BIOL-L 100 Humans and the Biological World (5 cr)

Principles of biological organization, from molecules through cells and organisms to populations. Emphasis on processes common to all organisms, with special references to humans.

  • For non-science majors
  • Offered every semester
  • Prerequisite: None

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

An introductory course designed for prospective biology majors and students majoring in ancillary sciences. Principles of life processes including the chemical basis of life, cellular structure and function, genetics, and evolution.

  • Offered fall and spring semesters
  • Prerequisite: High school algebra or any college level mathematics course; and placement into ENG-W 131

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

Integrates a brief survey of the plant and animal kingdoms with an emphasis on a comparative review of the major functional systems in diverse groups, and an introduction to the principles of ecology.

  • Offered fall and spring semesters
  • Prerequisite: High school algebra or any college level mathematics course; and placement into ENG-W 131

BIOL-L 114 Body 101 (3 cr)

This course covers basic facts and concepts related to the human body for science, pre-clinical and non-science students.

  • Offered fall and spring semesters
  • Prerequisite: None

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 101

BIOL-L 213 Molecular Biology Laboratory (1 cr)

Introduction to basic techniques in molecular biology including DNA extraction and purification, gel electrophoresis, transformation with plasmids, polymerase chain reaction, and bioinformatics. Accompanying laboratory course for BIOL-L 211 (Molecular Biology).

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

BIOL-L 224 Biology of Mental Illness (3 cr)

An overview of the biological principles underlying brain-based disorders we call mental illnesses. Presents mental illness.

  • Open to all majors
  • Offered every semester
  • Prerequisite: None

BIOL-L 235 Neuroscience Laboratory (1 cr)

Laboratory course illustrating various aspects of the function of the nervous system in humans.

  • Offered fall and spring semesters
  • Prerequisite: None
  • Lab course for BIOL-L 224 Biology of Mental Illness or BIOL-L 344 Biology of Addictions

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.

  • May be repeated once for credit.
  • Prerequisite: BIOL-L 100, BIOL-L 101 or BIOL-L 102 and department consent
  • Suggested Prerequisite: BIOL-L 325
  • Offered periodically, typically spring semester with field trips occurring in the summer

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.

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.

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 Human Immunology (3 cr)

Introductory course exploring the basic components and function of the immune system, stressing mechanisms that protect humans against pathogens and how its dysfunction can lead to autoimmune disease, allergy, and transplant rejection.

  • Offered spring semester
  • 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.

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.
  • Prerequisites: none.

BIOL-L 333 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: either BIOL-L 100 or both BIOL-L 101 and 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.

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.

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 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.

  • Independent Study
  • Prerequisite: Consent of instructor

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 as needed
  • Prerequisite: 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-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.

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-T 583 Problems in Genetics – Higher Organisms (3 cr)

Selected topics in the genetics of higher organisms emphasizing studies at the molecular level.

  • Offered fall semester

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 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-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-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.