Gannon University

DAVID J.GUSTAFSON, Chairperson

FACULTY: Professors: Rev. Joseph Gregorek, Steven J. Ropski. Associate Professors: David J. Gustafson, Elisa M. Konieczko, Edward (Ted) Phillips, James J. McGivern, Richard C. Schauer. Assistant Professors: Frank Dailey, Robert Rawding, Susan R. Sapone. Instructor: Melanie Gustafson-Ropski. Retired Professors: Kenneth W. Andersen, Stanley J. Zagorski.

Aims and Objectives:

Biologists study living organisms and their life processes. They are concerned with the origin, function, and preservation of life from the smallest cell to the largest organism. Career opportunities are diverse and possible in areas such as medicine, agriculture, environmental science, industrial research, teaching, biomedical and/or biological research and governmental employment.

To prepare students for a future in biology the Biology Department offers an extensive curriculum that will ensure a firm and broad background. Yet students can concentrate on courses of greatest benefit to them in their final year of study. Students are individually counseled in their academic progress and advised in relation to their career goals by biology faculty.

Courses numbered BIOL 101 - BIOL 118 may not be used to fulfill requirements for a Biology major.

BIOL 101: General Biology
This course is for the non biology major dealing with general biological principles and brief surveys of the plant and animal world including some laboratory exercises and demonstrations.
3 credits, Fall,

BIOL 102: Conservation Biology
Conservation biology is the science of preserving biodiversity and sustaining the earth. This class is designed to learn the fundamental concepts of biological conservation and its importance to humans. The class places a special emphasis on the recognition and prioritization of conservation issues in Pennsylvania and the Great Lakes Region.
3 credits, Spring

BIOL 103: Environmental Issues
This course is a study of our environment and some of the relationships and interactions between hominid forms and their surroundings. The course analyzes through an interdisciplinary approach how the human species and their social institutions interact with the physical and biological systems of the environment. The course analyzes the most urgent environmental problems confronting the human population and prospects for the future.
3 credits, Fall, Spring

BIOL 104: Human Biology
This course is designed to introduce students to some of the many complex, yet fascinating, processes of the human body. The course begins with a review of basic principles of chemistry. This introduction is followed by a limited discussion of cellular structure and metabolism. Subsequently the basic structure and functions of selected organ systems are discussed. The course also introduces students to some of the newer advances in medical and research technology that are impacting our society, e.g. cloning, recombinant DNA technology, and genetic engineering.
3 credits Fall, Spring

BIOL 105: Human Biology Lab
Lab exercises complement topics in BIOL 104.
1 credit, Fall, Spring

BIOL 106: Introductory Microbiology
This course covers the morphology and behavioral characteristics of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa, viruses, Rickettsiae, chlamydiae, and PPLO Forms); the disease process, control of microorganisms; and applied microbiology.
3 credits, Fall

BIOL 107: Introductory Microbiology Lab
This course consists of labs which complement topics taught in BIOL 106. Concurrent with BIOL 106.
1 credit, Fall

BIOL 108: Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology I
This course is a survey of anatomy and physiology of the human body. The first semester covers basic principles of Biochemistry, metabolism, information processing, the cell, and the tissues. This leads to consideration of these body systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and endocrine.
3 credits, Fall

BIOL 109: Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology I Lab
This course consists of labs which complement topics taught in BIOL 108.
1 credit, Fall

BIOL 110: Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology II
This is a continuation of BIOL 108 and covers structure and function of the cardiovascular, respiratory, immune, digestive, and excretory systems. It concludes with a unit on reproduction and development.
Prerequisite: Passing grade in BIOL 108.
3 credits, Spring

BIOL 111: Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology II Lab
This course consists of labs which complement topics taught in BIOL 110.
1 credit, Spring

BIOL 113: Neuromusculoskeletal Lab
The purpose of this lab is to provide students in certain health sciences (Occupational Therapy, Sports and Exercise Science) additional laboratory time to insure that they have the foundation in the Anatomy of the Human Somato-Sensory System to advance to their Professional Curriculum. The lab will provide information on the segmental innervation, circulation, muscles and nerves of the following regions of the human body: head and neck, upper and lower extremities and trunk.
1 credt

BIOL 115: Human Anatomy and Physiology I
This is the first of a two-semester sequence explaining the integrated structure and function of the human body. After introducing the student to anatomical nomenclature, chemical and physiological principles, the course will follow a systems approach to the understanding of the integumentary, musculoskeletal, nervous and endocrine systems.
3 credits, Fall, Spring

BIOL 116: Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab
This course includes laboratory exercises which compliment topics taught in BIOL 115.
1 credit, Fall, Spring

