The basic properties of living systems with emphasis on human beings as functioning biological entities.
3 lect., 1 rec. hr./wk
(Satisfies CUNY Pathways Life & Physical Sciences Requirement)
A Biology course for non-science majors that emphasizes the function of the human body. Medical issues relating to personal and community health, as well as ethical issues will be discussed. Not open to Science majors. Students cannot receive credit for both BIO 10004 and BIO 10000.
None, but it is recommended that have successfully completed 24 credits.
2 lect., 2 lab hours every other week.
Introduction to Scientific Thinking aims to (1) teach students to read/analyze scientific literature, using the CREATE pedagogical strategy (www.teachcreate.org) to help them learn novel approaches to such analysis, (2) help students develop metacognitive awareness of their learning strategies, as well as the confidence that they can understand complex scientific material that is not presented in textbook format, (3) demystify science through email surveys of paper authors as well as assignments (e.g., grant panels) that put students in the roles of working scientists. This will be accomplished through close analysis of a series of readings from primary and secondary sources, and a combination of homework assignments and in-class activities designed to challenge students to develop and hone both their critical analytical skills and their creative thinking about science, particularly in the area of experimental design.
3 hr./wk.
These are experimental courses specifically designed to serve students who have no prior experience in College-level Biology courses and to precede the first course for Biology majors. Some may fulfill General Education requirements.
or Corequisite: Completion of remediation, including ESL.
3-4 hr./wk.
Introduction to biology, emphasizing primarily the cell and molecular levels of organization. Topics include characteristics of life, cellular organization and diversity, chemistry of life, bioenergetics, reproduction and early development, and major living groups. The course features in-depth study of selected topics that provide the foundation for upper level study. Students develop critical thinking and technical skills that are essential for mastering the content areas and for being successful in upper level courses. These include: vocabulary skills, critical thinking, collaborative learning, microscopy, collection and handling of scientific data, and elements of scientific investigation. Required for Biology Majors.
$10
3 lect., 3 lab. hr./wk.
Second semester of Introductory Biology, emphasizing organismic biology, evolution, and ecology. Topics include heredity, macro- and microevolution, structure and function of body systems, and ecology. The course features a survey of topics in lecture and in-depth study of selected topics in laboratories and workshops. Students develop critical thinking and technical skills that are essential for mastering the content areas and being successful in further study. These include: vocabulary skills, problem solving, collaborative learning, computer skills, experimental design, collection and analysis of scientific data, and preparing scientific reports. Required for Biology majors.
A grade of C or better in
BIO 10100 or an equivalent course or permission of the instructor.
$10
3 lect., 3 lab. hr./wk.
A thorough introduction to the principles of genetics. Using a combined cell biological and Mendelian genetic approach, the course covers DNA organization, chromosome structure, genes and alleles, and transmission of genetic information in normal and genetically compromised organisms.
3 lect., 1 rec. hr./wk.
Emphasizes the physiological adjustments organisms make to specific challenges in their environments. Bioenergetics, osmoregulation and transport are the areas of focus. Laboratories are investigational and intended to develop skills in experimental design, the use of technology in acquiring data, data analysis and presentation, and in scientific writing. The development of problem solving, and thinking and analysis in biology is emphasized in all aspects of the course.
$30
2 lect., 4 lab. hr./wk.
Introduction to the basic principles of ecology and evolutionary biology emphasizing quantitative approaches and hypothesis testing. Computer literacy is attained using spreadsheets and the Internet.
$10
2 lect., 4 lab.,
Fundamental concepts at the cellular and molecular level of living organisms, including structure, metabolism, genetic continuity, and response mechanisms.
BIO 20600.
$10
3 lect., 3 lab. hr./wk.
Basic chemistry, the composition of body fluids, the structures and function of the cell, body tissue types, and the structure and function of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular and circulatory systems. Lectures will be complemented by laboratory exercises using models and animal preparations. This course does not count toward the Biology Major elective requirements.
Biology 10100
$20
3 lect., 3 lab. hr./wk.
The structure and function of the urinary, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, nervous, and reproductive systems. Lectures will be complemented by laboratory exercises using models and animal preparations. This course does not count towards the Biology Major elective requirements.
Biology 24700
$25
3 lect., 3 lab.
