IU East Course Listings - BIOL

BIOL-B 301 Introduction to the Plant Kingdom (4 cr)

Emphasis will be on structure and function of vegetative and reproductive plant parts, classification, evolutionary, and genetic relationships, and economic importance of plants throughout the plant kingdom.

Offered spring semesters.
Lab fee required.
Prerequisites: BIOL-L 102

BIOL-L 101 Introduction to Biological Sciences I (4 cr)

Fundamental principles of biology for students considering a career in biological sciences. Principles of genetics, cell structure and function, and bioenergetics.

Offered fall and spring semesters.
May test out.
Prerequisite: Proficiency in introductory algebra.

BIOL-L 102 Introduction to Biological Sciences II (4 cr)

Fundamental principles of biology for students considering a career in biological sciences. Evolution, diversity, ecology, and organismal morphology and physiology.

Offered fall, spring, and summer semesters.
Prerequisite: One year of high school biology and chemistry or BIOL-L 101.

BIOL-L 108 Environment and Life (3 cr)

Consideration of the interactions between humans and the other biological and physical components of the environment. Topics include ecological principles, biosphere, pollution, population, natural resources, conservation, toxicity, and disease.

Offered fall semesters
Lecture only.
Cannot be used for the Biology major

BIOL-L 114 Body 101 (3 cr)

Exploratory course introducing the human body through case studies that includes basic structure and function, terminology, and indicates treatments of several medical disorders. Open to all interested in learning basic facts about the human body and those interested in a career in the medical or health science field.

Offered every semester.
Offered online only.
Prerequisites: None.

BIOL-L 150 Biology Seminar (1-3 cr)

An exploration of a topic of current biological interest. Topics may vary with instructor.

Open to non-science majors.
Prerequisites: None

Natural History of the Dinosaurs

This course will cover some basic areas in dinosaur biology. We will start with the most basic (early) group of dinosaurs and move through time with dinosaur groups that descended from them. We will investigate when they lived and how they affected and were affected by the world they lived in. We will also investigate dinosaur behavior and explore the possibility of dinosaurs living among us.

Offered: Periodically, Summer Semesters

Neurobiology Lab

Online neuroscience lab with virtual dissections of the brain and eye, and a focused study of scientific processes, the nervous system, neuronal communications and embryonic development. This course serves as a prerequisite or corequisite lab for BIOL-N 120 - The Biology of Mental Illness or BIOL-L 344 - Biology of Addictions.

Lab fee required.
This is a 100% online class taught by IU East. No on-campus class meetings are required.
Offered every semester.

BIOL-L 211 Molecular Biology (3 cr)

Structure and function of DNA and RNA. Topics include DNA replication, mutation, repair and gene expression, transcription, and translation. Introduces bacteriophages, plasmids, and the technology of recombinant DNA.

Offered in fall semesters
Prerequisite: BIOL-L 102
Recommended prerequisite: One year of college chemistry

BIOL-L 213 Molecular Biology Laboratory (1 cr)

Accompanying laboratory for BIOL-L 211.

Lab fee required.
To be taken concurrently with BIOL-L 211 (lecture portion)
Co-requisite: BIOL-L 211

BIOL-L 303 Field Biology (3 cr)

A course designed to acquaint you with the living organisms of an area and their interactions with the physical environment. The class will consist primarily of a period of intensive, extended field study in an area remote from the local campus.

Orientation and evaluation sessions will be held prior to and following the field experience.
Not distribution satisfying.
May be repeated once for credit.
Prerequisite: BIOL-L 101 or higher
Suggested Prerequisite: BIOL-L 325
Offered summer semesters.

Offered summer semesters.

Tropical Exploration - Belize - Summer semesters, odd years

Students taking this course will study the rainforest and its interesting inhabitants, explore Mayan Ruins, research mangroves, study the marine ecology of the coral reefs, and the culture of Belize.

Mountain Exploration - Great Smoky Mountains - Summer semesters, even years

This field course is designed to cover some basic areas of natural history and most of our time will be spent in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We will investigate some of the important relationships between plants and animals, the history of resource use within the park, and the ecological challenges it now faces.

