Biology

BIOL 003 : Life Science Non-Mjrs Biology

Explores comprehensive and exciting themes biology in an introductory course designed for non-science majors. Includes a laboratory component.

Credits

3

BIOL 101 : General Biology Lec/Lab

Examines the unifying concepts of contemporary biology at all organizational levels through integrated lectures and laboratories. All basic life properties in prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems are studied. Designed for Biology majors in particular, but is appropriate for all STEM majors and pre-health-profession students.

Credits

4

BIOL 102 : General Biology Lec/ Lab

Continue to examine the unifying concepts of contemporary biology at all organizational levels through integrated lectures and laboratories as introduced in BIOL 101. Designed for Biology majors in particular, but is appropriate for all STEM majors and pre-health-profession students.

Credits

4

BIOL 200 : Genetics Lec/Lab

Learn about the chemical composition and structure of genetic material and its transmission and function in development and metabolism. Combines classical and molecular-biological approaches to the understanding of mechanisms of inheritance.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

BIOL 101/102.

BIOL 202 : Plant Diversity Lec/Lab

Study the variation and classification, ecological distribution, and human interactions of plants and plant-like organisms. The knowledge of basic plant structure and diversity is placed within an evolutionary context.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

BIOL 101/102

BIOL 204 : Science & Public Policy

Explores ethical, historical, and political aspects of the utilization of scientific knowledge for the development of public policy.

Credits

3

BIOL 205 : Invertebrate Biology Lec/Lab

Studies representative invertebrates, including the morphology, life history, and phylogenetic relationships.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

BIOL 101/102.

BIOL 207 : Biosphere Lecture

Examines the evolutionary history of the dynamics of the biosphere (the upper few kilometers of the crust, atmosphere, oceans, and anthroposhere) with particular focus on the role of life in the regulation of chemical and physical conditions.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

BIOL 101/102.

BIOL 217 : Honors Orientation

Gain exposure to research projects from the country and learn about independent research opportunities here at Howard as part of the COAS Honors Program. For Honors students only

Credits

1

Prerequisites

Sophomore status and consent of instructor.

BIOL 218 : Direct Readings for Sophomores

Continue exposure to various research projects via participation in weekly seminar series, and begin a supervised study on a topic chosen in conjunction with an approved research mentor as part of the COAS Honors Program. For Honors students only.

Credits

1

Prerequisites

Sophomore status and consent of instructor.

BIOL 219 : Top: Biological & Social Aspec

Examines normal and pathological changes occurring in the aging human body with special emphasis on age-related chronic diseases. Topics addressed include: analysis of biological theories of aging, cultural and ethnic influence on aging pathologies, and other factors impacting the aging process.

Credits

1

BIOL 220 : General Microbiology Lec/Lab

Explores the structure and function of the microbial cells including their growth, physiology, genetics, pathogenesis and host responses

Credits

4

Prerequisites

BIOL 101/102, BIOL 200

BIOL 230 : Ecology Lec/Lab

Learn how the physical and biotic environments of animal and plant species influence patterns of distribution and abundance, with specific emphasis on features of natural communities.

Credits

4

BIOL 240 : Evolution

Explores Darwin's theory of evolution and its implications, evidence from various biological disciplines supporting Darwin's evolutionary theory, chemical evolution and organic evolution from the cell to modern human.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

BIOL 200.

BIOL 252 : Comp Anatomy of Vertebrates

Analyzes the functional anatomy of vertebrates and the evolution and embryonic development of their structures and functions. includes dissection of selected vertebrate organisms.

Credits

4

BIOL 302 : Organismal Biology Lec-Lab

Explores the ways in which anatomy and physiology of organisms are shaped by the physical environment and focuses on the physical forces that act inside and outside of the body, including those involved with movement, fluid mechanics, tissue materials properties, diffusion, obtaining sensory information, and communication among cells.

Credits

4

BIOL 310 : Cell Biology

Examines the chemistry, structure, and function of cells and their components and the microscopic details of mammalian tissues and organs.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

BIOL 200

BIOL 317 : Direct Readings in Jr Honors

Continue exposure to various research projects via participation in weekly seminar series, and conducting a supervised study on a topic chosen in conjunction with a research mentor. Continuation of BIOL 218. For Honors students only.

Credits

1

Prerequisites

Junior status and consent of instructor.

BIOL 318 : Direct Readings in Jr Honors

Engages COAS Honors Program proposal writers in the proposal development process and immerses students in strategies for success using a hands-on, mentor-led approach.

Credits

1

Prerequisites

Honors Only

BIOL 319 : Aging Physiology&age-relat dis

Defines aging, reviews the theories of aging, and examines the physical changes in body systems associated with aging including changes in the cardiovascular, endocrine, gastrointestinal, immune, integumentary, musculoskeletal, nervous, reproductive, respiratory, sensory, and urinary systems.

