Biology Courses

303-10210 The Natural History of Sex   NS LA 2a

An evolutionary analysis of reproductive behavior, taking a comparative approach among animals including humans, to better understand our own sexuality and behavior in a biological context. Topics include asexual and sexual reproduction; sex determination; genetic and environmental determinants of sexual behavior; male and female tactics; mating systems (monogamy, polyandry, polygyny); conflict of interests between the sexes; courtship displays; mate choice; assuring paternity; and parental care. Lecture/discussion: three hours. 3 credits. (S,O)

303-10400 Environmental Biology   NS LA 2a

Blends general ecological concepts with evaluations of several environmental problems. Compared to 303-10500, this course deals with fewer topics in greater detail. Topics include the growth and regulation of natural populations compared to human populations; our use and future supplies of energy, from food to nuclear power; and the preservation of wildlife. The pollution of our environment by human activities is emphasized. Not open to students who have taken 303-10500. Lecture/discussion: three hours. 3 credits. (F-S,Y)

303-10600 Plants, People, and Food Production   NS LA 2a

Major emphasis is the structure and function of plants; the use of plants in food production; the structure of agricultural technology; the relationship between world food supply and the population problem; scientific, social, and economic aspects of food production. Lecture/discussion: three hours. 3 credits. (S,Y)

303-10700 Human Genetics   NS LA 2a

Heredity in human families and populations; genetic basis of normal and abnormal traits; chromosome behavior and sex determination. Emphasis on the social, ethical, and political issues in genetics. Lecture/discussion: three hours. 3 credits. (F,O)

303-10800 The Human Organism   NS LA 2a

Study of the structure and function of the human body. Primary emphasis on normal body function, with secondary emphasis on common diseases. For non-science majors; cannot be taken by students who have completed 303-11500, 303-11900, or 303-12100. Lecture/discussion: three hours. 3 credits. (S,E)

303-10900 Life in the Ocean    NS LA 2a

Study of the diversity of life found in the ocean with special concern about how ocean life impacts and is impacted by humans. Threats to ocean diversity will be looked at from the standpoint of their effects on both individual organisms and various ocean ecosystems. There will be one open lab during the semester. Lecture: three hours. 3 credits. (F,Y)

303-11200 Food, Health, and Federal Control   NS LA 2a

Composition of food; basic nutrition; metabolism; roles of microorganisms in food processing, food spoilage, and food-related diseases; government inspection of food; modern methods of the food industry; regulation of the food industry; and the organic food movement. Lecture/discussion: three hours. 3 credits. (F-S,Y)

303-11300 Insects and People   NS LA 2a

Why insects are the most successful animals on earth, and their negative and positive effects on people. Topics include insect structure, function, reproduction, development, and behavior; insects as pollinators and producers of useful products; insects as scavengers and applications in forensic science; insects as vectors of disease; agricultural, forestry, and household pests; chemical and biological control of insect pests. Lecture/discussion: three hours. 3 credits. (S,Y)

303-11500 Essentials of Biology   NS LA 2a

A one-semester general biology course for nonmajors covering basic physiology, genetics, and development. Evolutionary trends and ecological relationships are discussed. The influence of biology on the lives of humans is emphasized. Lecture/discussion: three hours. 3 credits. (F-S,Y)

303-11900, 303-12000 Fundamentals of Biology   NS LA 2a

A survey of biology with emphasis on higher animals, humans, and higher plants. During the first semester, structure and function at several levels of organization are discussed, including cellular, tissue, organ, organ system, and whole organisms. The second semester concentrates on development, genetics, bacteriology, evolution, a survey of the variety of animals and plants, and ecological principles. Lecture/discussion: three hours. Laboratory: three hours. 4 credits. (303-11900-F, 303-12000-S,Y)

303-12100, 303-12200 Principles of Biology   NS LA 2a

A two-semester lecture-laboratory sequence for biology and other science majors that surveys the field of biology. Major emphasis in the first semester is on cellular biology, genetics, development, and the biology of higher animals. The second semester concentrates on the biology of higher plants; a study of the origin, classification, and taxonomic relationships of organisms; evolution; and ecology. Lecture/discussion: three hours. Laboratory: three hours. 4 credits. (303-12100-F, 303-12200-S,Y)