BIOL 117: Human Anatomy and Physiology II
This second of a two-semester sequence will complete the study of the structure and function of the human body. It will discuss the circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Emphasis will be placed on the interrelationships of these systems with the integrative and control functions of the nervous and endocrine systems.
Prerequisite: Passing grade in BIOL 115 or equivalent.
3 credits, Fall, Spring

BIOL 118: Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab
This course includes laboratory exercises which compliment topics taught in BIOL 117.
Concurrent with BIOL 117
1 credit, Fall, Spring

BIOL 122: Molecular and Cellular Biology
This is the beginning course for the biology major. It is designed to introduce the student to certain aspects of cell structure and function, genetics, and molecular biology. This course, together with BIOL 124 and 126, provides the student with a firm foundation upon which the specialized courses can be built.
3 credits, Fall, Spring

BIOL 123: Molecular and Cellular Biology Lab
This course provides the student with laboratory experiences in which topics covered in BIOL 122 lecture are studied in an experimental fashion. Concurrent with BIOL 122.
1 credit, Fall, Spring

BIOL 124: Animal Form and Function
This course begins with a survey of several Animal Kingdom Phyla (e.g. Cnidaria, Plathyhelminthes, Cordata, Annelida, Porifera). A functional approach is then taken to understand the major organ systems in animals, emphasizing the vertebrates.
Prerequisite: BIOL 122 or equivalent.
3 credits, Fall, Spring

BIOL 125: Animal Form and Function Lab
This course complements BIOL 124 lectures by giving the student a chance to experimentally investigate the anatomy and functions of some organ systems in animals. Concurrent with BIOL 124.
1 credit, Fall, Spring

BIOL 126: Ecosystem Biology and Evolution
This course introduces principles pertaining to the evolution, ecology and behavior of diverse life forms. The classification and characterization of all life Kingdoms, with special emphasis on plants is also covered.
Prerequisite: BIOL 124 or equivalent.
3 credits, Fall, Spring

BIOL 127: Ecosystem Biology and Evolution Lab
This course compliments the topics of BIOL 126 through experimentation. Concurrent with BIOL 126.
1 credit, Fall, Spring

Note about Prerequisites: Courses numbered 200 or above have a prerequisite of at least 8 credits of biology (BIOL 122-123, 124-127). Additional prerequisites are indicated.

BIOL 220: Botany
This general survey of the botanical world examines major classes of aquatic and terrestrial plants as well as fungi. The structure, reproduction, cytology, physiology, and taxonomy of plants will be presented. An understanding of the relationships of plants with their environment will be stressed.
3 credits, Fall

BIOL 221: Botany Lab
This courses emphasizes plant classification as well as form and function.
1 credit, Fall

BIOL 223: Invertebrate Zoology
This course explores the taxonomic, morphological, and physiological diversity of invertebrate animals. It also emphasizes the ecological role of invertebrates.
3 credits, Spring

BIOL 224: Invertebrate Zoology Lab
This course emphasizes the classification and morphology of invertebrate animals.
1 credit, Spring

BIOL 232: Human Genetics
An introductory genetics course which encompasses fundamental principles of Mendelian and molecular genetics. Basic Cytogenetic topics will be introduced. The course emphasizes human heredity and development. Clinical aspects of selected heritable diseases will be discussed.
Prerequisite: PA major
3 credits, Spring

BIOL 292: Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
This course is a study of vertebrate structure, its functional significance, and the range of variation in structure and function in different species from an evolutionary viewpoint.
2 credits, Spring

BIOL 293: Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy Lab
This laboratory course complements and strengthens concepts covered in BIOL 292 through dissections of representative vertebrates.
Concurrent with BIOL 292.
2 credits, Spring

BIOL 298: Principles of Ecology
This course is a study of plants and animals in relationship to their environment. Basic ecological principles such as structure and function of the ecosystem as illustrated by energy flow, nutrient cycling, environmental influences, and producer-consumer-decomposer relationships are demonstrated. Selected topics on population ecology and animal behavior are covered.
Prerequisites: BIOL 126, BIOL 127
3 credits, Spring

BIOL 299: Ecology Lab
The Ecology laboratory is designed to demonstrate basic ecological concepts discussed in lecture.
Prerquisites: BIOL126, 127
1 credit, Spring

BIOL 302: Animal Behavior
This course is a study of the mechanisms and evolution of behavior in a variety of animal taxa. The course examines interactions among the environment, genetics, the endocrine system, and the nervous system in the development of behavior. It also addresses the current adaptive value of various behaviors and considers how natural selection may have altered behaviors in the past.
Prerequisites: BIOL 126, 127
3 credits

