Biology

This lecture course covers topics in the basic biological principles of life, such as cell structure and function, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, mitosis and meiosis, DNA and gene expression, and Mendelian genetics. BIO 101L laboratory course accompanies BIO 101 and allows for the practical application of biological techniques to scientific inquiry in molecular and cellular biology.

This laboratory course accompanies BIO 101 lecture and allows for the practical application of biological techniques to scientific inquiry in molecular and cellular biology.

This lecture course covers topics in the basic biological principles of life, such as evolution, population genetics, and phylogenetics; the diversity of life from prokaryotes and protists to fungi, animals, and plants; and ecology. Credit cannot be earned for both BIO 102 and BIO 105.

This laboratory course accompanies BIO 102 lecture and allows for the practical application of biological techniques to scientific inquiry in organismal biology.

The animal kingdom is introduced to non-majors. Correlation between structure and function will be investigated among invertebrate and vertebrate animals. Aspects of animal behavior will be discussed. Lecture, lab and fieldwork, and discussion.

We must all live in this world, the very existence of which has been, and currently continues to be, threatened by pollution created by human technology, lifestyles, and over-population. In this course, students will investigate these problems and learn about the possibility, practicality, and morality of various solutions. Credit cannot be earned for both BIO 110 and BIO 130.

This is an introductory level course covering the various forms of life on earth, from microbes to humans, to redwood trees. It is an inquiry-based course in biology intended for the non-major and covers the cellular and molecular basis of life on earth, how cells assemble to form a multi-cellular organism, how the organism relates to the environment, the homeostatic mechanisms that allow for survival, and how these living forms reproduce. Structure is discussed in terms of its relation to function. Students are encouraged to formulate their own questions and are taught how to search for the best answers with the resources available.

Designed for the student with little or no background in biology, the course includes a study of ecology and population dynamic, with an emphasis on the population explosion, resource use and misuse, and pollution issues. Field experiences will be included.

This course is designed to acquaint the student with the fundamentals of anatomy and physiology. The normal structure and function of the human body will be considered, together with possible malfunction of cells, tissues and organs. No credit awarded if student has already received credit for BIO 135/BIO 201 and/or BIO 136/BIO 202.

This course is designed to teach students about the definitions of plagiarism and how to write an original body of work in the Biological Sciences. Students will learn how to select an appropriate topic for a term paper, create an outline and rough draft and finalize a paper for submission. A resume and e-portfolio will also be created, critiqued and suggestions will be made for improvements during their educational experience.

Students will investigate the structure and function of the cell, the skeletal and neuromuscular systems, and the proprioceptive and reticular activating systems relative to sensation, perception, and movement. Laboratory work will include experiments on animals and animal tissue and exercises with human subjects.

Studies of the blood, circulatory, digestive, endocrine, respiratory, reproductive, and urinary systems will be included. Laboratory work will include experiments on animals and animal tissue and exercises with human subjects.

This is a study of the principles of modern and classical genetics, including molecular biology of genetic material and its functions; mechanisms of recombination in phage, bacteria, and higher organisms; control of gene activity during development; gene frequencies in populations; and selection and evolution. Laboratory studies will include phage, bacteria and Drosophila, and use of biochemical analysis.

This course investigates the fundamental principles of genetics including transmission of genetic information, Mendelian heredity and modern genetics. Through readings, discussions and video, students will learn about the fundamental principles of genetics, as well as explore the personal, political, and socio logical implications of this rapidly expanding field.

This is an introduction to the principles and techniques of microbiology including a brief study of infectious diseases, the host defense mechanisms, sanitation, and the microbiology of water, foods, and soil.

This course will examine the many areas of forensic science. It is designed to explore the use of biological evidence and, specifically, the importance of DNA in a criminal investigation. Other areas of forensics, such as toxicology, chemical analysis, and ballistics will be discussed and the importance of forensic evidence in the courtroom will also be examined.

This course emphasizes the essential physiological principles underlying the function of the human body. The following systems and/or units will be covered: cells and tissues, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, blood, respiratory, digestive, urinary and fluid balance, and reproduction. (Not open to biology majors without special permission.)

