St. Bonaventure University

Department of Biology


Courses In the Catalog

101. Fundamentals of Biology*
A human oriented introductory course for non-science majors which begins with sex cell formation and progresses through fertilization and system formation. Special emphasis will be placed on the biological role of cell organization and function, integration of systems, inheritance of individual traits and the genetic basis of evolution. The laboratory will introduce a variety of investigational techniques used to study related problems at the cellular and organismal levels. 4 credits Fall & Spring   Dr. Wissinger

105. Biological Science
This course presents a detailed analysis of the structure and function of cells including plant and animals types. Discussion includes topics on cell molecules, nuclear and cell division and ploidy levels. Chromosome structure and function is also emphasized. Other topics include systems of classification, and the origin and evolution of life forms from prokaryotes through eukaryotes. The laboratory portion of the course involves a practical examination of the above topics. Three hours lecture/1 laboratory per week.  4 credits Fall   Dr. Benington

106. Biological Science
This course examines the physiological basis of biological phenomena; the interaction of genetics and the environment and the process of evolution. Other topics include developmental biology, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, reproduction, physiology of animal systems and ecological principles. The laboratory portion examines genetic systems and animal structure and function. Three hours lecture/1 laboratory per week.  4 credits Spring   Dr. Benington

112. Human Ecology*
This course is designed for the liberal arts student who is interested in the relationship between humans and their natural environment. The integrative concept of humans as one species in a global ecosystem will be emphasized. Elementary ecological principles will be applied to such environmental problems as energy resources, land use, air and water pollution, and species extinction. We will seek for solutions along multidisciplinary lines, including economics, political science, and environmental ethics. No laboratory. No prerequisites. 3 credits Fall & Spring   Dr. Georgian, Dr. Parsley

206. Human Genetics*
An examination of inherited human characteristics responsible for producing molecular, cellular and morphological variations among individuals.  Topical discussions will cover the biological processes involving the origin and transmission of genetic traits, current methods for detecting and medically treating abnormal conditions and the ethical dilemmas created by the rapidly changing medical practices used to treat human genetic problems.  This lecture course is intended for non-science students in specific education majors or by instructor approval.   2 credits Spring   Dr. Wissinger   

208. Biology of Aging*
An introduction to aging from a developmental perspective.  Current understanding of cellular and organ systems will be used to explain conditions and diseases that typically appear in individuals as they become older.  The key physiological and genetic theories of aging will be explored by comparing methods and consequences of modifying the aging process.   Prerequisite:  Biology 101 or permission of instructor.  3 credits Spring   Dr. Wissinger   

211. Human Anatomy and Physiology*
A study of the structure and function of the human body. Special emphasis is placed upon correlating structure with function in an examination of the human body from the cell and cellular metabolism level to the complex systems level. The laboratory is correlated with lectures and includes exercises of cell and tissue structure and function and exercises covering and integrating the microscopic and gross anatomy of the integument, body membranes, skeleton, articulations, and muscles with their corresponding body functions. Prerequisite- Biology 105-106 or equivalent. Two hours lecture/1 laboratory per week.  3 credits Fall   Fr. Schneible

212. Human Anatomy and Physiology.*
A continuation of Biology 211 in which attention is given to the structure and function of biological integrating and control mechanisms and mechanisms for processing, transporting, secreting, and eliminating. Emphasis is given to body maintenance response to external and internal stress. Laboratory exercises cover nervous, endocrine, digestive, circulatory, respiratory and urinary structures and processes in maintaining homeostasis. Prerequisite-Biology 211 or equivalent. Two hours lecture/1 laboratory per week.  3 credits Spring   Fr. Schneible

254. Comparative Anatomy of the Vertebrates
The anatomy of vertebrate classes with emphasis on phylogeny and adaptation. The laboratory will stress dissection. Prerequisite-Biology 105-106 or equivalent. Two hours lecture/1 laboratory per week.  3 credits Spring   Staff  Not offered 2003.

291. Genetics
A critical study of biological variation based on the molecular characteristics of genetic information. The course will cover the mechanisms of transmission genetics, the structural nature of nucleic acids, gene expression and its regulation and the role of mutational events in promoting evolutionary change. Prerequisite-Biology 105-106 or equivalent. 3 credits Fall Only   Dr. White

 

294. Genomics

An introduction to the fields of genomics, functional genomics, and proteomics.  The course will begin with a brief description of methods used for sequencing and analyzing genomes.  We will then explore what is known about the structure and functional organization of the genomes of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms.  Analyses of genome evolution and of the implications of genomics evolution for the evolution of organisms will figure prominently in this discussion.  The course will conclude with a consideration of the current and potential biotechnological and medical applications of genomics information. Prerequisite: Biology 291. 3 credits. Spring. Dr. Benington.

