Biologists positively impact the future with rewarding careers in biotechnology, medicine, veterinary, pharmaceuticals, environmental science or research. They study living organisms to advance our understanding of life processes and our ability to solve human health problems by researching the origin, relationship, development, anatomy and functions of plant and animal life. The Faculty at IRSC have put together a robust biology program that will provide you with a competitive education. Our graduates have been successful in graduate school, medical school, veterinary school, and various biology-related jobs.
Please contact us for more information. Merle Litvack, Program Coordinator [email protected] Dr. Jennifer Capers, School of Science Department Chair [email protected] Dr. Robin Willoughby, Biology Department Chair [email protected]
Courses Offered for the BS in Biology Program: PCB 3063 Introduction to Genetics - This course introduces fundamental principles oftransmission, population, and molecular genetics of prokaryotes, eukaryotes, and viruses. PCB 3063L Introduction to Genetics Lab - The laboratory component of PCB 3063 demonstrates fundamental principles and applications involving heredity, genetic variation and molecular genetics of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. BCH 4053 Biochemistry I (offered Spring and Fall) - This course examines the structure and function of proteins, membranes and cellular constituents, enzyme catalysts, and basic metabolic pathways. BCH 4053L Biochemistry I Lab - The laboratory component of BCH 4053 examines the structure and function of proteins and enzyme catalysts. BCH 4054 Biochemistry II (offered Spring) - This course is a continuation of BCH 4053 and describes the chemistry of living systems and the biological phenomena that results from the interaction among systems. BSC 3464 Biotechnology I (offered Spring and Fall) - This course examines genes and genetics, molecular biotechnology, theories and applications of biotechnology research, genome analysis and bioinformatics. Also discussed are biotechnology of microbial systems used in diagnosis, therapeutics and vaccines. BSC 3464L Biotechnology I Lab - The laboratory component of BSC 3464 examines techniques and applications of biotechnology, recombinant DNA technology, with applications in plant and animal systems, and the impacts of biotechnology on society in a laboratory setting. BSC 3465 Biotechnology II (offered Fall) - This course is a continuation of the study of the use of molecular biotechnology in the synthesis of commercial products, bioremediation, biomass utilization, and large scale production of proteins from recumbent microorganisms. Molecular biotechnology of eukaryotic systems for transgenic plants and animals are examined. Regulation of social aspects of molecular biotechnology are included. BSC 3465L Biotechnology II Lab - The laboratory component of BSC3465 is a continuation of BSC3464L. BSC 3931 Junior Seminar (offered Spring and Fall) - This course is a required course for junior biology majors. Students read and discuss selected examples of scientific literature in biology, prepare an oral presentation, construct a curriculum vitae and identify a topic area for their subsequent senior capstone series. BSC 4422 Applications in Biotechnology (offered in Summer) - This course provides a survey of the biological, biomedical, ecological, and ethical applications of biotechnology in industry, agriculture and medicine. BSC 4434 Bioinformatics (offered in Spring) - This course teaches the computational techniques for biological sequence analysis. Special topics include data file formats, accessing public databases for retrieval and submission, analysis using common scientific and computer tools, and scripting. BSC 4910L Senior Capstone I (offered Spring and Fall) - This course is for students conducting research projects or writing a review or analysis paper under the supervision of an instructor and/or researcher. It is intended to help students acquire skills in literature search, applying research principles, interpreting data, and reporting scientific information. Permission is required to register. BSC 4911L Senior Capstone II (offered Spring and Fall) - This course is for students completing a capstone project under the supervision of an instructor and/or researcher. Students communicate there capstone project results in a professional manner through a written or oral presentation. Permission is required to register. BOT 3015 Plant Biology (offered Fall) - This course teaches the evolutionary relationships, life histories, structural and functional relationships of structures, and ecological adaptations of plants, fungi, selected Protista and prokaryotes. This course is specifically for the Bachelor of Science Education. MCB 3023 Microbiology (offered Spring and Fall) - This course is an introduction to the biology of microorganisms. Concepts include the structure, physiology, and ecology of bacteria, protists, viruses, and fungi. MCB 3023L Microbiology Lab -The laboratory component for MCB 3023 consists of lab experiences that include the structure, physiology, and ecology of bacteria, protists, viruses, and fungi. PCB 3674 Evolution (offered in Summer) - This course is an introduction to modern evolutionary theory. Population genetics, adaptation, speciation theory, phylogeny, human evolution and other related topics are discussed. PCB 4023 Cell Biology and Physiology (offered in Fall) - This course studies how different biochemical, metabolic, and molecular pathways of the cell work together to produce the functions associated with cell movement, response to hormones, growth, and protein synthesis and modification. PCB 4023L Cell Biology and Physiology Lab - The laboratory component of PCB 4023 studies how different biochemical, metabolic, and molecular pathways of the cell work together to produce the functions associated with cell movement, response to hormones, growth, and protein synthesis and modification. PCB 4024 Molecular Biology (offered in Spring) - This course provides a detailed overview of molecular biology. Course content focuses on transcription, translation and DNA replication in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The features that control and influence these cellular activities are examined in detail. PCB 4043 Ecology (offered in Spring) - This course provides an introduction to ecological processes and concepts of natural populations, communities and ecosystems. PCB 4043L Ecology Lab - The lab component of PCB 4043 demonstrates fundamental skills, sampling methods and data analysis used in ecological studies of natural populations, communities and ecosystems. This course is designed primarily to meet the requirements of Science Education majors. PCB 4233 Immunology (offered in Spring) - This course examines the tissues, cells, and biochemical components of the immune system and the role of immune responses and diagnosis and prevention of disease. PCB 4701 Human Physiology (offered in Spring) - This course is a systematic examination of physiological mechanisms of various organ systems in the human body. Emphasis is on transport mechanisms, renal function, hormones, respiration, cardiac function, muscle physiology, digestion, and immune systems. Normal and abnormal functioning of body processes and associated disorders and diseases are discussed. PCB 4701 Human Physiology Lab - The lab component of PCB 4701 provides hands on experience in data collection and analysis of physiological mechanisms of various organ systems including sensory testing, cardiovascular function, reflexes and respiratory function. ZOO 3733 Human Anatomy (offered in Fall) - A systematic approach is used to study the structural and functional anatomy of the human body. Tissues, organs, and internal processes of systems (i.e. circulatory, excretory, and reproductive) are examined. Normal and abnormal functioning of the body processes and associated disorders and diseases are discussed. ZOO 3733L Human Anatomy Lab - The lab component of ZOO 3733 provides visual anatomical identification, including dissections and microscopic slides. Lab topics include histology, integument, skeletal, muscular, endocrine, nervous, blood/cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems.