100  Basic Biological Science (3) Basic principles of biology. Cell theory, metabolism, genetics, development, diversity of life forms, and ecology. Not open to biology majors. (2,2)

102  Humans and the Environment (3) The effects of human population on earth's resources are studied against a background of physical, biological, and health sciences. Note: Students completing BIO 102 may not take ESS 102 or ENV102 for credit. May not be taken as biology major elective.
Approved interdisciplinary course

110  General Biology (3) The concepts general to all living organisms such as cell structure and function, genetics, evolution, and ecology. This course is designed for majors in biology and related scientific areas. (2,3)

204  Introductory Microbiology (4) The biology of medically important microorganisms, their structure, taxonomy, physiology, control, and host-parasite interactions. (3,2) PREREQ: BIO 100 or BIO 110 and one semester of chemistry. May not be taken as a biology major elective.

214  General Microbiology (4) The biology of microorganisms, their structure, physiology, and control; the nature and dynamics of disease and disease control; principles of food, industrial, and environmental microbiology. The laboratory will deal with microbiological techniques, isolation and identification of microbes, and water and food analysis. This course is for biology majors. (3,3) PREREQ: BIO 110 and one semester of chemistry.

215  General Botany (3) A survey of plant and plant-like organisms from bacteria to and including the angiosperms with emphasis on anatomy, physiology, reproduction, and economic importance. (2,3) PREREQ: BIO 110.

217  General Zoology (3) Principles of animal biology. Form and function of vertebrate and invertebrate animal types (2,3) PREREQ: BIO 110.

220  Cell Physiology (3) An introduction to cellular and molecular biology with emphasis on cell morphology, biochemistry, and cell physiology. (2,3) PREREQ: BIO 110 and CHE 230 or 231 (may be taken concurrently).

230  Genetics (3) Nature of genetic material and its qualitative and quantitative variation: recombination; interaction of gene products; regulation of genetic material; and its role in evolution. (3) PREREQ: BIO 110 and MAT 121.

259  Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4) An introduction to human structure and function. Skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems are emphasized. Laboratory involves study of human development and gross anatomy of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. (3,2) May not be taken as a biology major elective.

269  Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4) Continuation of BIO 259. Endocrine, circulatory, respiratory, immune, digestive, and urogenital systems emphasized. (3,2) May not be taken as a biology major elective. PREREQ: BIO 259.

270  General Ecology (3) Relationships between living organisms and their environment. (2,3) PREREQ: BIO 110. Recommended are BIO 215 and 217, MAT 121, or SCI 101 and 102 and one semester of computer science.

275  Field Botany (3) Methods of studying plants in their natural surroundings. Use of keys, botanical manuals, and illustrated floras to identify living specimens. (2,3) PREREQ: BIO 100 or 215.

277  Vertebrate Ecology (3) Animal life in the surrounding localities. Identification, behavior, habitats, feeding, and reproduction. (2,3) PREREQ: BIO 100 or 217.

307  Pathophysiology (3) An integrated study of the processes involved in the total body systemic complex as it changes from the ordered homeostatic condition to the imbalanced diseased state. The use of disease models, with clinical considerations, strengthens the concepts. (3) PREREQ: BIO 259 and 269. May not be taken as a biology major elective.

310  Biometrics (3) The experimental design and computer-assisted statistical analysis of biological research problems. (2,3) PREREQ: BIO 110 and MAT 121.

311  Contemporary Issues in Biology Teaching (3) Curricular trends in biology education, biotechnology, and bioethics are analyzed in a social context through constructive controversy. The nature of science is explored and experiential skills are honed through practical application via a laboratory-oriented, faculty-student mentoring program. (2,2) PREREQ: BIO 110, 215, 217, 230; EDF 100; EDP 250, 351 (or graduate-level equivalents); or permission of the instructor. May not be taken as a biology elective.

313  Marine Biology (3) The course is intended to provide a general introduction to the biology of marine organisms. Lectures will focus on the diversity, ecology, and adaptations of organisms living in the marine environment. (3)

314  Diagnostic Bacteriology (4) Systematic study of pathogenic bacteria with extensive laboratory experience in handling and identifying these organisms. (3,3) PREREQ: BIO 214.

BIL 333 Introduction to Recombinant DNA Methodology (2) Laboratory techniques for gene manipulation, restriction endonuclease use, DNA electrophoresis, gene cloning in E. coli, and polymerase chain reaction. (0, 4) PREREQ: BIO 204 or 214, BIO230, CHE 231.

334  Microbial Genetics (4) A course on the genetics of bacteria, their viruses, plasmids, and transposable elements. Applications of microbial genetics in genetic engineering and biotechnology. (3,3) PREREQ: BIO 110, 214, 230, and CHE 231.

357  Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (4) Comparative study of the principal organ systems of vertebrates as to their structure, function, and evolutionary relationships. (2,4) PREREQ: BIO 217.

