Courses & Requirements

BIO-110: Integrative Biology I (3.00)

An integrated study of biological form and function as they relate to ecology, evolution and genetics. Inquiry-based approaches to problem solving in science. Lecture, 3 credits.

Course requisites: BIO-110 & BIO-110L must be taken concurrently.

BIO-110L: Integrative Biology I LAB (1.00)

Laboratory co-requisite course to BIO-110; must be taken concurrently with BIO-110.

Course requisites: BIO-110 & 110L must be taken concurrently.

BIO-111: Integrative Biology II (3.00)

An integrated study of biological form and function using one or more current problems such as addiction and cancer as a central theme. Molecular, cellular and organismal biology and the relationship of biological issues to science and society. Lecture, 3 credits.

Course requisites: Req'd prereqs: BIO-110 & 110L; req'd coreq 111L BIO-111 & 111L must be taken concurrently.

BIO-111L: Integrative Biology II Lab (1.00)

Laboratory co-requisite course to BIO-111; must be taken concurrently with BIO-111.

Course requisites: BIO-111 & 111L must be taken concurrently.

PSY-101: Intro Psy: Biologicl & Cognitv (4.00)

This is one-half of a two-semester introduction to psychology. The course is about the nervous system as it pertains to behavior and cognition. Students may take 101 or 102 first and each course is independent of the other.

PHI-110: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (4.00)

INTRODUCTION TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE--This course introduces students to the central concepts of computer science and artificial intelligence. We will examine questions such as "What is a computer?", "What makes a function or number computable?", "What are algorithms and how do they differ from programs and heuristics?", "What does it mean to implement a program?". Students will learn, e.g., the difference between formal systems, finite state automata, and Turing machines. We will consider fundamental issues in AI such as how programs relate to the world, what makes a system intelligent, and whether computers can have minds. Students will also become acquainted with narrower topics in AI such as knowledge representation, machine learning, artificial neural networks, natural language processing, and robotic perception. Finally, we will explore some of the ethical challenges that face AI such as whether intelligent artificial systems deserve rights, whether they should be relied upon to make life-or-death decisions, and whether we should create such systems in the first place. While the course will not require students to learn any particular programming language, it will introduce them to basics of such languages and will train them in a notation resembling a simplified programming language---what is known as pseudocode. Assignments will include program-design projects using pseudocode, position papers, and a final exam.

PHI-112: Contemporary Moral Problems (4.00)

An introduction to applied ethics through a variety of issues. Topics may include ethical treatment of animals, abortion, poverty, euthanasia, or the death penalty. Ethical theories will also be introduced.

PHI-106: Bioethics (4.00)

Recent moral issues in medicine, such as euthanasia, abortion, experimentation on human and other animal subjects, justice in providing health care and in the allocation of scarce resources.

CHE-110: General Chemistry I (3.00)

This course delves into the world of atoms and molecules in order to study the structure of matter and the changes it undergoes. The course will provide an introduction to the field of chemistry. Topics include atomic and molecular structure, stoichiometry, acids and bases, enthalpy, and equilibrium. In addition, contemporary problems and applications of these topics may be explored. Examples may include atomic and molecular structure relevant to the design of new material such as memory metals; stoichiometry as a means of achieving green chemistry; acids and bases in the context of biochemical and environmental reactions; enthalpy in the context of energy generating fuels; and equilibrium and its role in energy storing batteries.

Course requisites: Take CHE-110L

CHE-110L: General Chemistry I Laboratory (1.00)

This lab course focuses on the experimental methods in basic scientific measurements, elementary reactions and analysis arranged around a theme such as forensics or the environment.

Course requisites: CHE-110 prereq or coreq for CHE-110L

CHE-240: Organic Chemistry I (3.00)

The systematic study of the chemistry of organic compounds with emphasis on theories of structure and reactivity. Specific topics include basic organic molecular structure and bonding, isomerism, stereochemistry, molecular energetics, substitution and elimination reactions, and reactions of biologically relevant functional groups.

Course requisites: CHE-110 (CHE-120 recommended); Take CHE-240L

CHE-240L: Organic Chemistry I Laboratory (1.00)

Introduction to fundamental experimental techniques of carbon based molecules, including organic synthesis, purification and separation techniques, and theory and interpretation of infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Course requisites: Course requisites: CHE-110 CHE-110L; Take CHE-240

PSY-206: Research Statistics (4.00)

Basic theory, principles and applications of statistics in behavioral science research. Cross-listed with SOC-206.

