Courses

Biology

Undergraduate Level
  • BIOL-K 101 Concepts of Biology I (5 cr.) P: high school or college chemistry Fall, day; Spring, day, night; Summer, day. An introductory course emphasizing the principles of cellular biology; molecular biology; genetics; and plant anatomy, diversity, development, and physiology.
  • BIOL-K 103 Concepts of Biology II (5 cr.) P: K101 Fall, day, night; Spring, day; Summer, day. An introductory biology course emphasizing phylogeny, structure, physiology, development, diversity, evolution and behavior in animals.
  • BIOL-K 295 Special Assignments (Arr cr.) P: consent of instructor. Fall, Spring. Special work, such as directed readings, laboratory or fieldwork, or presentation of material not available in the formal courses in the department.
  • BIOL-K 322 Genetics and Molecular Biology (3 cr.) P: K103 and CHEM C106. Fall, day. Spring of even-numbered years. The course covers the principles of classical and molecular genetics including Mendelian inheritance, linkage, nucleic acids, gene expression, recombinant DNA, genomics, immunogenetics, and regulation.
  • BIOL-K 323 Genetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory (2 cr.) P or C: K322. Fall, day. Applied principles of genetics and molecular biology using organisms of increasing complexity from viruses to fruit fly. Laboratory experiments include linkage analyses, deletion mapping, isolation of human chromosomes, mutagenesis, DNA extraction, restriction enzyme analysis, and PCR.
  • BIOL-K 324 Cell Biology (3 cr.) P: K103 and CHEM C106. Spring, day. Examination of the structure and activity of eukaryotic cells and subcellular structures. Emphasis is on regulation of and interactions among subcellular events, such as protein targeting, transmembrane signaling, cell movement, and cell cycle.
  • BIOL-K 325 Cell Biology Laboratory (2 cr.) P or C: K324. Spring, day. Experiments on the molecular and biochemical basis of organization and function of eukaryotic cells.
  • BIOL-K 331 Embryology (3 cr.) P: K103. Fall, Spring, day. The development of animals through differentiation of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems will be examined.
  • BIOL-K 333 Embryology Laboratory (1 cr.) P or C: K331. Spring, day. Processes of animal development are examined in a series of classical and modern experiments using cell, tissue and embryo culture, drug treatments, and microscopic techniques.
  • BIOL-K 338 Introductory Immunology (3 cr.) P: K103 and CHEM C106. Fall, day, night. Principles of basic immunology with an emphasis on the cells and molecules underlying immunological mechanisms.
  • BIOL-K 339 Immunology Laboratory (2 cr.) P or C: K338. Fall, day, night. Demonstration of immunological principles by experimentation. Exercises include cells and factors of the innate and the adaptive immune systems.
  • BIOL-K 341 Principles of Ecology and Evolution (3 cr.) P: K103. Fall, day. A study of the interactions of organisms with one another and with their nonbiotic environments in light of evolution.
  • BIOL-K 342 Principles of Ecology and Evolution Laboratory (2 cr.) P or C: K341. Fall, day. Application of ecology and evolution principles in laboratory and field experiments as well as demonstration of techniques of general ecology.
  • BIOL-K 350 Comparative Animal Physiology (3 cr.) P: N107 or K103, CHEM C106. Fall. A comparative examination of principles of animal physiology from molecular to organismal levels using homeostasis, regulation, and adaptation as central themes.
  • BIOL-K 356 Microbiology (3 cr.) P: K103, CHEM C341 Spring, day, night. Introduction to microorganisms: cytology, nutrition, physiology, and genetics. Importance of microorganisms in applied fields including infectious disease.
  • BIOL-K 357 Microbiology Laboratory (2 cr.) P or C: K356. Spring, day. Laboratory experiments and demonstrations to yield proficiency in aseptic cultivation and utilization of microorganisms; experimental investigations of biological principles in relation to microorganisms.
  • BIOL-K 411 Global Change Biology (3 cr.) P: K101 and K103 or GEOL G109 and one course in chemistry or consent of instructor. Examination of changes in earth's environment over history. In-depth study of effects of environmental change, including global warming, on the ecology of various organisms.
  • BIOL-K 483 Biological Chemistry (3 cr.) P: CHEM C342. Fall, day. Chemistry of biologically important molecules including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Special emphasis on chemistry of intermediary metabolism.
  • BIOL-K 484 Cellular Biochemistry (3 cr.) P: CHEM C342. Spring, day, night. Emphasis on selected topics in cellular biochemistry, including nucleic acid: protein interactions, protein: protein interactions, protein synthesis, biogenesis of membranes, and signal transduction. Current techniques for studying these processes in higher eukaryotes will be discussed.