BIOL 307: Vertebrate Embryology
This course compares the early embryonic development of amphibian, avian, and mammalian embryos and places special emphasis on human organogenesis.
3 credits, Fall

BIOL 308: Vertebrate Embryology Lab
Concurrent with BIOL 307
1 credit, Fall

BIOL 320: Histology
This course deals with the cellular ultrastructure and microscopic anatomy of the tissues and organs comprising the human body.
3 credits, Springg

BIOL 321: Histology Lab
Concurrent with BIOL 320
1 credit, Spring

BIOL 323: Wildlife Management
This course deals with basic management strategies, including the potential human role in using and benefiting from the preservation and management of the world’s wildlife resources. 
Prerequisite or concurrent: BIOL 298
3 credits, Spring; to alternate with BIOL 325

BIOL 324: Wildlife Management Lab
This course deals with techniques of sampling wildlife populations..
1 credit, Spring

BIOL 325: Vertebrate Zoology
This course deals with vertebrate evolution, systematics, zoogeography, and physiological adaptations to specific environments.
3 credits, Spring; to alternate with BIOL 323

BIOL 326: Vertebrate Zoology Lab
This course acquaints the student with Pennsylvania vertebrates, including their taxonomy, ecology and distribution.
1 credit, Spring

BIOL 327: Medical Mycology
This course deals with the epidemiology of various fungal diseases. Symptoms, diagnosis, and lab study of the various mycological infections are presented.
3 credits

BIOL 331: Microbiology
This course deals with the history and the morphology of bacteria and surveys of bacteria, fungi, rickettsiae, and viruses.
3 credits, Fall

BIOL 332: Microbiology Lab
1 credit, Fall

BIOL 336: Clinical Microbiology
The appropriate methods for complete microbiological examination of clinical specimens is reviewed in lecture and presented in the laboratory. Procedures for the isolation and identification of bacteria, fungi, and viruses is taught. Emphasis is given to those organisms most commonly found in human infection.
Prerequisite: BIOL 331, 332
2 credits

BIOL 337: Clinical Microbiology Lab
2 credits

BIOL 338: Immunology
This course is designed to introduce students to the structure and function of the immune system. Course content begins with a discussion of the molecular and cellular components involved in the elicitation of the immune response, e.g. antigen receptors, MHC molecules, antibodies, and cytokines. Subsequent discussion includes the role of the immune system in the defense against infectious agents and cancer, immunodeficiency, hypersensitivities, organ transplantation, and autoimmune disease.
Prerequisites: BIOL 331, 332 or permission of the instructor
3 credits, Spring

BIOL 339: Immunology Lab
The lab is designed to emphasize some of the basic immunological principles that are discussed in lecture. Students will also be introduced to some of the immunologically-based techniques routinely utilized in research and diagnostic laboratories (e.g. Immunodiffusion, ELISA, Immunoelectrophoresis, Western Blot and Tissue Culture Techniques). Concurrent with BIOL 338.
1 credit, Spring

BIOL 340: Aquatic Microbiology
This course is designed to study the interrelationships between micro-organisms, and phytoplankton, aquatic plants and microorganisms, and the animal population of water masses having fundamental significance in the cycling of elements in a body of water.
Prerequisites: BIOL 331, 332
3 credits

BIOL 341: Aquatic Microbiology Lab
1 credit

BIOL 342: Microbial Physiology
This course will emphasize bacterial metabolism with particular reference to carbohydrate and protein metabolism.
Prerequisites: BIOL 331, 332
3 credits

BIOL 343: Microbial Physiology Lab
1 credit

BIOL 344: Virology
Virology is designed to expose students to the fundamentals of major groups of viruses. Replication strategies and specific molecular and cellular interactions are explored. The course also introduces the student to current scientific literature regarding classic viral pathogens and emerging infectious viral agents.
Prerequisites: 16 credits in Biology and 16 credits in Chemistry
3 credits, Fall

BIOL 345: Genetics
This introductory course deals with the principles of variation in plants and animals, but with special reference to man. Students will be introduced to both Mendelian genetics, and some introductory aspects of molecular biology including biotechnology.
Prerequisites: CHEM 111, CHEM 114
3 credits, Fall, Spring

BIOL 346: Genetics Lab
1 credit, Fall, Spring

BIOL 354: Parasitology
This course is concerned with organisms which live on or in other organisms, and which depend on their hosts for some essential metabolic factor. Life cycles, behavior and treatment, and control of parasites will be discussed. Recommended for students concentrating in the health sciences.
Prerequisites: BIOL 126, BIOL 127
3 credits, Spring