303-15100 Environmental Science I   NS   LA 2a

Focus on the biological principles fundamental to understanding human impact on the environment. Discussion of how human activities modify the environment and how their effects can be reduced through changes in individual and societal behavior. An interdisciplinary approach ties together the political, social, economic, and ethical aspects of environmental studies with biological and chemical principles. Lecture: three hours. Required for the environmental studies major but open to nonmajors. 3 credits. (F,Y)

303-15200 Environmental Science II   NS   LA 2a

Continuation of 303-15100. Emphasis on applying underlying scientific principles of environmental problems to current environmental concerns. In-depth examination of specific issues in environmental science, such as renewable and nonrenewable resources; hazardous and solid waste; global warming; ozone depletion; preservation of wilderness and endangered species; and pollution of water, air, and soil. Lecture: three hours. Required for the environmental studies major but open to nonmajors. 3 credits. (S,Y)

303-20000 Independent Study   U LA

For students pursuing special laboratory projects or literature research and for teaching interns (working within the department). Discussion and/or laboratory to fit the student's needs. Course level determined by the intended degree of independence and originality of the student's work, and the extent of the student's background courses. Course may be repeated for different projects. Offered on demand only. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. 1-3 credits.

303-20300 Invertebrate Zoology   NS LA

The vast majority of species found on earth are invertebrates. These include many species used as "model systems" for developmental and genetic research, most parasites and vectors of disease, and most species studied in marine biology. This course emphasizes a "body plan" approach to studying invertebrates: exploring the different morphological and physiological solutions that the organisms have used to cope with environmental conditions and to accomplish the basic tasks necessary for survival. Evolutionary relationships among invertebrate phyla are examined using recent lines of evidence from developmental biology and molecular biology, as well as comparative morphology. Lab exercises include field trips to collect and study invertebrates of the region. Lecture: three hours. Laboratory: three hours. Prerequisites: 303-12100 or 303-12000. 4 credits. (S,O)

303-20400 Selected Topics   NS LA

Intermediate courses offered at irregular intervals on various topics chosen by faculty members or resulting from student requests. Taught as a regular course with several students attending together the same classes and laboratories. Topics include some taught in the past (e.g. histology). This course may be repeated for credit for selected topics on different subjects. Prerequisites: 303-12100 and 303-12200 or 303-11900 and 303-12000; permission of instructor. 2, 3, or 4 credits. (IRR)

303-20500 Biology of Aging   NS LA 2a

Study of theoretical and measured aspects of the aging phenomenon as it influences human biology. Topics range from the subcellular to whole populations. Course may not be used to fulfill requirements in the biology major or minor. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing. 3 credits. (S,Y)

303-20600 Primary Human Anatomy   NS LA

A one-semester lecture-laboratory introduction to human anatomy. The course employs a combined systemic and regional approach. Topics range from cellular to gross morphology, with a balanced treatment of the head-trunk, body cavities, and appendages. Laboratories include study of skeletons, models, monkey and human prosections, and audiovisual aids. Lecture: three hours. Laboratory: two hours. Prerequisites: 303-11900 and 303-12000; or 303-12100 and 303-12200. 3 credits. (S,Y)

303-20800 Animal Behavior   NS LA

Explores the proximate causes and ultimate evolutionary explanations for the behavior of animals. Introduces the study of behavioral ecology by examining basic ecological problems and evaluating the behavioral solutions animals use to solve them. Lecture topics include the development of behavior, control of behavior, communication, adaptive response to predators, adaptive feeding behavior, male and female reproductive tactics, the evolution of mating systems, adaptive tactics of parents, and social behavior. Emphasis in the laboratory is on observation and an experimental approach to animal behavior. Lecture: three hours. Laboratory: three hours. Prerequisites: 303-12200 or 303-12000. 4 credits. (S,E)

303-21000 Research in Biology   U LA

For students who desire research work but have not yet completed 303-30200. Prerequisites: An introductory biology course and permission of instructor. May be taken twice for credit. 1-3 credits per semester. (F-S,Y)

303-21400 Animal Physiology   NS LA

The study of physiological mechanisms, from the molecular and cellular to the organismic level, with emphasis on unique adaptations to environmental stresses. Specific topics include the mechanisms underlying nerve function, movement, circulation, respiration, and endocrine regulation. Lecture: three hours. Laboratory: three hours. Prerequisites: 303-12100 and 303-12200; or 303-11900 and 303-12000. 4 credits. (F,Y)