367  Physiology of Drug Interaction (3) An introduction to the mechanism of action of prototype drugs. The physiological alterations produced by various drugs as well as interactions between drug classes will be emphasized. (3) PREREQ: BIO 269 or BIO 468 or BIO 469.

377  Entomology (3) The structure, function, classification, economic importance, and biological significance of insects. (2,3) PREREQ: BIO 110 or 217.

407 and 408 Internship in Medical Technology (13 for each semester, total of 26) A two-semester, work-study appointment with an affiliated hospital. The satisfactory completion of this internship is accepted as the senior year's work by West Chester University. This internship will prepare the student to take the National Exam for Medical Technologists. PREREQ: Students who have completed 65 credit hours in the B.S. biology general concentration should apply for this internship in the summer following their sophomore year. Students must have an overall GPA of 2.75 and approval from the Department of Biology and the affiliated hospital.

409  Internship in Biological Sciences (3-16) A one-semester, work-study appointment with a commercial, industrial, or governmental agency. Students will be supervised jointly by a professional scientist of the agency and a Department of Biology faculty member. A maximum of eight combined credits from BIO 409 and BIO 491 may be applied to biology electives. PREREQ: Biology major, senior standing, GPA of 2.5 overall, 2.50 in biology, and approval of biology curriculum committee.
This course may be taken again for credit.

414  Applied and Industrial Microbiology (3) This course traces both the historical and current applications of microbiology in industry and society. Topics covered during lectures include building and equipment design, microbiological safety, fermentation, waste treatment, compost, and food production. The course also features guest lectures from several practicing microbiologists involved in industry. PREREQ: BIO 214 or permission of the instructor.

421  Cellular and Molecular Biology (4) A lecture and laboratory course that studies the molecular basis of cellular life. Eukaryotic cell structure and function will be emphasized. (3,3) PREREQ: BIO 220, BIL 333, and CHE 232.

428  Animal Histology (3) A study of the microscopic structure and function of vertebrate tissues and organs. (2,2) PREREQ: BIO 110 and 217, or permission of the instructor.

431  Molecular Genetics (3) A second course in genetics, covering the molecular biology of genetic events. Emphasis will be on the molecular details of basic genetic processes, such as DNA replication and transcription, RNA translation and protein synthesis, the genetic code, molecular mechanisms of gene regulation, and an introduction to "biotechnology." (3) PREREQ: BIO 230 and CHE 232.

435-438  Course Topics in Biology (1-3) Courses in this series are of timely interest to the student. Topics may include biological terminology, laboratory techniques, mycology, etc. Open only to junior and senior science majors.
This course may be taken again for credit.

448  Animal Development (4) Introduction to principles of animal development with laboratory study of vertebrate embryos. (3,3) PREREQ: BIO 110, 217, 220, and 230.

452  Parasitology (3) Biology of the principal parasites of man and domestic animals. Emphasis is on life cycles of common parasites, identification of diagnostic forms, and understanding the diseases associated with parasites of major economic and medical importance. (3) PREREQ: BIO 204 or 214, and 217.

454  Mycology (3) An introductory course including a general study of the biology of fungi and a survey of the field of medical mycology. (3) PREREQ: BIO 110 and 214 plus another three-credit-hour biology course.

456  Virology (3) Molecular biology of bacterial, plant, and animal viruses; virus classification, ultrastructure, mechanisms of replication, and effects of virus infection on host cell. PREREQ: CHE 232 and BIO 230 and 214.

457  Functional Animal Morphology (3) A study of the structure, form, and function of morphological adaptations in animals as examined through a mechanical, ecological, and evolutionary perspective. (3) PREREQ: BIO 217.

464  Microbial Physiology (4) Physiology and biochemical variations seen in prokaryotes and lower eukaryotes. (2,4) PREREQ: BIO 214 and 230, and CHE 232.

465  Immunology (4) Immunoglobulin structure and function, nature of antigens, cell-mediated immunity, hypersensitivity, regulation of immunity, and immunological diseases. Laboratory experience in immunological techniques. (3,3) PREREQ: BIO 214 and CHE 232.

466  Plant Physiology (3) Physiological processes of plants. Photosynthesis, respiration, intermediary metabolism, entrance of solutes into the plant, water metabolism, and growth regulators. (2,3) PREREQ: BIO 215 and CHE 231.

467  Endocrinology (3) An integrative look at the physiology of the mammalian endocrine system in the regulation and maintenance of homeostasis. The pathology associated with hormonal imbalance will be included. (3) PREREQ: BIO 217 and BIO220 with a C or better in each, plus any 300/400 level biology course with a C or better.

468  Comparative Vertebrate Physiology (4) Comparative physiology of fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, with emphasis on organ-based homeostasis. (3,3) PREREQ: BIO 217 and BIO220.

