Biology

An introduction to the dynamics of how organisms and their environment interact, including discussion of human influences. Topics include energy transfer, populations and communities, biomes, organism interactions such as competition and predation, succession, and recycling of nutrients. Three-hour lecture, three-hour lab/field work. 

A minimum grade of C is required for BI majors.

An introductory level course focusing on the application of biological and clinical principles to crime scene analysis. Students will learn how to analyze and document a crime scene and collect evidence. Laboratory activities will be focused on the analysis of evidence collected from the crime scene and will include hair and fibers, fingerprints, blood stains, glass, and DNA. Basic principles of toxicology will also be discussed. Three-hour lecture, three-hour lab. 

A minimum grade of C is required for BI majors.

This is the first in a two-semester course series required for Biology majors. Students will explore biology through the lens of various professional careers. Content will emphasize scientific skills, inquiry, and communication as they relate to these careers and their General Biology coursework. Guest speakers will discuss their education and the integral role of the scientific process. 

A minimum grade of C is required for Biology majors.

This is the second in a two-semester course series required for Biology majors. Topics include principles, techniques, and skills needed to read, write and present scientific and professional information. Audience analysis, research techniques, information design, effective use of graphics, and preparation and presentation of oral reports will be covered. 

A minimum grade of C is required for Biology majors.

An introductory survey course taught from an evolutionary perspective. Topics include the structure and function of the cell as it relates to life processes; the biochemical relationships within organisms and how they relate to metabolic processes; comparative studies in structure and life processes in animals as an adaptation to their environment; genetics. Three-hour lecture, three-hour lab. 

A minimum grade of C is required for BI majors and for those taking this as a science prerequisite.

Concentrates on plant structure and function; ecology; evolution; and human development, structure and function. Like BI 221S, the course is taught from an evolutionary perspective. 

Three-hour lecture, three-hour lab. 

A minimum grade of C is required for BI majors and for those taking this as a science prerequisite. 

Human body structure and the basic mechanisms underlying the regulation of the healthy human body. Focus on the structure and function of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems, with discussions of cells and tissues. Laboratory experiences use models, prepared slides, and selected vertebrates to illustrate the basic concepts studied during lecture. 

Three-hour lecture, three-hour lab. 

A minimum grade of C is required for BI majors and for those taking this as a science prerequisite (B- for Nursing and pre-OT majors).

A continuation of BI 223. Focus on the structure and function of the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Laboratory experiences use prepared slides for microscopy, models, and animal dissections to illustrate basic concepts studied during lecture. 

Three-hour lecture, three-hour lab. 

A minimum grade of C is required for BI majors and for those taking this as a science prerequisite (B- for Nursing and pre-OT majors).

An introductory survey course emphasizing microbial structure, chemistry and genetic variation, growth and control of microorganisms, antibiotic control and resistance, classification, host-microbe interactions, and microorganisms and the diseases they cause. 

Three-hour lecture, three-hour lab. 

A minimum grade of C is required for BI majors and for those taking this as a science prerequisite (B- for Nursing).

Essential facts of the three main branches of genetics: Mendelian (classical) genetics, molecular genetics, and population genetics. Emphasis is on human genetics and medical applications, with consideration of social, cultural, and ethical applications of genetics. 

Three-hour lecture, three-hour lab. 

A minimum grade of C is required for BI majors.

Exploration of the worlds of plants: their structure, physiology, life history, ecology, economic importance, and medicinal uses. Includes selected laboratory exercises and field work. 

Three-hour lecture, three-hour lab. 

A minimum grade of C is required for BI majors.

A course in Microbiology that will emphasize its molecular aspects. Topics will include respiration, cellular structure, cellular signaling, protein synthesis, prokaryotic genetics, and related molecular processes. 

Three-hour lecture, three-hour lab. 

A minimum grade of C is required for BI majors.

This course introduces the principles of immunology in health and disease. Topics include the development of innate immunity and adaptive immunity; the immune response to pathogens and vaccination; immunologic tolerance and autoimmune disorders; the immune response to tumors and transplantation; hypersensitivity; and diseases caused by defective immunity. 

A minimum grade of C is required for BI majors.

This course is designed to introduce students to the basic principles and practice of epidemiology to better understand, characterize and promote health at a regional, national or international level. Topics include disease surveillance, frequency measurement, risk factor evaluation, and analyses of epidemiological data.