Course requisites: One 100-level course from ANT,PH,POL,PSY, or SOC

MAT-115: Elementary Statistics (4.00)

Statistical measures and distributions, probability and its application to statistical inference, linear correlation, hypothesis testing, confidence intervals and applications in the natural and social sciences.

PSY-207: Research Design and Methods (4.00)

Fundamentals of research design and methods, including scientific writing and presentation. Laboratories involve applications to major areas of psychology such as perception, learning, memory, and social psychology. Small group or individual experiments are designed and conducted. 3 LEC, 1 LAB.

Course requisites: PSY-206 or permission of Psych/Neuro Dept.

PHI-206: Ancient Philosophy (4.00)

History of Ancient Philosophy. The thought of the major figures in Western philosophy from the pre-Socratic era to the Hellenistic Age.

Course requisites: Any 100-level PHI course except PHI-103.

PHI-209: Modern Philosophy (4.00)

Metaphysics and epistemology of the central philosophers of the modern period: Descartes, Leibniz, Spinoza, Locke, Berkeley, Hume and Kant.

Course requisites: Any 100-level PHI course except PHI-103.

BIO-350L: Inquiry Based Research Neuroscience Lab (1.00)

INQUIRY BASED RESEARCH IN NEUROSCIENCE LAB--In this laboratory co-requisite course to BIO-350, students are given background material and generate their own line of scientific inquiry with tools and specific techniques explained and taught. Based on their questions and the techniques available, they will design experiments and analyze the results.

Course requisites: BIO-350 & 350L must be taken concurrently.

BIO-350: Foundations of Neuroscience I (3.00)

This course requires students to understand the basics of the nervous system at the cellular and subcellular level as well as equip students with scientific tools such as critical analysis of primary literature, development of an inquiry based project, and presentation of scientific research. Cross-listed with PSY-350.

Course requisites: BIO-350 & BIO-350L must be taken concurrently.

BIO-351: Foundations of Neuroscience II (3.00)

This course requires students to understand the basics of the nervous system at the systems level and equips students with scientific tools such as critical analysis of primary literature, development of an inquiry based project, and presentation of scientific research. Cross-listed with PSY-351.

Course requisites: BIO-351 & BIO-351L must be taken concurrently.

BIO-351L: Inquiry Based Research Neurosci II Lab (1.00)

INQUIRY BASED RESEARCH IN NEUROSCIENCE II LAB--In this laboratory co-requisite course to BIO-351, students are given background material and generate their own line of scientific inquiry with tools and specific techniques explained and taught. Based on their questions and the techniques available, they will design experiments and analyze the results.

Course requisites: BIO-351 & 351L must be taken concurrently.

BIO-405: Prof Development in Neuroscience (2.00)

Neuroscience majors will engage in structured and intentional reflection on their internship or research experience with a focus on how these experiences connect to professional success and career goals. They will explore how to market those experiences in a digital portfolio that includes a CV, personal statement, and examples of scientific communication.

BIO-216: Molecular Biology (3.00)

Genes and their activities at the molecular level in viruses, prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Mechanisms of gene expression and regulation in health and disease. Advanced topics in genetic engineering and biotechnology. Emphasis on experimental strategies and data analysis. 3 LEC, 1 LAB.

Course requisites: BIO-110 and BIO-111 BIO-216 & BIO-216L must be taken concurrently.

BIO-216L: Inquiry-Based Research Molecul Bio/Lab (1.00)

One-credit inquiry-based research experience/laboratory corequisite course to BIO-216 Molecular Biology.

Course requisites: BIO-216 & 216L must be taken concurrently.

CHE-300: Introduction to Biochemistry/Lab (4.00)

Fundamentals of biochemistry, including structure and function of biomolecules, enzyme kinetics, bioenergetics, catabolic and anabolic pathways and regulation of biochemical processes. Fundamental biochemical laboratory techniques including spectroscopy, enzymology, chromatographic separations, and protein detection methods. Cross-listed with BIO-300.

Course requisites: CHE-240 & 240L (BIO-110/L & 111/L also prereqs for BIO mjrs)

CHE-300L: Biochemistry I Laboratory (1.00)

BY SPECIAL PERMISSION ONLY. Since CHE-300 is a standard 4-credit course combining lecture and lab, this lab-only section of CHE-300L lab allows a student with special permission to take the 1-credit lab alone. The lab experience description is: fundamental biochemical laboratory methods including the study of acid-base properties of amino acids and proteins, spectro- photometric characterization, chromatographic separation techniques and electrophoresis.

