Course Descriptions - Biology

The course introduces the breadth of biology from the principles of chemistry to ecology. The production and utilization of biological energy is explored at the cellular and organism level. The principles of inheritance and cellular reproduction are explored at the molecular, cellular level and organism levels. The unity and diversity of life and life processes is emphasized. The laboratory focuses on the techniques required to discover biological principles. Activities are hands-on.(3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab).

This course focuses on the concepts of biological chemistry, cell structure and function, cellular metabolism, molecular genetics and heredity reproduction and development. The course is intended for allied health majors and others not requiring a majors-level introductory biology. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab).

This is the first course in a two-semester biology sequence. This course introduces students to the concepts of cell structure and function, cellular metabolism, heredity and genetics. This course is intended for students for biological and physical science majors or those planning to enter a professional program. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) Strongly Suggested Prerequisite: CHEM 1061 or Concurrent Registration with CHEM 1061

Principles of Biology II is a continuation of Principles of Biology I, and covers fundamental concepts of biology at the organismal level and above. Evolution, principles of ecology, and a survey of biodiversity are the major foci of this course. Students apply these concepts in rigorous laboratory exercises. This course, coupled with Biology I, prepares students for further, advanced studies in the biological sciences. Completion of both courses is a prerequisite for many upper-division biology courses. Audience: Biological and physical science majors or those planning to enter a professional program.

This introductory level course provides students with a one semester overview of the structure and function of the human body. The course is open to all students: however, it does not fulfill the human anatomy and physiology requirement for those who are planning to pursue a career in the health sciences. This course fulfills the lab-like experience requirements for MnTC Goal Area 3.

This introductory level course provides students with a one semester overview of the structure and function of the human body. The course is open to all students: however, it does not fulfill the human anatomy and physiology requirement for those who are planning to pursue a career in the health sciences. This course has a laboratory experience and fulfills the requirements for MnTC Goal Area 3. (3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)

This course in an introduction to human genetics and origins including evolution and ancestry. Students are introduced to cell biology, inheritance, epigenetics, DNA, chromosomes, mutations, population genetics, genetics of health and behavior, genomics and genetic technologies. Students will use the process of scientific inquiry to analyze personal genetic data from direct-to-consumer DNA testing in a guided independent project. Testing with a direct-to-consumer (DTC) testing company will be done at the start of the course, or students may opt-out and use available genomes. Students who have previously tested with a DTC company should consult with the instructor. This course is suitable for both biology majors and non-majors. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)Prerequisite: ENGL 0990 or a 78 on the Accuplacer Reading Comprehension

This course will introduce students to the ecology and environmental issues of various locations abroad, and present them within the context of the social, cultural and political conditions of that country or region. Students will examine how various cultures and societies approach ecological and environmental problems. The impact of globalization on these issues will be a major focus of the course. Students will travel to the country or region of study to examine first-hand the issues covered in the course.

Using an interdisciplinary approach, this course examines various aspects of natural and human-made ecosystems, human's intervention, and the subsequent impact on society and nature. It emphasizes current problems, values, and projection for the future. The lab involves internet exercises, videos, group discussion, individual and group projects, field trips and other outdoor activities. (3 hours lecture, 4 hours lab)Prerequisite: ENGL 0990 or a 78 on the Accuplacer Reading Comprehension

This course is designed to introduce students to the Greek and Latin derivatives used to form medical terminology. Students will learn how to build and analyze medical terms. Emphasis will be placed on proper spelling, definition, usage, and pronunciation of medical terms. Other topics include: prefixes, suffixes, combining forms, introduction to basic biology, and introduction to body systems.

