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BIO 110N - Introductory Biology |
An introduction to the content, methods, and philosophy of science with an emphasis on the principles of biology and their application to topics in research and current issues in science. Each instructor will focus on a specific area of biology to allow more in-depth study of a particular sub-discipline or interdisciplinary topic. Topics of focus may include such areas as Aquatic Biology, Human Biology, Microbiology, Animal Behavior, Marine Biology, or Ecology (students should check course listings for current offerings). Cannot be used as elective credit toward the biology major. This course may be repeated for General Elective credit when the topic differs. Every year.
Credit: 4 |
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BIO 130N - Tropical Nature: Exploring Costa Rica |
For two weeks, we will explore the astonishing diversity of many of Costa Rica's ecosystems, including rain forests, cloud forests, mangrove swamps, and beach ecosystems. The course will emphasize natural history, field studies of ecological patterns, tropical conservation, and reflecting on and writing about your experiences. Cross-listed with ENV 130N. Students may receive credit for only one of the courses. Pass/Fail only. Winter term, in odd years.
Credit: 4 |
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BIO 150N - Human Anatomy and Physiology I |
This course provides an overview of the structure and functions of the human body, including the cellular and tissue organizations, as well as the integumentary (skin), skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Other body systems, such as the endocrine, cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory, urinary, and reproductive systems will be covered in a second semester course. The laboratory portion follows lectures closely. This course is designed for pre-professional track students and also for students wishing to acquire general education science requirements, or to explore the biology major. Every year.
Credit: 4 |
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BIO 152 - Human Anatomy & Physiology II |
This course is a continuation of BIO150N Human Anatomy & Physiology I and will focus on the endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. The laboratory portion closely follows lecture content. This course is not designed to fulfill the science general education requirement and is designed for Pre-Professional tracks. Pre-requisites: Bio 150N. Every other spring.
Credit: 4 |
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BIO 160 - Plant Biology: Organisms to Ecosystems |
Introduction to biology through the study of plants. The course emphasizes the diversity and functioning of plants, general principles in biology, application of those principles to environmental problems, the process of science, and science skills. Labs include field investigations, lab experiments, examinations of plants, and skills workshops. Prerequisite(s): science majors, science education majors, or permission of instructor. Every year.
Credit: 4 |
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BIO 170 - General Zoology |
Introduction to biology and science as process through the study of animals. General Zoology surveys comparative physiology, anatomy, morphology, behavior, and ecology of animal taxa to provide an introduction to the principles, skills, and applications of biology to majors in biology, environmental science, and science education. The course emphasizes the diversity and evolutionary adaptations of animal groups, general principles in biology, application of biological principles to environmental problems, the process of science, and science skills. Labs include actual research projects (including data analysis and report writing), lab experiments, examinations of animal anatomy, morphology, and behavior, and skills workshops. Prerequisite(s): Science majors, Science Education majors, or permission of instructor. Every year.
Credit: 4 |
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BIO 251 - Cell Biology |
The study of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure and function, with an emphasis on biochemistry and molecular biology. Bioenergetics, enzymes, membranes, cell signaling and movement, protein synthesis, processing and delivery, cancer biology, and current research topics are covered. Prerequisite(s): BIO 160/170; CHY 141/142; CHY 241 recommended concurrently. Every year.
Credit: 4 |
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BIO 252 - Genetics |
Designed to relate the mode of gene expression at the molecular, cellular, organism, and population levels. Laboratory experience introduces basic laboratory techniques and requires students to design and carry out small-scale research projects in genetics. Prerequisite(s): BIO 251 and CHY 241. Every year.
Credit: 4 |
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BIO 277 - Special Topics |
Covers specialized topics not covered in the biology curriculum. May be repeated for credit when the topic differs. Prerequisite(s): BIO 160 and BIO 170. Varies.
Credit: 2-4 |
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BIO 294 - Forest Ecology and Conservation |
A study of the ecology, management, and conservation of plant species and forest ecosystems. Focus on ecological principles and their application to sustaining biological diversity in exploited and pristine habitats. Field work and examples will emphasize Maine forests and controversies. Field trips, writing, oral presentations, and group and independent inquiry are required. Overnight weekend field trip possible. Prerequisite(s): BIO 160 and BIO 170 or permission of instructor. Every two years.
Credit: 4 |
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BIO 321 - Tropical Island Ecology |
This course provides experiential learning of the biotic and abiotic factors that govern tropical island ecosystems (coral reefs, grass beds, mangroves, dry Antillean scrub and moist mature forests) found on a typical Caribbean tropical island (St. John, USVI). Concepts addressed include: biodiversity, adaptation and co-evolution, and energy flow in these systems. All students will participate in a collaborative research project with island fauna and daily lessons on island ecology. Students will also learn about the cultural history of the West Indies and contemporary human-caused environmental problems associated with island development. Intensive field work includes daily snorkeling and strenuous hiking to field locations. Assessments will include a field journal, pre-and post-course examinations covering course text (and ancillary text), on-site lessons, and assigned technical papers, and the submission of a formal technical manuscript describing the results of field research. Prerequisite(s): BIO 160, BIO 170, and permission of instructor. May Term or Winter Term. Every year.
