Biological Sciences (BSC)

This course applies the scientific method to critically examine and explain the natural world including but not limited to cells, organisms, genetics, evolution, ecology, and behavior.

Laboratory exercises that provide hands on and/or simulated experiences for the major concepts in modern biology including cellular biology, plant biology, human biology, genetics, evolution, behavior and ecology.

This course is designed to provide foundational knowledge and laboratory skills necessary for success in life and health science courses. Lecture will include review of math and chemistry concepts central to biology (PH, molarity, etc.), analyzing structure in relation to function through illustration of functional groups and biological molecules, focus on understanding and rendering phylogenetic trees, and reading comprehension of scientific literature. In lab, students will focus on skills such as safety procedures, microscopy, pipetting, measurement, experimental design, data analysis and presentation, and scientific communication.

In this course students will apply the scientific method to critically examine and explain the natural world. This course will cover molecular biology, cellular biology, genetics, metabolism, and replication.

Intended for science majors. The examination of biological systems from the organismal level through the system level incorporating theory of evolution, biodiversity and systematics, and ecology.

Intended for science majors. Laboratory experiments related to the examination of biological systems from the organismal level through the system level incorporating theory of evolution, biodiversity and systematics, and ecology.

The study of the basic principles of human biology. Investigates cell biology, reproduction and genetics and human anatomy and physiology including ecological impacts on human systems. The curriculum is inquiry based and fully integrated with a laboratory that emphasizes active learning strategies.

The environment of southwest Florida is used as an example to investigate environmental concepts within their ecological, cultural, economic, and historical contexts. Multiple sources of information including scientific data and artistic expression are utilized to evaluate ecological principles and environmental ethics, attitudes, and beliefs. This course is inquiry based and fully integrated with both laboratory and field experiences which emphasize active learning strategies.

This course is the first part of a two-semester sequence in which students examine human anatomy and physiology through a systems approach based on the interaction between form and function, from the microscopic components of cells and tissues to the organismal level. Emphasis is placed on histology and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems.

Primarily intended for health science majors. Investigation of the structure and function of the human systems, including: cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, immune, and reproductive systems. The curriculum is inquiry based and fully integrated with a laboratory that emphasizes active learning strategies.

This course provides a discussion and problem solving format of contemporary topics in medicine with reviews of the literature.

Examination of the anatomy and physiology of reproduction, sexual response, gender identity, sexual orientation, love and attraction as well as scientific method by which sexuality is studied.

This course is a continuation of BSC 1930L and provides a discussion and problem-solving format of contemporary topics in medicine with reviews of the literature and volunteer participation in the community as a part of service learning.

Do science and art belong together? This course will familiarize the student with the art of medical illustration, including its history, techniques, and varied applications. Students will spend the class time drawing as well as learning anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology. Students should enjoy drawing and be willing to communicate science through art.

This course will cover the basics of neurotransmission, the ways that drugs bind and affect receptors, as well as pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Prescription, over-the-counter and recreational drugs will be covered and their effects on organ systems reviewed.

How do we tell our stories about health and illness? Students in this multidisciplinary undergraduate course will start by reading popular fiction with a medical-based theme. Each literary reading will form the basis of discussion and learning about a specific disease process. We will review the anatomy and physiology of each disease as well as produce various pieces of artwork. Students will learn about visual thinking strategies through art creation and illustration.

This course is a continuation of BSC 2930L and provides a discussion and problem-solving format of contemporary topics in medicine with review of the literature and volunteer opportunity for service learning. (Continued acceptance in the BS Biology Accelerated 3+4 concentration, instructor permission.)

The scientific basis of biological conservation. The course focuses on a description of biological diversity, threats to biodiversity and current practices in maintaining biodiversity.

This course allows students to explore the diversity of organisms living in the oceans, with an emphasis on the adaptations that enable organisms to live in marine habitats from the intertidal zone to the deepest portions of the oceans.

Techniques and applications of biotechnology will be studied with a strong emphasis on laboratory investigation. Recombinant DNA technology will be the focus of study with applications in plant and animal systems. The impacts of biotechnology on society will be examined, such as the human genome project and agricultural biotechnology.

This course introduces the theoretical and practical basis for understanding key molecular experimental techniques used in modern biology research. The students receive practical hand-on experience in selected techniques.

Introduction to the field of bioinformatics, focusing on the fundamental tools and analysis methods that bridge biology and computational science. Covers basic concepts in computational biology, sequence analysis and data interpretation.

