Course Listings

Concepts of Biology

BIOL 101 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Not open to students majoring in biotechnology or laboratory management.) An introduction to the structure and function of living organisms. The objective is to use knowledge about biological principles and scientific reasoning to make informed decisions about the natural world. Topics include the chemical foundations of life, cell biology, genetics, evolution, ecosystems, and the interdependence of living organisms. Discussion also covers the importance of the scientific method to biological inquiry and the impact of biological knowledge and technology on human societies. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 101 or BIOL 103.

Laboratory in Biology

BIOL 102 | 1 Credit

Course Desc: (Not open to students majoring in biotechnology or laboratory management. Fulfills the laboratory science requirement only with previous or concurrent credit for BIOL 101.) Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 101. A hands-on study of the structure and function of living organisms. The goal is to apply the scientific method and to use scientific and quantitative reasoning to make informed decisions about experimental results in the biological sciences. Laboratory exercises emphasize the scientific method and explore topics such as the chemical foundations of living organisms, cell structure and function, and the classification of organisms. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 102 or BIOL 103.

Introduction to Biology

BIOL 103 | 4 Credits

Course Desc: (Not open to students majoring in biotechnology or laboratory management or to students who have completed BIOL 101 or BIOL 102. Fulfills the laboratory science requirement.) An introduction to the structure and function of living organisms. The aim is to apply the scientific method and use scientific and quantitative reasoning to make informed decisions about experimental results in the biological sciences. Topics include the chemical foundations of life, cell biology, genetics, evolution, ecosystems, and the interdependence of living organisms. Discussion also covers the importance of the scientific method to biological inquiry and the impact of biological knowledge and technology on human societies. Laboratory activities emphasize the scientific method. Students may receive credit for only one of the following: BIOL 101 - BIOL 102 or BIOL 103.

Principles of Biology I

BIOL 105 | 4 Credits

Course Desc: (For students majoring or minoring in science. Fulfills the laboratory science requirement.) An introduction to the basic principles of biology. The goal is to apply knowledge about biological principles, the scientific method, and quantitative reasoning to effectively communicate an understanding of biological topics and research. Topics include the scientific method and biological processes and functions, with a special emphasis on cellular and molecular biology. 

General Botany

BIOL 120 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Not for students majoring or minoring in science.) A basic study of plant biology emphasizing an ecological approach. Fundamental concepts and processes of plants are covered. The importance of plant life to humans is stressed. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 120, BOTN 100, BOTN 101, or BOTN 105.

Botany Laboratory

BIOL 121 | 1 Credit

Course Desc: (Not for students majoring or minoring in science. Fulfills the laboratory science requirement only with previous or concurrent credit for 120.) Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 120. An introduction to the taxonomy, anatomy, and physiology of plants, including examination of their evolutionary and ecological interactions.

Human Biology

BIOL 160 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Science background not required.) A general introduction to human structure, functions, genetics, evolution, and ecology. The aim is to use scientific reasoning to make informed decisions about topics related to human biology. The human organism is examined from the basic cellular level and genetics, through organ systems, to interaction with the outside world. Discussion also covers pertinent health topics. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 160 or GNSC 160.

Laboratory in Human Biology

BIOL 161 | 1 Credit

Course Desc: (Fulfills the laboratory science requirement only with previous or concurrent credit for BIOL 160.) Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 160. A laboratory study that uses the human organism as an example to illustrate the concepts underlying the organization and interrelationships of all living organisms.

Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology

BIOL 164 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: BIOL 101, BIOL 103, or BIOL 160. An introduction to the anatomy and physiology of the human organism. Topics include basic concepts of physics and chemistry that are necessary for understanding biological functions and the structure and function of cells, tissues, and the major organ systems in the body. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 164 or GNSC 161.

Life in the Oceans

BIOL 181 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: An introductory study of the major groups of plants and animals in various marine environments, as well as their interactions with each other and the nonliving components of the ocean. The objective is to use scientific reasoning to make informed decisions about topics related to marine biology. Discussion covers the impact of human activity on life in the ocean and the potential uses and misuses of the ocean. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 181 or ZOOL 181.

