Biology Department: Course Descriptions
BIOL-105 Biology Is Life
This course provides non-science majors with an introduction to four fundamental aspects of biology: the scientific method, genetics, evolution, and environmental issues. There are no prerequisites. (Does not count toward a Biology major or minor.) 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00
BIOL-110 Human Biology
An introduction to basic anatomy and physiology of the human organism. This course is designed for non-science majors. Laboratory is integrated with lecture. There are no prerequisites. (Students cannot receive credit for BIOL-110 and any combination of BIOL 224, 240, 300, or 302.) (Does not count toward a Biology major or minor.) 4 hours.
Credits: 4.00
BIOL-145 Marine Biology for Nonscience Majors
An introduction to organisms and processes in the marine environment. Organismal adaptations and interactions of organisms with the environment are stressed. Includes some aspects of environmental and economic issues as they relate to biology of the ocean. Some weekend field trips required. Additional fee required. (Does not count toward a Biology major or minor.) 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00
BIOL-155 Special Topics
See department for course description.
Credits: 1.00
BIOL-160 Selected Topics for Non-Science Majors
Study of a particular field of biology selected by the instructor and approved by the Biology department. Lab activities may be a part of the course. This course is designed for non-science majors. Offered for variable credit. 3 or 4 hours.
Credits: 3.00
BIOL-170 Human Genetics
This course introduces students to the study of inheritance in all of its manifestations, from the distribution of human traits in a family pedigree to the biochemistry of the genetic material in our chromosomes, DNA. The course examines the inheritance of traits in individuals and families, how traits evolve and are maintained in human populations, the molecular basis for those traits, and the Human Genome Project. (Does not count toward a Biology major or minor.) 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00
BIOL-180 Biology of Human Reproduction
A study of the biology of human reproduction, designed primarily for the non-science major. This course emphasizes the anatomy, development and physiology of human reproduction. Some aspects of psychology and sociology are introduced as they relate to birth control, venereal disease, and control of reproduction. (Does not count toward Biology major or minor.) 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00
BIOL-195 Independent Study
See department for details.
Credits: 1.00
BIOL-202 General Biology I
A survey of ecology, evolution, the diversity of life on earth, and the structure of plants and animals. Laboratory is integrated with lecture. (NOTE: There are no prerequisites for this course. However, BIOL 204, has prerequisites of CHEM 220, CHEM 230, and BIOL 202 - all with grades of "C-" or better.) 4 hours.
Credits: 4.00
BIOL-204 General Biology II
Basic principles of cell and molecular biology for both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The course includes cell structures and functions, metabolism, classical genetics, and molecular genetics. Laboratory experiences are integrated in the course. Prerequisites: BIOL 202, CHEM 220, and CHEM 230, all with a grade of "C-" or better. 4 hours.
Credits: 4.00
BIOL-224 Human Anatomy
An examination of gross and histological structure of the systems of the human body. Laboratory is an integrated part of the course. (Students cannot receive credit for both BIOL 110 Human Biology and BIOL 224 Human Anatomy.) Prerequisite: BIOL 202 with a grade of "C-" or better. 4 hours.
Credits: 4.00
BIOL-240 Human Physiology
A study of the physiological phenomena of the human body from the molecular level of cellular metabolic functions to the operation of primary and specialized organ systems. Laboratory experiences are integrated in the course. (Students cannot receive credit for both BIOL 110 Human Biology and BIOL 240 Human Physiology.) Prerequisite: BIOL 224 (with a grade of "C-" or better). 4 hours.
Credits: 4.00
BIOL-255 Special Topics
See department for course description.
Credits: 1.00
BIOL-295 Independent Study
Credits: 1.00
BIOL-304 Research Methods
This course utilizes a hands-on, application- oriented approach to enhance student understanding of: framing scientific questions based on primary scientific literature; designing appropriate experiments; analyzing data statistically and graphically; writing technical reports; and presenting seminars. Course culminates in a student proposed, designed, and conducted independent research project. Prerequisite: BIOL 204 (with a grade of "C-" or better). 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00
BIOL-305 Ecology
An introduction to the basic principles and fundamentals influencing interactions between plants and animals and their environment. Includes laboratory and field experiences. Includes a required three day field trip. Additional fee required. Prerequisite: BIOL 204 with a grade of "C-" or better. 4 hours.