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308. Applied Kinesiology and Exercise Physiology
A detailed study of musculoskeletal-neuromuscular biomechanics and neuromuscular physiology of the human body as applied to human movement, and motor control and motor performance in physical activities and exercise programs. The laboratory serves in applying mechanical laws and principles to kinesiology and the application of kinesiology to exercise physiology, selected performance patterns, and therapeutic modalities. Prerequisite/ corequisite-Biology 254 or 212 or equivalent. Physics 103 or 110 recommended. Two hours lecture/1 laboratory per week.  3 credits Spring   Dr. Schneible

318-319. Research Participation I, II
A carefully supervised semester, or year, of organized and formal research on a specific problem to be determined by the student and the faculty advisor. Students will be admitted on a selective basis. A GPA of 3.0 in Biology is required as well as permission of a faculty research advisor prior to registration. For successful completion, a research report which follows scientific protocol must be submitted and approved. 2 credits per semester Fall-Spring   Staff

321. General Microbiology
A study of the structure, growth metabolism and ecology of microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, yeasts, molds, and protozoa). Approximately one-half of the lectures and laboratories are devoted to the study of pathogenic microorganisms.  Prerequisite-Biology 105-106 or equivalent. Two hours lecture/1 laboratory per week. 3 credits Fall  Dr. Kupinski

341. Ecology
An evaluation of the fundamental interrelations between organism(s) and environment. Field trips will be used to illustrate these phenomena.  Prerequisite-Biology 105-106 or the equivalent. (formerly BIO 411). Two hours lecture/1 laboratory per week.  3 credits Fall   Dr. Parsley

349. Ecology of the Everglades
A two week field trip to the Everglades National Park and to Big Cypress Swamp during the Christmas intersession. All of the biomes associated with everglades will be studied in depth. The participants will camp in tents and will prepare their own meals. The trip will be preceded by a ten hour lecture series given on campus. Permission of instructor necessary for enrollment. Prerequisite: Biology 105-106 or equivalent. (formerly BIO 409) 3 credits January   On occasion.  Dr. Bothner 

350. Neurobiology
How the physical activity of the brain produces subjective experience as well as the behavior of humans and other animals.  The course will start with a firm grounding in the properties of individual brain cells and the neurochemical and biophysical factors that modulate their activity.  This will be applied to a discussion of (1)  the network interactions involved in processing of sensory input and motor output, (2) changes in neurological activity associated with psychoactive substances and abnormal brain functioning, and (3) the mechanisms underlying learning, memory, development of the brain, emotions, language, and consciousness.  Prerequisite: Biology 105-106 or equivalent. Two hours lecture/1 laboratory per week.  3 credits Spring   Dr. Benington

362. Developmental Biology
Starting with gametic formation, the course will examine the progressive events leading to organism formation and contribute to their eventual death. Morphological changes will be considered in terms of the regulatory mechanisms which control the developmental process. Prerequisite-Biology 105-106 or equivalent. Three hours lecture per week. 3 credits Fall   Dr. Wissinger

371. Biochemistry
A study of the structures and functions of biomolecules, bioenergetics, major catabolic and anabolic pathways, and the fundamentals of molecular genetics. The laboratory familiarizes the student with biochemical phenomena and provides experience with important techniques used in biochemistry. Prerequisite-Chemistry 302.   Three hours lecture/1 laboratory per week.  4 credits Fall   Dr. Lapennas

380. Fieldwork in Tropical Ecosystems
A comparison of the structure and function of several tropical ecosystems through intensive fieldwork over a 2-week period spent on the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico. Work in near shore marine ecosystems will examine the ecology of coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrasses. Terrestrial ecosystems including a tropical rainforest, a tropical dry forest, and an agro-ecosystem will be examined. Visits to two Old World style, Spanish cities will provide exposure to the European history and culture of the island. Fieldwork will take place during the Intersession between fall and spring semesters. Lectures, readings of primary and secondary source materials and classroom exercises during the fall semester will provide the background to prepare students for the fieldwork. Students will make presentations to faculty and students on some aspect of their work within two weeks of their return. Permission of the instructor is necessary for enrollment. Prerequisites: Biology 105-106 or Biology 112 or the equivalent knowledge of basic ecology and each student must pass a swimming test. 3 credits January. On occasion. Dr. Parsley 

