Catalog Quick Links

Biology (BIO)

BIO 157  Life Science: An Environmental Approach  

This foundation biology course for non-majors places emphasis on the unifying concepts of ecology. It is intended to demonstrate interconnections between the life and physical sciences, provide opportunity for in-depth exploration of environmental issues, and establish a relevance to students' lives. Topics will include human influence on patterns and products of change in living systems, energy matter and organization, and human interaction and interdependence with other living systems.

Number of Credits: 3  
When Offered: Fall, Spring  
How Offered: Face to Face  
ILO Met: Inst. Learning Objective 3.1a  
BIO 158  Life Science: A Human Approach  

This foundation biology course for non-majors places emphasis on the unifying concepts of human biology. It is intended to demonstrate interconnections between the life and physical sciences, provide opportunity for in-depth exploration of life, and establish a relevance to students' lives. Topics will include: maintaining dynamic equilibrium in humans, human reproduction and inheritance, and human growth and differentiation.

Number of Credits: 3  
When Offered: Fall, Spring  
How Offered: Face to Face  
ILO Met: Inst. Learning Objective 3.1a  
BIO 161  Anatomy and Physiology  

This basic course in the structure and functioning of the human body places emphasis on the interrelationships of the major organ systems. It is intended for Allied Health students. Three hours of lecture, two hours of laboratory; two terms.

Number of Credits: 4  
ILO Met: Inst. Learning Objective 3.1a  
Prerequisites: BIO 161 is a prerequisite for BIO 162.  
BIO 162  Anatomy and Physiology  

This basic course in the structure and functioning of the human body places emphasis on the interrelationships of the major organ systems. It is intended for Allied Health students. Three hours of lecture, two hours of laboratory; two terms.

Number of Credits: 4  
Prerequisites: BIO 161 is a prerequisite for BIO 162.  
BIO 163  Clinical Microbiology  

Topics of this course include structure, growth, and identification of medically important microorganisms; role of specific pathogens in the etiology of human disease; immunology; chemotherapeutic and antibiotic control of infectious diseases. It is intended for Allied Health students. Three hours lecture, two hours laboratory.

Number of Credits: 4  
When Offered: Fall, Spring  
How Offered: Face to Face  
BIO 164  Essentials of Anat & Physio  

This is a Web-based course designed to present the essentials of human anatomy and physiology. The cell as the fundamental unit of life is discussed and examined, including structure and metabolism. The organization of cells into tissues, tissues into organs, and organs into systems is thoroughly explored, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems are focal points of study. The course examines in depth the structure and function of five organ systems: (1) endocrine system, (2) blood and cardiovascular system, (3) lymphatic and immune system, (4) respiratory system, and (5) digestive system. The course emphasizes structure and function relationships as well as the interaction among the organ systems. There will be an array of lecture and laboratory exercises involving the use of computerized data acquisition and analyses.

Number of Credits: 4  
BIO 164P  Essentials of Anat & Physio  

Number of Credits: 4  
BIO 170  Special Topics  

Number of Credits: 3  
BIO 171  Special Topics  

Number of Credits: 3-4  
BIO 204  Antibiotic Discovery  

In this course, students will engage in an authentic research project and gain experience in the process of scientific inquiry, including hypothesis generation and testing, data interpretation and analysis, communication of information, and common techniques for microbial culture and characterization. Students enrolled in the course will be part of a national crowdsourcing initiative to discover new antibiotics produced by soil bacteria. The collective effort of students addresses a critical global health crisis, the decreasing supply of effective antibiotics and increasing microbial resistance. 6 hour CURE course.

