All POEs using the words Biology, Biological Science(s) or Zoology must meet the course requirements of this Biology designated POE.


BIOLOGY CORE

Take the following courses:

BI-101 General Biology I

General Biology I is the first course in the Biology POE core curriculum. This course will be structured around four primary case studies on the opioid crisis, climate change, environmental toxicology and the evolution of speed in animals. The cases will outline foundational concepts in molecular biology and evolution.

4 Credits

BI-102 General Biology II

General Biology II is the second course in the Biology POE core curriculum. In the first four weeks of this course, each lab section will work through basic lab skill development. After that, students will deploy those skills to answer a specific open-ended research question that is part of their instructor's area of expertise.

4 CreditsPrerequisite: BI-101 or BI-105

BI-289 Frontiers of Biology

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.

1 Credit  


CHEMISTRY CORE

Take the following courses:

CH-142 Integrated Chemistry Principles I

An introduction to the principles of chemistry, this course begins a two semester sequence that integrates information from all aspects of chemistry while focusing on the core principles of the relationships between energy, the structure of atoms and molecules, and atomic and molecular properties and reactivity. Topics include energy, reactions, atomic structure, elemental properties, bonding, and molecular properties.

3 CreditsNCorequisite CH143

CH-143 Integrated Chem Principles I Lab

This semester will focus on learning good laboratory practices, primarily through the quantitative analysis of compounds. The quantitative analysis of materials and an understanding of reproducibility and bias are relevant to many fields, including medical analysis or the analysis of contaminants in the environment. This course will also teach you how to keep an excellent laboratory notebook, identify safety hazards in the lab, and complete data analysis and graphing in Excel. All of these tools will serve you well in a variety of careers.

1 CreditsN, QSCH142 is a corequisite of this course. A lab fee is associated with this course.

CH-144 Integrated Chemistry Principles II

An introduction to the principles of chemistry, this course completes a two semester sequence that integrates information from all aspects of chemistry while focusing on the core principles of the relationships between energy, the structure of atoms and molecules, and atomic and molecular properties and reactivity. Topics include thermodynamics, equilibrium reactions, acid/base and redox reactions, kinetics and nuclear reactions.

3 CreditsNPrerequisite: CH-142

CH-145 Integrated Chemistry Principles II Lab

This semester will focus on learning good laboratory practices, primarily through the quantitative analysis of compounds. The quantitative analysis of materials and an understanding of reproducibility and bias are relevant to many fields, including medical analysis or the analysis of contaminants in the environment. This course will also teach you how to keep an excellent laboratory notebook, identify safety hazards in the lab, and complete data analysis and graphing in Excel. All of these tools will serve you well in a variety of careers.

1 CreditN, QSPrerequisite: CH-143. A lab fee is associated with this course.

CH-232 Organic Chemistry I

Students enrolled in CH-242 will become familiar with the fundamental concepts and nomenclature needed to understand and communicate organic chemistry. The course is furtherdesigned to teach the structure-function relationships that exist across many classes of organic and bio-organic systems, and therefore provide a foundation for further study in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, and medicine.

3 CreditsNPrerequisite: CH-144; Corequisite: CH-233.

CH-233 Organic Chemistry I Lab

This course will utilize techniques learned in CH-145 and carry out experiments illustrative of concepts learned in CH-232. The course will focus on spectroscopy, organic laboratory techniques and reactions, and compound characterization. This course will also reinforce good record-keeping skills continue to stress safe lab practices. A lab fee is associated with this course.

1 CreditsNPrerequisite: CH-145. Corequisite: CH-232.


PHYSICS CORE

Complete one of the following options below (8 credits):

OPTION 1:

PC-200 General Physics I

An algebra-based introduction to the basic principles of mechanics (including periodic motion, fluid static's and dynamics), heat and thermodynamics, molecular theory and wave motion (including acoustics). Note: a working knowledge of algebra and trigonometry is required. 

3 CreditsN, QMCorequisite: PC200L.

PC-200L  General Physics Lab I

An introductory algebra-based laboratory experience designed to accompany PC200. The individual experiments will involve topics in mechanics, energy, sound, and waves. Labs Involve computer acquisition of data for some experiments. Note: A special fee is assessed. 

