Selected List of Course Descriptions
Penn State Altoona offers a diverse selection of lecture, laboratory, and field biological science courses for students majoring in the sciences and general education courses for the non-science majors. Courses marked with *** are disallowed for biology majors.
BIOL 110 (GN) BIOLOGY: BASIC CONCEPTS AND BIODIVERSITY ( 4)
A study of the evolution of the major groups of organisms including the
fundamental concepts of biology. (Generally offered every semester)
BIOL 129 (GN) MAMMALIAN ANATOMY ( 4) Anatomy of a mammal, with special reference to that of
man. Students who have passed BIOL 421 may not schedule this course. (Generally
offered every semester)
BIOL 141 (GN) INTRODUCTORY PHYSIOLOGY ( 3) Explanation of the normal
structure and function of the animal body, with special emphasis on human body
systems. Students who have passed BIOL 472 may not schedule this course.
(Generally offered every semester)
BIOL 142 PHYSIOLOGY LABORATORY ( 1) Experiments demonstrating basic
physiological principles, with special reference to man. Prerequisite: or
concurrent: BIOL 141 (Generally offered every semester)
BIOL 220W (GN) BIOLOGY: POPULATIONS AND COMMUNITIES ( 4) A study of the
structures and functions of organismic interactions from simple populations to
complex ecosystems. (BIOL 220W, 230W, and 240W each carry only 1 credit of
"writing"; all three courses must be taken to meet the writing requirement.)
Prerequisite: BIOL 110 (Generally offered spring semester)
BIOL 222 GENETICS ( 3) Variation and heredity in plants and animals,
including man; relationships of genetical knowledge to evolution and breeding
practices. Prerequisite: 3 credits in biological sciences Generally offered
Spring semester)
BIOL 230W (GN) BIOLOGY: MOLECULES AND CELLS ( 4) A study of cellular
phenomena including molecular genetics and metabolic interactions. (BIOL 220W,
230W, and 240W each carry only 1 credit of "writing"; all three courses must be
taken to meet the writing requirement.) Prerequisite:
BIOL 110,
CHEM 012 (Generally offered Fall semester)
BIOL 240W (GN) BIOLOGY: FUNCTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF ORGANISMS ( 4) A
study of development and physiological processes at the organismic level. (BIOL
220W, 230W, and 240W each carry only 1 credit of "writing"; all three courses
must be taken to meet the writing requirement.) Prerequisite:
BIOL 110,
CHEM 012 (Generally offered spring semester)
BIOL 296 INDEPENDENT STUDIES ( 1 -18)
BIOL 297 SPECIAL TOPICS ( 1 - 9)
BIOL 409
Biology of Aging (3) Examination of biological mechanisms of aging. The
course will familiarize students with functional and structural alterations that
occur with age. An emphasis will be placed on physiological and pathological
changes in the human body and theories of aging.
BIOL 412
ECOLOGY OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
( 3)
This course examines how
ecological and evolutionary processes impact upon the epidemiology of infectious
diseases. Prerequisite: BIOL 220W or H P A 440, 5th semester
standing. (3 credits)
The course has been divided
into 10 topic areas to include: the history of infectious diseases;
epidemiology; disease transmission; host response to disease; manipulation of
the host; host-pathogen co-evolution; pathogen adaptation; viral parasites;
emerging infections; and societal and technological influences on the emergence
of new disease threats. Within each of these areas, we will be reading an
assortment of non-technical articles, scientific reviews, and primary
literature. These readings have been chosen to provide students with views from
both an ecological and a medical perspective. The discussion and written
components of the course will allow students to pose questions and reflect on
assigned readings, share ideas, and improve both written and oral communication
skills.
BIOL 413
CELL SIGNALING AND REGULATION (3)
Introduction to the themes of cellular signaling and regulation through critical
review of primary literature. This course examines the mechanisms cells employ
to communicate with each other through extracellular signaling molecules (e.g.,
hormones and neurotransmitters). Classes will consist of formal lectures as
well as student-led reviews of pertinent primary literature. Subject matter
will consider a wide variety of cellular signaling mechanisms, including
discussions of receptors, G-proteins, protein kinase cascades, cell cycle
regulation, and apoptosis. Prerequisite:
BIOL 240W (Alternate fall semesters)
BIOL 414
TAXONOMY OF
SEED PLANTS ( 3)
Basic principles and procedures in the practice of angiosperm systematics.