This course introduces students to the field of neuroscience, explores the cellular and molecular basis of neural systems, and discusses the neural basis of cognition. Students are expected to leverage their understanding of biology and chemistry to build a working knowledge of neuroscience fundamentals. 

This online class features optional live sessions. This course requires departmental approval prior to enrollment.

The field of bioinformatics utilizes computational technologies to manipulate and analyze the rapidly growing amount of information. It is an interdisciplinary field of study that combines computer sciences, molecular biology, biotechnology, statistics and engineering. By relying on a robust collection of tools and techniques, we have the ability to address several key scientific questions of our time, allowing for innovations in such fields as medicine, agriculture, ecology, and biotechnology. Students will learn fundamental concepts of bioinformatics and, ultimately, explore its application to questions of their own design, all in the context of the biological sciences. 

A minimum grade of C is required for BI majors.

This course focuses on the relationship between normal body functioning and the physiological changes that occur as a result of diseases. Mechanisms of diseases across the life span will be explored. Topics include alterations in cell physiology, inflammation, hyper-sensitivity, cancer, acid-base regulation and a system-by-system approach of major disease states. 

A minimum grade of B- is required for Nursing majors.

An advanced Biology course designed to introduce students to the basic principles of forensic science. Lecture topics include processing a crime scene, DNA fingerprinting, and processing and assessment of physical evidence (hair, fibers, glass, drugs, fingerprints, firearms, blood) through microscopy and chemical analysis. The course includes both lecture and laboratory activities. 

Three-hour lecture, three-hour lab. 

A minimum grade of C is required for BI majors.

Intended primarily for Biology majors, this course emphasizes the cellular structure of biomolecules; proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleotides; enzyme properties and mechanisms; metabolic pathways; and the flow of biological information. 

Three-hour lecture, three-hour lab. 

A minimum grade of C is required for BI majors. A minimum grade of C is required for CH minors.

An advanced Ecology course with emphasis on field studies that will include water quality, benthos of a given watershed area, stream flow, oxygen levels, microbial studies, and identification of plants, trees, animals, birds, and insects. Studies will also include the effects of disturbed habitats on wetland degradation and fragmented landscape. 

Two-hour lecture, four-hour lab. 

A minimum grade of C is required for BI majors.

Understanding of the molecular biology of cells at the biochemical level will be achieved through lecture and lab. Topics to be dis-cussed will be DNA structure, genome organization, replication, transcription and translation, tools for analyzing gene expression, molecular cloning, genetically modified organisms and bioethics of genetic manipulation. 

Three-hour lecture, three-hour lab. 

A minimum grade of C is required for BI majors.

An in-depth study of the human body as a machine for the performance of work. Encompasses biomechanics, musculoskeletal anatomy, and neuromuscular physiology. Laboratory exercises will help the student gain insight into the nature and complexity of human motion. 

A minimum grade of C is required for BI majors.

Basic neuroanatomy and neurophysiology terminology. Functional properties of the nervous system with emphasis on sensory, motor, and integrated processes; mechanisms of diseases affecting the nervous system; neurophysiological principles of feedback on motor learning. 

A minimum grade of C is required for BI majors (B- for pre-OT majors).

Detailed examination of the microscopic structure of animal (mainly human) tissues and organs, and study of the important functions of various specific tissues. Laboratory work focuses on examination, through standard compound microscopy, of prepared slides of various animal tissues; representations of selected electron micrographs will also be analyzed. 

Three-hour lecture, three-hour lab. 

A minimum grade of C is required for BI majors.

A study of the comparative anatomy and embryology of vertebrates, and the mechanisms behind the changes in their form and function over time. Formerly titled Developmental Biology. 

Three-hour lecture, three-hour lab. 

A minimum grade of C is required for BI majors.

A study of the history, mechanisms, evolution, genetics and ecology of animal behavior. Includes communication, migration, foraging, habitat selection, mating systems, predator-prey and social behaviors. 

A minimum grade of C is required for BI majors.

A study of the mechanisms behind changes in the morphology and behavior of organisms throughout time. Topics include general molecular developments as well as genetic and ecological principles behind these changes. 

A minimum grade of C is required for BI majors.

Examines response of various body regulation systems to exercise. Measurement of various factors affecting the response of the body to exercise. Response of body tissues to aging, trauma, inflammation, and the wound healing process. 

A minimum grade of C is required for BI majors.