This course is a continuation of Biol 1230 Medical Terminology I - Basic. The focus is on applying proper medical terminology in reading medical reports, case histories and using the medical dictionary. Prerequisite: Biol 1230

This course is designed to allow students to explore the biological aspects of being female throughout her life cycle from sex cell formation through menopause and aging. Students will also gain an historical perspective of women over the ages including women in science, will be introduced to the nature of science and the scientific method, study the biology of gender differences, gain a multicultural perspective of women's health issues as well as a comprehensive study of female and male reproductive biology. Topics that will be covered include sex cell formation, genetic inheritance, gene expression, sex determination, pregnancy and birth as well as other health issues such pre-menstrual syndrome, birth control, sexually transmitted diseases, and cancer. This course includes a lab-like experience. The course is open to both male and female students.Prerequisite: ENGL 0990 or a 78 on the Accuplacer Reading Comprehension

This course is designed to allow students to explore the biological aspects of being female throughout her life cycle from sex cell formation through menopause and aging. Students will also gain an historical perspective of women over the ages including women in science, will be introduced to the nature of science and the scientific method, study the biology of gender differences, gain a multicultural perspective of women's health issues as well as a comprehensive study of female and male reproductive biology. Topics that will be covered include sex cell formation, genetic inheritance, gene expression, sex determination, pregnancy and birth as well as other health issues such pre-menstrual syndrome, birth control, sexually transmitted diseases, and cancer. The course is open to both male and female students. (3 hours lecture/2 hours lab)NOTE: This course has a lab component that incorporates active learning in a lab setting to support classroom material.Prerequisite: ENGL 0990 or a 78 on the Accuplacer Reading Comprehension

This course provides students with an Intensive overview of sophisticated, timely topics in biology related to the human condition. This course is intended for general audiences. The overview will include development of scientific background for understanding the topic historical perspective, significance of the issue in both a societal and a scientific context, and exploration of the scientific processes related to the topic. These courses include a variety of topics of interest to any student. Topics have included: Bioethics, Biology of Alcoholism, Biology of HIV, Biology of Viruses, Emerging Diseases, and other current topics pertaining to human biology. This course fulfills the lab-like experience requirement for MnTC Goal area 3. Check web site for each semester's topics. This course is open to all students.Prerequisite: ENGL 0990 or a 78 on the Accuplacer Reading Comprehension

This course will provide flexibility in offering an in-depth review of topics of immediate importance and topical interest. These topics will go beyond the introductory courses in examining specific aspects of the subject matter.

This course is a study of bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa, infection, immunity, human diseases and microbiology of food and water. Laboratory exercises stress detection, isolation and control of microorganisms. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) Prerequisite: Biol 1001 or 1101 with grade of C or better

This course is the first course of a two-course sequence. The course offers students a comprehensive study of the structure and function of the human body in a classroom and laboratory setting. Topics include anatomical terminology, homeostasis, cell structure and function, histology, as well as the anatomy and physiology of the following organ systems; integumentary, skeletal, articular, muscular, nervous, special senses and endocrine. Utilization of preserved specimens in the laboratory is a required part of the course. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) Strongly recommend college level reading abilities, a working knowledge of elementary algebra and a medical terminology course. Prerequisite: Biol 1001 or 1101 with grade of C or better. Recommendations for student success in this class include: a prior course in medical terminology, college level reading and basic algebra skills

This course is the second course of a two-course sequence. This course offers students a comprehensive study of the structure and function of the human body in a classroom and laboratory setting. Topics include the anatomy and physiology of the following organ systems: circulatory, non-specific and specific defenses, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive and early development. Strongly recommend college level reading abilities, a working knowledge of elementary algebra and a medical terminology course. Utilization of preserved specimens in the laboratory is a required part of the course. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) Prerequisite: Biol 2111 with a grade of C or better.

We will examine the organization, storage, maintenance, transfer, and expression of genetic information. Molecular data and Mendelian principles will be applied to understand genetics at the molecular, cellular, organismal, and population levels. Skills of professional biologists will be practiced, such as reading primary literature, designing/carrying out experiments, and evaluating qualitative and quantitative data. Prerequisite: BIOL 1101 or BIOL 1001, and BIOL 1102, and MATH 1150, with a C or better in each. Co-enrollment in BIOL 1102 can be considered with instructor permission. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab

We will examine the interrelationships of organisms and their environments, emphasizing the historic development of fundamental principles at the levels of individuals, population, community, and ecosystem through examination of theoretical and empirical findings. Skills of professional biologists will be practiced, such as reading primary literature, designing/carrying out experiments, and evaluating qualitative and quantitative data. Prerequisite: Prerequisite: BIOL 1102, and placement above MATH 1150 or successful completion of MATH 1150 or higher, with a C or better.