The Department of Biology covers applied subjects as well studies from expanded and interdisciplinary perspectives. In a world where biology is at the forefront of technology, medicine, and environmental concerns, a critical understating of human biology and ecosystems is a primary aim of the department's curriculum.
3 semester credits. This course provides a general introduction to the study of human anatomy and physiology. The course is designed for non-biology majors who want to learn the basics of anatomy. General properties of living organisms are considered while human structures and functions are emphasized. The class will study the creation of the human body, from cells to tissues, organs to organ systems, and finally the organism, along with the chemical and physical principles behind its operation, and the principal systems and their physiological processes will be discussed. In addition, students are given a historical overview of anatomical studies from the work of Galen in antiquity to the anatomical investigations of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Vesalius during the Renaissance. New and noninvasive technologies, such as MRI, that uncover parts of the human anatomy never seen before, will be introduced.
1 semester credit. Lab component of Human Anatomy and Physiology I, please see course description. Lab hours are designed to provide direct technical and technological applications of lecture material. Prerequisites: See Human Anatomy and Physiology I. Lab open only to students enrolled in this course.
3 semester credits. Taking advantage of the knowledge gained about the structure of human body and its organs, this course will look further in detail to the mechanisms the human body carries out for maintaining homeostasis and stay alive and functioning. The interactions between various systems of the body and the way these interactions occur will be investigated. Cell structure, function and metabolism, signal transduction and a deeper investigation of the systems described in the previous course will be topics of this course as well. Case studies related to the course content regarding health problems will be discussed. Prerequisites: Human Anatomy and Physiology I or equivalent.
1 semester credit. Lab component of Human Anatomy and Physiology II, please see course description. Lab hours are designed to provide direct technical and technological applications of lecture material. Prerequisites: See Human Anatomy and Physiology II. Lab open only to students enrolled in this course.
3 semester credits. This course introduces students to principles of general biology, such as the molecular origin and the study of cells, foundations on genetics, and evolution theory, patterns, and processes. Students will be also acquainted with the biological diversification of life by exploring the worlds of animals, plants, fungi, and viruses and bacteria. This course is specifically designed to promote hands-on experience with the scientific method, as students have the opportunity to conduct experiments in a professional biology laboratory that will go side by side with their gradual knowledge of the discipline. Additionally, field visits to local museums and institutions that support natural sciences will complete and enrich the students’ practical introduction to biology and life science. This course is intended to provide the basic tools and vocabulary for those who intend to take further coursework in the life sciences – such as in zoology, ecology, botany, human anatomy, and mycology.
1 semester credit. Lab component of General Biology – please see course description. It is a fully practical integration to the latter course, and it provides students with the instruments to further strengthen their applied capacities in relation to operations in the biology laboratory. Lab hours are designed to provide direct technical and technological applications of lecture material.