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23.101 Biological Concepts (Gen. Ed. Goal 7,
Lab)
An approach to the study of biology
that emphasizes conceptual understanding of
biological systems. These areas include
evolution and the origin of life, cellular
processes, Mendelian and molecular genetics,
ecology, behavioral science, and basic
physiological systems. The interrelationship
of these areas and their effect on human
biology are stressed.
Laboratory. This course is not open to
Biology majors.
Prerequisite: 43.095 General
Mathematics or a satisfactory score on the
mathematics placement exam.
23.103 Ecological Implications of
Conservation (Gen. Ed. Goal 7)
An introduction to the scientific principles
on which conservation should be based.
Methods of conservation practice are
stressed. The course includes a discussion
of the development and future of the
conservation movement. Occasional field
trips.
No
laboratory. This course is not open to
Biology majors.
23.112 Biology of Marine Organisms (Gen. Ed.
Goal 7)
An introduction to life in the oceans,
including basic principles of ecology, a
description of the important organisms, and
the impact of humans on marine life.
Laboratory demonstrations and occasional
field trips.
No
laboratory. This course is not open to
Biology majors.
23.114 A Human Perspective on Genetics (Gen.
Ed. Goal 7)
An exploration of the field of genetics from
the rediscovery of Mendel’s work in 1900 up
to the present. Once the fundamentals of the
discipline are established, the emphasis is
on genetics and its human ramifications.
Topics include the efforts to create a DNA
blueprint for humans, the prenatal diagnosis
of some genetic disorders, the cloning of
genes whose products are used as
pharmaceuticals, and the ability to alter
the genetic properties of important crop
plants.
No laboratory. This course is not open to
Biology majors.
23.142 Introduction to Human Biology (Gen.
Ed. Goal 7, Lab)
An exploration of the functional aspects of
the human body at the molecular, cellular,
organ, and systems levels. Emphasis is on
the development and evolution of homeostatic
mechanisms that allow the body to respond
and adapt to physical and emotional stresses
under changing environmental conditions.
Laboratory. This course is not open to
Biology or Food and Nutrition majors, except
for students in the Applied Nutrition
concentration.
23.160 Introduction to Organismal Biology
An introduction to the organismal,
population, community, and ecosystem levels
of biological organization for students
intending to major in Biology. The course
examines the processes of evolution, the
diversity of the biological world, and the
interactions of organisms and their
environment. Laboratory periods concentrate
on developing basic skills of observation,
measuring and interpreting data, and the
reading and reporting of experimental work.
Offered
Fall
semester only.
Note:
Students cannot receive credit for both
23.108 Biology II and 23.160 Introduction to
Organismal Biology.
Prerequisite: 43.095 General
Mathematics or a satisfactory score on the
mathematics placement exam.
23.161 Introduction to Cell and Molecular
Biology
An introduction to the molecular, cellular,
and physiological levels of biological
organization. The course examines the
processes of energy release, photosynthesis,
heredity, molecular control of cells, and
selected topics in physiology. Laboratory
periods concentrate on developing basic
skills of observation, measuring and
interpreting data, and the reading and
reporting of experimental work. Offered
Spring
semester only.
Note:
Students cannot receive credit for both
23.107 Biology I and
23.161 Introduction to Cell and Molecular
Biology.
Prerequisite: 43.095 General
Mathematics
or
a satisfactory score on the mathematics
placement exam.
23.200 Introduction to Environmental Science
(Gen. Ed. Goal 7)
A comprehensive survey of the environmental
principles concerning the interactions of
humans and world resources. The role of
technology in meeting the problems of
growth, pollution, energy, and agriculture
is examined in the context of present
capabilities and the prospects for future
development.
No laboratory.
23.203 Plants and Society (Gen. Ed. Goal 7)
An exploration of the dependency of humans
on plants and plant products. The beginning
of agriculture and its consequences for
human evolution are discussed. The origins,
dispersals, improvements, and uses of
economically valuable plants are considered
along with their relationships to the
world’s economy. Occasional field trips.
No laboratory.
This course is acceptable for majors as a
biology elective, but not in place of a
required plant course.
23.210 Introduction to Marine Mammals
An exploration of the biology and natural
history of marine mammals in the North
Atlantic, including whales, dolphins, and
seals. Topics include evolution, anatomy,
behavior, field identification, and the
history of whaling and contemporary
conservation issues. Demonstration
laboratory work focuses on smaller marine
mammals. There is one Saturday field trip on
Massachusetts Bay.