Course requisites: CHE-300

BIO-301: Medical Biochemistry (4.00)

Fundamentals of biochemistry topics with clinical significance for pre-medical students, including structure and function of biomolecules, enzyme kinetics, bioenergetics, catabolic and anabolic pathways and regulation of biochemical processes. Does not include a lab component. Cross-listed with CHE-301.

Course requisites: BIO-111/L and CHE-240/L

BIO-201: Microbiology/Lab (4.00)

Cell biology, metabolism, genetics and phylogeny of bacteria and archaea. Introduction to eukaryotic microbes and viruses. Principles of pathogenesis, immunology and environmental microbiology. Applications in biotechnology, medicine and industry. Individual laboratory project and use of representative literature in the discipline. 3 LEC, 1 LAB.

Course requisites: BIO-110 and BIO-111

BIO-318: Developmental Biology/Lab (4.00)

This course explores how developmental mechanisms are orchestrated to guide an egg to produce a particular animal body plan. Specific topics covered include fertilization, induction and cell differentiation, organizing the body plan, pattern formation, regeneration, the role of the environment in development, how evolution works through development to create biodiversity and, finally, development in health and disease (birth defects, endocrine disruptors and cancer). In the laboratory, students investigate aspects of development using multiple developmental model organisms. Collectively, this course helps prepare students for both graduate research in developmental biology and for medically related fields.

Course requisites: BIO-192 and CHE-150

MAT-118: Calculus I (4.00)

Introduction to the basic concepts of differential and integral calculus, emphasizing conceptual understanding and applications. Topics are covered from a graphical, algebraic and numerical perspective. Mathematical writing is emphasized.

PHY-131: Introduction to Computer Programming (4.00)

This introduction to computer science emphasizes problem solving and data analysis skills along with computer programming skills. Using Python, students will learn design, implementation, testing, and analysis of algorithms and programs. And within the context of programming, they will learn to formulate problems, think creatively about solutions, and express those solutions clearly and accurately. Problems will be chosen from real-world examples such as graphics, image processing, cryptography, data analysis, astronomy, video games, and environmental simulation. Students will get instruction delivered in-person and through interactive media. Class time will focus on collaborative team projects to solve real-life problems. Prior programming experience is not a requirement for this course. (Cross-listed with MAT-131.)

BIO-303: Data Intensive Ecology/Lab (4.00)

This is a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) in ecological research, data analysis, and computational methods. Students will gain hands-on experience using multiple publicly available ecological data sets to generate their own authentic research questions in the fields of behavioral ecology, community ecology, biodiversity, conservation, and sustainability. Students will be exposed to and gain experience using R, Python, and spatial analysis software while completing and presenting a semester-long group research project.

Course requisites: BIO-110, 110L, 111 and 111L

PHI-103: Logic (4.00)

An introduction to the rudiments of critical thinking, with emphasis on analysis of ordinary discourse into formal symbolism, and to the properties of formal systems.

PHI-303: Intermediate Logic (4.00)

This course introduces students to logical meta-theory. After reviewing the semantics and proof theory for First-Order Logic (FOL) and Classical Propositional Logic (CPL) as well as some basic set-theoretic concepts, we proceed to investigate the various meta-logical properties of FOL and CPL, such as soundness, completeness, and decidability. We will also explore the concept of computability via Finite State Automata and Turing Machines. From there, we turn to the meta-theory of nonclassical logics such as Modal Logic, Intuitionistic Logic, Relevant Logic(s), Fuzzy Logic, Deontic Logic(s) and Nonmonotonic Logic(s). Students will also be trained to use the typesetting markup language LaTex.

Course requisites: PHI-103 or MAT-204

BIO-222: Human Anatomy & Physiology I/Lab (4.00)

Covers the basics of human anatomy and physiology including anatomical terminology, cells and tissues, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, and cardiovascular. 3 LEC, 1 LAB.

Course requisites: BIO-110/Lab and BIO-111/Lab

BIO-222L: Human Anatomy & Physiology I-Lab Only (1.00)

BIO-222 Lab placeholder for transfer credit.

