Courses
BI-105 Biological Diversity and Ecology (Fall; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; N) The first of two introductory courses for students pursuing a program of emphasis in biology or in related areas such as biochemistry or environmental science. Topics covered include Mendelian genetics, evolution, ecology and the diversity of life.
BI-106 Functions of Cells and Organisms Functions of Cells & Org. (Fall; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; N) The second course in the introductory biology series. This course is divided into two half semester modules: cell and molecular biology and the physiology and systems of plants and animals. Prerequisites: BI105 and CH105.
BI-113 Biology II (Spring; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; N) Designed to complement BI 111, this course is required to complete the introduction to biology for students in the life and health sciences. Topics covered include evolution, ecology and the diversity of life.
BI-121 Biology Lab I (Fall; Yearly; 1.00 Credit; QS,N) An introduction to laboratory science. The course consists of two modules, covering basic DNA analysis techniques and microscopy. Emphasis will be placed in each module on experimental design, development of rigorous laboratory skills, and use of technology. Note: A special fee is assessed. Corequisite: BI105.
BI-122 Biology Lab II (Spring; Yearly; 1.00 Credit; QS,N) An introduction to laboratory science. The course consists of two modules: 1)protein isolation and separation and 2)Ecology. Emphasis will be placed in each module on experimental design, development of laboratory skills. Note: A special fee is assessed. Prerequsites: BI105 and BI121.
BI-142 Sensory Biology (Spring; Even Years; 3.00 Credits; N) The Senses will cover basic themes in biology using different sensory modalities as model systems. The course will deal with the traditional five senses as well as ways in which other animals perceive the world. The Senses will outline the vital role sensory processing plays in evolution, alterations in cellular activity and gene expression, memory and behavior. This course is not recommended for students whose programs of emphasis are in the natural sciences. There are no prerequisites for this course.
BI-189 Freshman Seminar (Spring; Yearly; 1.00 Credit) The Freshman Biology Seminar will provide students with a small biology class in their first year and provide faculty advisors with an opportunity to interact with their freshman advisees on a weekly basis and gauge progress in the progam. Students will read and discuss the philisophical and quantative underpinnings of scientific inquiry and will apply writing skills acquired in thier first semester of College Writing Seminar to communicating scientific ideas.Prerequisites: Biology POE and Freshman standing or late entry in the Biology POE course of progression. This course is required for all students intending to graduate with a POE in Biology.
BI-190 Human Biology (Fall; Even Years; 3.00 Credits; N) A non-majors approach to the biology of humans. The course covers anatomy and physiology, as well as how humans fit into the environment. Emphasis will be on applying information to current topics at the individual and societal levels. This course covers the biology requirement for the Social Work POE. Offered in even years.
BI-199 BI Special Topics (Variable; Variable; 1.00-4.00 Credits) Allows department to offer topics not normally taught. Prerequisites and Corequisites vary by title.
BI-199A Special Topics (Variable; Variable; 3.00-4.00 Credits; N) Allows departments to offer subjects not normally taught. Prerequisites and fees vary by topic.
BI-199B Special Topics (Variable; Variable; 3.00-4.00 Credits; N) Allows departments to offer subjects not normally taught. Prerequisites and fees vary by topic.
BI-199C Special Topics (Variable; Variable; 3.00-4.00 Credits; N) Allows departments to offer subjects not normally taught. Prerequisites and fees vary by topic.
BI-207 Dynamics Biological. Processes (Spring; Yearly; 4.00 Credits; N) This course builds on the basic concepts covered in BI105 and BI106, with emphasis on signaling and energy balance and requirements of cells and biological systems. The course has both a classroom and a laboratory component. Required for students with a biology POE. Prerequisites:BI106 and CH106 and CH230.
BI-210 Genetics (Spring; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; N) Examines the structure and organization of DNA and the replication and transmission of genes. Prokaryote genetics, gene fine-structure and mapping, gene regulation and developmental genetics, transmission of genes, human genetics and medical genetics are discussed. Corequisite: BI 212. Prerequisites: BI222.