Number of Credits: 4  
When Offered: Fall  
How Offered: Face to Face  
ILO Met: Inst. Learning Objective 3  
BIO 205  Scientific Discovery: Phage Hunting I  

This course is designed to teach students how to do scientific research. It is the first semester of a year-long research-based project lab course in which students will participate in a nation-wide program in collaboration with undergraduates at other colleges. Students will isolate and characterize novel bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria) from the environment using modern molecular biology techniques. (Cross-listed as ISBT 103)

Number of Credits: 4  
When Offered: Fall  
How Offered: Face to Face  
BIO 210  Integrated Biology I- Molecules and Cells  

This course provides an introduction to five core concepts in biology (Information, Evolution, Cells, Homeostasis, and Emergent Properties) though an active learning, inquiry-based examination of molecules and cells. Critical thinking and quantitative reasoning are applied to authentic
data to construct foundational knowledge. By engaging in the process of science, students will gain proficiency in core scientific competencies. 6 hour CURE course.

Number of Credits: 4  
When Offered: Summer, Spring  
How Offered: Face to Face  
ILO Met: Inst. Learning Objective 3.1a  
Restrictions: Students must be eligible for Math 113 or Math 120 and Chem 111   
Prerequisites: High school or college chemistry.  
BIO 230  BIO 230-Integrated Biology II: Populations and Systems  

This course provides an introduction to five core concepts in biology
(Information, Evolution, Cells, Homeostasis, and Emergent Properties) though an active learning, inquiry-based examination obiological problems spanning from cells to ecosystems. Data analysis and synthesis are applied to authentic data to construct foundational knowledge. By engaging in the process of science, students will gain
proficiency in core scientific competencies.
Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory.

Number of Credits: 4  
When Offered: Fall  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Prerequisites: A final grade of C- or higher in BIO 210  
BIO 231  Regulatory Affairs  

This course, as part of the Quality Science Education curriculum developed by Pathway for Patient Health, will give students an understanding of the role of regulators with an overview of regulations as stated in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), EudraLex Directives and Annexes, and Emerging Market regulations for the life science industries. The faculty will demonstrate the relationship between regulatory requirements and legal accountability while introducing fundamental concepts in the regulations related to clinical trial development, management, ethics, data integrity, data security, privacy, change control, and validation. Topics such as the role of guidance documents and industry standards will be reviewed, and case studies utilized to support the program. The "why" of the regulations will support the student's ability to enter the life science industry with an understanding of how to optimize patient health and business success by mobilizing enterprise-wide quality effectiveness through innovative system and critical thinking grounded in science, data, stakeholder awareness and regulatory intelligence.

Number of Credits: 3  
How Offered: Face to Face, Online  
BIO 241  Product Dev & Validation  

In this course, students will be exposed to the major design processes that are critical to life science product, process and specification development. Topics to be covered include: cradle to grave product and process development, prototype builds, scalability, design of experiments, variability, control, specification development and validation methodology. Instructors will explore how rigorous human factor engineering studies and clinical trials provide essential inputs into the product development process. The students will be introduced to concepts such as gap analysis, risk assessment, master plan, process characterization, installation qualification, operational qualification, measurement system analysis, repeatability and reproducibility (data collection/analysis), performance qualification/validation. In a world of innovative technology, it is critical that the students gain an understanding of computer system and software validation to ensure the quality of data generation, data storage, and digital processes used in manufacturing and products with digital components using technical and practical aspects expected in the regulated life science industries.

Number of Credits: 3  
When Offered: Fall  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Prerequisites: BIO 231  
BIO 250  Phage Genomics  

This is the second semester ("Phage 2") of a year-long research-based project lab course in which students will participate in a nationwide program in collaboration with undergraduates at other colleges. Students will describe the basic genome structure. This will involve mastering the strategies and computer programs required to predict where genes are located in the genome and annotating the function of those genes. These results will be presented for peer-review and will likely result in a scientific publication for the student.

Number of Credits: 4  
When Offered: Spring  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Prerequisites: BIO 210 or ISBT 103  
BIO 251  Risk Failure Analysis  

Although risk and failure analysis is currently taught at many universities, this course will dive into the nuances of the life science industries related to the specific regulations that apply to consumer health products. Through the use of historical risk analysis techniques, such as FMEA, Fault Tree, and 5 Why's, students will be able to analyze a holistic set of date (in-production, across product lines, across equipment, human variability, on-market, on-stability, validation studies, change control, etc.) that will lead to scientifically justified investigations supported by evidence, and the identification of effective corrective and preventative actions (CAPA).

