Course Descriptions
BCH 3023C - Biochemistry - 3 credit(s)
The biochemistry of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids will be investigated. The principles of enzymology, metabolism and bioenergetics will be investigated. The curriculum is inquiry based and fully integrated with a laboratory that emphasizes active learning strategies.
BCH 3025C - Analytical Biochemistry - 3 credit(s)
An examination of the aspects of chemical analysis within a sample that has direct biological relevance.
BOT 4394C - Plant Molecular Biology - 3 credit(s)
An examination of aspects of molecular biology that apply to the plant kingdom. Plant gene regulation, methods of gene cloning and transformation, and biotechnological applications will be discussed.
BOT 4503 - Plant Physiology - 3 credit(s)
An overview of the processes that take place in plant cells and organs. Topics include the mechanisms by which plants obtain their nutrients and synthesize required molecules and structures, and the role played by internal and environmental factors in plant growth and development.
BSC 3403C - Environmental Quant Techniques - 3 credit(s)
Implementation of laboratory and field techniques for environmental monitoring and analysis. Demonstration of competency with appropriate instrumentation, data management strategies and statistical procedures.
BSC 3930L - Seminar in Medicine III - 1 credit(s)
This course is a continuation of BSC 2930L and provides a discussion and problem-solving format of contemporary topics in medicine with review of the literature and volunteer opportunity for service learning. (Continued acceptance in the BS Biology Accelerated 3+4 concentration, instructor permission.)
BSC 4422C - Methods in Biotechnology - 3 credit(s)
Techniques and applications of biotechnology will be studied with a strong emphasis on laboratory investigation. Recombinant DNA technology will be the focus of study with applications in plant and animal systems. The impacts of biotechnology on society will be examined, such as the human genome project and agricultural biotechnology.
BSC 4900 - Dir Ind Study/Research in Bio - 2 to 4 credit(s)
Individual study by students under the direction of a faculty mentor. The topic will be selected based on mutual agreement between the student and the faculty mentor.
BSC 4905 - Dir. Ind.Study/Res. Biotech. - 1 to 3 credit(s)
Individual study/research under the direction of a faculty mentor. The topic of study needs to be focused in a Biotechnology area. Permission of the instructor required.
BSC 4910 - Senior Project Research in Bio - 2 credit(s)
Research projects, (or certain aspects of research) are carried out by one or more students under the supervision of a faculty mentor. The project is designed to hone skills in applying research principles and obtaining practice in data collection, analysis. Senior Standing is expected.
BSC 4911 - Sr Project Presentation in Bio - 2 credit(s)
A continuation of the senior project, students will be expected to prepare and present a summary of their research.
BSC 4912 - Senior Seminar in Biology - 3 credit(s)
Students conduct research in scientific teaching methodologies under the supervision of a faculty mentor. The seminar will culminate in the presentation of inquiry-based materials which can be used in the secondary biology classroom.
BSC 4930 - Special Topics in Biology - 2 to 4 credit(s)
Courses will be developed based on topics of current or special interest to students or faculty.
BSC 4933 - Current Topics in Biology - 1 credit(s)
Special sessions exploring the literature in Biological Sciences. Students will receive Satisfactory "S" or Unsatisfactory "U" grades for this course.
BSC 4940 - Internship in Biology - 2 to 4 credit(s)
An internship provides the student with an opportunity to work on a project in the field or laboratory setting. This work is usually completed off-campus and the student will work with a qualified supervisor at the site as well as a faculty mentor.
BSC 4941 - Internship in Biotechnology - 1 to 3 credit(s)
An internship working on a project in Biotechnology in an external laboratory or industrial setting. The student will work with an external qualified supervisor and with a faculty mentor. Permission of the program director required.
BSC 4942C - Senior Res. Biotech. - 2 credit(s)
Research project in Biotechnology under the supervision of a faculty mentor. Students will apply experimental design, data collection and analysis. Senior standing is required. Permission of the program director is required.
BSC 4943 - Sr. Proj. Pres. Biotech. - 1 credit(s)
Presentation of the results of the project carried out in the Senior Research in Biotechnology course.
BSC 4944L - Senior Capstone - 3 credit(s)
This senior capstone course provides an undergraduate experience in mentored research and presentation or internship specifically for each BS-Biology student as a culminating experience to the degree program.
EVR 4920 - Current Topics Environ Studies - 1 credit(s)
Special sessions exploring the current issues in Environmental Studies. Topics may vary; they are selected on the basis of what is new or currently relevant in the field.