Vascular plants are the dominant life forms of terrestrial habitats and there
are approximately 260,000 species world-wide. In
Pennsylvania,
we have approximately 3000 species. Plant identification is essential to
understanding our natural heritage for the professional biologist as well as for
anyone who loves the outdoors. In Biology 414, we learn the characteristics of
the major plant groups and families, learn to use dichotomous keys to identify
the more common species, and study current concepts of plant systematics and
phylogenetics and their application to evolutionary relationships among the
families of flowering plants. Several field trips are scheduled early in the
semester. A plant collection and a research paper on a plant taxon are
required. Prerequisite:
BIOL 240W ( Fall semester)
BIOL 416 BIOLOGY OF CANCER ( 3) This course intends to illustrate biological basis of
cancer development, and discusses aspects on prevention, detection, and
treatment of cancer. Biology of Cancer is designed to illustrate basic aspects
of cancer development, and to discuss how molecular genetic approaches can be
used to reveal fundamental processes of carcinogenesis. Such molecular cellular
and genetic information has been instrumental in devising strategies for
prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer. Prerequisite:
BIOL 222 or
BIOL 230W (Alternate spring semesters)
BIOL 417 INVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY ( 4) Function and form of major
invertebrate phyla.
Over
98% of all animal life is invertebrate animals. This laboratory course provides
a broad survey of invertebrate animals. The course focuses on the evolutionary
relationships between and within the 30+ animal phyla. Invertebrate ecology,
anatomy, physiology, development, and behavior as well as environmental and
medical issues related to invertebrates are emphasized in lecture. The
laboratory provides a survey of major animal phyla and the diversity within
them. Many dissections are performed to compare form and function between
groups. Field trips to collect invertebrates in various habitats and to museums
are part of the course as well. Prerequisite:
BIOL 110 (Generally offered in alternate fall semesters)
BIOL 421 COMPARATIVE ANATOMY OF VERTEBRATES ( 4) The comparative anatomy
of representative vertebrate animals.
This course
focuses on a comparison of the structure of various organ systems in the six
classes of vertebrate animals. This forms the basis of the treatment of the
demonstrated evolutionary relationships among then classes of vertebrates. The
physiology and embryonic development of each organ system are considered along
with the anatomical structure. Lectures are supplemented by labs in which
representative preserved specimens (shark, frog, cat) are dissected to show
gross structure of the organs and their locations
within the body. Prerequisite:BIOL
240W (Generally offered alternate spring semesters)
BIOL 422W ADVANCED GENETICS ( 3)
The goals of Biology 422W are: 1) to gain a
more thorough understanding of fundamental principles in genetics and molecular
biology; 2) to enable students to read and interpret literature in the field of
genetics; and 3) to apply genetic analysis to research problems. Topics will
include recombinant DNA technology, genomics, recombination, chemical genetics,
non-nuclear inheritance, quantitative genetics, population genetics, and
molecular evolution.
Prerequisite: BIOL 033 or BIOL 222 or BIOL 230W
BIOL 427 (GEOSC) EVOLUTION ( 3) Selected topics on the evolution of
life.
Evolution aims to familiarize students with basic principles of biological
evolution. These principles include their process of natural selection,
speciation, adaptation, population genetics, molecular evolution, and
systematics. This course will be taught primarily in a lecture/discussion
format. Students participate and lead discussions. A variety of field trips,
guest lectures, and some films also illustrate the principles presented in the
course. Prerequisite:
BIOL 220W,
BIOL 230W (Generally offered spring semester)
BIOL 435 ECOLOGY OF LAKES AND STREAMS ( 3) Physical, chemical, and biological
characteristics of freshwater environments, with special emphasis on factors
regulating productivity in freshwater ecosystems.
This
course examines the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of
freshwater systems. Attention is given to rivers, streams, groundwater,
wetlands, ponds, and lakes and the biological communities that inhabit them.
Special emphasis is put on the relationship between humans and freshwater and
how humans negatively impact these systems. The course includes field trips to
local lakes and streams to conduct field-work utilizing common limnological
sampling techniques. Prerequisite:
BIOL 220W (Generally offered in alternate fall semesters)
BIOL 437 HISTOLOGY ( 4) Microscopic structure of the tissue of the
animal body.