Marine Biology Laboratory

BIOL 182 | 1 Credit

Course Desc: (Fulfills the laboratory science requirement only with previous or concurrent credit for BIOL 181 or NSCI 110.) Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 181 or NSCI 110. An introduction to the environmental and biological factors that affect life in the oceans, including chemical and physical properties such as salinity, oxygen concentration, depth, tides, currents, and light. The investigations may include field exercises examining life in specific habitats, such as coral reefs, estuaries, and intertidal areas.

Human Anatomy and Physiology I

BIOL 201 | 4 Credits

Course Desc: "(For students majoring or minoring in science. Fulfills the laboratory science requirement; course prerequisite: BIOL 103 or BIOL 105). A thorough introduction to the anatomy and physiology of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, endocrine, and nervous systems of human beings. The objective is to correctly identify anatomical structures of these systems and recognize how they interrelate to maintain homeostasis. Topics include the scientific method, the chemistry of life, cellular form and function in selected organ system. Discussion also covers the appropriate use of laboratory tools and techniques used to examine human anatomy structures and physiological functions. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 201 or ZOOL 201. "

Human Anatomy and Physiology II

BIOL 202 | 4 Credits

Course Desc: (For students majoring or minoring in science. Fulfills the laboratory science requirement; course prerequisite: BIOL 103 or BIOL 105). A thorough introduction to the anatomy and physiology of the blood and cardiovascular, lymphatic, immune, excretory, respiratory, and reproductive systems of human beings. The objective is to correctly identify anatomical structures of these systems and recognize how they interrelate to maintain homeostasis. Discussion also covers the appropriate use of laboratory tools and techniques used to examine human anatomy structures and physiological functions. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 202 or ZOOL 201.

Environmental Science

BIOL 211 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: A survey of ecological principles as they apply to the interrelated dilemmas of sustainability. Topics include overpopulation, pollution, over-consumption of natural resources, and the ethics of land use. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 211, BOTN 211, or PBIO 235.

Environmental Science Laboratory

BIOL 212 | 1 Credit

Course Desc: (For students not majoring in science . Fulfills the laboratory science requirement only with previous or concurrent credit for BIOL 211.) Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 211. A laboratory study investigating human interactions with our environment. Scientific objectivity and methodology are employed to gather and analyze data pertaining to the varied and inter-related forms of human environmental impact. Topics explored include principles of ecology, population dynamics, food supply alternatives and impact, sustainable water supplies, energy alternatives, pollution control, greenhouse gases, recycling, and conservation technologies.

Human Genetics

BIOL 220 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: An introduction to the role of genes in inheritance of traits and genetic diseases and disorders. The goal is to understand how genes affect physical appearance and behavior. Topics include Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance of human genetic diseases, human genetic variation, and mechanisms underlying human diseases. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 220, BIOL 222, or BSCI 222.

Principles of Genetics

BIOL 222 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisites: BIOL 105. A study of the principles and mechanisms of heredity and gene expression. The goal is to articulate the importance of DNA as the genetic material of living organisms and the ways that mutations in DNA can result in disease transmission and species evolution. Topics include patterns of inheritance of genetic material at the molecular, cellular, organism, and population levels.

Genetics Laboratory

BIOL 224 | 1 Credit

Course Desc: Prerequisite: BIOL 101, BIOL 103, or BIOL 105. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 220 or BIOL 222. A laboratory introduction to the tools used in genetics research. The goal is to demonstrate the skills necessary to conduct experiments, collect and analyze data, solve problems, and communicate experimental results.

General Microbiology

BIOL 230 | 4 Credits

Course Desc: (For students majoring or minoring in a science. Fulfills the laboratory science requirement.) Prerequisite: BIOL 103 or other introductory biology course with laboratory. An investigation of fundamental concepts in morphology, physiology, genetics, immunology, ecology, and pathogenic microbiology. Applications of microbiology to medicine, the food industry, and biotechnology are considered. Student may receive credit for only one of the following: BIOL 230, BIOL 302, BIOL 331, BIOL 398G, BSCI 223, MICB 200, or MICB 388A.

