Course Descriptions

Biotechnology Course Descriptions

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BIOL-090 - BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE  4 credits
An interdisciplinary, entry-level course in biology. Critical thinking skills are reinforced in both reading and lab-based science areas. The basic and integrated process skills employed by scientists are developed to prepare the student for college-level science experiences. Two lecture and two lab hours. PREREQUISITE: None
This is a developmental course. Credit for this course will not be counted toward fulfilling graduation requirements at STCC.
BIOL-100 - NATURAL SCIENCE FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUC.  4 credits
This course is designed to provide a basic background in zoology, botany, ecology, and environmental science. The course is designed to provide potential pre-school teachers the science foundation necessary to develop programs for their students. The class meets for four hours of lecture per week.
BIOL-102 - PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY 1  4 credits
Principles of Biology is an introductory course designed to meet the needs of the student who has no background in chemistry or biology. This is the first part of a two-semester presentation of the basic concepts of life science for the transfer student who does not wish to major in science, and for the health career program candidate for whom biology is a prerequisite. The first semester provides an introduction to fundamental biological concepts including: the modern concept of life, the structure and function of cells, biochemistry, cell reproduction, patterns of inheritance, and modern cell theory. Three lecture and two lab hours. PREREQUISITES: completion of ARTH-073 or ARTH-078 (or placement above), and DRDG-091 (or placement in DRDG-092 or above).
BIOL-104 - HUMAN BIOLOGY 1  4 credits
This biology course, required for and restricted to the Medical Assistant program, provides a basic knowledge of the structure and function of the human body. It integrates the study of anatomy and physiology with basic chemistry and microbiology, and diseases related to malfunctioning of these systems. Units studied include chemistry; cells; tissues; microbiology; and skeletal, muscle, and nervous systems; accompanied by appropriate laboratory studies and procedures. Three lecture and two lab hours. PREREQUISITE: None
BIOL-106 - BIOLOGY 1  4 credits
Geared to the prospective science major, the first semester of this course provides an introduction to the methods of science followed by a discussion of the molecular basis of biology and the architecture of cells and tissues. Consideration is then given to the central energy pathways—cellular respiration and photosynthesis. An in-depth coverage of cellular reproduction, classical and molecular genetics follows. Three lecture and three lab hours. PREREQUISITE: High School chemistry and biology or permission of the instructor. Honors component available.
BIOL-108 - GENERAL BOTANY  4 credits
Examines basic botanical concepts with the emphasis on vascular plant anatomy, physiology, reproduction and ecology. Fungi, non-vascular and seedless vascular plants will also be examined. Three lecture and three lab hours. Required for the Landscape Design and Management Technology program, but open to all students. PREREQUISITE: None
BIOL-109 - BIOLOGY OF MAN 1  3 credits
This course is designed to meet the needs of the student who has no background in biological science. Basic biological concepts are presented with emphasis on the human body. This is a one-semester course, restricted to Spanish speaking students, for those who require 3 credit hours in a non-laboratory science. Three lecture hours.
BIOL-113 - FUNDAMENTALS OF ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY  4 credits
This is a four-credit lab course designed to meet the needs of the non-science major. The first half of the course introduces basic ecologic principles such as energy flow through ecosystems, food webs, nutrient cycling, population growth and natural selection. The second half of the course addresses many of the environmental problems currently facing humans. Topics discussed include human population dynamics, natural resource consumption, loss of biological diversity, deforestation, habitat loss, endangered species, climate change and environmental laws. Three lecture and three lab hours. PREREQUISITE: None
BIOL-121 - MICROBIOLOGY  4 credits
A basic study of microorganisms, their structure, growth processes, and control. The concepts of infection, immunity and hypersensitivity precede the survey of the microbiology of major infectious diseases. The course meets for three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. PREREQUISITES: High school chemistry and biology. Honors component available.
BIOL-132 - ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY 1  4 credits
A comprehensive study of the structure and function of the human body, to serve as a background for the application of scientific principles in both everyday life and the work of various health disciplines. Laboratory practice includes the study of tissues by using microscopic examinations and the dissection of animal specimens, along with physiological experimentation. Units covered are concerned with general introductory material, the skeleton, muscles and the nervous system. Three lecture and three lab hours. PREREQUISITES: High school biology and chemistry. Honors component available.
BIOL-140 - BIOCHEMISTRY  3 credits
An introduction to biochemical principles. Emphasis is on the major metabolic pathways, the mechanisms of enzyme action, bioenergetics and the role of hormones and other regulatory substances. Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITES: High School Biology and Chemistry.