BI-289 Frontiers of Biology (Fall; Yearly; 1.00 Credit) Seminar series, required in all Biology POE's in the Sophomore year, consisting of research seminars given by invited speakers and members of the department, both faculty and students. Descriptions of independent research, internship and study abroad opportunities as well as reports by students and faculty on experiences in these programs will be presented. Prerequisite: BI189. Graded S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory).
BI-290 Nutrition (Fall; Odd Years; 3.00 Credits; N) This course covers basic principles and facts about nutrition, explores the role of nutrition in human health, and considers a range of societal and political issues surrounding food and nutrition in the U.S. and abroad. Prerequisites: So, Jr, or Sr. standing. Preference is given to students for whom Nutrition is a prerequisite for profession school. Offered every other year (odd years). Prerequisites: Sophomore, Junior, or Senior standing.
BI-299 Special Topics (Variable; Variable; 1.00-4.00 Credits; N) Allows the Biology department to offer topics not on the regular schedule. Prerequisites will vary based on topic.
BI-299A Special Topics (Variable; Variable; 3.00-4.00 Credits; N) Allows departments to offer subjects not normally taught. Prerequisites and fees vary by topic.
BI-299B Special Topics (Variable; Variable; 3.00-4.00 Credits; N) Allows departments to offer subjects not normally taught. Prerequisites and fees vary by topic.
BI-299C Special Topics (Variable; Variable; 3.00-4.00 Credits; N) Allows departments to offer subjects not normally taught. Prerequisites and fees vary by topic.
BI-300 General Ecology (Spring; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; N) Examines the interactions of living organisms with their physical, chemical and biotic environments. Special attention is given to the environmental, biological and historical factors affecting the distribution, abundance, adaptation, and diversity of species in natural communities. This course deals with " ecological principles " ,and as such complements the Introduction to Environmental Science course, which deals with environmental issues. Prerequisites: BI105 and BI 121 or permission of the instructor. Corequisite: BI301.
BI-301 General Ecology Lab (Spring; Yearly; 1.00 Credit; N) Students work together as research teams to carry out original investigations on the ecology of local species and natural communities. Emphasis on ecological research design, data collection and analysis, and oral and written presentation of results. Frequent field trips are included. Note: a special fee is assessed and one optional field trip requires an additional fee. Corequisite: BI 300.
BI-305 Biostatistics (Fall; Yearly; 4.00 Credits; QS,N) This course deals centrally with quantitative and statistical methodology in the biological sciences. It includes experimental design and the conventions of generating, analyzing, interpreting and presenting biological data. Counts as a math course for graduate and professional school requirements. Prerequisites: BI106 or ESS100.
BI-307 Molecular Techniques (Spring; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; CW,N) A laboratory course designed to cover standard molecular biology and biochemistry techniques. Skills will be learned while pursuing some aspect of current faculty research. Intended as an introduction to the research experience in the study of nucleic acids and proteins. Strongly recommended for student considering summer internships and/or senior research in these areas. Prerequisite or corequisite: BI316 and permission of the instructor.
BI-310 Physiology (Fall; Yearly; 4.00 Credits; CW,N) A combined laboratory and lecture course which examines the function of cells, tissues, organs, and systems. Physical, Mathematical, chemical, and anatomical concepts are integrated to gain a comprehensive appreciation of the dynamics of living organisms. Students are introduced to the use of physiological instrumentation, experimental design, collection and statistical analysis of data, and preparation of scientific manuscripts. Laboratory experiments amplify and complement the lectures. Prerequisites: BI207 or permission and Junior or Senior standing.
BI-316 Biochemistry & Molecular Biology II (Spring; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; CW,N) A comprehensive approach to the study of cells, with emphasis on molecular techniques and understanding the primary literature. Analysis of the cell at the molecular level emphasizes a unity in the principles by which cells function. Prerequisites: BI 207 and CH 301.
BI-318 Developmental Biology (Fall; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; N,CW) This course offers comprehensive investigation of the concepts and mechanisms of development, including ganetogenesis, fertilization, pattern formation and organogenesis. The course examines classical and molecular approaches examining problems of development. Students are expected to present research from current literature in the field. Prerequisites: BI207.
