Biology for Educators

Units: 3

Offered only as a distance education course via the internet. Functional Histology describes the cellular structure of tissues and organs. Human organs are emphasized, with brief consideration given to variation in other mammals. Tissue and organ structure is related to function, including examples of malfunction [histopathology]. The course is especially appropriate for students planning a career in veterinary science, medicine, or allied health fields. Offered by distance education only.

Offered in Summer

Units: 3

This course will explore the function of hormones and bioactive compounds in regulating animal physiology and homeostasis. Topics will include a study of hormones and their mechanism of actions in regulating various biological processes including development and growth; reproduction; feeding, digestion and metabolism; ion and water balance; stress and immunity; and sex determination. The methods used to study hormones and their physiological functions will also be addressed. 80% of enrollment is restricted to Biological Sciences and Zoology students with the remaning 20% open for all other majors.

Offered in Fall Only

Units: 3

Comprehensive study of microbial pathogenesis and mammalian host resistance. Diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of common human diseases of microbial origin.

Offered in Fall and Spring

Units: 3

Introduction to principles of molecular immunology. Overview of immune system development and function, and discussions of ongoing scientific research regarding immune regulation.

Offered in Fall and Spring

Units: 3

Molecular, biochemical, and evolutionary diversity of the microbial world, including Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukaryotes. Evolutionary perspective on microbial relationships, molecular methods of study and classical and modern biotechnological methods utilizing this genetic diversity to explore the microbial world and use the resulting insight to meet the needs of our own species.

Offered in Fall and Spring

Units: 4

Introduce students to the basic principles of toxicology. Will cover the history and scope of the field; absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of toxicants; types and mechanisms of toxic action; carcinogenesis; environmental toxicology as well as human and ecological risk assessment.

Offered in Spring Only

Units: 4

Environmental toxicology and chemistry including the sources, fate, and effects of chemicals in the environment. Emphasis on contemporary problems in human health and the environment.

Offered in Fall and Spring

Units: 3

Overview of the neurosciences, with a focus on fundamental principles in the function, structure, and development of the nervous system. Topics include neuroanatomy, electrical signaling, synaptic transmission, sensory and motor systems, neural development, neural plasticity, and complex brain functions. Multiple levels of analysis, from molecular to behavioral, with an emphasis on the mammalian nervous system. Motivated students who do not meet listed prerequisite can contact the instructor for permission to take the course.

Offered in Fall Only

Units: 1 - 3

Organized, formal lectures and discussion of a special topic.

Offered in Fall Spring Summer

Units: 4

Introduce students to the basic principles of toxicology. Will cover the history and scope of the field; absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of toxicants; types and mechanisms of toxic action; carcinogenesis; environmental toxicology as well as human and ecological risk assessment.

Offered in Spring Only

Units: 4

Environmental toxicology and chemistry including the sources, fate, and effects of chemicals in the environment. Emphasis on contemporary problems in human health and the environment.

Offered in Fall and Spring

Units: 3

Disease has wide-sweeping effects on all facets of society: economics, arts, medicine, and politics. This course will examine disease from a unique perspective in that we will discuss each specific disease by first examining pathophysiology, epidemiology, treatment, and the anatomy and physiology of the body system affected. We will then explore social aspects of each disease, such as how human history, politics, and local and world economies have been affected. Diseases to be discussed may change, but will likely include Ebola, HIV/AIDS, Smallpox, Tuberculosis, Syphilis, Influenza, vector-borne diseases [malaria, dengue fever, and West Nile virus], Cholera, SARS, Polio, Hepatitis, and the Bubonic Plague.

Offered in Summer

Units: 3

This course serves as an introduction to the fascinating world of chemical poisons and covers their numerous and varied effects on human health and the environment. We will explore how and why poisons have played an important role in history, how to critically evaluate chemical risk information reported in the media, and the underlying principles of the basic science of poisons.

Offered in Fall and Spring

Units: 3

Studies in the behavior of vertebrate and invertebrate animals, focusing on the mechanisms and evolution of animal behavior. Topics include neural, hormonal, and genetic bases of behavior; foraging; anti-predator defenses; mating systems and sexual selection; social behavior; communication; parental care; territoriality; and habitat selection. The course will emphasize scientific approaches to studying animal behavior, including through observation.

Offered in Fall and Summer