Biology

Courses

BIO-135: General Biology I

Credits 4
An examination of the cellular basis of life and how eukaryotic cells interact in the structure and function of multicellular organisms (selected plans and animals); lecture and laboratory.

BIO-136: General Biology II

Credits 4
An examination of the diversity of living organisms, the interaction of organisms and the physical environment, evolutionary processes thought to have shaped the continuity and change of organism form throughout time; lecture and laboratory. Course intended for natural science majors.

BIO-202: Human Biology

Credits 4
Fundamentals of cell biology, developmental biology, and genetics provide a basis for survey of normal structure, function, and interaction of human organ systems. A variety of modern health issues, such as nutrition, cancer, alcoholism, heart disease, and aging, are explored. Course intended for non-science and non-nursing majors.

BIO-203: Anatomy and Physiology I

Credits 4
The course begins with cellular chemistry and function, tissues and continues through the nervous, skeletal, and muscular systems. Homeostasis and structural and functional relationships will be emphasized.

BIO-204: Anatomy and Physiology II

Credits 4
A continuation of BIO-203. Emphasizes homeostasis and structural and functional relationships in the study of cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, digestive, endocrine, and reproductive systems.

BIO-207: Microbiology

Credits 4
This course examines bacteria and other microorganisms and their importance; aseptic techniques, methods of staining and isolation of bacteria, and various aspects of microbial physiology and control; lecture and laboratory.

BIO-208: Introduction to the Natural Sciences

Credits 3
This course emphasizes the scientific process: the study of the natural world, generation, modification, and dissemination of scientific knowledge, and the application of knowledge through technology. The biological concepts of metabolism, reproduction and development, genetics and evolution are explored, as are the laws and theories that enable us to understand the nature and interrelationship of matter and energy both on the microscopic and macroscopic scale. Relationships and common themes among mathematics, science and technology will be stressed. Historical and modern examples are included to challenge students to comprehend, analyze and apply how scientists do what they do.

BIO-295: Introductory Topics in Biology

Credits 1 4
An introductory study of a specific topic in Biology. Intended for freshmen and sophomores, or for students with little or no background in the subject. The student may repeat the course, but not the same topic.

BIO-301: Plant Biology

Credits 4
This course will cover various aspects of plant biology, including plant cells, plant anatomy and architecture, physiology and function, ecology, and the roles of plants in the environment, agriculture and society. Laboratory exercises build on lecture themes and provide hands-on learning experiences including field trips.

BIO-305: Animal Diversity and Behavior

Credits 4
A broad spectrum of animals, both terrestrial invertebrate and terrestrial/aquatic vertebrates, will be examined. Students will gain a working knowledge of modern fauna and the evolutionary mechanisms that have driven the diversity of animals over time, as well as the various behaviors that allow animals to live and thrive in their current environment. Topics will include taxonomy, foraging strategy, mating systems, territoriality, migration, predator-prey, and interspecific interactions.

BIO-310: Immunology

Credits 3
An introductory course in immunology in which the basic principles and concepts are stressed. Topics to be studied include the nature of antigens, haptens, immunoglobulins, and complement and their interactions; the structure, behavior, and interactions of the cell types involved in the immune response; natural resistance and acquired immunity; immune tolerance; allergies; autoimmunity; immune deficiencies; and the histocompatibility complex.

BIO-318: Genetics

Credits 4
Animals, plants, and microorganisms are used to illustrate the principles of heredity, including a consideration of classical Mendelian transmission genetics, molecular genetics, and population genetics. Students conduct a limited research project and a seminar on a specific topic. Problem-solving approach is emphasized.

BIO-337: Ecology

Credits 4
A qualitative and quantitative study of the interrelationships of organisms and the environment; lecture and laboratory.

BIO-343: Neuroanatomy and Physiology

Credits 4
Detailed study of the development, morphology, internal configuration, function, and pathological defects of the central nervous system.

BIO-353: Cell and Molecular Biology

Credits 3
The function of Eukaryotic cells is balanced with the study of cellular function at the molecular level with emphasis on replication, transcription and translation. Students also develop an appreciation for molecular techniques and current literature.

BIO-360: Limnology

Credits 4
An interdisciplinary study of inland waters: lakes, streams, rivers, estuaries and wetlands. Water topics to be studied include: unique characteristics, distribution, origins, and the biological, physical and chemical composition. A primary focus will be on the ecological and economical importance of water and human impacts. Laboratory and field work are required.

BIO-390: Seminar in Scientific Communication

Credits 2
Instruction in critical reading and analysis of recent primary and secondary source journal articles in the scientific literature. Students will develop and present literature critiques of research articles relevant to their discipline in biology, biochemistry, or environmental science.

BIO-398: Undergraduate Research

Credits 1 4
Opportunity for students to conduct investigative study in the laboratory and/or field or to perform some type of creative work not covered by other courses. The student will work with a faculty member to develop a research proposal, and carry out the proposed work. Completed Application for Research and Research Proposal forms are required. The course will culminate with the preparation of a research report. May be repeated.

BIO-399: Independent Study

Credits 1 4
An in-depth, self-directed study for Junior- or Senior- level students under the guidance of a sponsoring faculty member on a planned topic that is not covered by an existing Keuka College course.

BIO-400: Evolution

Credits 3
This course uses animal and plant examples to illustrate and clarify fundamental concepts of evolution, with emphasis on evolutionary mechanisms and theory. Classical and modern contributions to our understanding of evolution as the unifying concept of biology will be examined.

BIO-401: Modern Laboratory Techniques

Credits 4
A laboratory-based methods and skills course emphasizing molecular biology and biochemistry techniques such as nucleic acid isolation and analysis, recombinant DNA cloning, primer design, endpoint and real time PCR and the use of bioinformatics tools.

BIO-450: Senior Seminar in Natural Science

Credits 2
This is considered the capstone course for students completing majors within the natural sciences. The course focuses on instruction in critical thinking, analysis and information literacy in the science field and current topics in modern science. Each student will write a substantial research paper on a scientific area of interest using knowledge from previous coursework. Each student will complete a public presentation of his/her topic.

BIO-495: Advanced Topics in Biology

Credits 1 4
An advanced study of a specific topic in Biology. Intended for juniors and seniors, or for students with an appropriate background in the subject. The student may repeat the course, but not the same topic.

BIO-499: Senior Research

Credits 1 4
Opportunity for senior students to conduct original investigative study in the laboratory and/or field, or to perform creative work of the type not covered by other courses. The student will work with a faculty member to develop a research proposal and carry out the proposed work. Completed Application for Research and Research Proposal forms are required. The work may be a continuation of a project started in BIO/CHM/ENV 398 or another course. The project will culminate in the preparation of a formal research report. May be repeated.