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Cat. I
This course consists of an overview of the major concepts of Biology,
including: cell theory, bioenergetics, molecular biology,
reproduction, nutrition, growth, development, homeostatic controls,
and ecological issues. This course is intended for non-BB majors who
want a broad overview of contemporary Biology with emphasis on human
issues. This course does not count towards distribution requirements
for BB majors.
Lecture and conference. Recommended background: high school or
introductory college level chemistry.
Cat. I
This course is the first introductory biology course for BB and health
science pre-professional majors. Important concepts in molecular,
cellular, and organismal biology will be studied. Engineering students
desiring to meet science distribution requirements should take BB
1001.
Recommended background: high school biology, CH 1010,
and CH 1020.
Cat. I
This course is a continuation of BB 1010,
intended for BB and health sciences pre-professional majors. Important concepts in organismal,
population, evolutionary, and ecological biology will be
studied. Engineering students desiring to meet science distribution
requirements should take BB 1001.
Recommended background: BB 1010 and
CH 1020.
Cat. I
The ecosystem is presented and evaluated as the basic functional
unit of the environment. Comparisons are made of terrestrial, aquatic,
and marine ecosystems. Ecosystem modeling is introduced and used to
evaluate stressed ecosystems. Contemporary environmental topics are
emphasized. This course is suitable for a biology major who is
interested in an overview of ecology with emphasis on environmental
issues, or for the non-biology major who may wish to combine it with
BB 1001 for a coordinated two-course sequence in science.
Lecture. Recommended background: BB 1001
or a working knowledge of the
basic principles and concepts of biology.
Cat. I
The various organisms making up the protists and viruses, their
taxonomy, morphology, and physiology are studied. Special attention
will be given to those organisms which are of ecological concern or
serve a useful industrial purpose. The importance of microbes in
public health problems will be presented. This course is designed for
all biology majors and for other students who seek a good general
education in modern biology.
Recommended background: BB 1010,
BB 1020, and
BB 2550 or equivalent. A
basic understanding of elementary biochemical processes is
desirable.
Cat. II
This course is a survey of the animal kingdom with an emphasis on its
history and organization. Particular attention is paid to special
structures and mechanisms evolved by selected representatives of major
phyla for solving problems of life in various environments.
Recommended background: BB 1010 and
BB 1020.
This course will be offered in 1996-97 and in alternate years
thereafter.
Cat. II
An introductory course stressing general concepts, physiology,
anatomical and taxonomic links, and uses of the major plant phyla in
both society and industry. Some emphasis will be given to economically
important species chosen from both agronomic and nonagronomic
situations.
Recommended background: BB 1010 and
BB 1020.
This course will be offered in 1995-96 and in alternate years
thereafter.
Cat. I
This intermediate level course, required for all BB majors, presents
the fundamental aspects of cell structure and function, the foundation
of all fields of modern biology.
Topics include: cell complexity and organizational hierarchy, evolution of the cell, cell surface, plasma membrane, single and double cytoplasmic membrane systems, nuclear fusion and hybridomas, cytoskeleton, cell growth, and
differentiation.
Recommended background: BB 1010,
BB 1020,
CH 1030.
Cat. I
This intermediate level course presents the principles and
experimental proofs leading to our understanding of DNA as genetic
material. Quantitative analysis of patterns of inheritance, mechanisms
of gene exchange, phenotypic expression, macromolecular structure,
control mechanisms, and population phenomena in prokaryotes, plants,
and animals including humans are considered. This course is designed
for all biology majors.
Recommended background: BB 1010,
BB 1020 and
BB 2550 or equivalent.
Cat. 1
The lab exercises in this course have been selected to provide the
skills needed to study living organisms at the cellular level, and to
emphasize the basic principles of Biology. Students will gain
experience with procedures, equipment and lab skills common to all
Biology fields. Emphasis is on precise data collection, analysis and
interpretation of biological data. This course is designed for
Biology/Biotechnology majors and other life science
preprofessionals. One lecture and lab per week for 2 terms (i.e. 1/3
unit per 14 weeks, A & B terms).
This course may not be taken for less than 1/3 unit of credit except
with the prior approval of the instructor.
Recommended background: BB 1010,
BB 1020, CH 1030.
Concurrent enrollment in BB 2550 (A) and
BB 2002 (B).
Cat. I
A continuation of Experimental Biology I with lab exercises selected
to emphasize the skills needed to study living organisms and their
diversity. These exercises will emphasize the principles and
techniques of genetics and microbiology, as well as the diversity of
the biological flora and fauna. Unique aspects of living organisms
will be featured as opportunities for use in Biotechnology. One
lecture and lab per week for 2 terms (i.e. 1/3 unit per 14 weeks, C &
D terms).This course may not be taken for less than 1/3 unit of credit
except with the prior approval of the instructor.
Recommended background: BB 2940.
Concurrent enrollment in BB 2920 (C)
and BB 2020/30 (D).