BIOL 355: Parasitology Lab
The lab is designed to familiarize students with the identification and morphology of parasites. Required for students in Medical Technology.
1 credit, Spring

BIOL 358: Plant Physiology
A study of plant functions, including growth and development, mineral nutrition, water relations, photosynthesis, respiration, plant growth regulators, and environmental physiology.
Prerequisite: CHEM 221
3 credits

BIOL 359: Plant Physiology Lab
Current and classical techniques of experimental plant physiology.  Prerequisite: BIOL 358 or concurrent
1 credit

BIOL 361: Vertebrate Physiology
This course stresses the importance of homeostatic mechanisms. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationships occurring between cellular metabolism, tissues, organs, and organ systems.
3 credits, Fall

BIOL 362: Vertebrate Physiology Lab
1 credit, Fall

BIOL 363: Endocrinology
Endocrinology is presented with an emphasis on neural endocrine interactions, mechanisms of hormone action, metabolism and related reproductive physiology.
Prerequisite: BIOL 361, 362 or 368, 369
3 credits, Fall

BIOL 365: Human Gross Anatomy
This course uses a regional approach to study the human body.
Concurrent with BIOL 366
3 credits, Fall, Spring

BIOL 366: Human Gross Anatomy Lab
This course compliments and enhances the human gross anatomy lecture course. Dissection of human cadavers by students is a key component of the course. In addition, learning is facilitated through the use of anatomical models and prosected human cadavers.
Concurrent with BIOL 365.
1 credit, Fall, Spring

BIOL 368: Human Physiology
This course deals primarily with the function (physiology) of the human body with special emphasis placed on the circulatory, endocrine, and neural-muscular systems.
3 credits, Spring

BIOL 369: Human Physiology Lab
1 credit, Spring

BIOL 373: Cellular Biochemistry
This course is designed to present a comprehensive overview of the living cell with an emphasis on the design that makes life possible. The class will begin with an overview of the properties and the function of biomolecules, including proteins and nucleotides, then move into a discussion of recombinant DNA, followed by discussion of the regulation and synthesis of lipids, carbohydrates, enzymes, and bioenergetics. The class will culminate in an overarching discussion of the intricacies of metabolism. Special attention will be paid to clinical correlation between errors of metabolism and human diseases.
Prerequisite: CHEM 366 or permission of the instructor
3 credits, Spring

BIOL 374: Cellular Biochemistry Lab
Experiments are used in this course to illustrate the principles and research methods of biochemistry.
Prerequisites: BIOL 373 or concurrent 
1credit, Spring
 

BIOL 375: Cell Biology
Fundamental cellular, sub cellular, and molecular characteristics of both plant and animal cells are studied in this course. Included are specific studies on cellular organelles, the cytoskeleton, cell walls, cellular and intracellular membranes, intracellular transport, cell signaling, the cell nucleus, DNA replication, RNA synthesis, protein synthesis, protein structure and function, plant cell structure and function, and photosynthesis. Also emphasized are current techniques used in cell biology, such as Southern, Northern, and Western Blots, PCR, DNA, sequencing, DNA cloning, and immunofluorescent confocal microscopy.
Prerequisites: 16 credits biology, 16 credits chemistry
3 credits, Spring

BIOL 376: Cell Biology Lab
This course is designed to enhance the lectures presented in BIOL 375. Experiments used in this course illustrate the principles and research techniques of many aspects of both plant and animal cell biology. Concurrent with BIOL 375.
Prerequisites: 16 credits biology, 16 credits chemistry
1 credit, Spring

BIOL 378: Medical Microbiology
This course is designed for future health care professionals that need to have a useful and comprehensive introduction to the host-parasite relationship, and a thorough understanding of the microbe in its role as a disease-producing etiological agent. Infectious diseases for this course have been selected from the realm of prions, viruses, rickettsiae, chlamydiae, PPLO forms, bacteria, fungal, and protozoan to illustrate introductory medical terminology and the principles of pathogenic microbiology.
Prerequisite: PA or LECOM majors
3 credits, Spring

BIOL 379: Medical Microbiology Lab
This course consists of labs which complement topics taught in PHAS 365.
Prerequisite: PA or LECOM majors
1 credit, Spring

BIOL 381: Field Ecology
Prerequisites: BIOL 298, 299 or instructor’s permission.
2 credits, Fall; to alternate with BIOL 385

BIOL 382: Field Ecology Lab
The practical aspects of ecosystem ecology are studied in these courses. Visits are made to a variety of local ecosystems; e.g. streams, forests, ponds, bogs, marshes, etc. 
2 credits, Fall; to alternate with BIOL 386