Number of Credits: 3  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Prerequisites: BIO 241  
BIO 270  Special Topics  

Number of Credits: 3-4  
BIO 271  Risk and Failure Analysis  

This Pathways developed course introduces students to the investigation processes and writing scientifically justified conclusions linked to true root cause.

Number of Credits: 3-4  
When Offered: Spring  
How Offered: Hybrid, Online  
Prerequisites: BIO 231  
BIO 272  Special Topics  

Number of Credits: 4  
BIO 276  Special Topics  

Number of Credits: 3  
BIO 301  Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy  

This course examines the comparative systemic anatomy of the vertebrate classes, hypotheses of origin, and radiation of the phylum Chordata. Laboratory dissections of representative Chordates from amphioxus to mammal. Two hours lecture; four hours laboratory.

Number of Credits: 4  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Prerequisites: A final grade of C- or higher in BIO 230 is required in order to advance to 300/400-level BIO courses.  
BIO 303  Microbiology  

This course addresses the structure, growth, identification, and control of microorganisms of major medical, environmental, and industrial importance; molecular control and genetics of bacteria and viruses; immunology; microbial pathogenesis; and epidemiology of infectious diseases of humans. 6 hour CURE course.

Number of Credits: 4  
When Offered: Fall  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Prerequisites: C- or higher grade in BIO 230 is required in order to advance to 300/400-level BIO courses.  
BIO 305  Mammalian Physiology  

This lecture-laboratory course examines the metabolic processes and associated physiochemical phenomena of mammals. Current physiological hypotheses of the nervous, endocrine, respiratory, cardiovascular, and digestive systems, as well as special senses, will be studied. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory.

Number of Credits: 4  
When Offered: Fall  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Prerequisites: A final grade of C- or higher in BIO 230 is required in order to advance to 300/400-level BIO courses.  
BIO 306  Neurobiology  

This course involves a lecture-laboratory study of the nervous system,
including principles of membrane biophysics, cellular neurophysiology,
systems neurophysiology, and neuroanatomy. Two hours lecture; two
hours laboratory.

Number of Credits: 3  
BIO 308  Meths In Bio Rsrch  

Number of Credits: 3  
BIO 310  Genetics  

This course is an introduction to genetics at the molecular, cytological, and organismal level. Included are the thorough coverage of Mendelian and other basic transmission genetics phenomena in the light of our knowledge of DNA and cell structure and function; mutation and mutagenesis; and an introduction to recombinant DNA. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory

Number of Credits: 4  
When Offered: Fall  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Prerequisites: A final grade of C- or higher in BIO 230 is required in order to advance to 300/400-level BIO courses.  
BIO 311  Bioinformatics  

This course examines current biological problems and explores and develops bioinformatic solutions to these issues. Each topic includes a definition of the problem, a review of the basic biological concepts involved, an introduction to the computational techniques used to address the problem along with a utilization of existing web-based tools and software solutions often employed by professionals in the field of bioinformatics. Biological topics include those such as antibiotic resistance, genetic disease, and genome sequencing.

Number of Credits: 3  
BIO 312  Radiobiology  

Number of Credits: 3  
BIO 315  Plant Physiology  

Number of Credits: 3  
BIO 316  Plant Anatomy  

Number of Credits: 3  
BIO 317  Invertebrate Zoology  

Topics of this course involve life processes, phylogenetic advances, and basic classification of the major pre-chordate phyla with emphasis on their evolution and ecology. Three hours lecture, two hours laboratory.

