Biology Department
Goals
The goals of the biology department are:
1. Provide students with a contemporary and integrative understanding of biological concepts, processes, and systems spanning molecular to ecosystem levels.
2. Facilitate impactful research experiences that encourage original scientific inquiry and collaboration with faculty.
3. Provide high-quality, laboratory-intensive learning environments where students learn the full process of science: literature review, experimental design, experimentation, data collection, data analysis, drawing conclusions, and clear communication of findings.
4. Prepare students for diverse career paths, including pre-professional health sciences, graduate studies, and roles in research, industry, education, and business.
5. Foster an understanding of biology’s role in addressing global challenges, promoting sustainability, and contributing to interdisciplinary problem-solving.
Three Degree Programs Leading to Exceptional Career Opportunities
- Bachelor of Science Degree in biology with highly desirable and competitive opportunities for students interested in medicine, dentistry, veterinary, pharmacy, and optometry preprofessional training, graduate study in biology, and job opportunities in biotechnology.
- Bachelor of Arts in Life Sciences with options to develop interdisciplinary degrees with minors in business and marketing, criminal justice, law, and chemistry.
- Bachelor of Science in biology with professional teaching certificate for elementary and secondary grades.
Students planning to major in biology must successfully complete for credit a minimum of 11 courses in the department. A biology major begins the program with the introductory block of BIO 121 General Biology I (with lab) and BIO 122 General Biology II (with lab) during the freshman year. This sequence must be completed before a biology major will be permitted to register for biology courses numbered 200 or higher. After completion of the freshman year, in consultation with a faculty adviser, a student will construct a program that will include at least nine additional courses as are deemed appropriate to the student’s interest and career plans.
The department of biology also offers qualified premedical students the opportunity to apply for the State University of Buffalo Medical School’s Early Assurance Program or the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine “3+4” program. Pre-pharmacy students who are qualified have the opportunity to apply to the Lake Erie College of Pharmacy “2+3” program. In addition the department offers qualified pre-pharmacy and pre-dental students “3+4” programs in conjunction with the State University of Buffalo Dental School and School of Pharmacy.
Courses
BIO 101 — Human Biology (NS) (3 credits)
A study of the basic functions of the human body in health and disease. This course is designed to increase the students understanding of elementary human physiology. It will emphasize the functional aspects of the body at the cellular, organ, and organ system levels. It is designed as a terminal non-laboratory course for non-science students.
BIO 102 — Introductory Biology (NS) (3 credits)
A study of the basic principles of biology dealing with animals. The course includes a laboratory and is designed for non majors with no prior college biology courses. There will be two hours of lecture and one semester hour of laboratory each week.
BIO 103 — Environ Biology (NS) (3 credits)
An introductory course in which the functioning of ecosystems is explored and related to environmental problems. The course stresses current topics of local and global interest with emphasis on how to obtain, understand, and interpret information pertaining to environmental issues.
BIO 104 — Human Genetics (NS) (3 credits)
An introductory course for non-science majors describing the fundamental principles of genetics and how they apply to humans. The nature of the gene, genetic technologies and the implications of genetics for individuals in modern society are prominent aspects of the course. It is intended for students who have had high school courses in biology and chemistry.
BIO 105 — Introduction to Environmental Health (NS) (3 credits)
In this course, students will be introduced to the basic concepts of toxicology, as they apply to understanding how environmental contaminants pose risks to human health and the environment. This course is intended for non-biology majors.
BIO 106 — Introduction to Public Health (SS) (3 credits)
Public Health is about what makes us sick, what keeps us healthy, and what we can do about it as communities, populations and societies. This course provides an introduction to public health concepts and practice. Topics include historical perspectives on the contributions and roles of public health, an introduction to epidemiological methods, health from a global perspective, an introduction to tools for disease control and health promotion, and issues of health care delivery.
BIO 107 — Introduction to Epidemiology (NS) (3 credits)
This course provides an introduction to epidemiology, the basic science of public health. Epidemiology is a scientific way of thinking, applicable to fields ranging from basic and clinical sciences to public policy. Students will learn how to use epidemiological methods in the analysis of information from real public health problems.
BIO 121 — General Biology I (NS) (3 credits)
A treatment of basic principles of life, and of life-related phenomena; offers a broad base for advanced study by biology and natural science majors.
BIO 122 — General Biology II (NS) (3 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO*121
A treatment of basic principles of life, and of life-related phenomena; offers a broad base for advanced study by biology and natural science majors.
