Courses

courses in all core areas of Biology, from molecules to ecosystems

 

Below is a list of some of our commonly taught courses. For a list of all courses taught, look at the Siena College Catalog.

BIOL110. General Biology I (3 hours lecture, 3 hours Lab, 4 credits)

Lectures covering the general principles of Biology with evolution as the unifying theme. Topics include the scientific method, mechanisms of evolution, genetics, biochemistry, cell structure and function. Lab work includes experiments designed to illustrate basic biological concepts. Emphases include developing and testing hypotheses and writing laboratory reports. This course is intended primarily for School of Science majors. Required course for Health Studies majors. Lab fee. (ATTR: ARTS, CAN, STVN)

BIOL120. General Biology II (3 hours lecture, 3 hours Lab, 4 credits)

This course is a continuation of BIOL-110. Emphasis is on the diversity of living organisms including morphology, phylogeny, physiology, and ecology of major taxa. Lab work includes experiments designed to illustrate basic biological concepts. Emphasis is on the diversity of life. This course is intended primarily for School of Science majors. Required course for Health Studies majors. Lab fee. Prerequisite: BIOL-110. (ATTR: ARTS, CAN)

BIOL140. General Biology for Social Sciences (3 hours lecture, 3 hours Lab, 4 credits)

Lecture and laboratory covering the general principles of physiology with emphasis on human physiology. Topics covered include homeostasis, complementarity of structure and function, and the physiology of selected organ systems. Required course for Psychology and Dual Degree Nursing Program majors. Not open to Biology majors. Lab Fee. (ATTR: ARTS, CDN)

BIOL170. Advanced General Biology (3 hours lecture, 3 hours Lab, 4 credits)

This course is designed for students who have taken advanced placement biology in high school and achieved a score of 4 or higher on the AP exam. Topics include evolution, classification, and diversity. Students enrolled in this course will choose from the same laboratory sections as those in BIOL-110. Prerequisite: permission of department. Not open to students who have taken BIOL-110 or BIOL-120. Lab fee. (ATTR: ARTS)

BIOL180. Advanced General Biology Seminar (1 hour recitation, 3 hours Lab, 2 credits)

A survey of contemporary writings in the biological sciences designed to acquaint students with recent advances in the field and with the progression of biological thought. Students enrolled in this course will choose from the same laboratory sections as those in BIOL-120. Prerequisite: BIOL-170. Lab fee. (ATTR: ARTS, HNRS)

BIOL190. Writing and Research Skills for Biologists (3 hours lecture, 3 credits)

This course should be taken concurrently with BIOL—120 or BIOL—220. The purpose of this course is to enable students to present original data in a clear and well-organized report, modeled after the format of primary scientific research papers in biology. Students will receive instruction in various facets of the scientific method including: experimental design, data analysis and presentation, accessing and understanding the scientific literature, and the format of the primary research paper. The course emphasizes group workshops and includes extensive practice in writing, peer editing, and revising scientific papers. (ATTR: ARTS)

BIOL195. Health Studies Microbiology (3 hours lecture, 3 hours Lab, 4 credits)

Designed for students seeking a basic understanding of the biology of microorganisms with an emphasis on applications to health care. Lectures cover the fundamentals of microbial morphology and physiology and the role of microorganisms in the environment and human disease. Laboratory emphasizes standard techniques of staining, culturing and identifying bacteria. Required course for Dual Degree Nursing Program majors and Health Studies majors in the Science Track. Not open to Biology majors. Lab fee. (ATTR: ARTS, CFN)

BIOL220. Cell Biology (3 hours lecture, 4 hours Lab, 4 credits)

A study of the molecular organization of cells as it relates to function. The plasma membrane, the various membranous organelles, the nucleus, and the cytoskeleton are correlated to membrane transport, respiration, photosynthesis, cell growth and division, cell communication, basic genetic mechanisms, and cell motility. The labs are correlated to the lecture topics and are designed to introduce students to the techniques and equipment used in modern cell and molecular biology research. Prerequisites: BIOL-110 and 120; OR BIOL-110 and 140; OR BIOL-170 and 180; and CHEM-110, 120. Lab fee. (ATTR: ARTS)