BI-323 Mammalogy (Variable; Variable; 3.00 Credits; N) Examines the comparative biology of living mammals, including taxonomy, evolution, biogeography, ecology, morphology, physiology and behavior. Special attention is given to conservation issues, the relevance of mammals in modern biological research, and field techniques for studying mammals. Prerequisites: BI105 or permission of the instructor.
BI-325 Plant Ecology & Systematics (Fall; Yearly; 2.00 Credits; CW,N) Primarily an ecology course, but also included is a significant amount of plant identification/classification and plant epochology. The ecology portion will cover the whole spectrum of this fast-growing field; from communities and ecosystems to theory and adaptation. Corequisite: BI 326. Prerequisites: BI105 and junior/senior standing.
BI-326 Plant Ecology & Systematics Lab (Fall; Yearly; 2.00 Credits; CW,N) The first 10 weeks are devoted to laboratory work on the identification of the local entophyte flora. Students are required to make a personal collection representing a minimum of 8 families and are expected to become proficient in using a scientific manual. During the 5th and 6th week there is a mandatory all day field trip to collect forest data. An extensive paper on forest succession will be due by semester's end. Note: A special fee is assessed.Corequisite: BI325.
BI-331 Microbiology (Fall; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; N,CW) Focuses on the structure, function, growth, genetics and ecology of viral, bacterial, and fungal microorganisms. Basic concepts are emphasized and topics important to the quality of human life are examined. Corequisite: BI 332. Prerequisites: BI207 and Jr. or Sr. standing.
BI-332 Microbiology Laboratory (Fall; Yearly; 1.00 Credit; N) Presents procedures and experiments which demonstrate basic micro-biological concepts and techniques. Illustrates and augments the content of the lecture. Note: A special fee is assessed. Corequisite: BI331.
BI-334 Immunology (Spring; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; CW,N) Covers the properties of antigens, antibodies and complement, humeral and cell-mediated immunological systems, antigen-anti body interactions and hypersensitivity reactions. Prerequisites: BI 207 and junior or senior standing or permission of the instructor.
BI-337 Comparative & Evolutionary Psych (Spring; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; CS,N,S) (see PY 337)
BI-339 Organic Evolution (Spring; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; CW,N) Presents the theory and facts of organic revolution through a review of modern and historical research on the subject. Major topics include population genetics, adaptations, evolutionary ecology, systematics, the fossil record, molecular evolution, ontogeny and phylogeny, macroevolution, co-evolution, human evolution, and sociobiology. Prerequisite: BI207 or BI300.
BI-341 Plant Morphology (Spring; Yearly; 2.00 Credits; N) The study of algae, fungi, and plants concentrating on form and structure. Attention is also given to identification, classification, evolution, and from-related function. Designed for sophomores and juniors, the course is especially recommended for programs in ecology and biology/education. Prerequisite: BI113 or permission. Corequisite: BI342.
BI-342 Plant Morphology Lab (Spring; Yearly; 2.00 Credits; N) An extensive collection of specimens and slides. Provides first-hand experience with the organisms covered in BI 341. Note: a special fee is assessed. Corequisite: BI 341.
BI-350 Invertebrate Zoology (Fall; Odd Years; 2.00 Credits; N) Focuses on the organizational plan, behavioral and ecological adaptation, diversity and economic importance of representative members of the major invertebrate phyla. Corequisite: BI 351. Prerequisite: BI105 and BI121.
BI-351 Invertebrate Zoology Lab (Fall; Odd Years; 2.00 Credits; N) Illustrates and augments the content and concepts of the lecture through direct observation and/or dissection of selected representative organisms. Corequisite: BI350.
BI-353 Entomology (Fall; Even Years; 3.00 Credits; N) An introduction to the biology of insects. Emphasis is given to the systematic, structure, and ecology of the major insect orders and to selected families found in North America. Corequisite: BI 354. Prerequisite: BI 113.
BI-354 Entomology Lab (Fall; Even Years; 1.00 Credit) This lab will focus on insect collection, identification, behavior and ecology. Requires each student to contibute to preparation, identification, and presentation of a class collection of insects. Corequsite: BI353.
