BIOLOGY COURSE
DESCRIPTIONS
BIO 1510 -HUMAN
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I:
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
(Core VI) Introduction to the organ systems of the
human body, including the neuro-muscular,
skeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and digestive systems. The
physiological mechanisms of adaptation to exercise are also considered.
The discussion is required: the lab is optional. 4 Credits. Fall.
BIO 1510.10 -HUMAN
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I:
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY LABORATORY
(Core VI) An investigation of the anatomy and histology
of the human body, and physiological measurements of cardiovascular,
respiratory, and renal functioning. This optional lab is recommended for
students interested in the allied health professions. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIO 1510. 1.5 credits. Every semester.
BIO 1520 -HUMAN
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II:
PHYSIOLOGY AND NUTRITION
(Core VI) Introduction to the human body,
emphasizing general physiological processes. The body is studied from the
viewpoint of homeostasis, concentrating on the relationship of food to
the functioning living organism in health and disease. Topics of current
interest, controversies, and myths are highlighted. The discussion is
required. BIO 1510 is not a prerequisite for BIO 1520. 4 Credits.
Spring.
BIO 1540 - FRONTIERS OF LIFE SCIENCE
(Core VI) Several major developments in the life
sciences of interest to the public will be examined each year. Each issue
is discussed in terms of its scientific basis, historical context, and
impact on society and the individual. Examples include: genetic
engineering and new organisms; abortion and in vitro fertilization;
industrial biomedicine and new drugs; creationism and evolution. Each
topic begins with a study of the relevant scientific facts and progresses
to the broader societal implications. Contemporary readings supplement
lectures and discussions. Exams and papers are required. The discussion
is requiered. Special topic (offered
irregularly) 4 Credits. Fall.
LINK TO
COURSE WEB SITE
BIO 1550 - GENERAL BIOLOGY I
(Core VI) Introduction to contemporary biology,
covering cell structure and function, genetics, development, and
molecular biology. This course is for science majors; students with
limited high school science and mathematics can satisfy College
distribution requirements with BIO 1510, 1520, or 1540. Corequisite: BIO 1550.10 is required for premedical
students, biology majors, and environmental science majors. BIO 1880 is
required for all biology majors.
5 Credits. Fall.
LINK TO
COURSE WEB SITE
BIO 1550.1 -
GENERAL BIOLOGY I LABORATORY
Laboratory exercises on cell organization, cell
division, polyteny, enzyme kinetics, enzyme
induction, photosynthesis, and development, and the use of the light
microscope, manometer, and spectrophotometer. Corequisite:
BIO 1550. 1.5 Credits. Fall.
LINK TO COURSE WEB SITE
BIO 1560 - GENERAL BIOLOGY II
(Core VI) Second semester of an introduction to
contemporary biology covering plant and animal morphology and physiology,
ecology, behavior, and evolution. 5 Credits. Spring.
LINK TO
COURSE WEB SITE
BIO 1560.1 -
GENERAL BIOLOGY II LABORATORY
Survey and examination of selected plant and animal
phyla through laboratory exercises, experiments, and field trips.
Students pay for some laboratory supplies. Corequesite:
BIO 1560. 1 Credit. Spring.
LINK TO
COURSE WEB SITE
BIO 2470
-THE MARINE BIOLOGY OF THE MEDITERRANEAN
Offered in Pisciotta, Italy.
An introduction to the oceanography and
marine biology/ecology of the Mediterranean Sea.
Topics include: the history of and means by which scientists study the
marine environment and its inhabitants; the diversity of life in
the Mediterranean; various marine communities and their interconnections;
anthropogenic impacts on the marine communities. Lab and field exercises
provide hands-on introduction to the plants and animals of the Mediterranean. Offered when staffing permits.
LINK
TO COURSE WEB SITE
BIO 2890 -BIOLOGY
PROGRAM SEMINAR
Introduces biology majors biology majors and
potential majors to the field of study, to the biology faculty, to the opportunities available to students and
graduates, and to necessary computer and writing skills. Includes
reading relevant scientific papers, completing an associated writing
assignment, and work on the Internet. Programs are presented by biology
faculty members and include readings of relevant scientific papers,
associated writing assignments, laboratories, and field trips.
Required of all biology majors and potential majors immediately after
completion of BIO 1550 and BIO 1560, and of all transfer students.
Prerequisite: at least one semester of BIO 1550 or 1560. Corequisite BIO3530.Fall, 2 credits.
BIO 3150 -
ORNITHOLOGY
Study of the biology of birds, encompassing their
evolution, morphology, physiology, behavior, and ecology. Laboratory
periods include study of taxonomy, anatomy, field research techniques,
and identification of local species. Field trips to the zoo, museum, and
regional birding areas augment campus studies; some early morning and
weekend trips are required. Prerequisite: One year of biology or BIO 3810
or permission of instructor. 5 Credits. Offered when staffing permits.
BIO 3160 -
GENETICS
Basic but intensive survey of the mechanisms of
heredity, covering gametogenesis, mutagenesis,
chromosome mapping, transmission genetics, and an introduction to
population genetics. Prerequisites: BIO 1550 and 1560 or BIO 1510. 4
Credits. Fall.
BIO 3160.1 -
GENETICS LABORATORY
Laboratory and statistical exercises employing
Drosophila, human, and plant material, selected to complement the lecture
course. Students pay for some laboratory supplies. Corequisite:
BIO 3160. 1.5Credits. Fall.
BIO 3170 -
DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
Lecture and laboratory course examining patterns of
animal development from fertilization to organogenesis in the vertebrates
and invertebrates, with emphasis on the molecular and cellular mechanisms
of differentiation and morphogenesis. Laboratory focuses on embryology of
the sea urchin, frog, chick, and pig, as well as studies of
spermatogenesis, oogenesis, fertilization,
regeneration, insect development, and gene expression. Students pay for
some laboratory supplies. Prerequisites: BIO 3160 and CHE 1550 and 1560;
BIO 3530 is recommended, but not required.
5 Credits. Spring.
LINK
TO COURSE
BIO 3250 - ANIMAL
PHYSIOLOGY
Lecture and laboratory course. The relationship
between structure and function in organ systems of the vertebrates. Topics
include: cell membranes and biological transport; neurophysiology; muscle
contraction; cardiovascular physiology; respiratory physiology; osmoregulation; digestion. Students pay for some
laboratory supplies. Prerequisites: BIO 1550 and 1560 and CHE 1550 and
1560. 5.5 Credits. Fall.
BIO 3360 -
MICROBIOLOGY
Lecture and laboratory course examining the anatomy
and life processes of microorganisms with emphasis on bacteria and
viruses. Macromolecular aspects of growth; expression of genetic
information; ecological adaptations; infection and immunity. Laboratory
exercises require time in addition to the scheduled period. A term paper
on a topic of current research is required. Students pay for some
laboratory supplies. Prerequisites: BIO 3530 and CHE 1550 and 1560. 5.5
Credits. Spring.
BIO 3430 -
VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY
Lecture and laboratory course emphasizes the
interrelationship of vertebrate form, function, and environment. Topics
include: locomotion; respiration; circulation; osmotic and ionic
regulation; sensory function. Laboratory includes trips to zoological
gardens and the American
Museum of Natural
History. Students pay for some laboratory supplies. Prerequisites: BIO
1550 and 1560. 5.5 Credits. Spring.
BIO 3440 -
INVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY
A survey of the biology of freshwater, marine, and
terrestrial invertebrates. Considers structure, function, development,
evolution, ecology, and phylogenetic
relationships. Laboratory includes examination of representative species.
Some field trips to study living invertebrates in natural environments.
Students pay for some laboratory supplies. Prerequisites: BIO 1550 and
1560. 5.5 credits. Fall. Offered when staffing permits in alternate
years.
BIO 3530 - CELL
BIOLOGY
Cellular organization and
function, and molecular genetics, with emphasis on eukaryotic cells.
