This course provides an accessible introduction to the major concepts of biology, designed for students not pursuing science degrees. Students explore how cells and biological molecules function, how organisms capture and use energy, and how genetic information guides growth and inheritance. The course also examines ecological systems, highlighting how energy and matter cycle through environments and the interconnected roles of organisms. Special emphasis is placed on the impact of human activity on biodiversity and the importance of conservation in maintaining healthy ecosystems. (4 credits) fall, spring, summer

Introduction to the evolution, biology and classification of vertebrates, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. A comparative approach will be used to examine the respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, skeletal, nervous reproductive and digestive systems of vertebrates. Emphasis on evolution, speciation, behavior, spatial patters, migration. Communications, thermal adaptations, communication, coloration and behavior of vertebrates may be emphasized. Lecture and laboratory components are included. Prerequisite: BIOL1000 (4 credits)

This course introduces basic principles of cellular and molecular biology. Topics include: properties of life, organic molecules, general features of cells, membrane structure, synthesis and transport, introduction to energy, enzymes and metabolism, cell respiration, photosynthesis, cell communication, extra cellular matrices, cell junctions, tissues, nucleic acid structure, DNA replication and chromosome structure, gene expression and regulation, mutation, the eukaryotic cell cycle, mitosis and meiosis, viruses and bacteria. (4 credits) fall, spring, summer

This introductory course provides students with a comprehensive overview of ecological principles, processes, and concepts. Topics include population dynamics, adaptation and natural selection, trophic relations, and different ecosystems. Through a combination of lectures, laboratory exercises, fieldwork, and interactive discussions, students gain a solid foundation in ecological theory and its practical applications. (4 credits) fall.

This course introduces students to the central dogma of molecular biology and to insights on how medical biotechnology applications can be used to solve important social and medical problems for the benefit of humankind. Students will learn essential molecular biology techniques commonly used in modern research labs, including preparation of biological reagents, use of expression vectors, selective growth and transformation of bacteria, DNA synthesis and polymerase chain reactions (PCR), subcloning, electrophoresis and the use of bioinformatics databases and algorithms to design and perform successful cloning experiments. Prerequisite: BIOL1100 (4 credits)

This course covers the basic structure and function of the human body as an integrated set of systems. Topics include: functional compartments of the cells and body, tissues, mechanisms of communication, integration and homeostasis, an overview of the endocrine, nervous and sensory systems and the integrative control and mechanisms of body movement. Prerequisite: BIOL1100 (4 credits) fall, spring

This course covers the basic structure and function of the human body as an integrated set of systems. Topics include an overview of the cardiovascular, circulatory, respiratory, excretory and digestive systems and energy balance. Prerequisite: BIOL1700 (4 credits) fall, spring

This course provides a comprehensive study of the molecular mechanisms that govern how cells store, preserve, and regulate their genetic information to support growth, adaptation, and coordinated cellular function. Students explore the molecular systems that maintain genome integrity, control gene expression, and respond to internal and environmental signals. Emphasis is placed on developing a conceptual understanding of how these processes interact to shape cellular behavior across prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. The accompanying laboratory emphasizes hands-on molecular biology techniques, experimental design, troubleshooting, and data interpretation that prepare students for advanced research. Prerequisite: BIOL1100 (4 credits) fall

This course investigates a topic of special interest to faculty and students that is outside regular course offerings. Prerequisites: Consent of the academic unit and instructor (1 - 4 credits)

This course will explore the vast applications of genetics in biomedical science. Students will survey recently published primary research articles, read and discuss selected scientific literature and view relevant biomedical films or attend symposia in the Boston area, which emphasize the importance of genetics in biomedical progress. Topics will include: classical molecular genetics, genetic disease, genomics, genetic engineering, epigenetics and the social, moral, and ethical issues surrounding biomedicine. Prerequisite: BIOL1100 (4 credits) spring

This course introduces those concepts that are basic to viruses and prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Topics include microbial growth, evolution, and classification; descriptions of different prokaryotic, eukaryotic and other lifeforms and how the utilize these principles; the natural ecology of microorganism; the human use of microorganism; and how microorganism function in disease. Prerequisites: BIOL2200 (4 credits) summer

This course provides a conceptual framework of cell signaling processes that shape the behavior of single-celled and multicellular organisms. Topics include: protein-protein interaction, receptor molecules, molecular conformation, interaction, localization, modification and degradation, signaling networks, examples of important physiological pathways. Prerequisites: BIOL2200 and CHEM2500 (4 credits) fall

This course is an introduction to fundamental aspects of microbiology pertinent to Earth systems, an understanding of living cell structure bioenergetics and metabolism and microbial genetics is applied to topics pertinent to environmental issues, such as: bioenergy; bioremediation; carbon, nitrogen and sulfur cycles; microbial ecology; disease and immunity; and molecular microbiology. This course will explore the use of microbes in biodegeneration and as biocatalysts, as well as the molecular techniques used in these applications. Additionally, impacts of biogeochemical interfaces will be explored including, but not limited to nutrient cycling and limitation, biological redox processes, bio-active metals, controls of atmospheric carbon dioxide, carbon cycle models and others. Laboratory session give student hands-on experience in analytical and molecular methods. Prerequisites: CHEM1100 and ENGR1000 (4 credits)

This course will explore the vast applications of genetics in biomedical science. Students will survey recently published primary research articles, read selected scientific literature and view relevant biomedical films or attend symposia in the Boston area, which emphasize the importance of genetics in biomedical process. Topics will include: classical molecular genetics, genetic disease, genetic engineering, epigenetics and the social, moral and ethical issues surrounding biomedicine. Laboratories will be primarily research-driven using Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism. Prerequisites: BIOL1100, BIOL2200 and CHEM3550 (4 credits)

These courses present topics that are not covered by existing courses and are likely to change from semester to semester. Refer to the semester schedule for the courses offered. (1 - 4 credits)

This course explores the artificial design and engineering of macromolecules, molecular motors, biological systems and living organisms. Computational tools are utilized and developed in the course for synthetic biology. Prerequisites: CHEM3550, BIOE2000 and BIOE2500 (4 credits) summer

This course focuses on the molecular, cellular and biochemical events that underlie neuronal function. Specialization of nerve cells, neural development, and maturation of the central nervous system is taught at the cellular level. Emphasis is placed on the molecular pathways that facilitate the specialized function of neuronal cells and the molecular aspects of neural disease process. Prerequisites: BIOL2200 (4 credits) spring