Biology

An introduction to the fundamental principles of biological activity and scientific methodology. Lecture and laboratory. Lab fee. Offered Fall and Spring Terms.

Not accepted for Biology major or minor credit. This course is an introduction to the basic principles of biology focusing on humans as biological creatures. Topics include anatomy and physiology, physical fitness, nutrition, genetics, health, disease, human evolution, and human ecology. Lecture only. Meets the GEP requirements for Natural Science and Wellness.

An introduction to medical terminology through the study of the human body systems. The course begins with building medical terms from roots, prefixes, suffixes and combining forms and then progresses into relating these terms to the human body system. Each body system lesson includes terms for anatomy, physiology, pathology, diagnosis, medical procedures, pharmacology and abbreviations. Not accepted for Biology major or minor credit.

This course is designed to provide students with a general understanding of how the human body functions. Topics include its levels of organization and the structure and function of the major organ systems. This course is not acceptable in programs requiring two semesters of Anatomy and Physiology (e.g., Pre-Nursing, Pre-Med, and most Allied-Health Professions programs).  Not accepted for Biology major and minor credits. Lab Fee.

This course introduces students to the variety of plants that live locally and form much of the spring bloom. Lectures will cover a broad range of general botany and ecology topics. Weekly laboratories will be held outdoors at a variety of plant habitats. Students will learn many of the local plants during laboratory, and they will perform field experiments and collect ecological data. Lecture and laboratory. Not accepted for major or minor credit. Lab fee.

First-Year Seminars (FYS) constitute a common and academically significant experience in a student’s first year at Converse. All incoming first-year students are required to take a 3- or 4-credit hour FYS course in the fall semester, choosing from a variety of discipline specific topics. Each FYS carries the corresponding departmental prefix, but with a common course number.  Each FYS carries the corresponding departmental prefix but with a common course number. Special emphasis is given to cultivating critical thinking, effective speaking, and writing skills. 

DELETE THIS COURSE.  This is a 3-credit lecture course linked to Student Success Seminar (1-credit hour). It is designed to explore the contributions of people of color to biology. It will begin with an in-depth view of skin colors then shift to the contributions of ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Ethiopia, and Mali. From there, it will move to early advances in countries such as Ghana, India, and China. Then it will venture into modern advancements. Along the way we will look at individuals of color and what they have contributed to the vast world of biology.

Selected topics in introductory level biology.  Four hour course will have a laboratory component. Some offerings may be eligible for major or minor credit. Special topic: Human Nutrition will meet the GEP requirement for wellness. Lab Fee.

This is a general introduction to biology for all students, non-majors and potential majors. It serves as a natural science general education class. The course covers concepts and principles in the areas of organismal biology evolution, biodiversity, and ecology. Lab Fee.

This is a general introduction to biology for all students, non-majors and potential majors. It serves as a natural science general education class. The course covers concepts and principles in the areas of genetics (heredity and molecular biology), cell structure and function (Metabolism), and other areas. Lab Fee.

First-Year Seminars (FYS) constitute a common and academically significant experience in a student’s first year at Converse. All incoming first-year students are required to take a 3- or 4-credit hour FYS course in the fall semester, choosing from a variety of discipline specific topics. Each FYS carries the corresponding departmental prefix, but with a common course number.  Each FYS carries the corresponding departmental prefix but with a common course number. Special emphasis is given to cultivating critical thinking, effective speaking, and writing skills.  Lab fee.

A study of the morphology, taxonomy, and physiology of representative types from the Animal Kingdom. Lecture and laboratory. Lab fee. Offered Fall Term.

An introduction to plants, their activities, and their relationship to humans. Lecture, laboratory, and field trips. Lab fee. Offered alternate Spring Terms.

A study of both gross and microscopic anatomy of the organ systems of the human body with emphasis on the relationship between form and function. The laboratory portion will involve study of the anatomy of all the organ systems using models, histological slides and skeletal materials, as well as dissection of preserved non-human mammals. Lecture and laboratory. Lab fee. Offered alternate Spring terms or as needed. Students may not receive academic credit for both BIO 205 or BIO 305.

A study of the functions of the basic human organ systems. Physiological processes will be related to organ structures and integrated with the functioning of the whole organism. Lecture and laboratory. Lab fee. Offered alternate Spring Terms.

A study of the human reproductive system with primary emphasis on anatomy and physiology. Consideration also will be given the psychological, religious, and ethical aspects of human sexuality. Lecture.

