Biology

Biology Courses

Course Information

For more information, please contact the Office of the Registrar.

BIOL-025 RESEARCH METHODS

Instruction and practice in techniques used in research laboratories. May be repeated for Biology major or minor elective credit. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. 1 credit (EL)

BIOL-100 TOPICS IN BIOLOGY

Specialized focus on new developments or subjects of current interest in biology. NOTE: Not applicable for General Science major or minor. 3 credits (NW)

BIOL-104 GENETICS: A 20TH CENTURY SCIENCE

Examination of the changing concept of the gene from 1900 to the present. The advent and the future of molecular biology. Consideration of topics from historical and biological perspectives. Study of the scientific method and its application to the gene concept. NOT APPLICABLE to General Science major. 3 credits (NW)

BIOL-105 HUMAN BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION (CROSS- LISTED WITH ANTH 105)

Principles of human biology and evolution, dealing with the genetics, physiology, and behavior of humans and other primates. Study of the relationships between biology and culture. Emphasis on the theory of evolution, its application to humans, and recent discoveries in the field of human prehistory. Lecture, readings, films, essays, and discussion. NOT APPLICABLE for Biology or General Science major or minor. 3 credits (NW)

BIOL-106 MICROBES & MAN

Role of microorganisms in nature and their importance to human welfare. Stimulation of an understanding of such contemporary issues as genetic engineering, cancer and its causes, infectious diseases, and the quality of the environment. For the non-science major; assumes no biology or chemistry. NOT APPLICABLE to General Science major. 3 credits

BIOL-107 ANIMALS IN ACTION

Course explores animal behavior at multiple levels of biological organization from genetic and neurophysiological underpinnings of behavior to resulting behavioral interactions of animals with environment and other organisms. Special emphasis given to relating course concepts to relevant current topics in human health and society, evolution and biological conservation. Topics include: behavioral genetics, hormones and behavior, mating behavior, parent-offspring interactions, habitat selection, navigation, foraging, self defense, communication, learning, cognition, sociality, and behavior and conservation. Course for non-majors intended to promote scientific literacy and quantitative reasoning. NOT APPLICABLE to General Science major. 3 credits (NW)

BIOL-108 ECOLOGY OF ECOSYSTEMS

Examination of the diversity and complexity of ecosystems plus critical processes, including nutrient cycling, productivity, and energy flow. Analysis of human impacts on these ecosystems, with considerations of ecosystem resilience and restoration efforts. NOT APPLICABLE to General Science major. 3 credits (NW or QR)

BIOL-109 THE LIFE AND DEATH OF CANCER

Introduction to basic biology and pathogenesis of cancer. Overview of many types of cancer with description of statistics regarding prevalence and survival rates. Consideration of economic and social implications of cancer, treatments, and research and drug development. Designed for non-majors. NOT APPLICABLE to General Science major. 3 credits (NW)

BIOL-210 PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY

An introduction to the fundamental principles of biology including the origin and diversity of living things; the molecular, cellular, and genetic bases of life; the structure and function of organisms; their evolution and ecology. Lecture and laboratory. Required for Biology majors. Completion of 210 is a prerequisite for enrollment in 211. $50 lab fee. Recommended: concurrent enrollment in CHEM 210. 4 credits each semester (NW)

BIOL-211 PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY

BIOL-212 HUMAN ANATOMY

A systemic approach to structure and basic functions of cells, tissues, and organs of the human body. Lab exercises include cat dissection, microscopic examination of tissues and organs of the body and utilization of human cadaver prosections. Lecture and laboratory. $55 lab fee. Prerequisites: Completion of one full semester of college. One year of Principles of Biology or General Chemistry is strongly recommended. NOT for Biology major credit, but acceptable for Biology minor or General Science major. 4 credits (NW)

BIOL-213 HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY

Functioning of human body systems relating to organization and structure; support and movement, internal communication; integration, coordination, and sensation; internal transport; energy acquisition and metabolism; fluid regulation; and reproduction. Lecture and laboratory. $55 lab fee. Prerequisite: 212 or consent of instructor. Offered fall and spring. NOT for Biology major credit, but acceptable for Biology minor or General Science major. 4 credits (NW)

BIOL-225 TROPICAL ECOLOGY IN COSTA RICA

Introduction to tropical ecosystems and to the relationship between humans and those environments. Field trips to several tropical ecosystems including humid, dry, and cloud forests and to agricultural or biological research stations. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisites: 210/211. Offered fall. 3 credits (NW or GP)

BIOL-235 FIELD METHODS IN BIOLOGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

A hands-on exploration of the methods used to gather and analyze data taken from the field, including quantification of the diversity and distribution of plant, animal, and fungal species, populations, communities, and ecosystems, of hydrology and water quality, and of GIS software. Lecture, laboratory, and field trips. $50 lab fee. Prerequisites: 210/211; MATH 140 recommended. 4 credits