  • BIOL-K 490 Capstone (1 cr.) P: senior standing. Faculty-directed or approved independent library research on an area of public, scientific interest or a community service activity in local industry, government, schools, or other public science-related groups or organizations. Topics for independent research and a list of service opportunities are available in the Department of Biology Office.
  • BIOL-K 493 Independent Research (1-3 cr.) P: consent of instructor. Fall, Spring, Summer. A course designed to give undergraduate students majoring in biology an opportunity to do research in fields in which they have a special interest.
  • BIOL-K 494 Senior Research Thesis (1 cr.) P: K493. Fall, Spring, Summer. A formally written report describing the results or accomplishments of K493.
  • BIOL-K 102 Honors Concepts of Biology I (5 cr.) P: high school or college chemistry For Honors Credit: Fall, day; Spring, day, night; Summer, day. An introductory course emphasizing the principles of cellular biology; molecular biology; genetics; and plant anatomy, diversity, development, and physiology.
  • BIOL-K 104 Honors Concepts of Biology II (5 cr.) P: K101 For Honors Credit: Fall, day, night; Spring, day; Summer, day. An introductory biology course emphasizing phylogeny, structure, physiology, development, diversity, evolution and behavior in animals.
  • BIOL-K 416 Cellular Molecular Neuroscience (3 cr.) P: BIOL-K324 Cell Biology. This course is designed to provide an in-depth analysis of topics within the field cellular and molecular neuroscience.  It will cover invertebrate and vertebrate neurobiology, cell and molecular biology of the neuron, neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, developmental neurobiology, regeneration and degeneration, learning and memory, and will include comparisions of neural mechanisms throughout the animal kingdom.
Courses for the Nonmajor
  • BIOL-N 100 Contemporary Biology (3 cr.) Fall, day, night; Spring, day, night; Summer. Selected principles of biology with emphasis on issues and problems extending into everyday affairs of the student.
  • BIOL-N 107 Exploring the World of Animals (4 cr.) Equiv. PU BIOL 109. Fall, day, night; Spring, day, night; Summer, day. This course introduces students to animals and their native environments. It surveys individual ecosystems and highlights the interactions, features, and characteristics of the animals found there. Examples of discussion topics include unique features of animals, animal relationships, societies and populations, exotic species, and behavior, including mating, communication, feeding and foraging, and migration. Environmental issues including the effects of pollution on ecosystems are also discussed. Not equivalent to K103.
  • BIOL-N 108 Plants, Animals and the Environment (3 cr.) Fall, day, night; Spring, day, night; Summer, day. This course is designed to provide students and future K-8 teachers with a background in the general biology concepts of plants, animals and the environment, which are the backbone of the State of Indiana science standards.
  • BIOL-N 200 The Biology of Women (3 cr.) Fall, day, night; Spring, day, night; Summer. This course examines the biological basis for bodily functions and changes that take place throughout the life of females.
  • BIOL-N 212 Human Biology (3 cr.) Equiv. PU BIOL 201. Fall, day. First course in a two-semester sequence in human biology with emphasis on anatomy and physiology, providing a solid foundation in body structure and function.
  • BIOL-N 213 Human Biology Laboratory (1 cr.) P or C: N212. Fall, day. Accompanying laboratory for N212.
  • BIOL-N 214 Human Biology (3 cr.) P: N212. Equiv. PU BIOL 202. Spring, day. Continuation of N212.
  • BIOL-N 215 Human Biology Laboratory (1 cr.) P or C: N214. Spring, day. Accompanying laboratory for N214.
  • BIOL-N 217 Human Physiology (5 cr.) Equiv. IU PHSL P215. Fall, day; Spring, day; Summer, day. Lectures and laboratory work related to cellular, musculoskeletal, neural, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, renal, endocrine, and reproductive function in humans.
  • BIOL-N 222 Special Topics in Biology (1-3 cr.) A variable-topic course dealing with current topics in biology. In a given semester, a topic such as disease, genetics, the environment, etc., will be dealt with as a separate course.
  • BIOL-N 251 Introduction to Microbiology (3 cr.) P: one semester general chemistry or one semester life science. Spring, night. This course includes a laboratory component. The isolation, growth, structure, functioning, heredity, identification, classification, and ecology of microorganisms; their role in nature and significance to humans.
  • BIOL-N 261 Human Anatomy (5 cr.) Equiv. IU ANAT A215. Fall, day, night; Spring, day, night; Summer, day, night. Lecture and laboratory studies of the histology and gross morphology of the human form, utilizing a cell-tissue-organ system-body approach.
