Course Descriptions

CORE COURSES

BIO 1027 Principles of Biology I - 4 credits
 
The Unity and Diversity of Life: Molecules, Cells, and Organisms. An introduction to biological principles at the cellular and molecular level. Central topics include cell structure and function, energy transduction, the flow of genetic information, cellular reproduction, and intracellular and intercellular communication. Laboratory investigations supplement the lecture material and introduce students to the theory and practice of the scientific method and the application of basic techniques in cell and molecular biology. Satisfies the mathematics and science distribution requirement. Three hours lecture and one laboratory period per week.

BIO 1028 Principles of Biology II - 4 credits

The Unity and Diversity of Life: Organisms, Ecology and Evolution. An introduction to biological principles centered on organisms, adaptation and evolution. The course will focus on the process of evolution and the diversity of higher organisms. The course will explore how and why all living organisms must deal with the transmission of information, with the capture and expenditure of energy, with transport of materials, and with self-regulation. Animal behavior will also be considered. The course will have an integrated lecture and laboratory and will stress the relationships between organismal adaptation, form, function, ecological relationships and evolution. Prerequisites: BIO 1027 or consent of instructor. Three hours and one laboratory period per week.

BIO 2010 Ecology - 4 credits

An introduction to ecological concepts and their applications including interrelated scientific principles, both abiotic and biological. In addition to a core grounding in ecological concepts, the class will look at major environmental perturbations and the complexity of interrelations inherent in dealing with human use and alteration of ecosystems. Students will focus on the quantitative comparison of different ecological communities and ecosystems and learn quantitative sampling and analysis. The laboratory will consist of field excursions and exercises related to the field experience and ecological techniques. Prerequisites: BI01027, BIO1028. Satisfies the mathematics and science distribution requirement. Three hours and one laboratory period per week.

BIO 2018 Genetics - 4 credits

The concepts of genetics permeate all sub-disciplines within biology, from medicine to ecology. Increasingly, a solid understanding of the principles of genetics have become necessary in the formation of public policy and legal affairs, as well as in the biotechnology, forensic, agricultural, healthcare and fitness industries. This course stresses a thorough understanding of the structure and function of the genetic material, how genotype dictates phenotype via the regulation of gene expression, how proteins are made, how mutations occur and are repaired, the basics of recombinant DNA technology, how genes get fixed in populations and the genetic basis of evolution. The laboratory will introduce the basic skills and stress the theoretical basis of modern molecular genetic techniques utilized in recombinant DNA technology, ecological and population biology, informatics and forensics. Prerequisite: BIO1027 or consent of instructor. Three hours and one laboratory period per week.

COURSES WITHIN CONCENTRATIONS

BIO 3007 Cell Culture Techniques - 4 credits

A study of the biology of the cultured cell. Emphasis is placed on the study of structural and functional differences between normal cells and cancer cells. Laboratory includes the development and application of fundamental techniques used in experimentation involving cultured cells, including aseptic technique, fluorescent microscopy, digital imaging, growth curves and cytotoxicity assays. The laboratory includes an independent research component in which students identify and characterize unique structural features of cancer cells that may be important in the diagnosis and/or treatment of cancer. Prerequisites: BIO1027 and BIO2018. Three hours and one laboratory period per week.

BIO 3037 Cellular Biochemistry - 4 credits

A study of the properties, structures, and function of three major classes of biomolecules: proteins, carbohydrates and lipids; a comprehensive survey of carbohydrate metabolism, with emphasis on the integration and control of metabolic pathways. Laboratory investigations supplement the lecture material and provide an introduction to current methods and techniques in cellular biochemistry. Prerequisites: BIO1027 and BIO1028 or CHEM 111 and 112; co-requisite CHEM221. Three hours and one laboratory period per week

BIO 3038 Molecular Biology and Biotechnology - 4 credits
 
DNA makes RNA makes protein. This course will cover the processes that revolutionized the study of biology and medicine. The scientific discoveries that shaped the biotechnology industry will be covered as we learn the cutting edge techniques currently used in academic laboratories, industry and medicine. Topics covered will include RNAi therapeutics, immunodetection and analysis of polymorphisms in forensic applications. The laboratory will be project based. Prerequisites: BIO1027 and BIO2018. Three hours and one laboratory period per week.