BIOL-250 PLANT GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT

Study of the basic structure and function of the cells, tissues, and organs of higher plants. Detailed exploration of the genetic and molecular bases of processes such as flowering and embryogenesis. Emphasis on current models of plant development using scientific papers from the primary literature. Lecture and laboratory. $50 lab fee. Prerequisites: 210/211. 5 credits

BIOL-260 PLANT DIVERSITY & ECOLOGY

Study of the evolution and systematics of plants, including mosses, ferns and fern allies, gymnosperms, and angiosperms; the global and regional distribution and ecology of plant communities and ecosystems; and the interrelationships between plants and humans. $50 lab fee. Prerequisites: 210/211, or ENVS 101/102. 4 credits (NW)

BIOL-270 GENETICS

Fundamental principles of heredity from viruses to man, with emphasis on chromosomal mapping, gene regulation, and modern concepts of DNA manipulation. Lecture and laboratory. $50 lab fee. Prerequisites: 210/211, and CHEM 210. 5 credits

BIOL-275 INTRODUCTION TO MICROBIOLOGY

Introductory course covering the basic concepts of microbial world, beginning with a review of biological and chemical concepts. Focus on the prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms with clinical and industrial importance. Meets the prerequisites for students planning to major in Nursing.$50 Lab Fee Prerequisites: 210/211, or CHEM 210/211. 4 credits

BIOL-280 MARINE ECOLOGY

The physical and biological factors in the marine ecosystem and their interrelationships, emphasizing the rocky intertidal, sandy beach, and deep abyss environments. Lecture, laboratory, field work, and projects. $50 lab fee. Prerequisites: 210/211; and CHEM 210/211 recommended. 4 credits

BIOL-285 PRINCIPLES OF ECOLOGY

Introduction to the structure and functions of ecosystems, communities, and populations with emphasis on terrestrial and fresh water environments. Introduction to the science of laboratory ecology and field research. Quantitative field techniques, basic statistical tools, and conduct an independent research study. $50 lab fee. Prerequisite: 211 or ENVS 101. 5 credits (NW or QR)

BIOL-290 PLANTS AND SOCIETY (CROSS-LISTED WITH ANTH 290)

An interdisciplinary study of past, present, and future uses of plants, the products made from them, the sociocultural contexts in which the plants are used, their impact on development of human societies, and the impact of humans on plant populations worldwide. Three hours of lecture/week plus field trips. $50 lab fee. Prerequisites: 211, ANTH 111, or ENVS 102 recommended. Offered every spring. 4 credits (NW)

BIOL-295 SOPHOMORE SEMINAR IN BIOLOGY

Career planning and skills in biology. Career guidance, networking, ethics, problem solving, scientific exploration, resume and/or CV writing, informational interviews, attendance at and summary of several Science Colloquium meetings, and class presentations. Prerequisite: sophomore standing. 1 credit

BIOL-298 SPECIAL TOPICS: JAN TERM TRAVEL

Topics vary according to faculty availability and interest. The major topic taught in the past has been Marine Biology of Hawaii (NW, WI). Offered only as student interest and college resources permit. May be repeated for credit with different topics.

BIOL-300 TOPICS IN BIOLOGY

Specialized focus on new developments, advanced topics, or subjects of current interest in biology. Lecture/lab, lecture/field work, or seminar format. May be repeated once for credit with different content. $50 lab fee. Prerequisites: 210/211, and junior standing. 3 credits.

BIOL-330 INSECT BIOLOGY

Explore the evolution, diversity, anatomy, physiology, reproduction, development, ecology, and behavior of the most abundant animal form on planet earth – the insects. Class meetings will be a mixture of traditional lecture with frequent in-class discussions and activities. The laboratory will include experimental and experiential investigations of material coordinated with the lecture. Students assemble and curate an insect collection. $50 lab fee. Prerequisites: 211, junior standing or permission of instructor. 4 credits.

BIOL-350 BIOLOGY AND IDENTITY OF WOODY PLANTS

Intensive field and lecture course for identification of tree, shrub, and vine species prominent in Oregon ecosystems. Biogeographic history, landscape and disturbance ecology, ecological specialization, evolutionary history, and impacts of global warming and other anthropogenic environmental changes. Lab trip to the Redwoods. $50 fee. Prerequisite: BIOL 211 strongly recommended. Offered fall of odd-numbered years. 4 credits

BIOL-361 GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY

Biology of major groups of organisms with emphasis on bacteria and viruses. Micro-organisms in human disease, the environment, and applied microbiology. Lab techniques for isolating and identifying bacteria. Three lectures and one laboratory per week. $50 lab fee. Appropriate for Biology & Exercise Science majors. Prerequisites: 210/211 and CHEM 210. 4 credits

BIOL-385 PLANT SYSTEMATICS

Evolutionary perspective of diversity and adaptations of vascular plants. Special emphasis given to vascular plant classifications, recognition of family-level traits, and plant nomenclature. Collection and identification of ferns, gymnosperms, and flowering plants in Oregon. Lecture, lab, and field trips. $50 lab fee. Prerequisites: 210/211 and junior standing. 270 strongly recommended. Offered spring of odd-numbered years. 5 credits.

