Course Descriptions

L100 Humans and the Biological World (5 credits) This course covers the principles of biological organization, from molecules through cells and organisms to populations.  Emphasis will be placed on processes common to all organisms, with special reference to human beings.  Included in this study will be the physiological and psychological effects of drugs.  This is an introductory biology course designed to offer the non-major an opportunity to examine the fundamental principles of biology and to prepare the biology major student for advanced courses.  If this course is to be used as the introductory course for a biology major, a minimum grade of B must be obtained.  Credit for biology major requirements can be given for only one of these introductory courses:  L100 or ZOOL Z103.

L102 Biological Concepts (5 credits) Prerequisites are high school algebra.  Introduction to critical thinking and basic concepts in biology.  Topics include chemical basis for life, the study of cell structure and function, genetics, and ecology.  Both lecture and laboratory included.  This course is a prerequisite for upper-level biology courses.

K322 Genetics Lecture (3 credits)  Prerequisites are two semesters of introductory chemistry and one semester of introductory biology or permission of instructor.  This course covers the principles of genetics at the molecular, cellular, organismal, and population level.  Students will learn about the processes of DNA replication, gene transcription, RNA translation, and how mutations occur.  Must be taken concurrently with K323 Genetics Lab.

K323 Genetics Laboratory (2 credits)  Applied principles of genetics using bacteria and bacterial viruses.  This course will develop your laboratory technique in performing tasks such as electrophoresis, DNA extraction and purification, DNA cloning, and other skills.  Students will work on a research project the last third of the semester.  Lecture K322 must be taken concurrently.