BIO - Biology

Laboratory course introduces life science. Content includes cell structure and function, cell division, nucleic acids and proteins, biodiversity and evolution, and selected human systems. Intended for non-science majors, and those who desire an understanding of fundamental life processes, or who intends to pursue higher biology courses.

This non-laboratory course provides an introduction into our natural environment and the relationships between humans and the environment. Topics include ecosystem structure and function, population dynamics, renewable and non-renewable resources, alternative energies, waste management, pollution, management of natural areas, overview of ecological balances in nature, and human’s relationship to these balances. Intended for the non-science major. Credit toward graduation cannot be received for both BIO 103 and BIO 106.

Course introduces basic genetic principles and applications in human populations. Content includes the cell cycle; structure, function, mutation and transmission of the genetic material; role of genetics in health care and biotechnology; and ethical, psychological and social implications of gene-based medicine. Credit toward graduation cannot be received for both BIO 104 and BIO 105.

Laboratory course introduces basic genetic principles and applications in human populations. Content includes the cell cycle; structure, function, mutation and transmission of the genetic material; role of genetics in health care and biotechnology; and ethical, psychological and social implications of gene-based medicine. Credit toward graduation cannot be received for both BIO 104 and BIO 105.

Laboratory course introduces study of the environment in which we live and of factors contributing to its alteration. Content includes ecosystem structure and function; population dynamics; resources; pollution; evaluation and management of natural areas; biodiversity and conservation; overview of ecological balances in nature and humans’ relationship to these balances. Intended for non-science majors. Credit toward graduation cannot be received for both BIO 103 and BIO 106.

Laboratory course provides a broad overview of ecological restoration principles and practices by exploring the plant and animal communities found on Oakton’s campus and learning practices for restoring them to ecological health. Activities emphasize identifying and learning about native plant and animal communities and the natural and artificial processes that affect their survival, reproduction, and population dynamics. Students will participate in identifying species and assemblages; monitoring plant and animal populations; collecting and mapping spatial data; managing invasive plants; and revegetating land with seeds and plantings.

Course focuses on biological aspects of the plant kingdom and connections to human beings, with topics ranging from sub-cellular processes to ecological roles. Content includes structural and physiological adaptations, present and past diversity, reproduction, genetics and evolution, ecological interactions, and importance to human agriculture, medicine, general welfare and society.

Non-laboratory course explores the intersection of sex and gender with health and disease states. Content includes a comparison of the sociological and biological factors that influence health, the role of sleep and blood pressure in human health, and the development of Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune diseases and cancer. After reviewing each wellness or disease state, the impact of sex and gender on that state will be discussed.

Course introduces concepts and principles of the science of nutrition. Content includes identification and definition of the nutritional components of food; elements of digestion, metabolism and energy management; consideration of nutrition requirements for each age group and health problems related to diet. Intended for anyone interested in becoming a more knowledgeable consumer of nutritional information.

Non-laboratory survey course covers the structure and function of each body system. Content includes body planes, directional terms, quadrants, body cavities, the major organs in each body system and example disease states.

Laboratory course which explores animal biology through scientific inquiry and human connections. Evolution of the animal kingdom is used as a lens to study the defining features of major animal phyla. Survey of animal taxonomy,cell biology, genetics, physiology, and ecology are included. Environmental and economic relationships between animals and humans are highlighted.

A non-lab introductory science course in microbiology designed for non-science majors who wish to explore the vast universe of microbes and their roles in life on earth. The course focuses on the impact of microbes on human affairs and society. Content includes microbial diversity, cell structure and function, growth and reproduction, genetics, molecular biology and evolution, and the role of microbes in the environment, agriculture, industry, and in human welfare and disease.

Laboratory course examines basic principles of biology. Content includes cellular biochemistry and physiology, photosynthesis, and cellular respiration; details of protein synthesis and functions of DNA and RNA in gene function. First of two-course sequence. Intended for those wanting strong biological focus in curricula.

Laboratory course continues BIO 121. Content includes Mendelian genetics, chromosomes and heredity, evolution, diversity of living organisms (including bacteria, archaea, selected protists, fungi, plants and animals), and ecology. Second of two-course sequence.

The course begins with an introduction to the human body, basic biochemistry, cytology and histology. Following that foundation, the anatomy and physiology of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, central nervous system and peripheral nervous systems are explored. First of two-part sequence. Intended primarily for student in health fields. Credit toward graduation cannot be received for both BIO 231 and BIO 233.

Laboratory course continues BIO 231. Content includes structure and function of special senses, circulatory, immune, digestive, respiratory, urinary, endocrine and reproductive systems. Cadavers and other appropriate specimens are used. Second of two-part sequence. Intended primarily for students in allied health fields. Credit toward graduation cannot be received for both BIO 232 and BIO 234.

This non-cadaver based lab course begins with an introduction to the human body, basic biochemistry, cytology and histology. Following that foundation, the anatomy and physiology of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, central nervous system and peripheral nervous systems are explored. First of two-part sequence. This course is intended for students entering the health care profession who do not need exposure to human cadavers in a lab setting. Credit toward graduation cannot be received for both BIO 231 and BIO 233.

Laboratory course continues BIO 233. Content includes structure and function of special senses, circulatory, digestive, respiratory, urinary, endocrine and reproductive systems. Dissection of animal organs included in lab experiences. Second of two-part sequence. This course is intended for students entering the health care profession who do not need exposure to human cadavers in a lab setting. Credit toward graduation cannot be received for both BIO 232 and BIO 234.

Course provides undergraduate research experience. Interdisciplinary course co-listed with CHM 240. Team-taught by faculty from several disciplines. Content includes active participation in selected research experiences including: developing an independent research project; designing and performing experiments; collecting data; analyzing results; participating in collaborative research with other students and professors; learning how to discriminate among various types of scientific literature; reading, critiquing and presenting research articles in a selected area of research; and presenting research at end of semester in both written and oral form. This course can be repeated once for credit.

Course analyzes and compares human diseases by studying pathophysiology, histopathology, pathogenesis and diseases as they impact cellular metabolism. Course content integrates pathophysiology with more common clinical aspects of disease. Course is intended primarily for health career students.

Course introduces pharmacology, primarily for students in allied health fields. Content includes major prescription and over-the-counter drug classes (with representative drugs), their uses, side effects and warnings. Students will use practical pharmacology theory (pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics) and physiology to understand and predict drug effects, interactions, and toxicity. The impact of society, media, economic and cultural pressures on patient access and compliance with medication will also be discussed.

Laboratory course introduces biology of microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, protists and viruses. Content includes metabolism, genetics, identification, control, physiology, relationship to health and disease, and host defense. Intended primarily for student in health fields.

Course meets the special interest needs of biology students. Topics will be offered for variable credit from one to four semester credit hours. Course may be taken for credit up to four times on different topics. Fee Varies. Prerequisite may vary by topic.