Biology Courses
2006-2008
BI 103. Earth Science (3)
Study of the earth’s crust and mantle with emphasis on the physical and chemical processes at work in the earth. The principle of uniformity and the rock cycle are used to study formation and transformation of rocks and minerals. Topics on erosion, volcanism, earthquakes and mountain building are included; weather and climate are included whenever pertinent. Although designed primarily for non-science majors, all students may take this course. Corequisite: BI 103L.
BI 103L. Earth Science Laboratory (1)
A laboratory course taught in connection with BI 103. Field and laboratory activities are included. Corequisite: BI 103.
BI 106. Human Biology (3)
Selected topics related to the human body with particular emphasis on the integration of form and function as well as genetics and ethics. This course does not apply toward major requirements in biology.
BI 106L. Human Biology Laboratory (1)
A laboratory study, using selected topics relating to the human body, which is intended to be taught in connection with BI 106. This course does not apply toward major requirements in biology. Corequisite: BI 106.
BI 196. Clinical Observation (1)
Designed to provide an observation experience in Physical therapy or athletic training settings. May be repeated. Prerequisite: Instructor’s permission. (See KI 196).
BI 201. Human Anatomy and Physiology I (3)
A study of the structure and function of the human body using a systems approach. The following topics will be covered: cell biology, histology, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system and sensory organs. Corequisite: BI 201L
BI 201L. Human Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory (1)
A laboratory study of select organ systems that will be explored using prosected human cadavers, anatomical models and computerized data acquisition and analysis. Corequisite: BI 201.
BI 203. Human Anatomy and Physiology II (3)
A study of the structure and function of the human body using a systems approach. The following systems will be covered: endocrine, circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Corequisite: BI 203L.
BI 203L. Human Anatomy and Physiology II Laboratory (1)
A laboratory study of select organ systems that will be explored using prosected human cadavers, anatomical models and computerized data acquisition and analysis. Corequisite: BI 203.
BI 221. General Biology I: Foundations of Biological Diversity (3)
A survey of the basic concepts of biology with emphasis on life’s diversity. This course introduces students to systematics, taxonomy, and the biology of representatives from the domains of Eubacteria (true bacteria), Archaea (methanogenic bacteria, etc.), and Eukarya (protists, fungi, plants and animals). This course is designed for students who intend to major in the sciences and those in pre-medicine and related fields. Corequisite: BI 221L.
BI 221L. General Biology I: Foundations of Biological Diversity Laboratory (1)
A laboratory study of the basic concepts of biology, using selected topics relating to the biodiversity of life. Corequisite: BI 221.
BI 222. General Biology II: Foundations of Molecular and Cellular Biology (3)
A survey of the basic concepts of biology with emphasis on cellular processes, genetic principles and man’s place in nature. This course is designed for students who intend to major in the sciences and those in pre-medicine and related fields. Corequisite: BI 222L.
BI 222L. General Biology II: Foundations of Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory (1)
A laboratory study of the basic concepts of biology with emphasis on cellular processes, genetic principles and man’s place in nature. Corequisite: BI 222.
BI 242. Microbiology (3)
A survey of the biology of the various microorganisms, with special emphasis on the disease causing bacteria. This course does not apply toward major requirements for biology. Prerequisite: CM 121. Corequisite: BI 242L.
BI 242L. Microbiology Laboratory (1)
A study of selected topics in a laboratory setting, which is intended to be taught in connection with BI 242. This course does not apply toward major requirements for biology. Corequisite: BI 242.
BI 294. Special Topics in Biology (1-3)
A variety of timely topics may be explored as the demand of students or the interest of the faculty involved dictates. Prerequisite: Instructor’s permission.
BI 316. Plant Taxonomy (3)
A study of the principles of plant classification with emphasis on collection and identification of native and introduced vascular plants. Corequisite: BI 316L Recommended as background: BI 221. Offered alternate years.
BI 316L. Plant Taxonomy Laboratory (1)
A laboratory oriented to the identification and field study of native and introduced plants, which is intended to support BI 316. Corequisite: BI 316.
BI 324. Plant and Animal Ecology (3)
A study of the interactions between environment, flora and fauna at the population, community and ecosystem levels, including current theory and application. Prerequisite: BI 221, 222 or Instructor’s permission.
BI 330. Vertebrate Zoology: Ectotherms (3)
A survey of the structure, function, ecology and systematics of ectothermic/poikilothermic vertebrates (traditionally ichthyology and herpetology). Representative taxa from the Pacific Northwest will provide context for these explorations. Course will include considerable emphasis on identification of Idaho fish, amphibian and reptile species. Prerequisite: BI 221, 222 or Instructor’s permission. Corequisite: BI 330L. Offered alternate years.
BI 330L. Vertebrate Zoology: Ectotherms Laboratory (1)
A study of selected topics in a laboratory setting, which is intended to be taught in connection with BI 330. Corequisite: BI 330. Offered alternate years.