BIO 3040 Cell Biology - 4 credits

The goal of this course is to gain a working knowledge of the molecular mechanisms responsible for cell growth, death, differentiation, motility, communication, and homeostasis. Specific topics include macromolecular synthesis, cytoskeleton and motor proteins, the regulation of gene expression, signal transduction, membrane transport, protein secretion, membrane sorting, the cell cycle and cancer. Active learning is stressed in both the lecture and the laboratory. The lecture includes classroom discussions of textbook materials, along with student led presentations/discussions of original research articles on topics of their own choosing related to course subject matter. Emphasis is placed upon the understanding of concepts, methodologies, and interpretation of data. In the laboratory, the students work in small groups to: culture both osteolclast cell lines and primary cells and then treat these cells with hormones to bring about their differentiation in vitro; use high density DNA microarray chip data and bioinformatics to analyze osteoclast gene expression; transfect osteoclasts with siRNA; assess osteoclast differentiation; and write a research paper about their results. Prerequisites: BIO1027 and BIO2018. Three hours and one laboratory period per week.

BIO 3050 Comparative Anatomy and Physiology - 4 credits

A study of the evolution and mechanisms of animal body functions from genes to organ systems to the whole organism interacting with its environment. Course goals include fostering greater appreciation for the universal functions and principles shared by all animals while also considering the diversity of form and function (i.e. understanding the key differences across animal phyla, classes, orders etc., with particular emphasis on vertebrates). Focus is placed largely on animal nervous and endocrine systems as mechanisms of regulating physiologic function relative to environmental needs, and compared to that of human beings. Laboratory will consist of comparative anatomical dissections, physiological experimentation, and critical reviews (writing and discussion) of scientific literature relevant to the discipline. Prerequisites: BIO 1027, 1028 or 2018. Three hours of lecture and one laboratory period per week.

BIO 3062 Limnology - 4 credits

ALimnology is the study of inland waters: lakes, rivers and wetlands. This course will investigate the geologic, physical, chemical and biological processes associated with inland waters. Students will be introduced to lake communities and the physical and chemical properties of their environment. Rivers and wetlands will also be covered. Topics covered in the class will include the watershed and its hydrology; fluxes of nutrients and materials to and within lakes; the littoral and pelagic zones and their dynamics; sediments and the structure and dynamics of major plant and animal communities. Students will also be introduced to estuaries and marine systems. Invasive species, eutrophication and other forms of human alteration also will be discussed.  Prerequisites: BIO 1027, BIO 1028, BIO 2010, CHM 1110, CHM 1120 Three hours of lecture and one laboratory period per week.

BIO 3063 Animal Behavior - 4 credits

A study of the development, physiology, genetics,ecology and evolution of animal behavior, with particular emphasis on evolution. The course first introduces the mechanisms responsible for the expression of behavior in animals: the genes, hormones, neurons and muscles that create behavior in an animal. We then examine the evolutionary basis of behavior addressing such topics as foraging strategies, predator-prey interactions, mating systems, sexual selection, aggression, kinship, habitat selection, communication, and human behavior, among others. Laboratory will involve both field and lab work introducing students to (1) observation and description of animal behavior; (2) construction of hypotheses in behavioral ecology and  derivation of testable predictions; (3) collection of behavioral data; (4) quantitative & statistical analysis of those data; and (5) interpretation and presentation of findings in written and oral forms. Lab will also include critical reviews (writing and discussion) of scientific literature relevant to the discipline. Prerequisites: BIO 1027, BIO 1028, BIO 2010 and BIO 2018. Three hours of lecture and one laboratory/field period per week.