This
course provides an in depth study of the tissues that comprise the vertebrate
body with an emphasis on human tissues. Lectures are supplemented by labs
involving microscopic study of stained sections of various tissues and organs.
Consideration is given to the functions performed by the tissues and organs
studied, as well as to their embryonic development. Microscopy and histological
techniques are explained. Prerequisite:
BIOL 230W (Generally offered in alternate spring semesters)
BIOL 450W EXPERIMENTAL FIELD BIOLOGY ( 5) A practical introduction to
modern experimental techniques for ecological study of terrestrial, marine, and
fresh water habitats. The course involves the implementation of various
field techniques and several out-of-class field trips, and also projects
utilizing the temperate ecosystems in
Central Pennsylvania.
The course includes a common class project and requires individual research
studies. Field techniques and data analyses are emphasized. This is a
writing-intensive course; thus, a significant portion of the final grade will be
based on students’ written reports. Prerequisite:
BIOL 220W,
BIOL 240W
BIOL 464 (ANTH) SOCIOBIOLOGY ( 3)
The study of the adaptive function of social behavior, the comparative analysis
of social organization, and the ecology of sociality. It applies an
evolutionary perspective to the social behavior of animals, including humans and
their ancestors. In this course, we will explore the biological basis of social
behavior by evaluating physiological, genetic, and evolutionary mechanisms as
they relate to social behavior. The primary objective is to critically evaluate
the analysis of social behavior as the interaction of natural selection, the
environment, and culture. Prerequisite: 6 credits in biology or anthropology
(Alternate spring semesters)
BIOL 470
(BB H) FUNCTIONAL AND
INTEGRATIVE NEUROSCIENCES ( 3) Neurobiological function in motivated behaviors, motor and
sensory functions, learning and memory development, sexual differentiation, and
pathology.
This
course extends Biology 469 to neurobiological function in motivated behaviors,
motor and sensory functions, learning and memory development, sexual
differentiation, and pathology. Prerequisite:
BIOL 469 (Spring semester)
BIOL 472 MAMMALIAN PHYSIOLOGY ( 3) Mechanisms concerned with normal
animal function, with special emphasis on humans.
Biology 472 is covers the fundamentals of mammalian
physiology for advanced undergraduate students. A working knowledge and
understanding of basic physiological principles is developed and then used to
explore the normal function of various organ systems and to analyze various
abnormal situations that occur. These include respiratory disturbances,
hypertension, heart failure, endocrine imbalances, neurological and muscular
disorders. Prerequisite:
BIOL 240W,
CHEM 035 (Generally offered fall semester)
BIOL 473
LABORATORY IN MAMMALIAN
PHYSIOLOGY ( 2) Laboratory experiments demonstrating fundamentals in physiology.
Prerequisite or concurrent: BIOL 472
(Generally offered Fall semester)
BIOL 496 INDEPENDENT STUDIES ( 1 -18)
BIOL 497 SPECIAL TOPICS ( 1 - 9)
(*) *** MICRB 106 (GN) ELEMENTARY MICROBIOLOGY ( 3)
Elementary microbiology is primarily a
lecture based course aimed at introducing students to the clinical and
environmental impact of microorganisms. Topics will include the history of
microbiology, microbial genetics, immunology, epidemiology, food microbiology,
and medical microbiology. (3 credits) This course serves as a descriptive
course for students not planning advanced study in microbiology. Both MICRB 106
and MICRB 107 must be completed to fulfill the general education (GN)
requirement.
(*) ***MICRB 107 (GN) ELEMENTARY MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY ( 1)
Elementary microbiology laboratory will
introduce students to basic microbiological laboratory methods. Students will
actively learn about microscopy, culture methods, and identification
techniques. Other lab activities will examine the effects of chemical and
physical agents on microorganisms; test various water sources for bacterial
contamination; and survey clinical microbiological applications. (1 credit)
Prerequisite or concurrent:
MICRB 106.
Both MICRB 106 and MICRB 107 must be completed to fulfill the general education
(GN) requirement.
(*) Both MICRB 106 and MICRB 107 must be completed to fulfill the general
education (GN) requirement.