303-21500 General Botany   NS LA

Introduction to the modern field of botany. Topics include an evolutionary survey of plants and fungi, principles of classification, and theories of the evolution and ecology of plants. Laboratories stress observation of plants in their natural habitats. Lecture: three hours. Laboratory: three hours. Prerequisites: 303-12100 and 303-12200; or 303-11900 and 303-12000. 4 credits. (F,E)

303-25000 Ethnobotany   NS LA

Study of the relationships between humans and plants. Discussion of the role of plants in traditional and modern cultures as sources of food, materials, and medicines from both botanical and anthropological perspectives. Specific topics include description of important plant families; basic chemistry of bioactive plant compounds and their importance as drugs and poisons; the cultural meaning of economic plants in traditional societies; important crop plants and their domestication; origins and development of agriculture; approaches to the study of ethnobotany; and archeobotany, the analysis of plant remains in an archeological context. The subject matter is interdisciplinary, with both botanical and anthropological perspectives presented. The laboratory component of this course is an inquiry-based independent investigation into how and why local people use plants. Lecture: three hours. Laboratory: three hours. Prerequisites: 303-11900 and 303-12000; or 303-12100 and 303-12200; or 303-15100 and 303-15200; or 339-10300 and either 339-10400 or 339-10700. Students may not earn credit for both 303-25000 and 339-25000. 4 credits. (F,E)

303-27100 General Ecology   NS LA

Presents the basic concepts of ecology with balanced treatment of plant and animal examples. Topics include the interactions among individuals of a population, interactions in their abiotic environment, and interactions with other species. Also discussed are growth, regulation, diversity, and stability of populations and the interactions among populations at the community and ecosystems levels. Laboratories include field and laboratory work and statistical analyses of data. Lecture: three hours. Laboratory: three hours. Prerequisites: 303-12100 and 303-12200; or 303-11900 and 303-12000; or 303-15100 and 303-15200. 4 credits. (F-S,Y)

303-27500 Field Biology   NS LA

Survey of the ecosystems of central New York. Areas of emphasis are direct experience of the diversity of ecosystems and their structure and function; adaptations of organisms to specific ecosystems; recognition of dominant and indicator species; human impact on ecosystem function and species diversity; and the methods used to measure these parameters. Lectures emphasize the unique attributes of different ecosystems and the techniques of data gathering and analysis. Analyses of societal impact and management of ecosystems are included. Lecture: two hours. Laboratory: six hours. Prerequisites: 303-11900 and 303-12000; or 303-12100 and 303-12200; or 303-15100 and 303-15200; prior or concurrent enrollment in 304-11700; one of the following: 303-12000, 303-12200, 304-11800, 312-11000, 312-18500, 313-15500, 313-24300 or 313-24400. 4 credits. (F,Y)

303-27800 Environmental Health and Medicine   NS LA

Discussion of a variety of environmental vectors of disease (air, food, drinking water, and liquid and solid wastes), routes of exposure (occupational, residential, and the unavoidable), physiological effects, and techniques to diagnose, treat, and regulate environmentally-induced diseases. Additional topics include recent advances in epidemiology, biological monitoring, and risk assessment. Lecture: three hours. Prerequisites: 303-11900 and 303-12000; or 303-12100 and 303-12200; or 303-15100 and 303-15200. 3 credits. (F,O)

303-28400 Field Ornithology   NS LA 2a

Relation between climate, habitat, and regional bird species. Lecture and laboratory in bird anatomy, territoriality, migration, and song. Fieldwork: Saturday morning trips and bird banding. Lecture: three hours. Laboratory: three hours. Prerequisites: 303-11500 or 303-11900 or 303-12000 or 303-12100 or 303-12200 or 303-15100 or 303-15200. 4 credits. (F,E)

303-30000 Independent Study   U LA

For teaching interns (working within the department) and for students pursuing special laboratory projects or literature research. Discussion and/or laboratory to fit the student's needs. Course level determined by the intended degree of independence and originality of the student's work and the extent of the student's background courses. Course may be repeated. Offered on demand only. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. 1-3 credits.