This course is not open to Biology majors.
Additional course fees apply.
Prerequisite: One college biology
course. Application to campus representative
of the Marine Studies Consortium must be
made one semester prior to experience.
23.220 Animal Behavior
A study of the influence of natural
selection on the behavior of animals. This
course emphasizes the distinction between
the immediate causes of behavior, including
external stimuli and internal physiological
mechanisms, and the ultimate consequences or
survival value of behavior. Topics such as
learning and instinct, aggression,
territoriality, communication, and social
behavior are discussed.
Laboratory.
Prerequisite: 23.160 Introduction to
Organismal Biology
or
23.101 Biological Concepts or permission of
the instructor.
23.232 Invertebrate Zoology
A comparative study of the invertebrate
animal phyla with emphasis on marine forms.
The course stresses functional morphology,
development, behavior, and ecological and
evolutionary relationships among the various
groups. Students study live specimens
whenever possible. Laboratory exercises
include field trips to collect and study
invertebrates of the region.
Prerequisite: 23.101 Biological Concepts
or
both 23.160 Introduction to Organismal
Biology and 23.161 Introduction to Cell and
Molecular Biology
or
permission of the instructor.
23.234 Comparative Vertebrate Physiology
An introduction to the functions and
relationships of vertebrate organs and organ
systems. The course emphasizes physiological
adaptations and mechanisms by which
vertebrates compensate for environmental
variations.
Laboratory.
Note:
Students may receive credit for only one of
the following courses: 23.234 Comparative
Vertebrate Physiology, 23.272 Human Anatomy
and Physiology I, or 23.333 Principles of
Human Physiology.
Prerequisites: 33.107 Principles of
Chemistry; 23.101 Biological Concepts
or
both 23.160 Introduction to Organismal
Biology and 23.161 Introduction to Cell and
Molecular Biology
or
permission of the instructor.
23.250 Horticulture
Designed as an introduction to basic
horticultural principles and practices. The
course emphasizes the basic structure,
growth, and development of plants, and gives
the student an opportunity to develop skills
in the care, propagation, and identification
of horticultural plants.
No laboratory.
This course is acceptable for majors as a
free elective, but not in place of a
required plant course.
23.251 Vascular Plant Taxonomy
An historical view of plant classification;
concepts of nomenclature, goals of
phylogenetic and biosystematic
investigations; anatomical and morphological
characteristics important in classification;
key characteristics of important temperate
plant families; collection and
identification techniques; and introduction
to the local flora.
Laboratory.
Prerequisite: 23.101 Biological
Concepts
or
23.160 Introduction to Organismal Biology.
23.252 Biology of Non-Vascular Plants
An examination of structure, life histories,
physiology, taxonomy, evolution, and
economics of the non-vascular plants.
Special attention is given to the algae and
the fungi. Laboratories, in addition to
morphological studies, introduce the student
to the methods of collecting, culturing and
identifying these organisms.
Laboratory.
Prerequisite: 23.101 Biological
Concepts
or
23.160 Introduction to Organismal Biology
and 23.161 Introduction to Cell and
Molecular Biology.
23.260 Cell Biology
A study of the structure and function of
cells and their major organelles. Topics
covered include the nucleus, mitochondria,
Golgi, lysosome, endoplasmic reticulum,
protein trafficking, signal transduction,
cellular energetics, and gene expression.
Laboratory exercises are mostly
experimental.
Prerequisites: 33.107 Principles of
Chemistry; 23.161 Introduction to Cell and
Molecular Biology
or
23.101 Biological Concepts.
23.272 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
A study of the functional systems in the
human body and the maintenance of
homeostasis. Systems covered in this course
include: endocrine, cardiovascular, renal
(urinary), digestive and reproductive.
Laboratory.
Course offered
Fall
semester.
Note:
Students may receive credit for only one of
the following courses: 23.234 Comparative
Vertebrate Physiology, 23.272 Human Anatomy
and Physiology I, or 23.333 Principles of
Human Physiology.
Prerequisites: 33.107 Principles of
Chemistry; 23.101 Biological Concepts
or
23.161 Introduction to Cell and Molecular
Biology.
23.273 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
A continuation of 23.272 Human Anatomy and
Physiology I. This course focuses on tissues
in the body, joints, skeletal and muscular
anatomy. In addition, the nervous and
respiratory systems are studied. This course
is designed for students interested in
pursuing a career in medical science.
Laboratory.
Course offered
Spring
semester.
