Biology Course Descriptions
Undergraduate
BIOL 107 General Biology Lectures
This course emphasizes biology at the organismal level. It provides an introduction to the study of the structure and function of plants and animals, their origin and evolution, their reproduction and genetics, their diversity and ecological relations. BIOL 107 and 109 plus BIOL 115 and 117 constitutes a one-year sequence in biology. Acceptable as part of the science component of the General Education Program. 3-0-3
BIOL 109 General Biology Laboratory
A laboratory course to accompany BIOL 107. An introduction to laboratory techniques and their application to the understanding of general biological concepts. 0-3-1 (C)
BIOL 117 Experimental Biology
A biology laboratory course to accompany BIOL 115. Laboratories will include the identification of body structures and the application of experimental methods for the understanding of the relationship between cell structure and function. 0-3-1 (C)
BIOL 210 Microbiology Lectures
A study of microorganisms and their relation to water, sanitation, soil, disease, biotechnology, bioremediation, bioinformatics and genetic engineering. 3-0-3
BIOL 214 Genetics
An introduction to transmission and molecular genetics designed for both biology and other science and engineering majors. Applications of genetics to solution of various practical problems will also be discussed. 3-0-3
BIOL 225 Microbiology Laboratory
Isolation and identification of microorganisms, microbial growth, design of culture media, microorganisms as biocatalysts, environmental microbiology, quantitative microbiology, introduction to microbial genetics and genetic engineering. 0-4-2 (C)
BIOL 305 Human Anatomy
This course will provide a comprehensive overview of the structural, functional and developmental anatomy of the human body. Particular consideration will be given to the bony structures, vasculature, innervation, musculature and relationships of the various structures to one another. 3-0-3
BIOL 320 Biological Literature
Library research on advanced topics in biology, followed by oral presentations of this research. 2-0-2 (C)
BIOL 327 Introduction to Immunology
The first part of a one-year Biochemistry series. This semester covers the basic principles of biological chemistry with particular focus on: proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids; their molecular structure, chemical reactions, and practical methods in characterization; and enzymes and enzyme-catalyzed reactions. 3-0-3
BIOL 401 Introductory Biochemistry
The first part of a one-year Biochemistry series. This semester covers the basic principles of biological chemistry with particular focus on: proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids; their molecular structure, chemical reactions, and practical methods in characterization; and enzymes and enzyme-catalyzed reactions. 3-0-3
BIOL 402 Metabolic Biochemistry
The second part of a one-year Biochemistry series. This semester deals with biochemistry of metabolism, focusing on: glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, gluconeogenesis, electron transport, and the synthesis and breakdown of biomolecules (amino acids, nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates), blood chemistry, lipid transportation, and metabolic control. 3-0-3
BIOL 403 Biochemistry Lectures
Molecular organization of cell structures and cell membranes. Proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids, their molecular structure, characterization and chemical reactions. Enzymes and enzyme-catalyzed reactions and metabolism. 4-0-4
BIOL 404 Biochemistry Laboratory
Previous or concurrent enrollment in BIOL 403 Analytical methods in the chemistry and metabolism of proteins, amino acids, and nucleic acids, including chromatography, spectrophotometry, electrophoresis. Enzyme reactions. 0-6-3 (C)
BIOL 410 Medical Microbiology
Properties of pathogenic bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites and their mechanisms of pathogenesis with a focus on organisms that cause human disease. 3-0-3
BIOL 414 Genetics for Engineering Scientists
A course in genetics designed for advanced students in engineering and related disciplines. The course will cover transmission and molecular genetics and their application to solution of various practical problems. A term paper will be required in addition to in-class examinations. 3-0-3 (C)
BIOL 426 Concepts of Cancer Biology
The course is designed to provide a complete overview of cancer as a disease. It will cover normal and abnormal cell signaling pathways, cancer genes and their regulation, experimental chemical carcinogenesis, metastasis, cancer prevention and therapy, drug development for cancer treatment, cancers of individual organ sites and application of biotechnology for cancer detection and treatment. 3-0-3
BIOL 430 Animal Physiology
Respiration; circulation; energy metabolism; temperature regulation; water and osmotic regulation; digestion and excretion; muscle and movement; nerve excitation; information control and integration; and chemical messengers. Emphasis on general principles with examples drawn from various animal phyla. Same as BME 450. 3-0-3
BIOL 445 Cell Biology
Modern studies of cell structure and function at the cellular, subcellular, and molecular levels. Topics include molecular components of cells, membranes, membrane-bound organelles, microtubular and cytoskeletal components and principles of bioenergetics. 3-0-3
BIOL 446 Cell Biology Laboratory
A laboratory course in cell biology to be taken concurrently with BIOL 445. 0-6-3(C)
BIOL 490 Individual Study
Credit: Variable; maximum 3 credit hours.(C)
BIOL 491 Biology Research Project
An opportunity for advanced undergraduates to participate in research. A written report covering the procedures, data, and conclusion of the problem is required. (Credit: Variable)(C)
BIOL 495 Biology Colloquium
Lectures by prominent scientists. This course exposes students to current and active research in biology both within and outside the IIT community. It helps prepare students for a career in research. It is complementary to our academic courses and provides examples of professional/scientific presentations. This course may not be used to satisfy the natural science general education requirement. 1-0-1
BIOL 498 Research Honors Thesis Preparation
Background and laboratory research following a summer research honors project, preparatory to writing a research honors thesis in Biology 499. Student will organize a committee to direct and review the research. Variable Credit:1-3
BIOL 499 Research Honors Thesis
Background and laboratory research and thesis writing following a summer research project and thesis preparation. Students will arrange to meet regularly with his or her review committee during thesis preparation and will write and defend thesis. Variable Credit:2-4 hours.