303-30100 Literature in Biology   NS LA

Seminar discussions based on readings and reports in current research literature. Prerequisites: 303-12100 and 303-12200; or 303-11900 and 303-12000; one other biology course. 1 credit. (F-S,Y)

303-30200 Research in Biology   NS LA

Research for biology majors. It is recommended that projects be performed during the spring semester of the junior year. Research areas must be selected by midterm of the semester prior to enrollment. Prerequisites: 303-12100; 303-12200; 303-30100. 3 credits. (F-S,Y)

303-30400 Selected Topics   NS LA

Advanced courses offered at irregular intervals on various topics chosen by faculty members or resulting from student requests. Taught as a regular course with several students attending the same classes and laboratories. Topics include some taught in the past (e.g., advanced developmental biology, advanced genetics, and population and ecosystem ecology). May be repeated for credit for selected topics on different subjects. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. 2, 3, or 4 credits. (IRR)

303-30500 Parasitology   NS LA

General survey of parasitism throughout the animal kingdom, with special attention to parasites important to human and veterinary medicine. Topics include systematics, morphology, and life cycles of parasites; coevolution of hosts and their parasites; the use of parasites and parasitoids as biological control agents of pest species; and the influence of parasites on population biology and community structure of host species. Lecture: three hours. Laboratory: three hours. Prerequisites: 303-12100 and 303-12200; or 303-11900 and 303-12000; one other course in biology at level 2 or above. 4 credits. (F,E)

303-31500 Neurobiology   NS LA

Study of the biology of the nervous system with emphasis on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying nerve function. Also considers the function of the nervous system on an organismic level and the underlying causes of nervous system disease. Topics include ion channel function; neurotransmitters in the nervous system; sensory systems; motor systems and response to injury; and learning and memory. Lecture: three hours. Laboratory: three hours. Prerequisites: 303-11900 and 303-12000; or 303-12100 and 303-12200; one additional biology course or 330-31100. 4 credits. (S,Y)

303-32000 Plant Growth and Development   NS LA

The growth and development of plants is analyzed on the cellular, tissue, and whole organism levels, with strong emphasis on molecular and cellular regulatory mechanisms. Topics include vegetative and reproductive development, cell polarity and differentiation, the regulatory function of hormones, and plant response to environmental factors. Lecture: three hours. Laboratory: three hours. Prerequisites: 303-12100 and 303-12200; or 303-11900 and 303-12000; 304-12100 or 304-12300; 304-12200 or 304-12600. 4 credits. (F,O)

303-32700 Genetics   NS LA

Principles of heredity, survey of classical genetics, human genetics, modern molecular and microbiological genetics; studies of confidence of analysis of genetic data, and interrelating transcription and translation at the cellular and organismal level. Lecture: three hours. Laboratory: three hours. Prerequisites: 303-12100 and 303-12200; or 303-11900 and 303-12000; 304-12100 or 304-12300; 304-12200 or 304-12600. 4 credits. (S,Y)

303-34500 Developmental Biology   NS LA

Biology of embryonic development. The course covers the major features of the development of animals, both vertebrates and invertebrates. Topics include the morphological features of early development (fertilization, cleavage, gastrulation, establishment of the body plan), mechanisms of cell determination, pattern formation, and the molecular biology of early embryos. The emphasis is on the molecules involved in controlling development and how development reflects the underlying unity of all forms of animal life. Lecture: three hours. Laboratory: three hours. Prerequisites: 303-32700. 4 credits. (S,Y)

303-37800 Environmental Toxicology   NS LA

Environmental toxicology is the study of how chemicals in the environment adversely affect biological systems. This course explores how organisms respond to pollutants at the cellular, tissue, and organismal level. Lecture topics include the behavior in the environment, routes of exposure, modes of action, mechanisms of bioaccumulation, biotransformation, and biodegradation of common pollutants. The laboratory component focuses on experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation of field and laboratory studies. Laboratory topics include the detection of pollutants and their effects on tissues, biomonitoring, toxicity testing, and the use of this information in assessing risk of exposure to toxins. Lecture: three hours. Laboratory: three hours. Prerequisites: 303-11900 and 303-12000; or 303-12100 and 303-12200; 303-21400 or 303-27800 or 663-12500 and 663-12600; 304-12100 or 304-12300; 304-12200 or 304-12600. 4 credits. (F,E)

