Courses in Genetics / Developmental


Bachelor of Science The B.S. degree is appropriate for students seeking in-depth training in a particular biological field as preparation for a specific career. It is designed to prepare students for 1) employment in commercial, industrial or governmental operations or labs, 2) traineeships required for certification or licensure in designated areas of applied biology and microbiology, or 3) specialized graduate programs.

The Cell and Molecular Biology Option (Option I) of the B.S. degree prepares students for work in private or government labs where modern cellular and molecular techniques are used. This option also prepares the student for advanced graduate study.

The Biotechnology/Medical Technology Option (Option IV) of the B.S. degree is designed: 1) to meet the State academic requirements for Clinical Lab Science (Medical Technology) or Public Health Microbiology; or 2) to prepare a student for a career in biotechnology. Students who complete the course sequence for Medical Technology will be prepared to apply for the clinical year of training in Clinical Lab Science or to begin a career in industry or government. Students completing the Biotechnology course sequence will be well prepared for an entry-level biotechnology position in industry or government or for graduate programs in biotechnology. Students choosing either track of this option should consult an advisor as early as possible concerning the proper course sequence to be followed and other requirements in each field.

Bachelor of Arts The B.A. degree is designed for students seeking a broad foundation in biology as part of a liberal education in the arts and sciences. Provided that careful attention is paid to the requirements for advanced (postbaccalaureate) and professional programs, the B.A. degree is appropriate for those students 1) intending to enter a graduate program, 2) seeking a teaching credential (see above), or 3) preparing for dentistry, medicine, optometry, pharmacy or veterinary medicine. The B.A. degree is also suitable for careers in such areas as pharmaceutical sales and medical illustration.

Master of Science The Graduate Program provides students an opportunity for advanced study in specialized areas of Biology and to develop the skills required to do independent research.

B.S. and M.S. students can enroll in 400 and 500 level courses. Only M.S. students can enroll in 600 level courses (not listed here, see catalogue).

  • Embryology and Lab (BIOL 441/L) Cellular, physiological,and anatomical aspects of embryonic development with emphasis on vertebrates. Mechanisms of morphogenesis and differentiation.
  • Human Genetics (BIOL 468) Study of variation and heredity in humans. Includes immunogenetics, polygenetic inheretance and population genetics as well as abnormalities of chromosomes and metabolism and their consequences.
  • Biotechnology (BIOL 470) Application of organisms, biological sysytems, and processes to manufacturing and service industries. Role of microorganisms in industrial, agricultural, and pharmaceutical processes, biologically produces sources of energy, single cell protein, waste management, mining, and other areas. Impact of genetic engineering; enzyme biotechnology; recent advances in genetics and physiology of industrial microorganisms for strain improvement.
  • Directed Undergraduate Research (BIOL 495) Designed for students of advanced rank and proven competence in Biology. Program of original, indepedent research, culminating in a written report to be carried out under the direction of one of the Biology faculty. Upon prior approval by the Biology department of a detailed research proposal the research may be performed in off-campus facilities. In such a case the report must be submitted to and evaluated by a designated member of the Biology faculty.
  • Senior Thesis (BIOL 498) Student selects and does original research on a topic of current biological interest in consultation with a sponsoring faculty member. Results of this research is presented both orally and in a written report in scientific format.
  • Independent Study (BIOL 499) Maximum of 3 units of Independent Study may be applied to satisfy unit requirements of Elective Areas for the baccalaureate degree in Biology.
  • Bioinformatics and Lab (BIOL 503/L) Bioinformatics tools (statistics and computer analysis) and their application to molecular data analysis.
  • Developmental Biology (BIOL 542) Discussion of the general mechanisms of cell differentiation in the plant and animal kingdoms.
  • Molecular Genetics of Eukaryotic Organisms (BIOL 562) Examination of the structure and function of chromatin, the structure of DNA and its associated proteins in chromosomes, replication of DNA and chromatin, transcription, RNA processing, recombination, and the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes.
  • Cytogenetics (BIOL 563) Correlated study of genetics and cytology in which the genetic results of chromosomal changes are investigated.
  • Human Biochemical Genetics (BIOL 564) Focus on different sources of human biochemical defects, the detection of such disorders, and their treatment.
  • Medical Genetics (BIOL 567) Lecture and case presentations of the clinical, cytogenetic, biochemical, molecular and developmental aspects of human diseases and characters, knowledge that is necessary for the practice of medical genetics.
  • Clinical Cytogenetics and Cancer Genetics (BIOL 568) Examination of the cytogenetics of human cancers and of hereditary predisposition to cancer, including rare and common familial cancer syndromes, risk assessment and surveillance, epidemiology and current research, ethics and genetic counseling in genetic risk assessment for cancer.
  • Molecular Diagnostics (BIOL 571) Survey of current techniques, applications and goals of molecular genetics research, including cloning strategies and techniques, genetic engineering techniques, progress in the Human Genome Project and related work, gene therapy, and ethical ramifications.
  • Recombinant DNA Techniques and Lab (BIOL 572/L) Handling and processing of recombinant DNA, including DNA isolation, use of restriction enzymes, gel electrophoresis, ligation, cloning,blots, hybridization and associated microbiological techniques.