BIOL 383: Tropical Marine Biology
This course is open to all students, regardless of major. The course is offered over spring break in the Bahamas, where students investigate ecological systems such as coral reefs, mangroves, beaches, tidal pools, and inland habitats.
2 credits, Spring

BIOL 384: Ecology of Yellowstone National Park
This course is taught at Yellowstone National Park where students examine the alpine vegetation, thermophilic life, and ecology of Yellowstone National Park. Topics to be covered include grizzly bears, wolf reintroduction, impact of fires, geysers and past volcanic activity, geological history including earthquakes, alpine vegetation, thermophilic life, and the herbivores of the park (bison, moose, antelope, and elk). One day will also be spent at the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman reviewing their dinosaur exhibit and getting a behind-the-scenes tour.
2-3 credits, Summer

BIOL 385: Limnology
Limnology is designed to acquaint the student with the biota of fresh waters through the use of modern limnological techniques. Special emphasis is placed on Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay.
Prerequisite: 8 credits of biology, Junior or Senior standing.  
2 credits, Fall; to alternate with BIOL 381

BIOL 386: Limnology Lab
2 credits, Fall; to alternate with BIOL 382

BIOL 390: Plant Ecology
A consideration of the effects of environment on the growth, physiology, and distribution of plants is studied in these courses. The factors that determine the adaptability of plants to various habitats will be discussed.
Prerequisite: BIOL 220, 221
3 credits

BIOL 391: Plant Ecology Lab
1 credit

BIOL 392: Field Botany
A systematic and taxonomic survey of the major cell, organ, and tissue types of the mosses, ferns, gymnosperms, and angiosperms This class will spend considerable time outdoors in various ecosystems surveying botanical life.
3 credits, Summer

BIOL 393: Field Zoology
This is a course in field biology designed to acquaint the student with the taxonomy and ecology of indigenous animals.
3 credits, Summer

BIOL 395: Fisheries Biology
This course explores the morphology, classification, life history, population dynamics, and ecology of freshwater fishes.
3 credits, Fall

BIOL 396: Fisheries Biology Lab
This course emphasizes collection, identification, and assessment of local fishes.
Prerequisite: BIOL 126, 127; Concurrent: BIOL 395
1 credit, Fall

BIOL 487: Directed Research
In this course, the student works with a Biology faculty member on an ongoing or newly funded project. Upon completion of the project, or a designated portion thereof, the student will make an oral presentation to the Biology Faculty. Credit for this course assigned on pass/fail basis.
2 credits

BIOL 488: Biology Research I
In this course, the student works individually with a Biology faculty member to identify a research project that can be conducted feasibly at Gannon University or in collaboration with another organization. The student will conduct a literature review, design a research project, and prepare a written research proposal that will be submitted to the faculty mentor at the end of the semester. An oral presentation to the Biology Faculty is also required.
Prerequisite: 8 credits of Biology & written permission of faculty mentor .  Prerequisite: 8 credits of Biology & written permission of faculty mentor.
2 credits, Fall, Spring

BIOL 489: Biology Research II
In this course, the student works with a Biology faculty member to conduct the research proposed in Biology Research I (BIOL 488). The student will submit a written report of the results of the project to the faculty mentor. An oral presentation to the Biology Faculty is also required.
Prerequisite: BIOL 488
2 credits, Fall, Spring

BIOL 490-495: Special Topics in Biology
Topics of special and/or current interest in all areas of biology will be covered. For these courses, a student conducts literature research. A written and oral report on the literature research must be accepted by the faculty before a grade is given.
2 credits

BIOL 496-499:
These numbers designate special situations such as CO-OP projects, internships, and experimental courses at the upper divisional level. A written report and oral presentation to the Biology faculty is required.The credit may take the place of BIOL 490-494 providing it exceeds 1 credit and the requirement of a written and oral report is included.
1-3 credits

BIOLOGY CURRICULUM
The Biology Department offers a variety of curricula that a student may choose from to best suit his/her career goals. Theseinclude the basic Biology curriculum and curricula with emphasis in Chemistry, Ecology and Environmental Science, Microbiology, and Vertebrate Biology. All of these curricula lead to a major in Biology.

Courses required for biology majors are included in each curriculum. They include: BIOL 122-123, 124-125, 126-127, 345, 389 and 488 or 490-494.

LABORATORY REQUIREMENTS
Labs for the following courses are required of all students: Molecular and Cellular Biology, Animal Form and Function, and Ecosystem Biology and Evolution. All upper division biology labs (200 and above)are required with the course for biology majors. Written permission to take a course without the lab must be obtained from the instructor and Academic Advisor.

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Biology Curriculum
(Numerals in front of courses indicate credits)