Credits

1

BIOL 320 : Molecular Biology Lec/Lab

Engage in discussion and experimentation covering the structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes and their gene products with a focus on the regulation of genetic expression. Explore the theoretical basis and application of current research techniques used in basic and applied molecular biology and genetic engineering.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

BIOL 200.

BIOL 328 : Global Environment

Learn about the structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes and their gene products. Regulation of genetic expression is stressed. The theoretical basis and application of current research techniques used in basic and applied molecular biology and genetic engineering are covered.

Credits

2 - 4

Prerequisites

BIOL 230.

BIOL 329 : Global Climate Change Lec/Lab

Introduces students to global ecology and considers the critical problems facing humanity with regard to environmental ecological damage, agriculture, climatic change and depletable mineral, water and energy resources. Examines all spatial scales with emphasis on global/local/urban interrelations and their impact on human health and ecosystems.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

Prereq: BIOL 230 Ecology Lec/Lab or consent of the instructor

BIOL 341 : Animal Physiology

Explore the muscles, nervous system, reproduction, and physiological regulation of animals using discussion and hands-on labs.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

BIOL 101/102.

BIOL 344 : Plant Physiology Lec/Lab

Studies physiologic processes and regulatory mechanisms associated with growth and development primarily in higher plants.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

Prereq: BIOL 200 Genetics Lec/Lab

BIOL 348 : Biogeochemistry

Surveys the distribution of the elements composing the earth with discussion of the reasons underlying these patterns, including examination of biological interactions.

Credits

3

BIOL 390 : Independent Investigations

Learn the fundamentals of research project conception, development, and implementation.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

Junior and consent of instructor.

BIOL 395 : Biology Study Abroad

Provides Biology credit for pre-approved Biology courses taken during study abroad or other international experiences that do not align with courses currently offered in the department.

Credits

1 - 6

BIOL 396 : Biology Study Abroad

Provides Biology credit for pre-approved Biology courses taken during study abroad or other international experiences that do not align with courses currently offered in the department.

Credits

1 - 6

BIOL 402 : Insect Biology Lec/Lab

Examines taxonomy, morphology, physiology, behavior, and ecological and evolutionary relationships in the class Insecta.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

BIOL 101/102, and BIOL 200.

BIOL 406 : Exper Parasitology

Emphasizes modern approaches to parasitology, including molecular biology and immunology

Credits

4

Prerequisites

Consent from instructor.

BIOL 407 : Ichthyology Lec/Lab

Studies fish biology, including taxonomy, morphology, population dynamics and distribution of fishes, and a critical review of current ichthyological research. The laboratory consists of field experience, along with dissection of representative forms.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

Prereq: BIOL 200 Genetics Lec/Lab

BIOL 409 : Animal Behavior Lec/Lab

Learn about animal behavior using an environmental and quantitative approach to illustrate basic principles, with emphasis on physiological bases, ecological correlates, and evolutionary aspects.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

Prereq - BIOL 200 Genetics Lec/Lab

BIOL 412 : Biological Anth. & Human Evol.

Uses data from evolutionary theory, primatology, comparative anatomy, genetics, and paleontology to understand the latest hypotheses regarding human evolution and modern human behavioral biology.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

BIOL 240

BIOL 413 : Developmental Biology Lec

Discusses gametogenesis, fertilization, cleavage, differentiation and mechanisms controlling these processes. Laboratory includes study of living invertebrate specimens.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

BIOL 310 or BIOL 320.

BIOL 416 : Advanced Cytology Lec-Lab

Analyzes untrastructural cytology, with emphasis on current techniques in transmission and scanning electron microscopy and cytochemistry.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

BIOL 101/102, BIOL 200, BIOL 310.

BIOL 417 : Evolutionary Medicine Lec/Lab

Introduces the rapidly emerging field of evolutionary medicine as one approach to appreciating evolution as a unifying principle of biology. Dicusses the evolutionary nature of many issues connected to human health and to better understand the field of evolution via examples that are medically relevant.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

BIOL 200

BIOL 419 : Bioinformatics Lec/Lab

Learn the most important concepts, methods, tools and databases in bioinformatics. Topics include sequence alignment, sequence search, molecular phylogenetics, next-generation sequencing, genome and transcriptome analysis, protein sequence analysis, protein structure modeling, machine learning, biological databases, bioprogramming, and bioinformatics tools.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

BIOL 200

BIOL 420 : Cancer Biology

Examines normal vs. cancerous cell growth, examines genetic mechanisms, protein modifications and the multi-hit hypothesis that leads to cancer onset, as well as associated stages of disease and treatment/therapies.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

Prereq: CHEM 142 and BIOL 310 OR 320

BIOL 421 : Virology

Examines the structure, biochemistry, and biologic relations of viruses.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

BIOL 200

BIOL 422 : Immunology Lec/Lab

Covers humoral and cellular immunity against infections and non-self agents, cellular interactions and differentiations events associated with the immune response, and applications of immunology to biomedicine.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

Prereq: CHEM 142 and BIOL 310 OR 320

BIOL 424 : Environ Microbiology Lec-Lab

Explores the roles of microorganisms in the built and natural environments. Learn about the public health implications of microbes and their products in the environment, and the role of microbes in bioremediation of hazardous chemical wastes.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

BIOL 220

BIOL 425 : Patho Bacteriology Lec/Lab

Examines the mechanisms of pathogenesis of bacterial diseases including various host responses, methods of identification, growth and control.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

BIOL 220.

