Biology Course Descriptions

BL 101. SPECIAL TOPICS IN BIOLOGY 3 cr. Lecture course for non-majors. Offered on an irregular basis and based on a topic chosen by the instructor. Used primarily for designation of courses transferred in from other universities.

BL 102. SPECIAL TOPICS LECTURE IN BIOLOGY 4 cr. Corequisite: BL 102L. Combined lecture-laboratory course for non-majors. Offered on an irregular basis and based on a topic chosen by the instructor. Must be accompanied by BL 102L. Used primarily for designation of courses transferred in from other universities.

BL 102L. SELECTED TOPICS LABORATORY IN BIOLOGY. 0 cr. Corequisite: BL 102. Two hours of laboratory per week. Must accompany BL 102.

BL 103. PLANT SCIENCE 4 cr. No prerequisite; corequisite: BL 103L. Designed for the non-science major. Three hours of lecture per week. Structure and function in unicellular and multicellular plants, and general principles of plant science.

BL 103L. PLANT SCIENCE LABORATORY 0 cr. Corequisite: BL 103. Two hours of laboratory per week.

BL 109. ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY 4 cr. Corequisite: BL 109L. Designed for the non-science major. Three hours of lecture per week. Relationship between human activity and the natural environment; food production, water supplies, air and water pollution, nuclear and non-nuclear energy, hazardous and toxic materials in the environment, and world population growth. Economic implications of, and possible technological solutions to, these problems.

BL 109L. ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY LABORATORY 0 cr. Corequisite: BL 109. Two hours of laboratory per week. Laboratory and field experiences intended to explore the scientific basis of environmental issues of the past, present, and future. A general understanding of the impact of human activity on the world and strategies for managing human activity for the good of the human population and the planet.

BL 111. FUNDAMENTALS OF ECOLOGY 4 cr. Corequisite: BL 111L. Designed for the non-science major. Three hours of lecture per week. Characteristics of natural communities, their structure, distribution, and behavior. Interrelationships of organisms, including humans, within natural ecosystems.

BL 111L. FUNDAMENTALS OF ECOLOGY LABORATORY 0 cr. Corequisite; BL 111. Two hours of laboratory per week. Emphasis on biomes and environmental adaptation, scientific method, and collection of data by observation.

BL 112. HUMAN BIOLOGY 4 cr. Corequisite: BL 112L. Designed for the non-science major. Three hours of lecture per week. Basic human anatomy and physiology in normal and diseased states. Impact of technology on the environment.

BL 112L. HUMAN BIOLOGY LABORATORY 0 cr. Corequisite: BL 112. Two hours of laboratory per week. Basic human anatomy and physiology in the normal state using model studies, hands-on experimental techniques, and some computer-based laboratory techniques.

BL 115. HUMAN GENETICS AND RACE 4 cr. Corequisite: BL 115L. Basic principles of genetics, both at the transmission level and the molecular level. Begins with an introduction to principles of cell division, inheritance, and human pedigree analysis. DNA structure and chromosomal organization, gene expression, genetic variation and population genetics and race.

BL 115L. HUMAN GENETICS AND RACE LAB 0 cr. Corequisite: BL 115. Basic principles of scientific method, the use of computers and the Internet in scientific research, basic principles of inheritance, molecular genetics and biotechnology. Field trips and other activities when appropriate to the topic.

BL 155, 156, 159. PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY I-II-III 1 cr. each. Designed for the science major. 155 is prerequisite to 156 and 159. Three hours of lecture per week. 155; basic chemical principles; cell structure, organization, metabolism of plants and animals. 156; plant and animal physiology. 259; plant and animal biodiversity and evolution.

BL 157, 158, 160. PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY LABORATORY I-II-III 1 cr. each. Corequisites: BL 155, 156, and 159. Three hours of laboratory per week. 157: laboratory study of the scientific method as applied to biology; cell division; development; functions of cell membranes and enzymes; reactions and products of photosynthesis. 158: laboratory study of plant and animal physiology. 160: taxonomy of bacteria, algae, protistis, fungi, and multicellular plants and animals.

BL 206. TROPICAL BIOLOGY 3 cr. For students participating in the JCU Costa Rica Study Abroad Program. Intensive lecture/laboratory/field course in Costa Rica examining tropical biology, emphasizing ecology, evolution, conservation, and sustainable agriculture.

BL 206L. TROPICAL BIOLOGY LABORATORY 0 cr. Corequisite: BL 206. For students participating in John Carroll’s Costa Rica Study Abroad Program.

BL 213. GENETICS 4 cr. Prerequisites: BL 155-156. Four hours of lecture per week. Principles of molecular, transmission, quantitative, and population genetics; social and ethical implications of genetics.

BL 215. INTRODUCATION TO BIOTECHNOLOGY 3 cr. Prerequisite: BL 213 or a grade of at least B in both BL 155 and BL 157 along with instructor permission; corequisite: BL 215L. (May not be taken concurrently with BL/CH 470, and no credit will be given if BL/CH 470 has been completed.) One hour of lecture per week. Introduction to basic techniques of DNA analysis, including restriction mapping, DNA cloning, plasmid DNA isolation, polymerase chain reaction, and computer analysis of DNA and protein sequences. No credit for Molecule to Cell division in Biology.

BL 215L. INTRODUCTION TO BIOTECHNOLOGY LABORATORY 0 cr. Corequisite: BL 215. Fours hours of laboratory per week.

BL 222. GENERAL ECOLOGY 3 cr. Prerequisites: BL 155-160 or permission of instructor. Three hours of lecture per week. Interactions between plants, animals, and the physical environment. Population ecology, community dynamics, biogeochemical cycles, and biomes. (Course suitable for the environmental studies concentration.)

BL 224. TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY 3 cr. Prerequisite or corequisite: BL 222, MT 228, BL 224L. Ecological data collection and analysis. Students study model organisms to examine various aspects of terrestrial ecology, including animal behavior, food web dynamics, competition, and population dynamics.

BL 224L. TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY LABORATORY 0 cr. Corequisite: BL 224. Four hours of laboratory per week.

BL 230-231 HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY 4 cr. Prerequisites: BL 155, 156, 157, 158; corequisites: BL 230L, 231L, 230 is a prerequisite for BL 231. Three hours of lecture per week. Integrated discussion of human anatomy and physiology. Note: Completion of only BL 230 and 230L means the single semester will not apply or count toward the BL major. Further, completion of this two-semester sequence means students may not enroll in BL 360/360L.

BL 230L-231L. HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY LABORATORY 0 cr. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.

BL 254. DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 4 cr. Prerequisites: BL 155-156; corequisite: BL 254L. Three hours of lecture per week. Study of sequential events in the development of vertebrates from gametogenesis to the neonate and the mechanisms that underlie those morphogenetic changes.

BL 254L. DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY LABORATORY 0 cr. Corequisite: BL 254. Three hours of laboratory per week.

BL 255. LOCAL SUMMER FLORA 3 cr. Prerequisites: BL 159, 160 or permission of chair. Taxonomy of the local vascular plant flora of Northeast Ohio. Plants of forests, wetlands, coastal areas, roadsides, and urban landscapes. Lectures and identification will be conducted in the field, with some laboratory instruction and lectures on campus. Meets 14 hours per week for four weeks.

BL 260. POVERTY AND DISEASE 3 cr. Prerequisites: BL 155-158. Three hours of lecture/discussion per week. Global and US poverty; public health; epidemiology; US health disparities, e.g., diabetes, obesity, HIV/AIDS; global health disparities, e.g., HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria; evolutionary factors in chronic and infectious disease; ethical issues in public health research and treatment.

BL 301. INTRODUCTION TO CELL BIOLOGY 4 cr. Prerequisites: BL 155-156. CH 141-144 (or 151, 153) and CH 221-224 are strongly recommended. Three hours of lecture per week. Structure and function of plant and animal cells and their organelles. Emphasis on modern cell biology techniques.

BL 310. MICROBIOLOGY 4 cr. Prerequisite: BL 213; corequisite: BL 310L. Two hours of lecture per week. Structure, physiology, and genetics of bacteria; ecological and medical importance emphasized. Some discussion of viruses and eucaryotic microorganisms.

BL 310L. MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY 0 cr. Corequisite: BL 310. Four hours of laboratory per week.

BL 331. GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE 3 cr. Prerequisites: BL 155-160, or instructor permission for non-biology students in the Environmental Studies concentration. Three hours of lecture/discussion per week. Historical overview of climate change; global water and carbon cycles; effects of greenhouse gases, aerosols, and radiative forcing mechanisms on climate processes and feedbacks; effects of rapid climate change on selected ecosystems; human influences on climate; likely future changes.