BIO 3064 Marine Biology - 4 credits

A study of life and processes in the marine environment. The course stresses an ecological approach to the study of marine organisms, their adaptations, habitats, physiology and behavior, with emphasis on the importance of marine ecosystems to terrestrial ecosystems and to humankind. Special emphasis will be placed on biodiversity and conservation of ocean ecosystems as well as human impacts on the sea (fisheries, pollution, eutrophication, global climate change, environmental impacts of industrial activities and human populations, among other topics). Laboratories will include comparative anatomy and physiology of marine animals, site visits and field work. Prerequisites: BIO1027, BIO1028, BIO2010, CHEM 111, CHEM 112. Three hours and one laboratory/field period per week. 

BIO 3072 Evolution - 4 credits

This course stresses the relevance of evolution to all of biology and to real world problems. We discuss evolution not as a collection of facts, but as an ongoing research effort with the goal of understanding evolution as an observable process, especially as it relates to modern medicine and the treatment of disease. Emphasis is placed on the theoretical underpinnings of modern evolutionary biology (mutation, selection, migration, & drift) that produce evolutionary change. Additionally, students are introduced to a variety of analytical and technical skills used for studying evolution. Topics covered include population genetics, the theory of evolution by natural selection, concepts of fitness and adaptation, genetic and developmental bases of evolutionary change, modes of speciation, molecular evolution, principles of systematic biology, paleontology and macroevolutionary trends in evolution, the origins of life, and extinction, among others. We hope that exposure to the tremendous diversity within this discipline will illustrate why evolution is viewed as the central theme unifying all of biology. Laboratory will consist of critical reviews (writing and discussion) of scientific literature as relevant to the discipline. Prerequisites: BIO 1027, BIO 1028, BIO 2010 and BIO 2018. Three hours of lecture and one laboratory period per week.

BIO 3085 Bioinformatics - 4 credits

Bioinformatics can be defined as the field of study that extracts biological information from large data sets such as DNA, RNA and protein sequences. In this course, students learn about the use of this information in the study and diagnosis of disease, in the identification of new genes of biological importance, and in drawing phylogenetic and evolutionary relationships. Topics include the collection and storage of sequence data, identification of open reading frames, sequence alignments, predictions of RNA and protein structure and the analysis of gene product expression, function, subcellular localization and post-translational modification. In the computer-based laboratory, students explore available on-line databases to carry out these analyses. Prerequisites BIO1027 and BIO2018. Three hours and one laboratory period per week.

BIO 4081 Special Topics in Biology - 4 credits

An investigation of a selected topic of interest in biology, with an emphasis on reading and discussion of the primary scientific literature. Students will learn to critically read the current literature in biology, to analyze and interpret data and to present their analyses of these works to the seminar group. Library reference work and practice in the preparation of written reports will be included. Prerequisites junior/senior standing. Four hours per week.

BIO 4083 Advanced Environmental Topics - 4 credits

In this seminar course, students will critically review, evaluate and discuss current topics in environmental biology and environmental science.   Students will review the current research literature, present their findings, and engage in discussions on these topics.  The course will include lectures, readings, seminar discussions, individual presentations and some field trips.  Topics will be chosen by students in consultation with the instructor and be based on both their current relevance and student-based interests.   Students will explore interactions across several biological  levels, including molecular, cellular, genetic, physiological, population and/or ecological.  Prerequisites junior/senior standing. Four hours per week.

BIO 4092 Directed Study/Research - 4 credits

Intensive laboratory or field research experience in a selected area of biology, which includes reading and analysis of the primary literature, the development of a written report, and presentation of research results. Prerequisites junior/senior standing and permission of instructor.

BIO 4095 Biology Internship - 4 credits

An intensive work-study experience co-supervised by the Biology Department Internship Coordinator and a mentor in the work place. Students are placed according to interest in a variety of public and private sector work settings, including: biomedical, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology laboratories; medical, veterinary, and dental clinics; environmental management and consulting firms. Internships engage students in the real world application of knowledge and skills obtained from course work in Biology, develop new knowledge base and skill sets in life sciences, enhance critical thinking and problem solving capabilities, enhance effective written and oral scientific communication skills and enhance interpersonal communication skills. Prerequisites: senior biology major and consent of Department. 