1 CreditNCorequisites: PC200.

PC-201 General Physics II

An algebra-based introduction to basic principles of electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic waves, and optics. Additional topics may include atoms and molecules, nuclear physics, relativity and solid state physics. Note: a working knowledge of algebra and trigonometry is required. 

3 CreditsN, QMCorequisite: PC201L. Prerequisite: PC200.

PC-201L  General Physics Lab II

An algebra-based introductory laboratory experience designed to accompany PC201. The individual experiments will involve topics in circuits, light and optics, and nuclear physics. Involves computer acquisition of data for some experiments. Note: A special fee is assessed. 

1 CreditNCorequisite: PC201.


OPTION 2:

PC-202 Intro Physics I

A calculus-based introduction to the basic principles of mechanics (including periodic motion and dynamics), heat and thermodynamics, and special relativity. 

3 CreditsN, QM, WK-FRCorequisite: PC-202L. Corequisite or Prerequisite: MA-130 or MA-230.

PC-202L Intro Physics Lab I

This lab is a calculus-based introductory laboratory experience that is designed to accompany PC-202. Individual experiments will correlate with the course, including kinematics, Newton's Laws, energy, and momentum.

1 CreditNCorequisite: PC-202. Prerequisite or corequisite: MA-130 or MA-230.

PC-203 Intro Physics II

A calculus-based introduction to basic principles of electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic waves and optics. Additional topics may include atoms and molecules, nuclear physics, relativity and solid state physics.

3 CreditsN, QMPrerequisite: Take PC-202 or PC-204. Corequisite: PC-203L.

PC-203L Intro Physics Lab II

An algebra-based introductory laboratory experience designed to accompany PC-203. The individual experiments will involve topics in circuits, light and optics, and nuclear physics.

1 CreditNPrerequisite: PC-202 or PC-204. Corequisite: PC-203.


STATISTICS CORE

Take one of the following courses:

MA-130 Calculus I

An introduction to calculus including differentiation and integration of elementary functions of a single variable, limits, tangents, rates of change, maxima and minima, area, volume, and other applications. Integrates the use of computer algebra systems, and graphical, algebraic and numerical thinking.

4 CreditsN, QM

BI-305 Biostatistics

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.

4 CreditsN, QS, CTGESPrerequisites: BI106 or ESS100

BI-305CW Biostatistics

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. This writing intensive section requires the writing of an individual research report and one additional hour of class time to discuss writing in biology.

5 CreditsN, QS, CW, CTGESPrerequisites: BI106 or ESS100


UPPER-LEVEL BIOLOGY REQUIREMENT

Students must complete a minimum of 18 credits of 300/400 level courses. At least one course must be taken from each core group below. Of these four courses, two must have an associated laboratory. Three credits of research (BI 489) on the same project may count as a core laboratory course. The core classification will be determined by the research advisor. BI-380CW and special topics courses at the 300 level or higher can also count towards the Biology distribution requirements; classification will be determined by the Biology advisor or Chair of the Biology Department. 


EVOLUTION/ECOLOGY

BI-300 General Ecology

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.

3 CreditsNPrerequisites: BI-101 and BI-102. Corequisite: BI-301.

BI-301 General Ecology Lab

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 lab fee is assessed and one field trip may require an additional fee.

1 CreditsNCorequisite: BI300

BI-312 Altered Ecosystems

This course explores the ecological implications of abrupt natural and anthropogenic changes to ecosystems. A major focus will be on how ecosystems respond to these changes over time. Topics covered in this course will include concepts in classical ecology, ecosystem ecology, as well as contemporary theories on restoration ecology. Focus on local altered ecosystem case studies will aid to reinforce principles of ecosystem ecology and field trips to local sites will be used for student projects.

4 Credits

BI-325 Plant Ecology

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.

3 CreditsNCorequisite: BI326. Prerequisites: BI105 and BI121 and Junior or Senior standing.

BI-326 Plant Ecology Lab

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.