BIOL-L 314 Genetics (4 cr)

Basic principles of classical, population, and molecular genetics with emphasis on gene transmission and expression, linkage and crossing-over, the nature of the hereditary material, and gene action and regulation. Attention to human and applied genetics.

Lab fee required.
Offered fall semesters.
Prerequisite: BIOL-L 102 and CHEM-C 106
Recommended Prerequisite: BIOL-L 211

BIOL-L 315 Cell Biology (4 cr)

An introduction to the biology of the cell including the nature of the organization of the cell, enzyme function, cell environment, and cellular communication, membrane structure and function, cell metabolism, and the normal functions of cells.

Lab fee required.
Offered spring semesters.
Prerequisite: BIOL-L 102 and one semester of college organic chemistry

BIOL-L 318 Evolution (3 cr)

Provides a rigorous exploration of the theory of evolution – the conceptual core of biology. Topics include origins and history of life; the interplay of heredity and environment in shaping adaptation; molecular, behavioral, and social evolution; patterns of speciation, extinction, and their consequences; methods for inferring evolutionary relationships among organisms.

Offered periodically in the spring semester.
Prerequisite: BIOL-L 102

BIOL-L 321 Principles of Immunology (3 cr)

An introductory survey of the basic principles of immunology and their practical applications.

Offered spring semesters.
Prerequisite: BIOL-L 102 and one semester of college chemistry
Recommended Prerequisite: BIOL-L 211

BIOL-L 325 Ecological Principles (4 cr)

A course in the basic principles of ecology and their application. Students will study techniques used to evaluate habitat.

Lab fee required.
Offered fall semesters.
Prerequisite: BIOL-L 102
Recommended Prerequisite: BIOL-L 101

BIOL-L 332 Biology of Suicide (3 cr)

Integrates the biological and medical aspects of suicide with well-known statistics from suicidology. The course provides insights into the relationship between conditions such as mental illnesses and other risk factors of suicide.

Offered every semester.
Offered online only.
Prerequisites: none.

BIOL-L 333 Intro. to Environmental Science (3 cr)

Study of the basic biological, chemical and geological principles that relate to current environmental issues with emphasis on mankind’s impact. Topics include ecological principles, population, resources, pollution and regulation. Required for a minor in Environmental Studies.

Offered fall semester.
Prerequisite: Junior standing; introductory biology, and an introductory course in either chemistry or geology.

BIOL-L 340 Biological Basis of Sex Differences (3 cr)

Biological mechanisms underlying sex differences in physiology, behavior, and evolution of sex roles. Emphasis is on the origin, implications, or general patterns of sex-related function across a variety of types of organisms, with special attention to the higher vertebrates; especially humans.

Offered spring semesters.
Prerequisite: BIOL-L 101 or BIOL-L 102

BIOL-L 344 Biology of Addictions (3 cr)

Presents the neurobiological basis of addictions, including a foundation of basic physiological mechanisms, behavioral symptoms, treatments, animal research. This course also addresses the criminalization of those who suffer from addictions because addiction is a brain illness and it matters.

Offered every semester.
Open to all majors
Prerequisite: None.
Offered online only.

BIOL-L 376 Biology of Birds (3 cr)

This course is designed to give you the skills necessary to identify birds in the field and to acquire a deeper understanding of these amazing animals. We will study aspects of their evolutionary history, structural modifications associated with flight, communication, reproductive behavior, and aspects of their ecology.

Lab fee required.
Offered summer semesters of the even years (e.g. 2014, 2016, etc.).
Prerequisite: BIOL-L 101 or BIOL-L 102

BIOL-L 391 Special Topics in Biology (3 cr)

Study and analysis of selected biological issues and problems. Topics vary from semester to semester.

May be repeated with change in topics.
Offered fall, spring, and summer semesters.

VT: BIOLOGY OF AMPHIBIANS & REPTILES (3 cr.)

Lectures, laboratory, and field studies on reptiles and amphibians, including their classification, evolution, ecology, and methods of study.

Offered periodically during summer semesters
Prerequisite: BIOL-L 101 or BIOL-L 102

VT: MARINE ECOLOGY (3 cr)

Study and analysis of selected marine biological issues and problems.

