Department of  BIOLOGY
         
FRAMINGHAM STATE COLLEGE

 

Home

Faculty

Programs

Preprofessional Program

Course Description

Student Research

Student Resources

Campus Resourses

Search FSC
Quick Links

MINOR IN BIOLOGY (5 courses):

An introductory biology laboratory course, a chemistry laboratory course and a minimum of three (3) biology courses which must be 200-level and above. A minimum of two (2) must have a laboratory. All courses must be chosen under the guidance of a member of the Biology Department. If college credit is received for either an examination or advanced placement, the introductory course requirement shall be waived. At least three (3) of the courses must be taken on the Framingham State College campus.

Faculty Contact: Margaret Carroll

Biology Courses Appropriate for General Education (Gen. Ed.)

Courses                                                                                     

Goal

BIOL 101        Biological Concepts                                       

7, Lab

BIOL 103        Ecological Implications of Conservation                    

7

BIOL 112        Biology of Marine Organisms -Laboratory                               

7

BIOL 114        A Human Perspective on Genetics                           

7

BIOL 142        Introduction to Human Biology                         

7, Lab

BIOL 200        Introduction to Environmental Science                              

7

BIOL 203        Plants and Society                                                 

7

Course Descriptions

BIOL 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:MATH 095 General Mathematics or a satisfactory score on the mathematics placement exam.

BIOL 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.

BIOL 112 Biology of Marine Organisms (Gen. Ed. Goal 7, Lab)
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.  Laboratory. This course is not open to Biology majors.

BIOL 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.

BIOL 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.

BIOL 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 BIOL 108 Biology II and BIOL 160 Introduction to Organismal Biology.

Prerequisite: MATH 095 General Mathematics or a satisfactory score on the mathematics placement exam.

BIOL 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 BIOL 107 Biology I and BIOL 161 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology.

Prerequisite: MATH 095 General Mathematics or a satisfactory score on the mathematics placement exam.

BIOL 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.

BIOL 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.

Framingham State College              100 State Street     Framingham, MA 01701-9101                (508) 620-1220