Credits: 4.00
BIOL-308 Microbiology
A study of the structure, biochemistry, physiology, energy generation, genetics and diversity of prokaryotic organisms. Laboratory experiences are integrated into the course. Prerequisite: BIOL 204 with a grade of "C-" or better. 4 hours.
Credits: 4.00
BIOL-316 Plant Biology
Fundamental principles of plant biology with emphasis on morphology, anatomy, taxonomy, physiology and evolution of algae, non-vascular and vascular plants. Includes laboratory and field experiences. Prerequisite: BIOL 204 with a grade of "C-" or better. 4 hours.
Credits: 4.00
BIOL-320 Cell Biology
A study of the functions of biological systems from the molecular to the tissue level. The molecular biology of cells and the regulatory mechanisms for physiological processes are emphasized. Laboratory experiences are integrated in the course. Prerequisite: BIOL 204 and organic chemistry (CHEM 240/241 or CHEM 320/321) all with grades of "C-" or better. 4 hours.
Credits: 4.00
BIOL-325 Conservation Biology
This course will examine the historical and ethical background of the conservation movement and trace the development of the science of conservation biology. We will be making connections between society and the natural world, relating human impacts on plants and wildlife to the goals of the practicing conservation biologist. We will learn quantitative methods to determine and predict the status of plant and animal populations. This is a lab/field course with opportunities to learn from conservation efforts around the Portland metropolitan area. Prerequisites: BIOL 204 with a C- or better. CS 130 or MATH 226 recommended. 4 hours.
Credits: 4.00
BIOL-330 Genetics
A study of the principles of heredity with emphasis upon transmission genetics, quantitative inheritance, the molecular basis of inheritance, and population genetics. Laboratory experiences are integrated in the course. Prerequisite: BIOL 204 (with a grade of "C-" or better). 4 hours.
Credits: 4.00
BIOL-340 Animal Behavior
A study of the ecology and evolution of animal behavior, including such topics as foraging strategies, predator-prey interactions, mating systems, sexual selection and communication. Mechanisms of animal behavior (such as endocrinology, genetics and neurobiology) are also discussed. Includes laboratory and field experiences which are integrated into the course. Prerequisite: BIOL 204 (with a grade of "C-" or better). 4 hours.
Credits: 4.00
BIOL-345 Marine Biology
A study of life and processes in the marine environment. Organismal adaptations and interactions of organisms with the environment are stressed, with field trips to the marine intertidal zones. Includes some aspects of environmental issues as they relate to biology of the ocean. Some weekend field trips required. Laboratory experiences are integrated in the course. Additional fee required. Prerequisite: BIOL 204 (with a grade of "C-" or better). 4 hours.
Credits: 4.00
BIOL-350 Principles of Development
A study of molecular and cellular aspects of development and embryological differentiation of selected species. Laboratory experiences are integrated in the course. Prerequisite: BIOL 204 (with a grade of "C-" or better). 4 hours.
Credits: 4.00
BIOL-355 Special Topics
See department for course description.
Credits: 1.00
BIOL-360 Selected Topics in Biology
Study of a particular field in biology selected by the instructor and approved by the Biology Department. May or may not include a lab. May be repeated for credit if the topic changes. Prerequisite: BIOL 204 ( with a grade of "C-" or better). There may be additional prerequisites depending on the topic. 3-4 hours.
Credits: 3.00
BIOL-385 Junior Seminar
Taken after successful completion of BIOL 304, the Junior Seminar is designed to introduce majors to the primary biological literature, improve their oral communication skills, and highlight recent advances in the field. Students will read, present and discuss primary research papers in the biological sciences. Topics will vary each semester but have an interdisciplinary theme. Prerequisites: BIOL 304 (with a grade of C- or better), junior standing, declared Biology major. Pre- or corequisite: One upper division Biology class. 1 hour.
Credits: 1.00
BIOL-395 Independent Study
Independent Study.
Credits: 1.00
BIOL-400 Molecular Biology
A laboratory-intensive course focusing on nucleic acid biology, recombinant DNA and biotechnology. Prerequisite: BIOL 204 and organic chemistry (CHEM 240/241 or CHEM 320/321) - all with grades of "C-" or better. 4 hours.