BIO 123L — Gen Biology Lab I (LA) (1 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO*121
This laboratory is designed to be taken concurrently with BIO 121-122 and includes an investigative approach to the study of all living organisms.
BIO 124L — Gen Biology Lab II (LAB) (1 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO*122
This laboratory is designed to be taken concurrently with BIO 121-122 and includes an investigative approach to the study of all living organisms.
BIO 150 — Medical Terminology (3 credits)
This course is designed to provide the student with a basic understanding of the unique language needed to communicate effectively as a health care professional. A major focus is to develop skills in word analysis. The basic structure of medical terms and the rules for word building and word deconstruction will be discussed in the context of how the body works in health and disease.
BIO 189 — Prehealth Career Studies (NS) (3 credits)
This is a course designed to introduce students early in their studies to the health care careers. Individual off-campus health sciences experiences sponsored by appropriate organizations, companies and private practitioners provide unpaid internships with a minimum of 60 hours of student service. Biology department chair permission required.
BIO 198 — Introduction to Scientific Research (LA) (1 credits)
This course is designed to introduce students to the principles of scientific research, analyzing primary literature, ethics in research, science communication, and career development.
BIO 199 — Intro to Scientific Research II (LA) (1 credits)
This course is designed to allow first-year students the opportunity to rotate through scientific research labs in preparation for long-term faculty-student research collaborations.
BIO 201 — Global Health (CD) (3 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO*106
Public health issues often transcend traditional boundaries and are rapidly changing in response to technological change and globalization. This course will focus on applying public health principles in both developed and developing countries to understand the links between health and economic and social development.
BIO 202 — The History of Modern Science (H) (3 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO*121, BIO*123L, BIO*122, and BIO*124L
This course surveys the history of modern science, beginning with the Copernican (sun-centered) model of the universe. It will cover the evolution of scientific theories and the scientists responsible for the major discoveries in Astronomy, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Geology.
BIO 204 — Ecology (NS) (3 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO*121, BIO*123L, BIO*122, and BIO*124L
A course relating ecological principles to studies in the laboratory and field. Topics include population dynamics, energy flow in ecosystems, and species interactions.
BIO 205L — Ecology Laboratory (NS) (1 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO*204
A course relating ecological principles to studies in the laboratory and field. Topics include population dynamics, energy flow in ecosystems, and species interactions.
BIO 210 — Botany (NS) (4 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO*121, BIO*122, BIO*123L, and BIO*124L
A study of the basic principles of botany, and a survey of the plant kingdom with emphasis on the morphology and physiology of higher plants.
BIO 212 — Microbiology (NS) (3 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO 213L concurrently
A study of the basic principles of microbiology involving pathogenic and nonpathogenic organisms and their relation to medicine, sanitation, agriculture, and industry. Laboratory study is concerned with the morphology and physiology of microorganisms, and with their application in identification.
BIO 213L — Microbiology Lab (LAB) (1 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO*212
Laboratory study concerned with the morphology and physiology of microorganisms, and with their application in identification.
BIO 215 — General Pathophysiology (NS) (3 credits)
Prerequisite Must have taken NUR*354;
This course is designed to correlate basic knowledge of normal physiology with dysfunction of body mechanisms. The student will gain a basic understanding of the processes of disease through study of causative mechanisms and the signs and symptoms which reflect disease.
BIO 221 — Evolution (NS) (3 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO*121, BIO*122, BIO*123L, AND BIO*124L
Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution(Dobzhansky). This course covers the diversity of life on earth and the ongoing evolutionary processes that affect all biology from the ecosystem to the hospital. Topics include natural selection, speciation, diversity on earth, molecular processes and primate evolution. Cross-listed as ENV 221.
BIO 222 — Bioinformatics (NS) (3 credits)
Prerequisite take BIO*121, BIO*122, BIO*123L, and BIO*124L
Bioinformatics is the study of biological phenomena and the data generated from such studies with the assistance of computers. Bioinformatics relies on computers for the acquisition, storage, analysis, manipulation, management and dissemination of biological information. This is an introductory course to the problems and promise in this field.
BIO 231 — Anatomy & Physiology I (NS) (3 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO 233L
A unified study of the structure and function of the human body. The course will survey the anatomy and physiology of the major types of human cells, tissues, organs and organ systems. An understanding of the human body as a self-regulated, dynamic community of interrelated living parts will be emphasized. Designed to be taken sequentially. Must be taken concurrently with laboratory.