Number of Credits: 4  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Prerequisites: A final grade of C- or higher in BIO 230 is required in order to advance to 300/400-level BIO courses.  
BIO 318  Evolution  

This course involves a presentation and analysis of the evidence for the evolution of life. Major topics include the origin of life and cellular organelles as well as the development of the diversity of life present today. Heavy emphasis will be placed on the ideas of Charles Darwin as expanded and modified by evidence from modern population genetics, cytogenetics, and molecular biology. Three hours lecture.

Number of Credits: 3  
Prerequisites: A final grade of C- or higher in BIO 230 is required in order to advance to 300/400-level BIO courses.  
BIO 319  The Plant Kingdom  

Topics of this course involve functional anatomy, phylogeny, and basic systematics of non-vascular and vascular plants. Two hours lecture, two hours laboratory.

Number of Credits: 3-4  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Prerequisites: A final grade of C- or higher in BIO 230 is required in order to advance to 300/400-level BIO courses.  
BIO 320  Biostatistics  

Introduction to statistical analysis and probability for students in the biological sciences. Topics include summary statistics, graphical display of data, likelihood, experimental design, binomial and Gaussian probability, hypothesis testing, t-tests, analysis of variance, correlation, linear regression, and chi-square analyses.

Number of Credits: 3  
When Offered: Spring  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Prerequisites: A final grade of C- or higher in BIO 230 is required in order to advance to 300/400-level BIO courses.  
BIO 330  Life Science Innovation  

This course is open to students interested in learning how to commercialize new technologies. Teams of science and business students will work with inventor-scientists at the Wistar Institute--as well as with external partners such as venture capitalists, intellectual property lawyers, and biotechnology entrepreneurs--to develop proposals on the scientific merit and commercial feasibility of life science research projects. Students should have either a scientific or business background to enroll in this course. (Cross-listed as MGT 330 and ISBT 330)

Number of Credits: 4  
When Offered: Spring  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Prerequisites: A final grade of C- or higher in BIO 230 is required in order to advance to 300/400-level BIO courses.  
BIO 350  Co-op Education I  

Number of Credits: 3  
BIO 371  Special Topics  

Number of Credits: 3  
BIO 379  Special Topics  

Number of Credits: 3-4  
BIO 400  Marine Biology  

This course offers a contemporary view of the dynamics establishing community structure in pelagic, estuarine, mangrove tidepool, coral reef, hydrothermal vent, and intertidal ecosystems. Structural, functional, behavioral, and adaptive modifications of marine organisms will be examined. Three hours lecture; field trip(s) typically included.

Number of Credits: 3  
When Offered: Fall  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Prerequisites: A final grade of C- or higher in BIO 230 is required in order to advance to 300/400-level BIO courses.  
BIO 401  Taxonomy Of Seed Plants  

Number of Credits: 3  
BIO 402  Cell Biology  

This course examines the physical properties, chemical structure, and metabolism of simple and specialized cells, as well as recent advances in the techniques of cell culture and investigation. Two hours lecture; two hours laboratory.

Number of Credits: 4  
When Offered: Spring  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Prerequisites: A final grade of C- or higher in BIO 230 is required in order to advance to 300/400-level BIO courses.  
BIO 403  Principles of Ecology  

This course addresses the basic concepts of ecology and a broad introduction to overall biosphere functioning. Major topics include energy flows; nutrient cycles; environmental conditions and their importance; plants and animals at the individual, population, and community level; and the overall functioning and development of the major terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Three hours lecture.

Number of Credits: 3  
When Offered: Spring  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Prerequisites: A final grade of C- or higher in BIO 230 is required in order to advance to 300/400-level BIO courses.  
BIO 404  Field Ecology  

This course involves field and laboratory projects/research at La Salle's Penllyn Biostation and other sites. Six hours laboratory and field work.

Number of Credits: 3  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Prerequisites: BIO 403 or permission of instructor  
BIO 405  Histology  

This course focuses on an examination of the minute and ultra structure of mammalian primary tissues together with their functional relationships in the formation of major organ systems; histological basis of function is stressed. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory.

