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. 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. Lecture/discussion: Three hours. 3 credits. (F-S,Y)

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

 Major emphasis is placed on 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. (F,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 is placed 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 is placed on normal body function, with a secondary emphasis placed 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 attention to 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 for physical and occupational therapy, exercise science, and other health-related majors. The second half meets the biology requirement for environmental studies majors. The first semester covers cell structure, cellular respiration, mitosis and meiosis, genetics, DNA structure and function, and animal physiology. The second semester covers microevolution, macroevolution (patterns of evolution of the kingdoms, of phyla of plants and animals, and of classes of vertebrates), and ecology (general and human) at the level of populations, communities, and ecosystems. Lecture: 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 placed 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 is placed 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: 303-12200 or 303-12000. 4 credits. (F,O)

303-20400-303-20409 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 students together attending the same classes and laboratories. Topics include some taught in the past (e.g., histology). This course may be repeated for credit when topics vary. Prerequisites: 303-12100-303-12200, or 303-11900-303-12000; permission of instructor. 2-4 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 introduction to human anatomy designed for physical and occupational therapy majors in preparation for cadaver dissection. Lecture topics include anatomical terminology; tissue types; skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems; and regional anatomy. Emphasis in laboratory is placed on bones, muscle attachments, actions and innervations, and dissection skills. Prerequisites: 303-11900-303-12000, or 303-12100-303-12200. 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 placed 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: One introductory biology course; permission of instructor. May be repeated once for credit. 1-3 credits. (F-S,Y)

303-21400 Animal Physiology   NS LA

 The study of physiological mechanisms, from the molecular and cellular to the organismic level, with an emphasis placed 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: 303-12100-303-12200, or 303-11900-303-12000, or 303-15100-303-15200. 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 the observation of plants in their natural habitats. Lecture: Three hours. Laboratory: Three hours. Prerequisites: 303-12100-303-12200, or 303-11900-303-12000. 4 credits. (IRR)

303-22400 Wonderful Life: Genes, Evolution, and Biodiversity   NS, LA

An overview of evolutionary biology that includes the study of both microevolutionary and macroevolutionary change, and the mechanisms of such change using examples from many types of organisms. Topics include the studies of Charles Darwin, the modern synthesis, natural selection, population and quantitative genetics, analysis of adaptation, and mechanisms of speciation. Lectures are supplemented with outside readings and videos. Emphasis on discussion and active participation in the classroom. Lecture: Three hours. Prerequisites: 303-12100-303-12200, or 303-11900-303-12000. 3 credits. (F,E)

303-22700 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: 303-12100-303-12200, or 303-11900-303-12000; 304-12100 or 304-12300; 304-12200 or 304-12600. 4 credits. (S,Y)

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: 303-12100-303-12200, or 303-11900-303-12000, or 303-15100-303-15200. 4 credits. (F,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: 303-11900-303-12000, or 303-12100-303-12200, or 303-15100-303-15200; 304-11700 (may be taken concurrently); one of the following: 303-12000, 303-12200, 304-11800, 312-11000, 312-18500, 313-15500, 313-24300, 313-24400. 4 credits. (F,O)

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: 303-11900-303-12000, or 303-12100-303-12200, or 303-15100-303-15200. 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, 303-11900, 303-12000, 303-12100, 303-12200, 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. This course will discuss how to write and analyze scientific papers. Students will present research articles, critique written and oral presentations, and learn proper format for writing scientific papers. Prerequisites: 303-12100-303-12200, or 303-11900-303-12000; one other biology course. 2 credits. (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: 303-11900-303-12000, or 303-12100-303-12200; 303-30100 (may be taken concurrently); permission of instructor. 3 credits. (F-S,Y)

303-30400-304-30409 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 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 when topics vary. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. 2-4 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: 303-12100-303-12200, or 303-11900-303-12000, 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 an emphasis placed 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 and discussion, with an emphasis placed on reading and analyzing the scientific literature. Prerequisites: 303-11900-303-12000, or 303-12100-303-12200; 330-31100 or one additional biology course. 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 a strong emphasis placed 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: 303-12100-303-12200, or 303-11900-303-12000, 304-12100 or 304-12300; 304-12200 or 304-12600. 4 credits. (F,O)

303-34500 Developmental Biology   NS LA

 Biology of embryonic development. The course covers the major features of animal development (both vertebrates and invertebrates). Topics include the morphological features of early development (fertilization, cleavage, gastrulation, establishment of the body plan), cell determination, pattern formation, and the molecular biology of early embryos. The emphasis is placed on the molecules controlling development. Discussion of human reproductive technology (in vitro fertilization, cloning, stem cells), and the impact of development biology on human reproduction. Lecture/discussion: Four hours. Prerequisites: 303-22700. 4 credits. (S,Y)

303-35400 Cell Biology   NS LA

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

303-37600 Endocrinology   NS LA

 Introduces the mechanisms by which hormones control their targets and provides background on the major vertebrate hormones. The course then covers current research in endocrinology, analyzing topics such as weight control, growth, gender differentiation, reproduction, the stress response, and environmental endocrine disrupters. Lecture and discussion, with an emphasis placed on reading and analyzing the scientific literature. Prerequisites: 303-21400. 4 credits. (S,O)

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: One of the following course sequences: 303-11900-303-12000 or 303-12100-303-12200 or 303-15100-303-15200; and 304-11700-304-11800 or 304-12100-304-12200 or 304-12300-304-12600. 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. (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. (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 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 when topics vary. 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. Pass/fail only. (303-41100-F, 303-41200-S,Y)

303-45200 Microbiology   NS LA

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

303-46100 Ecophysiology   NS LA

Examines the function and performance of animals and plants in their environment. This course integrates information from molecular biology through organismal physiology to understand the mechanisms that allow organisms to survive in their physical, chemical, and biological environments. This information is analyzed to understand how these small-scale processes affect higher levels of organization from biotic communities up to global-level issues. Topics include adaptations to extremes in temperature, energy availability, moisture and nutrients. Examples will be taken from organisms living in a wide variety of environments including deserts, the arctic, temperate forests, marine environments, and rainforests. Lecture and discussion, with an emphasis on reading and analyzing the scientific literature. Prerequisites: 303-27100; 303-21400 or 303-47300. 4 credits. (S,E)

303-47300 Plant Physiology   NS LA

 Intensive study of the basic physiological and biochemical processes of plants. Emphasis is placed 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; 303-12000-304-12100 or 304-12300; 304-12200 or 304-12600; 304-22100; 304-22200. 4 credits. (S,O)

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: 303-22700. 3 credits. (F,O)

303-47900 Aquatic Ecology   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: 303-15100 or 303-27100; 304-12100-304-12200, or 304-11700-304-11800, or 304-12300-304-12600; 304-12400 or 303-27500. 4 credits. (S,O)

303-48000 Evolution Lab   NS LA

Designed to accompany 303-47800 Evolution. 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: 303-22700; 303-47800 (may be taken concurrently). 1 credit. (F,O)