BIOL 426 : Food Microbiology Lec/Lab

Explores the microbiology and ecology of foodborne microorganisms with regards to food poisoning, spoilage, production anf fermention.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

BIOL 220.

BIOL 430 : Biostatistics Lec/Lab

Deals with measures of central tendency and dispersion, binominal, student, and chi-square distribution, and hypothesis testing related to biological problems.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

Prereq BIOL 200 Genetics Lec/Lab and college algebra or the equivalent.

BIOL 441 : Endocrinology I Lec/Lab

Examines the endocrine system in a systematic manner, beginning with consideration of the chemistry, function and physiological roles of the hormones. Special emphasis on the molecular mechanism of action of these hormones and how are they are involved in the regulation of physiological processes.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

BIOL 200, Chemistry through organic and consent of instructor.

BIOL 444 : Neuroscience Lec/Lab

Examines the function of the nervous systems from a molecular and cellular perspective. Topics include cellular neurophysiology, synaptic transmission, processing of sensory information and motor control of movement.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

BIOL 341.

BIOL 445 : Eukaryotic Gene Expression

Explores gene function and expression and omics data analysis in genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and other 'omics fields. Includes practical experience in the application of state-of-the-art 'omics and machine learning tools to bioinformatics and biomedical research.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

Prereq: BIOL 200 Genetics Lec/Lab and (BIOL 320, 419, 430 or CSCI 100)

BIOL 446 : Mycology Lab

Explores the biology of fungi, with emphasis on their development, phylogency, and ecologic distribution.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

Prereq BIOL 200 Genetics Lec/Lab

BIOL 449 : Population Genetics Lec-Lab

Focuses on the genetic structure of population, factors affecting gene frequency, geno-type-environment interaction, and genetic relationship in natural and artificial populations.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

BIOL 200 and consent of instructor.

BIOL 450 : Molecular Genetics Lec/Lab

Learn transcriptional and translational regulation of gene expression, concepts of knockout and transgenic technology, RFLP and restriction mapping, and fundamental concepts of molecular aspects of genome size, concepts in bioinformatics and hands-on experience in basic recombinant DNA techniques.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

Prereq BIOL 200

BIOL 460 : Molecular Physiology of Plants

Provides comprehensive exposure to the subject of plant physiology. Gain hands-on experiences with experiments and training in instrumental skills. Focuses on water relations, photosynthesis, inorganic nutrition, metabolism of organic materials, and plant growth regulation, with emphasis on environmental factors in the physiology of plants.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

BIOL 344

BIOL 462 : Biotechnology Lec/Lab

Prepares students with an in-depth understanding of modern techniques in molecular genetics so they can compete in an ever-growing biotechnology job market.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

Prereq BIOL 200 Genetics Lec/Lab

BIOL 475 : Human Evolutionary Bio Lec/Lab

Explores all aspects of human biology and behavior from an evolutionary perspective. HEB thus provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to investigate and answer questions about how and why humans are the way we are, and why that matters for real world problems.

Credits

4

Prerequisites

BIOL 200

BIOL 491 : Honors Research

Facilitates Honors student engagement with the Honors research mentor and provides structure for the research process as data are generated for the Honors thesis.

Credits

2

Prerequisites

COAS Honors Students Only

BIOL 492 : Honors Thesis

Facilitates Honors student engagement with the Honors research mentor and provides structure during the final steps of the process of writing the Honors Thesis.

Credits

1

Prerequisites

COAS Honors Students Only.

BIOL 493 : Senior Seminar

Engages undergraduates with senior status in discussions of current topics in biology.

Credits

1

Prerequisites

Senior Status

BIOL 494 : Senior Seminar

Engages undergraduates with senior status in discussions of current topics in biology.

Credits

1

Prerequisites

Senior Status

BIOL 500 : Topics Cell & Molecular Biol

Examines contemporary issues in molecular and cellular biology.

Credits

1

Prerequisites

Junior / Senior Status

BIOL 501 : Topics (Anat & Physiology)

Examines contemporary issues in ecology and evolution.

Credits

1

Prerequisites

Jr/Sr Status

BIOL 502 : Topics (Ecology & Evolution)

Examines contemporary issues in anatomy and physiology.

Credits

1

Prerequisites

Jr/Sr Status

BIOL 701 : Evolution Wrtg

Explore Darwin's theory of evolution and its implications, evidence from various biological disciplines supporting Darwin's evolutionary theory, chemical evolution and organic evolution from the cell to modern human using a writing-intensive approach. Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) course.