Topics include: cellular genomes; replication and maintenance of genomic
DNA; RNA and protein synthesis, processing and regulation; macromolecular
structure and processes of organelles; vesicular transport; cytoskeleton;
the cell surface; cell signaling; and cell cycle. Students prepare a
paper based on current literature in the field. Required for all
biology majors immediately following General Biology. Prerequisites: BIO
1550 and 1560 (General Biology I and II). Corequisite:
BIO 2890 (Biology Program Seminar), and CHE 1550 (General Chemistry I). 4
Credits. Fall.
LINK TO COURSE WEB SITE
BIO 3890 - BIOLOGY
JUNIOR SEMINAR
A series of seminars on basic skills for research, literature
review, and scientific communication. Each biology faculty member
presents a seminar on his or her own research, illustrating possibilities
for senior projects. Students choose a senior project topic and sponsor
and prepare a formal research proposal. Required for all junior biology
majors. 3 Credits. Spring.
BIO 3900 and BIO
4900 - INDEPENDENT STUDY (IS) AND TUTORIAL (TUT)
Students with special interests may study
independently under the sponsorship of a qualified faculty member.
Independent Study in general subjects is permitted if the board of study
offers no formal course covering the material. Independent Study in
advanced or highly focused studies may be undertaken after a student has
completed two 3000- or 4000-level courses in biology with a grade of B or
better. Independent Study may not be substituted for any course
specifically required nor for either restricted
concentration elective. It may be substituted for one lab study or for
one 4000-level course required by the board of study. A student may
register for BIO 4900 only after completion of BIO 3890. Workload in
Independent Study approximates four hours per week per credit. 1-3
Credits. Every semester.
BIO 3980 - BIOLOGY
INTERNSHIP
Opportunities to work in research laboratories, both
at Purchase and other institutions, can be arranged for a student in an
area of scientific or career interest. Such experience may be used to
satisfy a lab study requirement. Prerequisites: two 3000- or 4000-level
biology courses. 1-3 Credits. Every semester.
BIO 4560 -
IMMUNOLOGY
Lecture course examining both the humoral and cellular immune systems. Topics include:
antibodies; cellular immunity; immunogenetics;
inflammation and resistance to bacterial and viral infection; immunoprophylaxis, immunodiagnostics, and
immunological diseases including hypersensitivity (allergy);
autoimmunity; and immunodeficiency. Students prepare a paper and present
a seminar to the class. Prerequisite: BIO 3170 or BIO 3360 or BIO 3530 or
CHE 4610. 4 Credits. Offered when staffing permits.
BIO 4620 -
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Structure, function, and regulation of genes at the
molecular level. Topics include: transcription; RNA processing;
involvement of RNA in protein synthesis; DNA replication, mutation, and
repair; gene cloning; DNA sequencing; PCR amplification; applications of
recombinant DNA technology (including gene therapy. Students prepare a
paper on a topic in the current literature and present a seminar to the
class. Prerequisite: BIO 3530. 4 Credits. Spring.
LINK TO COURSE WEB SITE
BIO 4650 -
TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY AND CELL ULTRASTRUCTURE
Lecture and laboratory course covering the
techniques of transmission electron microscopy and the principles of cell
ultrastructure. Lectures consider the
structural organization of the cell and its organelles, as well as
theoretical aspects of electron microscopy. Labs include practical
instruction in the basic techniques required for the preparation and
examination of biological materials. A written exam, project, and report
are required. Students pay for some laboratory supplies. Prerequisites:
Permission of instructor; cell biology, or microbiology recommended, but
not required. 5 Credits. Fall. Will be offered Fall 2002.
BIO 4660 -
SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
Preparation and examination of biological and other
materials for scanning electron microscopy. Lectures consider theoretical
aspects of scanning microscopy. Laboratories include instruction in the
techniques of tissue preparation, operation of the microscope, and
darkroom procedures. Interpretation of micrographs is emphasized. A
project and report are required. Students pay for some laboratory
supplies. Prerequisite: One upper-level science course is suggested. Corequisite: BIO 4665. 4.5 Credits. Spring.
LINK TO
COURSE WEB SITE
BIO 4665 - IMAGING
AND ANALYTICAL MICROSCOPY
This lecture and laboratory tutorial introduces
students to computer-assisted data and image collection and analysis.