EVS 4814 - Environmental Toxicology - 3 credit(s)
Ecotoxicology, natural and anthropogenic contaminants, toxicological assessments, bio-indicators, biological effects of contaminants and mechanisms of response inorganisms, properties, transport, fate and effects of various contaminant groups in terrestrial and aquatic environments, risk assessment and remediation efforts.
ISC 3120C - Scientific Process - 3 credit(s)
Introduction to the philosophy, methodology and ethics of scientific practice via classroom discussion and literature review. Focus on philosophical and practical differences between physical & historical science; hypothesis generation and testing; experimental design; construction of a research proposal; composition of a scientific paper; oral presentation; and critical review.
ISC 4930 - Current Top in Intd Nat Scienc - 1 to 3 credit(s)
Special or current topics in the interdisciplinary natural sciences. Students are encouraged to choose topic courses which are relevant to their prospective research thesis or internship. Students will receive a grade of Satisfactory "S" or Unsatisfactory "U".
MCB 3020C - General Microbiology - 4 credit(s)
A study of the structure, function and genetics of microorganisms, their relationships in natural and controlled environments emphasizing pathogenic bacteria and their hosts. Laboratory includes isolation, identification and culture techniques of microorganisms and their properties.
MCB 4203C - Pathogenic Microbiology - 3 credit(s)
Biologic basis of infectious disease associated with human microbial infections. Topics include host-parasite relationships, virulence mechanisms and antimicrobial agents. Laboratories cover methods of isolation, detection, enumeration and identification of human pathogenic microorganisms.
MCB 4507C - Virology Mycology Parasitology - 3 credit(s)
Lecture and laboratory course highlighting medically important viruses, parasites and fungi. Topics include clinical presentation, mechanisms of infection, diagnostic techniques and treatment. Laboratory exercises emphasize culture and identification techniques used to investigate specific human pathogens.
OCB 4043C - Marine Ecology - 3 credit(s)
Investigates the interactions of biotic (living) and abiotic (nonliving) factors in a marine setting. Diverse environments such as sea grasses, mud flats, coral and mullusc reefs, and the impact of pollution will be examined.
OCE 3008C - Oceanography - 3 credit(s)
A systems approach to the study of the world's oceans integrating elements of biological, chemical, geological and physical oceanography. Examination of basic oceanographic principals and processes, with a focus on marine ecosystems of Southwest Florida.
PCB 3023C - Cell Biology - 3 credit(s)
Cellular biochemistry and physiology with in-depth study of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cellular organelles including their morphology and function. Topics include cellular mobility, growth, bioenergetics, division, communication and regulation. The curriculum is inquiry based and fully integrated with a laboratory that emphasizes active learning strategies.
PCB 3043C - General Ecology - 3 credit(s)
Basic concepts of ecology at population, community, ecosystem, and landscape levels will be studied in integrated lectures, laboratory, and field exercises.
PCB 3063C - Genetics - 3 credit(s)
A study of the principles and theories of heredity including the gene concept, Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance. Basic concepts include: the nature, organization, transmission, expression, recombination and function of genetic materials. Principles are derived for genetically characterizing populations. The curriculum is onquiry based and fully integrated with laboratory experiences which emphasize active learning strategies.
PCB 3414C - Behavioral Ecology - 3 credit(s)
Key behavioral adaptations of invertebrates and vertebrates to their environments will be studied in integrated lectures, laboratory, and field exercises involving such topics as exploration, habitat selection, feeding, reproduction, and social behavior. The adaptive roles of innate and learned behavior will be discussed in relation to different behaviors.
PCB 3460C - Ecosystem Monit & Resea Method - 3 credit(s)
Overview of ecological concepts and basic methods of inventorying, monitoring, and conducting research on terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems. Emphasis on hands-on experiences. Methods will include those used in describing climatic, chemical, and physical features as well as biotic features, including field identification. The field emphasis will be on Southwest Florida ecosystems.
PCB 3703C - Human Physiology - 3 credit(s)
Students will study the organs and organ system of the human body as they operate individually and integrate together. Special attention is devoted to cardiovascular, respiratory, neuromuscular, endocrine, renal and reproductive physiology. The curriculum is inquiry based and fully integrated with activities which emphasize active learning strategies and collaboration.
PCB 4233C - Immunology - 3 credit(s)
An integrated lecture/laboratory course presenting theory and basic principles of immunology including antigen- antibody reactions immunoglobulin structure, genetics, cellular immunity and immunopathology.