A study of the fundamental principles of heredity with emphasis on its molecular basis. Experimental work with Drosophila melanogaster, bacteria, and viruses will be included. Lecture and laboratory. Lab fee. Offered Spring Term.

A survey of the theory, history, and principles of evolutionary biology. Both macro-evolutionary and micro-evolutionary topics are covered, and primary literature is discussed. Offered Spring Term.

A study of the taxonomy of the vascular plants with emphasis on the angiosperms. Laboratory will include work in the field. Lecture and laboratory. Lab fee. Offered alternate Spring Terms.

A comparative study of the development of selected vertebrates. Lecture and laboratory. Lab fee. 

A comparative study of the origin, structure, and function of organ systems of humans and other selected vertebrates. The gross anatomy of organ systems in relation to their functions are studied. Laboratory includes a hands-on approach to the identification of anatomical structures. Lecture and laboratory. Lab fee. Offered Spring Term. Students may not receive academic credit for both BIO 205 or BIO 305.

A study of the morphology and biology of invertebrates. Lecture, laboratory, and field trips. Lab fee.

A taxonomic approach to the ecology, physiology, and pathology of parasites, with emphasis on those of medical and veterinary importance. Lecture and laboratory. Lab fee. Offered alternate Fall Terms.

This course is a study of the structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Different areas of cellular biology including the synthesis and function of macromolecules such as proteins; membrane and organelle structure and function; bioenergetics; and cellular communication will be examined. Examples of relevant human disorders will also be used to help the student understand consequences of cellular dysfunction. Laboratory sections are designed to illustrate cellular phenomena, as well as introduction to techniques and procedures commonly utilized in modern cell and molecular biology research. Lab Fee.

A study of human physiology associated with exercise of varying intensities. Emphasis is placed on physiological mechanisms of nutrition, energy metabolism, neuromuscular and skeletal function, and neuroendocrine control of several body systems during exercise.

A study of the physiology and morphology of bacteria, algae, and fungi, and their roles in sanitation, agriculture, and medicine. Lecture and laboratory. Lab fee. Offered alternate Fall Terms.

A study of the mechanisms of the immune defense of the human body. Vaccination, grafting, tumor immunology, and autoimmune diseases are also discussed. Lecture.

Selected topics in advanced biological study. Lab Fee.

This course fulfills the research requirement for the biology major. This course introduces students to scientific research from both philosophical and practical perspectives. Activities include reading and discussions of philosophical approaches to science and biology and research project design and criticism.

A special course covering the modern techniques for the teaching of biology on the secondary level. Lecture, laboratory, and field trips. Offered Summer Session I.

The study of molecular mechanisms lying behind the workings of the cell, with emphasis on DNA, RNA and proteins. Both lecture and laboratory will involve the study and use of modern biotechnological protocols and procedures. Lecture and laboratory. Lab fee. Offered alternate Spring Terms.

This course will explore the molecular and cellular mechanisms leading to cancer development. Mechanisms causing changes in normal growth and division process leading to the formation of tumors will be explored through discussing journal articles. Lecture only.

A study of the principles governing the relationships between organisms and their environment. Laboratory will include extensive field work. Lecture and laboratory. Lab fee. Offered alternate Fall Terms.

The study of animal tissues with emphasis on how structure and function interrelate. The laboratory emphasizes tissue recognition at the microscopic level. Lecture and laboratory. Lab fee.

A special course to afford the student practical work experience for academic credit. Open to juniors and seniors with an adequate background in biology. A journal and oral report of the internship are required. Credit and work to be arranged according to the experience desired. Pass/fail grading.

Capstone course for Biology major. Directed reading, study, and discussion designed to reemphasize the fundamental principles of biology, to correlate and summarize the coursework of the major program and related fields, to introduce new areas and ideas, and to provide advanced experience in literature review, writing and oral presentation. Conferences as needed. Offered Fall Term. Writing intensive and capstone.

This course is for qualified students pursuing honors in biology. Students perform independent research and write a thesis under the direction of a biology faculty member.

An introduction to the environment as it relates to humans. This interdisciplinary course explores the way that humans impact and are impacted by their natural environment.  Students may not earn credit for both ENV 101 and ENV 102.  

An introduction to the environment as it relates to humans.  This interdisciplinary course explores the way that humans impact and are impacted by their natural environment.  Students may not receive credit for both ENV 101 and ENV 102.  Non-lab science course.