BIO24900 is an Introductory Microbiology course geared towards future healthcare professionals. Students will learn the fundamentals of the biology, diversity, and utility of microbial species. Roles of microbes in infectious diseases and aspects of immunity and antibiotic resistance will also be explored. This course runs with lecture and laboratory sections (3 hours each). Typically, 3 lecture exams and written and practical laboratory exams will be taken into consideration for determining the final letter grade. Note that BIO24900 will not count towards elective credit for Biology majors, but will count towards total credits needed for graduation from the college. A materials fee of $25 per student will be charged for this course.
BIO 10100 or equivalent, CHEM 10300 or equivalent, or permission from the department
6 hr./wk.
Honors work requires the approval of the Dean, of the Departmental Committee on Honors and Independent Studies and of the mentor. Application must be made in J1320 and also to the Departmental Committee. Entrance standards are BIO 10100, BIO 10200, BIO 20600, and at least two of BIO 20700, BIO 22800, or BIO 22900 for Biology majors with an average of 3.5 in Biology and 3.0 or better overall. Only laboratory or field projects will be accepted for Honors. All students participating are expected to present the results of their work at the Honors and Independent Study symposium in the Spring. A written paper must accompany the presentation. Although mentors are responsible for giving grades, these grades will be reviewed by the Committee before a final grade is awarded.
3 cr./sem. for a total of 9 cr. which must be completed.
Individual laboratory, field, or library investigation of a problem. Recommended background: BIO 10100, BIO 10200, BIO 20600, and at least two of BIO 20700, BIO 22800 or BIO 22900, with a 3.0 average in Biology. Apply to the Committee on Honors and Independent Studies. Students may not register for Independent Study without written permission from the Committee every semester. Students must present a written proposal with well defined goals to the committee for approval. No more than three credits of library research may be taken. In order to receive credit, a written paper must be produced and presented to the Committee. Students who work with mentors outside the department must also have a co-sponsor inside the department. Although mentors are primarily responsible for giving grades, these grades will be reviewed by the Committee before a final grade is awarded. Course is repeatable up to four courses; a maximum of nine credits total of Independent Study and Honors can be taken.
1-3 cr./sem.
Discussions, student seminars, literature survey, experimental study focusing attention on specific areas in biology. Course topics will be selected by instructor and announced early in the preceding semester.
Credits
determined by instructor
to be determined by instructor.
Hrs. and cr. (to a maximum of 4 cr.) to be determined by instructor.
This course is designed to introduce fundamental concepts of physiology to biomedical engineering students. Areas covered include muscular function, cardiovascular system function, bioelectrical signals, capillary-level transport, organ-level exchange and immune system function. For Biomedical Engineering Students only.
3 hr./wk.
Survey of the major features of the vertebrates, including brief modern classification of the major groups and summary review of their morphological features, evolutionary history, distribution, ecology, and social behavior. Specific additional characteristics such as mimicry, ectothermyendothermy, cannibalism, migration, predation, defense and use of venom will be discussed. Special attention is given to conservation, destruction of the environment and human impact on vertebrate life.
3 hr./wk.
The structure and function of various invertebrates selected to illustrate morphological, physiological and ecological adaptations.
4 lab. hr./wk.
Survey of the structure, physiology, diversity and ecology of photosynthetic plants and fungi.
2 lect., 4 lab. hr./wk.
Identification and ecological relationships of local plants.
2 lect., and at least 4 hr. of fieldwork/wk.
Characteristics and systematics of prokaryotes and unicellular eukaryotes. Nutrition growth, physiological ecology, and comparative metabolism of bacteria. Methods used to study microbes. Introduction to viruses, microbial genetics, and mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis. Applied microbiology, microbial ecology, and microbes in symbioses.
$25
2 lect., 4 lab., hr./wk.
Basic concepts in immunology including innate and adaptive immunity, development and function of the immune system, antigen receptor diversity and the basic methods used to induce and measure immune responses. Students will also present primary research papers on relevant clinical applications of immunology such as immunological diseases or cancer Immunotherapy.
3 hr./wk.
Introduction to the physiology and organization of the nervous system. Topics include essentials of cellular and molecular neurobiology, electrophysiology, synaptic transmission, sensory and motor systems, development, neural basis of learning, memory, and cognition.
3 lect.; hr./wk.
