Course Listings

BSC 104 - 4 - Introduction to Biology

Fundamentals of biology with emphasis on the unity of life, energetics, genetics, evolution, classification of organisms in the kingdoms of life. Intended for non-science majors. Does not count toward a major in Biological Science. 3 lec-2 lab.

BSC 105 - 4 - Introduction to Biology

Biological principles of structure and function in plants and animals (with emphasis on population growth and ecology systems). Intended for non-science majors. Does not count toward a major in Biological Science. 3 lec-2 lab.

BSC 120 - 4 - Principles of Biology

Study of basic biological principles common to all organisms through lecture and laboratory activities. Chemistry of life, cell biology, metabolism, heredity, and evolution. Intended for science majors and pre-professional students. 3 lec-2 lab. (PR: at least 21 on Math ACT, or C or better in MTH 121 or higher)

BSC 121 - 4 - Principles of Biology

A continuation of the study of basic biological principles common to all organisms. Diversity of life, phylogeny, structure, function, and ecology. Intended for+ science majors and pre-professional students. 3 lec-2 lab. (PR: BSC 120; Grade of C or better in BSC 120 recommended)

BSC 212 - 4 - Invertebrate Zoology

Classification, structure and relationships of the important animal phyla. 2 lec-4 lab. (PR: BSC 121 with grade of C or better)

BSC 214 - 4 - General Vertebrate Zoology

A survey of the seven living classes of vertebrates emphasizing aspects of ecology, physiology, natural history and taxonomy (PR: BSC 121 with grade of C or better or 12 hrs. college credit, 100 level or above with minimum GPA of 2.3)

BSC 227 - 4 - Human Anatomy

Principles of gross and microscopic anatomy of human body systems and their development. Open to candidates in BSN program. Does not count toward a major in Biological Science. 3 lec.-2 lab.: ACT composite 19 or higher or 12 hrs. college credit, 100 level or above with minimum GPA of 2.3)

BSC 228 - 4 - Human Physiology

Basic concepts of human physiology, including an introduction to physiological control mechanisms operating at cellular, tissue, organ, and systems levels. Provides the scientific background for understanding pathophysiology. Open to candidates in BSN program. Does not count toward a major in Biological Science. 3 lec.-3 lab. (PR: BSC 227 with grade of C or better)

BSC 250 - 4 - Microbiology and Human Disease

Introduction to microbiology with emphasis on the role of microorganisms in the disease process. Does not count toward a major in Biological Science. (PR: BSC 227 or equivalent with grade of C or better)

BSC 300 - 4 - Histology

Principles of microscopy and microscopic study of vertebrate tissues. 2 lec-4 lab. (PR: BSC 121 with a grade of C or better)

BSC 301 - 4 - Vertebrate Embryology

Vertebrate development based chiefly on frog, chick and pig embryos. 2 lec-4 lab (PR: BSC 121 with grade of C or better)

BSC 302 - 3 - Principles of Microbiology

Basic microbiological techniques, fundamental principles of microbial action, physiological processes, immunology, serology, disease process. 2 lec.-4 lab. (PR: BSC 121 with grade of C or better)

BSC 303 - 2 - Readings in Immunology

An introduction to the science of immunology based on selected readings in this discipline. Coverage includes humoral and cell mediated immunity, immune tolerance, transplantation, autoimmunity, and immunity and disease. 2 lec-discussion. (PR: BSC 121 with grade of C or better)

BSC 304 - - Microbiology Lab

A laboratory courses emphasizing basic microbiological techniques, including preparation of culture media, gram staining, isolation and identification of bacteria from diverse environments, and evaluation of antiseptics and disinfectants. (PR or CR: BSC 302)

BSC 310 - 4 - Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy

Structure, function and relationships of systems of selected vertebrates with an emphasis on embryology and evolution. 2 lec.-4 lab. (PR: BSC 121 with grade of C or better)

BSC 320 - 4 - Principles of Ecology

A fundamental approach to the basic principles underlying the interrelationships of organisms with their biotic and abiotic environments. A variety of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems will be studied in the field and in the laboratory. 3 lec-3 lab. (PR: BSC 121 with grade of C or better)