1 CreditNCorequisite: BI325

BI-339 Organic Evolution

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.

3 CreditsNPrerequisite: BI207 or BI300.

BI-344 Winter Dendrology

We will explore the woody plants of Central Pennsylvania with an eye towards species identification and forest ecology. In addition to identification, will spend time trying to understand: morphological variation and its causes, the causes and consequences of species global and local distribution patterns, as well as species life-history traits and their roles in forest community ecology.

4 Credits

BI-362 Animal Behavior

Behavior is a result of the nervous system interacting with the environment. Animal Behavior will explore the proximate and ultimate causes of behavior. Special attention will be paid to the role and function of the nervous system in behavior as well as the interplay between genetics and the environment. The lab portion of the course is a co-requisite and will explore basic experimental design for studying animal behavior in the lab and in the field.

4 CreditsNPrerequisites are BI 105 or with instructors permission.

BI-384 Experiential Ecology

This course will gain students real-world hands-on experience in the ecological disciplines, while helping them make connections with both government, non-profit, and private organizations in the environmental field. This course will be comprised of lectures, reflective essays, exams, and field experiences that will include a community outreach project aimed to improve water quality in the Juniata River.

4 CreditsSW-LE

ESS-325 Conservation Biology

Conservation Biology encompasses biology, politics, ethics, economics and anthropology. The major course objective is the exploration of conservation complexities--important for successful conservation efforts. Other objectives are to gain an understanding of extinction, community conservation, population genetics and demography. This course has a required weekend field trip with a fee added for the trip.

3 CreditsS, NPrerequisites: ESS100 or BI105.

ESS-328 Limnology

An ecology/environmental science course covering inland aquatic environments (lakes and streams). A balanced study of both physical-chemical and biological aspects, it is an appropriate upper level addition to a variety of POE's in natural sciences.

4 CreditsNTake BI105 and BI121 and ESS100 or permission of the instructor.

ESS-320 Environmental Monitoring

This course develops skills in monitoring the environment, with a strong focus on water quality monitoring (both chemical and biological) in a variety of habitats. Environmental site assessment will also be conducted. A weekend-long field trip is required.

4 CreditsNPrerequisite: ESS100 and ESS200 or permission.

PY-401 Comparative Psychology

Comparative Psychology examines the continuity of behavioral and psychological mechanisms between nonhuman animals and humans suggested by evolutionary theory. Attention is paid to the comparison between human and nonhuman animals on traditionally human characteristics, including self-recognition, language, culture, tool use, and several other characteristics.

3 CreditsS, N, CSPrerequisites: PY101 or BI105 and Junior or Senior standing or permission of the instructor.

PY-402 Evolutionary Psychology

This course uses the lens of modern evolutionary theory to understand human behavior. We will look for the influence of human evolutionary history on several modern human behaviors including, among others, dating and marriage, aggression, altruism, child-rearing, and behavioral differences between the sexes.

3 CreditsS, N, CSPrerequisites: PY101 or BI105 and Junior or Senior standing or permission of the instructor.


CELLULAR & MOLECULAR

BI-316 Molecular & Cellular Biology

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.

3 CreditsNPrerequisites: BI207 and CH342

BI-318 Developmental Biology

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.

3 CreditsNPrerequisites: BI207

BI-331 Molecular Microbiology

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.

3 CreditsN, CTGESCorequisite: BI332. Prerequisites: BI207 and Jr. or Sr. standing.

BI-332 Molecular Microbiology Lab

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.

1 CreditNCorequisite: BI331

BI-340 Medical Microbiology

A lecture and lab course focusing on the biology of microorganisms and microbial interactions with humans. Foundational concepts of microbial cell structure, diversity, metabolism, genetics and impacts on humans are discussed along with medical, biotechnical, and environmental aspects of microbiology. Lab provides hands on experiences with microbiological techniques and handling microorganisms safely and aseptically.