BIOL225. Ecology (2 hours lecture, 4 hours Lab, 3 credits)

A study of the interrelations of organisms with each other and the environment. The lectures are equally divided between ecosystem ecology (energy and material flux, modeling) population ecology (population dynamics, competition, predation) and community ecology (structure, diversity, and succession). The lab will emphasize methodology with weekly field trips to various local habitats. One weekend field trip is required. Prerequisites: BIOL-110 and 120; OR BIOL-170 and 180. Lab fee. (ATTR: ARTS, CFN, ORPO)

BIOL230. Biology of the Vertebrates (2 hours lecture, 4 hours Lab, 3 credits)

A study of the vertebrates with an emphasis on evolution, ecology and behavior. While all classes of vertebrates are examined, fishes, reptiles and amphibians receive the most attention. Local species are studied in several natural habitats, such as streams marshlands and forests, where data are taken and subsequently analyzed using statistical software. The course will include a weekend field trip to, for example, the Connecticut coast to study the migration of shorebirds. Prerequisites: BIOL-110 and 120; OR BIOL-170 and 180. Lab fee. (ATTR: ARTS, CFN, ORPO)

BIOL250. Biology of the Invertebrates (3 hours lecture, 3 hours Lab, 4 credits)

A study of the evolutionary relationships, ecology, physiology, and morphology of the invertebrates. Invertebrates represent 98% of all animals on Earth, making this course an exploration of animal diversity in the broadest sense; it is impossible to fully understand ecological systems or the tree of life without a foundation in invertebrate biology. The laboratory includes live observations as well as dissection of characteristic members of each phylum and experiments dealing with physiology and behavior. Some labs will involve fieldwork; weekend field trips and overnight trips are possible. Prerequisites: BIOL—110 and 120; OR BIOL-170 and 180. Lab fee. (ATTR: ARTS, CFN, ORPO)

BIOL255. Comparative Anatomy of the Vertebrates (3 hours lecture, 3 hours Lab, 4 credits)

A study of the taxonomy, morphology, and evolution of the vertebrates. Emphasis will be placed on the nature of evolutionary processes and the resulting modifications in vertebrate morphology and function. The laboratory involves the detailed dissection of representative vertebrates. Prerequisites: BIOL-110 and 120; OR BIOL-110 and 140; OR BIOL-170 and 180. Lab fee. (ATTR: ARTS, FORM)

BIOL260. Molecular Genetics (3 hours lecture, 4 hours Optional Lab, 3 or 4 credits)

Lecture: A review of classical genetics coupled with an introduction to molecular genetics. Topics include Mendel’s laws, linkage, complex traits, genetic analysis, biochemistry of nucleic acids, gene expression, molecular cloning, gene therapy, human genome project and other contemporary topics. Prerequisites: BIOL—220, CHEM—210.

Optional laboratory: Use of the model genetic organisms, Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Arabidopsis thaliana, to demonstrate the power of genetic research. Students will use techniques of classical and molecular genetics to generate and characterize mutants. Laboratory may be taken independently for 1 credit if BIOL—260 was completed previously as lecture only (3 credits) with a grade of C or better. (ATTR: ARTS)

BIOL265. Principles of Evolution (3 hours lecture, 3 credits)

A survey of the synthetic theory of organic evolution. Major topics include: historical development of evolutionary thought, population genetics, speciation mechanisms, and adaptation. Basic evolutionary theory will be complemented with a review of empirical evidence relating to the evolutionary processes in both natural and experimental populations. Topics in human evolution will be covered which include: the origin of man, evolution of bipedalism, and tool use. Prerequisites: BIOL-110 and 120; OR BIOL-110 and 140; OR BIOL-170 and 180. (ATTR: ARTS)

BIOL270. Ornithology (2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab) 3 credits