Course requisites: BIO-110/Lab and BIO-111/Lab

BIO-285: Animal Behavior (4.00)

Development, ecology and causation of animal behavior. Emphasis on comparative analysis of mechanisms underlying the production of species-specific behavior. 3 LEC, 1 LAB. Cross-listed with PSY-285.

Course requisites: BIO-111 (or 192) or PSY-101

PSY-311: Animal and Human Learning (4.00)

Principles of learning, behavioral change, and motivation in humans and other animals. Emphasis on conceptual, methodological, and theoretical findings in classical, operant, and observational learning, with a focus on application in a variety of settings.

Course requisites: PSY-101 and PSY-207

PSY-315: Cognitive Neuroscience (4.00)

Human cognition and perception and their neurophysiological correlates as revealed by functional imaging techniques and clinical populations. Selected topics include basic neuroanatomy and brain imaging techniques and their application to the study of attention, memory imagery, concept formation, language, problem solving, creative thinking, and intelligence.

Course requisites: PSY-101 and PSY-207

PSY-323: Sensation and Perception (4.00)

The study of how our sensory systems detect the physical world around us and how we understand what these sensations mean. Emphasis on current research.

Course requisites: PSY-101 and PSY-207

BIO-325: Addiction (4.00)

This is a course about addiction to drugs and other behaviors. General topics will include cellular and molecular foundations of neuropharmacology, receptors, and modulation of neural signaling. In addition, we will discuss other topics such as government policy and susceptibility to addiction. Cross-listed with PSY-325.

Course requisites: BIO-110, 111 & one 200-level BIO course; CHE-150 recommended

BIO-330: Diseases of the Nervous System (4.00)

This course examines the cell types that make up the human brain and how the cells function properly to make us who we are. We will examine the sub-cellular nature of different diseases to understand how brain cells function.

Course requisites: BIO-110, 111 & one 200-lev BIO crs (216 or 220 recommended)

BIO-324: Neuroendocrinology (4.00)

The course provides comprehensive and up-to-date coverage of the inter-relationship between the nervous and endocrine systems in mammals. Topics covered include endocrine regulation of reproductive behavior, aggressive behavior, biological rhythms, energy balance, stress, and learning and memory. Cross-listed with PSY-324.

Course requisites: BIO-110 & 111 (& labs)

PHI-225: Metaphysics (4.00)

Study of philosophical theories about the fundamental nature of reality.

Course requisites: Any 100-level PHI course except PHI-103.

PHI-333: Existentialism (4.00)

Advanced study of various existential challenges and alternatives to traditional philosophical views in metaphysics, epistemology and ethics. Readings from Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Sartre, and other existential philosophers and novelists. Cross-listed with REL-333.

Course requisites: Any Philosophy course or permission of instructor.

PHI-218: Ethics (4.00)

A contemporary philosophical exploration of major issues in and approached to ethics - including metaethics (which concerns the nature of morality and moral discourse) and normative ethical theory (which concerns how we ought to live).

Course requisites: Any 100-level PHI course except PHI-103.

PHI-304: Life's Meaning (4.00)

What makes a human life meaningful? In this seminar-style philosophical exploration of life's meaning, we will consider the concept of a meaningful life, the conditions for meaning in life, and the relation of such things as God, mortality, virtue, and happiness to meaning in life. Our main sources will be texts in contemporary, Western, secular, analytic philosophy; students will have the opportunity to consider other approaches through independent research.

Course requisites: One 200-level PHI course.

BIO-440: Directed Research (4.00)

Directed research courses are open to junior and senior majors to work with a faculty member on a project related to a particular field of intellectual or artistic interest, or to non-majors who demonstrate sufficient preparation in the discipline. Applications are available in the Office of Academic Advising and must be returned to the assistant dean of the college for approval. A 440 course carries 4 semester hours of credit.

BIO-450: Credit Internship (4.00)

For juniors and seniors who want a more-focused academic component to accompany their internship, the independently designed 450 may be an option. Students must identify a faculty sponsor and complete detailed paperwork for approval from the Office of Internship and Career Development.

BIO-490: Senior Thesis (4.00)

A senior thesis in the student's major gives superior students the opportunity to write a thesis about a project related to a particular field of intellectual or artistic interest. Interested students should obtain thesis guidelines (available in the Office of Academic Advising) and apply in writing to the appropriate department chair or program chair. A 490 course carries 4 semester hours of credit.