303-40000 Research in Biology   U LA

For students desiring further research work beyond level 3. This course may be taken twice for credit. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. 1-3 credits per semester. (F-S,Y)

303-40100, 303-40200 Biology Honors Program   NS LA

Research and thesis for biology majors pursuing the honors program. It is recommended that the research program begin no later than the end of the junior year and continue to the end of the senior year. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the honors program. 2-3 credits per semester. (F-S,Y)

303-40400 Selected Topics   NS LA

Advanced courses offered at irregular intervals on various topics chosen by faculty members or resulting from student requests. Taught as a regular course, with several students attending together the same classes and laboratories. Topics include some taught in the past, such as Biological Membranes: A Seminar on Structure and Function. This course may be repeated for credit for selected topics on different subjects. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. 2-4 credits. (IRR)

303-41100-303-41200 Biology Seminar   NS LA

Seminars, discussion, and readings in the biological sciences. Required of senior biology majors. 0.5 credit per semester. Pass/fail only. (41100-F, 41200-S,Y)

303-45200 Microbiology   NS LA

Physiology, significance, and identification of microorganisms. Lecture: three hours. Laboratory: three hours. Prerequisites: 303-12100 and 303-12200; or 303-11900 and 303-12000; 304-12100 or 304-12300; 304-12200 or 304-12600; 304-22100; 304-22200. 4 credits. (S,Y)

303-45400 Cell Biology   NS LA

Study of the relationship and unity of structure and function in living cells and cell populations. Emphasis is on cell organelles, cell membrane systems, and the functions of cells in cell recognition, cell signaling, regeneration, and malignancy. Lecture: three hours. Laboratory: three hours. Prerequisites: 303-12100 and 303-12200; or 303-11900 and 303-12000; 304-12100 or 304-12300; 304-12200 or 304-12600; 304-22100; 304-22200. 4 credits. (F,Y)

303-47300 Plant Physiology   NS LA

Intensive study of the basic physiological and biochemical processes of plants. Emphasis on interaction between cellular structure and function, as well as coordination of the various physiological processes throughout the organism. Lecture: three hours. Laboratory: three hours. Prerequisites: 303-12100, 303-12200 or 303-11900; 303-12000 and 304-12100 or 304-12300; 304-12200 or 304-12600; 304-22100; 304-22200. 4 credits. (F,Y)

303-47800 Evolution   NS LA

An overview of the field of evolutionary biology that includes the study of both microevolutionary and macroevolutionary change and the mechanisms of change. Specific topics of focus will include the nature of natural selection, population genetics, molecular evolution, adaptation, mechanisms of speciation, phylogenetic analysis, sexual selection, and the evolution of social behavior. Lecture: three hours. Prerequisites: 303-32700. 3 credits. (F,O)

303-47900 Ecology of Aquatic Communities   NS LA

Explores the biological, chemical, and physical features of lakes and streams features that are related to general ecological concepts and environmental concerns. Focuses on the invertebrate and fish communities and the physiological adaptations of species to the aquatic environment. Theoretical approaches and practical techniques will be addressed. Lecture: three hours. Laboratory: three hours. Prerequisites: A biology course from the following: 303-15100 or 303-27100; a year of chemistry from the following: 304-12100 and 304-12200 or 304-11700 and 304-11800 or 304-12300 and 304-12600; a laboratory course from the following: 304-12400 or 303-27500. 4 credits. (S,O)

303-48000 Evolution Lab   NS LA

Designed to accompany Evolution 303-47800. Laboratory is based on a research project that focuses on an actual question dealing with evolutionary systematics or natural selection. The research project involves gathering and analyzing morphological and molecular data. Research questions and organisms vary from year to year. Laboratory: three hours. Prerequisites: 303-32700; prior or concurrent enrollment in 303-47800. 1 credit. (F,O)

303-48600 Wetlands Ecology   NS LA

Study of the nature of the swamp, marsh, and bog ecosystems including the origin, development, and classification of wetlands in relation to their distribution, chemical relationships, and importance as areas of high production. Lecture: three hours. Prerequisites: 303-27100; 304-12100 or 304-12300; 304-12200 or 304-12600. 3 credits. (S,O)