Birds (Aves) are perhaps the best-studied class of organisms on earth. Indeed, bird research has brought about many of the major advances in ecology, evolution, behavior and conservation. This course provides a comprehensive overview of bird biology, emphasizing the evolutionary origins and early radiation of birds, molecular systematics, behavior, ecology, communication and conservation. The laboratory will combine comparative studies of bird specimens with field investigations. Students will also design and conduct individual research projects. If taught in the spring, the laboratory portion of the course will be conducted as an off-campus field course (10-12 days) involving intensive outdoor research projects at various field stations, and will have a separate field trip fee. Written permission of the instructor is required when offered in the spring semester. Note - if taught in the spring, the field trip takes place after Commencement, so seniors would not be able to use this course to meet graduation requirements. Seniors can take this course in the spring if they 1) meet all graduation requirements without this course, or 2) are willing to postpone their official graduation until the next semester (they would still be able to walk in their graduation ceremony). Prerequisite: BIOL-110 and 120; OR BIOL-110 and 140; OR BIOL-170 and 180. (ATTR: ARTS, CFN, ORPO)

BIOL299. Introductory Research in Biology (1 credit)

Laboratory, field research, or literature study under the direction of a faculty member. Designed for students seeking an initial exposure to the study of biology in a research setting. Arranged by mutual consent of student and faculty member. Credit for introductory research may be earned in more than one semester. This course may not be counted towards the minor in Biology. Prerequisites: Written permission of instructor required. (ATTR: ARTS)

BIOL310. Plant Physiology (3 hours lecture, 4 hours Lab, 4 credits)

The structural, biochemical, and cellular strategies that plants use to grow and develop will be explored. Topics will include photosynthesis and metabolism, control of water uptake, vascular systems, hormone signaling, environmental perception (light, gravity, day length, etc.), and responses to environmental stress. Where possible, we will compare and contrast physiological and cellular processes in plants with equivalent ones found in animals. The laboratory corresponds closely with lecture, provides hands-on training in many modern physiological and cellular techniques, and includes a multi-week independent study project. There is typically a field trip to the New York Botanical Garden at the end of the semester. Prerequisite: BIOL-220. Prior completion of BIOL-190 recommended. Lab fee. (ATTR: ARTS, PHYL)

BIOL320. Microbiology (3 hours lecture, 4 hours Lab, 4 credits)

The course will explore the diverse microbial world, focusing primarily on bacteria, but also including archaea, viruses, and eukaryotic microbes. After exploring the basics of microbial structure, genetics, and metabolism, the course will focus on the interactions amongst microbes and between microbes and larger eukaryotes in the contexts of microbial disease and environmental microbiology. The lab will reinforce course concepts while also increasing students’ abilities to design and test hypotheses and to interpret scientific data. Designed for biology and other science majors. Prerequisite: BIOL-220. Lab fee. (ATTR: ARTS).

BIOL335. Developmental Biology (3 hours lecture, 3 hours Lab) 4 credits

This course is designed to give a firm background in classical animal embryology, as well as to introduce current questions of developmental biology at cellular, tissue, and organismal levels. Topics include gametogenesis, fertilization, early development and organogenesis. Prerequisites: BIOL-110 and 120; OR BIOL-170 and 180. Lab fee. (ATTR: ARTS, FORM)

BIOL340. Histology (3 hours lecture, 3 hours Lab, 4 credits)

Morphology of cells, tissues, and organs with emphasis on the relationship of structure to function at each level of organization. Laboratory includes the study of electron micrographs of cells, histological slides of tissues and organs, and the preparation of slides. Prerequisites: BIOL-110 and 120; OR BIOL-170 and 180. Lab fee. (ATTR: ARTS, FORM)

BIOL345. Developmental Genetics (3 hours lecture, 4 hours lab, 4 credits)

This course will examine the molecular mechanisms that control animal developmental processes. This will include a description of the genes and regulatory mechanisms that direct development in a range of animals, as well as the experimental basis for our understanding of these processes. The use of invertebrate model genetic organisms to identify conserved components and mechanisms of development will be highlighted. Prerequisites: BIOL-220 and BIOL-260. Lab fee. (ATTR: ARTS, FORM)

BIOL399. Independent Research in Biology (1–3 credits)

Laboratory or field research of an original nature under the direction of a faculty member. Designed for students seeking an intensive research experience. Arranged by mutual consent of student and faculty member. Credit for independent research may be earned in more than one semester. This course may not be counted towards the minor in Biology. Prerequisites: Written permission of instructor required. (ATTR: ARTS)

BIOL420. Biochemistry (3 hours lecture, 4 hours Lab, 4 credits)