Cat. I
The general and specialized physiological functions of animal cells
will be explored. Topics covered will include cellular energetics,
cell environments, transmembrane transport, membrane permeability,
electrically excitable cells, mechanisms of hormone action,
intercellular communication, and movement and the production of
force.
Recommended background: BB 1001 or
BB 1010 and CH 1030.
Cat. I
This course examines the integrated functions performed by cells
organized into tissues, organs, and systems, with special reference to
the human organism. The nervous, skeleto-muscular, circulatory,
respiratory, digestive, endocrine, excretory, and reproductive systems
of the human body, and their integration, will be covered.
Recommended background: BB 3100.
Cat. II
This advanced level course uses a seminar format to discuss current
research articles describing developmental mechanisms in a variety of
biological systems. Concepts such as embryonic induction, determinism,
pattern morphogenesis, and organogenesis are examined at the
molecular, cellular, tissue, and organismal levels.
Recommended background: BB 1010,
BB 1020, BB 2002,
BB 2550, BB 2920.
This course will be offered in 1996-97 and in alternate years
thereafter.
Cat. I
This course presents the principles and experimental protocols needed
for the in vitro culture of plant and mammalian cells. Subjects
covered include: media composition and preparation, cell surface
sterilization, antibiotics, cell quantification, micropropagation,
cyropreservation and the influence of environmental factors on growth
and development.
Recommended background: BB 1020,
BB 2002, BB 2020,
BB 2030, BB 2550.
Cat. I
Topics in molecular genetics are presented using microbial systems as
models. The structure, function and synthesis of DNA and the results
of mutation, recombination and repair are emphasized. Simple bacteria
and their plasmids, transposable elements and phages are discussed as
experimental models.
Recommended background: BB 2002,
BB 2920, BB 4910.
Cat. I
This course deals with the theory and practice by which microbial
metabolism can be harnessed for the production of chemicals and
fuels. Students will design and evaluate a bench-scale fermentation
process. This course is the second in an integrated course sequence in
bioprocess technology.
Recommended background: prior knowledge of BB 2002 (Microbiology) and
CH 4110 (Biochemistry); concurrent registration in CH 4120.
Cat. I
This course consists of a thorough treatment of state-of-the-art
techniques in protein purification as practiced in the biotechnology
industry. The student will gain experience in the design and
implementation of protein purification schemes. This course is
intended for both biology and biotechnology, and engineering
majors. This course is the third in an integrated course sequence in
bioprocess technology.
Recommended background: prior knowledge of Biochemistry
(CH 4110, 4120) will be assumed.
Cat. I
This advanced level course uses a seminar format to discuss current
research articles describing mechanisms by which cells reproduce,
develop, and interact. Particular emphasis is placed on current
cellular and molecular pathological mechanisms of autoimmune diseases
such as systemic lupus erythematosus and myasthenia gravis.
Recommended background: BB 3100,
BB 3101,
BB 4910,
CH 4110, CH
4120.
Cat. I
The structure, function and biosynthesis of DNA, RNA and proteins are
the chief topics of this course. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic
systems are examined. The nature of the genome and the genetic code,
the structure and expression of selected genes and the regulation of
genetic expression are emphasized.
Recommended background: prior knowledge of
Cell Biology (BB 2550),
Genetics (BB 2920),
and Biochemistry (CH 4110,
CH 4120).
Cat. I
This course presents both theory and applications in recombinant DNA
methodology. Topics covered include enzymology of DNA manipulation;
construction and isolation of recombinants; plasmid and bacteriophage
vectors; structural analysis of cloned DNA. This course is the first
in an integrated course sequence in bioprocess technology.
Recommended background: prior knowledge of
(BB 2002),
(BB 2550),
(BB 2920), and
(BB 4910) will be assumed. Advanced Molecular Genetics
(BB 4010) is very strongly recommended.
Cat. I
Experimental courses, special conferences and seminars are offered by
advance arrangement only.
Graduate Biology and Biotechnology Courses of Interest to Undergraduates
The following graduate courses are open to undergraduates with special permission (see department chairman and course instructor).
Selected topics from the current literature are reviewed and
evaluated.
One (1) credit/semester.
This course will present the theory of operation, applications, and
use of scanning and transmission electron microscopy in
biology. Recent original articles from the biological literature will
illustrate the applications of these techniques to research. Students
will prepare their own specimens for both kinds of electron
microscopes and employ the standard preparative techniques including
fixation, dehydration, staining, critical point drying, vacuum
evaporation, embedding and sectioning. Associated photographic methods
will also be introduced. Since this course is basically concerned with
the development of laboratory skills, formal class periods will be
limited. Three (3) credits/semester.
Recommended background: a knowledge of Cell Biology (BB 2550) and
conventional light microscopic methods.
This course will be offered in 1995-96 and in alternate years
thereafter.
This course will provide students with hands-on training in the principles and methods necessary to scale up protein production and purification from bench to pilot scale. Students will design and carry out a protein production and purification scheme at the 50 liter scale. Emphasis will be on laboratory work, backed up by understanding of the relevant theory.