BI-360 Vertebrate Zoology (Spring; Yearly; 2.00 Credits; CW,N) Focuses on the vertebrate animals of the Eastern United States. Collection, taxonomic identification and natural history are emphasized. Corequisites: BI 361. Prerequisites: BI105 and BI121 and Ecology/ Biology related POE and junior/senior standing.
BI-361 Vertebrate Zoology Lab (Spring; Yearly; 2.00 Credits; N) Frequent field trips, for observation and specimen collection are followed by exercises in identification, specimen preparation, and museum techniques to illustrate and augment the concepts and content of the lecture. Note: a special fee is assessed and one optional field trip requires an additional fee. Corequisite: BI 360.
BI-367 Comparative Anatomy (Fall; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; N) A study of the structural organization of the chordate animal. Each of the major organ systems is reviewed with attention to general pattern, comparative details in representative vertebrate groups, development, and structure-dependent function. Corequisite: BI368. Prerequisite: BI106 and BI122.
BI-368 Comp Anatomy Laboratory (Fall; Yearly; 1.00 Credit; N) Provides additional content to further illustrates the lecture. Emphasis is placed upon the dissection of selected representative vertebrates. Note: a special fee is assessed. Corequisite: BI 367.
BI-370 Herpetology (Summer; Variable; 3.00 Credits; N) This course presents the biology of amphibians and reptiles from an evolutionary, anatomical and ecological perspective. Phylogenetic diversity of modern taxa will be presented, focusing on North American groups. Instruction will be in the form of lectures, discussions, laboratory activities and field trips to observe local herpetological species. Prerequisites: BI113. Note: A special course fee will be applied.
BI-389 Biology Research Seminar (Fall; Yearly; 1.00 Credit) Lectures, discussions and student exercises covering such topics as ethics in research, writing effective research proposals and the effective written and oral communication of research results. Professional research and educational societies, government and private funding of research in the United States and other countries and career opportunities will also be discussed. Prerequisites: BI289. Corequisites: BI489. This course is graded as pass/fail.
BI-399 Special Topics (Variable; Variable; 1.00-4.00 Credits; N) Offered at the discretion of the department to qualified students. Topic titles may vary from semester to semester and more than one may be offered per semester. Note: abbreviated ST: (Title); students may take each ST: course for credit and a special fee is assessed. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor, or as indicated.
BI-399A Special Topics (Variable; Variable; 1.00-4.00 Credits; N) Allows departments to offer topics not normally taught. Prerequisites, corequisites and fees vary by title.
BI-399B Special Topics (Variable; Variable; 3.00-4.00 Credits; N) Allows departments to offer subjects not normally taught. Prerequisites and fees vary by topic.
BI-399C Special Topics (Variable; Variable; 3.00-4.00 Credits; N) Allows departments to offer subjects not normally taught. Prerequisites and fees vary by topic.
BI-399D Special Topics (Variable; Variable; 3.00-4.00 Credits; N) Allows departments to offer subjects not normally taught. Prerequisites and fees vary by topic.
BI-399E Special Topics (Variable; Variable; 3.00-4.00 Credits; N) Allows departments to offer subjects not normally taught. Prerequisites and fees vary by topic.
BI-417 Reproductive Biology (Fall; Even Years; 3.00 Credits; N,CW) This course examines reproductive biology by integrating aspects of development, anatomy, cell biology, and hormone physiology with the behavior and ecology of vertebrates. Prerequisites: BI06.
BI-432 Environmental Toxicology (Fall; Odd Years; 3.00 Credits; CW,N) Broadly integrative in nature, this class examines the fate and actions of xenobiotic compounds in environmental systems and focuses on the potential for deleterious consequences in wildlife species and humans. Examines aspects of chemistry, cell biology and ecology in considering environmental contamination. instruction includes lectures and student presentations/writing exercises. Prerequisites: BI106 or CH106 and permission of the instructor.