BIO 232 — Anatomy & Physiology II (NS) (3 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO*234L
A unified study of the structure and function of the human body. The course will survey the anatomy and physiology of the major types of human cells, tissues, organs and organ systems. An understanding of the human body as a self-regulated, dynamic community of interrelated living parts will be emphasized. Designed to be taken sequentially. Must be taken concurrently with laboratory.
BIO 233L — Anatomy & Physiology Lab I (LAB) (1 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO*231
The laboratory involves a series of student-performed exercises designed to illustrate, by observation and experimentation, the major concepts of human anatomy and physiology. Designed to be taken sequentially. Must be taken concurrently with lecture.
BIO 234L — Anatomy & Physiology Lab II (LAB) (1 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO*232
The laboratory involves a series of student-performed exercises designed to illustrate, by observation and experimentation, the major concepts of human anatomy and physiology. Designed to be taken sequentially. Must be taken concurrently with lecture.
BIO 237 — Comparative Anatomy Tutorial (NS) (4 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO*121 and BIO*123L
In the true sense of a tutorial, the instructor provides individual attention to a small group of students in the art of dissecting a cat. The anatomy dissection is accompanied by lecture on the underlying physiology and comparisons to human anatomy and physiology.
BIO 246 — Genetics I (NS) (3 credits)
Prerequisite Must have taken BIO*121, BIO*122, BIO*123L and BIO*124L;
A study of Mendelian genetics and the molecular biology of the gene. Basic principles of genetics, as they apply in plants and animals, are studied in the laboratory with special emphasis on Drosophilia. - four semester hours
BIO 298 — Fellowship Research (1 credits)
Student-faculty collaborative research for fellowship students.
BIO 299 — Fellowship Research II (LA) (1 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO*298
BIO 302 — Nature Study (NS) (4 credits)
This course fosters a personal, hands-on approach to understanding the natural world. It is designed to help the student become a better observer, communicator, and educator in the field of nature study. The laboratory provides opportunities to visit nature sites, conduct field studies, plan and implement educational projects, and learn from accomplished naturalists and educators. The course may include a service learning component.
BIO 304 — Field Ecology & Lab (NS) (4 credits)
A course in the ecology of local plants and their habitats, designed for the student with minimal experience in ecology. By learning basic plant structure and terminology, and the interactions between plants and the environment, the student will learn the ecology of plants in a natural setting. Course activities include field trips to areas of interest and laboratory experiments.
BIO 310 — Medical Botany (NS) (3 credits)
A survey of plants with physiologically active properties of medicinal interest. Emphasis is placed on the biology, folk uses, ethnobotany, and natural history of useful angiosperms.
BIO 312 — Conservation Ecology (NS) (3 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO*204 and BIO*205L
The practice and theory of conservation ecology. Current and future threats to populations and ecosystems, methods of protection, and the methods used to assess conservation efforts will be covered. Case studies include restoration, extinction, and wildlife management. Students will apply conservation ecology methods to real world threatened populations. Cross-listed as ENV 312.
BIO 314 — Virology (LA) (3 credits)
This course explores the fundamental principles of virology, including virus structure, classification, replication, and pathogenesis. Students will examine the interactions between viruses and host cells, mechanisms of viral transmission, emerging viruses, and viruses in biotechnology and gene therapy. Emphasis is placed on current research in the field.
BIO 315 — Pharmacology (NS) (3 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO*121, BIO*122, CHE*111, CHE*112, and BIO*334
The course is designed to introduce one to the study of the interaction of chemicals with living organisms. Pharmacology encompasses the disciplines of organic chemistry, physiology, pathology, biochemistry, and molecular biology, and as such we will investigate drug action at several levels: whole body, organ, tissue, cell, and molecular. We will discuss the intricacies of the various classes of drugs, and discuss the factors that are used to assess the safety and efficacy of a drug.
BIO 334 — Cell Biology (NS) (4 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO*121, BIO*122, BIO*123L, and BIO*124L
A study of the cell with emphasis on the molecular aspects of cell structure and function. Biochemical processes are emphasized.
BIO 337 — Intro to Oncology (NS) (3 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO*121, BIO*122, BIO*123L, and BIO*124L
The course encompasses the basic biology and clinical aspects of cancer. Topics to be covered include the history of oncology, basic cancer biology, and current concepts relative to the cause, prevention, detection, and treatment of benign and malignant neoplasias.