Prerequisite: 23.272 Human Anatomy
and Physiology I
or
permission of instructor.
23.301 Genetics
A study of the principles governing heredity
in all living things, including
microorganisms, plants, and animals. Topics
covered include Mendelian inheritance,
molecular genetics, cytogenetics, human
hereditary disease, and population genetics.
Laboratory.
Prerequisites: 23.260 Cell Biology
or
permission of the instructor.
23.305 Cetacean Biology and Conservation
An examination of the biology and
conservation of cetaceans: whales, dolphins,
and porpoises. Topics include physiology,
population biology and life history
analysis, molecular genetics, morphology,
distributional ecology, and social behavior.
Early lectures focus on the biology of
cetaceans and how they are adapted to the
marine environment. Later lectures use case
studies to review how biological principles
can be applied to the conservation of a wide
range of cetacean species.
Additional course fees apply.
Prerequisites: One year of general
biology
and
two upper level biology courses. Application
to campus representative of the Marine
Studies Consortium must be made one semester
prior to experience.
23.307 Principles of Microbiology
An introduction to the structure,
reproduction, physiology and taxonomy of
microorganisms. Special attention is given
to bacteria and viruses. Emphasis is placed
on aspects of microbiology of significance
to humankind, including pathogenesis,
immunity, microbial ecology, pollution
control, food microbiology, and
biotechnology. Laboratory exercises
introduce the student to standard techniques
of cultivation and identification of
microorganisms, food microbiology, DNA
purification and analysis, immunological
assays, as well as encourage independent
investigations. Prerequisites: 33.107
Principles of Chemistry; 23.101 Biological
Concepts
or
23.161 Introduction to Cell and Molecular
Biology.
23.316 Wetlands: Hydrology, Ecology,
Restoration
A study of wetlands and their role in the
hydrology and ecology of global landscapes.
Course topics include the function of inland
and coastal marshes, swamps and bogs in
water and nutrient cycles, and the role of
wetlands in the support of biodiversity,
from microbes to vertebrates. The biological
links between wetlands and human activities,
such as agriculture, coastal development,
and fisheries, and the legal framework for
the protection and restoration of endangered
wetlands are also examined. Additional
course fees apply.
Prerequisites: One year of
introductory science (e.g. biology, geology,
chemistry, or engineering)
and
two upper level (elective) science courses.
Application to campus representative of the
Marine Studies Consortium must be made one
semester prior to experience.
23.325 Neurobiology
An advanced examination of the development,
structure and function of the central and
peripheral nervous systems. Topics covered
include synaptic communication,
neurotransmission, sensory and motor
processing, reflexes and cellular processes
of learning and memory. It is designed for
biology or psychology majors with an
interest in neurophysiology.
Laboratory.
Prerequisite: 23.272 Human Anatomy
and Physiology I
or
23.234 Comparative Vertebrate Physiology
or
permission of the instructor
23.333 Principles of Human Physiology
An overview of the functional anatomy of the
human body and its physiology. Basic
concepts concerning the skeletal, muscular,
nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular,
digestive, urinary, endocrine, and
reproductive systems are studied.
Laboratory.
Note:
Students may receive credit for only one of
the following courses: 23.234 Comparative
Vertebrate Physiology, 23.272 Human Anatomy
and Physiology I, or 23.333 Principles of
Human Physiology.
Prerequisites: 33.107 Principles of
Chemistry; 23.101 Biological Concepts
or
23.161 Introduction to Cell and Molecular
Biology.
23.335 Principles of Wildlife Biology
A study of the distribution of major
wildlife groups in the United States. The
principles of wildlife management and
evaluation of land and water habitats are
stressed, as well as population growth
dynamics and field procedures.
Laboratory.
Prerequisites: 33.107 Principles of
Chemistry; 23.101 Biological Concepts
or
23.160 Introduction to Organismal Biology.
23.336 Ornithology
An introduction to the biology of birds,
including anatomy, physiology, behavior,
ecology, field identification, and
conservation. Students become familiar with
the techniques and tools necessary to
identify bird species by sight and/or sound,
as well as with basic research techniques.
Laboratory includes field trips.
Prerequisite: A biology or zoology
course at the 100-level
or
permission of the instructor.
23.338 Ichthyology
A study of freshwater and marine fishes with
particular emphasis on those species
occurring in the northeastern states.
Laboratory.
Prerequisite: 23.160 Introduction to
Organismal Biology
and
23.161 Introduction to Cell and Molecular
Biology or 23.101 Biological Concepts
or
permission of the instructor.