Open to all majors.
Offered occasionally.
Prerequisite: BIOL-L 102

VT: PRINCIPLES OF PHARMACOLOGY (3 cr)

Introduces general concepts of pharmacology, with a primary focus on pharmacodynamics. Designed to educate the students on the structure and function of body systems, characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of pharmacological agents including herbal remedies.

Open to all majors.
Offered every semester, online only.
Recommended Prerequisite: One year of college completed.

BIOL-L 393 Hormones & Human Health I (3 cr)

This course will study the cause, effect, and management of some common diseases and health conditions related to human hormones. Topics may include diseases associated with endocrine system, pregnancy and contraception, female urogenital system, sexually-transmitted diseases, adrenal medulla and cortex, depression and more.

Offered periodically in fall semesters.
Prerequisite: One semester of college level introductory biology

BIOL-L 394 Hormones & Human Health II (3 cr)

This course will continue to study the cause, effect, and management of some common diseases and health conditions related to human hormones. Topics may include diseases associated with endocrine system, male urogenital system and prostate enlargement, sexually-transmitted diseases, obesity, Alzheimer’s and more.

Offered periodically in spring semesters.
Prerequisite: One semester of college level introductory biology

BIOL-L 403 Biology Seminar (1-3 cr)

Individual presentations of topics of current importance.

May be repeated with change in topics for a maximum of four semesters.
Not distribution satisfying.
Offered periodically.
Prerequisite: BIOL-L 101 or BIOL-L 102

BIOL-L 452 Capstone in Biology (0-3 cr)

An integrative experience for biology majors. Most students will complete a department administered comprehensive exam, although other options are possible with permission of the department capstone committee.

Offered in spring.
To be taken in the final year of student's program.

BIOL-L 490 Individual Study (1-6 cr)

Designed to provide an opportunity for students to receive credit for research. Those research topics may vary based on instructor or faculty member.

Not distribution satisfying.
Prerequisite: Must have written permission of faculty member supervising research.

BIOL-L 498 Internship in Prof. Practice (1-6 cr)

Designed to provide an opportunity for students to receive credit for selected career-related work.

Evaluation by employer and faculty sponsor.
Offered fall, spring, and summer semesters.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing and BIOL-L 102 or equivalent; consent of instructor.

BIOL-L 521 Problems in Genetics – Higher Organisms (3 cr)

Course description pending.

Offered in fall semesters.
Open to Graduate-level students only.
Prerequisite: Bachelor's degree in Biology or related area.

BIOL-L 523 Critical Analysis of the Scientific Literature (1-6 cr)

Detailed analysis of current research papers in biology. Emphasis on experimental design, research methods, interpretation of results, and suitability of controls. Generally taken in the first semester of graduate residence. Topics may vary to suit specific fields (e.g. Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and Genetics, or Ecological and Evolutionary biology).

Offered occasionally in spring semesters.
Open to Graduate-level students only.
Prerequisite: Bachelor's degree in Biology or related area.

BIOL-L 586 Cell Biology (3 cr)

Critical analysis of recent advances in our understanding of molecular organization and function of cellular structures. The emphasis of this course will be on eukaryotic cells. Topics include membrane organization, cytoskeleton assembly and functions, signal transduction, cell-cycle regulation, protein sorting, and vesicle trafficking.

Offered in spring semesters.
Open to Graduate-level students only.
Prerequisite: One semester of college-level Organic Chemistry.

BIOL-M 310 Microbiology (3 cr)

Application of fundamental biological principles to the study of microorganisms. Significance of microorganisms to humans and their environment.

Offered in fall semesters.
Prerequisite: BIOL-L 102 and one year of college chemistry.
Co-requisite: BIOL-M 315 (lab portion)

BIOL-M 315 Microbiology Laboratory (2 cr)

Exercises and demonstrations to yield proficiency in principles and techniques of cultivation and utilization of microorganisms under aseptic conditions.

Offered in fall semesters with BIOL-M 310.
Co-requisite: BIOL-M 310 (lecture portion)

BIOL-N 120 Topics in Biology (3 cr)

Study and analysis of selected biological issues and problems. Topics may vary from semester to semester.