An introduction to protein structure and function, enzyme kinetics, and the regulation of metabolism. Laboratory component provides experience with concepts and techniques introduced in lecture and features an independent project in protein purification using state-of-the-art column chromatography and gel electrophoresis equipment. Prerequisites: BIOL-220, CHEM-210; and either BIOL-190 or CHEM-311 (BIOL-190 or CHEM-311 may be taken concurrently). Lab fee. (ATTR: ARTS)

BIOL430. Animal Physiology (3 hours lecture, 4 hours lab, 4 credits)

The functions of organ systems of invertebrates and vertebrates will be covered with emphasis on the interdependent relationships of organ systems and their regulatory mechanisms. Topics covered in lecture and laboratory are the nervous, muscular, circulatory, respiratory and excretory systems, as well as principles of environmental physiology including discussion of ionic, osmotic, and thermal regulation. Prerequisite: BIOL-190 and -220. Lab fee. (ATTR: ARTS, PHYL)

BIOL440. Neurobiology (3 hours lecture, 4 hours Lab, 4 credits)

The lectures will cover the structure and function of individual neurons and neuronal circuits in both invertebrate and vertebrate species. Topics will include electrical signaling and action potentials, ion channels, synaptic transmission, neuronal plasticity, and general principles governing sensory and motor processing. The laboratory will provide students with hands-on experience using fundamental electrophysiological techniques. Students will also investigate neuronal function using computer simulations of ion channels, neurons and circuits. Prerequisite: BIOL-220. Lab fee. (ATTR: ARTS, PHYL)

BIOL450. Comparative Biomechanics (3 hours lecture, 4 hours lab, 4 credits)

The lectures will cover organism structure and function in terms of mechanical principles. The course will focus on biological examples to introduce the basics of fluid and solid mechanics with topics including properties of biological materials, muscle function, and terrestrial, aquatic, and aerial locomotion. The laboratory will provide students with hands on experience using fundamental biomechanical techniques to study both human and other organismal subjects. Prerequisites: BIOL-220; and either PHYS-110 or 130 (may be taken concurrently). Lab fee. (ATTR: ARTS, PHYL)

BIOL460. Immunology (3 hours lecture, 3 credits)

The cellular basis of the humoral and cell mediated immune response will be covered with emphasis on the mechanisms of cell cooperation. Topics covered are: lymphocyte populations, the role of the macrophage, immunoglobulin synthesis and the generation of diversity, the genetics of the immune response and the role of the major histocompatibility complex, the complement system and the development of hypersensitivities. Prerequisite: BIOL-220, -260. (ATTR: ARTS)

BIOL470. Genomics and Bioinformatics (3 HOURS LECTURE, 3 CREDITS)

This course will cover the theories explaining the function and evolution of genomes alongside hands-on application of the computational tools biologists use to understand them. Topics covered include DNA sequencing, genome assembly, transcriptomics, gene annotation, genome evolution, and functional genomics. Various bioinformatic tools and online databases will be used, with an emphasis on hands-on manipulation and analysis of real genomic datasets. As part of this class, students will conduct independent genomic research projects. Prerequisite: BIOL-260. (ATTR: ARTS)

BIOL480. Biostatistics (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, 4 credits)

An introduction to the statistical principles and methods most commonly used by biologists. Topics will include probability, inference, hypothesis testing, regression and multiple regression, general linear models, parametric and non-parametric tests, permutation, simulation, and bootstrapping. Laboratories will permit hands-on application of concepts from lecture to real biological data sets, building the programming skills needed to use modern statistical software. Computer Science Lab Fee. Prerequisite(s): (BIOL 110 and BIOL 120) or (BIOL 110 and BIOL 140) or (BIOL 170 and BIOL 180) and BIOL 190 (ATTR: ARTS, INRM)

BIOL499. Capstone Research in Biology (2—3 credits)

Designed for students with extensive research experience who are completing their final semester at Siena. As part of this experience, the student must write a full scientific paper describing their research project. Arranged by mutual consent of student and faculty member. Written permission of instructor required. Prerequisites: Successful completion of at least 2 credits of BIOL-399. (ATTR: ARTS)