Human Health and Disease

BIOL 301 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (For students majoring in both science and nonscience disciplines.) A survey of the mechanisms of disease and their expression in major organ systems of the human body. The goal is to use scientific reasoning to make informed decisions about matters related to human biology and health. Topics include infections, cancer, heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, stroke, malnutrition, poisoning by environmental toxins, stress, inflammation, disorders of the immune system, and aging. Emphasis is on analysis of factors that cause disruption of healthy body functions, leading to disease, and on prevention of disease through control of risk factors and early detection. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 301 or BIOL 398H.

Bacteria, Viruses, and Health

BIOL 302 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (For students majoring in both science and nonscience disciplines.) An introductory study of the basic structure, genetic and regulatory systems, and life cycles of bacteria and viruses and how they relate to health, infectious disease, and illness. The objective is to apply knowledge of cellular and molecular processes and communicate synthesized knowledge of microbial pathogenesis and disease prevention methods. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 230, BIOL 302, BIOL 331, BIOL 398G, BSCI 223, MICB 200, or MICB 388A.

The Biology of Cancer

BIOL 304 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (For students majoring in both science and nonscience disciplines.) An overview of the biological basis of cancer. The goal is to apply knowledge of cancer biology to adopt appropriate lifestyle strategies and evaluate current treatments. The causes, development, and progression of cancer are considered at the level of cell structure and function. The roles of genes and proteins are also examined. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 304 or GNSC 398C.

The Biology of Aging

BIOL 307 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (For students majoring in both science and nonscience disciplines.) An overview of the biological basis of aging. The goal is to apply knowledge of the aging process to influence personal lifestyle choices, public health policy, and economic decisions. Topics include typical changes that occur in cells, molecules, metabolism, and structure during the aging process. The development and progression of several diseases associated with aging (including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, osteoporosis, and loss of visual acuity and memory) are discussed with respect to the role of genes, proteins, and environmental influences. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 307 or BIOL 398V.

Biology and the Climate Crisis

BIOL 318 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: An examination of the causes and effects of climate change and its impact on people, the environment, and the ecosystems we all depend on. The goal is to connect food and water security, health, equity, and urban living conditions to the changing global climate, changes in temperatures, precipitation patterns, sea levels, and ocean chemistry. Discussion covers how ecological systems support a stable climate and how wild flora, fauna, and ecological communities are threatened by rapid anthropogenic climate change. Topics include biologically based solutions that protect human health and well-being, especially for vulnerable populations, and preserve and restore the ecosystem diversity and stability that assure long-term persistence of life on Earth.

Forensic Biology

BIOL 320 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: An introduction to the basic principles of biology as applied to the field of forensic science. The aim is to use scientific reasoning to draw conclusions and make decisions about forensic techniques, analyses, and results. Topics include the biological features and characteristics of evidentiary materials, as well as the basic principles of chemistry, cell biology, microbiology, and genetics that underlie forensic analyses.

Inquiries in Biological Science

BIOL 325 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: BIOL 105. An overview of biological principles and current trends in biological science. The goal is to apply knowledge of core biological principles, critically analyze current research, and use scientific reasoning to make evaluative decisions related to applications in the biological sciences. Topics include the scientific process, core biological concepts, careers in biology-related fields, and safety and health policies relevant to biological research.

Bioethics

BIOL 328 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: An introduction to ethical decision-making related to human life and health. The aim is to form defensible positions and carefully crafted arguments based on well-supported evidence. Discussion covers reproductive issues, biological research, and healthcare. Emphasis is on scientific and philosophical thinking.

Molecular and Cellular Biology

BIOL 350 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (For students majoring or minoring in a science.) Prerequisite: BIOL 325. A thorough examination of the basic structure and function of cells, with an emphasis on eukaryotic cell biology. The objective is to use knowledge of molecular biology to interpret results and draw conclusions about research findings and technological applications. Topics include cell-cycle growth and death; protein structure; DNA replication, repair, and recombination; gene expression; RNA processing; and molecular transport, traffic, and signaling. Discussion also covers the application of recombinant DNA, genetic engineering, and other current molecular biology technologies. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 350 or BIOL 398S.

