 401
For students who will pursue graduate education in biology, the Department of Natural and Physical Sciences also considers MA 220 and 221, Calculus I & II, essential supportive electives.
Your degree includes credits from Liberal Arts and Sciences Core, Major, and Electives.