This course is a study of the cellular basis of life and focuses on the fundamental principles that unify cells. A detailed understanding of cellular function and cell components is undertaken. Cellular control and intracellular signaling is examined, in addition to how some of these processes malfunction and underlie certain diseases. Laboratory experiements emphasize current techniques used to study cellular function.

to be arranged with faculty

Under discussion will be the processes of evolution as they have occurred in the past and are occurring in the present, and the sources of variability, natural selection, adaptation, extinction, and the origin of species, including human evolution.

This course focuses on an investigation of current research publications and presentation of oral and written scientific reports. [Course number changed to BIO 450 beginning in Fall 2016]

This is an introduction to the principles of animal and plant ecology. Major topics includes biome description, communities, succession, ecosystem structure and function, ecosystem energetic, biogeochemical cycles, population dynamics, competition, predation/perdition, and the evolution of ecosystems. Field trips are included.

Under discussion will be the biology of behavior in lower and higher animals; animal communication, oreintation, navigation, mimicry, courtship, aggression, social behavior, and learning; and, the evolution, ecology, and development of behavior. Readings, laboratory experiments, films, and field trips are included. An independent project will be conducted.

Special topics of current interest in the biological sciences are examined.

This course investigates emerging infectious diseases, EIDs. EIDs are diseases that are new or changing, and are increasing or have the potential to increase in incidence in the future. EIDs include such diseases as West Nile Encephalitis, Mad Cow Disease, Ebola hemorrhagic fever, Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, Cryptosporidiosis, and AIDS. Through readings, discussion and video, students will learn about the etiology of these and other diseases, as well as explore reasons why these diseases are on the rise. The potential use of microbes in biological warfare will be discussed as well.

This course investigates the various ways living systems have devised to subvert infections by viruses, bacteria, and parasites. The mechanisms of innate and acquired immunity as well as conditions which result in immunodeficiency or the opposite, autoimmunity, will be studied. The mechanism and genetics of antibody diversity will be discussed. Mechanisms of cell signaling and cell recognition, the ability to discern self from anti-self, and the tools of immunology will be central to the course.

This course prepares students in communication skills required for employment and graduate training. Students are guided in preparation and delivery of oral and written reports from current biological literature. In addition, students are invited to explore current options in graduate studies and employment in biological laboratories.

This is an interactive lecture and laboratory course promoting research methodology, laboratory skills, critical thinking, data analysis, practice in experimental design, and active involvement in a research process. By the completion of this course, students will have developed a research proposal for their senior independent project and will have explored the research methodologies that project will require.

Project to be arranged with faculty.

This capstone course requires students to draw upon their methodological, analytical and communication skills as well as their substantive learned knowledge. These skills will be demonstrated through laboratory activities and written lab reports, oral presentations, scientifically prepared papers and peer reviewed article critiques. As a subject matter, this course presents an overview of Molecular Genetics topics such as recombinant DNA technology, modes of inheritance and gene expression, disease modeling and genetic approaches to medicine, along with contemporary topics. Students conduct research in laboratory using analytical techniques. Students also enroll in lab section.

Students register for two semesters of BIO 410 Honors Project by Biology or Health Sciences faculty invite only after presentation of their research proposal to a faculty member. Based on their proposal, the student will work with their faculty mentor to design their project further and in more detail. The project can be part of the faculty member’s research program or it can be novel. The student is required to work alone on this project. Eligible students will have completed at least one year of Biology or Health Sciences
courses at Russell Sage College and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.500.

This capstone course requires students to draw upon their methodological, analytical and communication skills as well as their learned knowledge. These skills will be demonstrated through laboratory activities and written lab reports, oral presentations, scientifically prepared papers and critiques of peer reviewed articles. This course investigates the molecular mechanisms of gene regulation, cancer progression, cell signaling and cytoskeletal interactions. Students conduct research in laboratories using analytical procedures that reinforce the protocols discussed in the classroom. Students must enroll in the lab.
 

To be arranged with faculty.

Students analyze and critique through discussion and writing, publications of current research topics.

This course will focus on the human nervous system but will also discuss animal experiments as they apply to understanding human brain function. The development of the nervous system as well as pertinent neuroanatomy and significant historical events in the field are also covered. The course begins with an overview of the organization of the nervous system, and then focuses on cell and synaptic physiology. Following this chemical and pharmacological aspects of synapses are discussed. The hierarchical organizations of the brain are studied. This is then integrated into how the brain functions as a whole. The functions of each area of the brain are examined and the basis of learning and memory are discussed. The basis of language and emotion are covered. Some of the common brain disorders are also discussed.