Non-Major Courses

Course Descriptions for Non-Majors
These are the official descriptions listed in the course catalog

The following courses count towards the natural science electives for most majors on campus

BIOL 100 —(E) Modern Concepts of Human Biology — 3 credits
Exploration of the practical impact that modern biological concepts have on our lives. Topics include cell function, genetics, AIDS and other infectious diseases, cancer and end of life issues. Provides a framework for making informed ethical decisions regarding pertinent biological issues. Three hours lecture. Fall only.

BIOL 101 — (E) Introduction to Biological Science — 3 credits
Introduction to fundamental concepts, principles and theories of modern biology. Discussion and application of the scientific method in discovery and learning, discussion of experimental and statistical techniques, examination of the historical and cultural fabric of biological science, and discussion of the impact of biological research and development on modern society. Three hours lecture.

BIOL 105 - Biodiversity (E) - 3 credits
An examination of the variety of animal and plant species,especially in tropical reef and rainforest ecosystems.  Foundationsof diversity will be studied: ecology, systematics, evolution, and biogeography. Human effects, such as deforestation, population growth, global warming,and extinctions, will be discussed.  3 Hrs. lecture.

BIOL 108 — (E) History of Life on Earth — 3 credits
Sequence of appearance of life on earth based on the geological record. Topics include the origin of life on earth, patterns and processes of the fossil record, and an introduction to the diversity of life, past and present. Three hours lecture.

BIOL 110 - 111 — (E) Structure and Function of the Human Body — 8 credits
(Requires concurrent enrollment in lecture and lab) A general study of the anatomy and physiology of the human organism, emphasizing the body's various coordinated functions from the cellular level to integrated organ systems. Three hours lecture, two hours lab each semester.
This course is required by some allied health majors (Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, etc.)

BIOL 201 — (E) Anatomy & Physiology — 3 credits
(Prerequisite: BIOL 101) An introduction to the biochemical, cellular, tissue and organismal organization of selected body functions; structure in relation to function is emphasized. Three hours lecture.

BIOL 202 — (E) The ABC’s of Genetics — 3 credits
Heredity for the non-science major, with emphasis on the human. Provides the background necessary for the non-scientist to understand his/her own hereditary background and to have informed opinions about societal issues related to genetics. Includes Mendelian, molecular, and population genetics, evolution, genetic diseases, genetic engineering, etc. Three hours lecture.

BIOL 204 — (E,D) Environmental Issues in Latin America — 3 credits
Survey of the biogeography and biomes of Latin America, the current challenges to these environments, and programs aimed at achieving sustainability in the region.

BIOL 210 — Introductory Medical Microbiology — 3 credits
(Pre- or co-requisites: BIOL 110-111, CHEM 110-111; requires concurrent enrollment in lecture and lab) Fundamentals of microbiology, including structure, function, identification, pathogenesis, epidemiology and control of microorganisms with emphasis on human pathogens. Two hours lecture, two hours lab. Fall only.
This course is required by Nursing majors