Number of Credits: 4  
When Offered: Fall  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Prerequisites: A final grade of C- or higher in BIO 230 is required in order to advance to 300/400-level BIO courses.  
BIO 406  Developmental Biology  

This course focuses on the molecular and genetic analysis of development and differentiation. Some descriptive morphogenesis is considered. Two hours lecture; two hours laboratory.

Number of Credits: 3  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Prerequisites: A final grade of C- or higher in BIO 230 is required in order to advance to 300/400-level BIO courses.  
BIO 412  Biochemistry  

The course demonstrates the principles of basic biochemistry while focusing on the interrelationships between those biochemical pathways that provide energy and those that provide the basic molecular species for synthesis. Topics include bioenergetics, low molecular weight biosynthesis, enzyme function and kinetics, and metabolic control. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory.

Number of Credits: 4  
When Offered: Fall  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Prerequisites: A final grade of C- or higher in BIO 230 is required in order to advance to 300/400-level BIO courses.  
BIO 413  Molecular Biology  

This is a survey course that will examine the basic concepts of molecular biology. Topics include mechanisms and regulation of DNA replication, transcription, and translation, recombinant DNA technology, molecular aspects of gene interaction and recombination, cellular transformation, and the molecular biology of the nervous and immune systems. The laboratory focuses on utilizing the basic techniques currently employed in molecular biology (molecular cloning, ELISA, genetic recombination, gel electrophoresis, etc.) Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory.

Number of Credits: 4  
When Offered: Spring  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Prerequisites: BIO 412  
BIO 418  Molecular Biology  

Number of Credits: 3  
BIO 419  Molecular Biology Lab  

Number of Credits: 1  
BIO 420  Genomics  

The Genomics course will be a hybrid lecture and hands-on computer course. This course will focus on the topic of genome organization and the bioinformatic tools that are used to study genomes. We will investigate the genome structure of viral, microbial, and eukaryotic genomes and the different databases used to store and access this data. DNA sequence analysis using the BLAST algorithm and multiple sequence alignments will be studied. Identifying genes and genomic elements using different computational tools will be performed.

Number of Credits: 3  
When Offered: Spring  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Prerequisites: A final grade of C- or higher in BIO 230 is required in order to advance to 300/400-level BIO courses.  
BIO 422  Virology  

This is a survey course designed to be an introduction to the history and diversity of viruses on Earth. The lectures and topics in class will focus primarily on viruses that cause human disease, but will also include important viruses of other organism. While this class is primarily about the molecular biology of viruses, it will cover clinical symptoms and epidemiology too. This course will also focus on recent scientific literature of important disease-causing viruses.

Number of Credits: 3  
When Offered: Spring  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Prerequisites: A final grade of C- or higher in BIO 230 is required in order to advance to 300/400-level BIO courses.  
BIO 427  Immunology  

This is a survey course designed to be an introduction to the immune system of humans and other mammals. We will cover the development and physiology of specialized immune system cells, tissues and organs; we will also learn about these structures protect against harmful agents and pathogens. While this course is centered around a textbook, primary literature will feature heavily, both in instructor and student led presentations.

Number of Credits: 3  
When Offered: Spring  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Prerequisites: A final grade of C- or higher in BIO 230 is required in order to advance to 300/400-level BIO courses.  
BIO 430  The Biology of Cancer  

The cellular and molecular mechanisms driving cancer's hallmark phenotypes will be explored. These include proliferative signaling, evading growth suppressors, resisting cell death, enabling replicative immortality, inducing angiogenesis, activating invasion and metastasis, reprogramming of energy metabolism and evading immune destruction. Within these conceptual frameworks, primary scientific literature will be examined and clinical implications of the research evaluated. Students will choose a specific area of interest, allowing them to develop an in-depth understanding of the current "state-of-the-art" in a field of research. Students will gain an informed understanding of the inherent challenges cancer presents and assess the prospects of treating and ultimately curing the disease.