469  Human Physiology (4) Theoretical and applied principles of the physiology of humans presented from an organ-system approach. Emphasis is placed on homeostatic regulatory mechanisms. (3,3) PREREQ: BIO 220, BIO 230, CHE 232. May not be taken as a biology major elective.

470  Population Biology (3) A quantitative, second course in ecology, emphasizing distributional patterns and fluctuations in abundance of natural populations. (2,3) PREREQ: BIO 270, MAT 121, and one semester of calculus.

471  Wetlands (3) A course designed to provide practical experience in wetlands - classification, delineation, regulation, management, and mitigation practices. The abiotic and biotic characteristics of inland and coastal wetlands are emphasized. (2,3) PREREQ: Eight hours of biology or permission of instructor.

472  Aquatic Biology (3) A laboratory and field-oriented course in the ecology and biota of streams and wetlands. (2,3) PREREQ: BIO 215, 217, 270.

473  Conservation Biology (3) The application of basic biological and ecological principles for the preservation of biological diversity. Emphasis will be on understanding the threats to biodiversity, the values of biodiversity, and preservation strategies including ecological risk assessment and the management of endangered species, habitats, and ecosystems. PREREQ (required): BIO 110, 215 or 217, and 270. PREREQ (recommended): BIO 310.

474  Microbial Ecology (4) Theory and application of modern microbial ecology. Lectures will focus on topics such as microbial communities, interactions with other organisms, biogeochemistry, and biotechnology. (3,3) PREREQ: BIO 110, 214, 270, and CHE 103, 104.

475  Plant Communities (3) A survey of ecological, morphological, and physiological strategies of plants from seed through adult stages. The integration of these strategies to explain the major plant communities of North America will be covered. (2,3) PREREQ: BIO 215.

476  Limnology (3) The measurement and analysis of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of lakes. (2,3) PREREQ: BIO 110 and CHE 103, 104.

480  Light Microscopy and the Living Cell (3) A one-semester lecture and lab course covering the theory and practical techniques of all types of light microscopy and their uses in investigating living cells. Also includes techniques such as microinjection, cell electrophysiology, and others. Strong emphasis on "hands-on" work with equipment. (2,2) PREREQ: BIO 110, BIO 215 or 217, CHE 104, CRL 104, or permission of instructor.

484  Epidemiology (3) A general study of the epidemiology of both infectious and noninfectious diseases, including industrial and environmentally related health problems. (3) PREREQ: BIO 214.

485  Systematic Botany (3) Principles of evolution as illustrated by the principles of plant taxonomy. Modern concepts of biosystematics. Practical experience in plant identification. (2,3) PREREQ: BIO 215.

490  Biology Seminar (3) Reports on special topics and current developments in the biological sciences. PREREQ: 18 hours of biology courses and senior standing.

491  Special Problems in Biology (1-3) Tutorial course primarily for advanced undergraduate biology majors capable of independent study and research on a problem approved by the supervising instructor. A maximum of eight combined credits from BIO 409 and BIO 491 may be applied to biology electives. PREREQ: Permission of instructor; 2.50 GPA overall, 2.50 GPA in biology.
This course may be taken again for credit.

IND 401  Environmental Applications of GIS (3) Students are introduced to regional problem solving based on interdisciplinary, scientific data using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Background in one of the natural or applied sciences is presumed, and students without such background should contact one of the instructors before scheduling. Most relevant lecture material is handled as readings outside of class, and class time is devoted largely to environmental analysis using ArcViewGIS. One half-day field trip is required. (1,2) PREREQ: Minimum of 64 credits earned, major in BIO, CHE, ENV, ESS, GEO, or PHY, with at least 15 credits earned in one of these disciplines, or permission of the instructor.

SCB 210 The Origin of Life and the Universe (3) An interdisciplinary course that presents the theory and evidence for the first three minutes of the universe and formation of the stars, galaxies, planets, organic molecules, and the genetic basis of organic evolution. May not be taken as a biology major elective.
Approved interdisciplinary course

SCB 350 Science Education in the Secondary School (3) A methods course emphasizing knowledge of curricular development and skill in planning, involving the design and execution of learning activities for all instructional modes. (2,2) PREREQ: Required core courses in science discipline and EDS 306 (or graduate-level equivalent), or permission of instructor.

SCI 101  The Carbon Cycle (3) An exploration of how the carbon cycle connects earth and life, through photosynthesis, respiration, decay, rock formation and weathering, and plate tectonics. Humans have altered the carbon cycle by burning fossil fuels. Students investigate the carbon cycle on the WCU campus and consider the implications for global warming. For elementary education majors only. Team taught with the Department of Geology and Astronomy.

SCI 102  Electricity with Physical and Biological Applications (3) An exploration of the physics of electrical circuits, the chemical basis of electricity as the flow of electrons, acid-base and oxidation-reduction reactions in chemical and in living systems, the electrical activity in the human nervous system, and connections between electricity and sensation and locomotion in humans. For elementary education majors only. Team taught with the departments of Physics and Chemistry.