BSC 322 - 4 - Principles of Cell Biology

A fundamental approach to the principles of cell biology covering the molecular basis of cellular structure and function, and gene regulation. Explores intercellular interactions, molecular interactions with modern cellular and molecular methods. 3 lec-3 lab. (PR: BSC 121 with a grade of C or better; CHM 355 recommended)

BSC 324 - 4 - Principles of Genetics

The fundamental principles and mechanisms of inheritance. 3 lec-3 lab. (PR: BSC 121 with a grade of C or better; CHM 211 and 212 recommended)

BSC 365 - 3 - Introductory Biochemistry

A survey course including introduction to basic biochemical concepts, metabolic pathways, and bioenergetics. (PR: BSC 121 with a grade of C or better and CHM 356)

BSC 405 - 3 - Economic Botany

Plants used by man for food, ornamental purposes, building materials, textiles and other industrial purposes; economic importance of conservation. No laboratory. (PR: BSC 302 or 320 or 322 or 324)

BSC 406 - 4 - Herpetology

Taxonomy, morphology, distribution, life history, and ecology of reptiles and amphibians with a special emphasis on representatives native to West Virginia. 2 lec-4 lab. (PR: BSC 302 or 320 or 322 or 324)

BSC 408 - 4 - Ornithology

An introduction to avian biology: identification, distribution, migration, and breeding activities of birds. 2 lec.-4 lab. (PR: BSC 302 or 320 or 322 or 324)

BSC 409 - 4 - Mammalogy

A study of the morphology, evolution and classification, ecology, zoogeography, behavior, and economic importance; survey techniques and recognition of native mammals of West Virginia. 3 lec- 3 lab. and field. (PR: BSC 302 or 320 or 322 or 324)

BSC 410 - 4 - Remote Sensing/GIS Applications

A study of the physical systems for collecting remotely sensed data. Statistical/spacial analysis and modeling using image processing/geographic information/spatial computer software systems with earth resources applications. (PR: BSC 302, 320, 322 or 324 and PHY 203, 204, MTH 225 or permission)

BSC 411 - 4 - Digital Image Processing/GIS Model

A study of image processing/geographic information/spatial analysis systems, concurrent and parallel image process, 3-D modeling scenarios utilizing geophysical data for computer simulation modeling. (PR: BSC 302, 320, 322 or 324, and BSC/PS 410 or IST 420 or permission)

BSC 412 - 3 - Biogeography For Biology Majors

Biogeography studies distributions of animals and plants in space and time; it combines knowledge from evolutionary biology, ecology, zoology, botany, genetics, and conservation science with basics of geography and geology. (PR: BSC 320 or BSC 324)

BSC 413 - 3 - Principles of Organic Evolution

Facts and possible mechanisms underlying the unity and diversity of life with emphasis on Neo- Darwinian concepts of the role of species in evolutionary phenomena. (PR: BSC 302 or 320 or 322 or 324)

BSC 416 - 4 - Plant Taxonomy

Identification and classification of seed plants and ferns of eastern United States. Readings in history and principles of taxonomy, rules of nomenclature, and related topics. 2 lec-4 lab. (PR: BSC 302 or 320 or 322 or 324)

BSC 417 - 3 - Biostatistics

Statistical skills for biological/biomedical research, with emphasis on applications. Experimental design/survey sampling, estimation/hypothesis testing procedures, regression, ANOVA, multiple comparisons. Implementation using statistical software such as SAS, BMDP. (PR: BSC 302 or 320 or 322 or 324)

BSC 418 - 4 - Mycology

Pathogenesis of fungal diseases. 2 lec-4 lab. (PR: BSC 121 with grade of C or better or equivalent)

BSC 420 - 4 - Plant Physiology

Experimental study of plant life processes to include applicable biophysical and biochemical principles, water relations, molecular biology, stress physiology, and growth and development. 3 lec-3 lab. (PR: BSC 302 or 320 or 322 or 324)

BSC 422 - 4 - Animal Physiology

Physiological principles operating in the organ systems of vertebrate animals. 3 lec.-3 lab. (PR: BSC 302 or 320 or 322 or 324; or permission)