BL 350. VERTEBRATE ANATOMY 5 cr. Prerequisites: BL 155-160; corequisite: BL 350L. Three hours of lecture per week. Anatomy, development, evolution, and phylogeny of vertebrates. (This course was formerly listed as BL 250.)

BL 350L. VERTEBRATE ANATOMY LABORATORY 0 cr. Corequisite: BL 350. Six hours of laboratory per week. (This course was formerly listed as BL 250L.)BL 360. HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY 4 cr. Prerequisites: BL 155-158; corequisite: BL 360L. Three hours of lecture per week. Muscle physiology, circulation, respiration, excretion, and digestion in mammals as well as the neuronal and hormonal mechanisms regulating these processes. Not open to students who have completed BL 230/230L, 231/231L.

BL 360L. HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY LABORATORY 0 cr. Corequisite: BL 360. Three hours of laboratory per week.

BL 370. EVOLUTION 3 cr. Prerequisites: BL 159, 160, 213. Three hours of lecture per week. Introduction to modern evolutionary biology, including evolutionary processes and speciation, character evolution, and macroevolution.

BL 399. SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN BIOLOGY 3 cr. Prerequisites: junior status, 3.0 GPA in biology major, and written consent of instructor and chair. Investigation of laboratory or field problems in one specific area of biology under faculty supervision.

BL 405. SCIENTIFIC ILLUSTRATION 3 cr. Prerequisite: BL159/160 and instructor permission; experience in art not required. Single three-hour lecture per week. Developing skills of observation in biological sciences and learning how to produce publication-quality illustrations of measured accuracy and conceptualized drawings and diagrammatic images for dissemination of research results. By the end of the course, students will have developed a concise, but comprehensive, portfolio showcasing various techniques and graphic styles. An additional fee is required for personal illustration materials. This course does not fulfill the 400-level biology course requirement for undergraduate majors.

BL 410. INFECTION AND IMMUNITY 3 cr. Prerequisite: Genetics. Bacterial and viral pathogens of humans and those aspects of the immune response important in resistance and immunity to infectious diseases.

BL 415. INTRODUCTION TO SYSTEMATIC BIOLOGY 3 cr. Prerequisites: BL 159/160, as well as BL 370 or BL 250/L and instructor permission. Two 75-minute lectures per week. The scientific discipline that deals with the identification, naming, description, classification, and organization of extant and extinct biological diversity; this course includes a discussion of philosophy and practice of methods of reconstructing evolutionary history.

BL 420. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 3 cr. Prerequisite: BL 155-160. BL 213 strongly recommended. Three hours of lecture per week. Detailed study of photosynthesis, water relations, mineral nutrition, and hormones in plants with emphasis on current research techniques.

BL 421. HERPETOLOGY 4 cr. Prerequisites: BL 155-160; corequisite: BL 421L. Two hours of lecture per week. Intensive study of amphibians and reptiles, with special emphasis on classification, ecology, and evolution of North American species.

BL 421L. HERPETOLOGY LABORATORY 0 cr. Corequisite: BL 421. Four hours of laboratory per week. Three Saturday field trips and one weekend field trip.

BL 424. AQUATIC RESOURCES 4 cr. Corequisite: BL 424L. Study of aquatic organisms and their environment. Study of algae, insects, and fish as biological indicators of water and habitat quality in stream, lake, and wetland ecosystems. Impacts of water pollution, acidification, and other anthropogenic disturbance on aquatic systems will be studied.

BL 424L. AQUATIC RESOURCES LABORATORY 0 cr. Corequisite: BL 424L. Saturday laboratory consisting of field trips and laboratory analysis of aquatic life.

BL 425. ICHTHYOLOGY 4 cr. Prerequisite: BL 155-160; corequisite: BL 425L. Two hours of lecture per week. Evolution, zoogeography, taxonomy, behavior, and ecology of North American fishes.

BL 425L. ICHTHYOLOGY LABORATORY 0 cr. Corequisite: BL 425. Four hours of laboratory per week. Two weekend field trips.

BL 430. MEDICAL PARASITOLOGY 4 cr. Prerequisites: BL 159-160; corequisite: BL 430L. Two hours of lecture per week. Parasitic forms of medical importance will be covered. Emphasis on their biology, clinical presentation, the ecology of the disease, and epidemiology. Includes morphology, physiology, and diagnosis.

BL 430L. MEDICAL PARASITOLOGY LABORATORY 0 cr. Corequisite: BL 430. Four hours of laboratory per week. Laboratory sessions on the diagnostic aspects of parasites and the pathological changes in tissues.