BIOL-142 - NUTRITION  3 credits
Application of nutrition principles in the planning, selection and preparation of foods to meet one's physical, social and economic needs. Discussion of current issues such as vegetarianism, health foods, fad diets, weight control, food additives/preservatives, nutrition labeling, stretching the food dollar, and safe food handling will be presented. Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITES: High school biology and/or chemistry.
BIOL-143 - FUNDAMENTALS OF ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I  3 credits
This course outlines the organization of the human body from the single cell to the coordinated whole, with emphasis on the interaction of all body systems. Special attention is paid to clinical and pathological conditions, and an extensive vocabulary of medical terminology will be incorporated. Three lecture hours. RESTRICTED TO OFFICE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES.
BIOL-146 - ESSENTIALS OF HUMAN BIOLOGY I  3 credits
This course will present an overview of human anatomy and physiology with an introduction to microbiology. Interaction of all body systems is discussed with emphasis on those topics relating to Cosmetology. Specific topics included are cell structure, tissues, and the skeletal, mus­cu­lar, and nervous systems. Two lecture and two lab hours. PREREQUISITE: None. RESTRICTED TO STUDENTS ENROLLED IN THE COSMETOLOGY PROGRAM.
BIOL-148 - BASICS OF ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY  4 credits
This one semester course combines a series of lectures and laboratory work designed to provide a student with a basic understanding of the structure and function of the human body. It is designed to meet the needs of students with no background in chemistry or biology but who wish to gain a general knowledge in this area. Basic chemistry, cell and tissue structure, and all body systems will be studied, plus a brief introduction to microbiology with appropriate laboratory work. Three lecture and two lab hours. PREREQUISITE: None
BIOL-202 - PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY 2  4 credits
This course continues Principles of Biology I and examines energy in living systems, genetics and evolution. The first portion examines how living things extract, store and use energy. Genetics explores how the process of reproduction mixes genes and creates the incredible genetic diversity we see around us. The course then concludes with evolution. Students are encouraged to draw their own conclusions as they study the evidence for evolution, the origin of the earth and the evolution of microbial life. In addition, primate evolution is also examined. Laboratory activities, class discussion, and written assignments encourage students to integrate and critically assess these important contemporary scientific concepts. This is a transferable course for non-science majors. Three lecture and two lab hours. PREREQUISITE: BIOL-102.
BIOL-204 - HUMAN BIOLOGY 2  4 credits
As a continuation of Human Biology 1, this course includes the study of special sense organs, and endocrine, circulatory, digestive, respiratory, urinary and reproductive systems. Laboratory procedures are stressed in hematology, the cardiovascular system, and the urinary system, accompanied by dissection of appropriate animal specimens and microscopic studies. Three lecture and two lab hours. PREREQUISITE: BIOL-104.
BIOL-206 - BIOLOGY 2  4 credits
A continuation of Biology 1 in which the general morphology and physiology of representatives from all the major kingdoms are discussed. Considerable attention is given to the study of the vascular plant body and vertebrate systems. Three lecture and three lab hours. PREREQUISITE: BIOL-106. Honors component available.
BIOL-209 - BIOLOGY OF MAN 2  3 credits
This second semester is a continuation of BIOL-109. Certain concepts covered in the first semester are expanded in order to gain an understanding of the human body and man’s interaction with his environment, while others are examined on a molecular level to comprehend the cellular approach to modern biology. This course will benefit those students going into the health fields, especially those taking Anatomy & Physiology or Human Biology in the future. Topics include: biochemistry, human anatomy and physiology, reproduction and development, genetics, evolution, and ecology. Three lecture and three lab hours. PREREQUISITE: BIOL-109.
BIOL-213 - FUNDAMENTALS OF ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY II  4 credits
Fundamentals of Environmental Biology II is a four-credit lab designed to meet the requirements for students enrolled in the Wastewater Treatment program, as well as students requiring a second-semester laboratory science course. Topics discussed in lecture and lab include biological diversity, threats to biological diversity, habitat fragmentation and degradation, invasive species, environmental laws, conservation priorities, reserve design and the value that humans assign to biological diversity. The course meets for three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BIOL 113. CO-REQUISITE: BIOL-113
BIOL-232 - ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2  4 credits
A continuation of Anatomy & Physiology 1 concentrating on circulatory, respiratory, digestive, urinary, endocrine, and reproductive systems. Laboratory sessions are included. Emphasis is placed on association, correlation, critical thinking and overview of the body as a whole. Three lecture and two lab hours. PREREQUISITE: Anatomy & Physiology 1 (BIOL-132) with a C- or better. Honors component available.
BIOL-243 - FUNDAMENTALS OF ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2  3 credits
This is a continuation of BIOL-143, RESTRICTED TO OFFICE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES. Three lecture hours.
