Biology - Major in Biology Program

The Pre-Medicine Concentration is a sequence of courses for students who intend to proceed on to medical school (MD or DO) following completion of their baccalaureate degree. The concentration can be completed with majors in Biology, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Chemistry, and Neuroscience.

Required Courses:

BCMB 421 Biochemistry I

The study of the chemistry of the molecules of life. Topics covered include the applications of pH & buffers, amino acid chemistry, protein structure & function, the thermodynamics of protein folding, protein purification & analysis, ligand binding, enzyme mechanisms and enzyme kinetics. Prerequisites: CHM 214 and 216. 3 credits.

BIO 111 General Biology I

A rigorous study of basic biological principles, designed for science majors. Topics emphasized include basic biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, embryology and histology. Fulfills requirement: Natural Science Analysis. Corequisite: BIO 111L. 4 credits.

BIO 112 General Biology II

This course, also rigorous and designed for science majors, covers concepts in animal and plant physiology, botany, ecology and evolution. Fulfills requirement: Natural Science Analysis. Prerequisite: BIO 111/L. Corequisite: BIO 112L. 4 credits.

BIO 201 Genetics

A study of the principles, mechanisms and concepts of classical, molecular, and population genetics. The laboratory stresses key concepts of genetics utilizing both classical and molecular approaches. Laboratory exercises include analysis of nucleic acids, genetic crosses, and studies of bacteria and plasmids. Fulfills requirement: Natural Science Analysis. Prerequisites: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L. Corequisite: BIO 201L. 4 credits.

BIO 214 Biological Research Methods, Design, and Statistics

This course provides students with the foundational skills needed to conduct biological research. The course covers the application of the scientific method holistically through research from start to finish including writing research proposals, conducting literature searches, critiquing sources, experimental design, lab and field safety, data analysis using graphing and statistics, oral and poster presentations, and scientific writing. Fulfills requirement: Quantitative Reasoning. Prerequisites: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L; or permission of the instructor. Corequisite: BIO 215, 550, or ENVI 560. 3 credits.

BIO 221 Anatomy

Comparative anatomy with special attention to the structure and function of mammalian systems and special references to humans. Intensive laboratory work involves dissections and demonstrations using the cat as a model. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L. Corequisite: BIO 221L. 4 credits.

BIO 222 Human Physiology

The design of this course is intended to impart an understanding of the basic concepts of human physiology with emphasis on neuromuscular, cardiovascular, and endocrine physiology. Laboratory exercises place emphasis on effective experimental designs and data analysis in the study of physiological mechanisms. Lab exercises cover such topics as muscle contraction measurements, spirometry, and ECG analysis. Fulfills requirement: Critical Thinking through Writing. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L. Corequisite: BIO 222L. 4 credits.

BIO 306 Microbiology

A study of the morphology, physiology and biochemistry of representative microorganisms. The laboratory emphasizes basic bacteriological techniques and procedures. Prerequisite: a C- (1.67) average in BIO 111/L and BIO 112/L; three semesters of chemistry or permission. Corequisite: BIO 306L. 4 credits.

BIO 410 Professional Development for the Health Professions

Professional Development for the Health Professions prepares students for continued graduate work and a career in one of the health professions, including but not limited to medicine, physician assistant, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, optometry, and occupational therapy. Students build a portfolio, learn how to develop an effective resume and write an effective personal statement, learn networking and interview skills, and have the chance to interact with professionals in the field through involvement in the Pre-Medical Professions Society Seminar series. Fulfills requirement: Immersive Experience. Graded pass/fail. Prerequisite: Students must be at least junior standing, or by permission of the instructor. 1 credit.

CHM 111 Principles of Chemistry I

An introduction to chemistry for the science major. First semester topics include atomic and molecular structure, chemical reactions, and calculations involving chemical concentrations, gas laws and bonding. Fulfills requirement: Natural Science Analysis. Prerequisite: one year of high school chemistry or permission of the instructor. Corequisite: CHM 113 or 115, if not previously completed. 3 credits.

CHM 112 Principles of Chemistry II

A continuation of first semester. Topics include kinetics, acids and bases, equilibrium, thermodynamics, electro-chemistry and nuclear chemistry. Fulfills requirement: Natural Science Analysis. Prerequisite: CHM 111. Corequisite: CHM 114 or 116, if not previously completed. 3 credits.

CHM 213 Organic Chemistry I

An introduction to the principles of organic chemistry. The focus of the course is on the structure of organic molecules and how the structure of various functional groups affects their reactivity. The concepts of reactivity, structure and mechanism are applied to organic synthesis. Prerequisite: CHM 112. Corequisite: CHM 215. 3 credits.