BI 332. Vertebrate Zoology: Endotherms (3)
A survey of the structure, function, ecology and systematics of endothermic/homeothermic vertebrates (traditionally ornithology and mammalogy). Representative taxa from the Pacific Northwest will provide context for these explorations. Course will include considerable emphasis on identification of Idaho bird and mammal species. Prerequisite: BI 221, 222, or Instructor’s permission. Corequisite: BI 332L. Offered alternate years.
BI 332L. Vertebrate Zoology: Endotherms Laboratory (1)
A study of selected topics in a laboratory setting, which is intended to be taught in connection with BI 332. Corequisite: BI 332. Offered alternate years.
BI 336. Vertebrate Comparative Anatomy (3)
A comparative study of all classes of vertebrates, including organ and organ systems levels of comparison. Corequisite: BI 336L. Recommended background: BI 221. Offered alternate years.
BI 336L. Vertebrate Comparative Anatomy Laboratory (1)
A study of selected topics in a laboratory setting, which is intended to be taught in connection with BI 336. Corequisite: BI 336. Offered alternate years.
BI 342. General Microbiology (3)
A survey of the biology of the various microorganisms, with special emphasis on the bacteria. Prerequisite: BI 221, 222. Corequsite: BI 342L.
BI 342L. General Microbiology Laboratory (1)
A study of selected topics in a laboratory setting, which is intended to be taught in connection with BI 342. Corequisite: BI 342.
BI 346. Cell Biology (3)
A study of processes common to life at the cellular level. This course deals primarily with the structure and function of eukaryotic cells and their organelles. Prerequisites: BI 221, 222. Corequisite: BI 346L.
BI 346L. Cell Biology Laboratory (1)
A study of selected topics in a laboratory setting, which is intended to be taught in connection with BI 346. Corequisite: BI 346.
BI 350. Bioethics (2)
A survey of biotechnological advances and a review of ethical theories. A series of guest lecturers explore various facets of biotechnology and ecology as viewed from each particular discipline. These include issues viewed from research science, ecology, genetics, reproduction technologies, ethics, sociology and politics. Prerequisites: BI 106 or equivalent.
BI 351. Studies in Histology (1)
A supervised practical survey of normal animal cells and tissues. This is a microscopic laboratory study of all the organ systems. Prerequisites: BI 221, 222. Offered alternate years.
BI 352. Developmental Biology (3)
An in-depth study of the processes of vertebrate development and reproduction. Gametogenesis, fertilization, cleavage, gastrulation, organogenesis and histological differentiation are discussed. Prerequisites: BI 221, 222. Corequisite: BI 352L. Offered alternate years.
BI 352L. Developmental Biology Laboratory (1)
A study of selected topics in a laboratory setting, which is intended to be taught in connection with BI 352. Corequisite: BI 352. Offered alternate years.
BI 354. Immunology (3)
This course introduces students to the immune system and the basics of immunology. Topics will begin with a survey of the cells and organs of the immune system, innate and adaptive immunity, lymphocyte development, and effecter mechanisms of both cell-mediated and humoral immunity. Concluding topics will integrate basic immunological concepts with regulatory interactions between different components of the immune system, deleterious effects of aberrant immune processes and the immunopathology of various disease states. Prerequisites: BI 221, 222. Pre/Corequisite: BI 372. Corequisite: BI 354L. Offered alternate years.
BI 354L. Immunology Laboratory (1)
A study of selected topics in a laboratory setting, which is intended to be taught in connection with BI 354. Corequisite: BI 354. Offered alternate years.
BI 362. Vertebrate Physiology (3)
An in-depth survey of the basic functional principles of vertebrate organs and systems, with emphasis placed on humans. Prerequisites: BI 221, 222. Corequisite: BI 362L. Offered alternate years. BI
362L. Vertebrate Physiology Laboratory (1)
A study of selected topics in a laboratory setting, which is intended to be taught in connection with BI 362. Corequisite: BI 362. Offered alternate years.
BI 372. Genetics (3)
This course introduces students to classical Mendelian and contemporary molecular genetics. Topics will include Mendelian patterns of inheritance, transmission genetics, chromosome structure and function, genetic mutation, chromosomal aberrations, the structure, function and control of genes, techniques in genetics and model organisms, cell-cycle dynamics, recombinant DNA mechanisms, population genetics, etc. Prerequisites: BI 221, 222. Corequisite: BI 372L.
BI 372L. Genetics Laboratory (1)
A study of selected topics in a laboratory setting, which is intended to be taught in connection with BI 372. Corequisite: BI 372.
BI 374. Origins (3)
This course is designed to inform students of competing views of origins from a Chrisitian perspective and to prepare students for graduate school. Biblical, classical and current theories of origins will be surveyed, with an emphasis on modern synthetic theory of organic evolution, including mechanisms, adaptations and phylogeny. Prerequisites: BI 221, 222. Recommended as background: BI 372.