PCB 4253C - Developmental Biology - 3 credit(s)
Basic developmental principles that are common to many organisms as well as those that are unique to specific organisms will be identified. The molecular mechanisms involved in the development of various eukaryotic organisms including fungi, animals, and plant will be examined.
PCB 4303C - Limnology - 3 credit(s)
An interdisciplinary approach to the examination of inland waters including lakes, streams, marshes, and swamps. Emphasis on the biotic, chemical and geological components of these aquatic ecosystems using Florida wetlands as models. The course is intended for students with interests in biology, environmental studies, and/or interdisciplinary natural sciences. Permission of instructor.
PCB 4522C - Molecular Genetics - 3 credit(s)
Genetics will be investigated at the molecular level. Gene structure, function, variation, and control will be studied with respect to animal and plant cell structure and function. The curriculum is inquiry based and fully integrated with laboratory experiences which emphasize active learning strategies.
PCB 4673 - Evolutionary Biology - 3 credit(s)
The application of evolutionary theory to all sub-fields of the biological sciences (e.g., medicine, ecology, molecular biology, etc.). Patterns and processes of evolution are examined, as is evidence, and the history of evolutionary theory. Application of evolutionary theory to problems is stressed, with a further emphasis on the role of phylogency across biological discipline boundaries.
PCB 4674C - Reptile & Amphibian Evolution - 4 credit(s)
Provides an opportunity for advanced study of the biology of "reptiles" and amphibians in an evolutionary context. The entire spectrum of reptile and amphibian diversity is studied from the first know fossil amphibians and their ancestors through all living and extinct clades. Anatomical, physiological, and behavioral biology are also examined from an evolutionary perspective; utilizing the principles of cladistic analysis, each system is examined from its most primitive condition to the many unique derived conditions found among living and/or fossil amphibians and reptiles. Current controversies may be featured, and topics span from molecular to organismal and ecological. The course will include the use of dissection and physiological laboratory techniques to study various topics.
PCB 4783C - Cell Membrane Physiology - 3 credit(s)
Chemical and physical properties of the plasma membrane. Investigation of plasma membrane biosynthesis and functions in transport and signal transduction. The curriculum is inquiry based and fully integrated with laboratory experiences that emphasize active learning strategies.
ZOO 3713C - Vertebrate Form and Function - 3 credit(s)
Major anatomical and physiological adaptations of the vertebrates are examined in evolutionary and ecological contexts using integrated lecture and laboratory exercises. The course will include the use of dissection and physiological laboratory techniques to study vertebrate form and function.
ZOO 4436C - Evolution of the Mammals - 4 credit(s)
Provides an opportunity for advanced study of mammalian biology in its evolutionary context. The entire spectrum of mammalian diversity is studied from the first known fossil mammals through all living and extinct clades. Mammalian anatomy, physiology, and behavior are also examined from an evolutionary perspective; utilizing the principles of cladistic analysis, each system is examined from its most primitive mammalian condition to the many unique derived conditions found among living and/or fossil mammals. Current controversies may be featured, and topics from molecular to organismal and ecological. The course will include the use of dissection and physiological laboratory techniques to study various topics.
ZOO 4454C - Ichthyology - 3 credit(s)
Tracks the rise and evolution of fishes and examines the adaptations in form and function that underlie their success. Emphasis will be placed on Southwest Florida fishes.
ZOO 4472C - Ornithology - 3 credit(s)
Evolution, structural and functional adaptations, behavior and ecology of birds. It includes a global overview with emphasis on Florida. Lab emphasizes anatomy, behavior, identification, and ecology. Field trips include study in Florida ecosystems.
ZOO 4480C - Mammalogy - 3 credit(s)
Integrated lecture and lab and focuses on the origins and evolution, diversity, structural and functional adaptations, behavior, and ecology of mammals. It present a global overview with an emphasis on Florida mammals. Laboratory will emphasize, anatomy, behavior, identification, and ecology. Field trips will include zoo visits, studies of manatees and other Florida mammals, and an introduction to field research tools in mammalogy.
ZOO 4743C - Neuroscience - 3 credit(s)
In Neuroscience we will investigate the workings of human nervous systems. We will cover anatomy and physiology, neuropharmacology, and neurological correlates of behaviors such as sleep, emotions, hunger, and sex.
ZOO 4753C - Histology - 3 credit(s)
A microscopic study of animal tissue covering epithelium, muscle, nervous and connective tissues with an emphasis on the morphological differences in tissue organization both for structural and functional purposes.