BIOL-299 - FIELD ECOLOGY  4 credits    Course Offered Thru SCE Only
Field ecology is a four-credit laboratory course that will focus on the ecology and wealth of natural communities found in New England. For the summer of 2001, the course will place special emphasis on the ecosystems found on Cape Cod. The first three weeks of the course will be spent on the STCC campus. Students will learn fundamental ecological principles such as the major component of ecosystems, trophic relationships, energy flow, nutrient cycling, and world biomes while exploring the ecosystems of Western Massachusetts. During the fourth week of class, students will spend one week (food, lodging, and transportation) on Cape Cod investigating ecosystems that are unique to the Cape as well as human threats facing these communities. Some of the activities planned include monitoring of water quality, measuring species abundance and distribution, touring a Superfund site, whale watching, and visiting the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Reserve. Participation in the field data gathered on the Cape and discussions of possible solutions to the environmental problems affecting the Cape. Three lecture and two lab hours. Prerequisite: BIOL-102 or permission of instructor. Offered SCE Only.
BIOL-340 - SECTIONAL ANATOMY  3 credits
An examination of human topical and sectional anatomy to enable the student to identify the structures seen in each plane and to relate any portion of the anatomy to the body as a whole. Emphasis will be placed on anatomy correlation to medical imaging. Two lecture and two lab hours. PREREQUISITES: BIOL-132 and BIOL-232 or BIOL-148
BIOL-351 - CELL BIOLOGY  4 credits
This course provides an exploration into the structure, functions, and specializations of the cell. The lectures delve into how the cellular components provide for the diverse functions of cells. The concepts discussed include regulation of membranes permeability, enzyme function, second messenger systems, protein synthesis and modifications, specialized cells such as neurons, and cancer cells. The laboratory portion exposes students to current research techniques including histology, ion-exchange chromatography, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, cell culture, and immunocytochemistry. Three lecture and three lab hours. PREREQUISITES: BIOL-106, CHEM-103
BIOL-360 - GENETICS  4 credits
An introduction to the principles of classical, molecular, population and evolutionary genetics. The history and development of the field of genetics, Mendel’s contributions, the molecular and chromosomal basis of inheritance, meiosis and probability theory are highlighted along with gene mapping, variation in inheritance patterns, DNA mutation and repair, and the genetics of cancer and human disease. Modern genetic technologies and their everyday applications are also discussed. Laboratory experiments are designed to complement and demonstrate the major concepts presented in lecture. Three lecture and four lab hours. PREREQUISITES: BIOL-106 and CHEM-101. Honors component available.
BIOL-900 - DIRECTED STUDY IN THE BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES  
Semester hour credit will vary from one to four, depending upon the written, agreed-upon, approved, student/professor contract. PREREQUISITE: Permission of instructor.
BIOT-151 - INTRODUCTION TO BIOTECHNOLOGY  1 credit
This course provides a general introduction to the field of biotechnology. Research trends and methodologies currently exploited within the field are discussed along with the impact these endeavors may have on the quality of life. Discussion focuses primarily on current news topics, and expands into the ethics of various contemporary bio-techniques such as cloning, genetic engineering, and genetic testing. Students are expected to participate in classroom discussions, simulations, and debates. One lecture hour. PREREQUISITE: None
BIOT-197 - COOPERATIVE EDUCATION IN BIOTECHNOLOGY  3 credits
The cooperative education program in biotechnology allows students the opportunity to participate in paid or voluntary employment within the biotechnology industry. The program involves the merging of biotechnology education and industry to prepare students for employment following graduation from the biotechnology program. Students approved for participation in the cooperative education program will routinely attend classes in the morning and work in their job assignment in the afternoon. Minimum requirements for participation include: 2.5 GPA, presently enrolled in 3rd or 4th semester, and approval of the Director of Cooperative Education. A learning contract, approved by the industry supervisor and the Director of Cooperative Education, will be developed between the student and the faculty coordinator. The student will be responsible for setting up routine reviews of his or her work with the faculty coordinator which will provide the basis for grading at the end of the semester.
BIOT-251 - BIOTECHNOLOGY  4 credits
An in-depth introduction to the field of biotechnology, designed to familiarize students with research and production techniques commonplace within the biotechnology industry. This course provides students with a strong understanding of the philosophical principles underlying each technique and establishes a scientific foundation upon which future techniques can easily be learned. The laboratory portion of the course reinforces material discussed in lecture and offers hands-on experience with contemporary protocols in an industry setting. Students also become familiar with many electronic technologies routinely used in biotechnology including the use of computer databases and the Internet. Three lecture and three lab hours. PREREQUISITES: BIOL-106, BIOL-206, CHEM-103, CHEM-203, BIOL-360 or permission of instructor.