BIO 338 — Cell Physiology (NS) (3 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO*334
A contemporary perspective on cell function drawing upon recent findings in physiology, biochemistry, biophysics, and molecular biology. The course will highlight the cellular processes that occur outside the nucleus (in the plasma membrane, organelles and cytosol). Emphasis will be placed on learning quantitative approaches to solving problems in cell physiology.
BIO 345 — Experimental Design & Analysis With Lab (LA) (4 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO*121, and BIO*122
Mathematics is a fundamental component of Biology. In this course, experimental design, statistics, and simple modeling are presented from a biological perspective, in preparation for thesis and post-baccalaureate research, and for preparation for employment in Biology.
BIO 347 — Genetics (NS) (3 credits)
This course expands on the concepts of heredity, with emphasis placed on the genetics of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms. Classical genetic analysis, non-Mendelian inheritance, molecular mechanism of genetic change, and human genetics will be covered.
BIO 348L — Genetics Laboratory (LAB) (1 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO*347
BIO 352 — Microscopic Anatomy & Lab (NS) (4 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO*121, BIO*122, BIO*123L, and BIO*124L
A study of the cells and tissues, and their involvement in organ structure. Cytological and histological slides are prepared and studied in the laboratory.
BIO 360 — Pathophysiology (NS) (3 credits)
This course is designed to correlate basic knowledge of normal physiology with dysfunction of body mechanisms. The student will gain a basic understanding of the processes of disease through study of causative mechanisms and the signs and symptoms which reflect disease.
BIO 361L — Pathophysiology Laboratory (NS) (1 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO*231, and BIO*232
This course is designed to correlate basic knowledge of normal physiology with dysfunction of body mechanisms. The student will gain a basic understanding of the processes of disease through study of causative mechanisms and the signs and symptoms which reflect disease.
BIO 373 — Astrobiology (NS) (3 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO*121, BIO*122, BIO*123L, and BIO*124L
Astrobiology is the study of life as a planetary phenomenon. This course will explore life's origin, history, and evolution on Earth, and the potential for life elsewhere in the universe. It will examine the requirements and limits of life, from elemental to galactic, drawing from biology, geology, physics, and chemistry.
BIO 380 — Genomics & Proteomics (NS) (3 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO*121, BIO*122, BIO*123L, BIO*124L, and BIO*222
Genomics and Proteomics is the detailed study of technologies and methodologies for evaluation of genomic and protein functions. These methods are used to interpret biological regulation of DNA sequences, the RNAs that are copied from them, and the proteins that are synthesized from these RNAs. The application of these technologies to problems in biology ranging from organism development to human diseases will be discussed.
BIO 385 — Topic: (NS) (3-4 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO*121, BIO*122, BIO*123L, and BIO*124L
This special topics course provides students with opportunities to study current topics in the biological sciences. Biology is a rapidly changing field and thus many current issues are unable to be fully addressed in traditional course offerings. This includes topics in environmental science, bioinformatics and other evolving fields. Students may repeat the course two additional times as the topic changes.
BIO 391 — Bio-Analy Tech & Lab I (NS) (4 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO*121, BIO*122, BIO*123L, BIO*124L, and BIO*334
Lectures and laboratories will emphasize contemporary bioanalytical and biological research at the cell and molecular levels. BIO 391 will stress methods employed in studies of cell physiology. BIO 392 will emphasize DNA methods of gene recombination in prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. Theoretical and practical competence will be developed in all techniques.
BIO 392 — Bio-Analy Tech & Lab II (NS) (4 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO*121, BIO*122, BIO*123L, BIO*124L, and BIO*334
Lectures and laboratories will emphasize contemporary bioanalytical and biological research at the cell and molecular levels. BIO 391 will stress methods employed in studies of cell physiology. BIO 392 will emphasize DNA methods of gene recombination in prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. Theoretical and practical competence will be developed in all techniques.
BIO 398 — Fellowship Research III (1 credits)
Student-faculty collaborative research for fellowship students.
BIO 399 — Fellowship Research IV (1 credits)
Student-faculty collaborative research for fellowship students.
BIO 401 — Biology Seminar (WI) (1 credits)
Required of all B.S. and B.A. biology majors beginning with students entering their senior year. The goal is to assure the readiness of students for job placement, and/or entrance into professional or graduate school by assessing the students knowledge and understanding of the field and their writing and speaking skills.
BIO 402 — Biology Seminar (WI) (3 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO 401
Required of all B.S. and B.A. biology majors beginning with students entering senior year. The presentation of a research seminar and an in depth research literature review will be done to asses the students knowledge and understanding of the field and their writing and speaking skills.