May be repeated with a change in topics.
Open to non-science majors.
Offered every semester.
Prerequisite: None

VT: The Biology of Mental Illness

Presents mental illness from multiple perspectives including a biologist, a psychologist, a RN, a psychiatrist, a social worker, a primary consumer, and family members. Addresses the structure and function of the brain, nervous system, endocrine system and hormones. This course also highlights a history of mental illness, the DSM, and six different mental illnesses.

Open to all majors.
Offered every semester.

VT: Biochemistry of Cooking

Cooking and grilling in the summer with fresh produce while incorporating different oils in your day to day menu. Learning the biochemical aspects of the food with which you cook.
Offered summer semester, occasionally.

VT: Murder 101

This is an online course that investigates who, how, and why we murder. The course considers why we murder from biological and psychological perspectives. We will investigate how murder is portrayed in popular literature and film. Throughout the course, you will act as a detective and test the idea that “Murderers will try to recall the sequence of events, they will remember exactly what they did just before and just after. But they can never remember the actual moment of killing. This is why [they] will always leave a clue.” Peter Ackroyd

Offered: Periodically.

BIOL-N 212 Human Biology (3 cr)

Study of structure and function of the human body providing a solid foundation in anatomy and physiology.

Offered every semester, online only.
Co-requisite: BIOL-N 213 (lab portion)
Not open to Biology majors.

BIOL-N 213 Human Biology Laboratory (1 cr)

Accompanying laboratory for BIOL-N 212.

Lab fee required.
Offered every semester, online only.
Co-requisite: BIOL-N 212 (lecture portion)

BIOL-T 571 Introductory Biochemistry (3 cr)

Protein composition and structure, Enzyme kinetics, catalytic and regulatory strategies, Carbohydrates, Nucleic acids, Lipids and cell membranes, Transducing and storing energy - metabolic cycles, Responding to environmental changes.

Offered in fall semesters.
Open to Graduate-level students only.

BIOL-T 582 Advanced Field Zoology (3 cr)

This course will cover areas related to ecology - specifically in the areas of wildlife biology, wildlife management, and conservation biology. There will be some bias towards vertebrate and behavioral ecology.

Offered in summer semesters.
Open to Graduate-level students only.

BIOL-Z 217 Introduction to Developmental Biology (3 cr)

Lecture and studies based on the analysis of developmental processes that lead to the construction of complex multicellular organisms from single cells. Topics may include comprehending development, differential gene expression in development, molecular techniques, cell-cell communication in development, specification and introducing cell commitment and early embryonic development, fertilization, early development in snails and nematodes, genetics of axis specification (Drosophila,) early development in sea urchins and tunicates, early development in vertebrates, stem cell concept / organogenesis, emergence of the ectoderm (CNS and epidermis,) neural crest cells and axonal specificity, paraxial and intermediate mesoderm, lateral plate mesoderm and the endoderm, development of the tetrapod limb, sex determination, postembryonic development, the saga of the germ line, and plant development.

Open to all majors.
Offered fall semesters, occasionally, online only.
Prerequisite: BIOL-L 102

BIOL-Z 301 Introduction to the Animal Kingdom (4 cr)

Emphasis on structure, physiology, classification, and evolutionary relationships of animals including the major phyla of the animal kingdom.

Lab fee required.
Offered fall semesters.
Prerequisite: BIOL-L 102

BIOL-Z 373 Entomology (3 cr)

The ecology, physiology, behavior, taxonomy and evolution of insects.

Offered fall semesters, periodically.
Prerequisite: BIOL-L 101 or BIOL-L 102

BIOL-Z 460 Animal Behavior (3 cr)

Introduction to the zoological study of animal behavior. Emphasizes both internal and external factors involved in the causation of species-typical behavior of animals in their natural environment.

Offered spring semesters.
Prerequisite: BIOL-L 102.

BIOL-Z 468 Limnology (4 cr)

A study of freshwater environments: their physical and chemical processes and the forms of life that inhabit them.

Offered occasionally, summer semesters of the odd years (e.g. 2015, 2017, etc.).
Prerequisite: BIOL-L 101 or BIOL-L 102; or permission from the instructor.