Credit: 4 |
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BIO 351 - Microbiology |
This course emphasizes microbial genetics and physiology, and the complex interrelationship of pathogen and host. Sub-topics covered include bacteriology, virology, immunology, medical microbiology, environmental microbiology, and molecular breeding. The laboratory experience is project-based, and requires students to design and carry out a small-scale research project. Prerequisite(s): BIO 251, BIO 252, and CHY 241: junior or senior standing; or permission of instructor. Every two years.
Credit: 4 |
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BIO 353 - Conservation Biology |
Designed to examine the nature and global patterns of biological diversity, the complex factors that have resulted in recent losses in biodiversity and ecosystem decay, the ecological ramifications of this most devastating event in the existence of the human species. Lectures, presentations by professionals in other fields, readings, discussion sessions, student participation in regional conservation efforts, diversity analysis, and ecological modeling of perturbed systems will all be used to encourage critical thinking about biodiversity issues and provide students with hands on applications in the science of conservation. Prerequisite(s): BIO 160 and BIO 170. Every three years.
Credit: 4 |
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BIO 361 - Ecology |
The interrelationships of living organisms with biotic and abiotic environment considered from an evolutionary perspective. Emphasis is placed on scientific inquiry and critical consideration of ecological processes. Three hours of lectures, one three-hour in-class lab, at least three hours of additional lab work per week, and significant time investment in statistical analysis, graphics, computer modeling, and report preparation. Prerequisite(s): BIO 160 and BIO 170 and junior or senior standing. Every year.
Credit: 4 |
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BIO 363 - Evolutionary Biology |
This course in Neo-Darwinian evolution emphasizes the mechanisms of the evolutionary process and the use of modern taxonomic methods in the analysis of phylogenetic relationships. Topics include adaptation, natural selection, speciation, genetic variability and load, population structure, isolating mechanisms, evolutionary rates, coevolving systems, and molecular evolution. Prerequisite(s): BIO 160, BIO 170, and BIO 252. Every year.
Credit: 4 |
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BIO 377 - Special Topics in Biology |
Covers specialized topics not covered in the biology curriculum. May be repeated for credit when topic differs. Prerequisite(s): BIO 160 and BIO 170. Varies.
Credit: 2-4 |
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BIO 383 - Aquatic Biology |
Study of freshwater lakes and streams emphasizing the interrelationships of biological, chemical, and physical factors. Includes practical experience in taking and evaluating samples from aquatic environments. Prerequisite(s): BIO 160 and BIO 170. Every two years.
Credit: 4 |
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BIO 386 - Ornithology |
Surveys the biology of birds, including avian morphology and physiology, migration, and population and community ecology. Requires field trips and field projects. Prerequisite(s): BIO 160 and BIO 170. Every three years.
Credit: 4 |
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BIO 390 - Biology Internship/Field Experience |
Experiential learning situation where the student can earn credit for appropriate activities. (Up to 4 credits may be applied to required biology electives.) The experience should involve the gathering and manipulation of biological data. Proposals should be developed in conjunction with a biology faculty member and must be approved by the biology faculty. Prerequisite(s): Biology majors with at least 16 program credits AND permission of instructor. Pass/Fail Only. Every semester.
Credit: 4-16 |
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BIO 391 - Entomology |
Overview of the biology of insects, including evolution, morphology and physiology, taxonomy, biogeography, behavior, ecology, and interactions with humans in terms of environmental services, human health, and economic impacts. Requires field trips, field projects, and laboratory work. Prerequisite(s): BIO 160 and BIO 170. At least once every three years.
Credit: 4 |
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BIO 396 - Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology |
Behavioral ecology is the study of the behavior of animals (including humans) in nature, from an evolutionary perspective. This course explores both the ecological factors involved in selecting for behaviors as well as the current environmental conditions that trigger them. Topics covered include mating strategies, habitat choice, optimal foraging, communication, parental care, mating and social systems, and the evolution of cooperation and cooperative systems. Students will engage in interactive lab experiences and develop and carry out their own independent research projects of their choosing. Prerequisite(s): BIO 160 and 170 required for Biology and Secondary Ed majors; all others by permission of instructor. Every two years.
Credit: 4 |
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BIO 397 - Independent Study |
An opportunity for the student majoring in life sciences to initiate and carry out a biological study in accordance with scientific procedures and under the supervision of an appropriate staff member. Prerequisite(s): Twelve hours of Biology and permission of instructor. (Pass/Fail option) Varies.
Credit: 2-4 |
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BIO 477 - Special Topics in Biology |
The study of a specialized topic not offered in the usual curriculum. Varies.
Credit: 2-4 |
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BIO 497 - Independent Study |
An opportunity for the student majoring in life sciences to initiate and carry out a biological study in accordance with scientific procedures and under the supervision of an appropriate staff member. Prerequisite(s): Twelve hours of Biology and permission of instructor. (Pass/Fail option) Varies.
Credit: 2-4 |
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