23.340 Immunology
A study of the principles of immunology. The
immune response, antibody formation in cells
and the whole animal, immuno-suppression,
blood group antigens, and the kinetics of
antigen-antibody reactions are described.
The structure of the antibody and its active
site are examined at the molecular level.
The role of complement, hypersensitivity
(allergy), autoallergic reactions and
transplantation immunity are discussed.
Laboratory.
Prerequisite: 23.307 Principles of
Microbiology
or
permission of instructor.
23.341 Marine Biology
An introduction to the variety of marine
environments and the biological and physical
factors which contribute to the productivity
of these areas. Oceanic habitats are
compared to other ecosystems including
tropical and temperate estuaries, coral
reefs and salt marshes. Problems of human
interaction with the marine environment are
emphasized.
Laboratory.
Prerequisite: 23.101 Biological Concepts
or
23.160 Introduction to Organismal Biology
and
23.161 Introduction to Cell and Molecular
Biology.
23.348 Ecology
An advanced course that synthesizes
knowledge gained in other courses and
applies it to ecological problems. Emphasis
is placed on the interactions between the
organism and its biological and physical
environments. Concepts covered include soil,
climate, trophic systems, life history trade
offs, behavioral ecology, biodiversity, and
human impact. Laboratory includes field
trips. Students may not receive credit for
both 23.348 Ecology and 23.408 Ecology.
Prerequisites: 33.107 Principles of
Chemistry
and
two (2) biology courses (200 level or above)
or
permission of the instructor.
23.371 Medical Microbiology
An overview of human infectious diseases
caused by viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
Emphasis will be placed on current
diagnostic techniques and microbial
pathogenic mechanisms, and on contemporary
issues that include newly emerging
infectious diseases, vaccines, and
bio-terrorism.
Laboratory
exercises focus on state-of-the-art
procedures for the isolation and
identification of pathogenic microbes and
for the determination of their
susceptibility to chemotherapeutic drugs.
Prerequisite: 23.307 Principles of
Microbiology.
23.381 Theories of Infectious Disease
An introduction to human infectious disease
with emphasis on microbial pathogenic
mechanisms and contemporary diagnostic
techniques. Learning goals are centered on a
series of case studies involving the most
common infectious diseases affecting
mankind.
No Laboratory.
This course cannot be used as a required
Biology elective for the completion of a
major in Biology.
Prerequisite: 23.307 Principles of
Microbiology, an equivalent introductory
course in microbiology,
or
permission of the instructor.
Note:
Students cannot receive credit for both
23.371 Medical Microbiology and 23.381
Theories of Infectious Disease.
23.402 Processes of Organic Evolution
A study of the historical development of
evolutionary thought in the pre- and
post-Darwinian periods; the interplay among
mutations, recombination, gene flow, natural
selection, and genetic drift in determining
the direction of evolutionary change;
isolating mechanisms and the origins of
species; the role of polyploidy in plant
evolution; the significance of hybridization
in evolution and speciation; evidences of
evolution from various disciplines.
No
laboratory.
Prerequisite: 23.301 Genetics.
23.406 Methods in Biological Research I
Designed to develop a working appreciation
of methods of scientific inquiry through
development of an original research
proposal. Topics included are: problem
definition, literature survey, resource
bibliography, and research design, including
proposed data analysis. Normally taken in
the spring term of the junior year, this
course is open only to Biology majors.
Prerequisite: 43.208 Biostatistics,
33.107 Principles of Chemistry,
and
33.108 Principles of Chemistry and
Quantitative Analysis
or
equivalent, and at least four biology
courses at the 200 level or above.
23.407 Methods in Biological Research II
A continuation of Methods I (23.406) in
which the students implement their research
design under the supervision of a department
faculty member. The research may be
conducted off-campus with approval of course
coordinator. Open only to Biology majors.
Prerequisite: Completion of 23.406
Methods in Biological Research I with a
minimum grade of C- (1.70) or better.
23.409 Developmental Biology
A study of developing organisms. Growth,
regulation, differentiation and
morphogenesis are considered. Emphasis is
placed on molecular mechanisms.
Laboratory
exercises include both descriptive and
experimental embryology.
Prerequisite: 23.301 Genetics and
33.207 Organic Chemistry I
23.411 Food Microbiology
A focus on those microorganisms involved in
food production, food spoilage, and the
transmission of diseases through foods. The
effect of various methods of food
preservation is evaluated in terms of public
health, food spoilage, food quality, and
nutritional value of foods.