Exploration of the internal structure, compartmentalization, and mechanics of the eukaryotic cell. Study includes the dynamics of the plasma membrane, compartmentalization of the cell, the cytoskeleton, protein targeting, vesicular trafficking, and regulation of cellular processes through intracellular signaling pathways. Both the regulation and the mechanics of normal cell division are considered in addition to the role of abnormal cell division in cancer. 

Three-hour lecture, three hour lab. 

A minimum grade of C is required for BI majors.

This course will focus on understanding lake and freshwater eco-systems, particularly those in the Hudson Valley. Topics will include origin and distribution of lakes and rivers, water chemistry, nutrient cycling, energetics of these ecosystems, and macroorganisms of freshwater systems. Environmental threats to these ecosystems will also be discussed. 

Three hour-lecture, three-hour lab. 

A minimum grade of C is required for BI majors.

This course provides an introduction to selected biological topics of environmental toxicology, with a major emphasis on the applied nature of this discipline. Case studies will be utilized in lecture in order to demonstrate applications of environmental toxicological research. Laboratory exercises will center on the development of critical thinking skills through the rigid use of the scientific method in devising and executing experiments. Topics include source and route of pollutants, damage process and action of pollutants, defense reactions to these compounds, and interactions with atmospheric, terrestrial, and aquatic environments. 

Three-hour lecture, three-hour lab. 

A minimum grade of C is required for BI majors.

This course integrates the fundamentals of human histology and anatomy with the fundamentals of organ system physiology. Focus will be on the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, nervous and respiratory systems. The relationship between normal histology and physiology to pathology and pharmacology will also be explored.

 Students who have taken BI 223 and BI 224 may not take this course.

Perception and Movement are fundamentally driven by biological processes. This course provides students with an understanding of the various systems and organs that play a role in the human ability to perceive the world and move through it. It builds upon BI 323: “Neuroscience Foundations” to allow students to understand the impact of core neuroscience foundations. 

This course requires departmental approval prior to enrollment.

This course captures foundational concepts in modern psychiatric care and neuroscience and makes them clear and accessible. It provides students with a broad knowledge base covering many of the latest developments in the field of neuroscience, including our most modern understanding of developmental disorders, various pathologies of neurological systems, the role of microbiology in neurological care and more. Upon completion, students will be well prepared to pursue graduate study or work in the sciences, armed with a strong understanding of the current state of both Neuroscience and Mental Health and the connections between both.

The students will have an opportunity to work with faculty on ongoing research projects that will lead to possible publication opportunities. The student will contract with the professor for the number of hours of research in which they will participate and the credit will be based on the number of hours the student and professor agree to in the contract. The students can participate directly in the Professor’s research or may opt, with the permission of the professor, to pursue their own original research. 

A minimum grade of C is required for BI majors.

In this course students will work directly with their faculty Mentors to complete their literature research and to develop their experimental design for their Senior Research project (capstone course) that will culminate in a proposal for their project. 

A minimum grade of C is required for BI majors.

This course provides an opportunity, under faculty mentorship, for students to design and perform original biological research, and to report their research in poster and power point presentations at a public Senior Research Symposium. 

A minimum grade of C is required for BI majors.

This seminar style course will explore current topics in biology through reading and discussion of scientific literature. Topics vary by semester and may include pharmacology, immunology, plant development and evolution, and cancer biology. Readings will be based on recent primary research articles selected by students. As part of the course, students will also complete the CITI training program in the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR). This course is required of all Biology majors in their junior year and is to be taken prior to their senior capstone research. Students should have junior class standing. 

A minimum grade of C is required for BI majors.

In this course, students will work directly with faculty mentors to complete a literature review and develop their experimental plan for a project to be completed in Research Seminar II. Students will also have an opportunity to work in their research mentor’s lab for the purposes of learning new methodologies and technologies and contributing to an ongoing research project. Students will need permission of the instructor with whom they are registering. 

A minimum grade of C is required for BI majors.

This course provides an opportunity, under faculty mentorship, for students to design and perform original biological research, and to report their research to the public as both a poster and talk. 

A minimum grade of C is required for Biology majors.

Diagnosing instructional needs; planning, implementing, and evaluating instruction in Biology. Attention to developing an eclectic approach to the teaching of Biology to adolescents by acquiring a strategy repertoire that meets the needs of today’s diverse learner population. Students prepare units and lessons that focus on NYS Learning Standards for Science. 

Field experience required.