BSC 424 - 4 - Animal Parasitology

Morphology, life histories, classification, and host relationships of common parasites. 2 lec-4 lab. (PR: BSC 302 or 320 or 322 or 324; or permission)

BSC 425 - 3 - Biosystematics

Biosystematics is a unifying discipline that combines taxonomy (collecting, describing and naming organisms), phylogenetics (evolutionary relationships among species), and classification (organization of taxa into groups which ultimately reflect evolutionary relationship). (CR/PR: BSC 121 with a C or better)

BSC 426 - 4 - Medical Entomology

Role of certain insects and other arthropods in the transmission of disease organisms and methods of control. 2 lec.-4 lab. (PR: BSC 302 or 320 or 322 or 324; or permission)

BSC 430 - 4 - Plant Ecology

The study of plants and their interactions with their environment at different levels of ecological organization: individuals, populations, communities, and ecosystems. Emphasis on quantitative analysis of ecological data. (PR: BSC 320)

BSC 431 - 4 - Limnology

Study of inland waters; ecological factors affecting lake and stream productivity and various aquatic communities. (PR: BSC 320)

BSC 438 - 3 - Emerging Infectious Diseases

Introduces students to infectious diseases that are either newly emergent or have returned to prominence within the last decade. (PR: BSC 302 or 320 or 322 or 324)

BSC 442 - 4 - Advanced Microbiology

An advanced treatment of microbiology with emphasis on the molecular aspects of anatomy, taxonomy, and physiology of microorganisms. 2 lec.-4 lab. (PR: BSC 302 or 320)

BSC 443 - 3 - Microbial Genetics

Microbial Genetics covers the essential functions of DNA replication and gene expression in prokaryotic cells. The course includes molecular genetics of bacteria and phages, bioinformatics and discussion of laboratory techniques. (CR/PR: BSC 121 with a C or better; BSC 302 recommended)

BSC 445 - 3 - Microbial Ecology

This course introduces students to the vital roles that microbes play in sustaining life on earth. Includes both theoretical and practical concepts ranging from the origin of life to biodegradation. (PR: BSC 121 with grade of C or better or permission)

BSC 446 - 2 - Microbial Ecology Lab

A laboratory course emphasizing the recovery, cultivation, enumeration, and identification of bacteria from environmental samples. Also introduces students to molecular-based methods for studying microbial community structure and dynamics. (PR/CR: BSC 445 or permission)

BSC 448 - 3 - Introductory Immunology

Comprehensive study of the molecules, cells, and processes of the immune system. Also covered are diseases with an immunologic basis and technological applications of immunological principles. (PR: BSC 322)

BSC 450 - 3 - Molecular Biology

Advanced principles in molecular function emphasizing current research using recombinant DNA methodology. (PR: BSC 322)

BSC 452 - 3 - Molecular Biology Lab Techniques

Current techniques in molecular biology with focus on recombinant DNA methodology. (PR: BSC 322; BSC 324 and 450 recommended)

BSC 454 - 3 - Principles of Advanced Techniques in Molecular Biology

Students will gain an understanding of modern molecular biology through standard and novel methods and understand and criticize the published literature. Co-requisite/Prerequisite: BSC 450; BSC 452.

BSC 456 - 3 - Genes and Development

Focuses on mechanisms of complex organismal development including cell specification, morphogenesis, and induction. Genetic manipulations of the model organism Drosophilis will illustrate current information.

BSC 460 - 3 - Conservation of Forests, Soil, and Wildlife

Primarily for students in the biological, general and applied sciences. Includes field work, seminars, and demonstrations on phases of conservation of forest, soil, and wildlife. 2 lec.-4 lab. (PR: BSC 320 or permission)

BSC 480-483 - 1-4 - Special Topics

(PR: Permission)

BSC 485-488 - 1-4 - Independent Study

(PR: Permission)

BSC 491 - 2 - Capstone Experience

An independent study involving a research project, an internship, or a classroom-based capstone course. Must be approved by Biological Science Faculty. (PR: Junior/Senior Status)