BI 382. Pathophysiology (3)
An in-depth exploration of the mechanisms and manifestations of selected human disease states resulting in alterations of the body’s dynamic equilibrium. Prerequisites: BI 201, 203; or, BI 221, 222.
BI 385. Biological Foundations of Behavior (3)
A comprehensive study of the neural processes underlying brain function and behavior. A major emphasis is placed on an understanding of basic brain organization and function, and the neural substrates of emotion, motivation and learning. Corequisite: BI 385L. Recommended as background: BI 201, 203; or, 221. (See PY 385).
BI 385L. Biological Foundations of Behavior Laboratory (1)
A study of selected topics in a laboratory setting, which is intended to be taught in connection with BI 385. Corequisite: BI 385.
BI 392. Cadaver Dissection I (1)
A directed dissection of human cadavers focusing on integumentary, muscular and nervous system anatomy. Prerequisite: Instructor’s permission.
BI 393. Cadaver Dissection II (1)
A directed dissection of human cadavers focusing on cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive system anatomy. Prerequisite: Instructor’s permission.
BI 394. Special Topics in Biology (1-3)
A variety of timely topics may be explored as the demand of students or the interest of the faculty involved dictates. Prerequisite: Instructor’s permission.
BI 397. Research (1-3)
Involves the participation of the students with a faculty member in an individual investigative project or literature review. This course may be repeated for up to 4 credits. Prerequisite: Instructor’s permission.
BI 420. Birds of Prey (3)
This course acquaints the student with the uniqueness and diversity of Idaho’s birds of prey. Through lecture, laboratory sessions and field trips, the course explores the distinguishing features for identification, distribution, natural history, and habitat requirements of most North American birds of prey. This course can be used as general education laboratory credit.
BI 424. Field Ecology (3)
A study of the interactions between environment, flora and fauna in the field with emphasis on the identification and ecology of species. Various ecological techniques such as estimating abundance, evaluating spatial patterns, sampling and estimating community parameters, will be applied and technologies such as geographical information systems (GIS) and the global positioning system (GPS) will be explored. Prerequisites: BI 324, or Instructor’s permission. Corequisite: BI 424L. Offered alternate years.
BI 424L. Field Ecology Laboratory (1)
A study of selected topics in laboratory and field settings, which is intended to be taught in connection with BI 424. Corequisite: BI 424. Offered alternate years.
BI 441. Biochemistry I (3)
A qualitative and quantitative study of the molecular basis of biological function. Major topics include biomolecular structure and behavior, proteins and enzymes, membranes, Course Descriptions Undergraduate Catalog 2006-08 226 cell metabolism, and molecular genetics. An in-depth survey of the major areas of biochemistry. Prerequisite: CM 322.
BI 441L. Biochemistry I Laboratory (1)
A practical application of biochemistry techniques to investigate the principles of biochemistry. Students will engage in experiments that make use of spectroscopy, chromatography, electrophoresis, kinetics assays, and other methods. Abilities in written communication, in the form of reports and notebooks, will be developed around these standard laboratory skills. Pre/Corequisite: BI 441.
BI 442. Biochemistry II (3)
A qualitative and quantitative study of the molecular basis of biological function. Major topics include biomolecular structure and behavior, proteins and enzymes, membranes, cell metabolism, and molecular genetics. An in-depth survey of the major areas of biochemistry. Prerequisite: BI 441. Offered alternate years.
BI 472. Advanced Molecular Biology (3)
This course introduces students to advanced concepts of molecular biology. One of the larger goals of modern molecular biology is to elucidate the connections between the genotype (the sequence of nucleotide base-pairs in the organism’s genome) and the phenotype (observable traits and behaviors) of all organisms in terms of a general and comprehensive molecular theory. Topics include molecular structure of genes and chromosomes, transcriptional and post-transcriptional control of gene expression, cell signaling, metabolism of proteins and lipids, apoptosis, cancer, molecular genetic techniques, etc. Prerequisites: BI 221, 222, and 372. Corequisite: BI 472L. Offered alternate years.
BI 472L. Advanced Molecular Biology Laboratory (1)
A study of selected topics in a laboratory setting, which is intended to be taught in connection with BI 472. Corequisite: BI 472.
BI 494. Special Topics in Biology (1-3)
A variety of timely topics may be explored as the demand of students or the interest of the faculty involved dictates. Prerequisite: Instructor’s permission.
BI 496. Internship in Physical Therapy (1-4)
A supervised, practical work experience in physical therapy. The pre-physical therapy student works with registered physical therapists in clinical settings. By exposure to a variety of skills and settings the student gains an understanding of the profession of Physical Therapy. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: Junior classification, Instructor’s permission, a cumulative grade point average of 3.25.
BI 498. Senior Seminar (1)
This experience is required of seniors completing the B.S. in Biology degree and involves the written and oral presentation of work completed in BI 397. This course is optional for students completing biology degrees other than the B.S. in Biology.