Bioinformatics

BIOL 357 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: BIOL 325 or another upper-level biology course. An introduction to the use of computers in the analysis of nucleic acid and protein sequences and a study of the significance of these analyses. The goal is to develop an understanding of the software used in bioinformatics and learn how to address specific questions in biotechnology and research. Topics include genome analysis, evolutionary relationships, structure-function identification, protein pattern recognition, protein-protein interaction, and algorithms.

Neurobiology

BIOL 362 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: BIOL 101, BIOL 103, or BIOL 160. An in-depth discussion of the biology and development of the nervous system. The goal is to apply knowledge of neurobiological principles to advanced studies or careers and be more informed healthcare consumers. Topics include neuronal structure and function; communication at the synapse; membrane receptors and intra- and intercellular signaling systems; gross organization of the brain and spinal cord; the processing of sensory information; the programming of motor responses; research techniques; ethics; brain development; plasticity; and higher functions such as learning, memory, cognition, and speech.

Special Topics in Biology

BIOL 398 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: A study of topics in biology of special interest to students and faculty. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 credits when topics differ.

Biology of Coral Reefs

BIOL 398E | 3 Credits

Course Desc: A study of the coral reef ecosystem with lectures, fieldwork, and lab work. Special attention will be given to the biology of corals, identification of common organisms living on the reef, and their relationship with corals.

The Role of Nutrition in Cancer and Heart Disease

BIOL 398J | 1 Credit

Course Desc: A study of the relationship between diet and the development of cancer and heart disease at the level of molecules, cells, and genes. The aim is to examine the scientific and epidemiological evidence supporting the roles of various foods, nutrients, antioxidants, fiber, fats, and genetics in the progression or prevention of these two major causes of mortality. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 398J or GNSC 398F.

Wildlife Ecology

BIOL 398N | 1 Credit

Course Desc: Recommended: BIOL 101 or similar introductory biology course. An overview of the history, science, and public policy of wildlife ecology and management. The goals are to distinguish, analyze, and assess the basic characteristics of wildlife populations and habitats, the significance of wildlife biodiversity to natural and human communities, and the role of human perceptions and policies in protecting and restoring wildlife populations. Topics will include biodiversity, conservation, extirpation, extinction, habitat loss, invasive species, pollution, overharvesting, population dynamics, sustainability, and restoration.

Pesticides and the Environment

BIOL 398P | 1 Credit

Course Desc: An overview of the history, science, and public policy of pesticide use and management. The goal is to distinguish, analyze, assess, and appraise the impact of pesticides on human health, wildlife populations, and ecosystem functions. Topics include biodiversity, mechanisms of action, genetic resistance, risk assessment, regulatory frameworks, toxicity testing, and social values.

Common Intertidal Animals of Okinawa

BIOL 398Q | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: BIOL 101 or BIOL 181. A study of the animals found in tropical and subtropical coral reef environments. Emphasis is on higher taxonomy, field and laboratory identification, and the life history and interaction of various coral reef animals. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 398Q or ZOOL 398Q.

Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases

BIOL 422 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: BIOL 230, BIOL 301, BIOL 302, or BIOL 398G. An investigation of factors contributing to the emergence of new infectious diseases and the resurgence of diseases once thought to have been controlled. The goal is to synthesize and apply knowledge of research methods, integrate epidemiological information, and communicate knowledge to scientific and nonscientific communities. Topics include socioeconomic and environmental factors that contribute to the inability to prevent or control malaria, tuberculosis, and AIDS. Disease symptoms, patterns of spread, and possible control measures are examined for new infectious diseases (such as Lyme disease and those caused by E. coli O157, the Ebola virus, hantaviruses, and cryptosporidia). Discussion also covers resurgent diseases such as anthrax, bubonic plague, dengue, influenza, and cholera. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 422 or MICB 388E.