BIO 403 — Honors Thesis I (NS) (3 credits)
Individual research of a substantive nature pursued in the students major field of study. The research will conclude in a written thesis on an original project, and an oral defense.
BIO 404 — Honors Thesis II (NS) (3 credits)
Individual research of a substantive nature pursued in the students major field of study. The research will conclude in a written thesis on an original project, and an oral defense.
BIO 410 — Projects in Public Health (EXP) (3 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO*106 and BIO*107
This service learning and seminar course requires the student to apply public health concepts to his/her major area of study by working with a community partner on a project in a relevant area of public health. Students will meet weekly to discuss their projects.
BIO 422 — Bioinformatics II (AS) (4 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO*222
The field of bioinformatics has developed as a result of the integration of information and approaches from a number of disciplines. This is an advanced course where on will be introduced to the challenges and projected outcomes of the field. It is expected that students entering this course are familiar with biological and computational techniques, as they will be used as the foundation for the laboratory portion of the course.
BIO 427 — Environmental Microbio & Lab (NS) (4 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO*212 and BIO*213L
BIO 432 — Development & Lab (NS) (4 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO*334
To provide a modern view of developmental biology unifying the approaches of cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics. This course is designed for students who have had one year of introductory biology, and one semester of cell biology. The communication of biological concepts, ideas, and experimentation, in verbal and written form, is an integral component of this course. The laboratory emphasizes molecular aspects of development.
BIO 435 — Plant Physiology (NS) (4 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO*121, BIO*122, BIO*123L, BIO*124L, and BIO*210
This course deals with plant physiology at an organismal level and with the physiological ecology or interactions of plants with their environment. The unique features of plant photosynthesis, water relations and metabolic processes will be studied in a variety of taxa and settings. Laboratory will include field trips to local areas of interest and experiments in the laboratory.
BIO 435L — Plant Physiology Lab (LAB) (0 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO*121, BIO*122, BIO*123L, and BIO*124L
Laboratory will include field trips to local areas of interest and experiments in the laboratory.
BIO 436 — Human Genetics (NS) (3 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO*334
The role of molecular regulatory mechanisms as they pertain to the structure and function of genes in eukaryotic systems, the evolution of genomes and molecular techniques are emphasized.
BIO 437L — Medical Genetics Lab (LAB) (1 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO*436
The bioinformatics component of Medical Genetics (BIO 436). A semester-long research project will be used to teach students how to use DNA sequence analysis to determine evolutionary relationships or explore the genetics of human disease. Research projects will vary depending upon the expertise and interest of the instructor.
BIO 441 — Comp Animal Phys & Lab (NS) (4 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO*121, BIO*122, BIO*123L, BIO*124L, and BIO*334
An advanced course in physiology intended to provide in-depth coverage of functions of selected cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems. Laboratory will feature experiments using appropriate animal model systems.
BIO 445 — Limnology (NS) (4 credits)
Prerequisite Take BIO*121. BIO*122, BIO*204, and BIO*205L
This course provides students with an introduction to limnology, emphasizing the physical, chemical and biological function of north temperate lakes and streams. Lecture topics include the physics and chemistry of continental waters, the major biotic communities, interactions among these communities, and interactions between humans and the aquatic environment. Laboratory exercises and field trips provide a practical introduction to the methods of aquatic sciences.
BIO 488 — Internship in Environmental Science (LA) (3 credits)
Training and professional experience in the environment. Interns perform service training, keep a written journal, and write a personal career evaluation based on the internship experience. Department chair permission required.
BIO 489 — Health Studies Internship (LA) (3 credits)
The health studies internship is an immersive hands-on experience in a particular aspect of health care. Individuals must perform a minimum of 60 hours of structured, closely monitored training, maintain a written journal, and write a personal career evaluation based on the experience. Biology department chair permission required.
BIO 497 — Independent Study (LA) (3 credits)
(1) Upper class status - junior or senior. (2) A 3.0 GPA in the major. (3) The acceptance of his/her proposed work by a department faculty member. (4) Completed work on the project by the end of one semester - written report.
BIO 498 — Independent Study (LA) (3 credits)
(1) Upper class status - junior or senior. (2) A 3.0 GPA in the major. (3) The acceptance of his/her proposed work by a department faculty member. (4) Completed work on the project by the end of one semester - written report.
BIO 499 — Independent Study (LA) (3 credits)
(2) A 3.0 GPA in the major. (3) The acceptance of his/her proposed work by a department faculty member. (4) Completed work on the project by the end of one semester - written report.