BIOL Human Biology 115
This course covers selected topics in biology of particular relevance to humans and to human health and disease. Topics include biology of human cells and elected organ systems; neurobiology including psychoactive drugs and drug addiction; development and birth defects; genetics and genetic diseases; toxicology; the immune system and immunologic diseases such as AIDS; human nutrition and nutritional effects; microbial human diseases. BIOL 115 plus BIOL 107 (General Biology) constitutes a two-semester sequence in science. 3-0-3
Graduate
BIOL 503 Virology
This course will cover topics related to animal viruses, including the cycle of major viral classes, viral pathogenesis, emergence, and control. Recent advances in these areas will be discussed in conjunction with readings from the original literature. 3-0-3
BIOL 512 Advanced Biochemistry
This course provides a basic yet solid understanding of metabolism, enzyme mechanisms, and kinetics, as well as theoretical aspects of various laboratory techniques used in biochemistry. 3-0-3
BIOL 513 Advanced Biochemistry
One year of organic chemistry, an undergraduate course in biochemistry and one semester of physical chemistry recommended or consent of instructor. Intensive course that covers the chemical structure and function of biological cromolecules: proteins, nucleic acids, polysaccharides. Biochemical thermodynamics, kinetics, bioenergetics and modern methodology are emphasized. Also, metabolism, photosynthesis, lipids and membranes. 5-0-5.
BIOL 514 Toxicology
Initial lectures cover basic principles in chemical toxicity, such as dose response, indices of numerical toxicity, metabolism and factors influencing toxicity. Mechanisms of organic toxicity will be presented to include central nervous system, liver, kidney, respiratory system, reproductive system and the hematological system. Special topic lectures will emphasize the mechanism of toxicity for specific metals, pesticides, solvents and substances of abuse. 3-0-3.
BIOL 515 Molecular Biology
A survey of topics including structure of nucleic acids, translation, transcription; replication, organization of DNA; RNA processing, transposable elements and recombinant DNA. 3-0-3
BIOL 519 Biochemistry Laboratory
Introduction to modern biochemical techniques, including analytical methods for macromolecules, enzyme reactions, spectrophotometry, purifications, centrifugation, chromatography, electrophoresis, pH oxidation reduction, carbohydrates. 0-9-3
BIOL 520 Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory
A continuation of BIOL 519 in which students will undertake individual research projects. 0-9-3
BIOL 521 Laboratory in Microbial Physiology and Genetics
Introduction to independent research in microbial physiology and genetics. 0-9-3
BIOL 522 Research Techniques in the Biological Sciences
Experimental techniques in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Biotechnology and Microbiology are offered as discreet modules. Students select appropriate modules to complement other laboratory courses. Thus a student who has completed, for example, BIOL 519, (Biochemistry Laboratory) would select two modules chosen from Cell Biology, Biotechnology or Microbiology. A written report is required at the completion of each module. 1-6-3
BIOL 523 Methods in Microbial Genetics and Engineering
The course covers basic techniques in microbial genetics and practical aspects of recombinant DNA technology. Laboratory procedures include growth, handling and maintenance of cultures; quantitative techniques; use of mutagens; isolation and genetic analysis of mutants in yeast; restriction mapping of DNA, cloning of DNA in a plasmid vector; transformation of E.Coli and Southern blotting. 0-9-3
BIOL 526 Developmental Biology
This course covers the cellular and molecular processes involved in generating an embryo, in creating various tissues and organs, and the effect of external stimuli on development. Topics include: genome structure, gene expression and regulation, cell cycle control, pattern formation, signal transduction, gametogenesis, organogenesis, and methods used in studying developmental biology. In addition to studies of model organisms, examples relevant to human diseases are covered. 3-0-3
BIOL 527 Immunology and Immunochemistry
Basic concepts of immunology, immunochemistry, both biological and molecular. 3-0-3
BIOL 531 Concepts of Cancer Biology
The course is designed to provide in depth understanding of cancer use, detection, prevention and treatment. Lectures will include regulatory molecular pathways of carcinogenesis, chemoprevention, role of nutrition in cancer and current trends in cancer therapy. 3-0-3
BIOL 533 Laboratory in Cell and Molecular Biology
This course covers a number of essential techniques in cell and molecular biology with emphases on both the methodologies and the experimental details. Laboratory procedures include basic cell culture skills and relevant laboratory equipment usage. Experimental procedures include poloymerase chain reaction and human DNA polymorphism, Drosophila polytene chromosome cytology, plasmid DNA preparation, western blot, gene delivery, yeast two-hybrid screens, immunoflouorescence, immunoprecipitation, cell cycle arrest and analysis, and cell differentiation. 0-9-3
BIOL 539 Advance Cell Biology Laboratory
Introduction to independent research in cell and molecular biology. 0-9-3
BIOL 542 Advance Microbiology Lectures