BIO 4096 Senior Thesis Research and Seminar- 4 credits

Intensive laboratory or field research experience in a selected area of biology, which includes reading and analysis of the primary literature, the development of a written research proposal and thesis, and presentation of research results. Prerequisites senior standing and permission of instructor.

Courses Offered Through the Marine Studies Consortium

Please contact Dr. David MacLaren if interested in registering for these courses.

 Visit the
Consortium web site.

BIO 3060 Biology of Fishes- 4 credits

A study of the evolution, systematics, anatomy, physiology and behavior of freshwater, marine and anadromous fishes from temperate to tropical environments. The course also examines the diversity of fish interactions in aquatic communities, including predator/prey relationships, host/symbiont interactions and the various roles of fishes as herbivores. Study of inter- and intraspecific predator/prey relationships among fish populations in aquatic communities integrates principles of ecology. Prerequisites: BIO1027, BIO1028, BIO2010, CHEM 111 and CHEM 112. The course is taught at the NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM in Boston.

BIO 3010 Marine Mammals: Biology and Conservation- 4 credits

This course is designed to familiarize students with the biology and natural history of marine mammals, with particular emphasis on whales, dolphins and seals of the western North Atlantic. Topics include evolution, anatomy, behavior, field identification, the history of whaling and contemporary conservation issues. Hands-on activities include laboratory work and marine mammal surveys on Massachusetts Bay. BIO1027, BIO1028, BIO2010, CHEM 111 and CHEM 112. The course is taught off-site of the Merrimack Campus.

MATH AND SCIENCE DISTRIBUTION COURSE OFFERINGS 

BIO 1001 Life Science - 4 credits

An introductory course for non-majors that examines the basic biological principles of life at the level of cell and molecular biology and biotechnology, organismal biology, and ecology and the environment. This course is designed to promote biological literacy and provide students with the knowledge base that is necessary to make informed choices about life style, health care, environmental issues, and science public policy. Laboratory investigations and/or seminars supplement the lecture material in order to introduce students to the theory and practice of the scientific method and to develop critical thinking skills as applied to current topics related to life science. Satisfies the mathematics and science distribution requirement. Four hours lecture, lab and/or seminar per week.

BIO 3009 Environment, Ecology and Society - 4 credits

The future of our society depends on whether Homo sapiens can learn to live in harmony with the global ecosystem so that in can support civilization. Knowing how ecosystems function permits more than knowledgeable participation in the great decisions of our day. The course investigates the linkages between ecological systems and human systems and how and why human perturbations impact ecological systems. The main themes running throughout the course are sustainability and stewardship. The course will include the basic principles of ecology - the study of the interactions among organisms and their physical environment. Emphasis will be placed on applied environmental issues that currently confront the planet from both a global and regional perspective. Topics will include global and regional climate change, renewable water resources, sustainable fisheries, alternative energy and the linkages between these topics.

Environmental Science and Ecology inherently interdisciplinary, and the course will integrate concepts from biology, chemistry, engineering and hydrology. Students will also discuss the process of scientific inquiry and the nature of science as it applies to environmental issues and questions. This course will also acquaint students with some of the social, economic, political, and ethical aspects of environmental problems. Consideration will be given to alternative ways of organizing our society in accordance with sound ecological and environmental principles. Students will read several topical papers, get hands-on experience in the laboratory and field and work in teams to conduct a semester-long investigation on an approved topic. Satisfies the mathematics and science distribution requirement. Lecture three hours a week including some laboratory and field work.

BIO 3090  Global Field Studies - 4 credits

Each course offered in the Global Field Studies Program is an intensive experiential learning opportunity involving a lecture/classroom component and field work in various remote, environmentally significant locations around the world. Different ecosystems are studied and compared, and every course focuses on the natural history of the particular location both from an integrated biological perspective as well as consideration
of conservation and cultural aspects of the region. Students develop an awareness and appreciation for both biological and cultural diversity and complexity. There is an additional fee for travel. Open to majors and non-majors. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. Satisfies the mathematics and science distribution requirement. Two hours lecture per week and an approximately 10 day trip.