BIOL-390 VERTEBRATE PHYSIOLOGY

Physiological principles in vertebrates, with emphasis on mechanisms of integration and homeostasis at cellular, organ, and system levels. Lecture and laboratory. $50 lab fee. Prerequisites: 210/211 and CHEM 210/211. 5 credits

BIOL-398 SPECIAL TOPICS: JAN TERM TRAVEL

BIOL-400 MOLECULAR CELL BIOLOGY

Study of the molecular mechanisms of fundamental biological processes such as transcription, translation, and DNA replication; molecular cell biology of eukaryotic organisms. Concepts introduced at the beginning of the course applied to the molecular biology of complex multicellular processes such as development, immune response, and cancer. $50 lab fee. Prerequisites: 210/211, CHEM 210/211, and junior standing. 5 credits (MWI)

BIOL-410 ANIMAL BEHAVIOR

Concepts in animal behavior at multiple levels of biological organization. Perspectives range from genetic and neurophysiological underpinnings of behavior to the resulting behavioral interactions of animals with their environment and other organisms. Topics include behavioral genetics, hormones and behavior, mating behavior, parent-offspring interactions, habitat selection, navigation, foraging, self defense, communication, learning, sociality, and behavior and conservation. Laboratory includes experimental hypothesis testing in the field and lab; data collection, analysis, and presentation; and a grant proposal. $50 lab fee. Prerequisites: 210/211, and junior standing. 4 credits (MWI)

BIOL-420 DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY

Study of the early development of vertebrates and selected invertebrates, with emphasis on genetic, biochemical, and physiological processes influencing formation and growth of organ systems. Lecture and laboratory. $50 lab fee. Prerequisites: 210/211, and CHEM 210/211. 270 strongly recommended. 5 credits

BIOL-432 IMMUNOLOGY

The nature of antigens, lymphocytes, immunoglobulins, and the regulation of the immune response. Applications to infection, hypersensitivity, tumor immunity, transplantation, and autoimmunity. Three lectures per week. Prerequisites: 210/211, and CHEM 210/211, 321. 3 credits

BIOL-433 IMMUNOLOGY LAB

Laboratory techniques in basic hematology, serology, cell culture, and experimental immunology. $50 lab fee. Prerequisite: 432 concurrently. 1 credit

BIOL-439 PEER INSTRUCTION

Advanced study opportunity for outstanding students to assist faculty members in the classroom or laboratory. Focus on course content and pedagogy. Prerequisites: junior standing, application and consent of instructor. 1-2 credits (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory) (EL)

BIOL-441 BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Study of the biochemical and molecular processes within a cell. Consideration of the role of lipids, amino acids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids in the fundamental cellular processes of replication, transcription, translation, signaling, and transport. Prerequisites: 210/211; CHEM 210/211, and junior standing. 4 credits

BIOL-450 EVOLUTION

Historical development of modern synthetic theory; sources and maintenance of variation, population differentiation, origin of species; applications to conservation and human welfare. Lecture and field trips. $50 lab fee. Prerequisites: 210/211, and 270 recommended. 5 credits (MWI)

BIOL-480 INDEPENDENT STUDY

Supplemental work for students with advanced standing in biology. 1-5 credits, with a maximum of 5 credits applied to the major.

BIOL-485 SEMINAR

Group study and discussion of contemporary problems, research issues, and ideas in biology. Oral presentation. Prerequisite: one year of college biology. 1 credit

BIOL-486 SENIOR COMPREHENSIVE EXAM

Preparation for oral examination emphasizing breadth of knowledge in general biology and depth of knowledge in areas of course work. Prerequisite: senior standing. 1 credit

BIOL-487 INTERNSHIP

Opportunity to gain practical experiences, e.g. at a field station, with a health care professional, in a business, or with a governmental agency. Written report. One credit per 40 hours of experience. Prerequisite: consent of department. Maximum of 5 cr may be applied to the major. 1-5 credits (EL)

BIOL-490 INDEPENDENT RESEARCH

Field or laboratory research on topics of interest to student. Library work and extensive written report. For advanced, self-reliant students. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Maximum of 5 credits may be applied to the major. 2-5 credits

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