BI-450 Neurobiology (Spring; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; CW,N) Neurobiology is a lecture course that addresses concepts ranging from the molecular biology of ion channels to signal integration and behavior. This course is experimentally based and will focus on the biophysics, chemistry, and mechanisms of signal production and integration in the nervous system. Particular attention will be paid to sensory systems and memory consolidation. In addition to lecture exams, students will gain valuable experience in scientific writing through the preparation of a review paper on a neurobiological topic of their choosing. Prerequisites: BI207 or PY338 or permission.
BI-461 The Art & Science of Brewing (Fall; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; N) This is a synoptic study of brewing, integrating the science, technology and history while considering all of the many steps in the brewing process including, barley and malting, yeast biology, brewing herbs mashing, conditioning and beer styles. Class meetings consist of 2, 50 minute lectures and 1, 4 hour laboratory each week. Enrollment is limited and students are expected to request a reservation well in advance by contacting the instructor. Students must have passed their 21st birthday prior to attending the first class meeting. Note: A special fee is assessed. Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor. Students will be expected to have completed one semester each of biology and chemistry and two semesters of laboratory work in the natural sciences.
BI-475 Microscopy (Spring; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; N) Provides experience in the basics of various forms of light and electron microscopy. Tissue preparation, sectioning and staining, instrument operation, image acquisition, processing and data management are included. Confocal fluorescence and contrast enhancement techniques used in light microscopy of living cells are emphasized. The format is tutorial and each student is required to submit an electronic portfolio of images. Note: A special fee is assessed. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
BI-489 Biology Research (Fall & Spring; Yearly; 1.00-6.00 Credits; N) Individual research projects directed by faculty members based on proposals submitted in BI 389, Biology Research Seminar. Attendance at a departmental journal club is expected. Presentation at a professional meeting is encouraged. May be repeated for up to 15 credits. Prerequisite: BI389 and permission of the instructor.
BI-490 Biology Internship (Fall & Spring; Yearly; 2.00-9.00 Credits; N) Note: may be repeated up to a total of 9 hours of credit. Corequisite: BI 495. Prerequisite: permission and Jr. or Sr. standing.
BI-495 Biology Internship Seminar (Fall & Spring; Yearly; 2.00-6.00 Credits; N) Requires students to reflect on the experience and/or pursue relevant research. Corequisite: BI 490. Prerequisite: Permission
BI-496 Bio.Instr.Workshop (Summer; Irregular/On Demand; 3.00 Credits) This course will introduce teachers to the practical use and underlying theory behind modern biological instrumentation and technology. The subject matter will include some or all of the following; electrophoresis, microscopy, histology, physiology, human evolution, genetics, enzymology, luminology, etc.
BI-497 Bio. Instr/Bio. Teachers (Summer; Irregular/On Demand; 3.00 Credits; N) Teaching high school and middle school teachers how to use laptop computers with Vernier computer probes in activities from biology and chemistry with may include Boyle's Law, freezing point, pH titration, colorimetry, molar volume of a gas, foot pressure, enzyme activity, cell volume relationships, conductivity, and respiration.
BI-498 Bio. Instr/Bio. Teachers (Summer; Irregular/On Demand; 3.00 Credits; N) This course will introduce teachers to the practical use and underlying theory behind modern biology instrumentation and technology. The Subject matter will include electrophoresis microscopy, histology, human physiology, microbiology, human evolution, genetics, enzymology, limnology, etc.
BI-499 Adv Bi Inst/Bi Tchrs (Summer; Irregular/On Demand; 3.00 Credits) The purpose of this course is to continue the study of instrumentation beyond the introductory levels of BI498. The teachers will develop advanced techniques for teaching the practical use and underlying theory behind modern biological instrumentation and technology. The subject matter will include: Electrophoresis, Microscopy, Histology, Human Evolution, Genetics, Enzymology, Limnology, etc. Prerequisites: BI498.
BI-499W Senior Thesis (Either Semester; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; CW,N) This course is the culmination of an individual research project initiated in BI 489. Students will complete their projects by writing a paper describing their research. These papers will be of significant length and contain full documentation of the student's original research. The thesis will be presented orally to faculty and students at the yearly campus wide Juniata Student Research Symposium. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
BI-TUT Biology Teaching Assistant (Variable; Variable; 1.00-4.00 Credits)