Credits: 4.00
BIOL-405 Immunology
A study of the mammalian immune system covering the molecules and mechanisms used to fight infection. The development of B and T cells and their role in the human immune response will be emphasized. The relationship of the immune system to human biology will also be covered, for example infectious disease, vaccines, allergies, and autoimmune disorders. Prerequisite: BIOL-204 with a grade of "C-" or better. Alternate years. 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00
BIOL-410 Invertebrate Zoology
A study of invertebrate organisms including their systematics, morphology and ecology. Laboratory experiences are integrated in the course. Some weekend field trips required. Additional fee required. Prerequisite: BIOL 204 (with a grade of "C-" or better). 4 hours.
Credits: 4.00
BIOL-420 Vertebrate Zoology
A study of vertebrate organisms, including their systematics, life histories, morphological and physiological adaptations, and behavior. Includes laboratory and field experiences with a three day required field trip. Additional fee required. Prerequisite: BIOL 204 with a minimum grade of "C-" or better. 4 hours.
Credits: 4.00
BIOL-430 Plant Systematics
Identification and classification of the vascular plants represented in the flora of the Pacific Northwest. Includes laboratory and field experiences. Some weekend field trips required. Additional fee required. Prerequisite: BIOL 204 with a grade of "C-" or better). 4 hours.
Credits: 4.00
BIOL-444 Evolution
An introduction to the history, methods, and current questions in evolutionary biology. This course will examine the evidence for evolution beginning with Darwin and ending with our current understanding of the human genome. The course will cover the theory of natural selection, the basis of heredity and variation, population structures and genetics, and the mechanisms of speciation. Special topics include human evolution, molecular evolution, and the relationship of evolution to society, philosophy, and religion. Prerequisite: BIOL 204 (with a grade of "C-" or better). 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00
BIOL-450 Tropical Rainforest Biology
A study of tropical rainforest ecology and natural history, and current biological research in tropical rainforests. The course meets once a week during the fall semester, during which students gain the background required for the field component of the course held in Costa Rica during January. Course grades will be assigned at the end of January and will include work completed during both terms. Additional fee required. Prerequisite BIOL 204 (with a grade of "C-" or better) and consent of instructor. Alternate years. 4 hours.
Credits: 4.00
BIOL-455 Special Topics
See department for course description.
Credits: 1.00
BIOL-470 Animal Physiology
The study of physiological function (molecular, cellular, and organ systems) in animals. The focus will be on the diversity of mechanisms used by animals for: water and solute regulation, gas exchange and transport, temperature regulation and tolerance, circulation, feeding and digestion, metabolism, excretion, neural control and integration, senses, and locomotion. Laboratory experiences are integrated in the course. Prerequisite: BIOL 204 and organic chemistry (CHEM 240/241 or CHEM 320/321) all with grades of "C-" or better. 4 hours.
Credits: 4.00
BIOL-475 Internship
See department for details.
Credits: 1.00
BIOL-480 Advanced Methods in Cell Biology
This course is a laboratory course designed to introduce the student to a variety of cellular and biochemical techniques for investigating the behavior and function of living cells. Students will be required to understand the concepts of the techniques used, as well as to demonstrate hands-on competence in the laboratory. This course is strongly recommended for those students interested in undergraduate research projects, graduate school, or employment as a laboratory technician. Prerequisite: grade of "C-" or better in BIOL 308, BIOL 320, or BIOL 400. Junior standing recommended. 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00
BIOL-490 Senior Capstone Experience
This course is designed for senior Biology majors in which students develop a capstone paper and present a capstone seminar on an approved topic of their choice. The course requires that students integrate information from the primary and secondary biological literature as well as from their biological knowledge. Research, internship, and literature review options are offered. Students will present on Senior Projects Day. Prerequisite: Senior standing and declared Biology major. [NEW Prerequisite beginning Fall 2010: BIOL 304, BIOL 385 and at least two additional upper division Biology lecture (with or without lab) courses (with grades of C- or better), senior standing, declared Biology major]. 2 hours.
Credits: 2.00
BIOL-495 Research
Faculty supervised, student-conducted, individual research project. Prerequisite: BIOL 204 with a grade of "C-" or better and consent of instructor. 1-6 hours.
Credits: 1.00
BIOL-555 Special Topics
See department for course description.
Credits: 1.00