4 CreditsNNote: A special fee is assessed. Prerequisite: BI106 and CH144.

BI-460 Genetic Analysis

Topics covered will include basic and advanced topics in transmission, quantitative and population genetics, with emphasis on analysis. the methods that modern researchers use to discover the molecular basis of adaptive or disease traits and how they are transmitted over generations in model and non-model species. Case studies will be used to challenge students' understanding of conceptual material in context. Students will present an article from the primary literature and present on a topic of their choice. This class assumes students enter with a basic understanding of Molecular and Mendelian Genetics.

3 CreditsNPrereqs: BI-101 or 105, and BI-102 or  106.

CH-312 Biochemistry

The fourth semester of the introductory Chemistry series, this course pulls content from chemistry, biology, mathematics, and history to provide an integrated view of biochemistry. Topics include the use of thermodynamics, equilibrium, non-covalent interactions, kinetics, separations, biomolecular structure, and genetics to probe and explain biological phenomenon.

3 CreditsNPrerequisites: Take BI-102 (or have instructor's permission) and CH-232.

CH-418 Advanced Biochemistry

Advanced Biochemistry is the third semester of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) curriculum for Biochemistry POEs, expanding the content of the previous two semesters. Stressing techniques and instrumentation, the course is comprised of student-led learning modules, which are created around the primary literature with the help of the instructor. Topics may include metabolism, systems biology, or genomics.

3 CreditsNPrerequisite CH342.


ORGANISMAL

BI-323 Mammalogy

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.

3 CreditsNPrerequisites: BI105 or permission of the instructor.

BI-324 Ornithology

This course provides a comprehensive survey of the comparative biology, ecology, and behavior of birds with a special focus on issues pertaining to conservation and management. Laboratory activities focus on field identification of birds and research and monitoring techniques. Several field trips are possible with one possible 3 day trip to Assatteague Island.

3 CreditsNPrerequisite: BI105

BI-327 Botany

This course will provide an in-depth examination of the biology of plants. In lecture and lab we will examine plant reproduction and development, morphology and physiology, evolution and biodiversity, and ecology and conservation. Particular attention will be paid to the aspects of plant biology that are unique to this branch of life and/or are of critical importance to human or other biotic interactions (e.g. photosynthesis, pollination, agriculture, etc.).

4 CreditsNPrerequisites: BI105. Note: A special course fee is applied.

BI-333 Plant Diversity

This course explores the diversity of plants through the scientific field of plant systematics, and in particular, through the practice of plant taxonomy: the description, identification, naming, and classification of plants. We will focus our attention on studying and identifying the regional flora as well as the major vascular plant families. This will be done through a combination of field and literature study.

4 CreditsNPrerequisites: BI105 and BI12

BI-350 Invertebrate Zoology

Focuses on the organizational plan, behavioral and ecological adaptation, diversity and economic importance of representative members of the major invertebrate phyla.

2 CreditsNCorequisite: BI351. Prerequisite: BI105 and BI121.

BI-351 Invertebrate Zoology Lab

Illustrates and augments the content and concepts of the lecture through direct observation and/or dissection of selected representative organisms.

2 CreditsNCorequisite: BI350

BI-360 Vertebrate Zoology

Focuses on the vertebrate animals of the Eastern United States. Collection, taxonomic identification and natural history are emphasized.

3 CreditsNSuggested corequisites: BI361. Prerequisites: BI105 and Ecology/Biology related POE.

BI-361 Vertebrate Zoology Lab

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.

2 CreditsNCorequisite: BI360

BI-367 Comparative Anatomy

A study of the structural organization of the human body organized around the major body systems with an emphasis on structure function relationships. To gain deeper understanding of structure function relationships, we will study human anatomy in relation to our position within the vertebrate lineage, comparing human anatomical features with those of other vertebrates.

3 CreditsNPRE-REQ BI 105 CO-REQ BI 367

BI-368 Comp Anatomy Laboratory

Provides additional content to support the lecture using human models, online resources and dissection of selected representative vertebrates with an emphasis on amniote, mammalian and human anatomy. Note: A special fee is assessed.

1 CreditNCorequisite: BI367

BI-370 Herpetology

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.

3 CreditsNPrerequisites: BI105. Note: A special course fee will be applied.


BIOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS

BI-310 Physiology

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.