BL 435. PLANT ECOLOGY 4 cr. Prerequisite: BL 155-160. BL 222 strongly recommended. Three hours of lecture per week. Study of the distribution and abundance of plants from organismal, population, and community perspectives. Both seminal and novel research in the discipline emphasized.

BL 435L. PLANT ECOLOGY LABORATORY 0 cr. Corequisite: BL 435. Three hours of laboratory per week.

BL 440. BEHAVIOR 3 cr. Prerequisites: BL 155-160. Three hours of lecture/discussion per week. Evolutionary approach to animal behavior with emphasis on recent research. Outside readings and papers.

BL 442. ORNITHOLOGY 4 cr. Prerequisites: BL 155‑160; corequisite: BL 442L. Three hours of lecture per week. Biology, taxonomy, ecology, and behavior of birds.

BL 442L. ORNITHOLOGY LABORATORY 0 cr. Corequisite: BL 442. Three hours of laboratory per week, plus field trips.

BL 444. ADVANCED ECOLOGY 4 cr. Prerequisites: BL 222, MT 228; corequisite: BL 444L; and BL 223 is recommended. Three hours of lecture/discussion per week. Topics include predator‑prey interactions, global change, niche theory, competition, null models, and community assembly rules.

BL 444L. ADVANCED ECOLOGY LABORATORY 0 cr. Corequisite: BL 444. Three hours of laboratory per week. Students work in teams on a project of their own choosing. Includes experimental design, data analysis, write‑up, and presentation.

BL 447. ALGAE AS BIOINDICATORS 4 cr. Prerequisites: BL 159, 160; corequisite: BL 447L. Two hours of lecture per week. Theory and practice of using algae as bioindicators of water quality in streams and lakes. Taxonomy of indicator groups will be covered.

BL 447L. ALGAE AS BIOINDICATORS LABORATORY 0 cr. Prerequisites: BL 159, 160; corequisite: BL 447L. Four hours of laboratory per week. Two weekend field trips. Emphasis is on diatoms, but cyanobacteria, green algae, euglenoids, and other indicator taxa will also be examined. Projects included.

BL 450. ORGANOGENESIS 4 cr. Prerequisite: BL 213; corequisite: BL 450L; strongly recommended: BL 254 or 301. Three hours of lecture/discussion per week. Introduction to morphogenetic mechanisms underlying acquisition of embryonic structure. Introduction to the literature of the field and discussion of historical background and current developments.

BL 450L. ORGANOGENESIS LABORATORY 4 cr. Corequisite: BL 450. Three hours of laboratory per week. Introduction to sterile technique, microdissection, tissue culture, and other investigative techniques used in morphogenetic studies and data analysis.

BL 459. MOLECULAR CELL BIOLOGY 3 cr. Prerequisite: BL 213. Three hours of lecture per week. Cell signaling; regulation of the eukaryotic cell cycle, cancer, protein trafficking; cytoskeleton. Emphasis on current primary literature. Presentation of a seminar is required.

BL 465. MOLECULAR GENETICS 3 cr. Prerequisites: BL 213, CH 431 or 435. Three hours of lecture per week. DNA technology; genomics; genome organization; structure, replication, and expression of genetic information in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Emphasis on current primary literature.

BL 470. MOLECULAR METHODS LABORATORY 3 cr. Prerequisite/corequisite: BL 465 or 565. Eight hours of laboratory per week. Methods used in analysis of proteins and nucleic acids. Students in Life Science/Molecular Biology concentration have priority admission.

BL 471. IMMUNOLOGY 3 cr. Prerequisite: BL 213. Three hours of lecture per week. Concepts of humoral and cell-mediated immunity with strong emphasis on the cellular basis of the immune response. Experimental evidence emphasized.

BL 475. ENDOCRINOLOGY 3 cr. Prerequisite: BL 155-158. Three hours of lecture per week. The endocrine glands, hormones, and their mechanisms of action in mammals.

BL 478. BIOLOGY SEMINAR 1 cr. Current topics presented by invited guests, faculty, and students.

BL 479. SPECIAL TOPICS IN BIOLOGY 1‑4 cr. Prerequisites: BL 155‑160 and consent of instructor. Offered on an irregular basis; topics chosen by instructor. A lecture/discussion course, may include laboratories or field trips at discretion of instructor. For student research see BL 579.