Scientific Diving BSC 4473C trains and certifies students to SCUBA dive and collect scientific data following the standards of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences. The course covers the technical aspects of diving, including underwater navigation and dive safety. The course also introduces environmental sample collecting and experimental design facilitated by diving.

An examination of the biological effects of human-synthesized endocrine disrupting chemicals on animals and humans by reviewing primary literature and other resources.

Individual study/research under the direction of a faculty mentor. The topic will be selected based on mutual agreement between the student and the faculty mentor.

Individual study/research under the direction of a faculty mentor. The topic of study needs to be focused in a Biotechnology area. Permission of the instructor required.

Research projects or certain aspects of research are carried out by students under the supervision of a faculty mentor in this Senior Capstone sequence. The project is designed to hone skills in applying research principles and obtaining practice in data collection and analysis. ~ Previous course number was BSC 4910.

A continuation of the senior research project, students will be expected to prepare and present a summary of their research.

Courses will be developed based on topics of current or special interest to students or faculty.

Special sessions exploring current scientific literature in a selected topic in Biological Sciences.

An internship provides the student with an opportunity to work on a project in the field or laboratory setting. This work is usually completed off-campus and the student will work with a qualified supervisor at the site as well as with a faculty mentor.

An internship working on a project in Biotechnology in an external laboratory or industrial setting. The student will work with an external qualified supervisor and with a faculty mentor. Permission of the program director required.

Research project in Biotechnology under the supervision of a faculty mentor. Students will apply experimental design, data collection and analysis. Senior standing is required. Permission of the program director is required.

Presentation of the results of the project carried out in the Senior Research in Biotechnology course.

Senior Project I: Internship provides the student with an opportunity to work on a project in a business, non-profit, field, or laboratory setting. This work is usually completed off-campus and the student will work with a qualified supervisor at the site as well as a faculty mentor.

This course will cover Compliance and ethics issues that new graduate students should be familiar with upon entry into graduate-level research. This course develops specific skills and experiences expected of professional research scientists. It introduces the principles of ethical conduct and social responsibilities of research as relevant to human subjects and other organisms, scientific integrity, and understanding of research regulations. This course includes instruction of practical aspects of a career in biological sciences and discussions concerning research protocol and scientific methodology.

This course focuses on development of professional scientific communication skills as it pertains to scientific writing and presentation. The course is designed to support a variety of writing products including but not limited to abstracts for conference submissions, theses, grant proposals, manuscripts, and public education materials. The course also focuses on development of verbal communication to bother professional and public audiences.

This course introduces students to the expectations of the Master's of Biology program including guidelines and policies, keys to being successful in graduate school, and offers opportunities for professional development. The course incorporates mentorship development to prepare students to work with undergraduate students both in and out of the classroom. This course serves as the first point of teaching professional development with a focus on developing effective evidence-based pedagogical strategies.

Independent study and/or research under direct supervision of a faculty mentor. Topic of study will be determined and agreed upon between the student and faculty member.

Supervising, advising, and overseeing of original research on topics in the life sciences conducted by undergraduate student(s). Project details are to be planned and chosen by the student in consultation with the undergraduate mentee, the major advisor, and the thesis committee.

Courses will be developed based on topics of current or special interest to students or faculty.

This capstone course for the non-thesis MS option will focus on student synthesis of higher-order learning and demonstrate mastery of the subject specialty. Students develop, write, and present a scholarly research project on a topic of their choice that combines knowledge from across courses taken within the degree. Students identify a current research topic in the biological sciences that is relevant to their chosen focus. Students develop a relevant bibliography of peer-reviewed research on the topic. Once approved, students produce a scholarly review based on these references. Students present the conclusions of this scholarly review in seminar format. The presentation and defense serve as the comprehensive exam for the non-thesis M.S. degree.

Supervised graduate professional experience in the student's area of focus within the biological sciences.

A graduate-level journal club series for students to experience scientific information exchange. This course offers a more informal, less intimidating environment in which to talk with faculty, graduate students and other researchers.

Original research conducted on topics in the life sciences. Project details are to be planned and chosen by the student in consultation with the major advisor and the thesis committee.

The culmination of the degree, students are mentored in writing their thesis research. Student will give an oral presentation of their work followed by a discussion of the research with their committee. Successful defense of the thesis demonstrates mastery of the chosen field of study.