Number of Credits: 3  
When Offered: Spring  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Prerequisites: A final grade of C- or higher in BIO 230 is required in order to advance to 300/400-level BIO courses.  
BIO 435  Systems Biology  

This course is an introduction to topics of systems biology. Topics covered will include cellular and population levels of systems biology with an emphasis on modeling biochemical systems, gene expression, and evolutionary systems.

Number of Credits: 3  
BIO 440  Biology Senior Seminar  

Number of Credits: 1-3  
BIO 444  Research in BIO I  

This course provides the student with an opportunity to do research with a faculty member. The student and the faculty member agree on the research project before the student registers for the course.

Number of Credits: 1-3  
BIO 445  Research in BIO II  

This course is a continuation of the 444 research course. It provides the student with an opportunity to continue to conduct research with a faculty member.

Number of Credits: 1-3  
BIO 453  Molecular Capstone Research  

Students will perform laboratory-based, original research in an area of molecular and cell biology. Specific topics and research project will vary and will depend on the faculty member's expertise and student interests. The project will culminate in a formal presentation of results and conclusions both orally and in written form.

Number of Credits: 4  
BIO 454  Systems Capstone Research  

Students will perform laboratory-based, original research in an area of systems biology. Specific topics and research project will vary and will depend on the faculty member's expertise and student interests. The project will culminate in a formal presentation of results and conclusions both orally and in written form.

Number of Credits: 4  
BIO 460  Cooperative Education/Internship  

This is normally a full-time, paid employment at a cooperating institution/company to provide on-the-job training (part-time positions may qualify). It involves appropriate job-related learning assignments under faculty supervision. Position must be approved by Department Chair. Consult the Associate Director for Experiential Education in Career Services before registering or for further information.

Number of Credits: 3  
Prerequisites: A final grade of C- or higher in BIO 230 is required in order to advance to 300/400-level BIO courses.  
BIO 461  Internship II  

Number of Credits: 3  
BIO 470  Special Topics in Biology  

Periodically, a course will be offered that deals in detail with a topic of interest in current biological research. Students may be asked to write library research paper(s) and present a seminar.

Number of Credits: 3  
Prerequisites: A final grade of C- or higher in BIO 230 is required in order to advance to 300/400-level BIO courses.  
BIO 471  Special Topics  

Number of Credits: 3-4  
BIO 472  Neurobiology  

This course involves a lecture-laboratory study of the nervous system, including principles of membrane biophysics, cellular neurophysiology, systems neurophysiology, and neuroanatomy. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory.

Number of Credits: 1-4  
When Offered: Spring  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Prerequisites: A final grade of C- or higher in BIO 230 is required in order to advance to 300/400-level BIO courses.  
BIO 473  Special Topics  

Number of Credits: 3-4  
BIO 474  Sprcial Topics  

Number of Credits: 3-4  
BIO 480  Biological Research  

This research is for election by qualified students contemplating advanced studies. It is intended to provide actual research experience under staff supervision. Students are required to present a seminar on their work and to prepare a poster. Hours to be arranged.

Number of Credits: 3  
Prerequisites: A final grade of C- or higher in BIO 230 is required in order to advance to 300/400-level BIO courses.  
BIO 481  Biological Research  

This research is for election by qualified students contemplating advanced studies. It is intended to provide actual research experience under staff supervision. Students are required to present a seminar on their work and to prepare a poster. Hours to be arranged.

Number of Credits: 3  
Prerequisites: A final grade of C- or higher in BIO 230 is required in order to advance to 300/400-level BIO courses.  
BIO 488  Special Topics  

Number of Credits: 1-3  
BIO 499  Grant Writing Practicum  

A guided exploration of the process of biological research. Discussion topics include hypothesis generation, experimental design and statistics, methods of data presentation, and current advances and research in biology. Students will prepare a NSF grant proposal designed to address a hypothesis about biological phenomenon.

Number of Credits: 3