  • BIOL-N 322 Introductory Principles of Genetics (3 cr.) P: N107 or K101. Equiv. PU AGR 430. Spring, night. Basic principles of plant and animal genetics. Emphasis on transmission mechanisms as applied to individuals and populations. For students in health and agricultural sciences.
  • BIOL-N 400 Biological Skills for Teachers (3 cr.) P: consent of instructor. Fall, night. Concepts and laboratory skills necessary to prepare teachers with diverse backgrounds to return to graduate academic biology courses are reviewed. Topics include general principles of biology, biochemistry, and biomathematics.
  • BIOL-N 120 Topics in Biology (3 cr.)
  • BIOL 10011 Principles of Biomedical Sciences (3 cr.) Students investigate the human body systems and various health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, sickle-cell disease, hypercholesterolemia, and infectious diseases.  They determine the factors that led to the death of a fictional person, and investigate lifestyle choices and medical treatments that might have prolonged the person's life.  The activities and projects introduce students to human physiology, medicine, research processes and bioinformatics.  This course is designed to provide an overview of all the courses in the Biomedical Sciences program and lay the scientific foundation for subsequent courses.  This course is one in a series of classes for the Project Lead the Way series of courses in the area of Biomedical Sciences.
  • BIOL 10012 Human Body Systems (3 cr.) P: BIOL 10011 Students examine the interactions of body systems as they explore identity, communication, power, movement, protection and homeostasis.  Students design data acquisition software to monitor body functions such as muscle movement, reflex and voluntary action, and respiration.  Exploring science in action, students build organs and tissues on a skeletal manikin, work through interesting real world cases and often play the role of biomedical professionals to solve medical mysteries.  This course is one in a series of classes for the Project Lead the Way series of courses in the area of Biomedical Sciences.
  • BIOL 10013 Medical Interventions (3 cr.) P: BIOL 10012  Students investigate the variety of interventions involved in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease as they follow the lives of a fictitious family.  The course is a "How-To" manual for maintaining overall health and homeostasis in the body as students explore: how to prevent and fight infection; how to screen and evaluate the code in human DNA; how to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer; and how to prevail when the organs of the body begin to fail.  Through these scenarios, students are exposed to the wide range of interventions related to immunology, surgery, genetics, pharmacology, medical devices and diagnostics.  Lifestyle choices and preventive measures are emphasized throughout the course as well as the important roles scientific thinking and engineering design play in the development of interventions of the future. This course is one in a series of classes for the Project Lead the Way series of courses in the area of Biomedical Sciences.
  • BIOL 10014 Biomedical Innovation (3 cr.) P: BIOL 10013 In this capstone course, students apply their knowledge and skills to answer questions or solve problems related to the biomedical sciences.  Students design innovative solutions for the health challenges of the 21st century as they work through progressively challenging open-ended problems, addressing topics such as clinical medicine, physiology, biomedical engineering, and public health.  They have the opportunity to work on an independent project and may work with a mentor or advisor from a university, hospital, physician's office, or industry.  Throughout the course, students are expected to present their work to an adult audience that may include representatives from the local business and health care community. This course is one in a series of classes for the Project Lead the Way series of courses in the area of Biomedical Sciences.
Advanced Undergraduate and Graduate Level
  • BIOL 50700 Principles of Molecular Biology (3 cr.) P: K322, CHEM C342, or consent of instructor. Fall, night. Molecular aspects of structure and function of nucleic acids and proteins, including recombinant DNA research. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic molecular biology are given equal weight.
  • BIOL 51600 Molecular Biology of Cancer (3 cr.) P: CHEM C342 and K322 or a course in biochemistry. A detailed course examining the molecular mechanisms controlling the growth of animal cells. Emphasis on current experimental approaches to defining the molecular basis of growth regulation in developing systems and the uncontrolled proliferation of cells in metabolic disorders, such as cancer.
  • BIOL 53000 Introductory Virology (3 cr.) P: K356, CHEM C342. Fall, odd years, night. Detection, titration, and chemistry of viruses; viral host interactions: bacteriophage-bacterium, animal virus-animal cell, plant virus-plant cell; tumor viruses: infection and transformation.
  • BIOL 54000 Topics in Biotechnology (3 cr.) P: K322 and CHEM C341, or consent of instructor. Fall, night. Examines research techniques and applications for several technologies situated at currently recognized biological frontiers, including recombinant DNA technology, hybridoma technology, protein engineering, agricultural research, and microbiological engineering.
  • BIOL 54800 Techniques in Biotechnology (3 cr.) P: K322, CHEM C342, or consent of instructor. Fall, day, night. Laboratory experience in techniques applicable to biotechnology: protein chemistry, molecular biology, and immunology.