4 CreditsN 

BI-305 Biostatistics

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.

4 CreditsN, QS, CTGESPrerequisites: BI106 or ESS100

BI-405  Bioinformatics Fundamentals

Bioinformatics is the science of collecting and analyzing complex biological data. It is an interdisciplinary field that develops and applies methods and software tools for understanding biological data. 

4 CreditsN,CTGESPre-req: BI-101 or BI-105, BI-102 or BI-106, CH-142, CH-143, CH-144, CH-145

BI-417 Reproductive Biology

This course examines reproductive biology by integrating aspects of development, anatomy, cell biology, and hormone physiology with the behavior and ecology of vertebrates.

3 CreditsNPrerequisites: BI06

BI-432 Environmental Toxicology

Broadly integrative in nature, this class 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.

3 CreditsNPrerequisites: Take 2 courses from BI105 or CH142 or ESS100 and permission of the instructor.

BI-444 Immunology

Covers the properties of antigens, antibodies and complement, humoral and cell-mediated immunological systems, antigen-antibody interactions and hypersensitivity reactions.

4 CreditsNPre-Req: BI-102 or BI-106; CH-312 or CH-342.

BI-450 Neurobiology

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.

3 CreditsNPrerequisites: BI207 or PY238 or permission.

PC-317 Medical Physics

This course aims to teach some fundamental physics principles and apply them to better understand the body, medicine & other biosciences. This will include biomechanics, instrumentation, medical conditions, diagnostic techniques and therapeutic treatments practiced today or under development (e.g. imaging, lasers, ultrasound, EKG). Geared toward health professions students and others interested in instrumentation or applied physics.

3 Credits


CAPSTONE

ND-498 Natural Sciences Capstone

The natural sciences capstone course is appropriate for any student in the natural sciences needing to fulfill the capstone requirement of the Juniata Curriculum. The course may be taken by any student with a natural sciences POE in their last 30 credits at Juniata. Offered asynchronously online, the course will be graded satisfactory/unsatisfactory. Guided by a series of tutorial videos, students are required to submit an up-to-date resume and two portfolio contributions. Through these assignments, students will reflect on how their Juniata experience has shaped their intellectual and personal growth.

1 Credit


NOTE: The student must have an advisor who is a member of the Biology Department Faculty.


POE Credit Total = 52

Students must complete at least 18 credits at the 300/400-level.  Any course exception must be approved by the advisor and/or department chair.


To achieve distinction in the POE, a student must:

  • Complete an honors integrative experience, which is approved by two faculty members and presented in a public forum.
  • Have completed the requirements for a biology POE
  • Prior to the senior year, preferably by the Fall semester of the Senior year, get consent from a faculty member to participate in research with that faculty member. The student and the faculty member must submit to the department chair the student's intention to take the BI499W: Senior Thesis course along with an agreement of the faculty member to mentor the writing of the thesis. The student must then engage in a research project with the faculty mentor for a minimum of 6 credit hours.
  • The student must complete BI499W (Senior thesis) under the direction of the research mentor as it pertains to their research project.
  • A student may wish to pursue the honors integrative experience based on a summer research experience or internship. The internship or summer research experience must run a minimum of ten-weeks and the student must arrange to complete Senior thesis, with the writing under the direct supervision of the research or internship mentor. In this case, as above, the student must have the approval of the Biology department that they wish to pursue distinction in the POE. Approval is in the form of a letter or email from the internship mentor, agreeing to supervise the thesis writing.
  • The student is required to present their research on campus at the annual departmental "Senior theses night".  The Biology department faculty may opt in any given year to substitute with a presentation at the Juniata Liberal Arts Symposium.
  • The student must have their thesis evaluated and passed by their Honors Committee and subsequently confirmed by the Biology department that the research and thesis are of sufficient quality to merit distinction.
  • The student must complete the registrar's application for distinction form (available on the BI499W course moodle site), obtain required signatures, and submit it to the Biology department chair before spring break.

NOTE: The Health Professions Program provides advising for career tracks and as such, does not offer POEs. However, students aspiring to careers in the health professions may attain distinction in POEs in their respective departments.