This course has two goals: teach students to read primary literature (journal articles) and humanize science/scientists. We use a newly devised method, C.R.E.A.T.E. (Consider, Read, Elucidate the hypotheses, Analyze the data, and Think of the next Experiment) and supporting materials to give students tools needed for reading and analysis of complex material, interpretation of tables, graphs, charts, etc, and critical analysis of data. Students are challenged to devise their own follow-up experiments for each paper read. Because we read papers in series, and communicate directly with some of the authors, students also get a "behind the scenes" view of how projects evolve in labs and about the people behind the published papers. If you take this course, you can expect to significantly improve your scientific reading/analysis skills, and get a more realistic perspective on "how science is done."
4 hr./wk.
An in-depth analysis of the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating development of animals and plants. Topics include: the production and storage of genetic information; sperm egg interactions; nuclear and cytoplasmic determinants; morphogenetic movements, inductive interactions and the development of primary organ rudiments; organogenesis; growth, differentiation and morphogenesis, mechanisms of aging, cancer, the immune system and regeneration; development of birth abnormalities; role of experimentation in the analysis of major developmental mechanisms in animals.
3 lect. hr./wk.
This course covers the principles underlying the development of a functional nervous system. Topics covered include early neural determination and differentiation, process outgrowth, target recognition, and synapse formation. Students will be expected to read and discuss primary literature.
lect., 3 hr/wk.
Classical, molecular, and population genetics of humans and model eukaryotic organisms (corn, yeast, fruit flies, etc.). Includes experimental and analytical techniques; human genetic disorders; forensic and diagnostic applications. Recommended for all life science students, especially those with career goals in the health and/or legal professions.
2 lect., 4 lab. hr./wk.
An in-depth exploration of the integrated functioning of the cardiovascular, renal and pulmonary systems. Emphasis is primarily on human dynamic, non-pathological responses to a range of conditions including exercise and extreme environments. Structural and physiological aspects are covered. Clinical case studies highlight the interdependence of the systems. This course is appropriate for students considering health-related careers or advanced study in biomedical science. Not open to students who have taken BIO 33300.
3 lect., 3 lab.hr. /wk.
Principles of development as they relate to evolutionary changes in morphology of organisms. Discussion and analysis of classic papers in the literature.
3 lect., hr./wk.
Current topics related to the molecular biology of cell development including cell death or apoptosis and cellular aging. A series of lectures which cover pertinent topics, such as oxidative stress, genetic and stochastic factors in aging. Students are required to present orally two primary journal articles and to write a final paper in which a review of the current literature and provision of experimental designs are required to answer a chosen question.
3 lect. hr./wk.
The course will use primary research articles to introduce biology majors to mechanisms of plasticity and disease in the brain. The focus of the course is specifically development and critical periods, mechanisms of synaptic plasticity, learning and injury induced plasticity, neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders.
3 hr./wk.
Seminar course on current topics in biology with extensive group discussion and written assignments. Required readings will consist of a considerable amount of primary literature. Course topics will be selected by instructor and announced early in the preceding semester.
3 or 4 hr./wk.
Introductory survey of diverse genera of animal viruses and bacteriophages and methods used in the classification, detection, and quantification of viruses. The course emphasizes an understanding of the mechanisms of DNA/RNA replication, expression and macromolecular assembly into functional, infectious units (virions) in different viruses. Selected examples are presented in detail, including oncogenic RNA/DNA viruses and HIV/AIDS.
3 lect. hr./wk.
Introduction to the fundamental principles of the cellular and molecular biology underlying cancer. Lectures will include principles of cell division and growth, and role of growth factors, oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and angiogenesis on the development of cancer. Discussions will include cancer epidemiology, health disparities, cancer prevention, and cancer treatment.
3 lect., 3 hr./wk.
The lectures will cover basic microbial genetics, including the biology of bacteria and their phages, structure and function of nucleic acids, gene transmission in microbial systems and the mechanisms of genetic recombination, transposition, and gene regulation. The laboratory experiments will teach mastery in techniques of mutagenesis, selection and screening, gene mapping, and use of transposons in the construction of genetically useful strains.
3 lect., 2 lab. hr./wk.
Introduction to the diversity and biology of major insect groups, focusing on the role of insects and other arthropods in natural ecosystems and their role in human affairs.
6 hr./wk.
The goals of this course are to introduce students to the immense variation among birds, compare and contrast the biology of birds with that of mammals and other vertebrates, and provide perspective and understanding of Earth's ecology and biodiversity. The course consists of a combination of a standard lecture format, laboratory activities, and demonstrations. Field trips will be scheduled as necessary to reinforce scientific concepts.
4 combined lect., & lab., hr./wk
Symbiosis is a major phenomenon for all levels of living organisms and has been a major phenomenon in evolution and the adaptation of various groups. The course aims to explain scientific methodology and approaches used in scientific inquiry on symbiotic interactions.
3 lect. hr./wk.
The function and organization of motor systems. Topics include biomechanics, muscle organization and physiology, the neural activation of muscle, spinal and brainstem reflexes, locomotion, the control of arm and eye movements, motor planning, and motor learning. Not open to students who have taken BIO 40000 or BIO 31311.
3 hr/wk.
Principles of conservation biology, including habitat fragmentation, exploitation of natural resources, species extinction and the consequences of inbreeding in small populations.
3 hr./wk.
Different types of sensory systems with their functional modalities will be presented. The biological bases for how these functions are generated and modified will then be described. As vision is the principal means of perception, we will focus in this course most on visual processing. Scientific data will be integrated into the lectures, such that students develop critical skills in analyzing data and proposing hypotheses.
2 lect., hr./wk.
Introduction to the analytical techniques necessary to quantify modern ecological theory. Emphasis on application of mathematical tools and computers to models of population growth, interspecific interactions and ecosystem function.
3 hr./wk.
Introduction to biogeography, the study of spatial patterns of biological diversity. The course addresses the study of geographic variation in nature at all levels from genes to communities to ecosystems, with both ecological and evolutionary perspectives. It includes analyses of real data regarding biogeographic problems relevant to conservation biology.
3 lect., hr./wk.
A survey course in biological oceanography that includes discussion of the physical and chemical properties of the ocean, processes controlling primary and secondary production, biodiversity, and special environments such as polar ecosystems and upwelling systems. Lecture only.
3 hr./wk.
The biological bases of behavior, with emphasis on such topics as the development, evolution, genetics and ecology of behavior; sensory physiology; social behavior and communication.
$25.
3 hr. lecture
Experiments and observations to demonstrate various types of behavior and behavioral capacities at different phyletic levels. Introduction to techniques of behavioral research through experiments and an individual research project.
3 lab. hr./wk.
Laboratory course in which techniques used in cellular and systems neurobiology are taught in the context of solving biological problems. Techniques to be covered include basic histological, molecular biological, electrophysiological, and behavioral techniques used in modern neurobiology.
6 lab. hr./wk.
The growth, development, metabolism, nutrition and water relations of vascular plants and algae.
3 hr./wk.
This course examines the physiological processes involved on energy acquisition (e.g., nutrition, digestion) and expenditure (e.g., thermoregulation, locomotion) as well as water balance (e.g., osmotic stress, kidney function) in a wide variety of organisms inhabiting diverse environments. Laboratory exercises include problem solving recitations, experimentation and interpretation of data.
2 lect., 4 lab. hr./wk.
This course explores the history and pathology of infectious diseases caused by bacteria, the development of antibiotics, their modes of action, and the rise of multidrug resistant superbugs. Students will read and evaluate primary research articles and become familiar with molecular methodologies used to solve important research questions in well-studied bacterial pathogens. Typically there will be two exams, weekly quizzes, and an oral presentation for undergraduate students.
3 lect., 3 hr./wk.
The course will use primary research articles to introduce biology majors to epigenetic mechanisms that regulate gene expression, how epigenetic modifications are propagated, and the phenotypic consequences of normal vs. abnormal epigenetic regulation in disease, development and evolution.
3 hr./wk.
This course is designed to give students an introduction to modern molecular biological techniques in the context of solving biological questions. The techniques that will be taught include DNA isolation, restriction enzyme mapping, subcloning of DNA fragments into plasmids, polymerase chain reaction, protein purification, cell culture, and other techniques of gene manipulation. Emphasis will be on application of recombinant DNA technology. Materials fee: $30.
$30
2 lect., 6 lab. hr./wk.
Historical development and current understanding of the principles of evolution.
3 hr./wk.
This course explores the history and pathology of infectious diseases caused by bacteria, the development of antibiotics, their modes of action, and the rise of multidrug resistant superbugs. Students will read and evaluate primary research articles and become familiar with molecular methodologies used to solve important research questions in well-studied bacterial pathogens. Typically there will be two exams, weekly quizzes, and an oral presentation for undergraduates students.
BIO22900
3 hrs./wk.