Core component:
The following six core courses must be taken (22 hours)
BIOL 150G. * General Biology (four
credits)
BIOL 204. Human Anatomy and Physiology
A systematic analysis of the structure and function of the human body. Taught in alternate
years. Prerequisite: BIOL 111 or consent of the instructor. (Four credits.)
CHEM 140G. General Chemistry
A
general study of the properties, structure, and bonding of elements and
compounds. Chemical calculations and an introduction to chemical
thermodynamics are also included. (Four credits.)
PSYC 101G. Introduction to Psychology
An examination of the scientific study of psychology. Lecture sessions emphasize current
concepts in the biological roots of behavior, learning, perception, human memory, social
behavior, psychopathology, and applied psychology. Laboratory sessions stress the application
of quantitative interpretations of data and the scientific method to the study of human and
animal behavior. (Four credits.)
PSYC 243. Mind, Brain, and Behavior
This course provides a first exposure to the relationship between the
brain and behavior. Topics include neuronal communication, perception,
cognition, learning and memory, and the biological basis of consciousness.
This course serves as a prerequisite to PSYC 303, PSYC 318, PSYC 320, and
PSYC 327. Prerequisite: PSYC 101. (Three credits.)
PSYC 318. Biopsychology
This course emphasizes understanding the function of the brain and its relation to
behavior. Topics include the biochemistry of neural conduction and synaptic transmission,
neuro physiology, brain disorders, the biochemistry of learning and memory, and mechanisms of
action of psychoactive drugs. Prerequisite: PSYC 101, or BIOL 101 and PSYC
201 or consent of instructor. (Three credits.)
Biology Sequence (10 hours)
MATH 207. Statistics for the Sciences
An introduction to statistical methods with examples and problems aimed toward the
sciences. Topics include descriptive statistics, experimental design, probability, basic
statistical inference. Chi-Square analysis, analysis of variance, correlation, and simple and
multiple regression. Prerequisite: Four years of college preparatory Mathematics or MATH 106
or permission of instructor. (Four credits)
BIOL 222. Introduction to Research I
A seminar designed to introduce the biology major to the scientific
literature. Students will learn to search for, retrieve, summarize, and
evaluate primary sources of biological research. Students will also
evaluate proposals and final research presentations of the research of
advanced biology majors. (one credit.)
BIOL 322. Introduction to Research II
A seminar designed to introduce the biology major to planning
scientific research. Building on previous knowledge of scientific
literature, students learn how to design experiments and apply appropriate
statistical methods to the results. Students write a proposal for an
independent research project that includes a thorough literature review
and present their proposal orally to faculty and student peers.
Prerequisite: BIOL 222 (one credit.)
BIOL 440. Research I
An individual research project chosen by the student in consultation
with the biology faculty. Includes designing and executing a research
project as well as keeping a detailed laboratory notebook. Prerequisite:
BIOL 322 (Two credits.)
BIOL 450. Research II
A continuation of Research I. Students are expected to finish the
research projects they began in BIOL 440. The main focus of this course
will be analyzing and presenting research results in poster format and in
a formal scientific paper. Students will be further required to serve as
mentors to their peers enrolled in Research I. Prerequisite: BIOL 440.
(Two credits.)
Psychology Sequence (11 hours)
PSYC 201. Research Methods I: Design and Analysis
An introduction to the scientific method as applied in the social and behavioral sciences.
Topics include descriptive and inferential statistics, the design and analysis of experiments,
and the drawing of logical conclusions from behavioral data. Includes laboratory.
Prerequisite: PSYC 101. (Four credits.)
PSYC 202. Research Methods II: Synthesis and Communication
A continuation of Psychology 201. An introduction to the methods involved in behavioral
research. Includes the logic, preparation, and design of controlled experiments. Emphasis is
placed on the interpretation of data and the communication of results. Experience is gained in
literature search and writing reports using appropriate style and format. Includes laboratory.
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and 201. (Four credits.)
PSYC 420. Research Seminar
The development and completion of a major research project during the senior year. The
students will read and critique their own and other research literature, and conduct and
report their research project. The senior comprehensive examination is administered.
Prerequisites: PSYC 202, Senior standing, and consent of the instructor. (Three credits.)
Elective Courses (9-11 semester hours)
Choose three courses, at least
one from BIOL and at least one from PSYCH
BIOL 202. Genetics
An introduction to principles of heredity in animals and plants, including the contemporary
understanding of genes and gene mechanisms. Laboratory exercises use both plants and animals
to elucidate genetic principles. Prerequisites: Junior standing, BIOL 111
or 112 or 200 consent of the instructor. (Four credits.)
BIOL 325. Advanced Physiology
Detailed study of human cellular and systemic physiology, emphasizing muscle, cardiovascular,
neural, respiratory, renal, and reproductive physiology. Advanced Physiology will build on
fundamental knowledge acquired in BIOL 204. Laboratory exercises will be both descriptive and
experimental. Taught in alternate years. Prerequisite: BIOL 204. (Four
credits.)
BIOL 333. Evolution
Evolution encompasses the synthesis of all biology from molecules to
ecology. In doing so, evolution addresses the fundamental paradox: the
diversity of living organisms. This course offers an exploration of the
processes of evolutionary change in animals, plants, and microbes.
Population, genetics, microevolution, speciation, adaptive radiation, and
macroevolution will be addressed. Also, the origin of Homosapiens
will be considered. Prerequisite BIOL 202. (Three credits.)
BIOL 345. Animal Behavior
A study of the diverse and fascinating range of animal behavior. How do we explain that in
various animals we can observe infanticide, competition, and polygamy, but also cooperation,
altruism, and monogamy? Using an evolutionary approach, this course will examine both the
proximate mechanisms and ultimate reasons that explain the great variety of animal behavior as
elucidated by animal behaviorists through ingenious experimentation and patient observation.
Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or BIOL 101 or 111. Cross-listed with PSYC 345. (Three credits.)
CHEM 228. Organic Chemistry I
A
survey of organic chemistry including the structure and reactions of
some biologically important molecules. Also includes a qualitative
introduction to chemical equilibrium. (Four credits.)
PYSC 239. Health Psychology
This course will explore the psychological influences on how people
stay healthy, why they become ill, and how they respond when they do
become ill. Topics include the links between stress and immune system
function and disease, psychological factors that mediate reactions to
stress, and behaviors that endanger health. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 (Three
credits)
PSYC 303. Drugs and Behavior
An exploration of the psychological, social, and biological factors
involved in drug use, drug abuse, and treatment and prevention of
substance use disorders. Topics include legal drugs such as alcohol and
nicotine, and illegal drugs such as amphetamines, cocaine, opiates, and
marijuana. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 (Three credits)
PSYC 320. Cognition
This course explores learning, memory, problem solving, judgment and decision making,
concept formation and language. Offered in alternate years. Prerequisites: PSYC 201. (Three
credits.)
PSYC 327. Sensation and
Perception
This course examines how sensory information is received and
translated into meaningful interpretations of the world we live in.
A major emphasis on visual perception will make it possible to
discuss diverse theories of perception and the methodologies that
support them. Our exploration of these topics will lead us to
consider both human and animal research investigations.
Prerequisite: PSYC 101 and PSYC 243 or consent of instructor.
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