Laboratory.
Prerequisite: 23.307 Principles of
Microbiology.
23.417 Endocrinology
A study of endocrine glands, the hormones
they secrete, and the effects these hormones
have on their target tissues. The course
examines the mechanisms of the action of
hormones at the molecular, cellular, organ,
and physiological levels, as well as their
effects on development of the individual.
Topics covered include the role of hormones
in male and female reproduction, pregnancy,
parturition, lactation, growth, diabetes,
and exercise. In the laboratory, students
perform experiments involving small animal
surgery and injection of hormones.
Prerequisites: 33.107 Principles of
Chemistry and one of the following biology
courses: 23.234 Comparative Vertebrate
Physiology, 23.272 Human Anatomy and
Physiology I, 23.260 Cell Biology; or
permission of the instructor.
23.435 Recombinant DNA Technology
An introduction to the principles and
applications of recombinant DNA technology.
Emphasis is placed on the structure,
handling and manipulation of nucleic acids.
A historical perspective on the emergence of
recombinant DNA technology along with
current topics such as transgenic organisms
and human gene therapy are presented.
Laboratory
investigations include the isolation and
analysis of DNA; the use of restriction
endonucleases and plasmid cloning vectors;
amplification of DNA; and bioinformatics.
Prerequisites: 23.260 Cell Biology
and
either 23.307 Principles of Microbiology
or
23.301 Genetics; or permission of the
instructor.
23.451 Plant Physiology
An introduction to basic processes that
regulate plant growth and development.
Photosynthesis, photomorphogenesis, hormonal
control, and mineral acquisition are
emphasized. The laboratory has an open-ended
design with an emphasis on repeatability of
experimental results.
Prerequisites: 33.107 Principles of
Chemistry; 23.160 Introduction to Organismal
Biology
and
23.161 Introduction to Cell and Molecular
Biology
or
23.101 Biological Concepts.
23.456 Neighborhood Botany
Designed to acquaint the student with the
tools for identifying the flowering plants
and conifers in the local flora. The course
will include vegetative and floral
morphology, use and construction of
botanical keys and collecting techniques.
23.457 Quantitative Plant Ecology
An introduction to the principles and
techniques of ecology as they apply to
plants in terrestrial and aquatic habitats.
The course covers physiological ecology, as
well as population-and community level
processes. Laboratory emphasizes techniques
for quantitative sampling and analysis.
Occasional field trips.
Prerequisite: 23.251 Vascular Plant
Taxonomy or permission of the instructor.
23.490 Independent Study in Biology
An opportunity for the Biology major to work
independently in an area relevant to the
student’s special interests. Each student’s
experience is planned in cooperation with a
department member. Progress reports and
final written and oral reports are required.
Prerequisites: Biology major of
junior or senior standing, two semesters
completed at Framingham State College,
overall QPA of 2.50, and approval of the
department chair. The independent study
option is reserved for those students who
have previously demonstrated sufficient
motivation and self-discipline to work
independently.
23.496 Internship in Biology
A supervised field study in the area of the
student’s interest that complements formal
course work. The internship program is
offered through cooperation of participating
institutions that provide guidance for the
interns. A minimum of 160 onsite hours is
necessary to complete the internship in
Biology. The 160 hours must be completed
within one semester. The internship in
Biology may be taken for one (1) course
credit in the major as a free elective. A
student may not enroll in an internship more
than twice (two course credits). Any student
interested in participating in an internship
must consult with the Biology Department
chair prior to the middle of the semester
preceding the semester of the desired
internship.
Prerequisites: Biology majors of
senior standing, two semesters completed at
Framingham State College, overall QPA of
2.50 with a 2.75 average in courses for the
major, and approval of the department chair.
23.497 Internship in Biology
A supervised field study in the area of the
student’s interest that complements formal
course work. The internship program is
offered through cooperation of participating
institutions that provide guidance for the
interns. A minimum of 160 onsite hours is
necessary to complete the internship in
Biology. The 160 hours must be completed
within one semester. The internship in
Biology may be taken for one (1) course
credit in the major as a free elective. A
student may not enroll in an internship more
than twice (two course credits). Any student
interested in participating in an internship
must consult with the Biology Department
chair prior to the middle of the semester
preceding the semester of the desired
internship.
Prerequisites: Biology majors of senior
standing, two semesters completed at
Framingham State College, overall QPA of
2.50 with a 2.75 average in courses for the
major, and approval of the department chair. |