CHM 214 Organic Chemistry II

Second semester of an introduction to the principles of organic chemistry. The focus of the course is on the structure of organic molecules and how the structure of various functional groups affects their reactivity. The concepts of reactivity, structure and mechanism are applied to organic synthesis. Prerequisite: CHM 213. 3 credits.

CHM 215 Organic Laboratory I

An introduction to the practice of classical organic chemistry and modern instrumental organic chemistry. The techniques of organic synthesis are taught along with instrumental methods including infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. Prerequisite: CHM 112/114 or 112/116. Corequisite: CHM 213. 1 credit.

CHM 216 Organic Laboratory II

Second semester of an introduction to the practice of classical organic chemistry and modern instrumental organic chemistry. The techniques of organic synthesis are taught along with instrumental methods including infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. Prerequisite or corequisite: CHM 214. 1 credit.

CHM 113 Introductory Laboratory I

Laboratory course to accompany CHM 111. Experiments provide exposure to both quantitative and qualitative methods. Topics include stoichiometry, synthesis, standard curves, spectrophotometry, quantitative analysis, and gas laws. In addition to the use of essential laboratory equipment and instrumentation, there is a strong emphasis on the use spreadsheets to organize and analyze data. Corequisite: CHM 111, if not previously completed. 1 credit.

or CHM 115 Techniques of Chemistry I

Extended projects involving the synthesis of inorganic and organic compounds that require the development of procedure from published literature methods. The prepared compounds are then analyzed using quantitative analytical techniques, as well as introductory spectroscopic techniques. In addition to the use of essential laboratory equipment, students are exposed to advanced spectroscopic methods; there is an additional emphasis on the use of computers in the laboratory. Restricted to chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology, and environmental science majors. Fulfills requirement: Oral Communication. Corequisite: CHM 111, if not previously completed. 1 credit.

CHM 114 Introductory Laboratory II

Second semester laboratory course to accompany CHM 112. Experiments cover colligative properties, isolation & extraction methods, thin layer chromatography, thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibrium, and electrochemistry. In addition to the use of essential laboratory equipment and instrumentation, there is a strong emphasis on the use spreadsheets to organize and analyze data. Prerequisite: CHM 111 and 113. Corequisite: CHM 112, if not previously completed. 1 credit.

or CHM 116 Techniques of Chemistry II

Second semester of extended projects, focusing on the synthesis and characterization of compounds. In addition to the use of essential laboratory equipment, students are exposed to advanced spectroscopic methods; there is an additional emphasis on the use of computers in the laboratory. Projects are modeled after real-world career paths such as academic research, industrial product development, government regulation, or forensic science. Fulfills requirement: Oral Communication. Prerequisite: CHM 111 and 115; restricted to majors in chemistry or biochemistry and molecular biology. Corequisite: CHM 112, if not previously completed. 1 credit.

PHY 103 General College Physics I

This course provides an algebra-based introduction to the fundamental concepts and laws of classical mechanics and thermodynamics, with laboratory work in each area. The mechanics unit covers translational motion, Newton's laws, energy, momentum, rotational motion, statics, oscillations, waves, and sound. Fulfills requirement: Natural Science Analysis,Quantitative Reasoning. Corequisite: PHY 103L. 4 credits.

/PHY 103L
PHY 104 General College Physics II

Second semester of General College Physics. This course provides an algebra-based introduction to the fundamental concepts and laws of electricity, magnetism, optics, and atomic and nuclear physics, with laboratory work in each area. Fulfills requirement: Natural Science Analysis,Quantitative Reasoning. Prerequisite: PHY 103/L or equivalent. Corequisite: PHY 104L. 4 credits.

/PHY 104L
PSY 110 General Psychology

This course is designed as an introduction to the conceptual and methodological foundations of psychological science. Through a broad exploration of neuroscience, cognition, social processes, development, and psychopathology, the course provides a conceptual background for understanding behavior, and active engagement with the scientific process including the addressing of connections between research and theory, and the role of empirical data, in understanding psychological processes. Fulfills requirement: Natural Science Analysis. 3 credits.

SOC 110 Introduction to Sociology

An introduction to the sociological perspective with a focus on how individual behavior is shaped by the social context. The nature and characteristics of human societies and social life are examined from a perspective known as the "sociological imagination". Topics range from the influence of culture on human behavior, the development of the self, group dynamics, deviance, population, and social inequality. Skill development includes research and communication. Fulfills requirement: Social Scientific Inquiry,Human Diversity. 3 credits.

[All BIO courses, with the exception of 410, have a co-requisite laboratory.]