  • BIOL 55000 Plant Molecular Biology (3 cr.) P: K322, CHEM C341, or consent of instructor. Fall, day, night. A comprehensive study of plant molecular biology and plant molecular genetics. Topics will include the structure and expression of plant nuclear, chloroplast, and mitochondrial genomes, and plant viruses.
  • BIOL 55600 Physiology I (3 cr.) P: K103, CHEM C342. Fall, night. Principles of physiology: nerve and muscle, temperature regulation, ion and water balance.
  • BIOL 55700 Physiology II (3 cr.) P: 556 or consent of instructor. Spring, night. A study of human cardiovascular, pulmonary, blood, and gastrointestinal systems. Higher neuronal functions and intersystem interactions will be discussed.
  • BIOL 55900 Endocrinology (3 cr.) P: 55600 or equivalent, and CHEM C342. Fall. The study of hormone function. Consideration will be given to the role of hormones in growth, development, metabolism, homeostasis, and reproduction.
  • BIOL 56100 Immunology (3 cr.) P: K103, CHEM C341. Spring, night. Introduction to basic principles and experimentation in cellular and humoral immunology.
  • BIOL 56400 Molecular Genetics of Development (3 cr.) P: K322 or similar or consent of instructor. R: BIOL 56600. Spring, day, night. Examines how key regulatory genes and molecular signaling pathways regulate development in both lower eukaryotic organisms and mammalian organ systems, with emphasis on the function and evolution of signaling molecules and transcription factor superfamilies.
  • BIOL 56600 Developmental Biology (3 cr.) P: K322. Fall. Principles of animal development. The emphasis is on concepts and underlying mechanisms of developing and regenerating systems and stem cell properties, including molecular and biochemical approaches.
  • BIOL 56800 Regenerative Biology and Medicine (3 cr.) P: K324 or K331 or a biochemistry course. Spring. This course examines the mechanisms of natural regeneration (regenerative biology) and the application of these mechanisms to the development of therapies to restore tissues damaged by injury or disease (regenerative medicine).
  • BIOL 57000 Biological Membranes (3 cr.) P: CHEM C342 or consent of instructor. Spring, night. An examination of structure and function of biological membranes. Topics include lipid and protein composition and interactions, physiological properties of membranes, physiological methods of analysis, model membrane systems, and survey of specific biological membranes and their modes of action.
  • BIOL 57100 Developmental Neurobiology (3 cr.) P: consent of instructor. Fall, odd years, night. The major phases of nervous system development beginning with neurolation and neurogenesis and ending with the onset of physiological activity will be studied in a variety of animals, mainly avians and mammals (including man). Neural developmental disorders and behavioral ontogeny will also be considered.
  • BIOL 59500 Special Assignments (1-3 cr.) P: consent of instructor. Fall, Spring, Summer. Special work, such as directed reading, independent study or research, supervised library, laboratory or fieldwork, or presentation of material not available in the formal courses of the department.
Graduate Level
  • BIOL 64100 Microbial Genetics (2 cr.) P: K323, CHEM C342, and consent of instructor. Spring, odd years, night. Genetics of bacteria, bacterial viruses, and other microorganisms with emphasis on organization, replication, and function of the genetic material.
  • BIOL 69600 Seminar (1 cr.) Fall, Spring. Each semester there are several separate offerings. They will likely be on the following topics: biochemistry, biology teaching, ecology and population biology, genetics, mechanisms of development, microbiology, neurobiology, and plant physiology. Oral presentations required. May be repeated for credit.
  • BIOL 69700 Special Topics (1-3 cr.) Fall, Spring. The frontiers of biology. Critical examination of developments in the various specialties represented by the members of the department. Currently, advanced work in the following and related fields can be offered: molecular genetics; structure and biosynthesis of biologically significant molecules; the nature of biological specificity and enzyme catalysis; the fine structure and chemistry of subcellular particles, cells, and tissues; microbial and plant metabolism; comparative biochemistry; genetics and physiology of viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, helminths, and cells of higher forms of life; the genetics, structure, development, and physiology of plants and animals, including endocrinology and work physiology; excitable membranes; neurobiology, ecology, systematics, and evolution of microorganisms, plants, and animals; host-parasite relationships including immunology; and the teaching of biology. The field in which work is offered will be indicated in the student's record. May be repeated for credit.
  • BIOL 69800 Research M.S. Thesis (Arr. cr.) M.S. Thesis.
  • BIOL 69900 Research Ph.D. Thesis (Arr cr.) Research Ph.D. Thesis.
  • BIOL-G 901 Advanced Research (6 cr.)