Topics include: image acquisition and digitizing; image manipulation and
enhancement; image analysis; EDS x-ray elemental analysis. Images and
x-ray data are acquired directly from the scanning electron microscope,
and images are acquired via video camera from the light microscope.
Students gain practical experience by carrying out several brief
exercises on a graphics workstation. Corequisite:
BIO 4660. 1 Credits. Spring.
BIO 4670 -
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR TECHNIQUES
Lecture and laboratory course designed to complement
biochemistry, molecular biology, or cell biology. Topics include:
isolation and characterization of biomolecules,
plasmids, and subcellular organelles; electron
transport and oxidative phosphorylation;
restriction endonuclease mapping;
transformation with recombinant DNA molecules; and nucleic acid
hybridization with biotinylated probes.
Comprehensive laboratory reports are required for each experiment.
Students pay for some laboratory supplies. Prerequisites: CHE 3320 and
BIO 3530 or 4620 or CHE 4610. 4 Credits. Fall. Offered when staffing
permits.
LINK TO
COURSE WEB SITE
BIO 4720 -
EVOLUTION
A survey of historic, observational, and
experimental evidence for past and present processes of biological
evolution. Familiarity with the principles of genetics is assumed. Each
student presents one seminar on an appropriate topic or organism and
submits a fully documented term paper. Prerequisites: BIO 3160 or ENV
3120. Recommended prior or concurrent studies: BIO 3430 and BIO 3810. 4
Credits. Spring. Offered when staffing permits.
BIO 4760 -
BEHAVIOR GENETICS
The study of genetic determinants of animal
behavior. Each student and presents at least one seminar and submits a term
paper. Topics include: the inheritance of monogenic and polygenic traits;
disruptive and stabilizing selection for behavioral traits; ethological
and psychological isolation; assortative mating
as they pertain to a variety of animals, including humans. Prerequisite:
BIO 3160 or permission of instructor. 4 Credits. Offered when staffing
permits.
LINK TO
COURSE WEB SITE
BIO 4870 - BIOLOGY
TEACHING ASSISTANT
Senior students (juniors with permission of the
board of study chairperson) who received a grade of B+ or better in the
relevant course, and who have a GPA of 3.0 or better, are eligible for
assignment as teaching assistant for academic credit. The assignments may
be as tutors or in instructional laboratories or in discussion sections.
Assignment does not satisfy any Board of Study requirement for the major,
but the experience is particularly recommended for students anticipating
graduate school. Four credits as teaching assistant may be applied toward
the minimum required for graduation. Workload approximates four hours per
week per credit. Prerequisites: Two advanced Biology courses. 1-3
Credits. Fall and Spring.
BIO 4990 - SENIOR
PROJECT
Two semester, eight-credit independent study leading
to a baccalaureate thesis. The project and thesis may take one of several
forms. Many students join in the faculty sponsor's research, pursuing an
identifiable problem in that context. Others choose a topic for a
critical review in the life science literature, or possibly a topic in
the history and philosophy of science. Students with a special interest,
not represented by a member of the biology faculty, can sometimes find
research project supervisors at other institutions; such external
projects must be approved by a Purchase faculty member, who acts as the
internal sponsor and signs all forms. Prerequisites: 90 credits, BIO
3890, and three other advanced biology courses. 8 credits (4 and 4).
Every semester.
ADDITIONAL COURSES
The following courses can also be used to satisfy biology course
requirements:
CHE 4610 - Biochemistry
ENV 4460 - Marine Ecology
ENV 3120 - General Ecology
ENV 3820- Animal Behavior
PSY 3660 - Physiological Psychology
Purchase students may take a variety of marine-oriented courses
at Shoals Marine Laboratory during the summer sessions and transfer
credit to their Purchase transcripts. Substitutions of Shoals courses for
program requirements in biology may be determined on an individual basis,
but must be approved in advance by the Biology Board of Study. Courses
with a biological orientation include:
Field Marine Science
Ecology of Animal Behavior
Marine Vertebrates
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