MICRB 201 INTRODUCTORY MICROBIOLOGY ( 3)
Elementary principles of microbial and viral
interrelationships, morphology, and physiology; relation to food, water, soil,
industry, and disease processes. This course is designed for students in
technical majors. (3 credits)
MICRB 202 INTRODUCTORY MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY ( 2)
Qualitative and quantitative techniques with
regard to recognition of bacteria and their processes on a microscopic,
colonial, and physiological
basis. Prerequisite: CHEM 012. Prerequisite or concurrent: MICRB 201. (2
credits)
ENVST
100 (GS) VISIONS OF NATURE ( 3) An interdisciplinary introduction to
environmental studies, including perspectives from ethics, economics, public
policy, art, literature, history, geology, biology, and ecology. (Generally
offered every semester)
ENVST 200 RESEARCH METHODS IN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES ( 3) Focus on
interdisciplinary research methodologies from biology, social sciences, and
humanities for the study of environmental issues and problems. Prerequisite:
BIOL 110,
ENGL 015,
ENVST 100 (Generally offered spring semester)
ENVST 296 INDEPENDENT STUDIES ( 1 -18)
ENVST 297 SPECIAL TOPICS ( 1 - 9)
ENVST 395 INTERNSHIP ( 1 -18) Supervised off-campus, nongroup
instruction including field experiences, practica, or internships. Written and
oral critique of activity required. Prerequisite: prior approval of proposed
assignment by instructor
ENVST 400W SENIOR SEMINAR IN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES ( 3)
Writing-intensive study of a specified topic in environmental studies
integrating approaches and research from a variety of disciplines. Prerequisite:
ENVST 200
ENVST 496 INDEPENDENT STUDIES ( 1 -18)
B M B 401 GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY ( 2) Principles of the structure and
function of biological molecules, including carbohydrates, lipids, membranes,
proteins, and enzymes. (3
credits in conjunction with BMB 497)This
investigates the principles of the structure and function of biological
molecules, including carbohydrates, lipids, membranes, proteins, and enzymes.
Prerequisite:
CHEM 039 ;
B M B 251 OR
BIOL 230 Fall semester
B M B 402 GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY ( 3) Comprehensive survey of the
pathways and regulation of intermediary metabolism.
This course continues the exploration of biological
molecules through a comprehensive survey of the pathways and regulation of
intermediary metabolism. Building on BMB 401, this course will expand on the
biochemical pathways that control everyday bodily functions, both when the body
is healthy, and what goes wrong to create a diseased state.
Prerequisite:
B M B 401 Spring
semester
***BI
SC 001 (GN) STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF ORGANISMS ( 3)
An exploration of cellular components and processes and their contribution to
the structure and function of living organisms. Students who have passed BIOL
027, 041, or 102 may not schedule this course. (Generally offered every
semester)
***BI
SC 002 (GN) GENETICS, ECOLOGY, AND EVOLUTION ( 3) The study of how
living organisms inherit their traits, how plants and animals evolved, and how
they now interact. Students who have passed BIOL 033, 110, 220W, or 222 may not
schedule this course. (Generally offered every semester)
***BI
SC 003 (GN) ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE ( 3) Kinds of environments; past and
present uses and abuses of natural resources; disposal of human wastes;
prospects for the future. Students who have passed BIOL 220 or any other
upper-level ecology course in biology may not schedule this course. (Generally
offered every semester)
***BI
SC 004 (GN) HUMAN BODY: FORM AND FUNCTION ( 3) A general survey of
structure and function--from conception, through growth and reproduction, to
death. Students who have passed BIOL 029 and 041 may not schedule this course.
(Generally offered every semester)
***BIOL
033 (GN) GENETICS AND EVOLUTION OF THE HUMAN SPECIES ( 3) Human heredity
and evolution, individual and social implications. The course is for non-majors;
students who have passed BIOL 222, 230W, B M B 251 or any upper-division biology
course may not schedule this course. (Generally offered every semester)
***BIOL
055 (GN) INTRODUCTION TO THE BIOLOGY OF AGING ( 3) Examination of human
aging from a biological perspective. Population demographics, physiological and
pathological changes, and healthy lifestyles are discussed. Students who have
passed BIOL 409 may not schedule this course. (Generally offered every semester)