This course will introduce students to advanced topics in microbial kinetics, genomics and proteomics. Using a variety of Internet tools, the student will be able to compare data from these three areas, and use them to predict biological properties of microorganisms. The kinetics portion (about half of the course) will include the following topics; introduction to zero, first and second order whole microbial cell reactions occurring in batch culture; comparison of batch, fed-batch and chemostat kinetics; yield coefficients; productivity coefficients: materialbalances; and reaction rate determinations of the four nutritional classes of microbes. 3-0-3
BIOL 550 Bioinformatics and Biotechnology
This course will present an historical introduction to bioinformatics as a driving force for biotechnological advances. Topics covered will include; collecting and storing sequences in the lab; alignment of pairs of sequences; multiple sequence alignment; phylogenetic prediction; database searching for similar sequences; gene prediction; protein classification and structure prediction; and genome analysis. 3-0-3
BIOL 555 Macromolecular Structure Determination
Macromolecular crystallographic methods, including crystallization, data processing, phasing, and structure refinement; multi-dimensional NMR techniques; spectroscopic techniques; structural comparisons and characterizations; fiber diffraction and solution scattering. 3-0-3
BIOL 560 Microbial Physiology and Metabolism
Mechanisms of catabolism and biosynthesis in microorganisms; microbial oxidation and fermentations, methano-genesis, one carbon metabolism, nitrogen metabolism, microbial lipids, regulation, transport and membrane phenomena, mechanisms of homeostasis and adaption, growth and cell division. 3-0-3
BIOL 561 Nucrobial Genetics and Genetic Engineering
Review of basic concepts in genetics followed by a discussion of the genetics of fungi, algae, bacteria and viruses; fundamentals of gene cloning and current methodology of recombinant DNA research; application of cloning techniques to solving problems in basic and applied research fields; government regulations. 3-0-3
BIOL 562 Current Topics in Functional Genomics
This course is designed to give students a foundation in advanced theoretical and applied methods in modern molecular research. It will emphasize both established and novel approaches to solving problems of functional and comparative genomics, and system biology. It will also focus on applications of advanced molecular techniques in areas of significant economic and biomedical importance. 3-0-3
BIOL 565 Vertebrate Physiology
This course details the functional concepts important to each major organ or organ system in vertebrates. The lectures deal with the relation between modern physiology and its roots in key experimental insights. This information will be discussed at cellular and molecular levels, as well as the organ level. Pathological conditions will also be discussed where they help to illustrate the normal physiology. 3-0-3
BIOL 572 Literature in Biochemistry
A topic from the current literature in biochemistry is selected by students for preparation of a paper. 3-0-3
BIOL 574 Literature in Biotechnology
A topic from the current literature in biotechnology is selected by students for preparation of a paper. 3-0-3
BIOL 576 Literature in Cell and Molecular Biology
A topic from the current literature in cell and molecular biology is selected by students for preparation of a paper and an oral presentation. 3-0-3
BIOL 578 Literature in Microbiology
A topic from the current literature in microbiology is selected by students for preparation of a paper and an oral presentation. 3-0-3
BIOL 580 Laboratory Rotation in Molecular Biochemistry and Biophysics
Short, individual research projects under the supervision of departmental faculty. Students will rotate through 2-3 different faculty laboratories in one semester. This helps ensure a good match between supervisor, project and student as well as provide a broader technical base to the student than provided in the single laboratory. This course may be taken twice. 0-6-2
BIOL 584 Graduate Seminar in Biology
To foster scientific communication skills, students are required to present seminars based on the scientific literature. 1-0-1
BIOL 591 Thesis Research
(Credit: Variable)
BIOL 595 Biology Colloquium
Lectures by invited scientists in areas of biology generally not covered in the department. Must be taken two times by M.S. students and four times by Ph.D. students. 1-0-1
BIOL 596 Biology For Teachers-Elementary
Certification as a biology teacher or approval of instructor. An in-service workshop for pre-college teachers emphasizing the phenomenological approach to the teaching of life science. (Credit: variable)
BIOL 598 Biology for Teachers- High School
Certification as teacher or approval of instructor. An in-service workshop for pre-college teachers emphasizing the phenomenological approach to teaching of biological science at the high school level. (Credit: variable)
BIOL 684 Graduate Seminar in Biology
To foster scientific communication skills, students are required to present seminars based on the scientific literature. 1-0-1
BIOL 691 Research & Thesis PHD
(Credit: Variable)
BIOL 695 Biology Colloquium
Lectures by invited scientists in areas of biology generally not covered in the department. For tull-time graduate students who have completed the BIOL 595 requirement. 1-0-1
This Biology course bulletin is not in final form and is subject to change without notice. Please contact the Office of the Registrar to confirm course schedules and for additional course information.