390. Evolution
A detailed study of the fundamental principles of biological evolution, including natural selection; neutral theory; population-level evolutionary changes; molecular mechanisms of evolution; the role of morphological, behavioral and molecular data in our understanding of evolutionary change; and methods of evolutionary research.  The course will integrate classical conclusions with contemporary interpretations of evolutionary data, with emphasis placed on modern molecular- based methodologies.  Prerequisite: Biology 291. Three hours lecture per week. 3 credits Fall   Staff

399. Biology Seminar
This seminar is intended for junior biology majors.  Students will read and discuss in a seminar format a series of research papers from the biological literature, organized around a central theme.  The themes will vary from semester to semester.  Each student will be responsible for analyzing and presenting at least one paper during the course, along with weekly participation in group discussions.  Prerequisite: Biology 105-106.  1 credits Fall & Spring   Staff 

 

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403. Freshwater Ecosystems 
A study of the aquatic ecosystems of the world with special emphasis paid to lakes and streams of western New York. Topics include the biology of the major aquatic plants and animals, and the effects of pollution on the aquatic ecosystem. Producer, consumer, and decomposer organisms as well as physical and chemical data are collected from area lakes and will be analyzed as a part of the laboratory section of the course.  Prerequisite-Biology 105-106 or equivalent. Two hours lecture/1 laboratory per week.  3 credits Fall   Dr. Georgian  

406. Plant Physiology
Growth, development and differentiation of plants are under the control of several interacting factors including chemical, physical and genetic ones. Various aspects of chemical, nutritional and environmental effects on plants will be emphasized. The laboratory will emphasize the experimental methods used to study the various phenomena. Two hours lecture and 1 lab per week. Prerequisite-Biology 105-106 or equivalent. 3 credits Spring  Dr. Parsley

418-419. Research Participation III, IV
A carefully supervised semester, or year, of organized and formal research on a specific problem to be determined by the student and the faculty director. Admission is granted only to those students with a 2.7 index in biology, acceptance being on a selective basis. The applicant's qualifications will be reviewed by the department head, the research director and one other faculty member. For successful completion a report which follows scientific protocol must be submitted and accepted by two faculty members. 2 credits per semester. Fall-Spring   Staff

452. Vertebrate Physiology
A study of the fundamental mechanisms of vertebrate physiology. The basis for the function of the various organ systems and the biological controls that result in the integration of these systems will be discussed.  Prerequisite-Biology 371. Two hours lecture/1 laboratory per week. 3 credits Spring  Dr. Lapennas

456-457 Senior-Faculty Colloquium in Biology
The colloquium is a series of meetings providing a more informal student-faculty interaction and exchange of ideas on biologically related subjects not normally covered in courses or that may have social, moral or philosophical implications beyond those routinely covered in the curriculum. This two-semester sequence is required of all seniors and is designed to satisfy the Comprehensive Examination requirement (see Undergraduate Catalog Degree Requirements section) for Biology majors. 0 credits Fall-Spring   Staff

460. Biochemistry Seminar
This course will survey classic and current research papers in the areas of Cell and Molecular Biology. This course fulfills the Comprehensive Examination requirement for students in the Biochemistry Program. Prerequisite-Biology 466. 1 credit Fall   Dr. Kupinski

466. Molecular Cell Biology
This course examines eucaryotic cells from the perspective of organelle ultra-structure and function, and the regulation of cell function through the differential expression of genes. Lecture topics include cell cycle, chromosome structure, mechanisms of gene regulation, the molecular biology of cancer and recombinant DNA technology. The lab component reinforces the lecture by emphasizing the experimental approaches to the study of cell structure and function. Prerequisite-Biology 371.  Three hours lecture/1 laboratory per week..  4 credits   Spring   Dr. Kupinski 

472. Immunology
This course examines the molecular and cellular basis of humoral and cellular immunity. Antibody structure and function, the origin of antibody diversity and the nature of cellular immunity are examined. Other topics include the role of the major histocompatibility complex in immunity, regulation of the immune system, manifestations of defective regulation (autoimmunity and hypersensitivities) and immunity to infectious agents. (formerly BIO 432)Two hours lecture and 1 lab per week. Prerequisite Biology 371. 3 credits Spring   Dr. Kupinski


*These courses may not be taken by Biology or Biochemistry Majors for credit toward either major. However, majors could take these courses as general electives.

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